Bombs on the Target 319th Bomb Group Operational History

Author: Wilfred Corey
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Synopsis: Wilfred Corey's "Bombs on the Target: 319th Bomb Group Operational History" presents a meticulously documented account of one of the U.S. Army Air Forces' most distinguished medium bomber units during World War II. This comprehensive operational history chronicles the 319th Bomb Group from its formation and training in the United States through its extensive combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The work stands as both an official unit history and a tribute to the aircrew and support personnel who contributed to the group's exceptional combat record. The 319th Bomb Group, equipped with North American B-26 Marauder medium bombers, established itself as one of the most effective and accurate bombing units in the Mediterranean theater, earning recognition for its precision attacks against strategic targets throughout Southern Europe and North Africa. Corey's narrative begins with the group's stateside training period, detailing the challenges of transitioning from various aircraft types to the demanding B-26 Marauder, an aircraft that initially had a reputation for being difficult to fly safely. The book chronicles how intensive training programs and standardized procedures transformed the unit into a highly proficient combat organization capable of executing the most demanding bombing missions. The operational history section provides detailed accounts of the group's deployment to North Africa and subsequent combat operations against Axis forces. The narrative covers the full spectrum of the group's missions, from tactical support of ground forces during the Tunisian campaign to strategic bombing attacks against transportation networks, airfields, and industrial targets throughout Italy and the Balkans. Corey's work is particularly valuable for its mission-by-mission documentation, providing specific details about targets, aircraft committed, bomb loads, opposition encountered, and results achieved. These detailed operational records offer insights into the evolution of medium bomber tactics and the increasing sophistication of bombing techniques as the war progressed. The book also addresses the human cost of air warfare, documenting losses sustained by the group while honoring the memory of airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice. Personal accounts from survivors provide emotional context to the statistical data, illustrating the courage and dedication required for repeated combat missions over heavily defended targets. Technical aspects of B-26 operations receive thorough treatment, including modifications made to improve aircraft performance and survivability. The work explains how lessons learned in combat led to changes in tactics, formation flying techniques, and target approach procedures that enhanced bombing accuracy while reducing losses. This operational history serves multiple purposes: preserving the official record of a distinguished combat unit, honoring the service of its personnel, and providing valuable insights into medium bomber operations during World War II.

Bombs on the Target 319th Bomb Group Operational History, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.