84th Flying Training Squadron

84th Flying Training Squadron
84th Flying Training Squadron T-6 Texan II
Active	1942-1945; 1946-1987; 1990-1992; 1998 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Pilot Training
Part of	Air Education and Training Command 19th Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing 47th Operations Group
Garrison/HQ	Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas
Engagements	Operation Overlord Operation Market Garden Battle of the Bulge Operation Plunder
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
84th Flying Training Squadron emblem

The 84th Flying Training Squadron (84 FTS) is part of the United States Air Force 47th Flying Training Wing based at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. It operates T-6 Texan II aircraft conducting flight training.

The squadron was activated in 1942, as the 84th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor). Soon after its activation the US Army transferred the squadron to England where it lost a majority of its pilots and planes to the American war effort in North Africa. During the war the 84th flew missions ranging from bomber escort, ground attack, counter-air, and close air support.

In April 1943, the unit was involved in its first combat mission in North Africa. In June 1944, the 84th supported the Allied landings at Normandy and directly contributed to the breakthrough at Saint-Lô in July 1944. In September 1944, the squadron contributed to the Allied victory in the Arnhem-Nijmegen airborne landings; notably, they suppressed numerous ground positions during the airborne assault and were credited with saving scores of American and British troop transports. For this action the 84th received the Distinguished Unit Citation.

In December 1944 the 84th began flying the P-51 Mustang. They used their new plane very successfully and on 10 April destroyed 58 aircraft on the ground earning the 84th its second Distinguished Unit Citation. In April 1945 the 84th flew its last combat mission escorting British bombers on their way to Hitler's "Eagles Nest". The squadron completed three years overseas and was credited with 260 German aircraft destroyed.