Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Over Berlin

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. First Over Berlin Marker

Inscription. One of the most consequential missions of WWII was the first daylight bombing of Berlin, the most heavily defended target in Europe. The Germans did not believe it could be done. A small group of U.S. bombers and fighters proved them wrong, and two Brownwood men were on the raid: 1st Lt. Joe W. Blagg, B-17 navigator (95th Bomb Group), and Maj. Jack T. Bradley, leading a P-51 fighter group (354th) escorting the bombers. The raid almost didn't happen. On March 4, 1944 the weather was bad, but 500 8th Air Force planes began forming up as ordered. While still assembling over England the 1st Combat Wing recalled their planes due to worsening weather. The 3rd Combat Wing continued to assemble, crossing over to the continent as clouds thickened. There is still a dispute about whether or not a valid recall was issued but in fact all of the wing turned back except 19 planes from the 95th Bomb Group, one pathfinder aircraft, and 12 planes from the 100th Bomb Group. Miraculously, two P-51 fighter groups showed up as the force arrived in Berlin and saved the day — "Just like the cavalry coming over the hill," according to Blagg, who had no idea his hometown mate was leading one of the groups. The bombers hit their target and Berlin was shocked to realize it was not safe in daylight or in darkness, when the British struck.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is March 4, 1944.

Location. 31° 40.672′ N, 98° 59.509′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is on Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the northwest section of the Camp Bowie Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2710 Crockett Dr, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America.

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Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. (Bob) Turner (here, next to this marker); John Anderson Moore (here, next to this marker); Brigadier General Dan L Locker (here, next to this marker); Brigadier General Stephen D. Korenek (here, next to this marker); Gulf War (here, next to this marker); Rear Admiral Jeffrey A Lemmons (here, next to this marker); Major General "Earl" Rudder (here, next to this marker); Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

The view of the First Over Berlin Marker along the pathway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. The view of the First Over Berlin Marker along the pathway

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.