Learn About the 390th
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Their Place In HistoryIn the spring of 1943, the 390th Bomb Group (H) was activated at Geiger Field, Washington with four squadrons: the 568th, 569th, 570th, and 571st. In July, the Group’s air and ground troops were assigned to the 8th Air Force and dispatched to Suffolk, England for missions over Europe. The 390th‘s B-17 Flying Fortresses bombed aircraft factories, bridges and oil refineries. A total of 673 airmen sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom. |
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Boeing launched the B-17 prototype on July 28, 1935. Used during WWII as a strategic weapon, it quickly took on a reputation of mythic proportions. By the end of WWII, technology had surpassed the B-17 and the famous plane was considered all but obsolete. Today, in both the achievements of the plane itself and those who flew it, the B-17 remains an American icon.
Facts
Boeing, Douglas and Vega all produced B-17 aircraft. A total of 12,731 planes of this type were built.
Based in Parham, England, the 390th Bombardment Group (H) flew 301 combat missions against German military targets. The Group’s achievements included two Presidential Unit Citations, eight Battle Streamers, and a bombing accuracy that was at times the best in the entire 8th Air Force. Behind the success of this (and every) group were thousands of personnel. For every flier there were twenty or so people on the ground, supporting every aspect of a mission.
A memorial commemorates the lives of 673 Bomb Group members who died for our freedom.
