Last Update 1/1/2010
COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES
MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
September
ON 14, SEPTEMBER 1942 301ST BG
WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 12TH AAF
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s attack the harbor at Candia, Crete, scoring several direct hits on 1
vessel and hitting others. 2 squadrons of the 57th Fighter Group fly escort
missions and sweeps with the Royal Air Force (RAF). B-25s, in conjunction with
RAF light bombers, hit trucks and tanks in the battle area of Alam-el-Halfa,
Egypt.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s hit docks and jetties at Tobruk, Libya; B-25s bomb aircraft and a
landing ground and, with the RAF, attack troops and vehicles in the battle area
around Alamel-Halfa, Egypt ridge; P-40s fly escort and sweep missions over the
battle area in conjunction with the RAF.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s attack a convoy at sea; B-25s hit troop concentrations, vehicles, and
airfield installations in the battle area of Alam-el-Halfa, Egypt and behind
enemy lines; P-40s, mostly operating with the RAF, escort bombers and engage
fighters in combat, claiming at least 1 shot down.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s, in conjunction with the RAF and the Royal Navy (RN), attack a convoy
at sea; 2 merchant ships are reported sunk and 1 left burning. B-25s and RAF
Bostons, repelling counterattacks during the Alam-el- Halfa, Egypt battle, hit
troop concentrations and vehicles, while P-40s, operating with the RAF, escort
bombers and engage in combat over the battle area, claiming 1 fighter
destroyed.
301st BG FLEW IT’S FIRST MISSION INTO EUROPE AS THE 8th AAF
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s strike shipping and dock area in Candia Bay, Crete. In Egypt, P-40s
escort RAF bombers over the the battle area SE of Alam-el-Halfa ridge near
Rayil Dayr Ar Depression as the enemy offensive falters and is pushed back.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
In Egypt, P-40s fly an offensive sweep over the battle area near the Rayil
Dayr Ar Depression, claiming 3 Ju 87s shot down; P-40s also escort RAF bombers
and fly 2 interceptor missions.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s bomb convoys at sea, hit other shipping, and in Crete, attack Maleme
Airfield and Suda Bay.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s attack shipping and the harbor at Suda Bay, Crete.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s attack Tobruk, Libya harbor and shipping.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
P-40s fly an uneventful sweep with the RAF during a lull after the Battle of
Alam-el-Halfa, Egypt.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
P-40s fly 3 uneventful scramble missions along the frontlines.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
In Libya during the night of 13/14 Sep, B-24s attack Tobruk and shipping in
Bengasi harbor while B-25s hit landing grounds SE of Matruh, Egypt.
301ST BG ASSIGNED TO THE 12TH AAF ON THIS DAY
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s attack shipping at Suda Bay, Crete, setting 1 vessel afire, while
other B-24s hit Tobruk, Libya; P-40s fly a sweep with the RAF over the
frontlines.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
A lone B-24 drops 1 bomb on a tanker in Suda Bay, Crete. B-24s bomb behind
the enemy lines while P-40s, along with the RAF, fly escort and carry out a
scramble missions over the area W of El Alamein, Egypt.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
Major General Lewis H Brereton is officially assigned to the Middle East as
a result of pressure from Major General Clayton L Bissell, new Commanding
General Tenth Air Force, for clarification of the status of Brereton and other
key staff officers and combat crews who had gone from India to the Middle East
in Jun and Jul 42. HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 64th, 65th and 66th Fighter
Squadrons move from Muqeibile and Beit Daras, Palestine to Landing Ground 174,
Egypt with P-40s.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
During the night of 16/17 Sep, B-24s bomb Bengasi, Libya harbor; during the
day, targets for B-24s are in Greece: shipping in Pylos Bay and shipping and
piers near Sphakia, and in Khalones and Pylos Island. P-40s make an offensive
sweep with the RAF over the front lines.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
In Greece, B-24s bomb the Pylos Bay area, Pylos Island and Khalones during
the night of 19/20 Sep.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s bomb shipping in Bengasi, Libya harbor; direct hits are made on 1
large vessel while a smaller vessel and other targets receive lesser hits.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s fail to locate a shipping convoy S of Crete and return without
bombing. Other B-24s bomb Bengasi, Libya.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s of 3 squadrons sent on shipping strikes fail to locate targets.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s are dispatched to attack an 8,000-ton vessel at Bengasi, Libya. No
bombs hit the target but several straddle a jetty in the harbor.
MTO, US Army, Middle East Air Force (USAMEAF):
B-24s hit harbor installations at Suda Bay, Crete. P-40s fly an offensive
sweep over the battle area, and carry out an interception mission against Ju
87s over the frontline near El Alamein, Egypt. The 434th Bombardment Squadron
(Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Ismailia to Landing
Ground 88, Egypt with B-2
1943 - MEDITERRANEAN THEATER
OF OPERATIONS (MTO)
WEDNESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 1943
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force):
The 506th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
ceases operating from Benina, Libya with B-24's and returns to it's base at
Shipdham, England.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
All ADMINISTRATIVE functions of the Army Air Forces elements of the
Northwest African Air Force are transferred to the appropriate Twelfth Air
Force organizations:
HQ Northwest African Air Force (NAAF) to HQ Twelfth Air Force,
Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) to XII Bomber Command,
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) to XII Air Support Command,
Northwest African Coastal Air Force to XII Fighter Command,
Northwest African Air Service Command (NAASC) to XII Air Force Services
Command,
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
B-24's bomb a satellite airfield at Foggia, Italy,
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command medium bombers hit railroad and road junctions
and road net in the Castelnuovo-Pescopagano-Cassino-Capua-Formia areas; heavy
bombers attack the Ariano intersection and highway bridge (and bridges and
roads in the area), bridges near Botena and over the Tiber River SW of Rome,
and roads, buildings, and railroad facilities at Isernia; XII Air Support
Command and RAF airplanes of the NATAF blast heavy road movement N from Lauria
and cover beachheads in the Salerno area as the British Eighth Army increases
pressure on its front in an effort to prevent the Germans from concentrating
against the US Fifth Army's Salerno beachhead. German troops occupy Rome.
During the night of 10/11 Sep, B-25's of the 12th Bombardment Group (Medium)
hit communications centers at Corleto, Perticara, Auletta and Saptri.
Port Lyautey, French Morocco begins operating from Protville, Tunisia with
B-24's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, almost 200 B-17's and B-25's of the XII Bomber Command bomb
marshalling yards at Bologna, Trento, Bolzano, and Cancello Arnone; bombers and
fighters escorting the B-25's claim 28 enemy airplanes shot down; and tactical
aircraft, including Royal Air Force (RAF) and Ninth Air Force airplanes, hit
gun positions and other targets on the Italian toe, bomb rail communications at
Bova Marina, Locri, Marina di Monasterace, Siderno Marina, Lamezia, and
Catanzaro, and attack barges in the Golfo di Sant' Eufemia and an ammunition
dump at Saptri.
HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 308th Fighter Squadron transfer from Termini
to Milazzo, Sicily with Spitfires.
The 15th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from
Kairouan, Tunisia to Licata, Sicily with C-47's.
FRIDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 1943
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
B-24's bomb the marshalling yard at Sulmona, Italy; they claim 11 Luftwaffe
aircraft destroyed; 6 B-24's are lost.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
P-40's on a sweep over Sardinia hit Pula and Capo Carbonara radar
installations. In Italy, A-20's, A-36's, fighters and RAF light bombers hit gun
positions throughout the toe of Italy, attack airfields at Crotone and
Camigliatello and hit railway yards at Marina di Catanzaro and Punta di
Staletti, troop concentration near Santo Stefano d'Aspromonte and road
junctions and bridges at Cosenza.
On the ground in Italy, the British Eighth Army lands on the toe of Italy
between Reggio di Calabria and Villa San Giovanni (Operation BAYTOWN). The
Italian government signs surrender terms.
HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group and it's 36th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer
from Enfidaville, Tunisia to Mazzara, Sicily with C-47's.
The 17th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from El
Djem, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.
The 62d Troop Carrier Squadron, 314th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from
Kairouan, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with C-47's.
The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from Termini to
Milazzo, Sicily with Spitfires.
The 415th Night Fighter Squadron, XII Fighter Command, transfers from La
Sebala, Tunisia to Cantania, Sicily with Beaufighters.
The 522d and 524th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 27th Fighter-Bomber Group,
transfer from Gela to Barcelona, Sicily and San Antonio, Sicily respectively
with A-36's.
SATURDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 1943
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, bad weather prevents XII Bomber Command B-17's from locating their
targets (airfields); P-38's sent to hit landing grounds at Grazzanise also fail
to find targets, but attack targets of opportunity in the general area; US
fighter-bombers and RAF light bombers hit motor transport scattered along the
Italian toe, and bomb gun positions NE of Reggio di Calabria and roads and
railroad junction in the Cosenza-Catanzaro-Nicastro area and at Colosimi.
HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Tunisia to Lentini, Sicily.
The 16th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, transfers El
Djem, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.
The 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from El
Djem, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily with C-47's.
The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command, transfers from Licata to
Termini, Sicily with P-40's.
SUNDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 1943
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
Brigadier General Victor H Strahm, Chief of Staff, assumes temporary command
during the absence of Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton. Colonel John C
Kilborn assumes command of the IX Bomber Command upon the departure of Major
General Uzal G Ent from the theater. (Ent AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado was
named for General Ent. The base was active from Jan 51 to Jul 76.)
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, 130+ XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb the airfield at Viterbo and
the town of Civitavecchia; 200+ B-25's and B-26's hit landing grounds at
Grazzanise. In Sardinia, other medium bombers and fighters hit the Pula radar
station and town of Pabillonis. Weather hampers operations of the fighters and
medium and light bombers of the NATAF, i.e., Twelfth Air Force and RAF
aircraft, and only a few targets (guns, roads, railroads, and troops) are
attacked during missions over the toe of Italy.
HQ 68th Reconnaissance Group and it's 122d Liaison Squadron transfer from
Berrechid Airfield, French Morocco to Berteaux, Algeria. The 122d is operating
a fighter training school with P-38's, P-39's and P-40's.
The 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia,
begins operating from Gerbini, Sicily with P-38's.
The 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from Termini to
Milazzo, Sicily with Spitfires.
The 523d Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 27th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from
Gela to Barcelona, Sicily with A-36's.
MONDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 1943
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's hit Capodichino Airfield, Villa Literno
marshalling yard, Gaeta harbor, and Minturno railroad facilities; weather
prevents a B-17 attack on Pomigliano airfield. B-25's and B-26's hit Capua
airfield and landing grounds at Grazzanise. P-40's hit the landing ground at
Pabillonis, Sardinia. US and RAF planes of NATAF operate on reduced scale,
flying patrols and hitting railroads and targets of opportunity on the Italian
toe.
HQ 62d Troop Carrier Group and it's 7th Troop Carrier Squadron transfers
from Goubrine, Tunisia to Ponte Olivo, Sicily with C-47's.
The 10th, 11th and 12th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 60th Troop Carrier Group,
transfer from El Djem, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily with C-47's.
The 14th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from
Kairouan, Tunisia to Licata, Sicily with C-47's.
The 16th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bomber), 68th Reconnaissance Group,
transfers from Berrechid, French Morocco to Berteaux, Algeria. The squadron is
operating a school for fighter pilots until 23 Sep with P-38's, P-39's, P-40's
and Spitfires.
The 27th and 94th Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur,
Tunisia begin operating from Dittaino, Sicily with P-38's.
TUESDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 1943
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
HQ Army Air Forces decides to transfer Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton,
Commanding General, and his HQ staff from Africa to the United Kingdom to
reform the Ninth Air Force in the European Theater of Operations by absorbing
the VIII Air Support Command.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb 2 satellite airfields at Foggia;
B-25's and B-26's hit road and rail bridges at Saptri and Trebisacce and roads
at Lauria. In Sardinia, P-40's hit the landing ground at Pabillonis and barges
off Portoscuso. US A-20's of the Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force
(NATBF) support British landing on 7/8 Sep near Pizzo, Italy in an unsuccessful
attempt to cut off enemy retreat up W coast of the Italian toe. Medium and
light bombers, in an afternoon raids, bomb Crotone airfield and roadblock and
gun batteries N of Catanzaro, Italy.
The 4th and 8th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 62d Troop Carrier Group, transfer
from Goubrine, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily with C-47's.
The 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, El Djem, Tunisia
to Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.
WEDNESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 1943
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force):
The 44th and 93d Bombardment Groups (Heavy) resume operations in the UK
after detached service in Africa; the 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
previously diverted to Africa, becomes operational in the UK.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's bomb the landing ground at Foggia, as convoys approach
Salerno to begin the US invasion of Italy (Operation AVALANCHE).
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, about 130 XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb Frascati; 16O+ medium
bombers hit a highway at Lauria and bridges at Trebisacce and Saptri; fighters
hit Pabillonis, Sardinia, cover Allied forces near Pizzo, and bomb and strafe
roads and vehicles in the Lamezia-Vibo Valentia-Pizzo-Catanzaro areas; and
bombers hit roads and junctions in the Naples area during the night of 8/9 Sep.
HQ 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group and the ground echelon of the 23d
Photographic Squadron (Light) arrive at La Marsa, Tunisia from the US. The air
echelon of the 23d has been operating from La Marsa since 13 Jul 43 with F-5's.
The 18th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from El
Djem, Tunisia to Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.
THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 1943
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
B-24's hit the satellite airfield at Foggia, Italy.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
Major General Paul L Williams assumes command of the XII Troop Carrier
Command (Provisional). In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb bridges at
Capua and Cancello Arnone, and 240+ B-25's and B-26's hit railroad-bridges at
Potenza and landing ground at Scanzano; P-40's fly an uneventful sweep over
Sardinia. XII Air Support Command fighters maintain patrols over Salerno, and
other NATAF planes bomb and strafe motor transport, roads, and other targets in
the Catanzaro-Auletta-Rogliano area and NNW of Salerno, as Lieutenant General
Mark W Clark's Fifth Army invades Italy, landing near Salerno (Operation
AVALANCHE) and British forces make an airborne landing on heel of Italy, taking
Taranto (Operation SLAPSTICK).
HQ XII Air Support Command transfers from Sicily to Salerno, Italy.
FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 1943
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb the Benevento marshalling yard and
bridge and highway junction nearby; B-25's and B-26's hit highways and
junctions at Castelnuovo, Ariano, Mignano, and Isernia; P-40's fly an
uneventful sweep over S Sardinia; and US and RAF airplanes of the NATAF
continue to provide beachhead cover in the Salerno area, hit road
communications throughout the day, and attack road and rail bridges, junctions,
airfield, and town areas at Saptri, Corleto, Perticara, Auletta, and Gioia del
Colle, Italy.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
B-24's hit Kalathos and Maritsa airfields on Rhodes.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb the Mignano road defiles, the
Benevento road bridge, and the Frosinone airfield; medium bombers hit Ariano
(and trucks and road nearby), Isernia, and Castelnuovo and Formia road
junctions; US and RAF aircraft of the NATAF attack motor transport movement,
roads, and bridges in the Potenza-Auletta areas, maintain cover over the US
Fifth Army in the Salerno invasion area (where the enemy launches a fierce
effort to reduce the beachhead), and during the night of 12/13 Sep fly intruder
missions over 6 airfields between Rome and Pizzo, finding little activity.
British Eighth Army forces on the toe of Italy capture Crotone and push N, and
on the Taranto front occupy territory up to N of Castelaneta.
The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, transfers from Sicily to
Rocco Bernardo, Italy with P-40's.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
RAF heavy bombers, under the operational control of the IX Bomber Command,
hit Potenza, Italy. Colonel Frederick M Byerly replaces Colonel Charles D
McAllister as commander of the IX Fighter Command.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-17's of the XII Bomber Command bomb roads in the Torre del Greco
area, a highway at Sala Consilina, and a road junction, railway and bridge at
Atena Lucana; B-25's attack a viaduct, rail and road junctions, and rail lines
in the the Pompeii-Castellammare di Stabia-Torre Annuziata areas; XII Air
Support Command A-36's destroy 25 to 30 vehicles near Potenza, and fighters
maintain convoy patrol; US and RAF light and medium bombers of the NATBF hit
town areas, road junctions, and vehicles in the Auletta-Pompeii-Sala
Consilina-San Severino Rota areas. 80+ C-47's drop contingents of the US 82d
Airborne Division S of the Sele River to strengthen the bridgehead in the face
of enemy counterattacks which threaten the US Fifth Army beachhead in the
Salerno area.
HQ 33d Fighter Group transfers from Licata, Sicily to Paestum, Italy.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's hit a marshalling yard at Pescara; RAF heavy bombers, under
operational control of the IX Bomber Command, hit Potenza.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, elements of the British Eighth Army enter Bari; at Salerno, the US
Fifth Army, throwing reserves and service troops into the line, and receiving
much naval and air support, holds off enemy onslaughts against the beachhead;
XII Bomber Command B-17's, B-25's, and B-26's attack highways, road junctions
and defiles, bridges, town areas, railroads, marshalling yard, barracks, and
numerous targets of opportunity, including several gun positions, in or near
Avellino, Pompeii, Torre Annunziata, Auletta, Baronissi, San Severino Rota,
Battipaglia, and Eboli; US and RAF fighter-bombers and light and medium bombers
of the NATAF fly well over 500 sorties, mainly against bridges, and towns in
the battle area or around Battipaglia, Eboli, Potenza Torre Annunziata,
Benevento, Auletta, and Avellino. C-47's drop more contingents of the US 82d
Airborne Division S of the Sele River to strengthen the beachhead, and also
behind lines near Avellino to disrupt communications.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's hit a marshalling yard at Potenza and attack railroads and
warehouses in the areas around Potenza, Altamura, Gravina di Puglia, and
Matera.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-17's of the XII Bomber Command bomb highways and a railroad at
Torre del Greco while B-25's and B-26's hit highways and road junctions at or
near Torre Annunziata, Battipaglia, Eboli, Serre, Auletta, and Polla. The XII
Air Support Command and other NATAF elements attack buildings, railroads,
highways and motor transport in support of US Fifth Army as German
counterattacks astride Sele River subside. British Eighth Army forces reach
Saptri, threatening the enemy with entrapment between US and British forces.
HQ 57th Fighter Group transfers from Sicily to Rocco Bernardo, Italy.
HQ 79th Fighter Group and it's 85th, 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons
transfer from Sicily to Crotone, Italy with P-40's.
The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Bone,
Algeria to Bizerte, Tunisia with Beaufighters.
The 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from
Barcelona, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with A-36's.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
B-24's hit road junctions and a supply dump at Potenza, Italy, following a
RAF raid of the previous night.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-17's of the XII Bomber Command hit bridges, rail line,
marshalling yard, trains, and a railroad-highway intersection in the Benevento
area, and roads and railway facilities in the Caserta area; medium bombers hit
roads, railroads, junctions, and bridges at Isernia, Formia, Mignano, and
Capua; XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers maintain continuous sweeps over
the Salerno beachhead and surrounding battle zone while other US and RAF
elements of the NATAF (fighters, light and medium bombers) blast enemy
aircraft, motor transport, troop concentrations and communications targets in
the Contursi and Eboli areas.
On the ground in Italy, US and British make patrol contact near Vallo della
Lucania. The US Fifth Army ties in with Taranto invasion force to form an
Allied line across S Italy.
The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group,
transfers from San Antonio, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with P-51's. A
detachment remains at San Antonio until 30 Sep.
The 527th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from
Barcelona, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with A-36's.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's, attack a marshalling yard, road junction, and rail
junction at Pescara on the E coast; RAF heavy bombers again hit Potenza.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's and B-26's bomb airfields at Ciampino
and Pratica di Mare; B-25's attack small craft and barges off the mouth of the
Tiber River; P-38's fly 27 dive-bombing missions against roads, junctions,
railways, bridges, and targets of opportunity in the battle area and towns of
Vallo della Lucania, Acerno, Nocera, Avellino, Gragnano Serre, Lioni, Fisciano,
Monteforte Irpino, Cava de' Tirreni and Auletta; XII Air Support Command,
NATBF, and other elements of NATAF escort naval vessels, and bomb rail and road
junctions, motor transport, a marshalling yard, town areas, and various targets
of opportunity in the Pompeii, Torre Annunziata, Salerno, Campagna, Sarno,
Solofra, Montella, and Acerno areas.
On the ground in Italy, US Fifth Army forces advancing on Altavila are
pinned down however, the enemy retires to the N, completing a withdrawal from
the battleline during the night. The British Eighth Army begins a general
advance N toward Potenza and Auletta.
The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command, transfers from Termini
to Barcellona, Sicily with P-40's.
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force):
The 328th, 329th, 330th and 409th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 93d
Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Hardwick, England begin operating from
Oudna, Tunisia with B-24's.
ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (First Air Force):
The 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 480th Antisubmarine Group, ceases
operating from Protville, Tunisia and returns to it's base at Port Lyautey,
French Morocco with B-24's.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
B-24's hit the marshalling yard at Pescara, Italy.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-17's of the XII Bomber Command hit Viterbo airfield and
Salerno-Avellino road, while B-25's and B-26's bomb the airfields at Ciampino
and Pratica di Mare; B-25's fire 75mm shells at small vessels and a lighthouse
near Capraia and between Pianosa and Corsica; P-38's on detached service with
the NATAF strafe 4 satellite airfields at Foggia and bomb roads, railroads,
bridges, and towns in the battle area.
On the ground in Italy, US Seventh Army forces take Altavilla, Persano, and
Battipaglia without opposition.
HQ 27th Fighter-Bomber Group transfers from Sicily to Capaccio, Italy.
The detachments of the 27th, 71st and 94th Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter
Group, operating from Dittaino, Gerbini, and Dittaino, Sicily respectively with
P-38's return to their base at Mateur, Tunisia.
The 65th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, transfers from Sicily to
Rocco Bernardo, Italy with P-40's.
The 522d, 523d and 524th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 27th Fighter-Bomber
Group, transfer from Barcelona, Sicily to Capaccio, Italy with A-36's.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
The 66th, 67th, 68th and 506th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th
Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Shipdham, England begin operating from
Tunis, Tunisia with B-24's. The 564th, 566th and 567th Bombardment Squadron
(Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Hethel, England begin
operating from Massicault, Tunisia with B-24's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, fighter-bombers of the XII Air Support Command and planes of other
NATAF elements [US and RAF] concentrate on attacking roads and vehicles in the
Benevento-Montesarchio- Contursi-Potenza-Avellino areas, and a railway station
at Castelnuovo.
On the ground in Italy, the US Fifth Army gains firm control of the Salerno
plain, while the British Eighth Army troops take Potenza and Auletta.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
The 98th and 376th Bombardment Groups (Heavy), based in Libya, along with
the 43d Service Group and several military police and engineer units, are to be
transferred to the Twelfth Air Force, effective on the date they transfer to
Tunisia. The IX Bomber Command makes its last raid on Italy. B-24's of 98th and
376th Bombardment Groups (Heavy) are dispatched to the Castelfranco Veneto
marshalling yard. Clouds obscure the target, but the 98th Group drops bombs on
the estimated time of arrival. The 376th bombs a marshalling yard and airfield
at Pescara during the return trip.
The 565th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
based at Hethel, England begins operating from Massicault, Tunisia with B-24's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's and B-26's bomb the Castelnuovo road
junction, the town of Formia, the Torre Annunziata area roads, and roads and
railroad SW of Sarno; XII Air Support Command A-36's attack and disperse enemy
tank and troop concentrations forming near Nocera for a counterattack. Other
AAF and RAF aircraft of the NATAF hit enemy movement in the
Avellino-Naples-Potenza- Benevento-Calabritto-Pomigliano-Pescopagano areas.
On the ground in Italy, the US Seventh Army starts into the mountains N of
Salerno.
HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 308th Fighter Squadron transfer from Milazzo,
Sicily to Montecorvino, Italy with Spitfires.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
HQ IX Fighter Command at Tripoli, Libya closes.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's hit a bridge and the town area at
Benevento; B-25's and B-26's hit landing craft and a ferry near Elba Island and
bridges at Cancello Arnone and Capua; B-24's on detached service from the
Eighth Air Force bomb Leghorn and Bastia; medium bombers and fighter-bombers of
the NATBF and XII Air Support Command hit town areas, troop concentrations,
trucks and tanks, and targets of opportunity in the Solofra-Avellino-Benevento
areas.
HQ 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Benina, Libya to Hergla,
Tunisia.
The 307th and 309th Fighter Squadrons, 31st Fighter Group, transfer from
Milazzo, Sicily to Montecorvino, Italy with Spitfires.
The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Bizerte,
Tunisia to Catania, Sicily with Beaufighters.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
The Ninth Air Force flies its final mission from Africa. B-24's bomb Maritsa
Airfield on Rhodes and Eleusis Airfield in Greece. The bomb groups of IX Bomber
Command subsequently are transferred to the Twelfth Air Force.
HQ IX Fighter Command begins a movement from Tripoli, Libya to Middle
Wallop, England.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's and B-26's bomb roads, railroad, and
bridges at or near San Martino Sannita, Grottaminarda, Amorosi, and Mignano;
B-25's on detached service to the NATAF attack small vessels near Elba Island
with 75mm cannon; NATBF and XII Air Support Command airplanes hit troop
concentrations and gun positions near Serino and Santa Lucia di Serino, road
block at Nocera, town and roads at Fisciano, the town of Pagani, tanks and
trucks between Acerno and Montella and in the Foggia area, vessels and docks at
Manfredonia, the town of Camarella, and the landing ground at Capua.
HQ 86th Fighter-Bomber Group transfers from Barcellona, Sicily to Sele
Airfield, Italy.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's bomb bridges at Cancello Arnone and 3
miles (4.8 km) NE of Capua; planes of the NATBF and XII Air Support Command
attack motor transport, roads, railroads, town areas, gun positions, and
targets of opportunity in the areas of San Severino Rota, Avellino, Sarno,
Torre Annunziata, Aversa, Nocera, Resina, Serino, Pompeii, and Camarella.
The 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from
Barcelona, Sicily to Sele Airfield, Italy with A-36's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25's and B-26's of the XII Bomber Command hit roads, railways,
bridges, and junctions at Grottaminarda, Maddaloni, Benevento, Avellino, Capua,
Cancello Arnone, Amorosi, Ponte, and Mignano, and attack a destroyer between
Corsica and Elba Island; B-24's on detached service from the Eighth Air Force
bomb the marshalling yard at Pisa; US and RAF planes of the NATBF, XII Air
Support Command, and other elements of the NATAF attack vehicles, roads, troop
concentrations, and gun positions around Santa Lucia di Serino, Serino,
Caserta, Benevento, Camarella, Baronissi, Nocera, Montemarano, and San Severo.
HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 84th and 85th Bombardment
Squadrons (Light) transfer from Gerbini, Sicily to Grottaglie, Italy with
A-20's.
The 344th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
transfers from Lete, Libya to Hergla, Tunisia with B-24's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, about 90 B-17's of the XII Bomber Command hit the Bologna
marshalling yard; 14 others hit the Bolzano railroad bridge; B-25's and B-26's
bomb airfields at Pisa, Lucca, and Bastia/Borgo, a highway at Mignano, a road
junction at Maddaloni, and railroad and road bridges at Cancello Amone,
Caiazzo, and Ponte; US and RAF aircraft of the NATBF, XII Air Support Command,
and RAF DAF hit Serino (causing a roadblock), troop concentrations at Sarno,
gun positions, troops, and vehicles near Nocera, Aquino airfield, a storage
dump N of Foggia and a dredger at Termoli.
HQ 57th Fighter Group and it's 64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons
transfer from Rocco Bernardo to Gioia Airfield, Italy with P-40's.
The 343d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
transfers from Lete, Libya to Hergla, Tunisia with B-24's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, fighters, and light and medium bombers of the XII Air Support
Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF patrol the battle zone, escort convoys, carry out
bombing and strafing sweeps against motor transport in the Benevento-Melfi area
and N of Foggia, bomb the Pomigliano landing ground, and hit the town of Sarno
and military concentrations to the N. Bad weather prevents XII Bomber Command
heavy bomber missions.
HQ 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and it's 512th, 513th, 514th and 515th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer from Bengasi, Libya to Enfidaville,
Tunisia with B-24's.
The 16th Reconnaissance Squadron (Bomber), 68th Reconnaissance Group,
transfers from Berteaux, Algeria to Foch Field, Tunisia. This squadron
transitions for fighters to B-17's and serves as a radar detection and
countermeasures unit until Sep 44.
The 345th and 415th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group
(Heavy), transfer from Benina, Libya to Hergla, Tunisia with B-24's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, weather almost halts Twelfth Air Force operations; XII Air Support
Command fighters strafe Viterbo Airfield and Bracciano seaplane base, bomb a
road junction at San Servero, and strafe a locomotive and the train station;
other NATAF airplanes hit trucks in the Benevento area.
The 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group
(Light), transfer from Gerbini, Sicily to Grottaglie, Italy with A-20's.
The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Catania,
Sicily to Lecce, Italy with Beaufighters. The squadron is attached to the RAF's
No. 286 Wing until Jan 44.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, weather prevents completion of XII Bomber Command B-17 missions
against the Bologna marshalling yard and the Bolzano railroad bridge, except
for 1 heavy bomber which bombs Bolzano; tactical aircraft operations are also
severely curtailed by weather; fighter-bombers bomb and strafe motor transport
in the Benevento-Caserta area.
On the ground in Italy, the US Fifth Army is ready for an assault on Naples
and Avellino. Caistellamare di Stabia, Nocera, and Sala Consilina are taken.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's and B-26's bomb bridges at or near
Piana, Castelvenere, Amorosi, and Cancello Amone; P-38's bomb Ausonia defile
and a bridge near San Apollinare; US and RAF tactical aircraft hit the town of
San Giorgio del Sannio and roads in the area S of Benevento.
On the ground in Italy, the US Fifth Army opens an attack on Avellino during
the night of 29/30 Sep. General Dwight D Eisenhower and Marshal Pietro Badoglio
sign the Italian surrender document on the battleship HMS Nelson off Malta.
HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Gela to Catania, Sicily.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command P-38's, B-25's, and B-26's bomb road and rail
and road bridges at Ausonia, Piana, Castelvenere, Amorosi, and Capua, and carry
out sweeps from Bastia to Elba Island; 7 B-25's hit Benevento and surrounding
rail and road communications; XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers carry out
strafing and bombing missions N and NE of Naples as Avellino falls to the US 3d
Division.
The 8th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62d Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela
to Ponte Olivo, Sicily with C-47's.
The detachment of the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th
Reconnaissance Group, operating from San Antonio, Sicily with P-51's transfers
to Capaccio, Italy.
The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Lecce to
Grottaglie, Italy with Beaufighters.
SEPTEMBER 1944 - MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO)
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
In France, the flight of the 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, operating from
Caserta, Italy with L-5s returns to base at Brignoles; and the 121st Liaison
Squadron, AAF, MTO, based at Pomigliano, Italy sends "A" Flight to operate from
St Tropez with L-4s and L-5s. During Sep, the detachment of the 16th
Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy, Special), AAF, MTO, operating from Borgo,
Corsica with B-17s, returns to base at Foggia, Italy (the squadron serves as a
radar detection and ECM unit in the MTO until 26 Sep 44).
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
480+ B-17s and B-24s attack targets in Italy, Hungary and Yugoslavia; B-24s
attack Boara Pisani, Italy; in Yugoslavia, B-17s and B-24s attack railroad
bridges at Tesica/Moravac, Mitrovica, and Kraljevo, marshalling yards at Novi
Sad and the airfield at Nish; in Hungary B-24s attack railroad bridges at
Szolnok, and Mezotur, marshalling yards at Szajol, Debreczen, and
Berettyoujfalu; 51 P-51s successfully strafe Debreczen Airfield, Hungary; 16
B-17s evacuate interned US airmen from Rumania; fighters support bombing and
evacuation missions.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy during the night of 31 Aug/1 Sep A-20s hit gun positions and
targets of opportunity in the W Po Valley; weather grounds B-26s during the day
but B-25s score excellent results against road and railroad bridges N and NE of
Venice; fighter-bomber and fighters bomb and strafe roads, troop
concentrations, supply dumps, and German HQ in the battle area N of Florence,
and fly armed reconnaissance from Ventimiglia along the coast to La Spezia; and
the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62d Fighter Wing, moves from Pomigliano to
Rosignano with Mosquitos leaving a detachment at Pomigliano. In France, the 23d
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group
[attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] and based at Borgo,
Corsica with F-5s begins operating from Le Luc; the 314th and 315th Fighter
Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, move from Le Luc to Istres with P-47s; and the
415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, moves from Solonzara, Corsica
to Le Vallon with Beaufighters.
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from
Brignoles to Grenoble, France with L-5s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
HQ XV Fighter Command (Provisional) is activated and given control of the
306th Fighter Wing and it's 7 fighter groups; in Yugoslavia, 380+ B-24s hit the
Kraljevo railroad bridge and marshalling yard, a railroad bridge at Mitrovica,
road a bridge at Supovac, and 3 marshalling yards at Nish; 27 P-38s dive-bomb
the Cuprija road bridge while 57 P-38s and 112 P-51s strafe roads and railways
in the Nish and Belgrade areas; other P-51s escort Nish and Supovac bombing
missions.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s bomb 3 bridges in the Po Valley, following a raid during the
night of 1/2 Sep by A-20s which hit a pontoon bridge and targets of opportunity
in the Valley; and fighter- bombers blast roads, bridges and gun emplacements
in Po Valley, docks at Savona, and shipping off shore. In France,
fighter-bombers, hampered by poor weather, hit barracks and rail lines in the
Lyon area; and HQ 324th Fighter Group moves from Le Luc to Istres.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
300+ B-17s and B-24s hit key escape routes of retreating German forces in
the Balkans, and bomb rail communications and supply lines S from Budapest,
Hungary, 3 bridges in the Belgrade, Yugoslavia area, bridges at Szajol and
Szeged, Hungary, and badly damage ferry docks at Smederovo, Yugoslavia; 3 B-17s
evacuate interned airmen from Bucharest, Rumania; 40 P-38s divebomb the
Smederovo ferry and strafe Kovin and Baviniste, Yugoslavia airfields and a
landing ground, destroying many parked aircraft, motor transport, vehicles, and
fuel tanks; and 75 P-51s strafe roads, railroads, vehicles, bivouac areas,
railroad repair shops, and miscellaneous targets in the
Skoplje-Nish-Krusevac-Belgrade, Yugoslavia areas. HQ 306th Fighter Wing moves
from Torremaggior to Lesina, Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers pound railroad and road bridges in the W Po Valley
while fighter-bombers blast motor transport and rolling stock in the Turin
area; and on the night of 2/3 Sep A-20s on armed reconnaissance, start fires in
Genoa harbor. In France, fighter-bombers blast German vehicles retreating up
the Rhone Valley; the capture of Lyon is completed by French elements of the US
Seventh Army; and the 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, moves from
Le Luc to Istres with P-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
HQ 305th Fighter Wing (Provisional) is organized and given control of the 3
P-38 groups of the 306th Fighter Wing.
In Italy, almost 400 B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack submarines
in Genoa harbor and hit communications in N Italy including the Avisio viaduct,
marshalling yards at Trento, Bronzola, and Ora, and railroad bridges at Ora,
Casarsa della Delizia, and Latisana.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s and B-26s hit several road and railroad bridges and tunnel
in the Po Valley while fighter- bombers strike pontoon bridges, roads, bridges,
and motor transport in preparation for an Allied ground assault on the Gothic
Line; during the night of 3/4 Sep A-20s on armed reconnaissance of the Po
Valley bomb vehicles in the Turin-Milan areas; fighters fly armed
reconnaissance and offensive patrols in the Po Valley and the Rhone Valley in
France. In France, the 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment
Group (Light), moves from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; and the
detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62d Fighter Wing, operating
from Tarquinia returns to base at Rosignano with Mosquitos.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
430+ B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack communications targets in
Hungary and N Italy to impede the withdrawal from the lower Balkans and to
disrupt railroad communications in N Italy; targets hit are 2 railroad bridges
at Budapest and 1 each at Szolnok and Szob, Hungary and a railroad bridge at
Ferrara, Italy. B-24s dispatched to Yugoslavia cannot bomb the target because
of total cloud cover.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers again strike, with excellent results, road and rail
bridges in the Po Valley while fighter-bombers blast rail lines and rolling
stock S of the river; A-20s hit the Milan and Genoa areas during the night of
4/5 Sep and attack ammunition stores during the day; fighters support the
limited ground force advance in preparation for a major assault on the Gothic
Line. In France, fighters fly sweeps through the Rhone Valley; the 23d
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group
[attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] moves from Borgo, Corsica
to Valence with F-5s (the squadron is operating from Le Luc); the 84th and 86th
Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), move from
Poretta Airfield, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 111th Tactical
Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from St Raphael to
Valence with F-6s; and the 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, moves
from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s. The 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63d
Fighter Wing, moves from Alghero, Sardinia to Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
542 B-24s attack communications targets in Rumania, Yugoslavia and Hungary
and troop and tank concentrations in S Yugoslavia; in Rumania, 2 marshalling
yards are hit at Oradea, and 2 nearby bridges over the Sebes Koros River;
targets in Yugoslavia are a marshalling yard at Novi Sad, a bridge at Belgrade,
and tanks and troops at Leskovac; and a marshalling yard at Nyiregyhaza,
Hungary. 2 bombers, with fighter escort, evacuate interned airmen from
Bucharest, Rumania.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy during the night of 5/6 Sep A-20s attack targets of opportunity in
the Savona and Milan areas. In France during the day, weather grounds XII
Tactical Air Command aircraft except for a few fighters based in France which
fly armed reconnaissance over the Belfort, Dijon, and Colmar areas, destroying
or damaging numerous motor transport and railroad cars and several locomotives,
field guns, trailers, and a tank; HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 315th and
316th Fighter Squadrons move from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s; and the 35th
Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy,
begins operating from Istres with C-47s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
Weather cancels all flying in France and Italy except for weather
reconnaissance by a few P-47s. In France, HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and
the 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light) move from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with
A-20s; the 16th and 18th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64th Troop Carrier Group,
based at Ciampino, Italy begin operating from Istres with C-47s; and the 23d
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group
[attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] ceases operating from Le
Luc and returns to base at Valence; at the same time, a detachment begins
operating from Satolas-et- Bonce with F-5s.
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from
Grenoble to Lons-le-Saunier with L-5s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Yugoslavia, 354 B-17s and B-24s escorted by P-38s hit railroad bridges at
Brod and Belgrade and marshalling yards at Sarajevo and Nish; 77 P-51s strafe
airfields at Ecka, Petrovgrad, Ilandza, and Alibunar; other P-51s escort RAF
Beaufighters to Trieste, Italy and Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force
(MATAF) C-47s on evacuation missions to Bucharest, Rumania and back to Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In France, A-20s fly supply missions to an airfield near Lyon; fighters
strafe the Belfort area, hitting 10 trains with good results, and blast a
horse-drawn vehicle convoy near Strasbourg; the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron,
64th Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy begins operating from
Istres. In Italy, bad weather grounds B-25s and B-26s; P-47s on armed
reconnaissance in the Po Valley area attack 2 pontoon bridges and several
barges, cut a road, and hit several vehicles and other targets of opportunity;
HQ 350th Fighter Group moves from Corsica to Tarquinia; the detachment of the
23d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group
[attached to the 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] ceases operating from
Le Luc with F-5s and returns to base at Valence.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s achieve excellent results against rail bridges in the E Po
Valley while B-25s bomb troop concentrations and supply points S of Bologna;
fighter-bombers and fighters attack railways and roads in the Po Valley and
from Genoa to Turin; motor transport and rolling stock are bombed and strafed
in N Italy and E France, with particular success in the
Belfort-Mulhouse-Freiburg, France areas; and the detachment of the 416th Night
Fighter Squadron, 62d Fighter Wing, operating from Pomigliano with Mosquitos,
returns to base at Rosignano. In France, the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance
Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Valence to Satolas-et-Bonce with
F-6s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Austria, 344 B-17s and B-24s bomb 5 ordnance depots and SE industrial
area in Vienna and 2 oil refineries in the area. 88 B-24s escorted by P-38s and
P-51s bomb the port of Trieste, Italy. and 45 B-24s, with P-51s escorting, fly
a supply mission to Lyon, France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers continue the campaign against railroad bridges in
the Po Valley and execute 4 attacks against supply and ammunition dumps;
fighter-bombers hit dumps and communications as the ground assault on the
Gothic Line commences during the early morning. In France, XII Tactical Air
Command fighters and fighter- bombers blast communications in the Belfort and
Dijon areas, cutting railroads and hitting several trains.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Bad weather limits operations to supply mission by 54 B-24s to France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-26s hit defensive positions as US Fifth Army elements push
through N Italian mountain passes toward Gothic Line defenses; B-25s bomb
railroad bridges at Vigevano and Canneto sull'Oglio and supply areas;
fighter-bombers and fighters attack roads, railroads, guns, supply areas,
bridges, and other targets at Vernio, and in the Alessandria, Turin, Piacenza,
and Milan areas; and the 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group,
move from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone, Italy with P-47s. The 522d Fighter
Squadron, 27th Fighter Group, moves from Salon to Loyettes, France with P-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Germany, nearly 330 B-17s and B-24s supported by P-38s and P-51s bomb
Lechfeld Airfield, Munich/Allach engine works, and Wasserburg jet aircraft
factory. 50+ B-24s fly supply mission to S France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
Brigadier General Benjamin W Chidlaw assumes command of the XII Fighter
Command.
In Italy, B-26s blast defended positions in the C battle sector of the
Gothic Line; B-25s pound Po River railroad bridges and attack guns and
strongpoints in the battle zone as the enemy falls back to prepared Gothic Line
defenses and the rapid Allied advance halts; fighter-bombers strike at guns,
troop concentrations, strongpoints, and flak positions in the Genoa and Milan
areas; and HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 64th Fighter Squadron move from Alto,
Corsica to Ombrone Airfield with P-47s. In France, French-based fighter-bombers
cut tracks in the Belfort, Basel, and Freiburg areas; and the 417th Night
Fighter Squadron, 63d Fighter Wing, arrives at La Valon from Borgo, Corsica
with Beaufighters; and the 523d and 524th Fighter Squadrons, 27th Fighter
Group, move from Salon to Loyettes with P-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (ETO, Eighth Air Force):
73 of 74 B-17s, escorted by 63 P-51s, continuing the UK-USSR-Italy-UK
shuttle-bombing mission, take off from USSR bases, bomb steel and armament
works at Diosgyor, Hungary and proceed to Fifteenth AF bases in Italy.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
350+ fighter-escorted B-17s and B-24s bomb targets in Czechoslovakia,
Germany, Italy, and Poland; B-17s hit Blechhamer N oil refinery; B-24s hit the
oil refinery at Odertal, Germany and, in Poland, the Auschwitz oil and rubber
works and the Cracow-Auschwitz area, and bomb the marshalling yard at Vrutky,
Czechoslovakia. In Italy, 100+ B-24s attack the Avisio viaduct, and
Mezzocorona and Ora railroad bridges.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s destroy a bridge at Peschiera del Garda, cutting the
Milan-Verona line; B-25s and B-26s bomb guns and defensive positions N of
Florence; fighter-bombers attack railroads, rolling stock, and bridges in N
Italy, although a heavy overcast hampers operations in the NW.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers attack defensive positions in the E and C parts of
the Gothic Line as the enemy fiercely resists, especially at Il Giogo Pass and
on Monte Altuzzo; fighter- bombers continue strikes against communications and
movement in the Po Valley. In France, bad weather limits fighters to a few
sweeps in the S; and HQ 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Sardinia to
Corsica.
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
"A" Flight of the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO, moves from St Tropez to
Lyons, France with L-5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy).
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Greece, 276 B-17s and B-24s bomb Tatoi, Eleusis, and Kalamaki Airfields
and Salamis submarine base; P-38s and P-51s fly escort, target cover, and sweep
target areas; the attacks are aimed at hampering the withdrawal of enemy forces
from the area. 53 B-24s fly a supply mission to S France and 24 B-24s begin
evacuating aircrews formerly imprisoned in Bulgaria from Cairo, Egypt to Bari,
Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
HQ 87th Fighter Wing, 47th Bombardment Group (Light), 57th and 86th Fighter
Groups, and several other units are transferred from HQ XII Tactical Air
Command to HQ XII Fighter Command; HQ XII Tactical Air Command, based in S
France, remains assigned to the Twelfth AF but is put under operational control
of the Ninth AF. In Italy, all medium bomber missions are cancelled or aborted
due to weather; fighter-bombers, though restricted by weather, carry out armed
reconnaissance against enemy communications and defensive positions in the
Milan-Genoa- Modena-Pistoia areas, as Allied forces (joined on this date by
elements of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force) attempt to penetrate enemy
strongholds in the N Apennines; HQ XII Fighter Command moves from Caserta to
Florence; HQ 62d Fighter Wing moves from Naples to Antignano; and the 347th
Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, moves from Sardinia to Tarquinia with
P-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Bad weather cancels bombing operations. 2 P-38s fly weather reconnaissance
and 54 B-24s fly supplies to S France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers attack fuel and supply dumps and defensive
positions in the Bologna and Rimini areas while fighter-bombers and fighters
bomb and strafe rail and road targets N of the battle areas in the N Apennine
Mountains as US Fifth Army forces struggle to break through strong enemy
defenses in the hills N of Prato, along the main Monte Altuzzo ridge, on Monte
Veruca, Monte Monticelli, and other mountain positions; the 85th Bombardment
Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Salon, France to
Follonica with A-20s; and the 526th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves
from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (ETO, Eighth Air Force):
The last UK-USSR-Italy-UK shuttle mission (Operations FRANTIC) is completed
as 72 B-17s and 59 P-51s fly without bombs from Italy to the UK; 2 B-17s and a
P-51 abort and a P-51 crashlands SW of Paris; 70 B-17s 57 P-51s land safely in
the UK.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
440+ B-17s and B-24s, with fighter escort, attack 2 oil refineries and 4
marshalling yards in the Budapest, Hungary area in an attempt to hit Germany's
principal remaining oil supply and to aid the Soviet and other friendly forces
on the S Russian front by pounding the focal rail traffic point in that area;
some of the escorting fighters strafe targets of opportunity in the general
target area. Bad weather hampers all but 8 of 54 B-24s flying supplies to S
France. 25 bombers return from Cairo, Egypt to Italy with Allied airmen
formerly imprisoned in Bulgaria; 2 B-17s, escorted by 41 P-51s, evacuate
wounded airmen from Czechoslovakia to Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In France, the US Seventh Army's French II Corps makes contact with the US
Third Army's French 2d Armored Division near Bains-les-Bains; and the 314th and
315th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, move from Amberieu to Tavaux with
P-47s. In Italy, B-25s hit troop concentrations in the British Eighth Army
battle area in the vicinity of Rimini; B-25s pound rail bridges in the W Po
Valley, while fighter-bombers operating in the Po Valley attack rails, roads,
rolling stock, road bridges, motor transport and other targets; in the
mountains S of the Po Valley US Fifth Army forces break through the Gothic Line
at Il Giogo Pass, take Monte Altuzzo and Pratone, finish clearing Monte Veruca,
and gain the crest of Monte Monticelli; and HQ 86th Fighter Group and the 527th
Fighter Squadron move from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from
Lons-le-Saunier to Vesoul, France with L-5s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
463 B-17s and B-24s, some with fighter escort, hit marshalling yards at
Subotica and Szeged, Hungary and railroad bridges at Novi Sad and Belgrade,
Yugoslavia and Szob, and Budapest, Hungary; fighters maintain cover over the
Budapest area.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s continue to hit troop concentrations and gun positions, in
support of the British Eighth Army forces which open an assault on defenses in
the Rimini area; despite bad weather B-26s and P-47s maintain attacks on
bridges, rail lines, and transportation in the Po Valley; HQ 47th Bombardment
Group (Light) moves from Salon, France to Follonica; HQ 320th Bombardment Group
(Medium) moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s; and the
525th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves from Poretta, Corsica to
Grosseto with P-47s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (ETO, Eighth Air Force):
100 B-17s and 61 P-51s takeoff from bases in the USSR and bomb the
marshalling yard at Szolnok, Hungary and continue to bases in Italy.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
96 B-24s attack railroad bridges at Kraljevo and Mitrovica, Yugoslavia; 70
P-38s provide target area cover.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, bad weather grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit guns and
defensive positions along the Gothic Line and attack roads and bridges in the
Bologna area; the 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment
Group (Light), move from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 95th
Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from
Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta, Corsica with B-26s; and the 441st and 444th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from
Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s. In France, HQ 64th Fighter
Wing moves from St Tropez to Dole.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Hungary, 500 B-17s and B-24s escorted by P-38s and P-51s attack 3
railroad bridges at Budapest, 2 marshalling yards at Hatvan and 1 at Gyor and,
in Czechoslovakia, bomb Malacky Airfield and the Bratislava oil district.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, the 27th and 79th Fighter Groups are added to HQ XII Fighter
Command which on this day begins operations in support of the US Fifth Army;
weather again grounds medium bombers and severely restricts fighters which fly
uneventful reconnaissance missions; the 427th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth
AF (attached to 62d Fighter Wing), departs Pomigliano for India with P-61s. In
France, HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 316th Fighter Squadron move from
Amberieu to Tavaux with P-47s; the 437th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 319th
Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragia,
Corsica with B-26s; and the 442d and 443d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 320th
Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica
with B-26s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
345 B-17s and B-24s attack marshalling yards at Debreczen and Bekescsaba,
Hungary, the railroad at Brod, Yugoslavia and in Hungary, highway bridges at
Baja, in the Kiskore area, and at Tiszafured, plus the Novi Sad, Yugoslavia
railroad bridge; 42 P-38s dive-bomb the Osijek, Yugoslavia marshalling yard;
other fighters escort the bombers. 2 C-47s, with 8 P-51s escorting, evacuate
Fifteenth AF personnel from Yugoslavia to Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, bad weather and unserviceable landing grounds cancel all
operations; and the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3d Photographic
Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Follonica to Florence/Peretola with F-5s (a
detachment is operating from Malignano). In Corsica, HQ 42d Bombardment Wing
(Medium) moves from Elmas, Sardinia to Borgo; HQ 319th Bombardment Group
(Medium) and the 439th and 440th Bombardment Squadrons move from Decimomannu,
Sardinia to Serragia with B-26s; and the 34th, 37th and 432d Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Villacidro,
Sardinia to Poretta with B-26s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (ETO, Eighth Air Force):
The last Operation FRANTIC missions ends as 84 B-17s and 51 P-51s return to
the UK from Italy; the remaining aircraft return on 8 Oct.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Germany, 366 B-24s and B-17s escorted by 270 fighters bomb the NE
industrial area of Munich and Munich/ Riem Airfield. 76 B-24s bomb the
marshalling yard at Larissa, Greece. 68 B-24s fly a supply mission to S France.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy operating N of the Italian battle area, medium bombers bomb road
and rail bridges, while fighter- bombers continue hitting roads, railroads, and
transportation, and support ground forces as US Fifth Army elements prepare to
pursue the enemy withdrawing from N of Pistoia and to drive N to Raticosa Pass
and NE to Imola; British Eighth Army forces battle the enemy along the
Marecchia River; HQ 87th Fighter Wing moves from Furiani, Corsica to Caserta;
the 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves
from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 438th Bombardment Squadron
(Medium), 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to
Serragio, Corsica with B-26s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
147 B-17s, escorted by 290 P-38s and P-51s bomb the Brux, Czechoslovakia
synthetic oil refinery and the marshalling yard at Wels, Austria. 229 B-24s
attack communications targets in Italy, including a viaduct at Venzone and road
and railroad bridges at Casarsa della Delizia, Pinzano al Tagliamento, Ponte di
Piave, Latisana, San Dona di Piave, and Susegana.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
Although several missions are aborted because of bad weather in Italy,
medium bombers attack several railroad bridges in the Po River Valley;
fighter-bombers hit guns and rail and road targets in the battle area as the US
Fifth Army pushes on through the Gothic Line defenses. In France, the
detachment of the 23d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic
Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)],
moves from Satolas-et-Bonce to Dijon with F-5s (squadron is based at Valence);
the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves
from Satolas-et-Bonce to Dijon with F-6s.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
In Greece, 362 B-24s, with fighter escort, bomb Eleusis, Kalamaki, and Tatoi
Airfields, the marshalling yard at Salonika, and harbor at Skaramanga. P-51s
escort B-24s transporting personnel from Bari to Marcianise, Italy.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber and A-20 operations; fighter-bombers
support ground forces, bombing and strafing strongpoints, troop concentrations,
and frontline communications targets as the US Fifth Army pushes through N
Apennines; HQ 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and the 5th Photographic
Reconnaissance Squadron move from Borgo, Corsica to Rosia and Malignano
respectively with F-5s; HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 64th and 65th Fighter
Squadrons move from Ombrone Airfield to Grosseto with P-47s; the detachment of
the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3d Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance), operating from Malignano with F-5s returns to base at
Florence/Peretola.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
51 B-24s, with P-51s and P-38s providing target cover and close escort, bomb
Piraeus, Skaramanga, and Salamis harbors in Greece.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, medium bombers and A-20s cancel operations due to bad weather;
fighter-bombers hit barracks areas, railroads, roads, and transportation in or
near Bologna, Bozzolo, Parma, Castelfranco Veneto, and Canneto sull'Oglio, and
in the immediate battle areas as the US Fifth Army meets strong opposition,
especially in the vicinity of Monte Bastione, and near Torre Poggioli, Monte
Gamberaldi, and Monte Castelnuovo; the 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter
Group, moves from Ombrone to Grosseto with P-47s. In France, the 415th Night
Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, moves from Le Vallon to Longvic with
Beaufighters.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy during the night of 25/26 Sep A-20s bomb targets of opportunity in
the Po Valley; throughout the day B-25s and B-26s pound rail and road bridges
in the E and NW parts of the Po Valley while fighter-bombers and fighters of
the XII Fighter Command attack road nets, rails, motor transport, and supply
points at many locations in the valley.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy during the night of 26/27 Sep A-20s bomb motor transport in the Po
Valley; during the day bad weather cancels medium bomber operations and
restricts the XII Fighter Command; yet fighter-bombers effectively support the
US Fifth Army, especially on Monte Oggioli, blasting defensive positions, troop
concentrations, roads, and motor transport, and cutting rail lines between
Parma and Piacenza.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (Fifteenth Air Force):
Bad weather cancels bombing operations, limiting missions to weather
reconnaissance.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, weather grounds A-20s and medium bombers; fighter-bombers,
operating on a reduced scale bomb Bologna and hit roads and rail lines at 4
locations.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, A-20s and medium bombers are again grounded by weather;
fighter-bombers, hampered by weather, fly 52 sorties in the afternoon, cutting
rail lines leading S from Milan.
ARMY AIR FORCE, MTO:
The 72d Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from
Vesoul to Epinal, France with L-5s.
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, B-25s bomb road and railroad bridges in the Po Valley at Piacenza,
Voghera, Sesto Calende, Lonate Pozzolo, Galliate, Cittadella, Borgoforte, and
Tortona; B-26s hit fuel dumps at Cremona, and bridges at Padua, Turbigo, and
San Nazzaro; XII Fighter Command fighters hit motor transport, rail lines,
roads, bridges, and rolling stock in the Po Valley; HQ 62d Troop Carrier Group
moves from Galera Airfield to Malignano Airfield.
Port Lyautey, French Morocco begins operating from Protville, Tunisia with
B-24's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Twelfth Air Force):
In Italy, almost 200 B-17's and B-25's of the XII Bomber Command bomb
marshalling yards at Bologna, Trento, Bolzano, and Cancello Arnone; bombers and
fighters escorting the B-25's claim 28 enemy airplanes shot down; and tactical
aircraft, including Royal Air Force (RAF) and Ninth Air Force airplanes, hit
gun positions and other targets on the Italian toe, bomb rail communications at
Bova Marina, Locri, Marina di Monasterace, Siderno Marina, Lamezia, and
Catanzaro, and attack barges in the Golfo di Sant' Eufemia and an ammunition
dump at Saptri.
HQ 31st Fighter Group and it's 308th Fighter Squadron transfer from Termini
to Milazzo, Sicily with Spitfires.
The 15th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from
Kairouan, Tunisia to Licata, Sicily with C-47's.
SOURCES:
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force History,
Headquarters USAF, 1961, ISBN 0-912799-02-1
COMBAT SQUADRONS OF THE AIR FORCE, WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force
History, Headquarters USAF 1982
THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by the
Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF, 1973
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman, ISBN 1-85409-071-2
Jack McKillop
USAF (Airways and Air Communications Service)
1955-59
Unpublished Photos of Pearl Harbor Dec 7, 1941
LAST UPDATE 12/07/2011