The exploits of the air crew of the 15th Army Air Force have long been over shadowed by their colleagues in the 8th. Yet 15th Air Force crews flew countless deep penetration missions to some of the most heavily defended targets in Europe, and sustained devasting casualties in doing so. They did all this whilst operating from primitive dirt airfields at the end of an extended supply chain.

Use the navigation buttons above to learn about a typical B-24 crew, the aircraft they flew, their stateside training cycle and route to Europe, the conditions in which they operated in Italy and the missions they flew. You will also find out about the experiences of a lead navigator allocated to their awesome responsibility after just 7 missions. Finally, check out the gallery for some superb B-24 nose art, sported by the 484th Bomb Group in 1944.

This project has only been made possible with the generous help and encouragement given by the three survivors, Jordan Glew, Joe Hebert and Guy Bayless. This site is respectfully dedicated to them and to 1st Lt Jack W Graham, one of the many 15th Air Force crewmen who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Jordan Glew

Joe Hebert

Guy Bayless