731st Airlift Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 A squadron C-130 Hercules makes a drop during annual Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System training | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 1947–1951; 1952–1982; 1982–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Role | Airlift |
| Part of | Air Force Reserve Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Peterson Air Force Base |
| Motto(s) | Eternal Vigilance |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations[1] |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1] |
| Insignia | |
| 731st Airlift Squadron emblem[note 1][1] |  |
| 731st Tactical Airlift Squadron emblem |  |
| 331st Bombardment Squadron emblem[note 2][1] |  |
| World War II fuselage code[2] | QE |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Transport | C-130H |
The 731st Airlift Squadron is a flying unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command and part of the 302d Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. It operates Lockheed C-130H Hercules aircraft providing global airlift. The squadron also has the specialized mission of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System.
The squadron was activated in June 1942 as the 331st Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, the squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations in the spring of 1943. It participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany until V-E Day, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for its actions. It returned to the United States in December 1945, and was inactivated at the Port of Embarkation.
The squadron was reactivated at Marietta Army Air Field, Georgia in the reserves in 1947, but was not fully manned or equipped until 1949, when it began to receive Douglas B-26 Invaders. It was inactivated on 20 March 1951 after being called to active duty for the Korean War, with its personnel used as "fillers" to bring other units up to strength.
When the Air Force reserves revived their combat units in 1952, the squadron was activated as a tactical reconnaissance unit. It briefly returned to the light bomber role in 1955, but in 1957, became an airlift unit as the 731st Troop Carrier Squadron.[note 3] It has served as a reserve airlift unit since then, including a period on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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