499th Bombardment Squadron

The 499th Bombardment Squadron was organized at Columbia Army Air Base, South Carolina, in September 1942 as part of the 345th Bombardment Group. Initially understaffed, the squadron began flight training in December 1942, training with North American B-25 Mitchell medium bombers until April 1943.

Originally slated for the European Theater, the squadron was diverted to the Pacific at General George C. Kenney's request. The unit reached Port Moresby, New Guinea, in June 1943, where the B-25s were modified to equip them for strafing missions. From June 1943 to July 1944, the squadron engaged in bombing and strafing Japanese installations in New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. They also attacked shipping and flew support missions for ground forces.

On 2 November 1943, the squadron attacked Rabaul, a significant Japanese naval base, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC). The squadron received a second DUC in February 1944 for attacks in the Admiralties. In July 1944, the squadron moved to Biak Island in the Netherlands East Indies, attacking targets in the Philippines, Celebes, and as far north as Formosa. A third DUC was awarded for an attack on Saigon, French Indochina, in April 1945.

In July 1945, the squadron moved to Ie Shima Airfield in the Ryuku Islands. Here, it attacked shipping in the Sea of Japan and conducted a few raids on Kyushu. Following V-J Day, the squadron remained at Ie Shima until December 1945. The squadron then returned to the United States and was inactivated at the port of embarkation on 19 December 1945.

The squadron's last assignment was with the 345th Bombardment Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, where it was inactivated on 25 June 1959.

The 499th Bombardment Squadron's active combat record illustrates the flexibility and courage of its personnel. With multiple Distinguished Unit Citations, a wide range of operational missions, and key successes against significant targets, the squadron's legacy is marked by dedication and effective combat performance. Its transition from an understaffed unit to a highly decorated and effective combat squadron stands as a testament to the ability of military units to adapt, grow, and succeed in the face of significant challenges.