P-47D 42-29313 FT-S of the 353rd Fighter Squadron, 354th FG in natural metal finish, without camouflage
The 354th Fighter Group (FG), famously known as “The Pioneer Mustang Group,” holds a significant place in the history of the 9th Air Force during World War II. It was the first Fighter Group to be equipped with the P-51 Mustang, a crucial aircraft that contributed to Allied air superiority.
Key Operations and History:
Arrival and Early Missions:
- The 354th FG arrived in England in October and November 1943, joining the newly-formed 9th Air Force. The Group conducted its first P-51 mission, known as a “Rodeo,” over northern France on December 5, 1943. This marked the beginning of its combat operations in the European Theater.
Escort Missions and Achievements:
- The 354th quickly became integral to long-range escort missions, protecting 8th Air Force bombers during deep raids into enemy territory. The effectiveness of these missions earned the Group a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) in May 1944. By the end of that month, the 354th had flown 93 missions, claiming 324 enemy aircraft destroyed and another 39 probably destroyed, despite the loss of 67 P-51s and 63 pilots.
Transition to Fighter-Bomber Operations:
- After its success in escort missions, the Group transitioned to fighter-bomber roles, targeting enemy airfields, supply dumps, roads, and railways across France, Belgium, and Holland. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 354th escorted glider “trains” and attacked strategic targets near the front lines, playing a crucial role in the invasion of Normandy.
Combat and Recognition:
- The Group’s prowess was further recognized with a second DUC for its fighter sweeps on August 25, 1944. During these operations, the 354th engaged in fierce air battles, including one over the Reims area, where they downed 10 Fw 190s and destroyed several more on the ground. The 354th continued to provide support during key operations such as the airborne assault on Holland, the attack on the Siegfried Line, and the Battle of the Bulge.
End of the War and Post-VE Day:
- The 354th Fighter Group remained active through the end of the war, supporting ground forces during the crossing of the Rhine and continuing operations in Germany. After VE-Day, the Group stayed in Germany, operating as part of the occupation forces beyond the disbandment of the 9th Air Force.
Organizational Details:
Squadrons and Codes:
- 353rd Fighter Squadron (FS)
- 355th Fighter Squadron (FS) [GQ]
- 356th Fighter Squadron (FS) [AJ]
Bases:
- Greenham Common, Berkshire, England – November 4, 1943
- Boxted, Essex, England – November 13, 1943
- Lashenden, Kent, England – April 17, 1944
- Criqueville, France – June 17, 1944
- Gael, France – August 14, 1944
- Orconte, France – September 21, 1944
- Rosieres-en-Haye, France – December 1, 1944
- Ober Olm, Germany – April 7, 1945
- Ansbach, Germany – May 1, 1945
- Herzogenaurach, Germany – April 15, 1945
Commanding Officers:
- Col. Kenneth R. Martin
- Col. James H. Howard – February 12, 1944
- Col. George R. Bickell – April 1944
- Lt. Col. Jack T. Bradley – May 1945 onward
Aircraft:
- P-51 Mustang (Nov 1943 – Nov 1944, Feb 1945 – onward)
- P-47 Thunderbolt (Nov 1944 – Feb 1945)
Aircraft Markings:
P-51 Mustangs:
- 353rd FS: Yellow/white nose bands; later a yellow spinner and nose.
- 355th FS: Blue spinner and nose tip.
- 356th FS: Red spinner and nose band; black horizontal band across fin and rudder.
P-47 Thunderbolts:
- 353rd FS: Yellow cowling.
- 355th FS: Light blue nose band and checkered cowling, black horizontal band across fin and rudder.
- 356th FS: Red cowling.
Honors and Decorations:
Campaign Streamers:
- Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
- Distinguished Unit Citation (ETO, December 1943 – May 15, 1944; France, August 25, 1944).
- French Croix de Guerre with Palm (December 1, 1943 – December 31, 1944).