Today in Guard History

March 14, 1943

La Senia, Algeria — A-20 and P-39 aircraft of the 111th Observation Squadron begin flying convoy escort missions looking for German submarines.

The unit, organized in the Texas Guard in June 1923, deployed to Algeria as part of the Allied invasion of French North Africa in November 1942.

Later in the war, under its new designation as the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, it flew missions during the invasions of Sicily, Italy and Southern France, ending the war in Germany.

For its service it earned nine combat streamers. Reorganized in the Texas Air Guard after the war, it was mobilized for the Korean War in September 1950.

It was one of six Guard squadrons to actually serve in Korea, earning three additional streamers. In the mid-1960s it was issued F-102 Delta Dagger fighter-interceptor aircraft to use in homeland defense against possible Soviet bomber attack.

Not mobilized in 1968 with other Air Guard squadrons for service during the Vietnam War, it continued to patrol America's skies.

One of its pilots in this period was future 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush.

The 111th Fighter Squadron, flying F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, remains an important part of both our air defense and war fighting capabilities in the War on Terrorism.

--National Guard Bureau