The Earthquakers: Overseas History of the 12th Bomb Group

Author: Robert Earl Wilson
Publisher: Dammeier print WA
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover
Published: 1947
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Synopsis: Robert Earl Wilson's detailed unit history chronicles the combat service of the 12th Bombardment Group, a B-25 Mitchell medium bomber unit that earned distinction in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters during World War II. The group's nickname "The Earthquakers" reflected their reputation for devastating low-level attacks that literally shook the ground at their targets, from German installations in North Africa to Japanese positions across the Pacific islands. Wilson begins with the group's formation and training in the United States, detailing the process of converting to the B-25 Mitchell bomber and developing the specialized tactics that would make them one of the war's most effective medium bomber units. The book chronicles the 12th Bomb Group's deployment to the Mediterranean theater in 1942, where they joined the Allied campaign in North Africa during some of the war's most challenging early operations. The narrative extensively covers the group's participation in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa, and subsequent campaigns that drove German and Italian forces from the continent. Wilson provides detailed accounts of the innovative low-level attack techniques developed by the 12th Bomb Group, including skip-bombing tactics used against enemy shipping and installations. The author doesn't shy away from describing the dangers of these operations, where aircraft approached targets at extremely low altitude to ensure accuracy while facing intense anti-aircraft fire. The book chronicles specific missions and campaigns, including attacks on German airfields, supply depots, and transportation networks across North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Wilson draws extensively from mission reports, personal accounts, and official records to recreate the experience of combat operations in harsh desert and mountain environments. The narrative covers the group's role in supporting Allied ground forces during major battles, including the invasion of Sicily and the costly Italian campaign that followed. The author provides insights into the challenges of maintaining aircraft and operations in primitive conditions, often far from adequate supply bases and technical support. The book examines the 12th Bomb Group's later transfer to the Pacific theater, where they adapted their proven tactics to island warfare conditions. Wilson describes how the group's experience with precision low-level attacks proved valuable in the Pacific, where small targets like Japanese airstrips, bunkers, and supply dumps required accurate bombing techniques. The narrative includes accounts of specific Pacific operations, including support for amphibious landings and attacks on Japanese strongholds across various island groups. The author addresses the human cost of these operations, providing casualty lists and personal stories of airmen who served with distinction under difficult conditions. Wilson concludes with an analysis of the 12th Bomb Group's contribution to Allied victory in both theaters, examining how their tactical innovations influenced medium bomber operations throughout the war. This comprehensive unit history honors the service of the men who flew and maintained these aircraft while providing detailed insights into tactical air operations.

The Earthquakers: Overseas History of the 12th Bomb Group, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.