World War Photos

P-47 Razorback code 2Z-J of the 510th FS, 405th Fighter Group

The 405th Fighter-Bomber Group (405th FBG), later redesignated as the 405th Fighter Group (405th FG), was a key unit within the 9th Air Force during World War II. Flying P-47 Thunderbolts, the group was heavily involved in providing close air support for ground troops and conducting tactical bombing missions across Europe.

Operational History

• Formation and Early Combat (1944):

  • The 405th FBG arrived in England in early March 1944 and entered combat on 11 April 1944.
  • The group was redesignated as the 405th FG in May 1944.
  • Before D-Day, the group focused on bombing enemy airfields, railway yards, and bridges in preparation for the Allied invasion of Europe.

• D-Day and Support Missions:

  • On D-Day (6 June 1944), the 405th FG provided patrols over the Brest area and conducted armed reconnaissance missions to support the newly landed Allied forces.
  • At the end of June 1944, the group moved to France to continue its support missions, closely assisting the advancing Allied armies.

• Key Engagements:

  • The group played a significant role in the St. Lo offensive in July 1944.
  • On 24 September 1944, the 405th FG was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for a dangerous mission supporting the Third Army. During this mission, two squadrons faced severe weather; one squadron successfully located and strafed German tanks involved in a battle, while the other mistakenly attacked a military convoy. Later that day, the third squadron struck storage points in the same area.
  • The 405th FG was also recognized by the Belgian Government for its contributions to the liberation of Belgium.

• Final Operations and Return:

  • The last combat mission of the 405th FG was flown on VE-Day (8 May 1945).
  • The group began its return to the United States in July 1945, where it was eventually deactivated.

Squadrons and Codes

• 509th Fighter Squadron (FS): G9 – Red markings
• 510th Fighter Squadron (FS): 2Z – Blue markings
• 511th Fighter Squadron (FS): K4 – Yellow markings

Bases

• England:
  • Christchurch, Hampshire: 7 March 1944
• France:
  • Picauville, Basse Normandie: 30 June 1944
  • St. Dizier, Champagne-Ardenne: 14 September 1944
• Belgium:
  • Ophoven, Province Limburg: 9 February 1945
• Germany:
  • Kitzingen, Bavaria: 23 April 1945
  • Straubing, Bavaria: 8 May 1945 – July 1945

Commanding Officers

• Col. James Ferguson: 5 November 1943
• Col. Robert L. Delashaw: 26 April 1944
• Lt. Col. J. Garrett Jackson: 22 October 1944 – End of War

Aircraft

• Primary Aircraft: P-47 Thunderbolt

Unit Decorations

• Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC):
  • France: 24 September 1944
• Order of the Day, Belgian Army:
  • Period: 6 June 1944 – 30 September 1944

Aircraft Markings

• Initially, the 405th FG’s aircraft bore minimal markings, but by late 1944, tactical color markings began to be applied.
• Squadron Colors:
  • 509th FS: Red
  • 510th FS: Blue
  • 511th FS: Yellow
• These colors were applied to the leading edge of the engine cowling. By the war’s end, the markings had expanded to include the canopy frame, anti-glare panels, and sometimes even overcoats on the horizontal Allied Quick Identification tail band in the squadron’s respective colors.