Thunderbolts of the 362nd Fighter Group take off 1944
362nd Fighter Group (362nd FG) – comprehensive summary of the group’s activities, organization, and key details during the war:
Operational History
Arrival and Early Missions:
- The 362nd FG arrived in England at the end of November 1943, initially stationed at Wormingford, Essex. The group’s first combat mission took place on 8 February 1944, when its P-47 Thunderbolts escorted B-24 bombers of the 8th Air Force targeting V-1 flying bomb sites in the Pas de Calais region of France.
- Until April 1944, the group primarily performed escort duties for bombers. However, as the Allied air campaign intensified, the group began striking communications targets in France and Belgium, taking advantage of the shorter flying distances from their base in Kent.
D-Day and Close Air Support:
- On D-Day (6 June 1944), the 362nd FG’s P-47s played a crucial role in escorting C-47 transports of IX Troop Carrier Command (TCC) that were carrying paratroopers to Normandy. Following the initial landings, the group shifted its focus to providing close air support for ground forces, attacking targets selected by the advancing Allied troops.
Operations in France:
- In July 1944, the 362nd FG moved to an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Lignerolles, France, to be closer to the front lines. From there, they supported the Allied push towards Germany. On 25 August 1944, the group conducted low-level missions against targets in Brest, including shipping, naval installations, and other critical infrastructure. The success of this operation earned the group its first Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).
Battle of the Bulge and the Rhine:
- The 362nd FG played a vital role in the Battle of the Bulge, providing relentless air support during this critical phase of the war. The group earned its second DUC for its actions over the Moselle-Rhine River Triangle on 16 March 1945, where its P-47s effectively strafed and destroyed a wide range of enemy targets.
Final Operations and Post-War Activities:
- The group’s final combat operation took place on 1 May 1945, shortly before the end of the war in Europe. Following the conclusion of hostilities, the 362nd FG returned to the United States in August and September 1945.
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citations:
- Brest, 25 August 1944
- Moselle-Rhine River Triangle, 16 March 1945
Overseas Combat Commanders
- Col. Morton D. Magoffin: Commanded the group from 1 March 1943.
- Col. Joseph L. Laughlin: Took over command on 10 August 1944.
Overseas Stations
- Wormingford, Essex: 30 November 1943 (initial station in England)
- Headcorn, Kent: 13 April 1944 (closer to the coast for shorter missions)
- Lignerolles, Basse-Normandie: 2 July 1944 (first base in France)
- Rennes, Bretagne: 10 August 1944
- Prosnes, Champagne-Ardenne: 19 September 1944
- Verdun (Rouvres), Lorraine: 5 November 1944
- Frankfurt/Rhine-Main, Hessen: 8 April 1945
- Furth, Bavaria: 30 April 1945
- Illesheim, Bavaria: 3 May 1945
- Straubing, Bavaria: 15 May 1945 until the group returned to the USA in August 1945.
Squadrons and Codes
- 377th Fighter Squadron (FS): [E4]
- 378th Fighter Squadron (FS): [G8]
- 379th Fighter Squadron (FS): [B8]
Aircraft and Markings
Aircraft:
- The 362nd FG primarily operated the P-47 Thunderbolt, a rugged and powerful fighter-bomber used extensively for ground-attack missions.
Squadron Markings:
- 377th FS: Red nose band and red upper fin and rudder.
- 378th FS: Green nose band and red upper fin and rudder.
- 379th FS: Yellow nose band and red upper fin and rudder.
Aircraft Markings:
- Initially, the 362nd FG aircraft displayed no specific identifying markings other than their squadron codes and standard USAAF markings. Later in the war, squadron colors were applied to the central cowling area, with the leading edge and tail tips painted red. The patterns on cowling flaps were individual and not tactical.