European theatre of World War II
Assigned to Fifteenth Air Force in November 1943, moved to Italy in December, and afterward directed most of its attacks against European theatre of World War II strategic targets such as oil centers, communications, and industrial areas. Received another DUC for a mission to Germany on 25 February 1944 when, in spite of vicious encounters with enemy fighters, the group bombed aircraft production centers at Regensburg. In 1944–1945, supported ground forces in the Anzio and Cassino areas during the invasion of Southern France, knocked out targets to assist the Russian advance in the Balkans, and aided the Allied drive through the Po Valley. Flew 478 combat missions; 132 aircraft lost.