The
group was constituted and activated in early 1942 at
MacDill Field, Florida as the 76th Observation Group shortly after the
United States entered
World War II.[1] Its original
squadron was the 24th Observation Squadron,[2] which was joined a few days later by the 23d Observation Squadron when the group moved to
Key Field, Mississippi.[3]
The group trained in
aerial reconnaissance and
air support techniques until March 1943 under
Third Air Force.[1] It participated in
maneuvers with
Second Army until September 1943 when it moved to Thermal AAF and began participating in desert training in California and Arizona.[1] In anticipation of this move, its existing squadrons were reassigned[2][4][5][6] and replaced by new units.[7][8][9] It was disbanded on 15 April 1944.[1]
Lineage
Constituted on 5 February 1942 as the 76th Observation Group
Activated on 27 February 1942
Redesignated as the 76th Reconnaissance Group on 2 April 1943
Redesignated as the 76th Tactical Reconnaissance Group on 11 August 1943