It was active as the 426th Reconnaissance Group in 1943, but was disbanded before becoming fully organized.

It was reconstituted as a military intelligence unit in 1985, but has not been active since.

The 426th Reconnaissance Group was activated at Gainesville Army Air Field, Texas on 1 July 1943.

It was apparently never fully organized, although its 45th Reconnaissance Squadron and 47th Liaison Squadron apparently began to receive aircraft.

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