The Brotherhood of Courage: The History of the 305th Bombardment Group (H) in World War II

Author: Walter W Thom
Publisher: New York New York
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover
Published: 1986
Bomb
This book covers almost all the significant mid-air collisions and stories of the B-17 aircraft from 1942-1945

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Synopsis: Walter W. Thom's comprehensive unit history chronicles the distinguished service of the 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy), one of the Eighth Air Force's original B-17 Flying Fortress units that played a crucial role in the daylight strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. The 305th Bomb Group's motto "Can Do" exemplified the determination and courage of the airmen who flew some of the war's most dangerous missions during the period when American bombers faced German defenses without adequate fighter escort. Thom's narrative begins with the group's formation and training in the United States, detailing the process of welding together aircrews and ground personnel into an effective combat organization. The book chronicles the 305th's deployment to England in late 1942 as part of the initial buildup of American air power in Europe, describing the challenges of establishing operations at Chelveston airfield and adapting to British weather and operational conditions. The author provides extensive coverage of the group's participation in major bombing campaigns, including the early precision attacks on German submarine pens, aircraft factories, and industrial targets that tested American daylight bombing doctrine under combat conditions. Thom doesn't romanticize these early operations, honestly portraying the heavy losses suffered during missions like the costly raids on Schweinfurt ball bearing factories and the Regensburg fighter plant that demonstrated both the courage of American aircrews and the limitations of unescorted bomber operations. The book provides detailed mission accounts drawn from official records, personal diaries, and interviews with surviving veterans, recreating the experience of flying combat missions over heavily defended targets. The narrative extensively covers individual aircraft and crews, including famous bombers like "Gremlin Gus" and the personal stories of airmen who completed their tours against enormous odds. Thom examines the evolution of tactics and technology throughout the war, describing how the 305th adapted formation flying techniques, defensive procedures, and bombing methods to improve survival rates and mission effectiveness. The book addresses the psychological challenges faced by bomber crews, including combat fatigue, survivor guilt, and the constant awareness that each mission might be their last. The author provides insights into the ground support personnel who maintained aircraft and supported flight operations, acknowledging their crucial role in keeping bombers operational under difficult conditions. The narrative covers the group's participation in major operations like the D-Day invasion support missions, the oil campaign against German synthetic fuel production, and the final strategic bombing offensive that helped bring Nazi Germany to its knees. Thom concludes with an analysis of the 305th Bomb Group's combat record and its contribution to Allied victory, honoring both the airmen who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This comprehensive unit history serves as both a military record and a human document that captures the courage and sacrifice of ordinary Americans thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

The Brotherhood of Courage: The History of the 305th Bombardment Group (H) in World War II, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.