320bg.org is a project of the Army Air Corps Library and Museum. Volunteers are transcribing servicemen names and their awards from General Orders that we are publishing on this website for enthusiasts, families and researchers of genealogy and World War II history. The names on this honor roll of men assigned to the 320th Bombardment Group is not a complete list of all who served with the 2nd, however, we are attempting to locate as many documents that have survived as possible. Sources of material include the US National Archives, Air Force Historical Research Agency and the records donated by individual servicemen and their families. We hope you will find this information useful and enjoyable. We are accepting volunteers help in this very large World War II project as we preserve this history and honor service.
Constituted as 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 June 1942 and activated on 23 Jun. Trained with B-26 aircraft. Most of the group moved to North Africa via England, Aug-Dec 1942; crews flew their planes over the South Atlantic route and arrived in North Africa, Dec 1942-Jan 1943. Began combat with Twelfth AF in Apr 1943 and operated from bases in Algeria, Tunisia, Sardinia, and Corsica until Nov 1944. During the period Apr-Jul 1943, flew missions against enemy shipping in the approaches to Tunisia, attacked installations in Sardinia, participated in the reduction of Pantelleria, and supported the invasion of Sicily. Then bombed marshalling yards, bridges, airdromes, road junctions, viaducts, harbors, fuel dumps, defense positions, and other targets in Italy.
The 320th Supported forces at Salerno and knocked out targets to aid the seizure of Naples and the crossing of the Volturno River. Flew missions to Anzio and Cassino and engaged in interdictory operations in central Italy in preparation for the advance toward Rome. Received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for action in preparation for and in support of Allied offensive operations in central Italy, Apr-Jun 1944. Received a Distinguished Unit Citation ("DUC") for a mission on 12 May 1944 when, in the face of an intense antiaircraft barrage, the group bombed enemy troop concentrations near Fondi in support of Fifth Army's advance toward Rome. From June to Nov 1944 operations included interdictory missions in the Po Valley, support for the invasion of Southern France, and attacks on enemy communications in northern Italy.
They moved to France in Nov 1944 and bombed bridges, rail lines, gun positions, barracks, supply points, ammunition dumps, and other targets in France and Germany until V-E Day. Received a DUC for operations on 15 Mar 1945 when the group bombed pillboxes, trenches, weapon pits, and roads within the Siegfried Line to enable a breakthrough by Seventh Army. Moved to Germany in Jun 1945 and participated in the disarmament program. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec. Inactivated on 4 December 1945.
Maj John F Batjer, 1 Jul 1942
Col John A Hilger, c. 5 Aug 1942
Col Flint Garrison Jr, 25 Oct 1942
Lt Col John Fordyce, 15 Feb 1943
Col Karl Baumeister, 25 May 1943
Lt Col Stanford Gregory, 25 Sep 1943
Col Eugene B Fletcher, 25 Oct 1943
Col Ashley E Woolridge, 2 Nov 1944
MacDill Field, Fla, 23 Ju 1 1942
Drane Field, Fla, 8-28 Aug 1942
Hethel, England, 12 Sep 1942
La Senia, Algeria, c. 2 Dec 1942
Tafaraoui, Algeria, 28 Jan 1943
Montesquieu, Algeria, Apr 1943
Massicault, Tunisia, 29 Jun 1943
El Bathan, Tunisia, 28 Jul 1943
Sardinia, 1 Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 18 Sep 1944
Dijon/Longvic, France, 11 Nov 1944
Dole/Tavaux, France, 1 Apr 1945
441st: 1942-1945.
442nd: 1942-1945.
443rd: 1942-1945.
444th: 1942-1945.
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