433d Weapons Squadron

433d Weapons Squadron
433d WPS F-22A Raptor and F-15C Eagle from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School's 433rd Weapons Squadron fly in formation over Lake Mead, Nev., on 16 July 2010.
Active	1943 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Squadron
Role	Advanced Air Superiority Fighter Training
Part of	USAF Weapons School
Garrison/HQ	Nellis AFB, Nevada
Tail Code	"WA"
Engagements	World War II (Asia-Pacific Theater) Vietnam War
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation (3x) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device (6x) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3x) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (World War II) Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Insignia
433d Weapons Squadron emblem

The 433d Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

The unit was first activated in May 1943 and flew the P-38 Lightning in the Pacific Theater of Operations. The 433d distinguished themselves in air combat against Japan over New Guinea, Rabaul, and the Philippines, achieving over 200 aerial victories. Reactivated in 1964 for the war in Southeast Asia, the 433d was assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing at Ubon, Thailand, flying the F-4 Phantom II. The 433d was credited with 12 MiG kills over North Vietnam.

Established by Fifth Air Force in Australia in May 1943 specifically to accommodate very long range Lockheed P-38J Lightnings at Amberley Airfield in Queensland, Australia. The 433rd was specifically trained to provide long-range escort for bombers during daylight raids on Japanese airfields and strongholds in the Netherlands East Indies and the Bismarck Archipelago. On 14 August 1943, the 431st transferred from Amberley airfield to Port Moresby. New Guinea.

Engaged in combat operations, providing escort for B-25 Mitchell medium bombers that were engaged in strafing attacks on airdromes at Wewak but also destroyed a number of the enemy fighter planes that attacked the formation. Also intercepted and destroyed many Japanese aircraft which were sent against American shipping in Oro Bay on 15 and 17 October 1943. Covered landings in New Guinea, New Britain, and the Schouten Islands. After moving to Biak in July 1944, the squadron flew escort missions and fighter sweeps to the southern Philippines, Celebes, Halmahera, and Borneo.