Formation of B-17G Flying Fortress bombers dropping bombs over Europe, circa 1944

High above Europe

A USAAF Martin B-26G-11-MA Marauder (s/n 43-34565) from the 497th Bombardment Squadron, 344th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force, enveloped in flames and hurtling earthward after enemy flak scored a direct hit on left engine while aircraft was attacking front line enemy communications center at Erkelenz, Germany, 26 February 1945.

Hurtling Towards Earth

Ground crews servicing a North American A-36A Apache aircraft of USAAF’s 86th 86th Fighter Bomber Group, on an Italian airfield, late 1943. At beginning 86th Fighter Group, 86th Fighter Bomber Group from 23 August 1943, when were already in Italy, the group was deployed on many bases in Sicily and Italian mainland. One year later the group received its final wartime designation, again 86th Fighter Group, and replaced the A-36 with the P-47 Thunderbolt. The last Italian base, late 1944, of the 86th was Pisa. Early 1945 the 86th was transferred in France and, finally, in Germany. Victor Sierra