World War Photos

P-38J Lightning code 7F-M of the 485th FS 370th FG during their stay at Florennes Juzaine Airfield A 78 Belgium

The 370th Fighter Group (370th FG) was an integral component of the Ninth Air Force during World War II. Despite originally training on P-47s in the United States, the group was issued P-38 Lightning aircraft upon its arrival in England in February 1944. Comprehensive summary of the 370th FG’s operational history, significant contributions, and squadron details:

Operational History

• Arrival and Early Operations:

  • The 370th FG arrived in England in February 1944 and was based at Aldermaston and later Andover. The group entered combat on 1 May 1944, initially focusing on dive-bombing attacks on German radar stations and flak towers. Additionally, the group provided crucial bomber escort missions targeting bridges and railway yards in preparation for the D-Day invasion.

• D-Day and Normandy Campaign:

  • On D-Day (6 June 1944), the 370th FG provided cover for the cross-Channel movement of shipping and aircraft. Throughout June, the group conducted armed reconnaissance missions over the Cotentin Peninsula, attacking German forces and positions to support the Allied landings.
  • Move to France: In July 1944, the group moved to France, where it concentrated on attacking German gun batteries, supply dumps, and troop movements, particularly during the battles at St. Lo in July and Falaise in August.

• Operations in France and the Low Countries:

  • In September 1944, some aircraft and pilots of the 370th FG were temporarily detached to England to provide cover for the airborne assault on Holland (Operation Market Garden). The group rejoined the First Army in time for the capture of Aachen in October 1944.
  • Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): The 370th FG was awarded a DUC for its mission on 2 December 1944, when it dropped napalm bombs on a heavily-defended village in the Hurtgen Forest, inflicting severe casualties on enemy forces and providing critical support to ground troops.

• Battle of the Bulge and Beyond:

  • During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the 370th FG flew armed reconnaissance sorties, attacking German forces to support the Allied counteroffensive.
  • Transition to P-51 Mustangs: In February and March 1945, the group transitioned from P-38s to P-51 Mustangs. With these new aircraft, the group attacked bridges and docks around Wesel and supported airborne operations during the Rhine crossing on 24 March 1945.

• Final Operations:

  • In April 1945, the 370th FG provided air support to the 2nd Armored Division in the Ruhr Valley. The group’s final mission was a sweep over Dessau and Wittenberg on 4 May 1945, just days before the end of the war in Europe.

• Post-VE Day:

  • After the end of hostilities, the 370th FG remained in Germany for occupation duties before returning to the United States between September and November 1945, where the group was eventually inactivated.

Unit Decorations

• Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC):
  • Hurtgen Forest, Germany: 2 December 1944.
• Belgian Army Order of the Day:
  • 6 June 1944 – 30 September 1944
  • 1 October 1944 and 16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945
• Belgian Fourragere: Recognizing the group’s exceptional service during operations in Belgium.

Combat Commanders

• Col. Howard F. Nichols: Commanded from 1 July 1943.
• Lt. Col. Seth J. McKee: Took command on 6 November 1944.
• Col. Morgan A. Griffin: Took command on 22 February 1945.
• Col. Seth J. McKee: Returned to command on 10 May 1945 until inactivation.

Stations

• England:
  • Aldermaston, Berkshire: 12 February 1944.
  • Andover, Hampshire: 29 February 1944.
• France:
  • Cardonville, Basse-Normandie: 24 July 1944.
  • La Vielle, Basse-Normandie: 15 August 1944.
  • Lonray, Basse-Normandie: 6 September 1944.
  • Roye/Amy, Picardie: 11 September 1944.
• Belgium:
  • Florennes/Juzaines, Province de Namur: 26 September 1944.
  • Zwartberg, Province Limburg: 27 January 1945.
• Germany:
  • Gutersloh, Nordrhein-Westfalen: 20 April 1945.
  • Mannheim/Sandhofen: 27 June 1945.
  • Fritzlar: 6 August 1945.

Squadrons and Aircraft

• Fighter Squadrons:
  • 401st Fighter Squadron (FS): 9D
  • 402nd Fighter Squadron (FS): E6
  • 485th Fighter Squadron (FS): 7F
• Aircraft:
  • The 370th FG operated P-38 Lightnings from February 1944 until February 1945, after which they transitioned to P-51 Mustangs for the final phase of the war.

Squadron Colors and Aircraft Markings

• Squadron Colors:
  • 401st FS:
    • P-38s: White square on the tailplane; yellow and blue spinner.
    • P-51s: Yellow spinner and nose tip with a horizontal band across the fin and rudder.
  • 402nd FS:
    • P-38s: White circle on the tailplane; blue and white spinner.
    • P-51s: Dark blue spinner and nose tip with a diagonal band across the fin and rudder.
  • 485th FS:
    • P-38s: White triangle on the fin and rudder; red and blue spinner.
    • P-51s: Red spinner and nose tip with a vertical band on the fin.