The first predecessor of the squadron was the 1st Photographic Lab Section, which was activated in October 1943 at Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma.

After training in the United States, it served with Ninth Air Force in the European Theater of Operations until V-E Day, advancing across Northern Europe with American Forces.

It remained in Germany as part of the occupation forces until inactivating in November 1945.

These two squadrons and the World War II era 1st Photographic Technical Unit were consolidated into a single unit in October 1984 and given the designation 24 Reconnaissance Technical Squadron.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency