332nd FIGHTER GROUP


Pilots from the 332nd Fighter Group
From Double V: The Civil Rights Struggle of the Tuskegee Airmen		 The 332nd Fighter Group consisted of the 100th, 301st and 302nd Squadrons. Shortly after, the 99th joined them. The 332nd did not become officially activated until October 13, 1942. Col. Davis took command of the 332nd in October 5, 1943. Unlike the 99th, once they entered combat, they were immediately under enemy attack.

The integration of the 99th squadron brought problems. Previously, the 99th was attached to an all white squadron and the pilots were satisfied being there. But they thought they were being segregated again when transferred to the 332nd. Another problem was that a fighter group is usually made of three squadrons. The addition of a fourth brought more men and operational difficulties. After integration, a pilot died and this caused aggregation between the two organizations. The pilots also received P-51 Mustangs.

The 332nd "flew its first four squadron escort missions as protective cover for the 15th Air Force heavy bombers on July 15 (Francis 105). The most important role of the 332nd was their function in Germany. They joined the 15th Air Force to help bring the end of the war in Europe. Both sides lost a number of men. In the end the 332nd Fighter Group won the distinguished unit citation.

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