430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron
The 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron is an active United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group.
| 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1943–1945; 1952–1966; 1968–1989; 1992–1993; 2013–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Electronic Warfare |
| Size | Squadron |
| Part of | 451st Air Expeditionary Group |
| Nickname(s) | WWII - The Backdoor Gang Vietnam War - Tigers |
| Colors | Red |
| Mascot(s) | Tiger |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations Korean War Vietnam War Afghanistan War |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Belgian Fourragère Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm |
| Insignia | |
| 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron emblem (approved 15 July 1954) | |
| 430th Fighter Squadron emblem (World War II) | |
The 430th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed "The Backdoor Gang", was first activated during World War II as part of the 474th Fighter Group and served in the European Theater of Operations, where it earned a Distinguished Unit Citation and the Belgian Fourragère for its actions in combat. It remained in Europe after V-E Day, returning to the United States, where it was inactivated at the port of embarkation in December 1945.
The squadron was reactivated as the 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in 1952 as part of the 474th Fighter Bomber Wing and later the 474th Fighter Bomber Group, when it replaced an Air National Guard squadron in Japan. It again saw combat in the Korean War, earning another Distinguished Unit Citation and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. The Squadron returned to the United States in 1954.
The 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron was deployed in September 1972 to Thailand to fly combat missions in the Vietnam War, and was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device 28 Sep 1972-22 Feb 1973 and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm 28 Sep 1972-22 Feb 1973. It remained a fighter unit until inactivating in 1989.
In 1992, the unit became the 430th Electronic Combat Squadron, but was only active for one year. It was converted to provisional status and received its current name in 2013.