305th Bombardment Group

305th Bombardment Group was a United States Army Air Forces unit that played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the European Theater of Operations. The group was formed in March 1942 at Gowen Field, Idaho, and was initially equipped with Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft. The 305th Bombardment Group was part of the Eighth Air Force and participated in numerous missions, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. The group was also supported by notable figures such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, and George S. Patton.

● History

The 305th Bombardment Group was activated on March 1, 1942, at Gowen Field, Idaho, under the command of Colonel Curtis LeMay. The group was initially composed of the 364th Bombardment Squadron, 365th Bombardment Squadron, 366th Bombardment Squadron, and 422d Bombardment Squadron. The group trained at Muroc Army Air Field, California, and Geiger Field, Washington, before deploying to England in October 1942. The group was stationed at Grafton Underwood and later at Chelveston, where it was supported by Royal Air Force units such as No. 8 Group RAF and No. 92 Group RAF. The group also worked closely with other United States Army Air Forces units, including the 306th Bombardment Group, 307th Bombardment Group, and 308th Bombardment Group.

● Organization

The 305th Bombardment Group was organized into four squadrons: the 364th Bombardment Squadron, 365th Bombardment Squadron, 366th Bombardment Squadron, and 422d Bombardment Squadron. Each squadron was equipped with Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft and was supported by a team of aircrew, maintenance personnel, and support staff. The group was commanded by Colonel Curtis LeMay, who later became a prominent figure in the United States Air Force. The group was also supported by notable figures such as Carl A. Spaatz, Ira C. Eaker, and James H. Doolittle, who played important roles in the development of strategic bombing tactics.

● Operations

The 305th Bombardment Group participated in numerous operations during World War II, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. The group flew its first mission on November 17, 1942, and went on to complete over 300 missions during the war. The group targeted key German industrial and military sites, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Dresden. The group also supported Allied ground forces during the Invasion of Italy and the Liberation of Paris. The group worked closely with other Allied units, including the Royal Air Force, French Resistance, and Soviet Air Forces.

● Aircraft

The 305th Bombardment Group was initially equipped with Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft, which were later supplemented by Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft. The group also experimented with experimental aircraft, including the North American B-25 Mitchell and Lockheed P-38 Lightning. The group's aircraft were maintained by a team of skilled mechanics and technicians, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the aircraft were airworthy and ready for combat. The group's aircraft were also supported by aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing, Consolidated Aircraft, and Lockheed.

● Stations

The 305th Bombardment Group was stationed at several locations during World War II, including Gowen Field, Idaho, Muroc Army Air Field, California, and Geiger Field, Washington. The group was also stationed in England at Grafton Underwood and Chelveston, where it was supported by Royal Air Force units. The group later deployed to France and Germany, where it was stationed at Saint-Dizier and Ludwigslust. The group's stations were supported by logistics and supply chain units, including the Army Service Forces and the Quartermaster Corps. The group also worked closely with other United States Army Air Forces units, including the 306th Bombardment Group, 307th Bombardment Group, and 308th Bombardment Group, which were stationed at nearby locations.

Category:United States Army Air Forces units