18th Reconnaissance Squadron (18th RS)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF), 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG)

Background
On September 1, 1936 redesignated the activated as 18th Reconnaissance Squadron at Mitchel Field in New York. On December 6, 1939 redesignated 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium Range). During September 1940 attahed to the 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG). On November 15, 1940 moves to Langley Field in Virginia. On November 30, 1940 redesignated 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium).

Wartime History
On December 9, 1941 moves to Muroc Field in California then sent overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). On February 25, 1942 arrives Brisbane and attached to the 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG). Meanwhile, lost is B-26 40-1398  pilot Lt. Col. Albert C. Boyd ditched into the sea off Fort Kamehaha on Oahu and ran up onto the mud flats and beach.

On April 7, 1942 transfers to Townsville with B-26s. On April 12, 1942 moves to Reid River Airfield with B-26s. On April 21, 1942 first combat mission. On April 22, 1942 the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron was redesignated 408th Bombardment Squadron (Medium).

References
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II (1982) page 499 (18th Reconassiance Squadron) [PDF pages 511]
Revenge of the Red Raiders The Illustrated History of the 22nd Bombardment Group During World War II (2006) history of the 22nd BG and 18th RS