The squadron initially began training with the Curtiss P Warhawk. Later that year, the unit replaced its Warhawks with the Republic P Thunderbolt , which it flew for the remainder of the war. The squadron left the United States in September The unit engaged primarily in missions escorting bombers attacking targets on the continent of Europe until April The squadron then dive bombed marshalling yards and airfields and attacked enemy communications during April and May from its new station, an advanced landing ground [ 6 ] at RAF High Halden , to help prepare for the invasion of Normandy.
The squadron escorted troop carrier formations on D Day and the following day as the formations dropped paratroopers on the Cotentin Peninsula.
For the remainder of June, it attacked rail lines, troop concentrations, bridges and transport. The squadron moved to France in July and, from its base at Cretteville , took part in operations that resulted in the Allied breakthrough at St Lo. The squadron continued to fly escort, interdiction and close air support missions during the Allied drive across France and into Germany. The squadron received a Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions between 24 December and 2 January , when it supported Seventh Army attacking railroads and rolling stock, other vehicles and enemy artillery formations.
It also destroyed numerous Luftwaffe fighters while defending against Operation Bodenplatte , an attack concentrating on forward Allied air bases in an attempt by the Luftwaffe to attain air superiority in the area of the Battle of the Bulge. In March, the squadron attacked German forces attempting to withdraw across the Rhine River , destroying motor transport and hampering the withdrawal efforts, earning a second Distinguished Unit Citation.
The following month, the squadron attacked enemy airfields near Munich and Ingolstadt , engaging aircraft and supporting the advance of ground forces in the area, earning a third award of the Distinguished Unit Citation. The squadron was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Palm by the Government of France for its assistance in the liberation of France.
