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U.S. Eighth Air Force: Anatomy of a Mission

By the winter of 1943-44, the strategic bombing missions of the U.S. Eighth Air Force were nearing their ultimate form. Tactics, teamwork and euqipment had greatly improved since the campaign began on...

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Re: U.S. Eighth Air Force: Anatomy of a Mission

The order for a mission would usually reach the headquarters of the various bomber groups late on the day prior to the raid. It's arrival set off intense activity along the hardstands - the paved...

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Re: U.S. Eighth Air Force: Anatomy of a Mission

In the early hours of the following morning, fueling teams and ordnance men rolled out to the hardstands to top off the gas tanks and load the planes with bombs and ammunition. The exact weight of...

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Re: U.S. Eighth Air Force: Anatomy of a Mission

Early on the day of a mission, often before daybreak, runners woke up the aircrews. The airmen would dress quickly, eat a quick breakfast - as much as their nervous stomachs could handle - and then...

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Re: U.S. Eighth Air Force: Anatomy of a Mission

Usually the bomber formation would meet up with its escorting fighters over France, but many of the fighters would have to turn back just as the bombers entered Germany. Once the P-51 joined the...

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Re: U.S. Eighth Air Force: Anatomy of a Mission

A tight formation of bombers usually loosened up as returning pilots spotted blue water. By now everyone was edgy, weary, and eager to land. The Channel was, declared one airman, "the shortest stretch...

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Re: U.S. Eighth Air Force: Anatomy of a Mission

Gathering in the debreifing rooms for interrogation after a mission, crews milled around, smoking and consuming hot chocolate, gray coffee and Spam sandwiches. They were also offered a shot of whiskey...

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