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.
For association news and announcements, see From the 306th on the home page.
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 […]
The U.S. Army Air Forces activated the Eighth at Savannah, Georgia with three major subordinate units: the VIII Bomber Command (BC), the VIII Fighter Command (FC), and the VIII Ground Air Services Command (GASC). During World War II, under the leadership of such generals as Ira Eaker and Jimmy Doolittle, the VIII BC (then Eighth […]
The 8th Air Force dispatches bombers from their bases in England to fly the first American bombing raid against the German homeland in World War II. 53 B-17s hit the the port of Wilhelmshaven, Germany between 11:10 and 11:13 hours local dropping 137.5 tons of bombs. VIII Bomber Command Mission 31 was led by the […]