Файл:B-26 Marauder being shot down cph.3a45221.jpg26 February 1945. A U.S. Army Air Forces Martin B-26G-11-MA Marauder (s/n 43-34565) from the 497th Bombardment Squadron, 344th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force, enveloped in flames and hurtling earthward after enemy flak scored a direct hit on left engine while aircraft was attacking front line enemy communications center at Erkelenz, Germany. (MACR 12649)
Activated in late 1942 as a III Bomber Command Replacement Training Unit. In late 1943, realigned as an operational squadron, deployed to European Theater of Operations in February 1944. Assigned to IX Bomber Command in 1944. Engaged in tactical bombardment of enemy targets in Occupied Europe initially from stations in England, then after D-Day, moved to Advanced Landing Grounds in France and Belgium; advancing eastward as Allied ground forces advanced. Supported Eighth Air Force strategic bombardment missions over Nazi Germany and Occupied Europe; striking enemy airfields to obtain maximum interference in Luftwaffe day interceptor attacks on heavy bomber formations returning to England. Also participated in Western Allied Invasion of Germany, March–April 1945, combat ending with German Capitation in May 1945.
Squadron remained in Germany as part of the United States Air Forces in Europe occupation fores. Personnel demobilized in Germany and squadron inactivated on 15 February 1946.
Lineage
Constituted 497th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 31 August 1942
