90th Photographic Wing

90th Photographic Wing
Unit name	90th Photographic Wing
Dates	1943–1945
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army Air Forces
Type	Photographic Reconnaissance
Size	Wing
Command structure	Ninth Air Force
Garrison	RAF Chalgrove
Battles	World War II

90th Photographic Wing. The 90th Photographic Wing was a specialized reconnaissance unit of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Activated in late 1943, it served as the primary photographic and mapping organization for the Ninth Air Force in the European Theater of Operations. The wing's aircraft provided critical intelligence for operations leading up to and following the Normandy landings, supporting the advance of Allied forces across Western Europe.

History

The wing was constituted on 1 November 1943 and activated on 6 November at RAF Chalgrove in England. Its formation consolidated various photographic squadrons under a single command to streamline intelligence gathering for the impending Allied invasion of Normandy. Throughout 1944, the wing's units flew relentless missions over France, the Low Countries, and Germany, documenting enemy defenses, transportation networks, and post-strike damage. Following Victory in Europe Day, the wing began preparations for redeployment to the Pacific Theater, but was inactivated in the United States on 7 November 1945 after the Surrender of Japan.

Organization

The wing's headquarters exercised control over several subordinate groups and squadrons. Its primary combat components were the 10th Photographic Reconnaissance Group and the 67th Reconnaissance Group, which themselves commanded multiple squadrons flying various specialized aircraft. Key squadrons included the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Reconnaissance Squadron, and 155th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron. The wing also coordinated with other USAAF units like the 363d Reconnaissance Group and received logistical support from Royal Air Force stations across Southern England.

Aircraft

The wing operated a diverse fleet of high-performance, unarmed reconnaissance aircraft. The workhorse for tactical missions was the Lockheed F-5 Lightning, a photo-reconnaissance variant of the P-38 Lightning. For high-altitude strategic mapping, the wing utilized the Boeing F-9 Flying Fortress, a modified B-17 Flying Fortress. Other important types included the North American F-6 Mustang, derived from the P-51 Mustang, and the de Havilland Mosquito, a fast British aircraft used for deep-penetration missions. These planes were equipped with advanced Fairchild K-22 and K-24 cameras.

Operations

From its bases in England, the wing conducted daily visual and photographic reconnaissance missions. Its pilots mapped the entire Normandy coast before D-Day, identifying German gun emplacements and beach obstacles. During the Battle of Normandy, units tracked Wehrmacht troop movements and provided bomb damage assessment for strikes on targets like the Falaise pocket. As the front moved, the wing advanced to bases in France, including A-15 Argentan and A-69 Laon-Athies, to continue covering the Battle of the Bulge, the Crossing of the Rhine, and the final push into Germany.

Commanders

The wing was led by several experienced officers. Its first commander was Colonel Karl L. Polifka, a pioneer in aerial reconnaissance who had previously served with the Fifth Air Force in the South West Pacific Area. He was succeeded by Colonel Robert W. Love in 1944. Later command fell to Lieutenant Colonel John L. McGinn and finally to Colonel George W. Pope for the wing's final months of service. These commanders reported to senior officers of the Ninth Air Force, including General Hoyt S. Vandenberg.

Awards and decorations

Personnel of the wing earned numerous individual and unit honors for their hazardous service. The wing itself received the European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal for its campaign participation. Individual airmen were awarded decorations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. Their efforts contributed to the Ninth Air Force earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for operations during the Ardennes campaign. The reconnaissance provided was vital to the success of Operation Overlord and subsequent Allied ground offensives.

Category:Wings of the United States Army Air Forces Category:United States Army Air Forces reconnaissance wings