512th Bombardment Squadron

In the face of Afrika Corps threatening British forces in Egypt in early 1942, American heavy bombers were dispatched for support. A combination of Consolidated B-24 Liberators and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 9th and 436th Bombardment Squadrons were diverted to the Middle East. Organized into the 1st Provisional Group at RAF Lydda, Palestine on 20 July 1942, these elements swiftly became a cohesive force.

North African Operations

Transition to 512th Bombardment Squadron

On 31 October 1942, the 1st Group was dissolved and replaced by the 376th Bombardment Group, with the 512th Bombardment Squadron activated as a core component. Initially, it operated a mixture of Liberators and Flying Fortresses. By year's end, the B-17s were handed over to Twelfth Air Force, and the squadron transitioned to an exclusive B-24 unit.

Missions in Egypt and Libya

Advancing to bases in Egypt and Libya, the 512th Bombardment Squadron targeted Mediterranean shipping and harbor installations in Libya, Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy. Its goal was to disrupt enemy supply lines in North Africa, leading to successful operations until the fall of Tunisia in May 1943. Following this, attention shifted to Sicily and Italy. A Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) was earned through consistent attacks on enemy targets until August 1943.

Operation Tidal Wave

The 512th Bombardment Squadron played a significant role in Operation Tidal Wave on 1 August 1943. Operating from Benina Airport, Libya, the squadron faced intense enemy flak but demonstrated resilience, earning its second DUC.

Strategic Bombing Campaign

Move to San Pancrazio Airfield, Italy

The 512th Bombardment Squadron relocated to San Pancrazio Airfield, Italy in November 1943, aligning with Fifteenth Air Force. Joined by the Royal Yugoslav Air Force Detachment, it embarked on long-range strategic bombardment missions across Europe. Key targets included factories, oil refineries, bridges, and harbors.

Significant Contributions

Demonstrating operational excellence, the 512th Bombardment Squadron received its third DUC on 16 June 1944 for targeting oil industry facilities in Bratislava. It supported Operation Shingle, assisted the Red Army through the Balkans, and backed Operation Grapeshot in Northern Italy.

Post-War Transition and Inactivation

Arriving at Harvard Army Air Field, Nebraska in May 1945, the 512th Bombardment Squadron began conversion to the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. Despite preparations, the war in the Pacific ended before full training was completed. The squadron moved to Fort Worth Army Air Field, Texas, but was inactivated on 28 March 1946. Its resources at Roswell Army Air Field, New Mexico were then absorbed by the 509th Bombardment Group.