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{{Short description|US Air Force unit}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 563rd Rescue Group
[[File:ACC Shield.svg|center|60px]] 
| image=HC-130J at Davis-Monthan.jpg
| image_size = 290
|caption=The crew of the first [[HC-130J]] in front of their plane on [[Davis-Monthan AFB]]
|dates= 1944–1957, 1966–1976, 2003 – present
|country={{flag|United States|23px}}
|branch={{air force|USA}}
|type=
|role= Combat Search and Rescue
|size=
|command_structure= [[Air Combat Command]]
|current_commander=
|garrison=[[Davis-Monthan Air Force Base]], Arizona
|nickname=
|motto={{langnf|la|Per Adversa ad Ereptionem|Through Adversity to the Rescue}}
|colors=
|march=
|mascot=
|battles=[[Southwest Pacific Theater]] [[Korean War]] [[Vietnam War]]
|decorations=[[Distinguished Unit Citation]]<br/>Presidential Unit Citation<br />[[Air Force Meritorious Unit Award]]<br/>[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] with [[Combat "V" Device]]<br/>Air Force Outstanding Unit Award<br/>[[Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation]]<br/>[[Korean Presidential Unit Citation]]<br/>[[Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)|Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm]]
|anniversaries=
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:563d Rescue Group - Emblem.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_label=563rd Rescue Group emblem<ref group=note>Approved 18 March 1968 for 3rd Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Group.</ref><ref name=563RGfacts>{{cite web |url= https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433964/563-rescue-group-afsoc/ |last1=Bailey|first1=Carl E.|title=Factsheet 563 Rescue Group (AFSOC)|date=2 January 2008|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=5 May 2015}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:3 Emergency Rescue Squadron emblem.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label=3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron emblem during World War II
}}

The '''563rd Rescue Group''' is a [[United States Air Force]] unit stationed at [[Davis-Monthan Air Force Base]], Arizona.  The [[group (military aviation unit)|group]] also controls the rescue [[squadron (aviation)|squadrons]] at [[Nellis Air Force Base]], Nevada.  It is assigned to the [[355th Wing]].  The group directs flying operations dedicated to personnel recovery and is part of [[Air Combat Command]].  The group was activated under its current designation at Davis-Monthan in 2003 to command rescue units in the western United States.

The group was first activated during [[World War II]] as the '''3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron''' at [[Keesler Field]], Mississippi.  After training on the Gulf Coast, the squadron moved to the [[Southwest Pacific Theater]] in the fall of 1944, and served in combat until the [[surrender of Japan]], earning a [[Philippine Presidential Unit Citation]].  After the war, the squadron moved to Japan, where it became part of the [[Occupation of Japan|occupation]] forces, and was located there when the [[Korean War]] began.  It again served in combat, expanding to become the '''3rd Air Rescue Group''' in 1952, and earning two [[Distinguished Unit Citation]]s and two [[Korean Presidential Unit Citation]]s during the war.  The group was inactivated in 1957, when [[Air Rescue Service]] eliminated its groups and assigned its squadrons directly to its regional rescue centers.

The group was organized again at [[Tan Son Nhut Airport]] in 1966 as the '''3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group''', to command United States Air Force rescue units engaged in the [[War in Vietnam]].  It participated in every campaign after 1966, winning an additional four Presidential Unit Citations, an [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] with [[Combat "V" Device]] and two [[Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)|Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm]] during combat in Southeast Asia.  When the United States withdrew from Vietnam, the group moved its [[headquarters]] to Thailand and, after participating in the evacuations of [[Phnom Penh]] and [[Saigon]], was inactivated there in 1976.

==Mission==
The '''563rd Rescue Group''' directs flying operations dedicated to personnel recovery and is part of [[Air Combat Command]]. The [[group (military aviation unit)|group]] is responsible for training, readiness, and operations of one [[Lockheed HC-130|Lockheed HC-130J Combat King]] squadron, two [[Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk|Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk]] squadrons, two "Guardian Angel" [[squadron (aviation)|squadrons]], and an operations support squadron.<ref name=563rdgroup>{{cite web|url= http://www.dm.af.mil/units/563rdrescuegroup/ |title=563rd Rescue Group|publisher=Davis-Monthan AFB Public Affairs |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151222164745/http://www.dm.af.mil/units/563rdrescuegroup/ |archive-date=22 December 2015|access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref>

==Units==
*  The [[48th Rescue Squadron]] at Davis-Monthan, and the [[58th Rescue Squadron]] at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, are "Guardian Angel" squadrons that train, equip and employ [[pararescuemen]] (commonly known as "PJs"), combat rescue officers, and supporting personnel worldwide. During combat rescue operations, they use various fixed and rotary wing aircraft for insertion and extraction.  The squadrons provide survivor contact, treatment, and extraction during combat rescue operations. They provide combat and humanitarian search, rescue, and medical assistance.<ref name=563rdgroup/><ref name=48Spotlight>Davis-Monthan AFB Public Affairs{{cite web|url= http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12896 |title=48th Rescue Squadron Mission Spotlight|date=6 November 2015|publisher=Davis-Monthan AFB Public Affairs|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151222171607/http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12896 |archive-date=22 December 2015|access-date=26 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=19641 |title=563rd Rescue Group, Operating Location-Alpha (OL-A)|date=5 June 2015|publisher=99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150918174823/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=19641 |archive-date=18 September 2015|access-date=27 February 2016}}
</ref>
* The [[55th Rescue Squadron]] operates the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk and deploys combat rescue forces worldwide. It employs its helicopter and [[aircrew]]s in hostile environments to recover downed aircrew and isolated personnel during day, night, or marginal weather conditions. The squadron also conducts civil [[search and rescue]], disaster relief, international aid, emergency [[medical evacuation]], and counter-drug activities.<ref name=563rdgroup/>
* The [[66th Rescue Squadron]] is a geographically separated unit of the group located at [[Nellis Air Force Base]], Nevada and also operates the HH-60G Pave Hawk.  Its mission is similar to the 55th Rescue Squadron.  The squadron also meets HH-60G logistical and maintenance support requirements for the [[USAF Weapons School]] and [[Air Combat Command]] directed operational test missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=18481 |title=66th Rescue Squadron |date=5 June 2015 |publisher=99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs |url-status=dead |access-date=17 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222171623/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=18481 |archive-date=22 December 2015  }}</ref>
* The [[79th Rescue Squadron]] operates the HC-130J Combat King II and provides combat rescue forces to theater commanders worldwide. It conducts helicopter [[air refueling]], [[airdrop]], and landing of pararescue personnel on unimproved runways, and equipment to recover combat personnel. Its crews fly low-level operations and perform these missions day or night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=11745|title=79th Rescue Squadron Spotlight|date=6 November 2015|publisher=Davis-Monthan AFB Public Affairs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121130302/http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=11745|archive-date=21 January 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=6 January 2016}}</ref>
* The 563rd Operations Support Squadron supports the training and employment of the 563rd Rescue Group's six combat and support squadrons. It provides support functions, including weapons and tactics, current operations, intelligence, training, life support, and mobility.  It manages programmed flying hours to insure that operational and training requirements are met within parameters set by higher headquarters. It is also responsible for implementing contingency and theater war plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13276|title=563rd OSS Mission Spotlight|date=9 November 2015|publisher=Davis-Monthan AFB Public Affairs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121134709/http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13276|archive-date=21 January 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=6 January 2016}}</ref>

==History==
===World War II and occupation of Japan===

====World War II====
[[File:PBY OA-10A off Keesler Field 1944.jpg|thumb|OA-10 Catalina]]
The unit was first activated at [[Gulfport Army Air Field]], Mississippi in February 1944 as the '''3rdEmergancy Rescue Squadron''', a [[Consolidated OA-10 Catalina]] unit.<ref name=3rdERS>{{cite web |url= http://3rders.com/3rdERShist.htm |last1=MacDermott|first1=Bill|title=3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron: A Brief History, 1944–1946|date=18 December 2009|publisher=Third Emergency Rescue Squadron – 3rd ERS|access-date=18 December 2015}}</ref> As with most [[Army Air Forces]] rescue units, especially those deploying to the Pacific, the unit was organized primarily for water recovery of downed aircrews.<ref>Tilford, p. 6</ref> A number of the squadron's [[cadre (military)|cadre]] had already received training from the [[United States Navy]] with the Catalina at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]].  The unit continued its training at [[Keesler Field]], Mississippi in April.  On 18 May the ground echelon departed for the [[Southwest Pacific Theater]], while the air echelon continued training at Keesler.  The ground echelon arrived at [[Oakland Army Base]], California on 20 May 1944 to ship out for Australia on the {{SS|Boschfontein}}, arriving at [[Archerfield Airport]] near Brisbane, Australia on 17 June.  It moved to [[Oro Bay Airfield]], New Guinea three days later, and moved forward to [[Mokmer Airfield]] on [[Biak]] in the Netherlands East Indies on 2 September 1944.<ref name=563RGfacts/><ref name=3rdERS/>

The squadron's air echelon continued training at Keesler until 5 July 1944, when it flew to the [[McClellan Air Force Base|Sacramento Air Depot]], California, arriving the following day.  It moved to [[Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Field]], California on 15 August, and arrived at Archerfield Airport on 1 September 1944.  It was finally reunited with the ground echelon at Mokmer on 29 September 1944.<ref name=563RGfacts/>

[[File:Sb-17-korea.jpg|thumb|SB-17 showing the droppable life boat]]
The squadron's first combat mission was flown on 21 September 1944, when it picked up two downed Navy fliers. In November 1944, the squadron began operating from the Philippines.  Initially the [[United States Army|Army]] was unable to support its OA-10s, and for several months, they were supported by the Navy's [[seaplane tender]]s, {{USS|Orca (AVP-49)}} and {{USS|Half Moon (AVP-26)}}.  This support continued even after the arrival of the squadron's ground echelon.<ref name=3rdERS/> During the last four months of the war, the squadron began to operate [[Boeing SB-17 Dumbo]]s, which were equipped with a 27-foot long life boat with survival equipment that could be dropped to downed aircrews, in addition to its Catalinas.  This permitted the rescue of crews who were downed in seas that were too high for the Catalinas to land and pick them up.<ref name=3rdERS/> The Dumbos would frequently accompany strike aircraft, orbiting off the coast during the attack, so as to be in position to accompany distressed aircraft on the return flight.  If needed, the life boat, whose engines gave it a range of 500 miles, could be dropped to crews that ditched or bailed out of their aircraft.<ref name=Tilford7>Tilford, p. 7</ref> The squadron also provided courier service, carried supplies and messages, evacuated allied prisoners and wounded personnel, and occasionally provided [[aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance]].<ref name=563RGfacts/>

The squadron's flights frequently operated at bases separated from the squadron [[headquarters]].  For example, in the last month of the war, August 1945, squadron flights or detachments were located at [[Mindoro]], [[Floridablanca Airfield]] and [[Laoag]] on [[Luzon]], and on [[Ie Shima]] near Okinawa.  During its eleven months of operating in the Pacific, it was credited with rescuing 325 persons.<ref name=3rdERS/>

====Occupation of Japan====
The squadron was one of the first American military units to move to Japan after [[VJ Day]].  Elements of the unit were at [[Atsugi Airfield]] in September 1945, and the squadron headquarters joined them in October.  Although the squadron became part of the [[occupation of Japan|occupation]] forces, its personnel did not, and by early 1946, only one qualified Catalina pilot was assigned to the unit.  It was not until the summer of 1946 that regular Army Air Forces officers and soldiers were assigned in sufficient strength for the squadron to resume operations.  Squadron flights were located at Atsugi, [[Chitose Air Base]], [[Itazuke Air Base]] and [[Itami Air Base]] in Japan and at [[Kimpo Air Base]] in Korea.<ref name=3rdERS/>

From 1946 through 1950, the squadron, called the '''3rd Rescue Squadron''' after 1948, provided rescue capabilities in Japan.<ref name=563RGfacts/> Its primary mission was to intercept distressed aircraft and escort them over the Japanese [[Japanese archipelago|Home Islands]] and the adjacent waters.<ref name=Endicott3ARG>Endicott, pp. 84–85</ref> Experience in the [[China Burma India Theater]] had demonstrated the need for land rescue capabilities using helicopters and light planes.<ref name=Tilford7/> In response, the squadron added [[Sikorsky R-6]] helicopters and [[Stinson L-5 Sentinel]]s to its inventory in 1947.<ref name=563RGfacts/> In 1949, [[Air Rescue Service]], which had been formed and assigned to [[Air Transport Command]] in 1946 to control rescue units in the United States and along that command's overseas routes, took over command of rescue units in the Pacific, although they remained attached to [[Far East Air Forces]] units for operational control.<ref name=563RGfacts/><ref>Tilford, pp.&nbsp;8–9</ref>

===Korean War===
[[File:Sikorsky H-5 of 3rd ARS lands to recover wounded 1951.JPEG|thumb|Squadron H-5 preparing to evacuate soldier to a MASH]]

====Deployment of elements to Korea====
Following the North Korean invasion of South Korea on 25 June 1950, the squadron deployed two L-5 Sentinels and one [[Douglas SC-47 Skytrain]] to [[Pusan West Air Base]] to perform search and rescue missions.  These were replaced a week later by [[Sikorsky H-5]] helicopters.<ref name=Marion2>Marion, p. 2</ref> By late August, a squadron representative was stationed with the Joint Operations Center to coordinate rescue operations.  Three months later, this single officer expanded into a Rescue Control Center, under the command of the squadron's deputy commander, and was also known as "3rd Air Rescue Squadron in Korea."<ref>Marion, p. 3</ref>

====Operations in Korea====
Combat operations in Korea, and the changing tactical situation there, soon added the missions of rescuing aircrew downed behind enemy lines, and evacuating wounded personnel with the squadron's helicopters.<ref>Tilford, pp. 9, 13</ref> The squadron's first rescue of a downed pilot behind enemy lines occurred on 4 September, when a [[North American F-51 Mustang]] pilot of the [[35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron]] was rescued by a squadron helicopter.<ref>Marion, pp. 3–4</ref> Initially, because of the aircraft available to the unit, now called the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron, efforts were limited to short range missions.  The squadron's H-5 helicopters could operate from Korea's many rice paddies, sometimes escorted by the unit's L-5 Sentinels, which also flew aeromedical evacuation missions from small unprepared fields.  Because of the limited resources of the squadron, it was augmented by crews and aircraft of the [[2nd Air Rescue Squadron]] at [[Clark Air Base]] in the Philippines.<ref name=Endicott3ARG/> The augmentation by the 2nd was particularly in the form of [[Boeing SB-29 Superdumbo]]s, which operated offshore from strike areas, much as the SB-17 Dumbos had during World War II.<ref>Tilford, p. 9</ref>

[[File:Sikorsky S-55 rescue hover bw.jpg|thumb|Group H-19 water rescue<ref group=note>The helicopter is hoisting USAF Capt. [[Joseph C. McConnell]] out of the [[Yellow Sea]] off Korea on 12 April 1953. McConnell was shot down by a [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]] in his [[North American F-86E Sabre]] serial 51-2753. Although the helicopter is marked as an Air Rescue Service aircraft, it was actually being operated by the [[581st Air Resupply and Communications Wing]], which operated a helicopter detachment alongside the 3rd's detachment on Cho do.  Marion, p. 19.</ref>]]
The squadron's Boeing SB-17 Dumbos and SC-47 Skytrains were used in the search role, with the C-47 "Gooneybirds" being commandeered on occasion to fly critical supply missions.  Early in the war, both these planes began to be replaced by SB-29 Superdumbos.<ref name=Endicott3ARG/> When the war began, Air Rescue Service's newest plane, the [[Grumman SA-16 Albatross]] amphibian, was not on the strength of any unit in the Pacific.  To remedy this, a detachment of four Albatrosses from the [[5th Rescue Squadron]] at [[Lowry Air Force Base]], Colorado was dispatched in July 1950 to augment the 3rd Squadron.  By November, the squadron began to receive its own SA-16s, and it was fully equipped by the following March.<ref>Marion, pp. 21–22</ref> In March 1951, the squadron received a YH-19 test model of the Sikorsky helicopter to evaluate in combat.<ref>Marion, p. 8</ref> Replacement of the H-5s by the [[Sikorsky H-19]] greatly extended the range of the squadron's rotary wing elements.<ref name=Endicott3ARG/>

The squadron's helicopters frequently flew wounded soldiers to Army [[Mobile Army Surgical Hospital]] (MASH) units, typically stationing one H-5 and one L-5 with each MASH.<ref name=Marion2/><ref group=note>Eventually, the Army began using its own [[Bell H-13 Sioux]] in this mission as well.  By the war's end, approximately 25,000 wounded had been evacuated to MASH units, with almost 8,400 of them by helicopters of the 3rd.  Marion, p. 17</ref> In December 1951, the squadron successfully evacuated troops to a Navy [[hospital ship]] sailing off the Korean coast.<ref name=Endicott3ARG/> Dr. Elmer Henderson, a former chairman of the [[American Medical Association]], credited the drop in the mortality rate for wounded soldiers to half that experienced during World War II to their quick evacuation by rescue helicopters.<ref name=Tilford12>Tilford, p. 12</ref> Over 7,000 casualties were evacuated by the 3rd during the war.<ref>Marion, p. 1</ref> Squadron elements operated out of [[Baengnyeongdo|Paengnyong-do]] and [[Chodo Airport|Cho-do]] islands off the coast of North Korea, enabling its limited range helicopters to rescue aircrew far behind enemy lines.<ref>Tilford, p. 13</ref>

Associated in part with these forward locations, the squadron assumed a secondary mission of [[special operations]].  Shortly after the arrival of the YH-19, it was used to extract "[[United Nations]] personnel" (most likely Korean [[guerilla]]s) from behind enemy lines.  During November 1950, squadron SB-17s dropped a number of agents near the Chinese border, along with radio equipment, to provide intelligence data on enemy components.  In April 1951, the unit recovered components of a MiG-15 that had crashed near [[Sinanju]] for study by [[military intelligence]].<ref>Marion, pp. 11, 40</ref>

====Squadron to group====
[[File:SA-16A Albatross 3ARG Japan 1953.jpg|thumb|38th Squadron Albatross taking off<ref group=note>Aircraft is Grumman SA-16A Albatross serial 51-6.</ref>]]
While still flying combat missions, in November 1952, the squadron was expanded, becoming the '''3rd Air Rescue Group'''.  Each of the squadron's flights was replaced by a newly-activated squadron, assigned to the new group:
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
: A Flight at [[Johnson Air Base]], Japan was replaced by the [[36th Air Rescue Squadron]]
: B Flight at [[Komaki Air Base]], Japan was replaced by the [[37th Air Rescue Squadron]]
: C Flight at [[Misawa Air Base]], Japan was replaced by the [[38th Air Rescue Squadron]]
: D Flight at [[Ashiya Air Base]], Japan was replaced by the [[39th Air Rescue Squadron]]
{{div col end}}

At the same time, Detachment 1 of the squadron at [[Seoul]], Korea was expanded into the 2157th Air Rescue Squadron<ref name=Endicott3ARG/>

The group was credited with rescuing almost 10,000 United Nations personnel during the Korean War, including almost 1,000 combat saves from behind enemy lines, and 200 water rescues.  Its actions earned the unit a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] and two [[Korean Presidential Unit Citation]]s.<ref name=563RGfacts/><ref group=note>The squadron was the first [[United States Air Force]] unit to earn a Distinguished Unit Citation.  Tilford, p. 14</ref>

Following the war, the group returned to providing rescue capability in Japan.  As Air Rescue Service shrank from a peak of 50 squadrons in 1954, the 37th Squadron was inactivated in May 1955.<ref name=Tilford15>Tilford, p. 15</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432762/37-helicopter-squadron-afgsc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 37 Helicopter Squadron (AFGSC)|date=25 May 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=5 August 2014}}</ref> During 1955, the group replaced its SB-29s with [[Douglas SC-54 Skymaster]]s.  The SC-54 carried four 40-man inflatable rafts that were safer to drop than the single wooden boat carried by the SB-29.<ref>Tilford, p. 17</ref> In 1957, group headquarters and the 38th Squadron were inactivated, and the 36th and 39th Squadrons were transferred to the 2nd Air Rescue Group.<ref name=563RGfacts/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/862226/582-helicopter-group-acc/ |last1=Haulman|first1=Daniel L.|title=Factsheet 582 Helicopter Group (AFGSC)|date=May 15, 2015|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> By 1961 Air Rescue Service would have only eleven squadrons assigned.<ref name=Tilford15/>

===Vietnam War===
[[File:HH-43B Huskie Cam Ranh Bay2.jpg|thumb|HH-43 Huskie picking up fire suppression kit at Cam Ranh Bay]]

====Buildup of rescue forces====
Coordination of USAF rescue operations in Southeast Asia had begun with the establishment of Detachment 3, Pacific Air Rescue Center, which was replaced in July 1965 by the 38th Air Rescue Squadron,<ref group=note>After 8 January 1966, this squadron was the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron.</ref> with rescue detachments at several bases in South Vietnam and Thailand.  The squadron also manned the Joint Search and Rescue Center at [[Tan Son Nhut Airport]], which operated through regional rescue coordination centers at [[Da Nang Air Base]], South Vietnam and [[Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base]]. The Joint Center also directed [[Seventh Fleet]] rescue operations in the [[Gulf of Tonkin]].<ref>Tilford, p. 70, 73</ref>

Rising aircraft losses in late 1965 led to the expansion of Air Force rescue assets in Southeast Asia.  The group was reactivated as the '''3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group''', with Detachment 1 at Da Nang, and Detachment 2 at Udorn, manning the regional rescue centers.  The 38th Squadron became responsible for local base rescue detachments at bases in Vietnam and Thailand, using [[Kaman HH-43 Huskie]]s.<ref group=note>These helicopters were more commonly referred to as "Pedros", after their radio call sign.</ref> The 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron was established at Da Nang, and was responsible for rescue missions in North Vietnam, Laos and for Air Force rescue efforts in the Gulf of Tonkin. It used [[Sikorsky HH-3 Jolly Green Giant]]s for combat rescue, and Lockheed HC-130s as command and control aircraft to coordinate rescue operations.<ref name=Tilford75>Tilford, pp. 75-76</ref> It was also assigned HU-16s<ref group=note>When the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] adopted a single aircraft designation system, the SA-16 became the HU-16</ref> for long range water rescue over the Gulf of Tonkin.<ref name=Tilford81>Tilford, p. 81</ref> Later, the HC-130s at Da Nang and Udorn were combined to form the group's third squadron, the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron.<ref>Tilford, p. 76</ref>

====Improved equipment====
[[File:HC-130P refuels HH-3E over Southeast Asia.jpg|thumb|HC-130 refuels HH-3 over Southeast Asia]]
The capabilities of the "off the shelf" rescue helicopters assigned to it limited the group's effectiveness.  The HH-43 could not hover at higher altitudes, and the HH-3 needed to stage from forward bases in Laos to provide rescue coverage for North Vietnam.  This deficiency was partially remedied by the addition of air refueling capability to the HH-3s.  Within a few months after the first combat refueling in June 1967, in flight refueling became standard, but staging bases in Laos continued to be used.  In addition to extending the range of the group's refuelable helicopters, air refueling permitted them to dump fuel when needed to lighten the aircraft, and to enable it to hover for rescues at high altitudes, knowing that it would be able to connect with a tanker after the rescue attempt and on-load sufficient fuel to return to its home base.<ref>Tilford, pp. 81–83, 85–86</ref>

In parallel with the introduction of the HC-130H air refueling aircraft, in the spring of 1967, the group implemented Operation High Drink, which enabled the HH-3s to take on fuel from virtually any Navy ship operating in the Gulf of Tonkin, either landing on larger ships, or hovering alongside smaller ones.  Combined with the Jolly Green Giant's ability to land on water, this permitted the withdrawal of the HU-16 amphibians, which flew their last combat rescue sortie on 30 September 1967.<ref>Tilford, p. 86</ref>

[[File:37th ARRSq Revetments, DaNang, RVN 1970-71.jpg|thumb|37th Squadron HH-53s in revetments at Da Nang Air Base]]
In the fall of 1967, the group received its first [[Sikorsky HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant]], which were stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base.  These helicopters improved capabilities over Laos and North Vietnam, since they were faster, could hover at altitudes up to 6,500&nbsp;ft [[pressure altitude]] and were armed with three [[Minigun#M60D|GAU-28/A]] 7.62mm miniguns.  Because of their larger size, HH-53s also carried a second pararescue specialist.  However, despite the improved capability provided by the BUFF (as it was called by crewmembers), the unit's night rescue capability remained very limited and night rescue attempts were rarely successful.<ref>Tilford, pp. 90–92</ref> In March 1968, expanded rescue missions over Laos and North Vietnam led to the formation of a second squadron at Udorn, the [[40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron]].<ref name=Tilford81/>

====Reductions in rescue operations====
Reductions in the size of the group began in December 1969, when the local base rescue detachment at [[Binh Thuy Air Base]] was discontinued.  Closure of these detachments continued through 1970 as bases were closed or transferred to the Army or the Vietnamese Air Force.  The closure of [[Tuy Hoa Air Base]] required the group's 39th Squadron to move to [[Cam Ranh Bay Air Base]] in the fall of 1970.  By July 1971 reductions in local base rescue reached the point where the 38th Squadron was inactivated and the few remaining detachments were transferred directly to the group.  That same month, the 40th Squadron moved to [[Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base]], to better support the campaign against the [[Ho Chi Minh Trail]] in Laos, where air strikes had been concentrated since the bombing halt above the [[20th parallel north|20th parallel]].<ref>Tilford, pp. 113–114</ref>

Although the group did not directly participate in the [[Son Tay Raid]] in November 1970, when the Joint Contingency Task Force arrived in theater, it used seven HH-53s from the group's 40th Squadron, and two HH-3s from the 37th Squadron.<ref>Tilford, p. 107</ref>

In March 1972, the HC-130Ps of the 39th Squadron left Vietnam for [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base]].  Shortly after its arrival there, the squadron was inactivated, and its planes were temporarily absorbed by the Korat local base rescue detachment.  However, in July, the [[56th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron]] was activated to manage these aircraft.<ref>Tilford, p. 115</ref> By late in the year, withdrawals in connection with the [[ceasefire#Vietnam War|cease fire]] had resulted in the withdrawal of almost all rescue forces from Vietnam.  The 37th Squadron at Da Nang Air Base was inactivated in November, and its remaining assets were absorbed by the 40th Squadron.<ref name=Tilford127>Tilford, p. 127</ref> The group moved with Seventh Air Force to Nakhon Phanom, and the existing Joint Rescue Centers were replaced by a single one located with group headquarters.<ref name=563RGfacts/><ref name=Tilford127/> Rescue operations continued in Laos and Cambodia, but the group also began to participate in training exercises.<ref>Tilford, pp. 133–135</ref>

====1975: Eagle Pull, Frequent Wind and the ''Mayaguez'' incident====
On 3 April 1975, group forces were placed on alert for the possible implementation of [[Operation Eagle Pull]], the evacuation of Americans from [[Phnom Penh]], as [[Khmer Rouge]] forces surrounded Cambodia's capital.  A group helicopter flew a [[United States Marine Corps]] command element into Phnom Penh to assume control of the evacuation.  On 12 April, the group's helicopters positioned for evacuation, and flew a [[combat control team]] to the beleaguered city.  After Marine helicopters had evacuated civilians, two group helicopters returned to the landing zone to extract the combat control team and remaining security forces.  One HH-53 was hit by ground fire and badly damaged, but was able to return to base for an emergency landing.<ref>Tilford, pp. 139-140</ref>

As conditions in Southeast Asia continued to deteriorate, [[Operation Frequent Wind]], the evacuation of Saigon, was implemented at the end of the month.  The group placed rescue helicopters on alert at bases in Thailand and aboard {{USS|Midway (CV-41)}}.  On 29 April, the two helicopters aboard ''Midway'' accompanied Marine CH-53s on three missions to evacuate people at the [[defense attaché|Defense Attaché]] Compound. The last flight carried as many as 97 refugees aboard one of the aircraft. By the end of the last mission, both Super Jollys were out of commission, having flown the group's last mission in Vietnam.<ref>Tilford, pp. 142–145</ref>

On 12 May, Khmer Rouge forces seized the {{SS|Mayaguez}}, a U.S. merchant ship.  The group initially flew two of its HH-53s to transport [[Security Police]]men from Nakhon Phanom for use as a possible rescue force.  On 15 May, group HH-53s again joined CH-53s of other units in transporting a Marine assault force from [[U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield]] to the island where the ''Mayaguez'' had been run aground.  After offloading their Marines on the {{USS|Harold E. Holt}}, the Jolly Greens headed for one of the CH-53s, Knife 21, which had been shot down after offloading its Marines.  Although the crew was rescued, one of the pararescuemen on the Jolly was lost in the effort.  The Jollys then escorted another CH-53, which had been struck while attempting to land its Marines.  As the attempt to extract the Marines from [[Koh Tang Island]] began, additional HH-53s transported a relief force of Marines for additional security.  Evacuation efforts continued under heavy enemy fire throughout the afternoon and evening in the Air Force's last combat operation in Southeast Asia.<ref>Tilford, pp. 146–154</ref>

In October 1975, the 56th Squadron was inactivated, and its remaining HC-130s absorbed by the 40th Squadron.  As the United States continued its withdrawal from Southeast Asia, the Rescue Coordination Center was shut down on 15 December 1975, and the group and the 40th Squadron were inactivated at the end of January 1976.<ref>Tilford, pp. 154–155</ref> The group was credited with 3,681 saves during the war, including 2,632 combat saves.<ref name=563RGfacts/>

===Reactivation===
Since reactivating in 2003 as the '''563rd Rescue Group''' at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the group has deployed airmen and aircraft almost annually in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], and [[Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa]].  It has conducted humanitarian operations during [[Hurricane Katrina]] (which included evacuation support along the [[Gulf Coast]]), [[Hurricane Rita]], and other hurricanes, and has supported [[NASA]] during launch and recovery of the space shuttle. 48th Rescue Squadron recovery teams have saved hundreds of lives in combat and noncombat situations.<ref name=48Spotlight/><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13022 |title=55th Rescue Squadron Mission Spotlight|date=9 November 2015|publisher=Davis-Monthan AFB Public Affairs|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151222170417/http://www.dm.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13022 |archive-date=22 December 2015|access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>  Previously assigned as a geographically separated unit of the [[347th Rescue Wing]] and later of the [[23rd Wing]], both at [[Moody Air Force Base]], Georgia, the 563rd was later reassigned to the [[355th Fighter Wing]], later the 355th Wing, collocated at Davis-Monthan.

===Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross and Air Force Cross===
Three members of the group received the second highest award for heroism awarded by the United States military.  After a later review, one of these awards was upgraded to the nation's highest award, the [[Medal of Honor]].<ref>Marion, p. 24. Tilford, pp. 88-89</ref>

During June 1951, Lt John J. Najarian landed his SA-16 amphibian in the [[Taedong River]], which was not only shallow, but filled with floating debris, while low-hanging [[high voltage|high-tension]] power lines ran over the river, to rescue a Mustang pilot, who had bailed out of his plane at twilight.  Assisted by covering flights of Mustangs to suppress enemy flak, Lt Najarian was able to make the difficult night landing, pick up the pilot and take off successfully.  For this mission, he was awarded the [[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]].<ref>Marion, p. 24</ref>

Airman First Class [[William H. Pitsenbarger]] of the group's 38th Squadron was the first enlisted man to be awarded the [[Air Force Cross (United States)|Air Force Cross]].  Flying as a parajumper, or PJ, on an HH-43 sent to extract an Army unit caught in a [[Viet Cong]] ambush on 7 March 1966, he descended to assist with hoisting soldiers up to the helicopter.  When the Pedro (radio call sign for the tasked helicopter) had been loaded with all the wounded soldiers it could hold, Airman Pitsenbarger elected to remain behind to render aid to the remaining soldiers, all of whom were wounded.  When a second HH-43 arrived on the scene, its PJ descended and found that the Viet Cong had killed Airman Pitsenbarger and the remaining soldiers.<ref>Tilford, p. 88</ref> On 8 December 2000, following a review, Airman Pitsenbarger's Air Force Cross was upgraded to an award of the Medal of Honor, and he was posthumously promoted to the rank of [[Staff Sergeant]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher= [[United States Army Center of Military History]] |title= Vietnam War Period Medal of Honor recipients |work= Medal of Honor citations |date= 16 July 2007 |url= http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-m-z.html#PITSENBARGER |access-date= 29 November 2007 |archive-date= 24 April 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080424094845/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-m-z.html#PITSENBARGER |url-status= dead }}</ref>

Airman First Class [[Duane D. Hackney]], a PJ with the 37th Squadron, was awarded the Air Force Cross for actions on 13 March 1967 in a rescue operation for two Marine helicopters, a [[Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave]] that had been shot down, and a [[Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight]] that had crashed while attempting to aid the first Marine chopper, when it reported that enemy forces were closing in on the crash site.  Airman Hackney made multiple trips to the ground while exposed to enemy fire, loading as many Marines on his HH-3's [[Stokes litter]] as possible each trip.  The HH-3 was struck by enemy fire, losing hydraulic pressure, and forcing the pilot to head for an emergency landing field.  Airman Hackney continued to tend to the wounded on board, even after being rendered temporarily unconscious from a bullet that had struck his helmet.<ref>Tilford, pp. 88–89</ref><ref group=note>Airman Hackney's Air Force Cross was the first not awarded [[wikt:posthumous|posthumously]].  He has been called the most decorated airman in Air Force history, with a [[Silver Star]], four [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Crosses]], 18 [[Air Medal]]s, two [[Purple Heart]]s and the [[Cheney Award]] among his awards.  {{cite web|url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10048 |title=This Week in PACAF and USAF History 7–13 September 2009|page=2 |publisher=Pacific Air Forces Office of History|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140408212022/http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090908-052.pdf |archive-date=8 April 2014|access-date=20 December 2015}}</ref>

==Lineage==
The lineage of the 563rd Rescue Group from organization to today:<ref name=563RGfacts2>Lineage, including assignments, components and aircraft in Bailey, AFHRA Factsheet, except as noted</ref>

* Constituted as the 3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron on 14 February 1944
: Activated on 15 February 1944
: Redesignated 3rd Rescue Squadron on 28 January 1948
: Redesignated 3rd Air Rescue Squadron on 10 August 1950
: Redesignated 3rd Air Rescue Group on 14 November 1952
: Inactivated on 18 June 1957
* Redesignated 3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group and activated on 14 December 1965 (not organized)
: Organized on 8 January 1966
: Inactivated on 31 January 1976
* Redesignated 563rd Rescue Group on 29 July 2003
: Activated on 1 October 2003

===Assignments===
Assignments of the 563rd Rescue Group from organization to today:<ref name=563RGfacts2 />

* [[Army Air Forces Training Command]], 15 February 1944
* [[Eastern Technical Training Command]], 4 March 1944
* [[Thirteenth Air Force]], 28 July 1944
* [[Fifth Air Force]], 17 August 1944 (under operational control of [[V Bomber Command]], 26 August – 2 October 1944)
* 5276th Rescue Composite Group (Provisional), 2 October 1944
* 5th Emergency Rescue Group, 16 March 1945
* V Bomber Command, 21 November 1945
* [[314th Composite Wing]], 31 May 1946
* Fifth Air Force, 6 June 1946
* Air Rescue Service, 1 May 1949 – 18 June 1957 (attached to Fifth Air Force, 1 May 1949, 314th Air Division, 18 May 1951, Japanese Air Defense Force, 14 November 1952, Far East Air Forces, 1 August 1954 – 18 June 1957)
* [[Military Air Transport Service]], 14 December 1965 (not organized)<ref group=note>Active, but unorganized, Military Air Transport Service and Military Airlift Command units were assigned to command headquarters between 27 December 1965 and 8 January 1966.  ''See'' {{cite web |url= https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432781/60-air-mobility-wing-amc/ |last1=Kane|first1=Robert B.|title=Factsheet 60 Air Mobility Wing (AMC)|date=29 April 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>
* Military Airlift Command, 1 January 1966 (not organized)
* Pacific Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Center (later 41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, 41st Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing), 8 January 1966 – 31 January 1976
* 347th Rescue Wing, 1 October 2003
* 23rd Wing, 1 October 2006<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432094/23-wing-acc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 23 Wing (ACC)|date=6 February 2015|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>
* 355th Fighter Wing (later 355th Wing), 1 October 2018 – present<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432175/355-wing-acc |last1=Musser|first1=James M.|title=Factsheet 355 Wing (ACC)|date=March 30, 2021|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1723710/one-base-one-boss-355th-wing-strengthens-mission-competence/ |last1=Sims|first1=SRA Giovanni|last2=Moore|first2=Amn Frankie|title=One base, one boss: 355th wing strengthens mission competence|date=3 January 2019|publisher=355th Wing Public Affairs}}</ref>

=== Components ===
; Operational Squadrons
Operational squadrons of the 563rd Rescue Group from 1952 to today:<ref name=563RGfacts2 />
* [[33rd Air Rescue Squadron]]: 20 September 1955 – 18 June 1957
* 36th Air Rescue Squadron: 14 November 1952 – 18 June 1957
* 37th Air Rescue Squadron (later [[37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron]]): 14 November 1952 – 8 May 1955; 8 January 1966 – 20 August 1972
* 38th Air Rescue Squadron (later, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron): 14 November 1952 – 18 June 1957; 8 January 1966 – 1 July 1972
* 39th Air Rescue Squadron (later, 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron): 14 November 1952 – 18 June 1957; 18 January 1967 – 30 April 1972
* 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron: 18 March 1968 – 20 August 1972
* [[48th Rescue Squadron]]: 1 October 2003 – present
* [[55th Rescue Squadron]]: 1 October 2003 – present
* 56th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron: 8 July – 20 August 1972
* [[58th Rescue Squadron]]: 1 October 2003 – present
* [[60th Air Rescue Squadron]]: 8 April 1956 – 18 June 1957
* [[66th Rescue Squadron]]: 1 October 2003 – 1 June 2023
* [[79th Rescue Squadron]]: 1 October 2003 – present
* 2157th Air Rescue Squadron: 1 March 1953 – 8 April 1956

; Maintenance Squadrons
* 563rd Maintenance Squadron: 1 October 2003 – c. 2005<ref name=Moody563facts>{{cite web|url=http://www.moody.af.mil/AboutUs/Units/23dWing/563dRescueGroup.aspx|title=About Us: 563rd Rescue Group|publisher=23d Wing Public Affairs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327182622/http://www.moody.af.mil/AboutUs/Units/23dWing/563dRescueGroup.aspx|archive-date=27 March 2017|access-date=26 May 2019}}</ref>
* 763rd Maintenance Squadron: 1 October 2003 – c. 2005<ref name=Moody563facts/>

; Detachments
* Detachment F, 14 September 1950 – 22 June 1951<ref>This date is from Tilford, p. 12.  Endicott gives the date as circa 24 September.  Endicott, p. 85.</ref>
* Detachment 1, 22 June 1951 – 1 March 1953<ref name=Endicott3ARG/><ref name=Tilford12/>
* Detachment 1, 8 January 1966 – 15 December 1966<ref name=563RGfacts2/>
* Detachment 2, 8 January 1966 – 15 December 1966<ref name=563RGfacts2/><ref group=note>In addition to these detachments, during the Vietnam War, various local base rescue detachments were assigned directly to the group after July 1971.  Bailey.  However, for most of the period, they operated as detachments of the group's squadrons.  ''See generally'' Tilford.</ref>

===Stations===
Stations of the 563rd Rescue Group from organization to today:<ref name=563RGfacts2 />
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Gulfport Army Air Field, Mississippi, 15 February 1944
* Keesler Field, Mississippi, 1 April 1944 – May/July 1944
* Mokmer Airfield, Biak, Netherlands East Indies, September 1944
* [[Dulag Airfield]], Leyte, Philippines, 3 November 1944
* [[Tacloban Airfield]], Leyte, Philippines, 1 April 1945
* Floridablanca Airfield, Luzon, Philippines, 21 May 1945
* [[Ie Shima Airfield]], Okinawa, 15 September 1945
* Atsugi Airfield, Japan, 6 October 1945
* [[Nagoya Airfield]], Japan, 17 June 1946
* [[Yokota Air Base]], Japan, 15 July 1947
* [[Johnson Air Base]], Japan, 1 April 1950
* Nagoya Air Base (later Nagoya Air Station; Moriyama Air Station), Japan, 9 December 1953 – 18 June 1957
* Tan Son Nhut Airport, South Vietnam, 8 January 1966
* Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, 15 February 1973
* U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield, Thailand, 15 September 1975 – 31 January 1976
* Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 1 October 2003 – present
{{div col end}}

===Aircraft===
Aircraft of the 563rd Rescue Group from organization to today:<ref name=563RGfacts2 />
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
* Consolidated OA-10 Catalina, 1944–1947
* Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, 1945–1957
* Boeing SB-17 Dumbo, 1945–1957
* Douglas C-47 Skytrain, 1945–1957
* Douglas SC-47 Skytrain, 1945–1957
* Stinson L-5 Sentinel, 1947–1957
* Sikorsky R-6 (later H-6), 1947–1949
* Sikorsky H-5, 1948–1954
* Boeing SB-29 Superdumbo 1949–1955
* Grumman SA-16 (later HU-16) Albatross, 1950–1957, 1966–1967
* Sikorsky H-19, 1951–1957
* Sikorsky SH-19, 1951–1957
* Douglas SC-54 Skymaster, 1956–1957
* Kaman HH-43 Huskie, 1966–1975
* Sikorsky HH-3 Jolly Green Giant, 1966–1970
* Sikorsky HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant, 1967–1975
* Bell UH-1N Twin Huey, 1975
* Lockheed HC-130 Hercules, 1966–present<ref group=note>included HC-130H, HC-130P and HC-130J</ref>
* Sikorsky HH-60G Pavehawk, 2003–present
{{div col end}}

===Awards and campaigns===
{{unit awards table
|award_image1=AF PUC
|award_name1=[[Distinguished Unit Citation]]
|award_date1=25 June 1950 – 25 December 1950
|award_notes1=Korea 3rd Rescue Squadron (later 3rd Air Rescue Squadron)<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image2=AF PUC
|award_name2=Distinguished Unit Citation
|award_date2=22 April 1951 – 8 June 1951
|award_notes2=Korea 3rd Air Rescue Squadron<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image3=AF PUC
|award_name3=Distinguished Unit Citation
|award_date3=1 May 1953 – 27 July 1953
|award_notes3=Korea 3rd Air Rescue Squadron<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image4=AF PUC
|award_name4=Presidential Unit Citation
|award_date4=1 August 1965 – 30 June 1966
|award_notes4=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image5=AF PUC
|award_name5=Presidential Unit Citation
|award_date5=1 July 1967 – 31 January 1969
|award_notes5=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image6=AF PUC
|award_name6=Presidential Unit Citation
|award_date6=1 February 1969 – 30 April 1970
|award_notes6=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image7=AF PUC
|award_name7=Presidential Unit Citation
|award_date7=1 May 1970 – 31 March 1972
|award_notes7=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image8=AF PUC
|award_name8=Presidential Unit Citation
|award_date8=1 April 1972 – 31 January 1973
|award_notes8=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image9=AF MUA
|award_name9=[[Air Force Meritorious Unit Award]]
|award_date9=1 June 2008 – 31 May 2010
|award_notes9=563rd Rescue Group<ref name=563RGawards>{{cite web |url= https://access.afpc.af.mil/AwardsDMZNet40/SearchAwards.aspx |title=Air Force Personnel Services: Unit Awards|publisher=Air Force Personnel Center|access-date=4 January 2016}} (search)</ref>
|award_image10=AF OUA w/ v
|award_name10=[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] with [[Combat "V" Device]]
|award_date10=1 July 1966 – 31 December 1966
|award_notes10=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image11=AF OUA w/ v
|award_name11=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device
|award_date11=1 January 2010 – 31 December 2010
|award_notes11=563rd Rescue Group<ref name=563RGawards/>
|award_image12=AF OUA
|award_name12=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date12=1 October 2003 – 31 October 2004
|award_notes12=563rd Rescue Group<ref name=563RGawards/>
|award_image13=AF OUA
|award_name13=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date13=1 November 2004 – 31 July 2006
|award_notes13=563rd Rescue Group<ref name=563RGawards/>
|award_image14=AF OUA
|award_name14=Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
|award_date14=1 June 2006 – 31 May 2008
|award_notes14=563rd Rescue Group<ref name=563RGawards/>
|award_image15=PPUC
|award_name15=[[Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation]]
|award_date15=17 October 1944 – 4 July 1945<ref>AF Pamphlet 900-2, Unit Decorations, Awards and Campaign Participation Credits, p. 46</ref>
|award_notes15=3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image16=KPUC
|award_name16=[[Korean Presidential Unit Citation]]
|award_date16=25 June 1950 – 30 June 1951
|award_notes16=3rd Rescue Squadron (later 3rd Air Rescue Squadron)<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image17=KPUC
|award_name17=Korean Presidential Unit Citation
|award_date17=1 July 1951 – 31 March 1953
|award_notes17=3rd Air Rescue Squadron (later 3rd Air Rescue Group)<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image18=VGC
|award_name18=[[Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)|Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm]]
|award_date18=8 January 1966 – 28 July 1969
|award_notes18=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
|award_image19=VGC
|award_name19=Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm
|award_date19=1 April 1966 – 28 January 1973
|award_notes19=3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group<ref name=563RGfacts/>
}}

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Campaign Streamer
! Campaign
! Dates
! Notes<ref name=563RGfacts/><ref>Campaign dates in AF Pamphlet 900-2 (Vol. 1) pp. 25-26</ref>
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||New Guinea||2 September 1944 – 31 December 1944 ||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Western Pacific||17 April 1944 – 2 September 1945 ||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Leyte||17 October 1944 – 1 July 1945||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Luzon||15 December 1944 – 4 July 1945||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Southern Philippines||27 February 1945 – 4 July 1945||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||China Defensive||2 September 1944 – 4 May 1945||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||China Offensive||5 May 1945 – 2 September 1945||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer APC.PNG|200px]]||Ryukus||26 March 1945 – 2 July 1945 ||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer NOS E.JPG|200px]]|| [[Army of Occupation Medal|World War II Army of Occupation]] (Japan)||3 September 1945 – 27 April 1952||3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron (later 3rd Rescue Squadron,<br/> 3rd Air Rescue Squadron, 3rd Air Rescue Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||UN Defensive ||27 June 1950 – 15 September 1950 ||3rd Rescue Squadron (later 3rd Air Rescue Squadron)
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||UN Offensive ||16 September 1950 – 2 November 1950 ||3rd Air Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||CCF Intervention ||3 November 1950 – 24 January 1951||3rd Air Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||1st UN Counteroffensive||25 January 1951 – 21 April 1951||3rd Air Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||CCF Spring Offensive||22 April 1951 – 9 July 1951||3rd Air Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]|| UN Summer-Fall Offensive||9 July 1951 – 27 November 1951||3rd Air Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||Second Korean Winter||28 November 1951 – 30 April 1952||3rd Air Rescue Squadron
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||Korea Summer-Fall 1952||1 May 1952 – 30 November 1952||3rd Air Rescue Squadron (later 3rd Air Rescue Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||Third Korean Winter||1 December 1952 – 30 April 1953||3rd Air Rescue Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer KS.PNG|200px]]||Korea Summer-Fall 1953||1 May 1953 – 27 July 1953||3rd Air Rescue Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Defensive||8 January 1966 – 30 January 1966||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Air||31 January 1966 – 28 June 1966||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Air Offensive||29 June 1966 – 8 March 1967||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II||9 March 1967 – 31 March 1968||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Air/Ground||22 January 1968 – 7 July 1968||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III||1 April 1968 – 31 October 1968||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV||1 November 1968 – 22 February 1969||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Tet 1969/Counteroffensive||23 February 1969 – 8 June 1969||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969||9 June 1969 – 31 October 1969||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970||3 November 1969 – 30 April 1970||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Sanctuary Counteroffensive||1 May 1970 – 30 June 1970||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Southwest Monsoon||1 July 1970 – 30 November 1970||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Commando Hunt V||1 December 1970 – 14 May 1971||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Commando Hunt VI||15 May 1971 – 31 July 1971||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Commando Hunt VII||1 November 1971 – 29 March 1972||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|-
|[[File:Streamer VS.PNG|200px]]||Vietnam Ceasefire Campaign||39 March 1972 – 28 January 1973||3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group)
|}

==See also==
{{Commons category-inline}}


* [[List of United States Air Force Groups]]
* [[List of United States Air Force rescue squadrons]]
* [[B-17 Flying Fortress units of the United States Army Air Forces]]
* [[List of B-29 Superfortress operators]]
* [[List of C-47 Skytrain operators]]
* [[List of C-130 Hercules operators]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=note}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|editor=Endicott, Judy G.|title=The USAF in Korea, Campaigns, Units and Stations 1950–1953|url= https://media.defense.gov/2010/May/26/2001330297/-1/-1/0/AFD-100526-045.pdf |year=2001|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|location=Maxwell AFB, AL|isbn=0-16-050901-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Marion|first=Forrest L.|title=That Others May Live: USAF Air Rescue in Korea|url= http://www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101001-050.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111127112720/http://www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101001-050.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 27 November 2011 |access-date=7 January 2016|year=2004|publisher=Air Force History and Museums Program|location=Washington DC|isbn= 978-1477549926}}
* {{cite book|last=Tilford|first=Earl H. Jr.|title=Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/29/2001329780/-1/-1/0/AFD-100929-010.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165306/http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/29/2001329780/-1/-1/0/AFD-100929-010.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 3 January 2017 |access-date=19 December 2015|series=USAF in Southeast Asia|year= 1992|publisher=Center for Air Force History|location=Bolling AFB, DC|isbn=978-1782664284}}
* [http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/AFP900-2Vol1Bk1.pdf AF Pamphlet 900-2, Unit Decorations, Awards and Campaign Participation Credits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804134135/http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/AFP900-2Vol1Bk1.pdf |date=4 August 2015 }} Department of the Air Force, Washington, DC, 15 June 1971

; Further reading
* {{cite book|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Nov/04/2001329882/-1/-1/0/AFD-101104-022.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161220185633/http://media.defense.gov/2010/Nov/04/2001329882/-1/-1/0/AFD-101104-022.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 20 December 2016 |title=1961–1973: An Illustrated History|publisher=Office of Air Force History |year=1977|isbn=978-0912799162 |series=The United States in Southeast Asia |location= Washington, DC|lccn=76608038|editor=Berger, Carl|access-date= 6 December 2014}}
* {{cite book|last=Futrell|first= Robert F.|title= The United States Air Forces in Korea 1950–1953|year=1983|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location= Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-71-4}} [https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/101-150/AFD-090529-038.pdf Part 1] [https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/101-150/AFD-090529-039.pdf Part 2] [https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/101-150/AFD-090529-040.pdf Part 3] [https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/101-150/AFD-090529-041.pdf Part 4]
* {{cite book|last=Jonasson|first=Jonas A.|editor=Craven, Wesley F |editor2=Cate, James L|title=The Army Air Forces in World War II|volume= VII, Services Around the World |year=1955|publisher=University of Chicago Press|location=Chicago, Illinois|oclc=704158| lccn=48003657|chapter=Medicine, Morale and Air-Sea Rescue, Chapter 15 Air-Sea Rescue}}

==External links==
* {{cite web |url= https://www.dvidshub.net/video/427860/563rd-rescue-group-airmen-homecoming#.Vo6X_vkrKM8 |last1=Arnuad-Marquez|first1=A1C Jean-Paul|title=Video: 563rd Rescue Group Airmen Homecoming|date=9 October 2015|publisher=Defense Video & Imagery Distribution Service|access-date=7 January 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.vhpamuseum.org/usaf/arrs/3arrg/3arrg.shtml |title=The Legacy of Valor: Vietnam Helicopter Images and Artifacts|date=29 April 2015|publisher=Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association|access-date=7 January 2016}}
* {{cite web|url=http://live.cgaux.org/?p=4043|author=Staff writer(s)|title=Throwback Thursday – Operation Angel Thunder|date=25 September 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307165602/http://live.cgaux.org/?p=4043|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite web |url= http://tucson.com/news/local/d-m-rescue-group-returns-home-after-life-saving-mission/article_1c7ff80b-4c50-5658-a292-7c0bfd692b5d.html |last1=Cruz|first1=Veronica M.|title=D-M rescue group returns home after life-saving mission at sea|date=7 May 2014|work=Arizona Daily Star|access-date=7 January 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-injured-chinese-sailors-20140505-story.html |author=Staff writer(s)|title=U.S. Air Force rescues injured Chinese sailors 1,000 miles at sea|date=5 May 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=7 January 2016}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.ptc-us.com/news/meanwhile-563rd-prepares-exercise-angle-thunder|last1=Grant|first1=SSG Adam|title=Meanwhile as the 563rd prepares for Exercise Angle [sic] Thunder...|date=5 May 2014|publisher=Pioneer Technologies Corporation|url-status=dead|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305041239/http://www.ptc-us.com/news/meanwhile-563rd-prepares-exercise-angle-thunder|archive-date=5 March 2016}}
* {{cite web|url=https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2014/05/06/563rd-guardian-angels-rescue-fishermen-of-coast-of-mexico/|author=Staff writer(s)|title=563rd Guardian Angels Rescue Fishermen off Coast of Mexico|date=5 May 2014|work=Arizona Daily Independent|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041226/https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2014/05/06/563rd-guardian-angels-rescue-fishermen-of-coast-of-mexico/|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.defencetalk.com/563rd-rescue-group-receives-first-combat-ready-hc-130j-combat-king-ii-45605/ |author=Staff writer(s)|title=563rd Rescue Group Receives First Combat Ready HC-130J Combat King II|date=21 November 2012|publisher=Air Force News Agency|access-date=7 January 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://blog.uso.org/2012/07/19/so-others-may-live-crash-survivor-returns-to-flight-status/ |last1=Lee|first1=Joseph A.|title=That Others May Live: Crash Survivor Returns to Flight Status|date=19 July 2012|publisher=Air Force News Agency|access-date=7 January 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-03-24-afghanistan-rescues_N.htm |last1=Vanden Brook|first1=Tom|title=Afghanistan rescue crews ready for action|date=24 March 2009|publisher=USA Today|access-date=7 January 2016}}
* {{cite web |url= http://usafhpa.org/3rdARRG/3rdARGkorea2.html |title=The 3rd Air Rescue Group|publisher=Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association|access-date=7 January 2016}}
{{USAF Air Combat Command}}
{{USAF Special Operations Command}}
{{Military Airlift Command}}
{{USAF Korea}}
{{USAF South Vietnam}}
{{USAF Thailand}}
{{USAAF 5th Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 13th Air Force World War II}}

[[Category:Military units and formations in Arizona]]
[[Category:Rescue groups of the United States Air Force]]