Air War WW2 Portal

The 491st Bomb Group of 8th AF in the E.T.O.


491st Bombardment Group (H) circle Z
"The Ringmasters"
Assigned Eighth AF: 01.01.1944

Wing & Command Assignments

2BD, 95 CBW : 05.05.1944          
2BD, 14 CBW : 14.08.1944
2AD, 14 CBW : 01.01.1945

B24J 44-401010 'Tubarao' of 854BS of the 491st BG(H)
Bombardment Squadrons (H):

• 852nd "3Q"
• 853rd "T8"
• 854th "6X"
• 855th "V2"

Combat Aircraft:
B24H (Block 20-FO)
B24J (Block 135-CO)
B24L
B24M


Stations:

• Metfield : 25.04.1944 - 15.08.1944
• North Pickenham, Norfolk : 15.08.1944 - 04.07.1945

Group COs:

• Lt.Col. Carl T. Goldenberg : 12.02.1944 - 26.06.1944
• Col. Frederick H. Miller : 26.06.1944 - 20.10.1944
• Col. Allen W. Reed : 20.10.1944 - 04.07.1945

Facts:

First Mission:      02.06.1944
Last Mission:       25.04.1945
Total Missions:     187
Bomb Tonnage:       12,304 tons
A/C MIA:            47
Other Losses:       23
Major Awards:       Distinguished Unit Citation
                    26.11.1944 Misburg
Medal of Honor:     none

100 or more missions:

Numbers of    A/C Number  Name             Squadron
missions
none

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Details supplied by mr. Hans Höhler, Essen, Germany