49th Fighter Group (49th FG) "Fighting 49ers"
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF)

Background
On January 15, 1941 activated as the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) flying Seversky P-35s. On June 20, 1941 became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). In early May 1942 redesignated as the 49th Fighter Group (49th FG). Later nicknamed the "Fighting 49ers".

Wartime History
At the start of the Pacific War during January 1942 the entire 49th Pursuit Group was sent overseas to Australia equipped with the P-40E Warhawks as the first pursuit group sent overseas. On March 9, 1942

In May 1942 redesignated the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). In May 1942 all Pursuit Groups were redesignated Fighter Groups and became known as the 49th Fighter Group (49th FG).

During World War II, operated in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) in the Pacific Theater. The 49th Fighter Group was comprised of the Headquarters Squadron (HQ), 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS), 8th Fighter Squadron (8th FS) and 9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS) "The Flying Knights".

Headquarters Squadron (HQ)
The Headquarters Squadron (HQ) served in the South West Pacific Area.

7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS) "Screamin' Demons"
The 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS) served in the South West Pacific Area.

8th Fighter Squadron (8th FS) "The Black Sheep"
The 8th Fighter Squadron (8th FS) served in the South West Pacific Area.

9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS) "The Flying Knights"
The 9th Fighter Squadron served in the South West Pacific Area.

Postwar
During 1957 redesignated the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing. On July 8, 1958 redesignated the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Commanding Officers (C. O.)
Lt. Col. David A. Campbell December 1943–June 3, 1944 †

References
AFHRA - History Highlights of the 49th Fighter Group 1941 to 1946
Fighter Pilot (1950) by Ralph H. Wandrey
49th Fighter Group (1989) by Ernest R. McDowell
Jungle Ace Col. Gerald R. Johnson, the USAAF's Top Fighter Leader of the Pacific War (1991) by John R. Bruning, Jr.
Stars & Bars (1995) pages 35 (49th FG, 7th FS, 8th FS), 36 (49th FG, 9th FS)
Tales of a War Pilot (2001) by Richard C. Kirkland
Protect & Avenge The 49th Fighter Group in World War II (1995) by S. W. Ferguson & William K. Pascalis
49th Fighter Group Aces of the Pacific Aviation Elite Units 14 (2004) by by William Hess