During world War II, the 435th Troop Carrier Group participated in every major airborne activity in the European theatre of operations. The 435th began training for paratroop, cargo and glider operations. The pre-dawn assault of June 6, 1944, which opened the invasion of Festung Europe, the 435th began its combat career. For its outstanding performance in the invasion assault of June 5, 6 and 7th, 1944 the 435th was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation. On July 15, 1947, the 435th entered Reserve Status as a Wing. From its reserve birthplace at Morrison Field, Florida, the 435th moved to Miami International Airport where it remained until mid-1960, moving to Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. During its stay at Miami, the 435th T.C.W. was called to active duty service for a period of 21 months. This period began March 1, 1951 during the Korean Conflict. The Wing was then inactivated and returned to Reserve Status. October 1, 1961 the Wing Headquarters, Air Base Group and two Squadrons which had been converted to C-124's were again mobilized during the Berlin crisis. The headquarters and Air Base Group remained at Homestead with the 77th and 78th Troop Carrier Squadrons assigned to Donaldson A.F.B. South Carolina and Barksdale A.F.B. Louisana respectively. They returned to Reserve status at Homestead A.F.B. in August 1962. The 435th was reassigned to the newly activated 915th Troop Carrier Group at Homestead A.F.B. on January 17, 1963 and flew C-119 Boxcars. The 915th was redesignated the 915th Military Airlift Group on April 1, 1966 while still at Homestead and flew C-124 Globemasters. On December 1, 1976 the 79th AEW&C Group, supporting the 79th AEW&C Squadron, flying the EC-121 Warning Star. The 915th AEW&C Group became the 915th Tactical Fighter Group on October 1, 1978 and converted to F-4C Phantams. The 915th T.F.G. was replaced by the 482nd Tactical Fighter Wing on April 1, 1981 and has remained at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida.