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Pooler in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

"Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" 303rd Bombardment Group (H)

 
 
"Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
1. "Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" Marker
Dedicated to All who served with 303rd BG (H)
by all the 303 BG (H) Association 13 May 1996
Located at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum


Inscription.
358th-359th-360th-427th Flight Squadrons supported
by our essential dedicated Ground units

12 Sept to 11 June 1945 - AAF Station 107
Molesworth, Huntingdonshire, England
Constituted 28 Jan 1942 - Savannah, Georgia
Inactivated 25 July 1945 - Casablanca, French Morocco
Casualties                  303rd BG (H) B-17's                          Enemy Aircraft
841 KIA                       210 Combat Losses                        378 Destroyed
747 POW                                                                                 104 Probables
67 Evadee                                                                               182 Damaged
29 Internee                                                                                                            
Two Medals of Honor
Lt. Jack Mathis 18 Mar 1943 - T/Sgt Forrest Vosier 20 Dec 1943
Distinguished Unit Citation - 11 Jan 1944 Oschersleben, Germany
One of the Eighth's pioneer Bomb Groups
Most 8th AF B-17 Group combat missions (364)
2nd highest total sorties (10,721)
2nd highest bomb tonnage dropped (26,346)
First to fly 300 missions from United Kingdom
"Hell's Angels" 1st B-17 to fly 25 missions
"Knockout Dropper"
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1st B-17 to fly 50 & 75 missions
The proud "Angels" Never Stood Down



(Backside Plaque)

The 303rd Bombardment Group (H)
"Hells Angels" Combat Team
at Molesworth. England

Air Combat Units

41st Combat Wing (H) Headquarters
303rd Bombardment Group (H) Headquarters
358th Bombardment Squadron (H)
359th Bombardment Squadron (H)
360th Bombardment Squadron (H)
427th Bombardment Squadron (H)

Supported by Ground Units
3rd Station Complement Squadron
8th Dental Unit
18th Weather Squadron
202nd Finance Section
249th Medical Dispensary
303rd Station Hospital
328th Service Squadron which became the
444th Sub Depot
863rd Chemical Company
1114th Quartermaster Company
1199th Military Police Company
1681 Ordnance S & M Company
2097th Fire Fighting Platoon

425th Air Service Group consisting of
Headquarters & Base Service Squadron
575th Air Material Squadron
851st Air Engineering Squadron

 
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is June 11, 1945.
 
Location. 32° 6.934′ N, 81° 14.247′ W. Marker is in Pooler, Georgia, in Chatham County. Located adjacent to I-95, Georgia
Lt. Jack Mathis-World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Don Morfe, October 17, 2003
2. Lt. Jack Mathis-World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
He is buried in Fairmount Cemetery (Block 86, Plot A, Row 1, Lot 10) San Angelo TX. He was Killed In Action. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *MATHIS, JACK W. • Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 359th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group • Place and date: Over Vegesack, Germany, 18 March 1943 (Air Mission) • Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. • G.O. No.: 38, 12 July 1943 Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany, on 18 March 1943. 1st Lt. Mathis, as leading bombardier of his squadron, flying through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, was just starting his bomb run, upon which the entire squadron depended for accurate bombing, when he was hit by the enemy antiaircraft fire. His right arm was shattered above the elbow, a large wound was torn in his side and abdomen, and he was knocked from his bomb sight to the rear of the bombardier's compartment. Realizing that the success of the mission depended upon him, 1st Lt. Mathis, by sheer determination and willpower, though mortally wounded, dragged himself back to his sights, released his bombs, then died at his post of duty. As the result of this action the airplanes of his bombardment squadron placed their bombs directly upon the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy. 1st Lt. Mathis' undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit.
exit 102,US 80 east, at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler GA 31322, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The 339th FTR Grp, 8th A.F. (here, next to this marker); 801st / 492nd Bomb Group (here, next to this marker); 2nd Lt Louis Howard Bourgeault (a few steps from this marker); 2nd Strategic Air Depot (a few steps from this marker); "P T's Pirates" (a few steps from this marker); Destiny's Tot (a few steps from this marker); 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) (a few steps from this marker); 392nd Bomb Group (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pooler.
 
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. 303rd Bombardment Group 'H'
 
Also see . . .  303d Bombardment Group, from Wikipedia. ...The 303d took part in the first penetration into Germany by heavy bombers of Eighth Air Force by striking the U-boat yard at Wilhelmshaven on 27 January 1943 then attacked other targets such as the ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt, shipbuilding yards at Bremen, a synthetic rubber plant at Huls, an aircraft engine factory at Hamburg, industrial areas of Frankfurt, an aerodrome at Villacoublay, and a marshalling yard at Le Mans. ... (Submitted on March 10, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
T/Sgt Forrest L. Vosler-World War II Medal of Honor Recipient image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 1, 1999
3. T/Sgt Forrest L. Vosler-World War II Medal of Honor Recipient
He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Section 60, Site 4924. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: VOSLER, FORREST T. (Air Mission) • Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Corps. 358th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group • Place and date. Over Bremen, Germany, 20 December 1943 • Entered service at: Rochester, N.Y. • G.O. No.: 73, 6 September 1944 Citation: For conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator-air gunner on a heavy bombardment aircraft in a mission over Bremen, Germany, on 20 December 1943. After bombing the target, the aircraft in which T/Sgt. Vosler was serving was severely damaged by antiaircraft fire, forced out of formation, and immediately subjected to repeated vicious attacks by enemy fighters. Early in the engagement a 20-mm. cannon shell exploded in the radio compartment, painfully wounding T/Sgt. Vosler in the legs and thighs. At about the same time a direct hit on the tail of the ship seriously wounded the tail gunner and rendered the tail guns inoperative. Realizing the great need for firepower in protecting the vulnerable tail of the ship, T/Sgt. Vosler, with grim determination, kept up a steady stream of deadly fire. Shortly thereafter another 20-mm. enemy shell exploded, wounding T/Sgt. Vosler in the chest and about the face. Pieces of metal lodged in both eyes, impairing his vision to such an extent that he could only distinguish blurred shapes. Displaying remarkable tenacity and courage, he kept firing his guns and declined to take first-aid treatment. The radio equipment had been rendered inoperative during the battle, and when the pilot announced that he would have to ditch, although unable to see and working entirely by touch, T/Sgt. Vosler finally got the set operating and sent out distress signals despite several lapses into unconsciousness. When the ship ditched, T/Sgt. Vosler managed to get out on the wing by himself and hold the wounded tail gunner from slipping off until the other crewmembers could help them into the dinghy. T/Sgt. Vosler's actions on this occasion were an inspiration to all serving with him. The extraordinary courage, coolness, and skill he displayed in the face of great odds, when handicapped by injuries that would have incapacitated the average crewmember, were outstanding.
 
 
"Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" Marker reverse image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
4. "Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" Marker reverse
"Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
5. "Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" Marker
ooOld Soljer image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
6. ooOld Soljer
Lt Col Lewis "Lew" E Lyle
360th BS & 303rd BG (H)
Lead pilot and commander

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - "Hell's Angels" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
7. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - "Hell's Angels"
1Lt Thomas H. Hardin, Jr. (P)

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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Hell's Angels" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
8. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Hell's Angels"
Edgar C. "Ed" Miller image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
9. Edgar C. "Ed" Miller
Lt Col USAF
30 Missions
9 Missions to Berlin
President, 303rd Bomb Group Association
1995-96

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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
10. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron -
303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron "Meat Hound" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
11. 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron "Meat Hound"
Lt. Col. Clayton C. David
Air Force Evader
Jan. 11, 1944 to Apr. 15, 1944 to May 25, 1944
Amsterdam to Spain to England
Approximately 60 helpers including
Joke M. Folmer, Dutch
Jacques Vrij, Dutch
Jean Arhex, French
Paule Arhex, French

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303rd Bomb Group - 360th Bomb Squadron image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
12. 303rd Bomb Group - 360th Bomb Squadron
(Upper) In honor of Col. William Heller's Crew
These men served brilliantly and flew
more than the required 25 combat missions
(Lower)"Satan's Workshop"
1st Lt George Edward Underwood and Crew http://www.303rdbg.com/360heller.html
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303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
13. 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
Shot down Feb 24 1944
Mission to Schweinfurt, Germany

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303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
14. 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
Shot down over Bricey, Fr. 6 Feb 1944

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303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
15. 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
2Lt Francis R. Taub (P)
Hamberg
KIA*    POW •
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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - Radio Gunner Forrest W. Howell image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
16. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - Radio Gunner Forrest W. Howell
Wounded by FW-190's in air
battle over Germany Aug. 15, 1944...
Bailed out of burning B-17
-Captured-

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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Old Crow" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
17. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Old Crow"
2nd Lt Louis Howard Bourgeault
"Our Hero"
Shot down by anti-aircraft guns over
Berlin Germany - June 21, 1944

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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
18. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron
303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron
In memory of my husband's crew Shot down by anti-aircraft fire 9 Sept 1944 Ludwigshaven, Germ
Sylvia Reeves

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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Red 166" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
19. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Red 166"
Shot down 13 Jan 45
over Mannhiem
All POW's - All Survived

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303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron - Gobrecht's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
20. 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron - Gobrecht's Crew
"Mercy's Madhouse"

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303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron - Monahan's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
21. 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron - Monahan's Crew
303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron - Gene Girman image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
22. 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron - Gene Girman
In Memory of my crew-Shot down 24 Aug 44
Merseburg, Germany

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Original 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron "Thunderbird Crew" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
23. Original 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron "Thunderbird Crew"
303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron - "Duchess Granddaughter" Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
24. 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron - "Duchess Granddaughter" Crew
1Lt William M. Beasley Crew

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - McCutchan's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
25. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - McCutchan's Crew
1Lt Eugene R. McCutchan (P)
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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Vuke's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
26. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Vuke's Crew
2Lt Emil J. Vukovich P

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - "Ol' D-Dogs" Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
27. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - "Ol' D-Dogs" Crew
303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Shield's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
28. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Shield's Crew
Flew six missions as a Squadron Deputy Lead and Lead crew.

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Kirk's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
29. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Kirk's Crew
"Miss Umbriago"
Captain Roger L. Kuykendall

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - "Iza Vailable" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
30. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - "Iza Vailable"
Eddie Deerfield, radio operator/gunner,
salutes his gallent crew.
"We were each our brothers' keeper."

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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 28, 2013
31. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron
303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Lucious Lady" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
32. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - "Lucious Lady"
S/Sgt William T L Werner
Tail Gunner
Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross

Most memorable mission: - Mission #111, 22 February 1944, to Aschersleben, Germany in B-17F #42-5081 Luscious Lady 427th BS (GN-V). About an hour and one-half before reaching the target, during heavy German Fighter attacks, a 20 mm shell seriously injured Sgt William T.L. Werner, Tail Gunner from Lebanon, PA. Realizing that his B-17's survival depended upon him being able to defend it from rear attacks, he remained at his position and continued firing his guns without pause. About 20-30 minutes later Luscious Lady was hit by flak and Sgt Werner received additional wounds in his arms, abdominal area and leg. Only after all fighter attacks had ceased did Sgt Werner, weakened by the loss of blood, crawl to the waist gunner compartment where he collapsed. His survival was the result of his heated flying suit being knocked out and the freezing temperatures lowered his body temperature and helped his blood from his wounds coagulate quickly. Sgt Werner was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (The second highest USAAF award).
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303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - Crew #4494 image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
33. 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron - Crew #4494
Eisenwinter's Crew

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303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron - "Princess Pat" image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
34. 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron - "Princess Pat"
1Lt Rufus W. Grisham crew

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - AC 47 37896 B-17G image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
35. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - AC 47 37896 B-17G
Shot down 1/11/44
Last Mission of Hallden Crew
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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Chick's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
36. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Chick's Crew
2Lt Anthony J. Cecchini Crew

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron = Kelloggs Kids image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
37. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron = Kelloggs Kids
JACOB W. FREDERICKS Crew

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303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Van's Crew image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
38. 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron - Van's Crew
JOHN J. VAN GEYTEN CREW

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303rd Bombardment Group 359 Sq image. Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
39. 303rd Bombardment Group 359 Sq
303rd Bombardment Group 1 Div Hq image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
40. 303rd Bombardment Group 1 Div Hq
Capt. Robt. Johnson
  303 BG Window at the nearby Chapel of the Fallen Eagles image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
41.   303 BG Window at the nearby Chapel of the Fallen Eagles
In Memory of our Glorious Dead
303rd Bomb Group
Molesworth England
1942 - 1945
303rd Bombardment Group Banner image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2013
42. 303rd Bombardment Group Banner
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,679 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos:   1. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   2. submitted on March 17, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland.   3. submitted on March 22, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland.   4, 5, 6. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   7, 8. submitted on March 9, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   9. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   10. submitted on March 9, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   11, 12. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. submitted on March 9, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   31. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. submitted on March 10, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   39, 40. submitted on May 5, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   41. submitted on March 17, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   42. submitted on March 18, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.

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Apr. 24, 2024