Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

A-26C "Invader"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. A-26C "Invader" Marker

Inscription. The A-26, a follow-up airplane to the A-20 Havoc, made it's first flight on July 10, 1942. Production delivery began in August 1943, and on Nov. 19, 1944, it went into combat over Europe. It was used for level bombing, ground strafing and rocket attacks. By the time production halted after VJ-Day, 2,502 Invaders had been built. The A-26 was redesignated the B-26 in 1948. During the Korean Conflict, the airplane entered combat once again, this time as a Night Intruder to harass North Korean supply lines. During the early days of Vietnam, the Invader went into action for the third time. Also, the Air Force ordered 40 modified B-26B's with more powerful engines and increased structural strength. Designated the B-26K, the airplanes were designed for special air warfare missions. In 1966 the B-26K was redesignated the A-26A.

This (aerospace vehicle, A-26C) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Korean • War, Vietnam • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 1942.

Location. 29° 23.419′ N,

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98° 37.054′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: B-26 Invader (here, next to this marker); Senior Master Sgt. Lucien Thomas (here, next to this marker); Military Working Dog Teams National Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); B-25 Mitchell (within shouting distance of this marker); B-25H "Mitchell" (within shouting distance of this marker); C-47D "Skytrain"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. A-26C "Invader" Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Staff Sergeant James A. Moran (within shouting distance of this marker); 459th Bomb Group (H) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Douglas A-26 Invader. Wikipedia

The Douglas A-26 Invader (designated B-26 between 1948 and 1965) is an American twin-engined light bomber and ground attack aircraft. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II, the Invader also saw service during several major Cold War conflicts. A limited number of highly
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. A-26C "Invader"
modified United States Air Force aircraft served in Southeast Asia until 1969. It was a fast aircraft capable of carrying a large bomb load. A range of guns could be fitted to produce a formidable ground-attack aircraft.

(Submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

B-26 "Invader" over North Korea image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force, circa February 1951

4. B-26 "Invader" over North Korea

A U.S. Air Force Douglas B-26B-51-DL Invader (c/n 27610, s/n 44-34331) of the 8th Bomb Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group, over North Korea. This aircraft was shot down by flak on 17 February 1951.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.