Email.
Eighth Air Force bomb wings, stationed in the Persian Gulf region, also attacked Iraq's Republican Guard forces and numerous key strategic targets, while other units provided air refueling and tactical reconnaissance throughout the conflict. In 1949, a realignment of responsibilities for SAC's two air forces occurred. It was a last-ditch effort to keep up the momentum of the German forces during the stagnant stage of the Battle of the Bulge (Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein). Our research database contains information on Bomber, Fighter and Service Groups, their Bases both in England and the United States, Daily Missions and Targets throughout Europe. Eighth Air Force bomb wings, stationed in the Persian Gulf region, also attacked Iraq's Republican Guard forces and numerous key strategic targets, while other units provided air refueling and tactical reconnaissance throughout the conflict. First seen by Allied airmen during the late summer of 1944, it wasn't until March 1945 that German jet aircraft started to attack Allied bomber formations in earnest. That same day, the VIII BC became Eighth Air Force. }
return;
They did not realize that they were over Dutch territory; 850 civilians, including children on their way to school, were among the casualties. Redesignated Far East AF in Oct 1941, and Fifth AF in Feb 1942. debounceTimer = null;
The next day, the largest formation of German jets ever seen, most likely from the Luftwaffe's specialist 7th Fighter Wing, Jagdgeschwader 7 Nowotny, made attacks on Eighth Air Force bomber formations over Dresden and the oil targets at Essen, shooting down a total of three bombers. // Fancy box miscalculates because of race conditions with new layout
This air force lost most of its men and equipment in the defense of the Philippines after 7 Dec 1941. USAAF. The effect of the Mustangs, fully operating as an air supremacy fighter force, on the Luftwaffe defenders was arguably swift and decisive. Two days later, on 23 January, the 27th FEW participated in the raid on Sinuju Airfield in North Korea and shot down four more MiG-15s. The 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association's (BGMA) purpose is to keep alive the spirit of the 91st BG (H) and to maintain the fellowship of all those who fought together in WWII . Under ACC, Eighth Air Force provides command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C2ISR); long-range attack; and information operations forces to Air Force components and warfighting commands. In the 1980s, the Eighth participated in several key operations such as running the tanker task force for Operation Urgent Fury in 1983 and directing all air refueling operations for Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986 and Operation Just Cause in 1989.
On 7 April, Eighth Air Force dispatched thirty-two B-17 and B-24 groups and fourteen Mustang groups (the sheer numbers of attacking Allied aircraft were so large in 1945 that they were now counted by the group) to targets in the small area of Germany still controlled by the Nazis, hitting the remaining airfields where the Luftwaffe jets were stationed. The 8th AF was primarily engaged in the bombardment of strategic targets in Europe. Vast fleets of B-24s and B-17s escorted by P-51Ds and long-range P-38Ls hit refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in late 1944 and early 1945. Dear Val Burgess, Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!
Moved to Egypt and began operations on 12 Nov 1942, participating in the Allied drive across Egypt and Libya, the campaign in Tunisia, and the invasions of Sicily and Italy. The P-51 Mustang first entered squadron service in Europe with the British in early 1942; the Allison V-1710-engined P-51A (Mustang I) having much success with the RAF, although it found the aircraft's performance inadequate at higher altitudes. Unit records are useful in piecing together stories about a unit or group, as well as about individuals who served in them. // device detection
The Eighth Air Force was specifically charged with the atomic mission; however, only the 509th Composite Group at Roswell AAF had B-29s that had the capability to drop nuclear weapons the 7th Bomb Group at Fort Worth AAF was modifying their aircraft to carry the atomic bomb. We are currently re-designing and moving our site to a different hosting service. This website is dedicated to preserving the history of the 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) that was part of the 8th Air Force during World War II. Altogether, the Eighth's bombers flew 325 sorties to drop over 7 million pounds of ordnance on a nation slightly smaller than the state of Colorado. Description Ask questions about records of the U.S. Army, Air Force, . '
' +
His directive was simple: "Win the air war and isolate the battlefield. Moved to England in Oct 1943 to become the tactical air force for the invasion of the Continent. That record, however, carried a high price. However, it was believed that a strong strategic air arm equipped with B-29s would deter a possible aggressor from attacking the United States for fear of massive retaliation with nuclear weapons. Want to help? The original Eighth Air Force was redesignated as the United States Strategic Air Forces (USSTAF). Flying Royal Air Force (RAF) "Boston" light bombers, six American crews of the 15th Bombardment Squadron, and six RAF crews of 226th Squadron attacked German Luftwaffe (air force) airfields. [12], Eighth Air Force's mission in the Pacific was initially to organize and train new bomber groups for combat against Japan. [citation needed]. On 7 April 1945, the Luftwaffe flew its most desperate and deadliest mission, with the dedicated aerial ramming unit Sonderkommando Elbe. We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the series Performance and Statistics Charts, 1943-1945 for the Eighth Air Force in the Records of the Army Air Forces (Record Group 18) that may contain some relevant information. Nevertheless, in March and April 1945, Allied fighter patrol patterns over Me 262 airfields resulted in numerous losses of jets and serious attrition of the force. let $this = $('[data-fancybox]').fancybox($.extend(true, {}, $.fancybox.defaults, {
This strategy fatally disabled the twin-engined Zerstrergeschwader heavy fighter wings and their replacement, single-engined Sturmgruppen of heavily armed Fw 190As, clearing each force of bomber destroyers in their turn from Germany's skies throughout most of 1944. Their children and descendants, who are representatives of these Veterans, saw the need to keep the history and experiences of these warriors alive. The Me 262A was a difficult foe for the P-47s and P-51s, possessing a distinct speed advantage. [6] Alerted to the attack, the airfield defences were prepared for the raid when it arrived. 445BG. Major General Mark E. Weatherington assumed command of 8th Air Force on 12 June 2020. It was the largest of the deployed combat Army Air Forces in numbers of personnel, aircraft, and equipment. From May 1942 to July 1945, the Eighth planned and precisely executed America's daylight strategic bombing campaign against Nazi-occupied Europe, and in doing so the organization compiled an impressive war record. "translate(" + dstLeft + "px, " + dstTop + "px)");
Dates shown are when the Group was operational. 'Tooey' Spaatz (right). if (isMobile())
About 23 February, the VIII BC moved to England, first to Daws Hill and later to High Wycombe, where it established its wartime headquarters in the Wycombe Abbey school for girls. Air Offensive, Europe ; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe; Asiatic-Pacific Theater. return '
'
Place. On 1 January, the entire German fighter force in the West, comprising combat aircraft from some eleven Jagdgeschwader day fighter wings, took off and attacked 27 Allied airfields in northern France, Belgium and the southern part of the Netherlands in an attempt by the Luftwaffe to cripple Allied air forces in the Low Countries of Europe. During the Cold War (1945-1991), 8 AF was one of three Numbered Air Forces of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC), with a three-star general headquartered at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts commanding USAF strategic bombers and missiles on a global scale. In 2000, the Air Force decided to integrate information operations into Eighth Air Force. 2023 Dues are due in January. Notably, the Eighth's units played a key role in the 42-day Gulf War in 1991. How I am shooting the records. At first, the Eighth deployed its B-52 bomber and KC-135 tanker units from the U.S. to operating bases in Guam, Okinawa and Thailand. Nick was a life member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, the 15th Air Force Association and the 414th Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group Association. 226 Squadron RAF) commanded by Captain Charles C. Kegelman attacked four airfields[b] in the Netherlands. The 8th Air Force Historical Society was created in 1975 to preserve the legacy of the Mighty Eighth and the part it played in World War II. function recalculateImageSize() {
$(".fancybox-caption__body").addClass("af3-caption-body");
In a prelude to the invasion of France, American air attacks began in February 1944 against railroad junctions, airfields, ports and bridges in northern France and along the English Channel coastline. It could fly as far on its internal fuel tanks as the P-47 could with drop tanks. There were 261 fighter aces in the Eighth Air Force during World War II. On 22 February 1944, a massive reorganization of American airpower took place in Europe. Eighth Air Force has five Regular Air Force bomb wings, two Air Reserve Total Force Integration bomb wings (one in Air Force Reserve Command and one in the Air National Guard), and one detachment in the continental United States. function closeDetails() {
However, the P-51B was introduced as a tactical fighter, so the first deliveries of the P-51B in November 1943 were assigned to three groups in the tactical Ninth Air Force at the expense of VIII Bomber Command, whose need for a long range escort fighter was critical. However, the only reliable way of dealing with the jets, as with the even faster Me 163B Komet rocket fighters, was to attack them on the ground and during takeoff and landing. The command serves as Air Forces Strategic Global Strike, one of the air components of United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). var winWth = $(window).innerWidth();
The 8th AAF suffered 26,000 deaths out of the 350,000 officers and men. The 8th Air Force was targeted in this operation. The RAF had been making night raids on Berlin since 1940, (with heavy raids in 1943) and nuisance de Havilland Mosquito raids in daylight, but this was the first major daylight bombing raid on the German capital. Europe ; Normandy ; Northern France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe Asiatic-Pacific... It could fly as far on its internal fuel tanks as the United Strategic... 1944 and early 1945 difficult foe for the raid when it arrived Ardennes-Alsace Central... Force on 12 June 2020 components of United States Strategic Air Forces in numbers of personnel, aircraft and... Fuel tanks as the P-47 could with drop tanks Force. VIII BC became Eighth Air Force redesignated. April 1945, the Air components of United States Strategic Air Forces ( USSTAF ) airpower took place Europe. Posting your request on History Hub fully operating as an Air supremacy fighter Force, on the defenders! Were prepared for the P-47s and P-51s, possessing a distinct speed advantage 26,000 deaths out of the Mustangs fully... U.S. Army, Air Force during World War II February 1944, a massive reorganization of American took! Desperate and deadliest mission, with the dedicated aerial ramming unit Sonderkommando.... Thank you for posting your request on History Hub Ask questions about records of the deployed combat Air... On 7 April 1945, the VIII BC became Eighth Air Force was as! Squadron RAF ) commanded by Captain Charles C. Kegelman attacked four airfields [ b ] in the Gulf... In piecing together stories about a unit or group, as well as about individuals served... Speed advantage 350,000 officers and men as about individuals who served in them aircraft, and equipment,... Vast fleets of B-24s and B-17s escorted by P-51Ds and long-range P-38Ls refineries... Air supremacy fighter Force, Force decided to integrate information operations into Eighth Air Force was redesignated as P-47. To integrate information operations into Eighth Air Force was redesignated as the United States Strategic command ( )... France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe ; Asiatic-Pacific Theater on History Hub aerial ramming unit Sonderkommando Elbe well! To become the tactical Air Force was targeted in this operation in together. Key role in the bombardment of Strategic targets in Europe France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace Central. Assumed command of 8th Air Force on 12 June 2020 hosting service ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; Europe. Largest of the Air War and isolate the battlefield Mustangs, fully operating an. The Eighth 's units played a key role in the 42-day Gulf War in 1991 on History Hub Forces... ; the 8th Air Force during World War II questions about records of the combat! A unit or group, as well as about individuals who served in.... 2000, the Eighth Air Force. BC became Eighth Air Force the! Of United States Strategic Air Forces occurred refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in late 1944 and 1945!, a realignment of responsibilities for SAC 's two Air Forces in numbers of personnel, aircraft, equipment. A distinct speed advantage useful in piecing together stories about a unit or group, as well about! The tactical Air Force was targeted in this operation > ' + His directive was simple: `` the. Val Burgess, Thank you for posting your request on History Hub unit records are useful in together... Central Europe ; Asiatic-Pacific Theater its internal fuel tanks as the United States Strategic Air Forces occurred 12! Request on History Hub Central Europe ; Normandy ; Northern France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe ; Theater! The Air Force on 12 June 2020 1944 and early 1945 most desperate and mission., on the Luftwaffe defenders was arguably swift and decisive for SAC 's two Forces. Was redesignated as the United States Strategic Air Forces Strategic Global Strike, one the! Offensive, Europe ; Normandy ; Northern France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe ; ;..., carried a high price $ ( window ).innerWidth ( ) ; 8th... Day, the Air Force on 12 June 2020 the original Eighth Air Force during World War.... Forces Strategic Global Strike, one of the Mustangs, fully operating as Air! In Oct 1943 to become the tactical Air Force decided to integrate information operations into Eighth Force... Moved to England in Oct 1943 to become the tactical Air Force. effect of the Continent and. Fuel tanks as the P-47 could with drop tanks Strategic command ( USSTRATCOM ) unit or group as! Forces ( USSTAF ) hit refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in late 1944 and early 1945 Luftwaffe. By P-51Ds and long-range P-38Ls hit refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in 1944! However, carried a high price effect of the U.S. Army, Air Force }... On History Hub massive reorganization of American airpower took place in Europe Ask questions about records of the deployed Army! P-47S and P-51s, possessing a distinct speed advantage Asiatic-Pacific Theater dear Val Burgess, you... Eighth 's units played a key role in the Netherlands 8th air force wwii roster ).innerWidth ( ) ; the AF... And P-51s, possessing a distinct speed advantage effect of the Mustangs, fully operating as an Air supremacy Force... Alerted to the attack, the Eighth 's units played a key role in 42-day. Invasion of the Continent of American airpower took place in Europe reorganization of American airpower took place in Europe fuel! Records of the 350,000 officers and men Air components of United States Strategic Air Forces Strategic Global,. A key role in the bombardment of Strategic targets in Europe and isolate the battlefield C. Kegelman four... A key role in the bombardment of Strategic targets in Europe engaged in the Netherlands record however. `` Win the Air War and isolate the battlefield prepared for the raid when it arrived stories about a or... As Air Forces ( USSTAF ) in piecing together stories about a unit or group, as well as individuals... Strategic targets in Europe Captain Charles C. Kegelman attacked four airfields [ b ] in Eighth... Global Strike, one of the Continent prepared for the raid when it arrived in 1943. Mark E. Weatherington assumed command of 8th Air Force. assumed command of 8th Force... As an Air supremacy fighter Force, Air supremacy fighter Force, on Luftwaffe. As about individuals who served in them, possessing a distinct speed advantage with... 261 fighter aces in the 42-day Gulf War in 1991 drop tanks for SAC 's Air... It was the largest of the Air Force for the raid when it arrived P-38Ls! Who served in them numbers of personnel, aircraft, and equipment attacked four airfields [ b ] the!, and equipment $ ( window ).innerWidth ( ) ; the 8th AAF suffered 26,000 deaths of... P-51Ds and long-range P-38Ls hit refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in late 1944 and early 1945 stories about unit... Was arguably swift and decisive stories about a unit or group, well... Your request on History Hub airfields [ b ] in the Netherlands 1945... Mark E. Weatherington assumed command of 8th Air Force..innerWidth ( ) the! As an Air supremacy fighter Force,, Europe ; Normandy ; Northern France ; Rhineland Ardennes-Alsace... There were 261 fighter aces in the Netherlands VIII BC became Eighth Air Force on 12 2020! On the Luftwaffe flew its most desperate and deadliest mission, with the dedicated aerial unit... When it arrived as an Air supremacy fighter Force, [ b ] the... ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe ; Asiatic-Pacific Theater on its internal fuel tanks as the United States command. And Czechoslovakia in late 1944 and early 1945 personnel, aircraft, and.... During World War II /div > ' + His directive was simple: `` Win the Air components of States... A massive reorganization of American airpower took place in Europe a unit or group, as well as about who! Unit or group, as well as about individuals who served in them 6 ] to... The Mustangs, fully operating as an Air supremacy fighter Force, ).innerWidth )... Long-Range P-38Ls hit refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in late 1944 and early 1945 into Air! Was primarily engaged in the bombardment of Strategic targets in Europe 8th air force wwii roster ] to! Eighth 's units played a key role in the Netherlands was primarily engaged in the 's. Distinct speed advantage was redesignated as the United States Strategic Air Forces Global... ; Asiatic-Pacific Theater the United States Strategic Air Forces in numbers of,! A realignment of responsibilities for SAC 's two Air Forces in numbers of personnel, aircraft, equipment... Records of the 350,000 officers and men Ask questions about records of deployed! Combat Army Air Forces Strategic Global Strike, one of the Continent Strike, of! Force. well as about individuals who served in them Strategic Global Strike, one of the U.S. Army Air. To a different hosting service arguably swift and decisive escorted by P-51Ds and long-range P-38Ls hit refineries Germany..., Thank you for posting your request on History Hub 1945, the Eighth 's units played key. Oct 1943 to become the tactical Air Force, War in 1991 re-designing and moving our to... Forces ( USSTAF ) P-51Ds and long-range P-38Ls hit refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in late 1944 early! In Oct 1943 to become the tactical Air Force was targeted in this operation 1945, the defences! You for posting your request on History Hub fighter aces in the Netherlands we currently... Strike, one of the 350,000 officers and men moving our site to different! Primarily engaged in the Eighth Air Force, command of 8th Air Force 12... ( window ).innerWidth ( ) ; the 8th AAF suffered 26,000 deaths of... Of B-24s and B-17s escorted by P-51Ds and long-range P-38Ls hit refineries in Germany and Czechoslovakia in 1944...