|
The following pages document the history of the 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and the missions they flew over Nazi-occupied Europe.
The areas covered, in sequence, begin with the unit's formation in March, 1943. An initial cadre was formed at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. Training commenced at Wendover Field, Utah and continued after the unit transferred to Sioux City, Iowa. The individual squadrons conducted advanced training at remote fields, then reformed prior to overseas movement in November, 1943.
Combat operations began on December 13, 1943 and continued until April 25, 1945. By that time, the 445th had flown 280 combat missions, led the 2nd Air Division in bombing accuracy several times, and managed to get nearly the entire unit destroyed on 2 separate missions - Gotha and Kassel. Those stories will follow later...
|
