459th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 459th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 July 1943. They moved to Italy, in early 1944, and were assigned to 15th Air Force. The 459th attacked oil refineries, munitions and aircraft factories, industrial areas, airfields, and communications centers in Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Austria, Rumania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Greece.

Awards. Received a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for leading the 304th Bomb Wing through enemy interceptors and intense flak to raid an airfield and aircraft assembly plant at Bad Voslau on 23 April 1944.

Station. Giulia Airfield, Italy.

Commanders. Col. Marden M. Munn, 2 July 1943; Col. Henry K. Mooney, 13 August 1944; Lt. Col. William R. Boutz, 19 May 1945; Lt. Col. J.C. Bailey, 30 May 1945.

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