World War Photos

Thunderbolt “Juicy Luc” 42-28229 W3-M of the 50th Fighter Group, 313th FS, metal finish, without camouflage, color photo.

50th Fighter Group (50th FG)

Training and Deployment

• Operational Training in the USA: The 50th Fighter Group was originally tasked with the operational training of fighter pilots, using various aircraft types, including the P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, and P-51 Mustang.
• Transfer to Europe: The group moved to England in March and April 1944, where it concentrated on the P-47 Thunderbolt in preparation for combat operations.

Combat Operations

• First Combat Mission: The 50th FG’s first fighter sweep over the French coast occurred on May 1, 1944. This was followed by a series of dive-bombing and escort missions leading up to D-Day.
• D-Day and Beyond: On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the group provided crucial air cover for the Allied landings in Normandy. Nineteen days later, on June 25, the group moved to France, where it began concentrated attacks on tactical targets to support the advancing Allied ground forces.
• Operations in France: As the Allied forces pushed across France, the 50th FG continued its close air support and bombing missions. On November 1, 1944, the group came under the control of the 1st Tactical Air Force, supporting the push into Germany.

Awards and Honors

• Distinguished Unit Citations (DUC):
  • March 1945: The group received its first DUC for its effective close cooperation with the Seventh Army during the assault on the Siegfried Line, a key defensive position of the German military.
  • April 25, 1945: A second DUC was awarded for a successful attack on an airfield near Munich, which significantly disrupted German operations.

Post-Victory and Return to the USA

• Post-VE-Day: After Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the 50th FG remained in Germany for occupation duties until August 1945, when it returned to the United States.

Key Units and Bases

• Squadrons:

  • 10th Fighter Squadron (FS): Code [T5]
  • 81st Fighter Squadron (FS): Code [2N]
  • 313th Fighter Squadron (FS): Code [W3]

• Bases of Operation:

  • Lymington, England: April 5, 1944
  • Carentan, France: June 25, 1944
  • Meautis, France: August 16, 1944
  • Paris/Orly, France: September 4, 1944
  • Laon, France: September 15, 1944
  • Lyon/Bron, France: September 28, 1944
  • Toul/Croix de Metz, France: November 3, 1944
  • Giebelstadt, Germany: April 20, 1945
  • Mannheim, Germany: May 21, 1945 – June 22, 1945

Commanding Officers

• Col. William D. Greenfield
• Col. Harvey L. Case Jr. (November 1944 – August 1945)

Aircraft and Markings

• Aircraft: The group operated the P-47 Thunderbolt throughout its combat service in Europe.
• Squadron Markings: The P-47s were distinguished by colored nose bands and horizontal stripes across all three tailplane surfaces, which helped identify them during missions.