The 123rd Airlift Wing has a proud history and an unmatched record of sustained outstanding performance, with 12 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, three Curtis N. "Rusty" Metcalf Trophies , three 15th Air Force Solano Trophies, three Spaatz Trophies and six Distinguished Flying Unit Plaques. The Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Fighter Group and 165th Fighter Squadron were created on May 24, 1946 as part of a nationwide redesignation of World War II Army Air Corps units. Under War Department orders, the insignia, World War II battle credits and honors of the 359th Fighter Group and 368th Fighter Squadron were transferred to the Kentucky National Guard with federal recognition coming on Feb. 16, 1947. The "123rd" designation actually dates to the 123rd Cavalry Regiment, which can trace its lineage back to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, which fought in the Civil War.