Martin B-26 Marauder Crashed In Normandy June 1944, 387th Bomb Group 557th Bomb Squadron
The 387th Bombardment Group (387th BG) was a key medium bomber unit of the 9th Air Force during World War II. Initially part of the 8th Air Force, the group was transferred to the 9th Air Force in October 1943 and played a significant role in various crucial campaigns across Europe.
Operational History
Early Missions and Transfer (1943-1944):
- The 387th BG arrived in England in June 1943 and began combat missions in August 1943. The group’s early efforts focused on attacking enemy airfields.
- In October 1943, the group was transferred to the 9th Air Force. During the winter of 1943/44, the 387th BG was heavily involved in strikes against V-1 flying bomb sites in northern France.
- February 1944 saw the 387th participating in the intensive assault against the Luftwaffe and the German aircraft industry. This was followed by the group’s involvement in the ‘softening-up’ campaign in April and May 1944, preparing for the invasion of France.
D-Day and Post-D-Day Operations:
- On D-Day, the 387th BG targeted coastal gun emplacements and supported ground troops in the breakout from the beachheads.
- After the D-Day landings, the group moved to France in July 1944 and continued its support of ground forces through the drive across France and into Germany.
- The 387th BG was involved in the Ardennes campaign in late 1944, where it earned a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its meritorious efforts.
Final Missions and Return to the USA:
- The group’s final mission was flown at the end of April 1945. Following VE-Day, the 387th BG remained in France until its return to the USA in November 1945, where it was deactivated.
Unit Decorations and Campaigns
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC):
- Germany: 23 December 1944.
Combat Commanders
- Col. Carl L. Storrie: Commanded from 19 January 1943.
- Col. Jack E. Caldwell: Took over on 8 November 1943.
- Col. Thomas M. Seymour: Commanded from 13 April 1944.
- Col. Grover C. Brown: Took command on 18 July 1944.
Stations
- England:
- Chipping Ongar, Essex: 25 June 1943.
- Stony Cross, Hampshire: 18 July 1944.
- France:
- Maupertus, Basse-Normandie: 22 August 1944.
- Chateaudun, Centre-Val-de-Loire: 18 September 1944.
- Clastres, Picardie: 30 October 1944.
- Maastricht, Provincie Limburg: 29 April 1945.
Squadron Information
- 556th Bomb Squadron (BS): FW
- 557th Bomb Squadron (BS): KS
- 558th Bomb Squadron (BS): KX
- 559th Bomb Squadron (BS): TQ
Aircraft and Markings
- Aircraft:
- The 387th BG initially flew the B-26 Marauder and maintained this aircraft until the end of 1944.
- Group Marking:
- The distinctive marking for the 387th BG was a yellow and black horizontal stripe across the fin and rudder of their aircraft. This alternating stripe pattern made the 387th’s aircraft easily recognizable.
- Squadron Colors:
- No specific squadron colors were used beyond the standard squadron codes.
Aircraft Markings:
- Tail Markings:
- The 387th BG’s tail markings featured alternating yellow and black stripes of equal width. This distinctive marking was applied to both camouflaged and natural metal finishes.
- Squadron Codes and Call Letters:
- Codes and call letters were positioned on both sides of the fuselage, in front of and behind the national insignia. Colors used included RAF or ANA No.610 Sky on painted surfaces and black on natural metal finishes.