390th Bomb Group

The 390th Bombardment Group (H) contained the 568th, 570th, and 571st squadrons.

The 390th Bomb Group Anthology includes 83 stories written by 45 members of the 390th Bomb Group relating their personal adventures during the World War II years. of 1943, 1944, and 1945. The stories include combat briefs, mission stories, humor in the midst of war, evasion, and imprisonment after being shot down. Some of the stories were written as they happened during the war years while others are recollections of those events so prominent in the mins of those who lived them. The reader will be provided new insight into the war in the air by these personal accounts. The 390th Bomb Group was one of the most famous units in the Eighth Air Force. This unit flew 301 missions against Hitler's "Fortress Europe." This effort had a profound affect on the outcome of World War II in Europe.

Twenty-plus years in the writing, and for an additional ten years, this gut-wrenching, heartwarming story has been silently biding its time, awaiting a channel for expression. A compelling story of young boys bound by faith, courage, blood, sweat, and tears, and how that bonding created the brave young men they became. Hopefully, all who read this account will feel the deep emotions of terror, disappointment, frustration, laughter, love, peace, and joy experienced by the author during his service as a radioman/gunner on a B17G during World War II. Some of the stories contained in this manuscript have never been published or made public. Stationed in the European Theater of Operations in Framlingham, England, Mr. Richardson, USAAF, 8th AF, 390th Bomb Group (H), 571st Squadron, was the recipient of numerous major awards and citations, including Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal with 4 Oak-Leaf Clusters; 2 Presidential Unit Citations; Russian Medal of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (on behalf of Boris Yeltsin); Certificate in Recognition of Contribution/Service in liberating France and participation in the Invasion of Normandy, signed by French Secretary of Defense John-Pierre Messeret; French Jubilee of Liberty Medal; and French Legion of Honor Medal.

B-17 "Flying Fortress" Combat Diary of Andy Anzanos, 26 missions, credited with destruction of an ME-110 and damaging an ME-109. Many engine failures and massive rocket attack made for a memorable experience. Loss of all room mates and their aircraft "Liberty Bell-e." Soon after completing his combat missions, Andy was shot down by friendly fire. Also writes of other training experiences. Andy is also a major designer and builder of the 390th Memorial Museum in Tucson, Arizona dedicated to his bomb group.

A visual history of the US Eighth Air Force in World War II