Browse Items (35 total)

Intel Library on Base for Combat Crew to Study S-2 Reports, Operational Pics, Models of Enemy AC, Battle Maps

Notes: Purpose to allow combat men to stay abreast of latest in war. Bomb Group not noted.
Maps on wall show European Front and Italian Front. Bomb…

Final Check of Personal Equipment and Review of Key Points from Briefing

Notes: Bomb Group and date not noted. Nose covered in tarpaulin to keep Plexiglas clear of frost that could obscure pilot ’s vision. Notice still dark…

379th BG Study Map of Target Area Before Mission on Hardstand

Notes: 1/20/44. Note size of map. Harness around legs.

8th AF Base – 2 Crew Hold Last Minute Briefing Before Mission on Hardstand

Notes: April 1944. Boots strapped to chute. Oxygen tube/mask hanging off face. Looking at Maps and photos. Can see rubber mask on left man. On…

Instruction on Finer Points of Formation Flying to Bring .50 Cal Machine Guns in Interlacing Pattern

Notes: Bomb Group not noted. Shows combat box. Right before going on mission. All dress in flying clothes.

Escape Kits Distributed to Crew in 91st BG Before Mission

Notes: Crews had to sign for the escape kits. If their bomber did not go down, escape kits were returned. They included drugs, money, etc. that needed…

379th BG Study Map of Target Area Before Mission, June 1944

Notes: Maps in background show topography of German cities. One man smoking w/ Mae West on. Second pointing intently at map.

303rd BG Briefing for Gunners

Notes: Some on far right look terrified. Some on left smiling. Some with arms around each other. Some with arms crossed. Do appear to be listening…

Camera Study of Gunners at Morning Briefing

Notes: Faces show intentness and concentration as they prepare for biggest assignment of their lives. Serious, purposeful, studying what is in store…

392nd Being Briefed for 1st Mission of D-Day. second photo is setting watches to exact same time

Notes: Note projector. Very full room. Some have papers/packages of papers. Notice pistol strung on pants.

AF Officer Points out Target for Today at 92nd BG, April 21, 1945

Notes: Quadrants of large map are labeled for reference. Shows photos of bomb strikes in cities throughout Europe.

401st BG Briefing for January 29, 1945

Notes: Packed in tightly on benches and chairs.

Protestant Chaplain Opens Briefing with a Prayer for their Safety

Notes: Airmen wearing sheepskin hats. In different kind of chairs made of fabric.

Briefing Before Mission – 392nd, Not 44th

Notes: Massive map in briefing room. Shows arrows detailing exact route, as well as info about rendez-vous and where that should happen.

8th AF Base, 390th BG Briefing, June 21, 1944

Notes: Projector in middle of aisle (probably to show maps/strike photos). Screen that can be pulled down over map for projector. Black curtains…

Somewhere in England Air Crew Woken for D-Day Mission

Note: How close beds are together. Personal effects tied to end of bed. Cities they’ve hit painted on back wall. Shoes under bed. One man already…

Charge of Quarters waking Crew for the Day’s Bombing Mission

Note: Not 44th BG