The squadron was first activated in March 1943 as one of the original squadrons of the 362d Fighter Group. After training in the United States, the squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations later that year. The squadron began combat operations in February 1944 and moved to the continent following D-Day, moving forward to Germany as American forces advanced. It continued combat operations with Republic P-47 Thunderbolts until V-E Day, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations. It returned to the United States in September 1945 and had begun training with the North American P-51 Mustang at Biggs Field, Texas, when it was inactivated in August 1946 and its personnel and equipment transferred to another unit.
