P-47D Lt Ambrose 373rd Fighter Group, 410th Squadron, code R3+O
The 373rd Fighter Group (373rd FG) was one of the later groups to arrive in England during World War II, joining the 9th Air Force in April 1944. This group, equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts, played a significant role in the aerial operations leading up to and following D-Day, as well as in subsequent Allied campaigns across France and into Germany.
Operational History
Arrival and Initial Operations:
- The 373rd FG arrived in England in April 1944 and was stationed at Woodchurch, an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Kent. The group’s first operational mission was a fighter sweep over Normandy on 8 May 1944.
- Pre-D-Day Operations: Following this initial operation, the group undertook a series of escort missions for B-26 Marauders. These bombers targeted key objectives such as airfields, railway yards, and bridges in the area of the forthcoming Normandy invasion.
D-Day and Normandy Campaign:
- On D-Day (6 June 1944), the 373rd FG flew patrols over the beachhead, providing cover and attacking strategic targets. The group continued these operations throughout June, focusing on disrupting German forces and supporting the advancing Allied troops.
Post-D-Day Operations:
- In July 1944, the group moved from England to France, allowing it to launch deeper attacks into enemy territory. The 373rd FG focused on preventing German reinforcements from reaching the front lines, a critical task as the Allies pushed further into occupied France.
- Battle of the Bulge: The group participated in the Battle of the Bulge during December 1944 and January 1945, providing crucial air support during this major German counteroffensive.
- Rhine Crossing: In March 1945, during the crossing of the Rhine River, the group’s P-47s fiercely attacked enemy airfields east of the Rhine under intense anti-aircraft fire. This operation significantly aided the Allied ground forces and earned the group a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).
Final Operations and Return to the USA:
- The 373rd FG continued its tactical air strikes until 4 May 1945, shortly before the end of the war in Europe. The group returned to the United States in July 1945, where it was eventually inactivated.
Unit Decorations and Campaign Streamers
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC):
- Rhine River: 2 March 1945.
- French Croix de Guerre with Palm:
- August 1944.
- Belgian Army Order of the Day:
- 1 October 1944 and 18 December 1944 – 15 January 1945 (with Belgian Fourragere).
Overseas Combat Commanders
- Col. William H. Schwartz Jr.: Commanded from 25 August 1943.
- Col. James C. McGehee: Took over on 17 November 1944.
Overseas Stations
- England:
- Woodchurch, Kent: 4 April 1944.
- France:
- Tour-en-Bessin, Basse-Normandie: 19 July 1944.
- St. James, Pays-de-la-Loire: 19 August 1944.
- Reims, Champagne-Ardenne: 19 September 1944.
- Belgium:
- Le Culot, Province de Brabant: 22 October 1944.
- Netherlands:
- Venlo, Province of Limburg: 11 March 1945.
- Germany:
- Lippstadt, Nordrhein-Westfalen: 20 April 1945.
- Illesheim: The group was based here during the final phase of the war in Europe.
Fighter Squadrons and Codes
- 410th Fighter Squadron (FS): R3
- 411th Fighter Squadron (FS): U9
- 412th Fighter Squadron (FS): V5
Aircraft
- P-47 Thunderbolt:
- The 373rd FG was equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts throughout its deployment in the European Theater.
Aircraft Markings
- Squadron Markings:
- The group’s aircraft were marked with obligatory squadron codes and Allied Quick Identification Markings. The 373rd FG did not employ additional tactical markings beyond these standard identifiers.
- Group Markings:
- Noseband and Tail: The group marking consisted of a black noseband and a horizontal black band across the fin and rudder.