354th Fighter Group - USAAF ciel de gloire - histoire des as de l\'aviation de 1914 à nos jours 354th Fighter Group



 


 

 

354th
FIGHTER GROUP


(Version provisoire - en construction)
328 victoires

 

 

353 Fighter Squadron
(320.5
vict)

Nom Grade Unité Date Ennemi Avion d'arme TOP Nbr Vict
ALLEN GUS W 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 0.5
ANDERSON WILLIAM Y 1st Lt 353FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 1
ANDERSON WILLIAM Y 1st Lt 353FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
ANDERSON WILLIAM Y 1st Lt 353FTR 06-21-1944 - - European 2
ANDERSON WILLIAM Y 1st Lt 353FTR 08-01-1944 - - European 1
ANDERSON WILLIAM Y 1st Lt 353FTR 08-07-1944 - - European 2
ARNOLD JOHN H 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 0.5
ARNOLD JOHN H 2nd Lt 353FTR 05-12-1944 - - European 1
ARTZ DONALD D 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-16-1945 - - European 1
BAKALAR JOHN E 1st Lt 353FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 3
BEERBOWER DON M 1st Lt 353FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M 1st Lt 353FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 01-29-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 2
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 02-21-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 03-18-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 3
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 04-29-1944 - - European 1
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 06-14-1944 - - European 1.5
BEERBOWER DON M Captain 353FTR 07-07-1944 - - European 1
BICKEL CARL G 1st Lt 353FTR 06-29-1944 - - European 1
BICKEL CARL G 1st Lt 353FTR 07-07-1944 - - European 1
BICKEL CARL G 1st Lt 353FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1.5
BICKEL CARL G 1st Lt 353FTR 09-10-1944 - - European 1
BICKEL CARL G 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T 1st Lt 353FTR 12-20-1943 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T 1st Lt 353FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T Captain 353FTR 01-30-1944 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T Captain 353FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T Captain 353FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T Captain 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 0.5
BRADLEY JACK T Captain 353FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 3
BRADLEY JACK T Captain 353FTR 04-10-1944 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T Captain 353FTR 05-12-1944 - - European 2
BRADLEY JACK T Lt Colonel 353FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 1
BRADLEY JACK T Major 353FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 2
BRADLEY JACK T Major 353FTR 06-17-1944 - - European 0.5
BROWN CHARLES E ** 1st Lt 353FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 2
BROWN CHARLES E ** Captain 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 1
BROWN RICHARD H 1st Lt 353FTR 06-17-1944 - - European 0.5
BROWN RICHARD H 1st Lt 353FTR 06-21-1944 - - European 0.5
BROWN RUSSELL S 2nd Lt 353FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 1
BUNTING IRA J 1st Lt 353FTR 06-21-1944 - - European 0.5
BUNTING IRA J 1st Lt 353FTR 09-26-1944 - - European 0.5
CANADA FREDERICK R 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-13-1945 - - European 1
CANADA FREDERICK R 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-01-1945 - - European 0.5
CANNON JAMES Captain 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 1
CANNON JAMES Captain 353FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
CANNON JAMES Captain 353FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 0.5
CARR BRUCE W 1st Lt 353FTR 03-09-1945 - - European 1
CARR BRUCE W 1st Lt 353FTR 04-01-1945 - - European 0.5
CARR BRUCE W 1st Lt 353FTR 04-02-1945 - - European 5
CARR BRUCE W 1st Lt 353FTR 04-15-1945 - - European 1
CARR BRUCE W 2nd Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 3
CARR BRUCE W 2nd Lt 353FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 2
CARR BRUCE W F/O 353FTR 06-17-1944 - - European 0.5
CHAPMAN HARVEY H 1st Lt 353FTR 07-17-1944 - - European 0.5
CHAPMAN HARVEY H 1st Lt 353FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
COHEN PHILLIP D 1st Lt 353FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 2
COUCH FREDERICK I 1st Lt 353FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 1
CULBERTSON OMER W 1st Lt 353FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
CULBERTSON OMER W 2nd Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 3
DAHLBERG KENNETH H 1st Lt 353FTR 06-22-1944 - - European 1
DAHLBERG KENNETH H 1st Lt 353FTR 06-29-1944 - - European 1
DAHLBERG KENNETH H 1st Lt 353FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 3
DAHLBERG KENNETH H 1st Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 4
DAHLBERG KENNETH H Captain 353FTR 12-01-1944 - - European 2
DAHLBERG KENNETH H Captain 353FTR 12-19-1944 - - European 3
DALGLISH JAMES B Major 353FTR 12-17-1944 - - European 1
DALGLISH JAMES B Major 353FTR 12-26-1944 - - European 1
DALGLISH JAMES B Major 353FTR 04-16-1945 - - European 2
DAVIS CLIFFORD H 1st Lt 353FTR 11-17-1944 - - European 0.5
DEAN CLIFFORD H 1st Lt 353FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 2
DEAN CLIFFORD H 1st Lt 353FTR 09-26-1944 - - European 0.5
DEAN CLIFFORD H 1st Lt 353FTR 11-17-1944 - - European 0.5
DEEDS FREDERICK B 2nd Lt 353FTR 06-10-1944 - - European 0.5
DEHON WILLIAM B JR 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-24-1944 - - European 0.5
DONNELL RIDLEY E 1st Lt 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 2
DUNCAN GLENN E Colonel 353FTR 05-12-1944 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Colonel 353FTR 06-07-1944 - - European 1.5
DUNCAN GLENN E Colonel 353FTR 06-12-1944 - - European 3
DUNCAN GLENN E Colonel 353FTR 07-05-1944 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Lt Colonel 353FTR - - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Lt Colonel 353FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Lt Colonel 353FTR 01-24-1944 - - European 2
DUNCAN GLENN E Lt Colonel 353FTR 02-05-1944 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Lt Colonel 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Lt Colonel 353FTR 02-24-1944 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Lt Colonel 353FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 2
DUNCAN GLENN E Major 353FTR 09-23-1943 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Major 353FTR 10-02-1943 - - European 1
DUNCAN GLENN E Major 353FTR 11-11-1943 - - European 2
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 01-30-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 02-21-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 03-18-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 04-01-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T 1st Lt 353FTR 04-29-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T Captain 353FTR 05-08-1944 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T Captain 353FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 2
EAGLESTON GLENN T Captain 353FTR 06-22-1944 - - European 0.5
EAGLESTON GLENN T Captain 353FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 3
EAGLESTON GLENN T Major 353FTR 03-15-1945 - - European 1
EAGLESTON GLENN T Major 353FTR 03-25-1945 - - European 1
ELDER ROBERT A Major 353FTR 03-24-1945 - - European 5
ELDRED HARLOW R JR 1st Lt 353FTR 12-19-1944 - - European 1
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 1
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 1
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 05-13-1944 - - European 2
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 3
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 06-12-1944 - - European 1
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 06-14-1944 - - European 1
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 06-29-1944 - - European 0.5
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 2.5
EMMER WALLACE N Captain 353FTR 08-07-1944 - - European 1
FEHSENFELD FRED M 1st Lt 353FTR 04-22-1945 - - European 0.5
FEHSENFELD FRED M 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-15-1945 - - European 0.5
FEHSENFELD FRED M 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-16-1945 - - European 2
FORREST JAMES B 2nd Lt 353FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 1
FOX EDWARD F 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 0.5
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 2
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 03-08-1944 - - European 1
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 04-10-1944 - - European 1
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 1
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 04-24-1944 - - European 0.5
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 1
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 05-13-1944 - - European 3
FRANTZ CARL M 1st Lt 353FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
GALLUP KENNETH W Major 353FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
GALLUP KENNETH W Major 353FTR 06-12-1944 - - European 2
HALL RICHARD G 1st Lt 353FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 1
HANGEN JOHN J 1st Lt 353FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 2
HANGEN JOHN J 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-16-1945 - - European 1
HASEK IVAN S 1st Lt 353FTR 12-26-1944 - - European 1
HASEK IVAN S 1st Lt 353FTR 03-16-1945 - - European 2
HENLEY DAVID W 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
HENLEY DAVID W 2nd Lt 353FTR 05-08-1944 - - European 1
HUNT EDWARD E 1st Lt 353FTR 04-10-1944 - - European 1
HUNT EDWARD E 1st Lt 353FTR 04-24-1944 - - European 1
HUNT EDWARD E 1st Lt 353FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
HUNT EDWARD E 2nd Lt 353FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
HUNT EDWARD E 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
HUNT EDWARD E 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 0.5
HUNT EDWARD E 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-01-1944 - - European 1
JOHNSON WILLIE K 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-22-1945 - - European 1
JOLLY WARREN H 1st Lt 353FTR 03-22-1945 - - European 1
JOLLY WARREN H 1st Lt 353FTR 04-16-1945 - - European 3
KEANE JAMES P 1st Lt 353FTR 06-14-1944 - - European 1
KEANE JAMES P 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-18-1944 - - European 1
KEANE JAMES P 2nd Lt 353FTR 05-13-1944 - - European 1
KEANE JAMES P Captain 353FTR 03-02-1945 - - European 1
KOENIG CHARLES W 1st Lt 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 1
KOENIG CHARLES W 1st Lt 353FTR 05-08-1944 - - European 1
KOENIG CHARLES W 1st Lt 353FTR 06-22-1944 - - European 0.5
KOENIG CHARLES W 1st Lt 353FTR 07-07-1944 - - European 1
KOENIG CHARLES W 1st Lt 353FTR 08-07-1944 - - European 1
KOENIG CHARLES W 1st Lt 353FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 2
KONG WAH KAU 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
KONG WAH KAU 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 0.5
LEACH JERRY D 1st Lt 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 0.5
LITTLEFIELD WARREN C 1st Lt 353FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 1
MATTIE JOHN D 1st Lt 353FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1.5
MCCOLLOM LOREN G Major 353FTR 08-17-1943 - - European 1
MCDOWELL DON 1st Lt 353FTR 03-18-1944 - - European 1
MCDOWELL DON 1st Lt 353FTR 04-11-1944 - - European 1
MCDOWELL DON 1st Lt 353FTR 04-29-1944 - - European 1
MCDOWELL DON 1st Lt 353FTR 05-12-1944 - - European 2
MCDOWELL DON 2nd Lt 353FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 0.5
MCDOWELL DON 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-21-1944 - - European 3
MESERVE ROBERT L 1st Lt 353FTR 01-29-1944 - - European 1
MESERVE ROBERT L 1st Lt 353FTR 03-23-1944 - - European 1
MESERVE ROBERT L 1st Lt 353FTR 04-12-1944 - - European 0.5
MESERVE ROBERT L Captain 353FTR 06-17-1944 - - European 1
MILLER JOHN S 2nd Lt 353FTR 07-17-1944 - - European 0.5
MOORE HARRY F 1st Lt 353FTR 03-22-1945 - - European 1
MOORE HARRY F 1st Lt 353FTR 04-19-1945 - - European 1
MORAN PATRICK E 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-12-1944 - - European 0.5
O'CONNELL FRANCIS J 1st Lt 353FTR 04-19-1945 - - European 1
O'HARA DAVID B 1st Lt 353FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
OLMSTED CHARLES A 2nd Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 1
OVERFIELD LOYD J 1st Lt 353FTR 12-19-1944 - - European 2
OVERFIELD LOYD J 2nd Lt 353FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
OVERFIELD LOYD J 2nd Lt 353FTR 08-01-1944 - - European 1
OVERFIELD LOYD J 2nd Lt 353FTR 08-07-1944 - - European 3
OVERFIELD LOYD J 2nd Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 2
PARSONS JAMES J 1st Lt 353FTR 12-20-1943 - - European 1
PERRY LENDELL S 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-19-1945 - - European 1
PINKERTON EDWARD E 1st Lt 353FTR 08-01-1944 - - European 1
PIPES GLENN H 2nd Lt 353FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 1
PRICE HAROLD S 2nd Lt 353FTR 09-10-1944 - - European 1
PRIMROSE HARRY C III Captain 353FTR 04-02-1945 - - European 1
RAMOS RENE J 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-16-1945 - - European 1
RAWLINGS ORRIN D 1st Lt 353FTR 06-17-1944 - - European 1
RAWLINGS ORRIN D Captain 353FTR 12-24-1944 - - European 1
REGIS EDWARD R 1st Lt 353FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 2
REGIS EDWARD R 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-10-1944 - - European 1
REINECKE NORMAN R 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 1
REYNOLDS ROBERT 1st Lt 353FTR 06-29-1944 - - European 1.5
REYNOLDS ROBERT 1st Lt 353FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
REYNOLDS ROBERT 1st Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 3
REYNOLDS ROBERT 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
REYNOLDS ROBERT 2nd Lt 353FTR 06-17-1944 - - European 0.5
RICCI ALBERT J 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 1
RIEWE MILTON L 1st Lt 353FTR 04-22-1945 - - European 0.5
RIEWE MILTON L 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-15-1945 - - European 0.5
RIEWE MILTON L 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-16-1945 - - European 1
RIMERMAN BEN Lt Colonel 353FTR 06-12-1944 - - European 1.5
RIMERMAN BEN Lt Colonel 353FTR 08-02-1944 - - European 1
RIMLINGER KENNETH R 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-19-1945 - - European 1
RITCHEY ANDREW J 1st Lt 353FTR 04-02-1945 - - European 3
RITCHEY ANDREW J 1st Lt 353FTR 04-20-1945 - - European 2
ROGERS FELIX M 1st Lt 353FTR 04-29-1944 - - European 1
ROGERS FELIX M 1st Lt 353FTR 05-08-1944 - - European 1
ROGERS FELIX M 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-10-1944 - - European 1
ROGERS FELIX M 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
ROGERS FELIX M Captain 353FTR 07-07-1944 - - European 2
ROGERS FELIX M Captain 353FTR 07-25-1944 - - European 1
ROSE FRANKLIN JR 1st Lt 353FTR 03-02-1945 - - European 1
ROSE FRANKLIN JR 1st Lt 353FTR 03-21-1945 - - European 2
ROSE FRANKLIN JR 1st Lt 353FTR 03-22-1945 - - European 2
RUDOLPH HENRY S 1st Lt 353FTR 04-02-1945 - - European 2
RUDOLPH HENRY S 2nd Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 3
SALTER CARY W JR 1st Lt 353FTR 04-02-1945 - - European 2
SANCHEZ JOSEPH F JR 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-16-1944 - - European 2
SANCHEZ JOSEPH F JR 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-22-1945 - - European 1
SEDVERT THEODORE W 1st Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 1
SEDVERT THEODORE W 1st Lt 353FTR 03-02-1945 - - European 1
SEDVERT THEODORE W Captain 353FTR 03-21-1945 - - European 1
SILVA ROBERT G 2nd Lt 353FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 0.5
SMITH WALTER H JR 2nd Lt 353FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
SULLIVAN WOODFIN M 1st Lt 353FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 2
SULLIVAN WOODFIN M 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 1
SULLIVAN WOODFIN M 2nd Lt 353FTR 05-12-1944 - - European 1
THAYER MELVIN E 2nd Lt 353FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 2
VARNEY THOMAS S 2nd Lt 353FTR 12-20-1943 - - European 1
WALKER CALVIN S 1st Lt 353FTR 03-22-1945 - - European 2
WALKER CALVIN S 1st Lt 353FTR 03-26-1945 - - European 1
WALKER CALVIN S 2nd Lt 353FTR 12-01-1944 - - European 1
WEBER FRANK E 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 1
WIDLUND ERNEST A 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-16-1945 - - European 1
WISE KENNETH 1st Lt 353FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 1
WISE KENNETH 2nd Lt 353FTR 03-25-1945 - - European 1
WISE KENNETH 2nd Lt 353FTR 04-19-1945 - - European 2

 

355 Fighter Squadron
(155.66 vict)

Nom Grade Unité Date Ennemi Avion d'arme TOP Nbr Vict
ALLEN GUS W 1st Lt 355FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
ALLEN GUS W 2nd Lt 355FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 1
BALK VILAS D 2nd Lt 355FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
BONOTTO CARYL P 2nd Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
BRUELAND LOWELL K 1st Lt 355FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1.5
BRUELAND LOWELL K 1st Lt 355FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 1.5
BRUELAND LOWELL K 1st Lt 355FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
BRUELAND LOWELL K 1st Lt 355FTR 04-25-1944 - - European 0.5
BRUELAND LOWELL K 1st Lt 355FTR 04-29-1944 - - European 1
BRUELAND LOWELL K Captain 355FTR 05-13-1944 - - European 2
BRUELAND LOWELL K Captain 355FTR 07-17-1944 - - European 1
BRUELAND LOWELL K Captain 355FTR 07-28-1944 - - European 3
BRUELAND LOWELL K Major 355FTR 03-13-1945 - - European 1
BUER GLENDON J Captain 355FTR 07-17-1944 - - European 1
BUER GLENDON J Captain 355FTR 08-28-1944 - - European 1
CANNON THOMAS W 2nd Lt 355FTR 07-17-1944 - - European 1
COCKER LYNN W 1st Lt 355FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 0.5
COLEMAN SHEFTALL B JR 2nd Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 2
DALGLISH JAMES B 1st Lt 355FTR 12-20-1943 - - European 0.5
DALGLISH JAMES B 1st Lt 355FTR 01-30-1944 - - European 1
DALGLISH JAMES B 1st Lt 355FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 1.5
DALGLISH JAMES B 1st Lt 355FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 1
DAVIS WILLIAM I 1st Lt 355FTR 07-28-1944 - - European 1
DAVIS WILLIAM I 1st Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1.5
DAVIS WILLIAM I 2nd Lt 355FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
DAVIS WILLIAM I 2nd Lt 355FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 0.5
DIETERICH VIRGIL C Captain 355FTR 07-17-1944 - - European 1
DIETERICH VIRGIL C Captain 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
DIETERICH VIRGIL C Captain 355FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 2
DIRKS HOWARD A 1st Lt 355FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 0.33
DIX GERALD J Lt Colonel 355FTR 04-24-1944 - - European 1
DIX GERALD J Lt Colonel 355FTR 05-13-1944 - - European 2
DIX GERALD J Major 355FTR 03-08-1944 - - European 1
EMERSON WARREN S 1st Lt 355FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
EMERSON WARREN S Captain 355FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
EMERSON WARREN S Captain 355FTR 08-17-1944 - - European 1
EMERSON WARREN S Captain 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 3
FORGUSON LOYCE E 1st Lt 355FTR 07-17-1944 - - European 1
FOYE ROBERT F 1st Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 3
GENUNG LINWOOD D 2nd Lt 355FTR 03-13-1945 - - European 0.5
GILTNER JOE H Captain 355FTR 01-24-1944 - - European 1
GREY JOHN P 1st Lt 355FTR 07-18-1944 - - European 0.5
GREY JOHN P 1st Lt 355FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
GRONBACH ALVIN E 2nd Lt 355FTR 12-18-1944 - - European 1
GROSS CLAYTON K 1st Lt 355FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 2
GROSS CLAYTON K 1st Lt 355FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
GROSS CLAYTON K 1st Lt 355FTR 06-14-1944 - - European 1
GROSS CLAYTON K Captain 355FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
GUMM CHARLES F JR 1st Lt 355FTR 12-16-1943 - - European 1
GUMM CHARLES F JR 1st Lt 355FTR 01-29-1944 - - European 1
GUMM CHARLES F JR 1st Lt 355FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 2
GUMM CHARLES F JR 1st Lt 355FTR 02-21-1944 - - European 1
GUMM CHARLES F JR 1st Lt 355FTR 02-25-1944 - - European 1
HARRIS BILLIE D 2nd Lt 355FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 0.5
HARRIS BILLIE D 2nd Lt 355FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 1
HASBROUCK RALPH C 1st Lt 355FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 1
HENRY IVAN R 1st Lt 355FTR 02-22-1945 - - European 1
HOEHN GEORGE J JR 2nd Lt 355FTR 07-28-1944 - - European 1
HOEHN GEORGE J JR 2nd Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
HOLCOMB JOSEPH R 2nd Lt 355FTR 04-04-1945 - - European 1
KALLAS PAUL W 2nd Lt 355FTR 04-25-1944 - - European 0.5
KILPATRICK CHARLES D 1st Lt 355FTR 04-04-1945 - - European 1
KING WILLIAM B 1st Lt 355FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
KING WILLIAM B 1st Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 3
KING WILLIAM B 2nd Lt 355FTR 06-04-1944 - - European 0.5
KING WILLIAM B 2nd Lt 355FTR 06-21-1944 - - European 1
KINMON GEORGE H JR 1st Lt 355FTR 04-04-1945 - - European 1
KINNARD CLAIBORNE H JR Lt Colonel 355FTR 07-07-1944 - - European 3
KINNARD CLAIBORNE H JR Lt Colonel 355FTR 04-20-1945 - - European 2
KIRTS BENJAMIN E 2nd Lt 355FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 1
KIRTS BENJAMIN E 2nd Lt 355FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 2
KLINE RUSSELL H 2nd Lt 355FTR 12-18-1944 - - European 1
KNIER EARL W 1st Lt 355FTR 05-09-1944 - - European 0.5
KNIER EARL W 1st Lt 355FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 1
LAING SILAS M 2nd Lt 355FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 1
LASKO CHARLES W Captain 355FTR 01-29-1944 - - European 1
LASKO CHARLES W Captain 355FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 0.5
LASKO CHARLES W Captain 355FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
LASKO CHARLES W Captain 355FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 2
LASKO CHARLES W Captain 355FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 0.5
LASKO CHARLES W Captain 355FTR 05-12-1944 - - European 1
LASKO CHARLES W Captain 355FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1.5
LONG MAURICE G Captain 355FTR 04-10-1944 - - European 1
LONG MAURICE G Captain 355FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 1
LONG MAURICE G Captain 355FTR 06-14-1944 - - European 1
LONG MAURICE G Captain 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 2.5
MAYSE NORMAN B 1st Lt 355FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 0.33
MAYSE NORMAN B 1st Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
MCDONALD RICHARD 2nd Lt 355FTR 12-31-1943 - - European 0.5
MCLEOD HUGH S JR 1st Lt 355FTR 03-13-1945 - - European 0.5
MEYLER WALTER P 2nd Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
MORAN PATRICK E 2nd Lt 355FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
O'HAIR HUSTON H 1st Lt 355FTR 06-04-1944 - - European 0.5
O'HAIR HUSTON H 1st Lt 355FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
PAVELICH FRANK J 2nd Lt 355FTR 09-12-1944 - - European 1
PETERS BRUNO 2nd Lt 355FTR 02-10-1944 - - European 1
PHILPOT HAROLD W 2nd Lt 355FTR 03-18-1945 - - European 1
PITCHER WILLIAM E 1st Lt 355FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
PITCHER WILLIAM E 1st Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
POOLE RICHARD F JR 2nd Lt 355FTR 11-17-1944 - - European 1
POSTLE JOHN W 2nd Lt 355FTR 12-18-1944 - - European 1
POWERS LEWIS W 1st Lt 355FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 0.5
POWERS LEWIS W 1st Lt 355FTR 07-26-1944 - - European 1
POWERS LEWIS W Captain 355FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
RADOJITS TONY T 2nd Lt 355FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
ROBERSON ROBERT E 2nd Lt 355FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
RYAN EDWARD R 1st Lt 355FTR 03-23-1944 - - European 1
RYAN EDWARD R 2nd Lt 355FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
RYAN EDWARD R 2nd Lt 355FTR 02-10-1944 - - European 2
SCHROCK ROBERT W 2nd Lt 355FTR 07-18-1944 - - European 0.5
SIMMONS WILLIAM J 1st Lt 355FTR 03-23-1944 - - European 1
SIMMONS WILLIAM J 1st Lt 355FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
SIMMONS WILLIAM J 2nd Lt 355FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
SIMMONS WILLIAM J 2nd Lt 355FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 3
SKOWRONEK TADEUSZ 2nd Lt 355FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
SKOWRONEK TADEUSZ Captain 355FTR 12-23-1944 - - European 1
STANLEY HORACE A 2nd Lt 355FTR 02-22-1945 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W 1st Lt 355FTR 12-31-1943 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W 1st Lt 355FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W Captain 355FTR 02-10-1944 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W Captain 355FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W Captain 355FTR 02-21-1944 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W Captain 355FTR 02-24-1944 - - European 0.5
STEPHENS ROBERT W Captain 355FTR 02-25-1944 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W Captain 355FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 1
STEPHENS ROBERT W Captain 355FTR 04-29-1944 - - European 1
STEWART EVERETT W Lt Colonel 355FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 1
STEWART EVERETT W Lt Colonel 355FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 1
STEWART EVERETT W Lt Colonel 355FTR 03-18-1944 - - European 1
STEWART EVERETT W Lt Colonel 355FTR 03-29-1944 - - European 2
STEWART EVERETT W Lt Colonel 355FTR 04-11-1944 - - European 2
TALBOT GILBERT F 1st Lt 355FTR 02-10-1944 - - European 1
TALBOT GILBERT F 1st Lt 355FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 1
TALBOT GILBERT F 1st Lt 355FTR 05-09-1944 - - European 1
TALBOT GILBERT F Major 355FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 1
TALBOT GILBERT F Major 355FTR 04-11-1945 - - European 1
TIGHE CHARLES J 2nd Lt 355FTR 02-22-1945 - - European 1
WHITE HORACE B 2nd Lt 355FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 1

 

356 Fighter Squadron
(169.08 vict)

Nom Grade Unité Date Ennemi Avion d'arme TOP Nbr Vict
ALDRICH KEITH R 1st Lt 356FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 1
ALDRICH KEITH R 1st Lt 356FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 1
ALDRICH KEITH R 2nd Lt 356FTR 06-21-1944 - - European 1
ASBURY RICHARD W Captain 356FTR 04-14-1945 - - European 2
ASBURY RICHARD W Captain 356FTR 04-15-1945 - - European 0.5
BACCUS DONALD A Lt Colonel 356FTR 05-13-1944 - - European 0.5
BACCUS DONALD A Lt Colonel 356FTR 11-26-1944 - - European 2
BALDWIN MARK 1st Lt 356FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 2
BICKFORD EDWARD F 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-14-1945 - - European 0.5
BIGLOW ROBERT R 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-14-1945 - - European 0.5
BLAKESLEE DONALD J M Lt Colonel 356FTR 12-20-1943 - - European 1
BORON FRANK 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-16-1945 - - European 0.5
BRANDT FLOYD G 1st Lt 356FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 2
BRANDT FLOYD G 2nd Lt 356FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 0.5
BRANDT FLOYD G Captain 356FTR 02-16-1945 - - European 0.5
BROOKS ROBERT J Captain 356FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 2
BROOKS ROBERT J Captain 356FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 0.5
BRUSHWOOD EARL C 1st Lt 356FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 1
BRUSHWOOD EARL C Captain 356FTR 04-11-1945 - - European 2
BUCHANAN CECIL E 1st Lt 356FTR 03-15-1945 - - European 1
BUTLER LESTER A 1st Lt 356FTR 03-13-1945 - - European 1
BUTLER RALPH C 1st Lt 356FTR 04-07-1945 - - European 0.5
CARR JACK H 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 0.25
CHAMBERS VERLIN E 1st Lt 356FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
CHAMBERS VERLIN E 1st Lt 356FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 0.5
CHAMBERS VERLIN E Captain 356FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 2
CHAMBERS VERLIN E Captain 356FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
COEN OSCAR H Lt Colonel 356FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 0.5
CRUM WALTER S 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 2
CUNNINGHAM HAROLD D 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 1
DAVIS YOUNG M 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
DEPNER EARL G Captain 356FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
EDWARDS JAMES W 1st Lt 356FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
EDWARDS JAMES W 1st Lt 356FTR 01-14-1944 - - European 1
EDWARDS JAMES W 1st Lt 356FTR 02-10-1944 - - European 1
EDWARDS JAMES W Captain 356FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
FERGUSON JOHN 2nd Lt 356FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 0.33
FERGUSON JOHN 2nd Lt 356FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
FERGUSON JOHN F/O 356FTR 05-11-1945 - - European 0.5
FISK HARRY E 1st Lt 356FTR 03-18-1944 - - European 1
FISK HARRY E 1st Lt 356FTR 03-23-1944 - - European 1
FISK HARRY E 1st Lt 356FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 3
FUCHS MARION J Major 356FTR 04-10-1945 - - European 1
GEAR FRANK W 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-11-1945 - - European 1
GERBER DONALD E 2nd Lt 356FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 1
GILLIS MAILON A 1st Lt 356FTR - - - European 2
GILLIS MAILON A 1st Lt 356FTR 07-25-1944 - - European 1
GOODNIGHT ROBERT E 1st Lt 356FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 2
GOODNIGHT ROBERT E 1st Lt 356FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
GOODNIGHT ROBERT E 1st Lt 356FTR 02-25-1944 - - European 0.25
GOODNIGHT ROBERT E 1st Lt 356FTR 03-18-1944 - - European 1
GOODNIGHT ROBERT E 1st Lt 356FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 1
GOODNIGHT ROBERT E 1st Lt 356FTR 04-10-1944 - - European 2
GREEN RALPH E Captain 356FTR 04-15-1945 - - European 0.5
HALFERTY ROBERT M 1st Lt 356FTR 04-10-1945 - - European 1
HALFERTY ROBERT M 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-16-1945 - - European 0.5
HALL GEORGE W 1st Lt 356FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
HALL GEORGE W 1st Lt 356FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 1
HOLMES RALPH D 1st Lt 356FTR 04-26-1945 - - European 1
HOWARD JAMES H Major 356FTR 12-20-1943 - - European 1
HOWARD JAMES H Major 356FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 4
HOWARD JAMES H Major 356FTR 01-30-1944 - - European 1
JACKSON LEONARD E 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 1
KELLY LONNIE D 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-16-1945 - - European 1
KENNISON JAMES D F/O 356FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 1
KLOPOTEK ROBERT J 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 1
KOZACZKA FELIX 1st Lt 356FTR 04-11-1945 - - European 2
LAMB GEORGE M 1st Lt 356FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1.5
LAMB GEORGE M 1st Lt 356FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
LAMB GEORGE M Captain 356FTR 06-21-1944 - - European 2
LAMB GEORGE M Captain 356FTR 10-29-1944 - - European 1
LAMB GEORGE M Major 356FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 2
LANE JAMES M 1st Lt 356FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
LESTER ROBERT C 2nd Lt 356FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 2
MALMSTROM EINAR A Lt Colonel 356FTR 03-20-1944 - - European 1
MCINTIRE FRANCIS P JR 1st Lt 356FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 3
MCINTIRE FRANCIS P JR 1st Lt 356FTR 09-26-1944 - - European 1.5
MILLER THOMAS F 2nd Lt 356FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1
MILLER THOMAS F 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
MILLER THOMAS F 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-25-1944 - - European 1.75
MILLER THOMAS F 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 1.5
MITCHELL HOMER R 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-25-1944 - - European 0.25
MITCHELL HOMER R 2nd Lt 356FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 0.5
O'CONNOR FRANK Q 1st Lt 356FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
O'CONNOR FRANK Q 1st Lt 356FTR 02-21-1944 - - European 1
O'CONNOR FRANK Q 1st Lt 356FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 2
O'CONNOR FRANK Q 1st Lt 356FTR 02-25-1944 - - European 1
O'CONNOR FRANK Q 1st Lt 356FTR 03-04-1944 - - European 0.5
O'CONNOR FRANK Q 1st Lt 356FTR 03-08-1944 - - European 2
O'CONNOR FRANK Q Captain 356FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 0.25
O'CONNOR FRANK Q Captain 356FTR 04-13-1944 - - European 2
O'CONNOR FRANK Q Captain 356FTR 05-04-1944 - - European 1
PEARSON ERNEST H 2nd Lt 356FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 1
PENDERGRASS WALTER K 2nd Lt 356FTR 06-30-1944 - - European 1
PERKINS WILLIAM R 1st Lt 356FTR 03-23-1944 - - European 1
PERKINS WILLIAM R 1st Lt 356FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 1
RECAGNO GEORGE L Captain 356FTR 02-16-1945 - - European 0.5
REDFERN ALBERT G 1st Lt 356FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 0.25
REDFERN ALBERT G 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-21-1944 - - European 1
SCHEIBLE WILBUR R Captain 356FTR 11-26-1944 - - European 3
SCHEIBLE WILBUR R Captain 356FTR 12-05-1944 - - European 2
SHARMAN CLYDE D JR 1st Lt 356FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 2
SHOUP ROBERT L 1st Lt 356FTR 03-04-1944 - - European 0.5
SHOUP ROBERT L 1st Lt 356FTR 04-08-1944 - - European 1
SHOUP ROBERT L 1st Lt 356FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 2
SHOUP ROBERT L 1st Lt 356FTR 04-24-1944 - - European 1
SHOUP ROBERT L 2nd Lt 356FTR 01-04-1944 - - European 1
SIMONSON CHARLES H 2nd Lt 356FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 1
SORTORE ARTHUR E Captain 356FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 1
STOLZLE ROBERT T 1st Lt 356FTR 06-30-1944 - - European 1
TENORE BARTHOLOMEW G 1st Lt 356FTR 03-06-1944 - - European 0.5
TENORE BARTHOLOMEW G 1st Lt 356FTR 05-28-1944 - - European 0.5
TENORE BARTHOLOMEW G 1st Lt 356FTR 08-25-1944 - - European 3
THOMPSON HARRIMAN C 1st Lt 356FTR 09-26-1944 - - European 1.5
TILLERY RICHARD W 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-07-1945 - - European 0.5
TILLERY RICHARD W 2nd Lt 356FTR 04-14-1945 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E 1st Lt 356FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 2
TURNER RICHARD E 1st Lt 356FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Captain 356FTR 01-30-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Captain 356FTR 02-11-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Captain 356FTR 03-03-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Captain 356FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Captain 356FTR 04-11-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Major 356FTR 06-28-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Major 356FTR 06-30-1944 - - European 1
TURNER RICHARD E Major 356FTR 07-30-1944 - - European 1
TYNER MACK O 2nd Lt 356FTR 01-11-1944 - - European 1.5
TYNER MACK O 2nd Lt 356FTR 02-20-1944 - - European 1
TYNER MACK O 2nd Lt 356FTR 03-03-1944 - - European 1
VICK ALVIN L 1st Lt 356FTR 04-11-1945 - - European 2
WARNER FREDERICK J 1st Lt 356FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 2
WARNER JACK A 1st Lt 356FTR 03-23-1945 - - European 2
WARNER JACK A Captain 356FTR 04-11-1945 - - European 2
WARNER JACK A Captain 356FTR 04-17-1945 - - European 1
WELDEN ROBERT D 1st Lt 356FTR 02-22-1944 - - European 0.5
WELDEN ROBERT D 1st Lt 356FTR 02-25-1944 - - European 1.75
WELDEN ROBERT D 1st Lt 356FTR 04-09-1944 - - European 0.5
WELDEN ROBERT D 1st Lt 356FTR 05-11-1944 - - European 1
WELDEN ROBERT D 1st Lt 356FTR 06-30-1944 - - European 1
WELDEN ROBERT D 2nd Lt 356FTR 01-05-1944 - - European 1.5
WILLIAMS WALTER B 1st Lt 356FTR 08-16-1944 - - European 1
WILLIAMS WALTER B 1st Lt 356FTR 08-22-1944 - - European 1
YOUNG ROBERT L 1st Lt 356FTR 09-28-1944 - - European 1
YOUNG ROBERT L 2nd Lt 356FTR 03-16-1944 - - European 0.5

 

The 354th FG was created on the 15th of November, 1942, although only on paper. However, that was to change fast. Personnel were assigned, and on the 26th of November, Major Kenneth R. Martin was assigned as its' commander, with the executive officer being Major Wallace P. Mace. The squadrons were to be the 353rd, 355th and 356th fighter squadrons, with Major Owen Seaman, Capt. George Bickell, and Capt. Charles Johnson as the respective squadron commanders.

The 354th FG moved around from training base to base, until finally landing at Camp Kilmer, NJ, awaiting shipment overseas. On the 20th of October, 1943, this was to happen. The group loaded onto the HMS 'Athlone Castle' and set sail for the war in Europe. Landing in Newbury, Berkshire, on the 3rd of November, they were transported to their first base at Greenham Commons, although only for a short time. While they were in Greenham Commons, the 354th FG received their first combat aircraft- the P51B "Mustang" . The extremely happy pilots only took a few days to realize that the Mustang was THE plane of the war, and out of respect for the honor of being chosen as the first group to be given this new aircraft the group adopted the name "Pioneer Mustang Group". On the 13th they moved to a larger base at Boxted, near Colchester, Essexshire. Two days after arriving in Boxted, the group had its first year anniversary. Things were happening fast, and on the 1st of December, exactly 380 days after being formed, they were on their first mission over Europe. The 354th was at war.

The groups first mission was a relatively short one, flown by 24 Mustangs, over Belgium and France. The flight was led by the Exec Officer of the combat tested 4th FG, Col. Don Blakeslee with LtCol. Martin flying his wing. No enemy planes were encountered, and the group had set a new record- It had flown its first combat mission only 20 days after it was assigned its combat aircraft.

Reassigned to the newly formed 9th Air Force, the group remained at Boxted until April 17th, 1944. This would come to be the longest stay at a base until the war ended. In the first 3 months of combat, the 354th FG proved the worth of the Mustang as an escort fighter, which could now escort the heavy bombers deep into enemy territory, where no escort had been before. Only 13 days after their first combat mission, the group escorted bombers on a deep mission to Kiel, Germany. The 354th was assigned to cover the bombers while they were over the target, something the bombers had never had until now. The furthest they had been until now was targets in Bordeaux, France.

Another first, and an only, awarded to the 354th FG was the fact that they had the only fighter pilot in the ETO awarded the Medal Of Honor. This was bestowed on Major Jim Howard, a former AVG (Flying Tiger) pilot. On January 11th, he was escorting bombers when he spotted about 30 fighters making a run at the bombers. He single handedly attacked, and warded off their attacks repeatedly as they tried to get at the bombers. Major Howard only claimed 3 of the fighters, but the bomber crews that witnessed his 'One Man Blitz' would swear that at least 6 of the enemy fighters fell to his guns. This great feat, however, was overshadowed exactly one month later when the groups commander, Col. Martin, was lost in a head-on collision with an enemy fighter. His loss was felt by all members of the group, and Col. Howard was given command of the 354th. Shortly after that, Col. Howard was moved to a headquarters position, and LtCol. Bickell was then given command of the group.

On the 21st of Feb, 1944, Capt Stephens of the 355th Fighter Squadron, scored the groups 100th victory on an enemy aircraft. On the 10th of April, the group scored its' 200th victory. And now, the group was also dropping down to the ground on the trip back, strafing targets of opportunity. This was to be a taste of what was to become the groups main objective. The pace of the war had quickened, and also on the 10th the group flew 2 missions on the same day, for the first time.

On the 17th of April, the group moved completely to an advanced landing field at Lashendon, Kent. This was seen as a sign that things were approaching a climax, and that the long awaited invasion was near. The group continued to fly missions, only there were more and more ground attack missions thrown in with the normal escort flights. Towards the end of May there were practice alerts, special training sessions and secret meetings with the staff officers behind locked doors. Enlisted men were sent to special schools to learn how to waterproof vehicles, and the group was placed on alert. The final tip-off came on the 3rd of June when a small group of cameramen were sent to the group and it was said they were to cover the groups activities during the start of D-Day events. The next 3 days were filled with wild rumors, and when the invasion did finally come, it was almost anticlimactic.

The 354th FG was disappointed that they were not involved with the very start of D-Day, but they were soon in the fight. The evening of the 6th, they were briefed to give escort cover to gliders and transports dropping paratroopers. It was just the 96th mission for the 354th FG. On the 13th, the orders were sent to move the advanced echelon the following morning. By the 3rd of July, the entire group was now station on the continent near Grand-camp-les-Baines on the Normandy coast. During the first few days here, it was only a short 10 miles to the front and the sounds of battle filled the days and nights. From this time forward, escort duty took a back seat to the fighter sweeps, with and without bombs, as well as patrols. The biggest single job undertaken by the group was an all-out effort which helped pave the way for the ground forces to break-through at St Lo towards the end of July.

Between the 11th and 13th of July the group moved again, this time from Normandy to a Luftwaffe base at Brittany. The locals welcomed the group as liberators, and the group spent its most luxurious days on the continent here. While here, the group celebrated its 500th enemy aircraft victory, and they divided their time between flying over Brest to the west and eastern France. Then it was time to move again, this time to the champagne country of Orconte. This base was in direct contrast to Brittany, as the accommodations were nowhere near as deluxe, and the locals had not yet decided as to how friendly they would be- they had no surplus of food, and no means to build a social program with the group. Operations continued, and the main focus was to push the enemy back into its own territory, as well as decimating the Luftwaffe. Towards the end of November, the group was dealt what they considered a low blow from headquarters- their much loved Mustangs were replaced by Thunderbolts. After a short stay at St Dizier, the group moved to a new field at Rosiere-en-Haye on the first days of December, where they were to settle for the winter. The base was a great improvement from the last base at Orconte, and they made themselves as comfortable as possible. While at this base, they participated in the "Battle of the Bulge", once the weather lifted enough for operations to resume. Even the Great New Years Day attempt by the Luftwaffe didn't cause any concern- their base was not one of the many attacked. In February, their Mustangs were returned and the group was the "Pioneer Mustang Group" once again. Missions were flown in support of the crossings of the Rhine, and penetration missions into Germany to keep the Luftwaffe from showing its head.

By now, the war was going well for the Allies, and the group wondered what was in store. The answer came when orders were sent for the group to move to Ober Ulm, their first base inside Germany, on the 8th of April. The Germans had done extensive damage to the base, but it was nothing that couldn't be fixed for the groups short stay here. The group had its' happiest moment while at this base- their beloved commander, Col. Martin, returned to the group for a visit after escaping from the Germans. He had bailed out following the head-on collision, and although injured, he had survived and was captured. He stayed for a few days, then was returned to the USA. On May 1st, the group again moved, this time to Ansbach. This former Luftwaffe base had been a large one, and had no apparent damage. The group made itself at home, and flew missions. One indication that the end was near, was that German pilots would fly into the base to surrender. And when the day finally came, on May 7th, it seemed anticlimactic. But that did not dampen the festivities- the celebrations were spontaneous and thorough.

Since the group flew its first combat mission on Dec 1, 1943, the planes of the 354th Fighter Group flew 1,384 missions, and 18,334 sorties in 17 months and 8 days. 187 pilots were killed, lost or otherwise MIA: 9 were killed in accidents, 42 were killed in action, 5 were still listed as POW's at wars end, 81 were known to have returned to duty or the USA, and 50 were unaccounted for and listed as MIA. For total claims against enemy aircraft (air and ground), the group scored 957 times confirmed, 53 probables and 428 damaged. For claims against enemy aircraft in aerial combat, the 354th ranked first of all the fighter groups with 701. The next closest group was the 56th FG with 677 A/C destroyed.

*information taken from the 354th FG Unit History, "History In The Sky"

Air Forced Assigned To:

9th (Oct '43 - end WWII)

Stations Flown From :

Greenham Common, England (Nov '43)
Boxted, England (Nov '43 - April '44)
Lashenden, England (April '44 - June '44)
Criqueville, France (June '44 - Aug '44)
Gael, France (Aug '44 - Sept '44)
Orconte, France (Sept '44 - Dec '44)
Meurthe-et-Moselle, France (Dec '44 - April '45)
Ober Olm, Germany (April '45)
Ansbach, Germany (April '45 - May '45)
Herzogenaurach, Germany (May '45 - end WWII)

Campaigns Flown in :

Air Offensive, Europe
Normandy
Northern France
Rhineland
Ardennes-Alsace
Central Europe

Awards Won :

Distinguished Unit Citation: ETO, Dec '43 - 15 May '44
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 25 August '44
French Croix de Guerre with Palm: 1 Dec '43 - 31 Dec '44

The Group's Aces were :

 

HQ
353rd FS
355th FS
356th FS
Martin, K.R. (5)
Eagleston, G.T. (18.5 - 24.5 total)
0.5 total) Brueland, L.K. (12.5 - 1
Turner, R.E. (11)
Stephens, R.W. (4.5 - 13 total)
Beerbower, D.M. (15.5)
Stephens, R.W. (8.5 - 13 total)
O'Connor, F.Q. (10.75)
Howard, J.H. (1 - 8.33 total)
Bradley, J.T. (15)
Lasko, C.W. (7.5)
Lamb, G.M (7.5)
Carr, B.W. (14 - 15 total)
Emerson, W.S. (6)
Goodnight, R.E. (7.25)
Dahlberg, K.H. (14)
Gross, C.K. (6)
Welden, R.D. (6.25)
Emmer, W.N. (14)
Gumm, C.F. (6)
Shoup, R.L. (5.5)
Frantz, C.M. (11)
Simmons, W.J. (6)
Bickford, E.F. (5.5)
Overfield, L.J. (11)
King, W.B. (5.5)
Miller, T.F. (5.5)
McDowell, D (8.5)
Long, M.G. (5.5)
Fisk, H.E. (5)
Anderson, W.Y. (7)
Talbot, G.F. (5)
Howard, J.H. (5 - 8.33 total)
Reynolds, R (7)
Dalglish, J.B. (4 - 9 total)
Warner, J.A. (5)
Rogers, F.M. (7)
Asbury, R.W. (3.5 - 5 total)
Hunt, E.E. (6.5)
Koenig, C.W. (6.5)
Bickel, C.G. (5.5)
Hasek, I.S. (5)
Ritchey, A.J. (5)
Rose, F (5)
Rudolph, H.S. (5)
Wise, K (5)
Dalglish, J.B. (4 - 9 total)

 


Sources

STARS & BARS - Frank Olynyk - Grub Street Editions
Osprey Aviation Elite 7 - William N Hess - 354th Fighter Group
http://www.354thpmfg.com
http://www.homeofheroes.com
http://www.nha.org/digitalexhibits/PH35/gallery/index.htm
http://www.cybermodeler.com/history/354fg/354fg_gallery.shtml
http://354thfightergroup.homestead.com/



http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/index.asp
http://www.web-birds.com/