History

The James Connally Squadron was chartered on 1 February 1950. The squadron is named after James Thomas Connally, born 12 June 1910 in McGregor, Texas, and killed in action over Yokahoma, Japan, on 29 May 1945.

Connally graduated from Texas High School, Waco, in 1927, and received a BS degree from Texas A&M in 1932. He entered the cadet corps in July, Class of 1932. Connally graduated 29 June 1933 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Corps Reserve and reported to the 3rd Attack Group at Fort Crockett in Galveston, Texas. He carried Army air mail in 1934 when commercial contracts were temporarily suspended.

On 1 October 1938, he became a 2nd Lieutenant, Air Corps Regular Army, and was assigned to March Field, California. In April 1941, he was attached to the Bomber Command of the Royal Air Force in England for four months. During this time, Connally instructed RAF pilots and ground crews in flying and maintenance of the first Flying Fortress delivered to the RAF. In recognition and appreciation of service, he was awarded the British Air Force Cross.

In October 1941, he became a 1st Lieutenant, Air Corps Regular Army, and flew to the Philippines with the Air Echelon of the 19th Bomb Group. On 19 January 1942, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for leading a flight of Flying Fortresses on a bombing mission over Jolo, Philippine Islands. Connally's determination led the flight successfully through severe weather and heavy anti-aircraft fire. On 12 February 1943 at a ceremony at Pyote, Texas, he was decorated with the 19th Bomb Group's citation.

From November 1942 to March 1944, he was assigned to the School of Applied Tactics, Orlando, Florida, and was commander of the 9th Bombardment Group. In April 1944, He was assigned as the commander of the 504th at Geneva, Nebraska, for B-29 training. On 16 December 1944, he took off from San Francisco with the 504th Bombardment Group for the Marianas.

His awards include the Purple Heart (posthumously), Legion of the merit (posthumously), Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and the 19th Bomb Group Citation.