P-47 Thunderbolt L3-U 42-26922 “Little Ann” of the 406th Fighter Group, 512th FS and C-47 in the background
The 406th Fighter-Bomber Group (406th FBG), later redesignated as the 406th Fighter Group (406th FG), played a vital role in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Flying the P-47 Thunderbolt, the group was renowned for its close air support and tactical bombing missions, significantly aiding the Allied ground forces.
Operational History
Formation and Early Combat (1944):
- The 406th FBG arrived in England in April 1944 and was stationed at Ashford, one of the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Kent.
- In May 1944, coinciding with its entry into combat, the group was redesignated as the 406th FG.
- During the D-Day landings, the group provided aerial cover, followed by strafing and armed reconnaissance missions over Normandy.
Key Engagements:
- The 406th FG played a crucial role in the breakthrough at St. Lo on 25 July 1944.
- In August 1944, the group moved to France to continue its support for the advancing Allied forces. Notable targets during this period included Brest and St. Malo.
- On 7 September 1944, the group’s rocket-equipped P-47s destroyed a large enemy convoy attempting to escape, earning the group a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for this action.
- The 513th Fighter Squadron (FS) of the 406th claimed the first V-1 flying bomb shot down by the USAAF.
- During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the group operated in the Ardennes, receiving a second DUC for its efforts during this intense campaign.
Final Operations and Post-War Activities:
- Towards the end of the war, the 406th FG supported ground troops in the crossing of the Rhine River.
- After VE-Day, the group remained in Germany, performing duties as part of the occupying forces. It was transferred from the 9th Air Force to the US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) on 2 December 1945.
Squadrons and Codes
- 512th Fighter Squadron (FS): L3 – Yellow markings
- 513th Fighter Squadron (FS): 4P – Red markings
- 514th Fighter Squadron (FS): 07 – Blue markings
Bases
- England:
- Ashford, Kent: 4 April 1944
- France:
- Tour-en-Bessin, Basse Normandie: 7 July 1944
- Cretteville, Basse Normandie: 17 August 1944
- Le Mans (HQ only), Pays-de-la-Loire: 4 September 1944
- St. Leonard, Pays-de-la-Loire: 4 September 1944
- Mourmelon-le-Grand, Champagne-Ardenne: 22 September 1944
- Metz, Lorraine: 2 February 1945
- Belgium:
- Asch, Province Limburg: 8 February 1945
- Germany:
- Munster/Handorf, Nordrhein-Westphalia: 15 April 1945
- Nordholz, Lower Saxony: 5 June 1945
Commanding Officers
- Col. Anthony V. Grossetta
- Lt. Col. Converse B. Kelly
- Lt. Col. Robert C. Brown: 27 September 1945
Motto and Sobriquet
- Motto: “Seek-Attack-Destroy”
- Sobriquet: “The Raider Group”
Campaign Streamers
- American Theater
- Air Offensive, Europe
- Normandy
- Northern France
- Rhineland
- Ardennes-Alsace
- Central Europe
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC):
- France: 7 September 1944
- Belgium: 23-27 December 1944
Aircraft Markings and Squadron Colors
- Late in the war, the 406th FG adopted distinctive tactical markings.
- Squadron Colors:
- 512th FS: Yellow
- 513th FS: Red
- 514th FS: Blue
- Markings:
- The aircraft featured colored nosebands matching the squadron colors, which were later extended to the cowling.
- A unique marking was the replacement of the tail’s Allied Quick Identification Markings with a wide horizontal band incorporating all three squadron colors (blue, red, and yellow).