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96th Bomb Group

Group

  • Personnel of the 96th Bomb Group and the 452nd Bomb Group receive briefing against the wall of a bombed-out railway building in Poltava, Russia during Operation Frantic in summer 1944. Image via M.L. Gibson. Official caption printed on image: 'USEC, Russia 1944.'

    Personnel of the 96th Bomb Group and the 452nd Bomb Group receive briefing against the wall of a bombed-out railway building in Poltava, Russia during Operation Frantic in summer 1944. Image via M.L. Gibson. Official caption printed on image: 'USEC, Russia 1944.'

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  • An electrical technician of the 96th Bomb Group at work.

    An electrical technician of the 96th Bomb Group at work.

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  • A navigator of the 96th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress.

    A navigator of the 96th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress.

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  • A crashed B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-38193) of the 96th Bomb Group. Official caption printed on image: '682. (44) 4-13-44. Hon. Crash Landing. B-17G-42-38193. W.J.F.S.A.D.'

    A crashed B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-38193) of the 96th Bomb Group. Official caption printed on image: '682. (44) 4-13-44. Hon. Crash Landing. B-17G-42-38193. W.J.F.S.A.D.'

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  • A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30188) nicknamed

    A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30188) nicknamed "Kats Sass II" of the 96th Bomb Group flies in formation over water with other Fortresses. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Kats Sass II.'

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  • The nose art of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-5885) nicknamed

    The nose art of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-5885) nicknamed "Kipling's Error the III" of the 96th Bomb Group. Official caption printed on image: '(GM-1-9-96)(11-9-43).' Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Neies crew.'

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  • The American Red Cross Aeroclub band of the 96th Bomb Group.

    The American Red Cross Aeroclub band of the 96th Bomb Group.

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  • An airman of the 96th Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress (MZ-W, serial number 42-30123) nicknamed

    An airman of the 96th Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress (MZ-W, serial number 42-30123) nicknamed "Big Dick". Official caption printed on photo: '(GM-1-10-96)(11-8-43).' Handwritten caption on reverse: '230123, MIA 25/2/44 MZ-W. 11/8/43.'

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  • Colonel James L Travis, Commanding Officer of the 96th Bomb Group at a dance in the Officer's Club. Official caption printed on image: '(GM-41-1-96)(17-10-43) OFFICER'S DANCE.' Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Col Travis- Officer's Club.'

    Colonel James L Travis, Commanding Officer of the 96th Bomb Group at a dance in the Officer's Club. Official caption printed on image: '(GM-41-1-96)(17-10-43) OFFICER'S DANCE.' Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Col Travis- Officer's Club.'

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  • The station library of the 96th Bomb Group.

    The station library of the 96th Bomb Group.

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The 96th Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses to targets across occupied Europe from May 1943 to April 1945.

The Group was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations for particularly testing missions. The first was awarded for the bombing of an aircraft factory at Regensburg on 17 August 1943 under intense pressure from enemy fighters. The second was for leading the 45th Bomb Wing through difficult weather conditions and anti-aircraft fire to drop their payload on aircraft components factories at Poznan on 9 April 1944.

Structure

Part of
Encompassing
Previously was
Not yet known
Became
Not yet known

Missions

  • VIII Bomber Command 55

    13 May 1943
    The large fighter sweeps of the last several weeks have not been successful in drawing any significant numbers of German fighters in opposition. So, if the German will not send his fighters up for a one-on-one confrontation with the American P-47s,...

  • VIII Bomber Command 56

    14 May 1943
    Today's operations will be the most extensive yet mounted by VIII Bomber Command. The operations call for a "maximum effort". Whereas in the past a single target or those close together have been chosen, today's effort is against widley separated...

  • VIII Bomber Command 57

    15 May 1943
    The missions of VIII Bomber Command are becoming more sophisticated. The primary stratgic target for today is the U-Boat pens, marshalling yards and Luftwaffe airfield at Emden, Germany. The resistance of Luftwaffe fighters is a primary concern for the...

  • VIII Bomber Command 58

    17 May 1943
    VIII Bomber Command launches another operation against German U-Boat facilities with three elements. The first element is a formation of 100 B-17s despatched from: 91BG (24); 92BG (10); 303BG (21); 305BG (21) and 306BG (24) to attack the German U-Boat...

  • VIII Bomber Command 59

    19 May 1943
    The German naval bases at Kiel and Flensburg, Germany are the two primary targets for this mission. A force of 123 B-17s is despatched from: 91BG (19); 92BG (10); 303BG (27); 305BG (22); 306BG (24) and 351BG (21) to bomb the naval facilities at Kiel,...

  • VIII Bomber Command 60

    21 May 1943
    The German naval and port facilities at Wilhelmshaven and Emden, Germany are the two primary targets for this mission. Once again, there is a two-fold strategic objective: entice the Luftwaffe to commit its fighter forces; and further degrade the naval...

  • VIII Bomber Command 62

    11 June 1943
    The harbour facilities, port areas and U-Boat pens at Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven, Germany are the primary targets for this mission. This is the largest number of heavy bombers yet despatched on a single mission - 252. This is the first mission flown...

  • VIII Bomber Command 63

    13 June 1943
    German naval facilities and port areas at Bremen, Germany and Kiel, Germany are the primary targets for this mission. A formation of 151 B-17s despatched from: 91BG (21); 92BG (17); 303BG (27); 305BG (24); 306BG (28); 351BG (21); and 379BG (13) are to...

  • VIII Bomber Command 65

    22 June 1943
    The German rubber industry (Chemische Werke Hüls AG) at Marl (district Hüls-Nord), Germany, is the primary objective of this mission and is assigned to the Bomb Groups with the most expericence. Also the industrial area of Antwerp, Belgium is assigned...

  • VIII Bomber Command 67

    25 June 1943
    This mission was intended to be the first major attack on the industrial area of Hamburg, Germany but weather and contrails made fromation flying too difficult and dangerous. As a result, the main formation 197 B-17s from: 91BG (18); 92BG (23); 303BG ...

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Stations

Station Location Date
Based Grafton Underwood 16 April 1943 – 27 May 1943
Based Andrews Field 13 May 1943 – 11 June 1943
Based Snetterton Heath 12 June 1943 – 11 December 1945

Connections

People

  • Philip Aaronson

    Military | Corporal | 96th Bomb Group

  • Austin Abbott

    Military | Staff Sergeant | Flight Engineer | 96th Bomb Group
    Completed combat tour. Flew on the Relucant Dragon

  • Thomas Abplamalp

    Military | Corporal | 96th Bomb Group
    Assigned Sep 1944

  • Thomas Abrahamson

    Military | Sergeant | Right Waist Gunner, Waist Gunner | 96th Bomb Group
    Shot down by flak and fighters on a mission to Erkner, Berlin on 8 March 1944, B-17G #42-31403 crashed W of Berlin. Prisoner of War (POW). POW

  • Thomas Accardi

    Military | Second Lieutenant | Co-Pilot | 96th Bomb Group
    Assigned Sept 1944. Shot down 30 November 1944 in B-17 #44-8109, Prisoner of War (POW). POW

  • Raymond Ackerman

    Military | Captain | 96th Bomb Group
    Assigned Aug 1944

  • Ona Acord

    Military | Second Lieutenant | Co-Pilot | 96th Bomb Group
    An ME109 collided with B-17G #42-38001 on mission to Frankfurt on 29 Jan 1944. Killed in Action (KIA).

  • Gaylen Adair

    Military | 96th Bomb Group

  • Jack Adair

    Military | Second Lieutenant | Co-Pilot | 96th Bomb Group
    Shot down 28 July 1943 in B-17 #42-30401. Plane crashed into North Sea. Killed in Action (KIA).

  • Robert Adamek

    Military | First Lieutenant | Assistant Group Statistical Officer | 96th Bomb Group

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Aircraft

  • 42-102444 Wildfire

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 3/3/44; Gr Island 30/3/44; Dow Fd 6/4/44; Assigned 339BS/96BG [QJ-S] Snetterton 7/4/44; Missing in Action Berlin 8/5/44 with Leo Green, Co-pilot: Simon Nesbitt, Navigator: Jim Hesketh, Bombardier: Dan Benia, Flight engineer/top...

  • 42-102450 'Paisano'

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Kearney 22/3/44; Dow Fd 7/4/44; Assigned 96BG Snetterton 7/4/44; transferred 336BS/95BG Horham 8/4/44; with W. G. Helm force landed A-71 Clastres, France 29/12/44; 85m, Missing in Action Chemnitz 3/3/45 with Bob Duncan, Co...

  • 42-102451

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Gr Island 22/3/44; Grenier 6/4/44; Slated 385BG, Assigned 338BS/96BG [BX-T] Snetterton 7/4/44. Missing in Action Berlin 8 May 1944 with Pilot George T. Sterler, Tail gunner: Edward A. Muszynski (2 Prisoners of War). Co-pilot:...

  • 42-102452

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Kearney 22/3/44; Grenier 5/4/44; Assigned 337BS/96BG [AW-R] Snetterton 7/4/44; Missing in Action Brux 12/5/44 with Herb Moore, Co-pilot: Bill Giesse, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Stan Draginis, Radio Operator: Don...

  • 42-102454 Marzi Doats

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Gr Island 24/3/44; Dow Fd 5/4/44; Assigned 413BS/96BG [MZ-T] Snetterton 6/4/44; Missing in Action Merseburg 7/10/44 with George Anglen, Co-pilot: Pat Calvarese, Navigator: Carl Friedman, Bombardier: Lou Cerkas, Flight...

  • 42-102475

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 7/3/44; Hunter 9/4/44; Dow Fd 29/4/44; Assigned 338BS/96BG [BX- ] Snetterton 1/5/44; Missing in Action Karlsruhe 27/5/44 with Wilbur Brean, Navigator: Bob Egan, Bombardier: Bob Kleinder, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Albt Fancea...

  • 42-102480 Boots II

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 7/3/44; Kearney 22/3/44; Dow Fd 1/5/44; Assigned 337BS/96BG [AW-N] Snetterton 2/4/44; on training mission 23/4/44, with John Brotbeck, Co-pilot: Chas Irving, Navigator: Ed Montgomery, Bombardier: Owen Womak, Flight engineer/top...

  • 42-102482

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 7/3/44; Gr Island 29/3/44; Dow Fd 7/4/44; Assigned 339BS/96BG [QJ-A] Snetterton 8/4/44; Missing in Action Berlin 8/5/44 with Harry Eye, Co-pilot: Leland Baker, Ball turret gunner: Bill Latta[died of wounds in hospital] (3 Killed in...

  • 42-102502 Chatterbox

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 9/3/44; Gr Island 29/3/44; Dow Fd 7/4/44; Assigned 100BG Thorpe Abbotts 7/4/44; transferred 339BS/96BG [QJ-G] Snetterton 8/4/44; Missing in Action Politz 25/8/44 with Chas Jennings, Co-pilot: Styrlin Scogin, Navigator: Delmar...

  • 42-102515

    B-17 Flying Fortress
    Delivered Cheyenne 10/3/44; Gr Island 29/3/44; Grenier 7/4/44; Assigned 338BS/96BG [BX-J] Snetterton 8/4/44; Missing in Action Magdeburg 27/5/44 with Joe Borkowski, Co-pilot: Walt Hester, Navigator: Bill Ahearn, Bombardier: Theo Ream, Flight engineer...

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Citations

Distinguished Unit Citations:

Regensburg, Germany, 17 August 1943- For withstanding significant assault from enemy fighters while bombing aircraft factories in Regensburg.

Poznan, Poland, 9 April 1944- For leading the 45th Combat Bomb wing through thick cloud and intense enemy fire to bomb aircraft factories in Poland.

Air Force
8th
Type
Combat
Type category
Bombardment
Nicknames
Not yet known
Motto
E Sempre Lora -- Always the Hour
Insignia
Eagle with a Bomb in his Beak
Aircraft used
  • B-17 Flying Fortress

Revisions

Date Contributor Update
23 July 2020 13:25:03 Emily Changes to citations
Sources

Air Force Combat Units of World War II
Date Contributor Update
15 April 2015 10:23:22 Lucy May Changes to description, mission associations and stations
Sources

Added dates the Group were at different bases in England from Roger Freeman's book 'The Mighty Eighth'.
Date Contributor Update
13 March 2015 15:31:33 rossingtonj Changes to type and mission associations
Sources

Type added.
Date Contributor Update
12 October 2014 20:57:13 Rebecca Barton Lutz Changes to motto, insignia and mission associations
Sources

Daughter
Date Contributor Update
12 October 2014 20:51:47 Rebecca Barton Lutz Changes to mission associations
Sources

Mr. Councell
Date Contributor Update
12 October 2014 20:51:43 Rebecca Barton Lutz Changes to insignia and mission associations
Sources

Mr. Councell
Date Contributor Update
12 October 2014 20:49:48 Rebecca Barton Lutz Changes to motto, aircraft types and mission associations
Sources

Mr. Councell
Date Contributor Update
27 September 2014 18:42:46 AAM AAM ingest
Sources

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)

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