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Units > 1st Reconnaissance Squadron's 100th Anniversary
1st Reconnaissance Squadron's 100th Anniversary 1st Reconnaissance Squadron's 100th Anniversary

The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is the United States military's oldest flying unit, first established on March 5, 1913. The squadron has maintained an unbroken heritage from its founding. Originally organized in anticipation of a potential breach in security along the border between the U.S. and Mexico, General Pershing directed the 1st Aero Squadron to become the first tactical aviation unit to participate in American military action.  The 1 RS has flown 47 different airframes while being stationed worldwide at 52 locations, including 4 stints at sea.

tabThis Week in Air Force History 
February 10, 1908
Capt. Charles S. Wallace signed the first Army airplane contract with the Wright Brothers for the Signal Corp. Augustus M Herring and James F. Schott also received contracts, but both failed to produce planes.

February 10, 1933
Maj. Hugh J. Knerr developed the concept of establishing four provisional air transport squadrons, one at each air depot, to haul equipment and materiel between airfield and the depots as well as transport troops on maneuvers.

February 10, 1947
Maj. E. M. Cassell set an unofficial helicopter altitude record of 19,167 feet in a Sikorsky R-5A at Dayton, Ohio.

February 10, 1952
Maj. George A. Davis Jr, while leading a flight of three F-86 Sabre jets, engaged 12 enemy MiG-15s. After shooting down two enemy fighters and completely disrupting the enemy formation, a MiG-15 shot him down and killed him. For engaging superior forces and shooting down enemy aircraft, he received the Medal of Honor. Major Davis also became the first Air Force ace in two wars, World War II and Korea.

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