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68th Airlift Squadron
Squadron C-5 Galaxy approaches a tanker during air refueling
The 68th flew troop carrier missions in New Guinea, Philippines, and the western Pacific from 1943 to 1945 and participated in the airborne assault at Aparri, Luzon, 23 June 1945.[1]
Activation in the reserve and Korean War mobilization
The squadron was activated in the reserve in 1947 and conducted flying training until it was mobilized in 1950. It served on active duty until 1952, moving to Germany in 1951.[1]
Reserve airlift operation
Between 1955 and 1985, the squadron trained for and flew tactical airlift missions at home and abroad, often taking part in joint exercises, humanitarian airlift operations, and firefighting missions.[1]
In 1985, it converted to strategic airlift missions. The 68th took part in Operation Just Cause in 1989-1990, flying medical supplies, tanks, and field rations to Panama. The squadron also took part in the defense of Saudi Arabia and liberation of Kuwait in 1990 and 1991, airlifting men and materiel destined for southwestern Asia.[1]
Lineage
Constituted as the 68th Troop Carrier Squadron on 22 January 1943
Activated on 9 February 1943
Inactivated on 15 January 1946
Activated in the reserve on 3 August 1947
Redesignated 68th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 27 June 1949
Ordered into active service on 15 October 1950
Inactivated on 14 July 1952
Activated in the reserve on 18 May 1955
Redesignated 68th Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 July 1967
Redesignated 68th Military Airlift Squadron on 1 April 1985
Redesignated 68th Airlift Squadron on 1 February 1992[1]