The group's origins date to the 62d Aero Squadron, which was organized as a construction squadron at Kelly Field, Texas in August 1917. The squadron was transferred to the Aviation General Supply Depot, Camp Morrison, Virginia, in Oct 1917; redesignated the 474th Aero Squadron, Feb 1918; and dispatched to France with the American Expeditionary Force Jan 1918 – Jun 1919. Its duties consisted of constructing temporary airfields for the First Army Air Service. It was demobilized in July 1919, Mitchell Field, New York [2]
The 12th Group (Composite) was then constituted in 1923, but did not take physical form until 1 October 1930 as the 12th Observation Group. The 12th Obs Group commanded O-1, O-2 and O-19 observation squadrons in the Western United States. In 1936 its headquarters was combined with its support squadron, the 62d Service Squadron. Prior to its activation, these squadrons has been assigned to various Army ground units. Upon its inactivation, its personnel were transferred to the 82d Observation Squadron.[1]
Lineage
Constituted as the 12th Group (Composite) 6 February 1923
Redesignated 12th Observation Group in 1924
Activated on 1 October 1930
Consolidated with the 62d Service Squadron on 1 September 1936
Consolidated with the 62d Aero Squadron on 1 December 1936
Inactivated on 1 June 1937
Redesignated 12th Reconnaissance Group on 1 January 1938 (remained inactive)
^Order of Battle of the United States Land Forces in the First World War, Volume 3, Part 3, Center of Military History, United States Army, 1949 (1988 Reprint)