711th Bombardment Squadron

711th Special Operations Squadron
PZL C-145 Skytruck of the 711th Special Operations Squadron
Active	1943–1945; 1949–1951; 1955–1957; 1971–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Special Operations
Part of	Air Force Reserve Command
Garrison/HQ	Duke Field, Florida
Engagements	European Theater Operation Just Cause Operation Desert Storm
Decorations	Gallant Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Commanders
Notable commanders	Major General Richard S. Haddad
Insignia
711th Special Operations Squadron Emblem (approved c. 1977)
711th Bombardment Squadron emblem (approved 6 September 1943)
Fuselage Code and Squadron Color	IP Blue
447th Bombardment Group tail marking	Square K

The 711th Special Operations Squadron is part of the 919th Special Operations Wing at Duke Field, Florida. It is an Air Force Reserve Command unit that is operationally gained by Air Force Special Operations Command if called to active duty.

The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 711th Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater, where it engaged in strategic bombardment missions against Germany. 2d Lieutenant Robert E. Femoyer, of the 711th Bombardment Squadron, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during a mission over Merseburg, Germany, on 2 November 1944. The group returned to the United States following the war and was inactivated.

The squadron was activated in the reserves as a light bomber unit in 1949 and served until it was called to active duty in 1951 as a result of the Korean War and its personnel used as fillers for regular units.

In 1955, the squadron was again activated in the reserves as the 711th Fighter-Bomber Squadron. It trained with Lockheed F-80 Shooting Stars and North American F-86 Sabres until being replaced by the 69th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1957.

The squadron activated in 1971 as the 711th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Duke Field, Florida with the mission of intratheater airlift, using Lockheed C-130 Hercules Aircraft. Three years later, it converted to the AC-130 gunship model of the Hercules and became the 711th Special Operations Squadron. In 1995 it converted to a third type of C-130 when it began to fly the MC-130 Combat Talon model. In 2013 it re-equipped with PZL C-145A Skytrucks and its mission became one of providing training and support for friendly nations.