A History of the 38th Bombardment Group (M)
Author: Jack Henry
Publisher: Militsry Affairs KA
Edition: First
Cover: Soft
ISBN: 0-89126-062-5
History
Synopsis: Jack Henry's definitive unit history chronicles the remarkable combat record of the 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), one of the most distinguished medium bomber units in the Pacific Theater during World War II. This comprehensive account traces the group's formation, training, deployment, and extensive combat operations from 1942 through 1945. Henry meticulously documents the unit's progression from its initial training with obsolete aircraft to becoming one of the most effective medium bomber groups in the Pacific, equipped with the versatile B-25 Mitchell bomber. The narrative follows the group's deployment to Australia and New Guinea, where they pioneered low-level attack tactics against Japanese shipping, airfields, and ground installations. The book details the innovative "skip-bombing" technique developed by the 38th Bombardment Group, which involved attacking ships by bouncing bombs across the water's surface, proving devastatingly effective against Japanese naval vessels. Henry chronicles major campaigns including the reduction of Japanese strongholds at Rabaul, Wewak, and throughout the New Guinea campaign. The author provides intimate portraits of the aircrew who flew these dangerous missions, including Medal of Honor recipients and other decorated veterans who served with distinction. The book examines the unique challenges of operating in the Pacific Theater, from tropical diseases and harsh living conditions to the logistical difficulties of maintaining aircraft in remote jungle bases. Henry details the group's role in supporting General MacArthur's island-hopping strategy, showing how medium bombers proved essential for neutralizing Japanese airpower and disrupting enemy supply lines. The narrative explores the evolution of tactics and equipment as the war progressed, including the adoption of forward-firing guns and the development of specialized anti-shipping techniques. The book covers the human cost of combat operations, honoring the memory of aircrew lost in action while celebrating the courage and dedication of survivors. Henry examines the group's post-war service during the occupation of Japan and its eventual deactivation. Through extensive research using unit records, personal accounts, and official histories, the author reconstructs the daily life of a combat bombardment group. The work includes detailed appendices listing personnel, aircraft, and mission statistics that serve as valuable references for military historians and family members of veterans. This compelling unit history preserves the legacy of the 38th Bombardment Group's contribution to Allied victory in the Pacific.
A History of the 38th Bombardment Group (M), is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
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