All four squadrons of the 497th Bomb Group were constituted on 19 Nov 43 and activated on 20 Nov 43. The 869th, 870th, and 871st were inactivated during March 1946.

The 872nd was inactivated on 10 May 44 and went on to become a part of the 382nd Bomb Group in Septemeber 1944.

     The Orders

On 25 Jan 44 some members of the 480th Anti-Submarine Group were assigned and transferred to the 497th.

A very interesting history of the 480th, including the battle between the Army and Navy, can be found at the US Army Antisubmarine Command web site. Here is a preview: