The A-26, a follow-up airplane to the A-20 "Havoc" made its
first flight on July 10, 1942. Production delivery began in August 1943,
and on November 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.
TheA-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.
Early in the Vietnam conflict, the
Invader went into action for the third time. Also the USAF ordered
40 modified B-26Bs having more powerful engines
and increased structural strength. Designated the B-26K, the airplanes
we designed for specific air warfare missions. In 1966, the B-26K was
redesignated the A-26A.
The Museum's A-26C, serial number 44-35732,
was delivered to the Army Air Corps in 1945. It served at various locations
in the U.S. and Europe.
In 1952 it was shipped to Japan and subsequently was assigned to
the 3rd Bombardment Wing at Kunsan and Miho Air Bases in Korea. It is
confirmed
that this aircraft actually flew combat missions with the 8th Bomb
Squadron during the Korean War. The aircraft was retired in 1956
and was acquired
by the Museum in 1987 through an exchange.
