History

In March 1952, the division assumed responsibility for the air defense of Southwestern Japan (Kyūshū, the western part of Honshū, and most of Shikoku), using radar, fighter aircraft, and ground weapons to prevent or disrupt enemy air attacks. It supported numerous exercises, some involving U.S. and British naval vessels, and training for the Japan Air Self Defense Force. The division also supervised electronic countermeasures (ECM), and weather reconnaissance missions. In the summer of 1957, when the Nagasaki area suffered severe flooding, the 43d assisted Japanese authorities and people by flying numerous airlift missions with helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Background of name

Mission

Operations

Lineage and honors

Designated 43 Air Division (Defense), and organized on 1 March 1952. Redesignated 43 Air Division in 18 March 1955. Discontinued and inactivated, on 1 October 1957.

Service streamers

• Korean Service.

Campaign streamers

none

Armed forces expeditionary streamers

none

Decorations

none

Awards

Emblem

A shield argent on a bend azure three futuramic aircraft, in bend, or, between two lightning bolts in saltire gules and a magnetic field of the last with cardinal compass points and pylon of the last. (Approved 19 December 1956)

Assignments

Japan Air Defense Force (later, Japan Air Self-Defense Force), 1 March 1952; Fifth Air Force, 1 September 1954–1 October 1957.

Components

Wings:

• 8 Fighter Bomber: 1 March 1955–1 October 1957.

Squadrons:

• 68 Fighter Interceptor: 1 March 1955–1 October 1957.

Stations

Itazuke Air Base, Japan, 1 March 1952–1 October 1957.

Aircraft / Missiles / Space vehicles

F-94 Starfire, 1952–1953; F-86 Sabre, 1953–1957; F-100 Super Sabre, 1957.

Commanders

Colonel Charles W. Stark, 1 March 1952; Colonel Edward N. Backus, c. 1954; Colonel Samuel J. Gormly Jr., by 31 December 1954; Colonel James M. Smelley, 9 July 1956; Colonel Ladson G. Eskridge Jr., 13 August 1956–1 October 1957.

See also

• Fifth Air Force

References