A-18 Shrike II was retired from front line squadrons in 1942; none of the aircraft were ever used in combat. Lastly, four of the A-18s (37-52, 37-56, 37-61, and one other un-identified) were assigned to the Caribbean Air Force in late November 1941 and were based initially at Albrook Field. Three of the aircraft were first assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 12th Pursuit Wing, while the fourth aircraft was assigned to HHS Bomber Command (later VI Bomber Command) at Albrook. The aircraft remained with these units though February 1942. By December 1942, two or three of the aircraft were still airworthy. One was employed as a tow target tug, the other two were operated as reconnaissance aircraft by the 108th Reconnaissance Squadron (Special) from Howard Field, patrolling the approaches to the Panama Canal. A-18 37-61 was damaged in a landing accident at Albrook field on 22 February 1943, and cannibalization kept at least one aircraft flying until it was grounded due to a lack of spare parts. Serial 37-56 was transferred to instructional airframe training at Howard. All were eventually scrapped in the Canal Zone by the end of 1943. Operators United States Army Air Corps 8th Attack Squadron, 1937-1941 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 1940 16th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 1940-1941 24th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 1940-1942 55th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 1942 56th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 1941 57th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 1941 89th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 1941 108th Reconnaissance Squadron, 1942-1943 128th Observation Squadron, 1941-1942 Specifications (Y1A-18) See also References Notes Bibliography Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng, eds. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002, . Fahey, James C. U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946. New York: Ships and Aircraft, 1946. Fitzsimons, Bernard, ed. "Vol. 21." The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the 20th Century Weapons and Warfare. London: Purnell & Sons Ltd., 1967/1969. . Swanborough, F. G. and Peter M. Bowers. United States Military Aircraft Since 1909. New York: Putnam, 1964. . Andrade, John M. . U.S Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Leicester : Midland Counties Publications, First edition 1979. . External links Curtiss A-18 A-18 Shrike A-18 Shrike Low-wing aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1937 Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft