Midtown in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Birthplace of Eighth Air Force
1. Birthplace of Eighth Air Force Marker
On 28 January 1942, the Eighth Air Force, was activated in the adjacent building, a National Guard Armory at the time.
Having moved to England, the Eighth was ready on 17 August to test the theory that daylight bombing raids could be made with profitable results. Twelve B-17's participated in this mission, striking the railway marshalling yards at Rouen, France, and returning safely to their home base. This highly successful mission established the pattern for the strategic bombardment of Nazi Germany -- the Eighth Air Force by day and the RAF by night.
Under the leaderships of Generals Carl A. Spaatz, Ira C. Eaker and James H. Doolittle, it flew over 600,000 sorties delivering over 700,000 tons of bombs and destroying over 15,000 German aircraft. On one single mission, December 24, 1944, it was able to send 2,000 B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators and nearly 1,000 fighters in the Battle of Germany.
The renowned winged-eight, the emblem of the Eighth Air Force, was designed by former Air Force Major Ed Winter, a native of Savannah.
Erected 1966 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-86.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space •
this page online
Location. 32° 3.893′ N, 81° 5.833′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in Midtown. It is at the intersection of Bull Street and Park Avenue, on the right on Bull Street. Located in front of the old Chatham Artillery Armory. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Georgia Volunteer (a few steps from this marker); British Evacuation (within shouting distance of this marker); Nina Anderson Pape (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Francis Bartow (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lafayette McLaws (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lawton Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint Phillips Monumental A.M.E. Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Forsyth Park (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Also see . . . 8th Air Force Historical Society. (Submitted on December 27, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, January 2008
2. Marker in front of Today's American Legion Post
1. It Starts....
On January 28, 1942, fifty-three days after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, the 8th Air Force was officially activated in the National Guard Armory on Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia. Approximately 350,000 officers and men had served in the 8th AAF during the three year or so period in which the Americans participated in the European Theater of Operations.
— Submitted December 27, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
official 8th Air Force graphic
3. The Winged-Eight
"The renowned winged-eight, the emblem of the Eighth Air Force, was designed by former Air Force Major Ed Winter, a native of Savannah."
Photographed by Michael Stroud, September 2007
4. The Eighth Air Force Museum
Located nearby at 175 Bourne Avenue in Pooler, GA, the museum can be reached off Exit 102 from I-95. Many of the outdoor aircraft exhibits can be seen from the highway.
Photographed by Michael Stroud
5. The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum
Lists contributors and supporters of the 8th Air Force Museum.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, 2004
6. Some ot the Mighty 8th Tablets
Photographed by Michael Stroud, May 8, 2004
7. Garden of Plaques and Monuments at the Museum
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa May 8, 2004
8. One of many Memorial Plaques
The Crew of "Moonlight Mission"
Photographed by Michael Stroud, September 2005
9. Chapel of the Fallen Eagles
Dedicated to those who served
in the Eighth Air Force for the cause
of Freedom and Liberty
Realized through the vision
of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society.
Within this Chapel lives the memory of those airman
of the Mighty Eighth Air Force who gave their lives
for their country
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa May 1, 2004
10. Chapel of the Fallen Eagles
Photographed by Michael Stroud, May 19, 2007
11. Museum Meditation Garden and Pool
Photographed by Michael Stroud, September 2007
12. Chapel Of The Fallen Eagles Window
7th Recon Group...In Honor Of All Who Served
Photographed by Michael Stroud, May 8, 2004
13. Stained Glass Window
.........Coming Home
Photographed by Michael Stroud, September 2007
14. 303rd Bomb Group Window
Photographed by Michael Stroud, May 2007
15. Alabama Chapter and the 355th
One of the Many Markers in Dedication
Photographed by Michael Stroud, May 2007
16. a Bomb Run Display inside the Museum
Photographed by Michael Stroud, May 1, 2007
17. A banner dedicated to the 457th Bomb Group, one of many at the museum
Photographed by Mike Stroud, `
18. To Ther Memory and Honor Of
" The greatest bombing planes in the world
Take him into battle through every opposition
and in thirty seconds over the target he
must vindicate the greatest responsibility
ever placed upon an individual soldier
in the line of duty."
... Eugene L. Eubank
Major General USAF - Retired
(Former Commanding Officer, 19th Bombardment Group)
Photographed by Michael Stroud, June 2004
19. P-51 Mustang Pilots Assc.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, 2004
20. Planes of the Mighty 8th AAF
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 19, 2007
21. This Monument is the Original marker
General James H Doolittle
In Arlington National Cemetery
General Doolittle was the Eigth Air Force
commander from 6 January 1944 to 10 May 1945
and from 19 July 1945 to 12 September 1945
Donated in his memory to the Mighty Eighth
Air Force Heritage Museum by his son
Colonel John Doolittle
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 19, 2007
22. James H Doolittle
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
23. Warrant Officer
W2132694 Private Secretary to General James Doolittle Commanding General of the Eighth Air Force During World War II Donated by: Her Loving Friends
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 27, 2011
24. Memphis Belle
U.S.A.A.F
The War Department Presents
The Memphis Belle
Photographed by
U.S. 8th Air Force Photographers
and Combat Crew Members
produced by
U.S. 8th Air Force Photographic Section in cooperation
with Army Air Force First Motion Picture Unit
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 19, 2007
25. Georgia Chapter Eighth Air Force Historical Society
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 19, 2007
26. Mississippi Chapter Eighth Air Force Historical Society
who served so valiantly
in the Mighty Eighth Air Force
and in memory of those who have folded
their wings.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 19, 2007
27. South Carolina Chapter 8th Air Force Historical Society
South Carolinians
who served in the
Mighty Eighth Air Force
and in memory of those no longer
with us.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 19, 2007
28. Tennessee Chapter Eighth Air Force Historical Society
and freedoms
were threatened by others
the sons and daughters
of Tennessee answered
the call of duty
Many of Tennessee's young men
in World War Two became
airmen of the greatest air armada
on earth - their personal sacrifices
to preserve the liberties of
the United States of America
must always be remembered
Dedicated 13 May 1996
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 19, 2007
29. 8th Air Force, Iowa Chapter
of those
who served
Iowa Chapter 8th Historical Society April 22, 1997
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
30. Kentucky Chapter Eighth Air Force
Honor
of the
Kentuckians
who served
with the
Mighty Eighth
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
31. The Eighth Air Force Historical Society Connecticut Chapter
ETO
In Grateful Remembrance of
Connecticut Veterans who served
and those who gave their lives
defending our nation by serving
in "The Mighty Eighty Eighth"
8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Force
European Theater of Operations
1942-1945
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
32. The Eighth Air Force Historical Society Pennsylvania Chapter
Pennsylvanians Who Served
In The Mighty Eighth Air Force
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
33. The Eighth Air Force Michigan Chapter
Who Served In The
Mighty Eighth Air Force
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
34. West Virginia Chapter
From The Mountain State
West Virginia Chapter
8th A.F. Historical Society
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
35. 8th Air Force
Who Served
Florida Chapter
8th A.F. Historical Society May 13, 1996
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2013
36. North Carolina Chapter
First In Flight
Dedicated to all North Carolinians
past and present who served the
Mighty Eighth Air Force
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2013
37. Ohio Chapter Eighth Air Force Historical Society
of Ohio who served and to
commemorate those who gave
their lives in answering the
call of their country to preserve
freedom in the world - serving
with valor and distinction to the
final victory
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 27, 2011
38. Birthplace of Eighth Air Force Vintage AAF Fire truck
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
39. Birthplace of Eighth Air Force Vintage Crosley CT-3
One of only seven known to exist today, this
Crosley CT-3 Pup was a lightweight jeep-type
vehicle capable of being transported by air in
the C-47 Skytrain. Only six Pups made it overseas
after undergoing tests at Ft. Benning,
Georgia. Underpowered by an anemic 13
horsepower engine, the Pup proved inadequate
in the field. The Army quickly scrapped the
project, leaving only a few Crosleys to posterity.
Given in memory of LT James E. Reynolds, Jr. and LCDR Howard Morrison
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
40. Mighty Eighth Heritage Museum Tribute
This plaque is placed in honor of Captain MacDonald Austin and Sargeant Jack Berlin who
parachuted into the Dordogne Region of France on the night of June 10, 1944 to help French
Partison troops distrupt the enemy following the invasion at Normandy and the family of Bertrand
Davezac who provided shelter and refuge for Captain Austin and Sargeant Berlin at their Chateau
Goursac
Placed in the Memorial Garden this 8th Day of April, 2003
By the Board of Directors of
Mighty Eighth Heritage Museum
Placed in the Memorial Garden this 8th Day of April, 2003
Mighty Eighth Heritage Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 6,520 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on January 20, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on January 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 2, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on December 27, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 9. submitted on January 1, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. submitted on December 27, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 18. submitted on March 1, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 19, 20. submitted on January 2, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 21, 22. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 23. submitted on March 1, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 24. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 25. submitted on December 8, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 26. submitted on January 24, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 27. submitted on January 26, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 28, 29. submitted on January 29, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 30, 31. submitted on March 1, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 32, 33, 34, 35. submitted on March 2, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 36, 37. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 38. submitted on May 3, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 39. submitted on March 1, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 40. submitted on March 2, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
