The Iowa Air National Guard's 174th Air Refueling Squadron was organized
at the Sioux City Army Air Base in 1946 as a P-51 fighter squadron. Over
the years it flew many fighter-type aircraft. Called to active service
during the Korean War the squadron was activated, dispersing assets and
personnel in many directions. Both the U.S. Air Force and the Air
National Guard learned from this real-life exercise. When another
call-up came during the Vietnam War, the 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron
was kept together as one of four ANG squadrons seeing service in that
conflict with stellar results. Now known as the 174th Air Refueling
Squadron, the unit has been supporting the regulars in numerous
conflicts since taking on the air refueling role. This is the history of
midwest American and warrior values integrating perfectly. Today they
are an important element within the Air Force.