508th Missile Squadron
The 508th Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 351st Operations Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The squadron was equipped with the LGM-30F Minuteman II Intercontinental ballistic missile with a mission of nuclear deterrence. With the end of the Cold War, the 508th was inactivated on 28 July 1995.
| 508th Missile Squadron | |
|---|---|
LGM-30F Minuteman II test launch at Vandenberg AFB | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1962–1995 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 508th Strategic Missile Squadron emblem | |
| 508th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
| World War II fuselage code | YB |
The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 508th Bombardment Squadron, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber unit. After training in the United states, it deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat actions. Following V-E Day, the squadron returned to the United States, where it was inactivated in August 1945.
From 1947 to 1949, the squadron was active as a reserve unit, but does not appear to have been fully manned or equipped. It remained inactive until 1963, when it was activated at Whiteman as the 508th Strategic Missile Squadron.