Orlando, Fla. - Barely visible beneath the wings of a Lockhead P-38 Lighting are the deadly bombs with which this multi-purpose plane can blast enemy troops, ships and gun emplacements.  As shown in recent demonstartions at the AAF Tactical Center, Orlando, Fla., the Lockhead P-38, now being used as a fighter-bomber, is capable of carrying bomb pay loads up to 2,000 pounds, thus affording the Allies another potent weapon for use against Germany and Japan in coming offensive.

Lockheed P-38 Lighting

451st Bomb Group, 15th Air Force, USAAF, Consolidated B-24H-30-CF Liberator AAF Serial Number 42-50443, displaying 304th Wing markings distinguished by the red upper tailfin over a red circle, releasing its bombs on the railyards at Muhldorf, Germany on 19 March 1945. Formed at Davis-Monthan AB, Arizona, April 1943, the 451st BG arrived in Italy, at Gioia del Colle, Puglia, at January 1944,
 and was transferred before at San Pancrazio, March of same year, and afterwards, April 1944, at Castelluccio. During September 1944 also transported supplies to troops in Italy and supported the final advances of Allied armies in Northern Italy in April 1945. Returned to the US in June 1945, forming at Dow Field, Maine. Unit personnel were demobilized throughout the summer of 1945. Inactivated on 26 September 1945.


The Group was inactivated at September 1945. 


B-24 bombing

These aircraft were called upon to perform many rigorous transport duties early in WW II, including the evacuation of personnel from the Phillipines to Austrailia in December 1941. 