P-47D 44-20571 D5-C of the 386th Fighter Squadron, 365th Fighter Group in natural metal finish, without camouflage
The 365th Fighter Group (365th FG) “The Hell Hawks” – a comprehensive overview of the group’s operations, structure, and significant contributions:
Operational History
Arrival in England:
- The 365th FG arrived in England in December 1943 and began preparing for combat operations with their P-47 Thunderbolts.
Combat Operations:
- First Missions: The group commenced combat operations in February 1944, participating in escort and fighter-bomber missions leading up to and beyond D-Day.
- D-Day Involvement: On D-Day +1 (7 June 1944), the 365th FG launched an extensive strike on enemy defenses behind Omaha Beach, providing crucial air support to the invading Allied forces.
- Move to France: At the end of June 1944, the group relocated to France to support the Allied ground forces as they advanced across Europe.
- Operation Market Garden: In September 1944, the group flew patrols in support of the airborne operations over Holland, part of Operation Market Garden.
- Liberation of Belgium: The group’s efforts in the liberation of Belgium earned it a citation from the Belgian Government.
- Distinguished Unit Citations: The 365th FG was awarded its first Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for shooting down a significant number of enemy aircraft in the Bonn/Dusseldorf area on 21 October 1944. A second DUC was awarded for their performance on 20 April 1945, when they attacked targets in southern Germany.
- Battle of the Bulge: During this critical period, the group earned a second Belgian citation for its concentrated attacks on railway yards, factories, and gun batteries.
- Rhine Crossing: The group provided aerial cover during the crossing of the Rhine River, continuing to support the Allied advance into Germany.
Post-Combat Activities:
- After the war, the 365th FG participated in the disarmament program in Germany before returning to the United States in September 1945.
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citations:
- Germany: 21 October 1944 and 20 April 1945.
- Belgian Army Order of the Day:
- 6 June 1944 – 30 September 1944
- 16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945
- Belgian Fourragere: Awarded for the group’s contributions to the liberation of Belgium
Overseas Combat Commanders
- Col. Lance Call: Commanded from 15 May 1943.
- Col. Ray J. Stecker: Took command on 26 June 1944.
- Lt. Col. Robert C. Richardson III: Commanded from 26 April 1945.
Stations
- England:
- Gosfield, Essex: 22 December 1943
- Beaulieu, Hampshire: 5 March 1944
- France:
- Azeville, Basse Normandie: 28 June 1944
- Lignerolles, Basse Normandie: 2 July 1944
- Bretigny, Île-de-France: 3 September 1944
- Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne: 14 September 1944
- Belgium:
- Chievres, Province de Hainaut: 4 October 1944
- Florennes/Juzaine, Province de Namur: 30 January 1945
- Germany:
- Metz, Lorraine: 29 December 1944
- Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen: 16 March 1945
- Fritzlar, Hessen: 13 April 1945
- Suippes, France: 29 July 1945
- Antwerp, Belgium: 22 August 1945 – 11 September 1945
Squadrons, codes and Aircraft Markings
- Squadron Markings:
- 386th Fighter Squadron (FS): D5 – Red noseband.
- 387th Fighter Squadron (FS): B4 – Yellow noseband.
- 388th Fighter Squadron (FS): C4 – White noseband.
- Tactical Aircraft Recognition Markings:
- The group applied squadron colors to the leading 12-inch surface area of the engine cowling, with an additional red band of the same width forward of the cowling flaps, indicating group affiliation.
- Squadron codes were white on camouflaged aircraft and black on natural metal finishes.