491st Bombardment Squadron (491st BS)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 341st Bombardment Group (341st BG)

Background
On August 14, 1942 constituted as the 491st Bombardment Squadron (Medium) in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). On September 15, 1942 activated in the 341st Bombardment Group (341st BG) in the 10th Air Force (10th AF) at Karachi Airfield in India (Pakistan) operating the B-25. During early 1944 nicknamed "Burma Bridge Busters" for bombing bridges.

Wartime History
On January 5, 1943 moves to Ondal Airfield in India.

On July 20, 1943 the squadron sends a detachment of ground personnel to Gaya Airfield in India.

On September 10, 1943 the detachment at Gaya Airfield returns to Chakulia.

On October 30, 1943 lost is B-25C Mitchell 41-12966 pilot 1st Lt. Victor Smith (KIA) and crashed.

On January 10, 1944 moves to Yangkai Airfield in China.

On May 13, 1944 lost is B-25H Mitchell 43-4360 pilot Gauvin (MIA).

On June 13, 1944 the squadron sent a detachment to operate from Kweilin Airfield and Liuchow Airfield.

On July 10, 1944 the detachment returns to Yangkai Airfield in China.

On August 29, 1944 the squadron sent a detachment to Liuchow Airfield.

On November 2, 1944 the detachment returns to Yangkai Airfield in China.

Postwar
On November 2, 1945 inactivated at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.

On May 26, 1947 redesignated 491st Bombardment Squadron (Light). On June 5, 1947 moves to New Haven, CT and activated in the reserves. On September 18, 1947 became part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). On June 27, 1949 inactivated.

On August 20, 1958 redesignated 491st Bombardment Squadron (Medium). On November 1, 1958 activated at Dyess AFB operating the B-47 Stratojet. On June 25, 1961 discontinued and inactivated.

Awards
Distinguished Unit Citation: French Indochina (December 11, 1944–March 12, 1945)

References
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II (1982) pages 591 (491st Bombardment) [PDF pages 603]