US Army Air Force

In mission over Austria

U.S Air Force

USAAF’s Consolidated B-24 Liberators in action over on the Neuburg airdrome, Austria, March 21,1945: she’s the mission number 162 of the 485th Bomb Group, 55th Bomb Wing, 15th Air Force based at Venosa, Apulia, Southern Italy. The 485th BG, 828th, 829th, 830th and 831st Bomb Squadrons all equipped with Liberators, was activated at Fairmont, Nebraska Army Air Field, USA, in September 1943, and late dispatched to Mediterranean Theatre. Moved to North Africa the 485th began flying practice missions in Tunisia and by April 15, 1944 the crews began flying their planes to Venosa, where a landing field had been constructed from PSP (pierced steel planking). From Venosa the 485th flew 187 war missions - the first on 10 May 1944, Knin’s marshalling yards, Yugoslavia, the last on 25 April 1945, Linz’s marshalling yards, Austria – dropped 10,550 tons of bombs on enemy installations and was credited with destroying 61 enemy aircraft, probably destroying 41 more and damaging 37 others. Fifteen additional enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. The 485th officially lost 59 bombers in aerial combat and 62 others in accidents or salvaged as a result of combat. Approximately 3,500 men served in the 485th Bomb Group in Italy. This number includes air crew (2500+) and ground staff. The 485th lost at least 475 men KIA or died from combat-related injuries. Approximately 250 airmen became POWs. Thirteen airmen were captured, but managed to escape and return safely to Italy. At least 140 men from the group were shot down, but managed to evade capture and return safely. Victor Sierra