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.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force has been awarded federal distinction through the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This honorific designation recognizes the museum as being of national importance. While most national museums are funded and operated by the federal government, some private museums have been authorized by Congress to be […]
James H. :Jimmy” Doolittle is best known for leading the attack of 16 B-25 Mitchell medium bombers from the aircraft carrier Hornet, with targets in Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, and Nagoya. The daring one-way mission April 18, 1942 electrified the world and gave America’s war hopes a terrific lift. Doolittle received the Medal of Honor, presented […]
Sadly, 423rd pilot Fred Engstrom died yesterday on December 29 at 3:36pm. Fred reported to the 306th Bomb Group on February 10, 1945 and flew 25 missions. As Fred said, he was “just a Colorado farm boy” when he was called to service at age 19. He wanted to be a pilot. but his hopes […]
In mid-December 1944, Allied forces were surprised by a massive German offensive through the Ardennes Forrest that created a “bulge” in the Allied lines. Caught in what would become known as the “Battle of the Bulge,” the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Armed Forces was holed up in Bastogne while German armored divisions encircled […]
Descended from a long line of military men, Patton graduated from the West Point Military Academy in 1909. He represented the United States in the 1912 Olympics-as the first American participant in the pentathlon. He did not win a medal. He went on to serve in the Tank Corps during World War I, an experience that […]