Alesan Airfield

Airfield
media-48640.jpeg UPL 48640 Alesani Airfield, Corsica

Object Number - UPL 48640 - Alesani Airfield, Corsica

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Detailed History

Alesani airfield (Advanced Landing Ground Alesanie) was an airfield that formed part of the "USS Corsica" airbase complex on the east coast of Corsica.

The airfield was constructed by the allies very early in 1944 and occupied by the 340th Bombardment Group from mid-April 1944 until late-April 1945. The 340th Bombardment Group consisted of the 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons. These squadrons had planes with tail fins marked "6", "7", "8" or "9" respectively, followed by a letter identifying the particular aircraft.

The crew chiefs and their ground crews who serviced, repaired, and maintained the aircraft typically adorned their planes with artwork, names, and other personal touches

Like the other airfields, its runway ran north-south. A lighthouse situated approximately 1 mile SW of the airfield provided a good landmark. Also, there were four pierced steel warm-up aprons connected by taxi-track to the prepared strip. East and west of the air strip were 140 hard standings for the aircraft connected by taxi-tracks to either end of the landing strip. The control tower was located on the west side of the center of the prepared strip. Two huts and two portable barracks housed the administration and operations sections. The personnel was living in tents.

There was a First Aid station at the airfield and a hospital at Cervione, 4 miles to the north.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-691131
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: 39116969
  • Highest Rank: Technician Fourth Grade
  • Role/Job: Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 488th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-809845
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-724210
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 486th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35397819
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator/Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-25 Mitchell
  • Nicknames: My Naked Ass
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 487th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-25 Mitchell
  • Nicknames: Flak Fodder II
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 489th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-25 Mitchell
  • Nicknames: Battlin Betty
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 488th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-25 Mitchell
  • Nicknames: That's All Brother
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 489th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-25 Mitchell
  • Unit: 340th Bomb Group 489th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

Corrected name

Alesan Airfield: Gallery (65 items)