390th Bombardment Group (H)
13th Combat Wing --- 3rd Air Division of the 8th Air Force
This memorial is the configuration of the tail of a B-17 aircraft known as "The Flying Fortress." The 390th Bombardment Group (H) flew 301 combat missions out of England during World War II. In addition to its outstanding bombing record, the 390th was credited with shooting down in one day, 10 October 1943, 62 enemy fighters. This was the highest kill rate in a single day for any bomber or fighter group in the European Theater of Operations. In all the group was credited with destroying 377 enemy aircraft during the war. The 390th attacked enemy targets throughout Europe. Also, the 390th was selected to take part in every shuttle mission flown by the 8th Air Force, including attacks on targets on the Eastern Front, in the Balkans, in southern France, and at the Normandy beachhead.
Regensburg Mission 17 August 1943 • Schweinfurt Mission 14 October 1943
The Units
390th Headquarters Squadron
568th Bombardment Squadron (H) • 569th Bombardment Squadron (H)
570th Bombardment Squadron (H) • 571th Bombardment Squadron (H)
1143rd Military Police Company • 272nd Medical Dispensary
30th Station Complement Squadron • 458th Sub-Depot
878th Chemical Company • 1689th Ordnance S&M Company
1091st Quartermaster Company • 216th Finance Section
18th Weather Squadron
this page online
2034th Fire-Fighting Platoon
Dedicated 24 August 1990
To All Our Support Personnel
You achieved the impossible, you scoffed at pressure.
You improvised, modified and ingeniously substituted whenever necessary.
You patched our wings, replaced our engines and healed our battle inflicted wounds.
You worked timelessly to achieve operational readiness for our damaged B-17's.
You, as experts, unfailingly provided fuel, bombs, ammunition and all equipment necessary to sustain every bombing mission.
You truly excelled in maintaining the over-all efficiency of the greatest Air Force ever assembled.
You exemplified your deep concern as you housed and fed us, guarded and protected us with great care and professional skill.
You turned your special civilian skills into a mighty military asset. You were the part of the team which made the next combat mission possible.
Your dedication, commitment and intellect were major contributions to the total war effort.
Together we share the ultimate victory.
The 390th Bombardment Group (H)
Erected 1990.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is October 10, 1943.
Location. 39° 46.769′
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 459th Fighter Squadron (a few steps from this marker); Headquarters Squadron, Air Service Command (a few steps from this marker); TAC Tankers Association Memorial (a few steps from this marker); 492nd Bomb Group (a few steps from this marker); 2nd Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group (a few steps from this marker); 5th Bomb Group (H) (a few steps from this marker); 68th Fighter Squadron (a few steps from this marker); The F-86 "Sabre" (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.
Also see . . .
1. 390th Bomb Group. American Air Museum in Britain website entry (Submitted on August 8, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. 390th Memorial Museum. Museum website homepage (Submitted on May 18, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. 390th Generations. Research database homepage (Submitted on May 18, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Click for more information.
Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Single most famous aerial combat photo. B-17F Plane 'F'. 27 Sept 1943. Raid against Emden, 17th Combat mission of 390BG.'
US Official Caption: “TRAILS IN THE SUB-STRATOSPHERE . . . Giving them the appearance of monsters from Mars, the vapor trails left by these Flying Fortresses of the U.S. Army 8th AF leave their marks in the sub-stratosphere. The curved trails, leading upward, were made by the fighters accompanying the B-17's on the raid. The deadly 50 calibre machine guns bristling from the leading Fortress, are plainly visible against the light reflected from the contrails.“
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on May 18, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 10. submitted on December 28, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 11. submitted on August 8, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
