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On This Date In History

Explore significant dates, missions, people, and events in the history of the 306th Bomb Group. New entries will be added as we continue to preserve and share the Group's history.

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3 January 2026

January 3, 1943 — Frank Armstrong Takes Command of the 306th

By Steve Snyder
Frank Armstrong Takes Command of the 306th

Prior to taking over command of the 306th, Frank Armstrong was the Commanding Officer of the 97th Bomb Group and led the 8th Air Force’s first bombing mission on August 17, 1942 to the marshalling yards at Rouen-Sotteville, France.

Armstrong was the inspiration for the character of Brigadier General Frank Savage in Beirne Lay's book and movie “Twelve O'Clock High”.

On January 27, 1943, Armstrong registered another “first” when he led the 306th Bomb Group on the 8th Air Force’s first bombing mission into Germany to hit the shipyards at Wilhelmshaven, and the 306th gained its motto “First Over Germany”.

Armstrong left the 306th Bomb Group on February 17, 1944 to assume various commands in Europe and in the Pacific. He concluded his World War II service by leading the last bombing mission of the war to Honshu Japan.

Frank Armstrong retired from the Air Force in 1962 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General, died in 1969, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.