He flew more than 300 hours on combat missions over North Korea, when the squadron was one of the first bombardment units committed to the Korean War.

The 31st left for Hickam Field, Hawaii, on 1 February 1938, becoming the first bombardment unit to be based there.

Personnel also bombed and strafed enemy installations and provided escort for bombardment units, since the photographic aircraft were dual-capable as bombers.

Later that year it became a heavy bombardment unit.

By 1955 the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress would be entering the inventory in substantial numbers, as prop B-36s were phased out of heavy bombardment units rapidly.

Tinker commanded various pursuit and bombardment units during the 1930s.

The only bombardment unit, the 4/1 Bomber squadron, was equipped with 17 Ca.135s.

Established as a B-24 Liberator heavy bombardment unit in mid-1943; assigned to II Bomber Command for training.

Because the flying squadrons of the group consisted of both bomber and transport aircraft, the group was designated as a "composite" rather than a "bombardment" unit.

The group served as a bombardment unit in the reserves after World War II.