The OTU program involved the use of an oversized parent unit to provide cadres to “satellite groups "[4] The OTU program was patterned after the unit training system of the Royal Air Force. After forming the satellite groups, the parent unit assumed responsibility for satellite training and oversaw its expansion with graduates of Army Air Forces Training Command schools to become effective combat units.[5][6] Phase I training concentrated on individual training in crewmember specialties. Phase II training emphasized the coordination for the crew to act as a team. The final phase concentrated on operation as a unit.[7] The squadron contributed to the 84th Group's role as the parent for elements of several light bombardment groups.[b]
In August 1943, the squadron was redesignated the 491st Fighter-Bomber Squadron[1] as were other Army Air Forces (AAF) single engine bombardment units, and was re-equipped with Republic P-47 Thunderbolts.[2] It continued to serve as an OTU until October 1943.[1] During the fall of 1943, operations dwindled and by the end of September 1943 only five aircraft were assigned to the entire 84th Group.[8]
In October 1943, the squadron moved to Harding Field, Louisiana, where it became a Replacement Training Unit (RTU) and also participated occasionally in demonstrations and maneuvers.[2] RTUs were also oversized units, but with the mission of training individual pilots or aircrews.[4] However, the AAF found that standard military units, based on relatively inflexible tables of organization were not proving well adapted to the training mission. Accordingly, it adopted a more functional system in which each base was organized into a separate numbered unit.[9] The squadron was, therefore, disbanded in April 1944[1] and replaced by the 263rd AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training School, Fighter), which took over the personnel, equipment and mission of the 84th Group and supporting units at Harding Field.[10]
Lineage
Constituted as the 304th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 13 January 1942
Activated on 10 February 1942
Redesignated 491st Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 10 August 1943
↑ Approved 10 July 1943. Description: Over and through a red disc, a black caricatured crow, beak and feet yellow, wearing a green turtleneck sweater and brown aviator's goggles, dropping a black fire bomb to base, and standing on a white cloud formation, outlined light blue, which is supporting a second black fire bomb.
Craven, Wesley F.; Cate, James L., eds. (1955). The Army Air Forces in World War II. Vol.VI, Men & Planes. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. LCCN48003657. OCLC704158.
Goss, William A. (1955). "The Organization and its Responsibilities, Chapter 2 The AAF". In Craven, Wesley F.; Cate, James L. (eds.). The Army Air Forces in World War II(PDF). Vol.VI, Men & Planes. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. LCCN48003657. OCLC704158. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
Greer, Thomas H. (1955). "Recruitment and Training, Chapter 18 Combat Crew and Unit Training". In Craven, Wesley F.; Cate, James L. (eds.). The Army Air Forces in World War II(PDF). Vol.VI, Men & Planes. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. LCCN48003657. OCLC704158. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
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