713th Bombardment Squadron

The 713th Bombardment Squadron was inaugurated on 1 May 1943 at Gowen Field, Idaho, as a part of the original 448th Bombardment Group. Following comprehensive training with the renowned Consolidated B-24 Liberators, the 713th Bombardment Squadron transitioned to Wendover Field, Utah for advanced Phase 2 training, and Sioux City Army Air Base, Iowa for final preparations. The ground team made their way to Camp Shanks, New York, and embarked for England on the RMS Queen Elizabeth on 23 November.

World War II Combat in Europe

First Combat Mission

On 22 December 1943, the 713th Bombardment Squadron initiated its combat journey from RAF Seething. Its primary engagement involved strategic bombings against Germany, targeting key locations such as ball bearing plants in Berlin, aircraft factories in Gotha, and synthetic oil refineries near Pölitz.

Big Week Participation

During Big Week from 20 to 25 February 1944, the 713th Bombardment Squadron engaged intensively in a campaign against German aircraft manufacturing plants, amplifying their impact on enemy resources.

Versatile Combat Role

Beyond strategic bombing, the 713th Bombardment Squadron executed interdiction and close air support missions. It played vital roles in Operation Overlord, D-Day, Operation Cobra, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. In Operation Varsity, it supported the airborne assault across the Rhine near Wesel. The 713th Bombardment Squadron's last combat mission was an attack on a railroad yard near Salzburg, Austria, on 25 April 1945.

Post-Combat and Transition to Strategic Air Command

The air echelon of the 713th Bombardment Squadron began returning to the U.S. in June 1945, and the ground team followed on RMS Queen Mary on 6 July. Reassembling at Sioux Falls Army Air Field, South Dakota, the 713th Bombardment Squadron transitioned to training with the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and moved to Fort Worth Army Air Field, Texas by December 1945. By March 1946, it became a pioneering unit of Strategic Air Command, only to be inactivated in August, with its assets transferred to the 326th Bombardment Squadron.