The 319th in Action
Author: Lt William Monroe
Publisher:
Edition: First
Cover: Soft
Published: 1976
Bomb
Synopsis: This comprehensive unit history chronicles the combat service of the 319th Bomb Group during World War II, documenting their evolution from a newly formed medium bomber unit to a battle-hardened organization that played a crucial role in Allied victory in the Mediterranean Theater. The book provides detailed coverage of the group's activation, training, deployment, and extensive combat operations across North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and southern France. The narrative begins with the group's formation and initial training with B-26 Marauder aircraft, documenting the challenges faced in mastering this demanding aircraft that required exceptional pilot skill but offered superior performance when properly handled. The work details the group's deployment to North Africa as part of the Allied invasion of French Morocco and Algeria, showing how American air units adapted to desert conditions and established operational capabilities in hostile territory. Early missions are thoroughly documented, including attacks on German and Italian positions in Tunisia that helped Allied ground forces establish control over North Africa. The book provides extensive coverage of the group's participation in the invasion of Sicily, including pre-invasion bombing of airfields and coastal defenses, followed by close air support missions that assisted Allied ground forces during the campaign. The Italian campaign receives detailed treatment, with comprehensive coverage of the group's support for the Anzio landings and subsequent operations that helped break German defensive positions. The work includes detailed mission summaries, target analyses, and battle damage assessments that show the group's increasing effectiveness as crew experience and tactical knowledge accumulated. Personal accounts from surviving veterans provide insights into the daily life of aircrew operating from primitive bases under challenging conditions. The book documents the evolution of medium bomber tactics, including the development of formation flying techniques and defensive procedures that reduced losses while maintaining bombing accuracy. Technical aspects of B-26 operations are thoroughly covered, including maintenance challenges, weapons systems, and the constant battle against mechanical failures in harsh operating environments. The group's participation in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France, marks a highlight of their service record, with detailed coverage of the bombing campaign that preceded the landings and subsequent tactical support missions. Post-war activities and the group's deactivation are documented, along with statistical summaries that demonstrate their significant contribution to Allied victory. The book serves as both a detailed historical record and a tribute to the men who served with courage and distinction in one of the war's most effective medium bomber organizations.
The 319th in Action, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
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