page_title: IV Corps Observation Group
section_title: Third Army Air Service
hierarchical_section_title: IV Corps Observation Group / History / Third Army Air Service
caption_attribution_description: English: Captured Third Army German Albatros C.V , taken at Coblenz Aerodrome, Germany
context_page_description: The IV Corps Observation Group was an Air Service, United States Army unit that fought on the Western Front during World War I. It was demobilized on 12 May 1919. There is no modern United States Air Force unit that shares its lineage and history.
context_section_description: After the Armistice with Germany and the conclusion of the war, squadron flying continued on a limited basis to keep the pilots proficient in their skills. However, the main endeavors of the Group was Army administrative paperwork. During the weeks following the signing of the Armistice, the IV Corps Observation Group was relieved from Second Army on 21 November 1918 and transferred to the new Third Army Air Service, which was assigned to the Third Army's march to the Rhine River and the Occupation of the Rhineland.
  The Group was re-organized with all of its Aero squadrons being transferred to the 2d Air Instructional Center at Tours Aerodrome on 24 November. The 12th Aero Squadron was assigned to the Group for duty in Germany on 21 November. On 20 November, Corps Headquarters began the move to Germany, moving to Mercy-le-Haut, France. This town had been held for years by the Germans. On 4 December, Headquarters moved to Euren, near Trier, Germany. Corps Headquarters moved still further into Germany when orders were received to move to Coblenz on 27 December. Upon arrival, the Headquarters was assigned to Fort Kaiser Alexander for billeting and vehicle garaging, which was formerly used by the German Garrison. Offices were set up in Third Army Headquarters Building. Upon the command's arrival in Germany, an airfield was constructed on the former parade ground of Fort Kaiser Alexander for aircraft squadrons being assigned to Coblenz.
  At Coblenz, the Group co-occupied the airfield with several squadrons assigned directly to Third Army Air Service. IV Corps Observation Group consisted of the Headquarters Squadron, 12th Aero Squadron, and the 4th Photo Section. The 2d Balloon Company was located remotely at Euren. The group established an infantry liaison school at Coblenz in January 1919. The mission of the school was to train infantry units in displaying panels by the front line troops, the use of pyrotechnics as employed to signal from the ground to aircraft and from the aircraft to the ground. Artillery units were trained in the use of aircraft for adjusting barrages. As many officers and non-commissioned officers as possible were taken up in airplanes to view the exercises. Radio officers were taken up to perform duties in actual exercises.
  In addition, another important mission at Coblenz was the testing and evaluation of captured German aircraft. The intelligence and engineering departments analyzed their design and construction, as well as disassembling of German aircraft for evaluation. Pilots of the various squadrons at Coblenz, especially those with a background in aeronautical engineering, along with the 12th flew these aircraft and evaluated their flight characteristics and tested them for performance for strengths and weaknesses.
  On 15 April 1919 the Third Air Service Squadrons at Coblenz were ordered demobilized, and the IV Corps Observation Group was ordered moved to Sinzig Aerodrome, a new base set up by Third Army. At Sinzing the Group received replacement squadrons which were transferred from Toul, those being the 85th, 278th and 354th, the 85th formerly being assigned to the Group in France. After a considerable amount of work, training re-commenced at Sinzing on 5 May 1919.
  A week later, the entire Third Army Air Service, excepting that of the III Corps 138th Aero Squadron, one air park, and one construction squadron, were relieved from further duty with the Third Army on 12 May 1919, and ordered to proceed to the Services of Supply 1st Air Depot at Colombey, France, for demobilization.
  Headquarters personnel were subsequently assigned to the Commanding General, Services of Supply and ordered to report to one of several staging camps in France.  There, personnel awaited scheduling to report to one of the Base Ports in France for transport to the United States and subsequent demobilization and return to civilian life.
caption: Captured Albatros C.V reconnaissance aircraft
exif: {}