Tuskegee Airmen Insignia

Significance of blue and yellow that appears on all patches: Blue represents the sky, where U.S. air power played an important role in World War II. Yellow represents the sun, and the excellence required of U.S. Army Air Corps personnel to accomplish their mission worldwide.

Fighters

332nd Fighter Group

The 332nd Fighter Group was comprised of the 99th, 100th, 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons. Patch Significance: The panther symbolizes the squadron’s strength, dedication and devotion to duty. The flames emitting from its mouth represent the unit’s capability to accomplish their mission worldwide.

99th Fighter Squadron

The 99th Fighter Squadron was the first American black flying unit, and the first in combat, deploying to North Africa in 1943. Patch Significance: The nine segments and nine stars represent the squadron’s “99” designation and the fierce, winged panther is set in a striking attack position. Origins: Constituted as the 99th Pursuit Squadron on March 10, 1941. Activated on March 22, 1941. Re-designated 99th Fighter Squadron on May 15, 1942. Aircraft: P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51 Operations: Combat in Mediterranean Theater of Operations and European Theater of Operations, June 2, 1943 to April 30, 1945.

100th Fighter Squadron

Patch Significance: The panther portrays the ferocity with which the squadron defends the rights of people around the world, as symbolized by the globe. Origins: Constituted as the 100th Pursuit Squadron December 27, 1941. Activated on February 19, 1942. Re-designated the 100th Fighter Squadron on May 15, 1942. Aircraft: P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51 Operations: Combat in Mediterranean Theater of Operations

301st Fighter Squadron

Patch Significance: The design is based on the name “The Kats,” issued by the squadron. It signifies the mobile firepower of the long-range fighter squadron. The unit’s colors of red and white are represented in the tail of the winged .50 caliber machine gun. Origins: Constituted as the 301st Fighter Squadron on July 4, 1942. Activated on October 13, 1942. Aircraft: P-39, P-40, P- 47, P-51 Operations: Combat in Mediterranean Theater of Operations and European Theater of Operations February 15 to April 26, 1945.

302nd Fighter Squadron

Patch Significance: The emblem represents an all-out effort of speed, purpose and daring. The devil, holding a machine gun and pitchfork, represents the squadron’s fighting spirit. Origins: Constituted as the 302nd Fighter Squadron July 4, 1942. Activated on October 13, 1942. Aircraft: P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51 Operations: Combat in Mediterranean Theater of Operations

Bombers

477th Bombardment Group

The 477th Bombardment Group was comprised of the 616th, 617th, 618th and 619th Bombardment Squadrons. Patch Significance: The emblem of the 477th was not officially recognized until July 17, 2012 because the units never deployed overseas. The war ended before their preparation and training was complete. Patch Significance: The large bombs symbolize the primary weapons employed by the group’s aircraft while the fourteen bullets represent a tactical formation. The four bombs and the two columns of seven bullets also symbolize the unit’s numerical designation. The eagle represents the United States. The colors are those of the Army Air Force, ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow.

616th Bombardment Squadron

Origins: Constituted as the 616th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on May 13, 1943. Activated on June 1, 1943. Aircraft: B-26, B-25 Operations: Never deployed overseas. Training took place June through August 1943, and January 1944 through June 1945.

617th Bombardment Squadron

Origins: Constituted as the 617th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on May 13, 1943. Activated on June 11, 1943. Aircraft: B-26, B-25 Operations: Never deployed overseas. Training took place June through August 1943, and April 1944 through July 1947.

618th Bombardment Squadron

Origins: Constituted as the 618th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on May 13, 1943. Activated on June 1, 1943. Aircraft: B-26, B-25 Operations: Never deployed overseas. Training took place June through August 1943, and May 1944 through August 1945.

619th Bombardment Squadron

Origins: Constituted as the 619th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on May 13, 1943. Activated on June 1, 1943. Aircraft: B-26, B-25 Operations: Never deployed overseas. Training took place June through August 1943, and May 1944 through June 1945.

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