2nd Bombardment Group

2nd Bombardment Group
Unit name	2nd Bombardment Group
Dates	1919–1945
Country	United States
Branch	United States, 1912
Type	Bombardment
Size	Group
Motto	"Libertatem Defendimus" (We Defend Liberty)
Battles	*World War II **Mediterranean Theater of Operations ***North African Campaign ***Operation Husky ***Allied invasion of Italy ***Operation Dragoon ***Po Valley Campaign
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation
Notable commanders	Edward J. Timberlake
Aircraft bomber	B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell

2nd Bombardment Group was a United States Army Air Corps and later United States Army Air Forces bombardment unit that served with distinction during World War II. Activated in the interwar period, the group transitioned through several aircraft types before deploying to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Its combat record includes major campaigns from North Africa to the Po Valley, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions.

History

The lineage of the 2nd Bombardment Group traces back to its initial organization at Langley Field, Virginia in 1919, making it one of the oldest bombardment groups in the United States Army Air Service. During the interwar years, the group participated in numerous training exercises and aerial demonstrations, contributing to the development of strategic bombing doctrine. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the group trained with new aircraft before its deployment overseas in late 1942, entering combat as part of the Twelfth Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The group was inactivated in Italy in late 1945 following the conclusion of hostilities.

Aircraft

Throughout its service, the group operated several iconic American bomber aircraft. Initially equipped with aircraft like the Keystone bomber, it later transitioned to the B-17 Flying Fortress for training prior to World War II. Upon deployment to the Mediterranean, the group primarily flew the B-25 Mitchell medium bomber, a versatile aircraft well-suited for the tactical bombing missions required in the theater. For a period, it also operated the B-24 Liberator, a heavy bomber used for longer-range missions against targets such as Ploiești oil fields and Axis shipping in the Mediterranean Sea.

Operations

The group's combat operations began with the North African Campaign, providing direct support to Allied forces advancing against the Afrika Korps. It played a significant role in Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, bombing airfields and transportation hubs. During the Allied invasion of Italy, the group attacked lines of communication, bridges, and marshalling yards to hinder German reinforcements. It later supported Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France, and the final Po Valley Campaign in Northern Italy, where it earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for destroying a key railroad bridge at Brenner Pass in April 1945 despite intense flak and Luftwaffe opposition.

Assignments

The group was assigned to several higher commands throughout its existence. During the interwar period, it fell under the First Army and later the Northeast Air District. Its primary wartime assignment was to the Twelfth Air Force within the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. For specific operations, its squadrons were often attached to various bombardment wings, such as the 47th Bombardment Wing, to coordinate strikes with other groups like the 310th Bombardment Group and the 321st Bombardment Group.

Stations

The group was based at numerous airfields across the United States and the Mediterranean. Its initial home was Langley Field, followed by assignments at Mitchel Field in New York and Fort George G. Meade in Maryland. Wartime training occurred at locations like Columbia Army Air Base in South Carolina. Its overseas stations included Telergma Airfield in Algeria, Massicault Airfield in Tunisia, and several bases in Italy, including Grottaglie Airfield, Corsica, and ultimately Fano Airfield, from which it flew its final missions.

Notable personnel

Several individuals who served with the group achieved later prominence. Edward J. Timberlake commanded the group during its early combat deployment in North Africa and later rose to the rank of Lieutenant General. John K. Gerhart, who flew as a B-25 Mitchell pilot, became a General and served as Commander-in-Chief of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Aviator and Medal of Honor recipient Jay Zeamer Jr. was briefly assigned to the group before transferring to the 43rd Bombardment Group in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

Category:United States Army Air Forces bombardment groups Category:Military units and formations established in 1919 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1945