During
World War II, the 85th Fighter Wing was a command and control organization of
Fifth Air Force, operating primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater. It had no units assigned before departing overseas from California. In the
Southwest Pacific Area its units fought in "
New Guinea and the
Philippine Islands (February 1944 – August 1945) [flying] cover missions for convoys, patrols, escorted bombers, attacked enemy airfields, and support[ing] ground forces."[1]
"After the war's end, the organization provided fighter protection for the Philippine Islands and conducted an intensive training program in aerial combat, gunnery, and instrument flying, until [the units inactivation in] June 1948."[1]
During the
Cold War the unit was reactivated as an Air Division by
Air Defense Command. "It was assigned to the
Eastern Air Defense Force in September 1955 with a mission to intercept unidentified aircraft over the Washington, D.C. area. It participated in numerous training exercises. It also took part in gunnery and air-launched training and readiness tests."[1] Inactivated in September 1958.
Lineage
Established as the 85th Fighter Wing on 4 November 1943
Activated on 10 November 1943
Inactivated on 30 June 1948
Redesignated 85 Air Division (Defense) on 3 May 1955