31st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron


The 31st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 74th Reconnaissance Group, stationed at Mitchel Field, New York. It was inactivated on 27 June 1949.

History

Established in mid-1943 as a photo-reconnaissance squadron, trained in the southeast United States. Deployed to the European Theater of Operations in the spring of 1944, initially engaged in aerial photography of the French English Channel coastline and Low Countries. After D-Day, moved to France and performed battlefield tactical reconnaissance primarily for Third Army, also for First and Ninth Armies during the Northern France Campaign in 1944. Moved into Germany as part of the Allied invasion of Western Germany, spring 1945 continuing to supply battlefield reconnaissance for Army ground forces.
After the German Capitulation, remained as part of the Occupation Army of the United States Air Forces in Europe, gradually de-mobilizing during the fall of 1945 until inactivated.
Was re-activated as an Air Force Reserve squadron 1947-1949; unit not manned or equipped. Inactivated in 1949 due to budget reductions.

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