397th Bomb Group Marauders raid over France Spring 1944. 9F-Y 42-96137 and 9F-N 42-96191 on the foreground.
The 397th Bomb Group (BG), one of the last American bomb groups to arrive in England during World War II, played a significant role in the Allied air campaign in Europe. Despite arriving relatively late in the war, in April 1944, the Group quickly became operational and participated in numerous key missions across Europe.
Overview of Operations:
Arrival and Early Missions:
- The 397th BG arrived in England in April 1944, just two months before D-Day. The Group immediately began operations targeting railway depots, airfields, and bridges in preparation for the Allied invasion of Normandy, as well as V-1 flying bomb sites in the Pas de Calais region.
D-Day and Subsequent Operations:
- On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 397th BG’s B-26 Marauders strafed fortified German positions to aid the landing Allied forces. Following the successful landings, the Group continued to provide close air support to the advancing Allied armies as they moved across France.
Move to France and Continued Combat:
- In August 1944, the 397th BG moved to France to be closer to the front lines. From their new bases, they targeted German positions at key locations such as St. Malo, Brest, and Rouen. By September 1944, the Group expanded its operations to include bombing missions over Germany, supporting the Allied push into the German heartland.
Battle of the Bulge:
- During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the 397th BG was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its role in destroying a vital bridge under heavy German flak and fighter defenses. This mission was crucial in disrupting German supply lines during one of the most intense battles on the Western Front.
Final Campaigns and Post-War Activity:
- The 397th continued to support Allied ground forces through the end of hostilities in May 1945. The Group remained in France until December 1945, helping to stabilize and rebuild the war-torn region before returning home and deactivating.
Organizational Details:
Squadrons and Codes:
- 596th Bomb Squadron (BS) X2
- 597th Bomb Squadron (BS) 9F
- 598th Bomb Squadron (BS) U2
- 599th Bomb Squadron (BS) 6B
Bases:
- Gosfield, Essex, England – April 5, 1944
- Rivenhall, Essex, England – April 15, 1944
- Hurn, Hampshire, England – August 4, 1944
- Gorges, Basse-Normandie, France – August 1944
- Dreux, Centre-Val-de-Loire, France – September 11, 1944
- Peronne, Picardie, France – October 6, 1944
- Venlo, Provincie Limburg, Netherlands – April 25, 1945
Aircraft:
- B-26 Marauder: The 397th BG primarily operated the B-26 Marauder, a medium bomber known for its speed and ruggedness.
- A-26 Invader: Towards the end of the war, the Group began transitioning to the A-26 Invader, a more advanced bomber used in the final stages of the conflict.
Commanding Officers:
- Col. Richard T. Coiner Jr. – Commanded the Group from October 5, 1943.
- Lt. Col. Jimmie W. Britt – Another key leader of the Group during its active operations.
Unit Decorations:
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for the destruction of a vital bridge in Germany on December 23, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge.
Aircraft Markings:
- The 397th BG’s aircraft featured a yellow horizontal stripe edged in black across the fin and rudder. This marking was consistent with the identification markers used by the 394th Bomb Group, except for the base color, which was yellow for the 397th. The diagonal markers were applied carefully to avoid covering the aircraft call numbers. Squadron codes and call letters were located fore and aft of the fuselage’s national insignia, using black on metal finishes and ANA No. 610 Sky on camouflaged surfaces.