10th Photographic Group | "Argus" | 9th AAF | 12 TRS, 31 PRS, 33 PRS, 34 PRS, 36 PMR, 91 RS, 152 OS

[walika]

10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) | Argus "Seaseless Watch" | 9th AAF

Constituted as 73d Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 1 Sep 1941. Engaged in training activities, participating in the Tennessee Maneuvers in 1943. Re-designated 73d Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, 73d Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943, and 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) in Dec 1943. Moved to the European theater, Jan-Feb 1944, for duty with Ninth AF. Used F-3, F-5, F-6, L-I, L-4, and L-5 aircraft for operations, Feb 1944-May 1945.

Photographed airfields, coastal defenses, and ports, and made bomb-damage assessment photographs of airfields, marshaling yards, bridges, and other targets, in preparation for the Normandy invasion; received a DUC for flying at low altitude to photograph the coast from Blankenberghe to Dunkirk and from Le Touquet to St-Vaast-la-Hougue, 6-20 May 1944. Supported the invasion in Jun by making visual and photographic reconnaissance of bridges, artillery, road and railroad junctions, traffic centers, airfields, and other targets. Assisted the Allied drive toward the German border during the summer and early fall of 1944 by flying daylight and night photographic missions; also performed tactical reconnaissance for ground and air units, directing artillery to enemy positions and -fighter-bombers to opportune targets. Aided Third Army and other Allied organizations in the battle to breach the Siegfried Line, Sep-Dec 1944. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by flying reconnaissance missions in the combat zone. From Feb 1945 to V-E Day, assisted the advance of Third Army across the Rhine, to Czechoslovakia, and into Austria. Remained in Germany after the war as part of the army of occupation, being assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Re-designated 10th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945.

 

SQUADRONS. 12th Tactical Reconnaissance: 1941-1942, 1944-1946. [14th: 1943.] 15th Tactical Reconnaissance (formerly Observation): 1942-1943. [16th Reconnaissance: 1941-1942.] [22d Tactical Reconnaissance: 1941-1942.] 30th Photo Reconnaissance: 1944. 31st Photo Reconnaissance: 1944-1945. 33d Photo Reconnaissance: 1944. 34th Photo Reconnaissance: 1944, 1945. 36th (formerly 28th) Photo Reconnaissance: 1942-1943. 39th Photo Reconnaissance: 1945. 91st Reconnaissance: 1941-1942, 1942-1943. 152nd (later 37th) Photographic Reconnaissance: 1943. 155th (formerly 423rd, later 45th) Photo Reconnaissance: 1944-1945. 162d Tactical Reconnaissance: 1945.

STATIONS. Harrisburg, Pa, 1 Sep 1941; Godman Field, Ky, c. 7 Nov 1941 ; Camp Campbell AAFld, Ky, c. 23 Jun 1943; Key Field, Miss, Nov 1943-Jan 1944; Chalgrove, England, Feb 1944; Rennes/St-Jacques, France, c. 11 Aug 1944; Chateaudun, France, c. 24 Aug 1944; St-Dizier/Robinson, France, Sep 1944; Conflans/Doncourt, France, Nov 1944; Trier/Evren, Germany, Mar 1945; Ober Olm, Germany, c. 5 Apr 1945; Furth, Germany, c. 28 Apr 1945.

CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

INSIGNE. Shield: Azure a sphere or, latitude and longitude lines sable, in chief the head and arms of the Greek mythical god Argus, head facing base, arms fesswise both hands toward dexter of the second, outlined of the field. Motto: ARGUS - Ceaseless Watch. (Approved 29 Dec 1942.)

 

 

Theater made. Painted leather.

Of the many squadrons that served in the Group during the War, below are those for which insignia is known. Some of these squadrons served in other Groups and theaters as well.

12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron [73d Observation Group, 1 Sep 1941-21 Jan 1942; 10th Photographic (later Reconnaissance) Group, 13 Jun 1944 (attached to 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group to c. 11 Aug 1944-.]

ASSIGNMENTS. 73d Observation Group, 1 Sep 194-1; V Air Support Command, 21 Jan 1942; 67th Observation (later Reconnaissance; Tactical Reconnaissance) Group, 29 Mar 1942; l0th Photographic (later Reconnaissance) Group, 13 Jun 1944 (attached to 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group to c. 11 Aug 1944).

AIRCRAFT. In addition to P-38/F-4, 1942-1944, and p-38P-5, 1943-1945, included Spitfire (attached), 1944-1945, A-20,1944, and B-25,1944-1945.

CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe; Air Combat, EAME Theater.

 

EMBLEM. On an orange disc a flying hawk in dark color holding in its claws a black projectile. (Approved 2 Feb 1924 from World War I emblem.)

 

Chenille (mounted in a scrapbook)

 

 

 

Theater made. Silkcreened on leather.

 

 

 

The assembled squadron wearing the chenille patch.

 

31st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron [10th Photographic (later Reconnaissance) Group, 31 Mar 1944-22 Nov 1945]

ASSIGNMENTS. 76th Reconnaissance Group, 20 Jun 1943; I11 Reconnaissance Command, 11 Aug 1943; l0th Photographic ( later Reconnaissance ) Group, 31 Mar 1944-22 Nov 1945.

AIRCRAFT. In addition to P-38/F-5, 1943-1945, included P-38/F-4, 1943-1944, and P-5l/F-6,1945.

CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe; Air Combat, EAME Theater.

 

EMBLEM. A caricatured red fox stalking across a turquoise blue cloud formation, outlined black, in base, wearing a light green “Sherlock Holmes” hat, yellow overcoat, and smoking a curved-stem meerschaum pipe; a candid camera in brown leather case suspended by strap about the right shoulder. (Approved 30 May 1944.)

 

Theater made. Hand-painted on leather.

33d Photo Reconnaissance Squadron [10th Photographic Group, 1 May 1944-7 Oct 1944]

LINEAGE. Constituted 24th Observation Squadron (Light) on 5 Feb 1942. Activated on 27 Feb 1942. Re-designated: 24th Observation Squadron on 4 Jul 1942; 24th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment) on 2 Apr 1943; 33d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 Aug 1943. Inactivated on 4 Oct 1945.

ASSIGNMENTS. 76th Observation (later Reconnaissance) Group, 27 Feb 1942; III Reconnaissance ( later Tactical Air) Command, 11 Aug 1943; l0th Photographic Group, 1 May 1944; 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 13 Jun 1944 (attached to 10th Photographic Group, 11 Aug 1944-7 Oct 1944); XXIX Tactical Air Command (Prov), 7 Oct 1944 (attached to 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group to 2 Nov 1944.); 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 30 Oct 1944; 67th Tactical Reconnaissance (later Reconnaissance) Group, 17 May 1945.

AIRCRAFT. Included A-20, B-25, DB/RDB-7, L-4, P-39, P-43, and P-51 during period 1942-1944; P-38/F-5, 1944-1945.

CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe; Air Combat, EAME Theater.

 

EMBLEM. On and over a disc divided per fess wavy, upper segment dark blue, lower light blue, a death's head proper, emitting a yellow lightning bolt from each eye socket, superimposed on a large red aerial bomb placed diagonally across base, point to dexter. (Approved 10 Oct 1942.)

Chenille.

34th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron [10th Photographic Group, 31 Mar 1944-3 Oct 1944-11 Jul 1945]

ASSIGNMENTS. Observation Group, 1 Sep 1941-18 Oct 1942. 59th Observation (later Reconnaissance) Group, 1 Mar 1943; III Reconnaissance Command, 11 Aug 1943; 8th Photographic Group, 9 Oct 1943; III Reconnaissance Command, 15 Jan 1944; 10th Photographic Group, 31 Mar 1944; XII Tactical Air Command, 3 Oct 1944 (attached to Provisional Reconnaissance Group, 16 Oct 1944); 69th Tactical Reconnaissance ( later Reconnaissance) Group, 20 Apr 1945; 10th Reconnaissance Group, 11 Jul-22 Nov 1945.

AIRCRAFT. In addition to 0-47, 1940-1942, 0-46, 1941-1942, and 0-52, 1942, included 0-49 and 0-59 during period 1941-1942. In addition to P-38/F-5,
1943-1945, included P-38/F-4, 1943-1944; F-10, 1944.

CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe; Air Combat, EAME Theater.


Embroidered on wool.

 

36th Photographic Mapping Reconnaissance Squadron [73d Observation (later Reconnaissance; Tactical Reconnaissance) Group, 17 Jul 1942; 76th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 9 Oct 1943 (attached to 73d Tactical Reconnaissance Group until 3 Nov 1943]

LINEAGE. Constituted 28th Observation Squadron on 1 Ju1 1942. Activated on 17 Jul 1941. Re-designated: 28th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) on 2 Apr 1943; 28th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 Aug 1943; 36th Photographic Mapping Squadron on 9 Oct 1943; 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 29 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 20 8 Feb 1946.

ASSIGNMENTS. 73d Observation (later Reconnaissance; Tactical Reconnaissance) Group, 17 Jul 1942; 76th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 9 Oct 1943, attached to 73d Tactical Reconnaissance Group to 3 Nov 1943); 74th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 21 Oct 1943; I (later III) Tactical Air Division, 29 Mar 1944; Far East Air Forces, Nov 1944; Thirteenth Aif Force, 2 Dec 1944; Fifth Air Force, 7 Dec 1944; 6th Photographic (later Reconnaissance ) Group, 23 Dec 1944-.

AIRCRAFT. In addition to P-39, 1942-1943, P-40, 1943-1944, and B-25, 1943-1944, included A-20, A/RA-29, 0-47, 0-52, P-43, and P-51 during period 1942-1944; P-38/F-5, 1944, 1945.

 

EMBLEM. A medium blue sphere shaded and high-lighted, ringed light green, supporting two caricatured figures in flight suits proper, wearing orange aviator’s helmets and white goggles; first caricatured figure leaning over edge of ring and holding black aerial camera, second caricatured figure standing on ring, leaning on sphere, and taking measurements on surface of sphere with dividers held in right hand. (Approved 7 Mar 1944.)

 

Chenille.

 

91st Reconnaissance Squadron [73d Observation (later Reconnaissance) Group, 1 Sep 1941-Jun 1943]

ASSIGNMENTS. 73d Observation (later Reconnaissance) Group, 1 Sep 1941; 26th Reconnaissance Group, Jun 1943; 76th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 11 Aug 1943; 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 23 Aug 1943; 1st Photographic Group, 9 Oct 1943; 311th Photographic (later Reconnaissance) Wing, 5 Oct 1944-.

AIRCRAFT. 0-46, 1936-1942; 0-47 and 0-9,1941-1942; 0-49, 1941-c.1943; in addition to A-20, 1942-1943, L-4, 1942-1943, and B-25, 1943, included DB-7, L- 5 , 0-47, and P-40 during period 1942-1943; B-25/F-10, 1943-1945.

 

EMBLEM. A mounted knight in armor chasing a devil. Gray armor, green shield with black patriarchal cross piped with white, yellow plume, brown spear, black horse, red devil with brown fork. (Approved 12 Feb 1924 from World War I emblem.)

 

Decal on leather.

 

Chenille.

 

 

 

Forum post limits on the number of images per post necessitate placing the 152nd Observation Squadron below.

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Maurer. Air Force Combat Squadrons of World War II.

Maurer. Air Force Combat Units of World War II.

 

 

10prg9aaf
12trs10prg9aaf
31prs10prg9aaf
33prs10prg9aaf
34prs10prg9aaf
36pmr73rg9aaf
91rs73rg9aaf
152os1ogrg9aaf

 

 

 

 

 

[[email protected]]

Some stunners there. Thanks again for sharing!

[walika]

Continuing the original post is this additional unit:

 

152nd Observation Squadron [73d Reconnaissance ( later Tactical Reconnaissance ) Group, 27 Jun 1943-9 Oct 1943]

LINEAGE. Designated 152d Observation Squadron, and allotted to NG, on 21 Aug 1939. Activated on 13 Oct 1939. Ordered to active service on 25 Nov 1940. Redesignated: 152d Observation Squadron (Medium) on 13 Jan 1942; 152d Observation Squadron on 4 Jul 1942; 152d Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment) on 2 Apr 1943; 152d Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) on 15 Jun 1943; 152d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 Aug 1943; 37th Photographic Mapping Squadron on 9 Oct 1943; 37th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 29 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 6 Nov 1945.

AIRCRAFT. 0-52, 1941-c. 1943, included 0-46, 0-49, 0-58, and 0-59 during period 1941-1943; included A-20, B-25, DB-7, and P-39 during period 1943-1944.

CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American Theater; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Po Valley; Air Combat, EAME Theater.

Silkscreened on leather.


Chenille.

 

 

 

152os1ogrg9aaf

 

Sources:

Maurer. Air Force Combat Squadrons of World War II.

Maurer. Air Force Combat Units of World War II.

 

 

 

[The Iron Brigade]

[Bill Scott]

Rick again thank you for taking the time to show us your beautiful collection.It is like the greatest book on squadron insignia ever produced.Happy New Year keep them coming.Scotty

[[email protected]]

Not sure where this was taken (Alaska?). 91st patch on flight suit & A-2.

 

[willysmb44]

Funny motto, as Argus was a well-known camera brand at the time!