303rd Bomb Group
Group
IWM, Roger Freeman Collection
Object Number - FRE 5102 - Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
The 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated on 3-Feb-1942 at Pendleton Field, Oregon. They assembled at Gowen Field, Idaho on 11-February 1942 where it conducted flight training until 12-Jun-1942. The Group then moved to Alamogordo Field, New Mexico for advanced flight training until 7-August-1942 when it moved to Biggs Field, Texas to prepare for deployment overseas. The ground echelon moved to Fort Dix, New Jersey on 24-August-1942 and sailed for the UK aboard the Queen Mary on 5-September-1942 arriving at Greenock, UK on 10-September-1942. The air echelon flew to Kellogg Field, Michigan and then on to Dow Field, Maine to begin deployment to England. The Group finally assembled at Molesworth and flew its first combat mission on 17-Nov-1942.
From 17-Nov-1942 until 25-April-1945 the Group flew 364 missions in 10,721 sorties and dropped 24,918 tons of bombs. The Group lost 165 aircraft MIA.
The "Hell's Angels" were named after the B-17 Flying Fortress 41-24577 of the same name, which was the first B-17 in the Eighth Air Force to complete 25 missions. The Group was based solely at Molesworth, Cambridgeshire, between 12 September 1942 and 11 June 1945, flying 364 missions in 10,721 sorties (more than any other B-17 Eighth Air Force Group) and dropped 24,918 tons of bombs (2nd highest in 8AF). Abundant information on this group may be researched at: http://www.303rdbg.com/ hosted by Mr. Gary Moncur. This is perhaps the most comprehensive website currently existing (11-Nov-2014) on any 8th AF Bomb Group.
CLAIMS TO FAME
B-17F 41-24577 'Hell's Angels' first B-17 aircraft to complete 25 missions
B-17F 41-24605 'Knock-Out Dropper' first B-17 aircraft to complete 50 and 75 missions
B-17G 42-38050 'Thunderbird' one of the few B-17s to fly more than 100 missions
First 8th Air Force Bomb Group to complete 300 missions
Flew more missions than any other 8th Air Force Bomb Group.
Commanding Officers
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 1st Bomb Division 303rd Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: O-021505
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Assistant Chief of Staff; Director of Operations; CO
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron 360th Bomb Squadron 427th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-017490
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Commanding Officer
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: O-350379
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Commanding Officer; Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-661981
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Operations Officer; Commanding Officer
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: O-421658
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Role/Job: Commanding Officer; Pilot
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Unit stations
| Station | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Based |
Molesworth | 12 September 1942 - 11 June 1945 |
Encompassing
- Unit Hierarchy: Company
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Unit Hierarchy: Company
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Unit Hierarchy: Company
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 444th Sub-Depot
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 444th Sub-Depot
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19004298
- Highest Rank: Master Sergeant
- Role/Job: Engineer
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Black Diamond Express
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 92nd Bomb Group 95th Bomb Group 326th Bomb Squadron 359th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Kali
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Leapin Liz
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Jersey Bounce
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Spook
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
Mission
- Date: 11 October 1944
- Date: 30 August 1944
- Date: 15 August 1944
- Date: 5 August 1944
- Date: 24 July 1944
Revisions
Information taken from the 303rd Bomb Group Unit History.
Lee Cunningham 8-Dec-2015. Correcting typo in date.
Lee Cunningham 8-Dec-2015. Corrected first combat mission date per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian: http://www.303rdbg.com/
Gary L Moncur
303rdBG Historian
www.303rdBG.com
Gary L. Moncur
303rd BG Historian
www.303rdBG.com
Changed the name of the Group from 'Hells Angels' to 'Hell's Angels'.
Lee Cunningham 25-Nov-2014. Added early history and statistics per: http://www.usaaf.com/8thaf/bomber/303bg.HTM
Lee Cunningham 11-Nov-2014. http://www.usaaf.com/8thaf/bomber/303bg.HTM; http://www.303rdbg.com/index.html
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database / The Mighty Eighth. A History of the Units, Men and Machines of the US 8th Air Force.' by Roger A. Freeman (1989). 'Air Force Combat Units of World War II' compiled by the Department of the US Air Force, edited by Maurice Maurer (1983). / Units in the UK from ETOUSA Station List, as transcribed by Lt. Col. Philip Grinton (US Army, Retired) and extracted by IWM; air division data from L.D. Underwood, based on the 8th Air Force Strength Report of 6th August 1944, as published in 'The 8th Air Force Yearbook' by Lt. Col. John H Woolnough (1980)
![Private Rudolph Honsch, of the 303rd Bomb Group, reads a letter from home atop a bomb. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 28 Jan 1943. [stamp] and ‘245695.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: ''"A big bomb makes a good seat" thinks Pvt Rudolph Honsch, of 66 Fairview Ave., Box 57, Islip Terrace, Lond Island, N.Y. as he reads a letter from his parents, Mr & Mrs J. Honsch of the above address. Aged 32, Pvt. Honsch was formerly bell Capt](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378868.jpg.webp?itok=iwyUai9c)
![Sergeant Sam E. Frisella, of the 303rd Bomb Group, enjoys a cup of tea from an army Jeep. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 16 Dec 1942. [stamp] and ‘238731.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'It is hardly a drawing room tea party, but Sergt. Sam E. Frisella, of 1006 S. Ashland Blud. Chicago, finds it quite a comfortable way to keep his feet out of the mud while drinking his tea and reading a letter from home at an American Air Co](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378869.jpg.webp?itok=EXkKUXdi)
![Master Sergeant Arthur E. Chatfield and Master Sergeant Frank L. Bossert, of the 303rd Bomb Group, check stock lists in the technical supply section. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Jan 1943.' [stamp] and '245296.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: ''HOW THE BOYS LIVE AND WORK AT FLYING FORTRESS STATION IN ENGLAND: Wide World Photo Shows: M/Sgt. Arthur Chatfield, Class (?) P.O., Gloucester County, VA. (Left) waits in Technical Supply section while M](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378871.jpg.webp?itok=v435O_mB)
![Sergeant Charles L. Roth, a ground crewman of the 303rd Bomb Group, fixes the nose turret gun of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24567) nicknamed "Beats Me!?'. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 16 Dec 1942. [stamp] and ‘238765.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'HE WANTS A STEAK IN CHICAGO. 20-year-old Sgt Charles L. Roth, of 6533 Meneriva Avenue, has an army job which suits him down to the ground - or up in the air. In c](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378872.jpg.webp?itok=k0VbemtR)
![Sergeant Arthur Frank Jany, of the 303rd Bomb Group, checks his respirator. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 16 Dec 1942. [stamp] and ‘238802.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'There's no slacking up on gas mask drill for the Americans in Britain, and here is Sgt. Arthur Frank Jany, of 2923, N. New England Ave., Chicago, checking up on his respirator. To his old school at Stienmetz High, the Sergeant writes to be home by spring](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378873.jpg.webp?itok=YgnsvhHH)
![Lieutenant Frank E. Sasdil, of the 303rd Bomb Group, warms the stove of the Officer's Club. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 16 Dec 1942. [stamp] and ‘238756.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Warming up at the stove in the Officers Club is Lt. Frank E. Sasadil of 2505, So. 62nd Ave., Cicero, Ill. He is now serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps in Britain. He went to Morton College and worked for Swift & Cox. He is 26 years of ag](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378874.jpg.webp?itok=7G-s715c)
![Corporal Pat G. Sperindeo, of the 303rd Bomb Group, plays baseball on the aerodrome. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 16 Dec 1942. [stamp] and ‘238744.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Corpl. Pat G. Sperindeo, serving with the U.S. Air Corps in Britain, has not yet seen his 56 day's old baby, but sends this message to his wife - "Hello Jay, kiss the baby for me." The Sperindeos live at 1123 S. Pearis-St., Chicago, where the Cpl](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378875.jpg.webp?itok=s_TaReID)
![Corporal John W. Klopfer, of the 303rd Bomb Group, enjoys a walk in the English countryside. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 28 Jan 1943. [stamp] and ‘245701.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Rural England suits Cpl. John W. Klopfler, of 165 Coffey St., Brooklyn. N.Y. now serving with an engineer unit in Britain. Aged 21, he was formerly an apprentice machinist with Mr American Machine and Foundry Co. His father, Mr J.W. Klopf](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378876.jpg.webp?itok=b4d-Dyeg)
![Private First Class Monroe Klein, of the 303rd Bomb Group, with his bicycle. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 28 Jan 1943. [stamp] and ‘245698.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: ''PFC. Monroe Klein, of 265 McClellan St. Bronx, N.Y., is ready for a spin on his bicycle. He is serving with the U.S.A Air Corps in Britain, and is 20 years of age. He sends his love to his parents, Mr and Mrs Klein, at the above address. Pte Klein was e](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378877.jpg.webp?itok=i2Dd2j3l)
![Sergeant Dominick A. Mupo, of the 303rd Bomb Group, relaxes on a haystack.
Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 28 Jan 1943. [stamp] and ‘245677.’ [Censor no.]
Printed caption on reverse: 'Roasting on the hay is Sgt Dominick A Mupo, of 503 West 170 Street, NYC. He is serving with the Engineers in Britain. Aged 26, Sgt ?upo was formerly with the GPO. His parents live at the above address. Sgt Mupo was educated at Junior High School 11](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378878.jpg.webp?itok=FEwGxPl7)
![Sergeant Joseph A. Paprocki, of the 303rd Bomb Group, loads a bomb into a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 16 Dec 1942. [stamp] and ‘238769.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'In private life Sgt. Joseph A. Paprocki, of 222 N. School Ave, Oglesby, Ill., where his parents live, is a repair-man with the Marquette Cement Mfg. Co. Now he sends destruction to Germany. Aged 30, and educated at the Sacred Heart, Og](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378879.jpg.webp?itok=qyiDZSEg)