Global Information731st Expeditionary Attack Squadron information
731st Expeditionary Attack Squadron
 | |
|---|---|
 MQ-9 Reaper of the 731st EATKS returning to Câmpia Turzii after completing a sortie in 2024 | |
| Active | 1943–1945; 1947–1951; 2021-present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Role | Attack/Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance |
| Part of | United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa |
| Garrison/HQ | RoAF 71st Air Base, Câmpia Turzii, Cluj County, Romania |
| Engagements | European Theater of Operations Korean War |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
| Insignia | |
| 731st Expeditionary Attack Squadron emblem[a][1] |  |
| World War II fuselage code[2][b] | 7D |
The 731st Expeditionary Attack Squadron is a provisional unit of the United States Air Force. It was activated circa 4 March 2021 at the Romanian Air Force 71st Air Base in Câmpia Turzii. The unit is part of the 31st Expeditionary Operations Group and operates General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles.
The squadron was first activated in 1943 as the 731st Bombardment Squadron. After training in the United States with the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations, participating in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It earned a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) during an attack on a German jet fighter base near Kaltenkirchen in April 1945. Following V-E Day, the squadron returned to the United States and was inactivated.
The squadron was activated again in the reserves in 1947. Two years later, it began to train with Douglas B-26 Invaders. In August 1950, the squadron was one of the first reserve units mobilized for the Korean War. After filling its ranks and undergoing intensive training, the squadron deployed to Far East Air Forces and began flying combat missions. It was awarded two additional DUCs for its operations in Korea. In June 1951, the squadron was inactivated and its personnel and equipment were transferred to a regular unit that was simultaneously activated.
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- ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 726
- ^ Freeman, p. 289