72nd Troop Carrier Squadron

  August 1947 to October 1973

  United States of America

TYPE: USAF unit

IATA/ICAO CODES: Nil

HEADQUARTERS: Baer Field, IN (1947-1952), Lawson AFB, GA (1952-1953), Atterbury AFB , IN (1953-1970), Grissom AFB, IN (1970-1973)

FORMER NAME: 72^nd Troop Carrier Squadron (until inactivated 1946)

OTHER NAMES: 72^nd Tactical Airlift Squadron (1967-1969), 72^nd Tactical Air Support Squadron (1969-1971), 72^nd Special Operations Squadron (1971-1973)

SUBSEQUENT NAME: 72^nd Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy (when reactivated 1977)

The 72^nd Troop Carrier Squadron operated in Europe with Douglas C-47 Skytrains during World War II, as part of the 434^th Troop Carrier Wing.

On 1 August 1947, the unit was reactivated in the reserve at Baer Field, IN. It was assigned to the 434^th Troop Carrier Wing, still equipped with C-47s. In July 1949, it moved with its wing to Atterbury AFB, IN where they transitioned to the Commando. Starting in May 1951 as part of the mobilization for the Korean War, the unit served for the next 21 months, supporting Army paratroop training in Georgia. In addition the 72^nd participated in exercises Southern Pine and Long Horn, as well as conducting routine airlift and troop carrier missions for the Tactical Air Command. The squadron returned to Atterbury in February 1953. By 1957, the squadron converted to C-119s and the Commandos were retired.

1949 to 1957

• Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando: 42-96539
• Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando: 44-77523, 44-77572