345th Bombardment Group (345th BG) "Air Apaches"
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF)

Background
The 345th Bombardment Group (Medium) was activated November 11, 1942 at Columbia Army Air Base, South Carolina. Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF) in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). The 345th Bomb Group included the Headquarters Squadron, 498th Bombardment Squadron (498th BS), 499th Bombardment Squadron (499th BS), 500th Bombardment Squadron (500th BS) and 501st Bombardment Squadron (501th BS). During World War II, operated the B-25 Mitchell in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Nicknamed "Air Apaches".

Headquarters Squadron (HQ Squadron)
On June 5, 1943 the entire group with B-25s arrives from United States to Port Moresby.

498th Bombardment Squadron (498th BS) "Falcons"
The 498th Bombardment Squadron (498th BS) flew combat missions in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II.

499th Bombardment Squadron (499th BS) "Bat Outta Hell"
The 499th Bombardment Squadron (499th BS) flew combat missions in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II.

500th Bombardment Squadron (500th BS) "Rough Raiders"
The 500th Bombardment Squadron (500th BS) flew combat missions in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II.

501th Bombardment Squadron (501th BS) "Black Panthers"
The 501th Bombardment Squadron (501th BS) flew combat missions in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II.

References
Warpath Across The Pacific (1996) definitive unit history of the 345th BG