Lineage. Constituted as 9 Reconnaissance Squadron (Light) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated as 88 Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 14 Aug 1941; 88 Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 28 Aug 1942; 495 Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 15 Aug 1943. Disbanded on 1 Apr 1944. Reconstituted, and redesignated as 495 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 24 Jan 1977. Activated on 1 Apr 1977. Inactivated on 13 Dec 1991. Redesignated as 495 Fighter Squadron on 6 Apr 2021. Activated on 1 Oct 2021.
Assignments. 48 Bombardment (later, 48 Fighter-Bomber) Group, attached 15 Jan 1941, later assigned 14 Aug 1941; 407 Fighter-Bomber Group, c. 24 Mar-1 Apr 1944. 48 Tactical Fighter (later, 48 Fighter) Wing, 1 Apr 1977-13 Dec 1991. 48 Operations Group, 1 Oct 2021-.
Stations. Savannah, GA, 15 Jan 1941; Will Rogers Field, OK, 28 May 1941; Hunter Field, GA, 7 Feb 1942; Key Field, MS, 15 Jun 1942; William Northern Field, TN, 20 Aug 1943; Galveston AAFLD, TX, c. 24 Mar-1 Apr 1944. RAF Lakenheath, UK 1 Apr 1977-13 Dec 1991. RAF Lakenheath, UK, 1 Oct 2021-.
Service Streamers. None.
Campaign Streamers. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater.
Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia, Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers. None.
Decorations. Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation: 10-16 Apr 1986. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Apr 1978-31 Mar 1980; 1 Jul 1984-30 Jun 1986; 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1988; 1 Jul 1988-30 Jun 1990; 20 Aug 1990-11 May 1991.
Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 6 Jan 22.
Supersedes published information in Maurer Maurer (ed.), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (Washington: USGPO, 1969).
Emblem. Approved on 21 Mar 2023.
Prepared by Melissa Lahue.
Reviewed by Margaret Ream.