The Saga of '54 and More: The Story of the 310th Bombardment Group (M)

Author: Charles A. Hair 
Publisher: Robinson Typo CA
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
ISBN: 0-918837-08-1
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Synopsis: Charles A. Hair's comprehensive unit history chronicles the distinguished service of the 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), a B-25 Mitchell bomber unit that compiled an exceptional combat record during campaigns across the Mediterranean theater in World War II. The group's nickname "54 and More" reflected their reputation for always completing assigned missions and often exceeding operational requirements through aggressive leadership and innovative tactics. Hair 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 medium bomber organization capable of precision attacks against tactical targets. The book chronicles the 310th's deployment to North Africa in 1942 as part of Operation Torch, the Allied invasion that opened the second front in Europe. The narrative extensively covers the group's participation in the North African campaign, including attacks on German airfields, supply depots, and transportation networks that supported Rommel's Afrika Korps. Hair provides detailed accounts of the challenging operating conditions in North Africa, where maintenance crews worked in primitive desert conditions while aircrews flew missions against heavily defended targets. The book examines the 310th'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 in Sicily and Italy. The author doesn't shy away from describing the dangers of medium-altitude tactical bombing, where B-25s faced intense anti-aircraft fire while flying precise attack patterns against small, heavily defended targets. The narrative covers the group's participation in the invasion of Sicily, including pre-invasion attacks on enemy airfields and direct support missions during the amphibious landings. Hair provides mission-by-mission accounts of major operations, drawing from unit records, personal accounts, and official reports to recreate the experience of tactical bombing operations. The book extensively covers the Italian campaign, where the 310th Bomb Group supported Allied ground forces during the costly fighting up the Italian peninsula. The author examines the evolution of tactics and technology throughout the war, describing how the group adapted bombing techniques and formation procedures to changing combat conditions. The narrative includes detailed coverage of specific aircraft and crews, honoring both those who completed their tours and those who died in service. Hair addresses the group's role in strategic operations, including attacks on German oil production facilities and transportation networks that complemented the heavy bomber offensive conducted from England. The book concludes with analysis of the 310th Bomb Group's contribution to Allied victory in the Mediterranean theater, examining how their tactical innovations influenced medium bomber operations throughout the war. This comprehensive unit history serves as both a detailed military record and a tribute to the men who served in the 310th Bombardment Group during some of the war's most challenging campaigns.

The Saga of '54 and More: The Story of the 310th Bombardment Group (M), is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.