The 49th Fighter Squadron Association was created to celebrate the legacy and memory of the men who served in the 49th, a prestigious unit of the United Sates Army Air Forces and the United States Air Force.  Activated in September 1941, the 49th has since continued to be active as a pursuit squadron, fighter squadron, fighter-interceptor squadron, and currently, as a fighter training squadron.  We are all immensely proud to have been a part of so distinguished a unit.

Over the years since its inception, the 49th Fighter Squadron Association has maintained all activities inherent in a unit with a  military focus.  We have had annual reunions, collected membership dues, and had a vibrant quarterly newsletter.  We stayed involved, participated in military events, and maintained a close cohesiveness with each other.  However as time rolled on, all original members passed on and our association arrived at the decision point experienced by so many  associations of WW II heritage – turning off the lights and fading into the sunset.  However, we maintain the pulse and will continue to do so.  The reunions and newsletters are a thing of the past, but we maintain contact via email and participate in annual memorial services in France.

Each April and for more than 20 years, four towns in southern France take turns hosting memorial ceremonies for P-38 pilots of the 49th Fighter Squadron who were killed there in combat during WWII. The four towns that encircle the wine growing region of Plan de Dieu are Rasteau, Violes,  Travaillan, and Camaret sur-Aigues.  These ceremonies are attended by the entire townspeople and are complete with the Pomp and Circumstance that the French do so well.  Each ceremony is a testimony of deep respect and appreciation by the French for the American pilots who made the ultimate sacrifice.  The next ceremony is scheduled for 16 April 2025 and will be hosted by the Mayor of Travaillan who has sent the association a formal invitation.  Each year, the 49th Fighter Squadron Association takes an active role in these ceremonies to include speeches by the Association Commander and the presentation of a plaque to show friendship and appreciation to the citizens of the hosting town.   Photos of the 2023 and 2024 ceremonies are displayed in the photos section of this website.

Membership dues for the association have been waived and our existence and operations depend on the voluntary donations of members and friends.  Please consider a donation to the FSA.  Funds received are used exclusively for maintaining the web site, presentation awards to the mayors of the hosting French town, gifts for dignitaries, and floral wreaths for memorial services.

If there is any interest in joining us at the 2025 memorial event in Travaillan, we would love to have you with us.  Association points of contact are listed in the contacts section of this web site.

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