April 19, 1945: the B-25 43-35982 "Angel of Mercy" of 428th Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force, based at Ghisonaccia, Corsica, during a mission over Rovereto's railroad bridge (North-East Italy), was hit by German Flak. The enemy AA fire knocked out the hydraulic system and main landing gear. The crew decided to crash-landing at Fano's Airport, Marche, Adriatic coast of Italy, already taken by Allies. In the photo  just a moment before the belly landing with only nose-wheel down. Victor Sierra

Crash landing of "Angel of Mercy"

1944 - North American B-25s after bombing gun positions at Bologna, Italy. Victor Sierra

In action over Italy

Flight line of Republic P-47s Thunderbolt of 65 Fighter Group, 12th Air Force, on the Grosseto Airport, Toscana, where operated missions over Italy. The 65th FG reached Grosseto in autumn 1944 from the Alto's airstrip, Corsica. At Grosseto the 65th FG reimaned until spring 1945  when moved  to Verona-Villafranca. In early May 1945 at end of war the 65th returned to Grosseto. Note two different versions of P-47's canopy: razor-back and bubble canopy and, also, two differentt colours: olive drab and bare-metal. Note again the large auxiliary tank under the fuselage. 