| Unit Name: | 36th Intelligence Squadron |
| Dates: | 1942–1946; 1990-Present |
| Country: |  United States |
| Battles: | Southwest Pacific Theater[1] |
| Decorations: | Air Force Meritorious Unit Award Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Air Force Organizational Excellence Award Philippine Presidential Unit Citation |
| Identification Symbol Label: | 36th Intelligence Squadron emblem |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | 36th Photographic Mapping Squadron emblem (approved 7 March 1944) |
The 36th Intelligence Squadron is an active non-flying squadron, of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to the Air Force Targeting Center at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, where it has been stationed since 1990. The squadron has earned the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award while stationed at Langley.
During World War II the squadron served in the Pacific as the 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron The squadron earned the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its combat operations during the Liberation of the Philippines in 1944–1945.
The squadron was first activated in the summer of 1942 as the 28th Observation Squadron, one of the squadrons of the 73d Observation Group at Godman Field, Kentucky, where it was equipped with the Bell P-39 Airacobra.[2] The squadron engaged in training activities including the Tennessee maneuvers of 1943.[3]
During World War II, the squadron operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater, providing aerial reconnaissance and intelligence information over a wide area of the theater in numerous campaigns. In 1945, it performed reconnaissance missions over Formosa as well as the Philippines.[4] The squadron earned the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its combat operations during the Liberation of the Philippines in 1944–1945. Following the Japanese surrender the squadron moved to Japan, briefly serving as part of the occupation forces, but returned to the Philippines at the end of 1945 and was inactivated in 1946.[2]
The squadron was reactivated as an intelligence unit supporting Tactical Air Command (TAC) in 1990. When Air Combat Command replaced TAC in 1992, the 36th was transferred along with its parent group.[1] In February 2008, it was reassigned to the Air Combat Command Targeting and Intelligence Group. Although much of its history remains classified, it has won numerous awards for its performance.
Activated on 17 July 1942
Redesignated: 28th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) on 2 April 1943
Redesignated: 28th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 August 1943
Redesignated: 36th Photographic Mapping Squadron on 9 October 1943
Redesignated: 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 29 March 1944
Inactivated on 20 February 1946
Redesignated 36th Air Intelligence Squadron on 1 November 1991
Redesignated 36th Intelligence Squadron on 1 October 1993[1]
Attack and Bomber Aircraft
Fighter Aircraft
Observation and Liaison Aircraft
Manual campaign table
| Campaign Streamer | Campaign | Dates | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Theater | 28th Observation Squadron (later 36th Photographic Mapping Squadron) | |||
| New Guinea | 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron | |||
| Western Pacific | 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron | |||
| Luzon | 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron | |||
| Southern Philippines | 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron | |||
| China Offensive | 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron |