The 306th Bomb Group was activated at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho and began training. On April 6, the Group moved to Wendover Field, Utah for further training and then assigned to the 8th Air Force in September 1942 and Station 111 Thurleigh, England. In December of 1940, Adjutant General Adams of the U.S. Army […]

Although the Apple TV+ series is about the 100th Bomb Group, the book itself is about all the bomb groups (about 40) in the 8th Air Force during World War II. In fact, the book cover photo is of a 306th Bomb Group crew and B-17. The pilot was John J. Stolz, and his 367th […]

Putnam was the 306th Group Operations Officer from January 18, 1943 before taking command of the 306th. On March 26, 1943, he was a recipient of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy. He was transferred to the 1st Combat Wing on June 20, 1943, and then to Commanding Officer of […]

A 1942 study determined that relatively low velocity projectiles such as deflected flak fragments or shattered pieces of aircraft structure caused 70% of bomber crew wounds.  At the time, aircrews only wore fabric flight helmets and with the increasing number of head wounds, it became obvious that more protection was needed. Early bomber crews wore […]