About Us
The 82nd Fighter Group, flying the incomparable P-38, and comprised of the 95th (Boneheads), 96th (Fighting Jack Rabbits) and 97th (Devilcats) Fighter Squadrons, is one of the most decorated Army Air Force units of WWII. The 82nd FG was activated at Harding Field, Baton Rouge, LA in February 1941 and started training at Muroc Dry Lake (Edwards AFB) in the Mojave Desert in April 1942. The 82nd distinguished itself in the Mediterranean and European Theaters of Operation. Click the Archive link for photos, documents and videos.
The 82nd FG's USAF heritage units carry on that tradition. Three are in Texas - the 96th Fighter Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB and the 82nd Training Wing and 97th Fighter Training Squadron at Sheppard AFB. The 95th FS at Tyndall AFB, FL was dispersed among other USAF bases after hurricane Michael in 2018 and has yet to reorganize. Click the Resources link for the websites of these and other organizations that support the 82nd's heritage.
The 82nd Fighter Group Association got its start during a meeting of the Fighter Aces Association at Harlingen, Texas in 1976. The group decided to met in 1977 in New Orleans again using the Fighter Aces Reunion for support and invite other 82nd personnel, including enlisted men, to join them . In 1979 the group met in Corpus Christi without the support of the Fighter Aces. There have been 43 reunions since then. Click the Reunions link for overviews, photos and videos of each.
As with many WWII associations, we gradually experienced decreased revenues, membership and reunion attendance. At the 2019 reunion it was decided to phase out the Association. The Closeout Ceremony and final reunion was held at The P38 National Association and Museum at March ARB in Ontario, CA on June 22-23, 2022.
Though no longer a formal organization, we are still dedicated to our initial mission to honor and preserve the memory if the 82nd Fighter Group, it's WWII veterans and the KIAs, KFAs, MIAs and POWs who never returned.