19th Bombardment Squadron (19th BS)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF), 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG)

Background
On December 22, 1939 constituted as 19th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC). On February 1, 1940 activated at Patterson Field in Ohio as part of the 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG). On November 16, 1940 moves to Langley Field, Virigina. On June 20, 1941 became part of the the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF).

Wartime History
On December 9, 1941 moves to Muroc, California. On January 28, 1942 departs overseas bound for Australia. On February 25, 1942 arrives Brisbane. On March 2, 1942 moves to Ipswich.

During the middle of 1943, the squadron was nicknamed "Silver Fleet" for their bombers being stripped to bare aluminum and being silver color.

On February 3, 1944 renamed the 19th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy).

On October 10, 1944 the sqaudron flew a bombing mission against Balikpapan on southeast Borneo. Lost is B-24J 44-40774 pilot 1st Lt. Donald J. Clarey (MIA) after a Zero collides with the right wing causing both planes to crash.

Postwar
On April 30, 1946 redesignated 19th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy). On September 18, 1947 becomes part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). On July 28, 1948 redesignated 19th Bombardment Squadron (Medium). On June 16, 1952 assigned to the 22nd Bombardment Wing (22nd BW).

Awards
Distinguished Unit Citation Papua July 23 1942–January 9, 1943, New Guinea November 5, 1943
Philippines Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation July 10, 1950–October 24, 1950

References
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II (1982) pages 101 (19th Bombardment) [PDF pages 113]
Revenge of the Red Raiders The Illustrated History of the 22nd Bombardment Group During World War II (2006) history of the 22nd BG and 19th BS