98th Bombardment Wing (M) 1947 - 1954.  B-29s

The 98th was re-activated on 1 July 1947 and equipped with B-29 Superfortresses at Spokane Army Airfield, Washington.  In 1948, they did a 90 day TDY to Okinawa. During this period, the 98th lost two B-29s and a C54 returning with 98th personnel ditched in the Pacific. Again a 90 day TDY to Sculthorp, England was conducted in the summer of 1949.  During the training phase 1947 - 1950, the 98th recorded 6 B-29 losses.

During the TDY to England, the 98th practiced high level (35,000 ft) bombing missions on the Dutch Island of Helgoland.  The aircraft were challenged by RAF and USAF fighters.  The gunners were evaluated on gun camera film.  The Bombardiers were rated on their performance as well as were other air crew members.  Needless to say, ground support personnel were very influential in the overall final evaluation.  I must say here, we were operating under simulated combat conditions and the food was far from perfect.  Our food service personnel were extraordinaire in making dehydrated potatoes, powdered eggs, bully beef, turnip soup, month old bread, and SPAM palatable.  As a result of the exercise, the 98th was rated very highly and combat ready.

 In early 1950, the 98th was alerted for permanent change of stations to Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico.  However, before the move was completed, the Korean conflict broke out and the 98th arrived at Yokota Air Base, Japan in the first week of August 1950, flying their first mission to Korea on 7 August.  Although the 98th was designated as a wing, it continued to operate as a group until 1951 when it was staffed as a wing.

The 98th continued to fly against the North Korean Communist until the cease fire in 1953.  Remaining at Yokota until July 1954.  The 98th returned their B-29s and personnel to the U.S. in July 1954.

From August 1950 to July 1953, the 98th flew more than 5,000 sorties and dropped more than 40,000 tons of bombs (actual total unavailable).  They earned 10 battle streamers and two Outstanding Unit Awards which are comparable to the Presidential Unit Citation.  They also received the South Korean Presidential Citation.  The 98th was credited with the destruction of 5 MiG 15 Jet Fighters and one propeller driven fighter.  The 98th recorded 19 B-29 losses from August 1950 to July 1954.

98th Maintenance and Supply Group: 1947

Constituted on May 10th 1947 as the 98th Maintenance and Supply Group, stationed at Spokane Army Airfield, (later Spokane AFB), Washington.  Consolidated with the 98th Field Maintenance Squadron and constituted the 98th Maintenance Squadron, Bombardment, Medium.  On 16 March 1950, re-designated 98th Maintenance Squadron.

Re-designated 98th Field Maintenance Squadron on 16 June 1952 and transferred to Yokota Air Base, Japan.

From July 1954 to June 1966, the 98th Field Maintenance Squadron was stationed at Lincoln AFB, NE which included a two and one half month TDY to Lakenheath, England. (November 1955 - January 1956)

Inactivated 25 June 1966 and re-activated as an AF Reserve Squadron on 1 October 1985, it was re-designated as the 98th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron under the 452nd Air Refueling Win at March AFB, CA.

Inactivated 1 March 1986 and re-activated as a reserve squadron on 1 October 1987 and assigned to the 98th Air Refueling Group at Barksdale AFB, LA.

NEXT:  98th Strategic Aerospace Wing (M) 1954 - 1966: B-47s