Legacy of the 4th Fighter Group
The 4th Fighter Group was deactivated on 10 November 1945 at Camp Kilmer, NJ, but it did not remain dormant for long. Reactivated 9 September 1946 at Selfridge Field in Michigan, the 4th transitioned to jets, flying the P-80 Shooting Star. With the creation of the Air Force as a separate branch of the service in 1947, the 4th's unit designation was changed from "group" to "wing" and it has remained in continuous service ever since. While its aircraft, personnel and missions have changed frequently through the years, every incarnation of the organization has operated under the same motto: Fourth But First.
Below is a listing of the succeeding units which carried on the legacy of the Debden Eagles. Ultimately, we will provide a brief description of each unit's history. Links will be provided for their specific websites whenever possible. Unless noted otherwise, all information for this page was taken from the AFHRA (Air Force Historical Research Agency) web site.
Below is a listing of the succeeding units which carried on the legacy of the Debden Eagles. Ultimately, we will provide a brief description of each unit's history. Links will be provided for their specific websites whenever possible. Unless noted otherwise, all information for this page was taken from the AFHRA (Air Force Historical Research Agency) web site.
4th Fighter Wing - established 28 July 1947
4th Fighter Interceptor Wing - 20 January 1950
4th Fighter-Bomber Wing - 8 March 1955
4th Fighter Day Wing - 25 April 1956
4th Tactical Fighter Wing - 1 July 1958
4th Wing - 22 April 1991
4th Fighter Wing - 1 December 1995
