P-38J Lightning 42-67799 of the 429th FS, 474th Fighter Group code 7Y-P

The 474th Fighter Group (474th FG) – overview

March 1944: The 474th FG arrived in England, stationed initially at Moreton, Essex on 12 March 1944, and later moved to Warmwell, Dorset in April 1944.
25 April 1944: The group flew its first combat sorties, which were patrol missions over the French coast. This marked the beginning of their active involvement in the European theater.

5/6 June 1944: During the night crossing of the English Channel prior to D-Day, the 474th FG provided cover for the invasion forces.
6 June 1944 (D-Day):
- The group flew numerous bombing sorties to support ground troops as part of the initial landings in Normandy. Following the landings, they conducted armed reconnaissance missions to disrupt German reinforcements and supply lines.
- Operations after D-Day: The 474th conducted multiple attacks on roads, troop concentrations, and other targets to aid the Allied breakout at Saint-Lô.
6 August 1944: The group moved to its first Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in France at St. Lambert/Neuilly, Basse Normandie.

23 August 1944: The 474th FG executed a significant attack on retreating German forces in the Falaise/Argentan area. During this mission, the group discovered and destroyed large amounts of German equipment stored along the Seine River, despite encountering heavy opposition. This operation earned the group a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its outstanding performance.
29 August 1944: The group moved to St. Marceau, Pays-de-la-Loire, continuing its operations against German forces in France.

September 1944:
- The 474th FG targeted gun positions near Eindhoven, supporting the airborne assault during Operation Market Garden.
October 1944: The group relocated to Florennes/Juzaine in Belgium on 1 October 1944, from where it continued its intense campaign of strafing, bombing, and escorting bombers to strategic targets.
December 1944 – January 1945:
- During the Battle of the Bulge, the 474th FG attacked German troop concentrations in the Ardennes, providing critical air support to the beleaguered Allied ground forces.
March 1945:
- The group was actively involved in attacking defenses along the Rhine River in preparation for the final major airborne operation of the war.

22 March 1945: The group moved to Strassfeld, Germany, and later to Langensalza on 22 April 1945, continuing operations until VE-Day in May 1945.
Post VE-Day:
- After the war ended, the 474th FG remained in Germany, stationed at Schweinfurt from 16 June 1945 and Stuttgart from 25 October to 21 November 1945.
- Return to the USA: The group returned to the United States in November 1945.

Aircraft: The group was equipped with the P-38 Lightning fighter, known for its distinctive twin-boom design.
Squadron Markings:
- 428th FS: Black triangle on tailplane; blue spinner and nose tip.
- 429th FS: Black square on tailplane; red spinner and nose tip.
- 430th FS: Black circle on tailplane; yellow spinner and nose tip.
Invasion Stripes: The P-38s of the 474th FG reversed the standard invasion stripe color order on the fuselage from white-black-white to black-white-black, while wing stripes remained unchanged. Squadron colors were often applied to spinners, nacelle noses, and sometimes to fuselage codes.

Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for the group’s actions in France on 23 August 1944.
Order of the Day, Belgian Army: Recognized the group’s operations from 6 June to 30 September 1944 and 16 December 1944 to 25 January 1945.
Belgium Fourragere: A collective honor for the unit’s outstanding service in Belgium.