363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group | American Air Museum in Britain

A P-51B Mustang A9-V, 42-106485 "Maggie's Drawers" of the 380th[160th] Recon Squadron, 363rd Recon Group, 9th AF.

Show caption About this image
An F-6D Mustang (B3-R, serial number 44-14200) of the 161st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group.

Show caption About this image
2nd Lt Howard W Schmitz, 363TRG.

Show caption About this image

US Air Force Combat Units of World War II Description: Constituted as 363rd Fighter Group on 11 Feb 1943. Redesignated 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Sep 1944. Equipped with F-5 and F-6 aircraft. Flew photographic missions to support both air and ground operations; directed fighter-bombers to railway, highway, and waterway traffic, bridges, gun positions, troop concentrations, and other opportune targets; adjusted artillery fire; and took photographs to assess results of Allied bombardment operations. Received two Belgian citations for reconnaissance activities, including the group’s support of the assault on the Siegfried Line and its participation in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945). Assisted Ninth Army’s drive across the Rhine and deep into Germany during the period from Feb 1945 to V-E Day. Redesignated 363d Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Returned to the US in Dec. Inactivated on 11 Dec 1945.

Structure

Part of

Encompassing

160th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

Squadron
161st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

Squadron
162nd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

Squadron
33rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

Squadron
While serving as part of the 9th Air Force in the European Theater of Operations, the 33rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron was at various times part of three groups: ...

Previously was

363rd Fighter Group

Group
Equipped with P-51s, the Group entered combat from England in February 1944, flying bomber escort and ground-strafing missions. They took part in the invasion of Normandy, protecting gliders and troop carriers on 6 and 7 June. In September 1944, now...

Became

Not yet known

Howard Schmitz

Military | Second Lieutenant | Pilot | 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group
Assigned to 106PRS, 323TRG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) Mersh, Germany in F-6 (P-51) 44-13931 'Isabel'; downed by flak whilst adjusted fall of artillery. Kiled in Action (KIA) MACR 10501 Awards: AM, PH.
James Silva

Military | First Lieutenant | Pilot | 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group
Pilot F-6 Mustang 44-13839, 160th TRS, 363rd TRG, 9th AF, lost on 2 ship visual recon mission to SE France, hit by flak over Pambouef, France, seen to be streaming Glycol, bailed out. 19th Sept 44. MIA/Evaded. MACR 9176.

42-106728 Cotton Tail

F-6 Mustang
F6-B piloted by US-Pilot Caspar Haboian (MIA),Personal.No. T-062794.
44-10881

P-51 Mustang
44-13810

P-51 Mustang
44-13839

F-6 Mustang
F-6 Mustang 44-13839, 160th TRS, 363rd TRG, 9th AF, lost on 2 ship visual recon mission to SE France, hit by flak over Pambouef, France, seen to be streaming Glycol, bailed out Pilot 2nd Lt James L Silva MIA/Evaded. MACR 9176.
44-13931

P-51 Mustang
44-14059

P-51 Mustang
44-14340

P-51 Mustang
44-14408

P-51 Mustang
44-23696

P-38 Lightning

None

Date	Contributor	Update
31 July 2019 08:36:04	Emily	Changes to unit previously was association
Sources
Air Force Combat Units of WWII
Date	Contributor	Update
30 July 2019 10:18:46	Emily	Changes to type, name, us air force combat units of world war ii description and aircraft types
Sources
Air Force Combat Units of WWII
Date	Contributor	Update
27 September 2014 18:42:45	AAM	AAM ingest
Sources
Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database