The 362nd Fighter Group Vs Germany Wehrmacht: A Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and Victory

The 362nd Fighter Group was one of the most successful fighter units in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The group flew over 14,000 combat sorties and destroyed over 600 enemy aircraft. This book tells the story of the 362nd Fighter Group, from its formation in 1942 to its deactivation in 1945. It is a story of courage, sacrifice, and victory.

Thunderbolts Triumphant: The 362nd Fighter Group vs Germany's Wehrmacht

by Chris Bucholtz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10832 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	229 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Formation and Training

The 362nd Fighter Group was activated on 15 May 1942 at Camp Haan, California. The group's original commander was Colonel Robert L. Scott, Jr. The 362nd Fighter Group was assigned to the Ninth Air Force and trained at several bases in the United States before being deployed to England in October 1942.

Combat Operations

The 362nd Fighter Group arrived in England in October 1942 and was assigned to the VIII Fighter Command. The group's first combat mission was on 12 November 1942, when it escorted a force of B-17 bombers on a raid against the German-occupied Netherlands. The 362nd Fighter Group quickly gained a reputation for its aggressive tactics and its success in air-to-air combat.

The 362nd Fighter Group flew over 14,000 combat sorties during World War II. The group's pilots destroyed over 600 enemy aircraft, including over 400 fighters and over 200 bombers. The 362nd Fighter Group also claimed over 1,000 aerial victories, making it one of the most successful fighter units in the USAAF.

The 362nd Fighter Group participated in many of the major air battles of World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of the Rhineland, and the Battle of Central Europe. The group also participated in the D-Day landings, Operation Overlord, and the bombing of Berlin.

The Pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group

The pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group were some of the most skilled and experienced in the world. The group's pilots included several aces, including Colonel Robert L. Scott, Jr., Lieutenant Colonel John C. Meyer, and Major George E. Preddy. The pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group were also known for their camaraderie and their sense of humor.

Legacy

The 362nd Fighter Group was one of the most decorated units in the USAAF. The group received the Presidential Unit Citation, the Distinguished Unit Citation, and the French Croix de Guerre. The 362nd Fighter Group was also awarded the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

The legacy of the 362nd Fighter Group continues to live on. The group's history is taught at the United States Air Force Academy and at other military schools. The 362nd Fighter Group is also remembered in several museums and memorials.

The 362nd Fighter Group was one of the most successful fighter units in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The group's pilots were some of the most skilled and experienced in the world. The 362nd Fighter Group flew over 14,000 combat sorties and destroyed over 600 enemy aircraft. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of World War II or the history of aviation.

Thunderbolts Triumphant: The 362nd Fighter Group vs Germany's Wehrmacht

by Chris Bucholtz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10832 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	229 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE