The 12th Over the Mediterranean
Author: Jack Bozung
Publisher: AAF Pub CA
Edition: First
Cover: Soft
Bomb
Synopsis: Jack Bozung's comprehensive chronicle of the 12th Bombardment Group examines their distinguished service across the Mediterranean theater during World War II, documenting how this versatile medium bomber unit adapted to diverse operational requirements while compiling an exceptional combat record under challenging conditions. This detailed unit history traces the group's evolution from early operations in North Africa through their crucial role in the liberation of Europe via the southern route through Italy and Southern France. Bozung begins with the 12th Bombardment Group's formation and training, documenting their transition to various aircraft types including B-25 Mitchells and A-20 Havocs that would serve them throughout their Mediterranean campaigns. The book chronicles the unit's deployment to North Africa during Operation Torch in 1942, describing the challenges of establishing operations in primitive desert conditions while facing experienced German and Italian forces. The narrative extensively covers the group's participation in the North African campaign, including attacks on enemy airfields, supply lines, and transportation networks that supported Rommel's Afrika Korps during the crucial battles that would determine control of the continent. Bozung provides detailed accounts of the innovative tactical methods developed for Mediterranean operations, including low-level skip-bombing attacks against enemy shipping and installations that maximized damage while minimizing exposure to defensive fire. The book examines the group's role in supporting Allied ground forces during major battles, including the final defeat of Axis forces in Tunisia that opened the way for subsequent operations against Sicily and the Italian mainland. The author doesn't shy away from describing the dangers of medium-altitude tactical bombing, where aircraft faced intense anti-aircraft fire while maintaining the precision necessary for effective attacks against small, heavily defended targets. Bozung chronicles the group's participation in the invasion of Sicily, including pre-invasion attacks on enemy defenses and direct support missions during the amphibious landings that established Allied foothold in Europe. The narrative covers the costly Italian campaign, where the 12th Bombardment Group provided crucial tactical support for Allied ground forces fighting through difficult mountainous terrain against determined German resistance. The book addresses the evolution of close air support tactics, examining how bomber crews learned to coordinate with forward air controllers and ground units to maximize effectiveness while avoiding friendly fire casualties. Bozung provides insights into the international character of Mediterranean operations, describing cooperation between American, British, and other Allied units despite differences in equipment, procedures, and tactical doctrines. The author examines the logistical challenges of maintaining bomber operations across the Mediterranean, including the difficulties of supplying forward bases and maintaining aircraft under primitive field conditions. The narrative includes detailed coverage of the group's participation in Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France that opened a second front in Western Europe and accelerated the liberation of France. Bozung concludes with analysis of the 12th Bombardment Group's contribution to Allied victory in the Mediterranean theater, examining how their tactical innovations and exceptional performance helped establish the effectiveness of medium bomber operations in supporting both strategic and tactical objectives. This comprehensive unit history serves as both detailed military record and tribute to the versatility and courage of the airmen who served in one of the war's most challenging theaters.
The 12th Over the Mediterranean, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
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