P-47 Thunderbolt “Magic Carpet” of the 366th Fighter Group
The 366th Fighter Group (366th FG), a detailed overview of the group’s operations, structure, and contributions:
Operational History
Arrival in England:
- The 366th FG arrived in England in early January 1944 and spent several weeks acclimating to European conditions before engaging in combat.
Combat Operations:
- First Combat Mission: The group entered combat on 14 March 1944 with a fighter sweep along the coast of France. This marked the beginning of its involvement in the European air campaign.
- Pre-D-Day Operations: In the lead-up to D-Day, the 366th FG focused on “softening-up” operations, targeting German defenses to prepare for the Allied invasion.
- D-Day Involvement: On 6 June 1944 (D-Day), the group conducted early morning fighter-bomber sweeps over Normandy, attacking road convoys and gun batteries near the beachhead to support the landings.
- Post-D-Day Actions: Soon after D-Day, the group moved to France, shifting its focus to dive-bombing missions against enemy communication lines and fortified positions. Notably, on 11 July 1944, the group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its attack on an unreported enemy tank column in driving rain and heavy flak.
- St. Lô Breakthrough: The 366th FG played a significant role in supporting Allied armor during the St. Lô breakthrough in July 1944, which was crucial in the Allied push through Normandy.
- Operation Market Garden: In September 1944, the group attacked flak positions near Eindhoven, supporting the airborne operations in Holland as part of Operation Market Garden.
- Battle of the Bulge: During December 1944 and January 1945, the 366th FG participated in the Battle of the Bulge, providing critical air support during this pivotal battle.
- Rhine Crossing: In March 1945, the group escorted bombers during the Rhine River crossing, a key operation in the final Allied push into Germany.
- Final Mission: The group’s final mission occurred five days before the war in Europe ended, targeting the harbors of Kiel and Flensburg in early May 1945.
Post-War Activities:
- After the war, the 366th FG remained in Germany and was eventually released from the control of the Ninth Air Force on 2 December 1945.
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC):
- Normandy: 11 July 1944.
- Belgian Army Order of the Day:
- 6 June 1944 – 30 September 1944
- 18 December 1944 – 15 January 1945
- Belgian Fourragere: Awarded for the group’s outstanding performance in Belgium.
Combat Commanders
- Col. Dyke F. Meyer: Commanded from 11 July 1943.
- Lt. Col. James P. Tipton: Took command on 19 April 1944.
- Lt. Col. Donald K. Bennett: Commanded from 30 April 1944.
- Col. Harold N. Holt: Took command on 22 May 1944.
- Lt. Col. Ansel J. Wheeler: Commanded from 28 April 1945.
Stations
- England:
- Membury, Berkshire: 10 January 1944.
- Thruxton, Hampshire: 1 March 1944.
- France:
- St. Pierre du Mont, Basse Normandie: 17 June 1944.
- Dreux, Centre-Val-de-Loire: 24 August 1944.
- Laon/Couvron, Picardie: 8 September 1944.
- Belgium:
- Asch, Province Limburg: 19 November 1944.
- Germany:
- Munster/Handorf, Nordrhein-Westphalia: 4 October 1944.
- Bayreuth/Bindlach: April 1945.
- Fritzlar: April 1945.
Squadrons codes and Aircraft
- Fighter Squadrons:
- 389th Fighter Squadron (FS): [A6]
- 390th Fighter Squadron (FS): [B2]
- 391st Fighter Squadron (FS): [A8]
- Aircraft:
- The group primarily operated the P-47 Thunderbolt, a highly effective fighter-bomber known for its durability and firepower.
Aircraft Markings
- Group Markings:
- The 366th FG’s tactical aircraft markings consisted of a horizontal band across the fin and rudder.
- Squadron Codes:
- Squadron codes were applied in white on camouflaged surfaces and black on natural metal finishes, adhering to the standard Allied Quick Identification Markings.
- Nose Art:
- Many P-47s in the group featured well-designed and impressive nose art, reflecting the pilots’ creativity and unit pride.