345th Bomb Group
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| 345th Bombardment Group | |
|---|---|
| Active | November 11, 1942 -- November 11, 1945 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Air Forces |
| Type | Medium bombardment group |
| Role | Bombing and strafing of airfields, installations, and shipping; ground forces support; and reconnaissance missions. |
| Part of | Fifth Air Force (April 1943 to end of World War II) |
| Nickname | Air Apaches |
The 345th Bomb Group was a B-25 bomber group in World War II based in the South West Pacific. It was made up of the following squadrons:
- 498th - Falcons
- 499th - Bats Outa Hell
- 500th - Rough Raiders
- 501st - Black Panthers
The 345th Bomb Group was activated on November 11, 1942, in Columbia, South Carolina, by Third Air Force order #275. Four squadrons designated 498, 499, 500, 501 were assigned to it. The 345th started with 40 officers and 350 enlisted men, commanded by then Col. Jarred V. Crabb. Full strength, the 345th would contain 250 officers and 1250 enlisted men. In April of 1943 the 345th was assigned to the Fifth Air Force and deployed to the South Pacific theater. By June 1943 the group had moved to Port Moresby, New Guinea and entered combat June 30, 1943. The unit was deactivated November 11, 1945.
[edit] Campaigns
- New Guinea
- Northern Solomons
- Bismarck Archipelago
- Southern Philippines
- Luzon
- Western Pacific
- China
- Ryukyus
- Air Offensive against Japan
