The squadron was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for continuing an attack on an oil refinery near Vienna, Austria on 26 June 1944 despite heavy fighter opposition.

It struck bridges, harbors, and troop concentrations in August 1944 to aid with Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France.

It also hit communications lines and other targets during March and April 1945 to support the advance of the British Eighth Army in northern Italy.

In late July, it reassembled at Sioux City Army Air Base, Iowa and was redesignated as a very heavy unit the following month.

In September, it moved to Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Kansas and began training with Boeing B-29 Superfortresses.