The Mission Table below is the first draft of what we hope will be one of the most informative lists of 494^th BG(H) missions available. The mission numbers and dates have been checked and cross-checked, and are believed to be correct. The mission dates are based on island (Angaur and Okinawa) local time. We’ve elected to present the mission data in three components: As Ordered; As Assigned; and, As Flown. What appears below is the "As Ordered" component. The other components will follow after the pertinent data is entered into the computer, verified and tabulated.

  The "As Ordered" data is based on the actual Field Orders (F.O.). The target name listed is what was stated in the F.O. and not necessarily what was actually hit. Likewise the equipment (and squadrons) listed are what was stated in the F.O. and not necessarily what was flown. Some F.O. documents have not been found in the National Archives. But we’re still looking for them. In these cases, we filled in the blanks based on other mission documents. So, it’s our best guess. But it probably is correct or very close to correct.

  There are 14 mission listed that do not have an official F.O. associated with them, which is why the field order number is not listed in these instances. We presently don’t know how these apparently "unordered" missions came about. However, we do know they were legitimate missions because mission documents do exist for them and men were credited with combat time. So, not wanting blanks in the "As Ordered" section, the targets and equipment listed in these situations are derived from other mission documents.

  A detachment of the 494^th was sent to Guam in APR 45, to assist the 11^th BG(H) in bombing the Marcus and Truk Islands. Seven missions were flown. These missions are listed first and are the reason why the mission numbers are proceeded by the BG number.