The 81st conducted air defense training for the Fighter Command School, and trained cadres and key personnel of other units in fighter tactics while functioning as part of the AAF school of Applied Tactics, Mar 1942-jan 1944. The squadron was sent into combat to Lymington, England, on 5 April, 1944. Began combat operations in May 1944 as part of the Ninth Air Force. Engaged primarily in escort dive-bombing missions for the next month. Provided patrol and area cover to the Normandy invasion beaches on 6-7 Jun 1944. Moved to France 16-25 Jun 1944 and attacked bridges, roads, vehicles, railways, trains, gun emplacement and marshalling yards during the Normandy campaign. Bombed targets in St.Lo region in Jul and supported the subsequent drive across France. Provided close air support for the Seventh Army and the 1st French Army in the (campaign) eastward to the Rhine. Assisted in stemming the German offensive in Saar-Hardt area early in Jan 1945, then engaged in the offensive that reduced the Colmar bridgehead in Jan-Feb 1945. Supported the drive that breached the Siefried and the movement of Allied Forces into southern Germany in Mar-Apr 1945. Returned to the US Jul-Aug 1945, on the Quen Mary. Sent a detachment representing the squadron to La Junta, CO, where the squadron officially inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Activated in the Reserve at McChord Field, WA, on Jul 12, 1947, assigned to the 454th Bombardment Group. Transferred without personnel or equipment to Otis AFB, MA, and reassigned to the 50th Fighter Group in Jun 1949.
Personnel called to active duty effective 1 Jun 1951 and squadron inactivated 2 Jun 1951. Activated on 1 Jan 1953, assigned again to the 50th Group, at Clovis AFB, NM. Transitioned from the F-51 to F-86 aircraft in the spring of 1953, and moved to Hahn AB, Germany, Jul-Aug 1953. Trained for close support and armed reconnaissance missions. Provided forward air controllers for ground units and participated in USAFE, NATO, and joint excercises. Moved with the wing to Toul- Rosieres AB, France, in Jul 1956, and returned to Hahn AB effective 10 Dec 1959. Converted to the F-100 in Feb-May 1958 and to the F-4 in Nov-Dec 1966. Added defense suppresion mission in late 1969. Moved to Zweibr�cken AB in 1971...
Source: Maurer Maurer (ed.), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (1969; reprint edition, Washington: USGPO, 1982), pp. 284-285
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