Uniting the Past, Present, and Future
Join us in preserving the legacy of the 442nd Fighter Wing and honoring the service of its personnel for generations to come.
From History to Legacy, We Stand Strong.
Welcome to The 442d Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of the 442nd Fighter Wing and its personnel. Our mission is to honor the service and sacrifices of the men and women who have been part of this esteemed unit since its inception in 1943. Through our efforts in collecting, preserving, and presenting historical information, we aim to ensure that the legacy of the 442nd Fighter Wing remains a vital part of U.S. Air Force Reserve heritage
How Can You Help?
Your support is crucial to our mission at The 442d Project. Here are ways you can contribute to preserving the history of the 442nd Fighter Wing:
Financial Donations
Your financial contributions play a vital role in our preservation efforts. By clicking on the donation button link, you can assist in:
- Ensuring proper archival storage of artifacts
- Maintaining and enhancing our online storage and search system
- Supporting the development and presentation of educational programs
Artifact Donations
You can help by providing physical or digital artifacts such as photos, documents, flight logs, personal letters, “war” stories, medals, uniforms, and patches to enrich our collection.
Our Vision
At The 442d Project, we envision a future where the legacy of the 442nd Fighter Wing is celebrated and preserved for generations to come. Our vision includes:
✓ Accessible Historical Information
Providing a platform for individuals to easily search and access historical information about the Air Force unit, fostering a deeper understanding of its contributions and significance.
✓ Educational Programs
Developing comprehensive education programs tailored for classroom use, engaging students and educators in the rich history of the 442nd Fighter Wing.
✓ Merchandise and Document Restoration
Offering merchandise and document restoration services to further support our preservation efforts and provide opportunities for individuals to connect with the unit’s history.
The 442d Project envisions a future where the distinguished seventy-plus year history of the 442nd Fighter Wing and its people is permanently recognized as a cornerstone of U.S. Air Force Reserve heritage. We aspire to be the definitive, professionally managed archive for this legacy, securing the resources—through grants, endowments, and community support—necessary to establish physical exhibits, educational programs, and a dedicated facility that honors the unit’s profound contributions to national defense
About Us
The 442d Project (spoken as “The Four-Forty-Second Project”) is a tribute to the service of the 442d Fighter Wing, presently an Air Force Reserve Command component of the United States Air Force, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and all its predecessor organizations which date back to 1943 when the 442d was brought into existence during World War II.
Since World War II, where the 442d flew airlift missions in all the major European operations, including the Normandy invasion on D-Day, the men and women of the 442d have participated in a range of U.S. military operations and major conflicts throughout its existence.
Through its earlier history, the unit flew a variety of transport aircraft and, since 1982, continues to fly the A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter aircraft, also known as the “Warthog.”