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The 303rd Bomb Group of 8th AF in the E.T.O.


303rd Bombardment Group (H) Triangle C
"Hell's Angels"
Assigned Eighth AF: 10.09.42

Wing & Command Assignments

VIII BC, 1BW:               10.09.42
VIII BC, 1BW:   102  PCBW      02.43
VIII BC, 1BW:   103  PCBW      05.43
VIII BC, 1BD:   41   CBW    13.09.43
1 BD            40   CBW    08.01.44
1 AD            40   CBW    01.01.45

B17F 41-24605 Knock-Out Dropper 359BS of 303BG(H)
Bombardment Squadrons (H):

• 358 "VK"
• 359 "BN"
• 360 "PU"
• 427 "GN"

Combat Aircraft:
B-17 F (Block 25-BO)
B-17 G

Stations:

• Molesworth, Huntingdonshire 12.09.42 - 11.06.45

Group COs:

• Col. James H. Wallace ; 13.07.42 - 12.02.43
• Col. Charles E. Marion ; 13.02.43 - 19.07.43
• Col. Kermit D. Stevens ; 19.07.43 - 01.09.44
• Col. William S. Raper ; 29.10.44 - 19.04.45
• Lt. Col. Williams C. Snipes ; 19.04.45 - 11.06.45
• Lt. Col. Lewis E. Lyle ; 01.09.44 - 29.10.44 temporary with: Lt. Col. Richard H. Cole

Facts:

First Mission:     17.11.42
Last Mission:      25.04.45
Total Missions:    364
Bomb Tonnage:      24,918 tons
A/C MIA:           165
Other Losses:      --
Major Awards:      Distinguished Unit Citation 11.04.44
Medal of Honor:    Lt. Jack W. Mathis 18.03.43
                   T/Sgt. Forrest L. Vosler 20.12.43

100 or more missions:

Number of      A/C Number  Name                Squadron
 missions

134 missions   42-39885    Sweet Rose O'Grady  427th
127 missions   43-37590    Neva - The Silver Lady 358th
122 missions   42-107206   Old Black Magic     359th
118 missions   42-97944    Daddy's Delight     359th
116 missions   42-38050    Thunderbird         359th
110 missions   42-102544   Sack Time           360th
107 missions   42-97311    Shoo Shoo Baby      427th
104 missions   42-97546    Idalize             360th
102 missions   42-97298    The Floose          358th
100 missions   42-39875    Buzz Blonde         427th

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Details supplied by mr. Hans Höhler, Essen, Germany