 The squadron was first activated as the 48th Transport Squadron in June 1942.As the 48th Troop Carrier Squadron, it flew Douglas C-47 Skytrains in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II, earning Distinguished Unit Citations for carrying reinforcements to Sicily despite fire from ground and naval forces in July 1943, and for participation in Operation Overlord in June 1944.It converted to Curtiss C-46 Commandos, with which it took part in Operation Varsity.