B-26 344th BG, 497th Bomb Squadron in flight
The 344th Bomb Group (BG) was a significant unit within the 9th Air Force during World War II, known for its relentless and effective bombing campaigns across Europe, particularly in support of the D-Day invasion and subsequent operations.
Key Operations and Assignments:
January-February 1944: After serving as a replacement training unit, the 344th BG moved to England in early 1944, preparing for combat operations.
March 6, 1944: The Group began its operations, targeting a variety of strategic locations across Europe. In the initial months, they focused on softening up German defenses in preparation for the Allied invasion.
June 6, 1944 (D-Day): The 344th BG played a crucial role by attacking coastal gun batteries at Cherbourg, directly supporting the Normandy landings. Following D-Day, the Group supported the Allied advance through the Cotentin Peninsula and bombed defensive positions near Caen to assist British forces.
June 24-26, 1944: The 344th BG received a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its intense three-day assault on German troop concentrations, supply dumps, roads, and railway bridges near St. Lo, significantly aiding the Allied breakout in Normandy.
Post-D-Day: After Normandy, the Group targeted shipping at Brest and then turned its focus to strategic targets in Germany, maintaining pressure on the Axis forces until the end of April 1945.
Post-War Activities: Following the end of hostilities in Europe, the 344th BG was involved in training and demonstration flights in Germany. The Group moved to Germany in September 1945 and continued operations until the 9th Air Force was disbanded in December 1945.
Organizational Details:
Squadrons and Codes:
- 494th Bomb Squadron (BS) [K9]
- 495th Bomb Squadron (BS) [Y5]
- 496th Bomb Squadron (BS) [N3]
- 497th Bomb Squadron (BS) [7I]
Bases:
- Stansted, Essex – Arrival: February 9, 1944
- Cormeilles-en-Vexin, Île-de-France – September 30, 1944
- Florennes/Juzaine, Belgium – April 5, 1945
- Schleissheim, Germany – September 15, 1945 (Post-war)
Commanding Officers:
- Col. Reginald F. Vance – September 19, 1943
- Col. Robert W. Witty – November 7, 1944
- Lt. Col. Lucius D. Clay Jr. – August 18, 1945
Aircraft:
- B-26 Marauder: The primary aircraft utilized by the 344th BG, known for its effectiveness in medium bombing operations.
Group Markings:
- The 344th BG used an equilateral triangle marking on the upper tail section of their aircraft, positioned above the call number. The triangles were white on both camouflaged and natural metal surfaces, with a 3-4 inch black border on natural metal finishes. Squadron codes and aircraft call letters were located fore and aft of the fuselage’s national insignia, painted in No.610 Sky on camouflaged airframes and black on natural metal surfaces.
Motto and Sobriquet:
- Motto: “We Win Or Die”
- Sobriquet: “The Silver Streaks”
Unit Decorations:
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for actions in France from July 24-26, 1944, during the intense battles following the Normandy invasion.