Salsola
AirfieldP-38J-15-LO #43-28650 Code: #5
1st FG - 27th FS - 15th AF Roger Freeman Collection
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Detailed History
41°32'47"N 015°27'25"E
flying field: NW/SE - 630x1700m/1900x5100ft - grass/dirt
Salsola Airfield (also known as Schifara or Foggia Satellite #3) was a temporary airfield located approximately 17km (10mi) north of Foggia in Apulia, Italy.
It was built by Italian Air Force on the south bank of a small river, the Salsola. The airfield had dispersal areas to the north and southwest of the flying field.10 fighters were spotted at the airfield on 30 July 1943. As many as 39 Ju-88 were spotted on the airfield a week later, indicating the airfield was in use by the Luftwaffe.
It was rebuilt by the US Army Corps Of Enigineers in late 1943. The only known unit to operate from the field is 1st Fighter Group, flying P-38 Lightnings between 8 January 1944 and 8 January 1945. After a brief deployment elsewhere they returned from 21 February 1945 until March 1945.
The last combat missions were flown in March 1945 and the airfield closed in April.
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 27th Fighter Squadron
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot 1056 twin engine
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 94th Fighter Squadron
- Highest Rank: Major
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot/Bomber Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 27th Fighter Squadron
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 94th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-760361
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot 1056 twin engine
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 27th Fighter Squadron
- Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 27th Fighter Squadron
- Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 27th Fighter Squadron
- Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning
- Unit: 1st Fighter Group 71st Fighter Squadron