marshalling yards, aircraft factories, and other strategic objectives. Participated in first shuttle-bombing mission to the Soviet Union (Operation Frantic) in June 1944. Returned to the United States after the German Capitulation in May 1945, prepared for transition to Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft and deployment to Twentieth Air Force in the Pacific Theater. Japanese Capitulation in August ended training activities, squadron was demobilized and inactivated in October. Strategic Air Command Reactivated in 1946 under Strategic Air Command. Equipped with B-29 Superfortresses and participated in numerous exercises, operational readiness inspections, and overseas deployments. Became part of SAC nuclear deterrent force. Began upgrading to the new Boeing B-50 Superfortress, an advanced version of the B-29 in 1949. The B-50 gave the unit the capability to carry heavy loads of conventional weapons faster and farther as well as being designed for atomic bomb missions if necessary. By 1951, the emergence of the Soviet MiG-15 interceptor in the skies of North Korea signaled the end of the propeller-driven B-50 as a first-line strategic bomber. Received Boeing B-47 Stratojet jet bombers in 1955 and despite initial difficulties, the Stratojet became the mainstay of the medium-bombing strength of SAC all throughout the 1950s, deployed frequently to North Africa and England for Operation Reflex exercises. Began sending its B-47s to AMARC at Davis–Monthan in 1959 when the aircraft was deemed no longer capable of penetrating Soviet airspace. In 1960 was reassigned to SAC 4038th Strategic Wing, being re-equipped with Boeing B-52D Stratofortress intercontinental heavy bombers. Moved to Dow Air Force Base, Maine to disperse the heavy bomber force. Conducted worldwide strategic bombardment training missions and providing nuclear deterrent. Was inactivated in 1963 when SAC inactivated its Strategic Wings, replacing them with permanent Air Force Wings. Squadron was inactivated with aircraft/personnel/equipment being transferred to the 596th Bombardment Squadron, which was simultaneously organized. Lineage Constituted as the 341st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 28 January 1942 Activated on 3 February 1942 Redesignated 341st Bombardment Squadron, Heavy c. 6 March 1944 Inactivated on 29 October 1945 Redesignated 341st Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy on 15 July 1946 Activated on 4 August 1946 Redesignated 341st Bombardment Squadron, Medium on 28 May 1948 Redesignated: 341st Bombardment Squadron, Heavy' on 1 October 1959 Discontinued and inactivated on 1 February 1963 Assignments 97th Bombardment Group, 3 Feb 1942 – 29 Oct 1945 97th Bombardment Group, 4 August 1946 (attached to 97th Bombardment Wing after February 1951) 97th