It was withdrawn from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard (PA ANG) and inactivated on 31 October 1950.

The wing was first formed as the 53d Troop Carrier Wing during World War II for command of glider and troop carrier units and its components were heavily involved in airborne operations in North-West Europe from the Normandy Landings to the crossing of the River Rhine.

The wing was formed as a World War II command and control organization for newly organized troop carrier groups and glider units being trained for overseas deployment to combat theaters.

The 53d was also engaged in aerial resupply and casualty evacuation of wounded personnel as well as theater troop transport operations.

[1] It was a command and control organization, controlling one Bombardment Group at Philadelphia International Airport and two Fighter Groups at Greater Pittsburgh International Airport and Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland as its operational components.