46th Tactical Missile Squadron
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The 46th Tactical Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit, formed by the consolidation of two inactive units in September 1985.
46th Tactical Missile Squadron | |
---|---|
Active | 1942-1949; 1959-1972 |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Type | Troop Carrier, Surface to Air Missile |
Role | Airlift, Air defense |
Size | squadron |
Motto(s) | The First and the Finest (1959-1972) |
Engagements | Southwest Pacific Theater |
Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Philippine Presidential Unit Citation |
Insignia | |
46th Air Defense Missile Squadron emblem (approved 5 May 1960)[1] | |
46th Troop Carrier Squadron emblem (approved 13 January 1943)[2] |
The squadron's first predecessor was organized in May 1942 as the 46th Troop Carrier Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to the Southwest Pacific Theater, where it engaged in combat, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations and a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. Following V-J Day, it deployed to Japan, serving as part of the occupation forces until inactivating in 1949.
The second predecessor unit was activated in January 1959 as the 46th Air Defense Missile Squadron. It served at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey as part of the air defenses of the northeastern United States with BOMARC missiles until inactivating in October 1972.