Azeville

Airfield
media-22775.jpeg UPL 22775 A-7
Azeville Airfield

Object Number - UPL 22775 - A-7 Azeville Airfield

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Detailed History

Air field Azeville (ALG A-7) was an Advanced landing Ground near Utah Beach in Normandy, France



The airfield was completed a little over two weeks after D-Day and served as an air base for Allied aircraft operating above and just ahead of the beachhead.



It was built by the US IX Engineering Command, 819th Engineer Aviation Battallion.



Although named after the town of Azeville, it was actually located closer to Fontenay-sur-Mer and St. Marcouf.



It was built north of the lane to Chateau de Fontenay, one of the most beautiful chateaus in Normandy and cut through another.



Most of the construction took place under enemy fire, but 819 EAB did not sustain major damage or loss in men.



Although planned for a 1500m (5000ft) runway, it was built as a fighter air base with 3600ft of runway.



Reason is that any lengthening would require major earthworks.



The airfield was declared operational on 23 June and completed on 2 July, 16 resp. 26 days after D-Day.



The airfield was used by the 365th FG, consisting of 386, 387 and 388 FS, flying P-47 Thunderbolts on fighter bomber missions.



The group moved into the airfield on 28 June 1944.



The Fighter Group left on 15 August.



For about a month the airfield was used by 363 FG consisting of 380, 381 and 382 FS, flying P-51 Mustangs on fighter and tactical reconnaissance missions.



USAAF abandoned the site on 15 September 1944.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 365th Fighter Group 387th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-708679
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 365th Fighter Group 386th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-417403
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Fighter pilot / Asst Group Operations Officer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 365th Fighter Group 388th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-673734
  • Highest Rank: General
  • Role/Job: Fighter Pilot/Squadron Commander
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 365th Fighter Group 386th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-418131
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Fighter pilot-1055 Deputy Group CO
Lieutenant Colonel Louis Houck of the 365th Fighter Group wearing a flying helmet with devil horns in the cockpit of his P-47 Thunderbolt nicknamed "Screamin' Weemie". Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp]. Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICAN FLYER WEARS "DEVIL'S HELMET" Lieutenant Colonel Louis Houck, 27, commander of a Ninth US Air Force fighter group, waves for contact after donning his "devil's helmet" for a mission against the Nazis. The flyer calls his plane "Screaming' Weemie". Keys
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 365th Fighter Group 387th Fighter Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot / Squadron Commander

Revisions

Azeville: Gallery (12 items)