U.S. Army Air Forces
13th Air Force
The 'Jungle Air Force' — born on Guadalcanal in the dark early days of the Pacific war. The 13th Air Force fought its way north from New Caledonia through the Solomon Islands, conducting the legendary P-38 mission that killed Admiral Yamamoto on April 18, 1943. Operated alongside the 5th Air Force as part of Far East Air Forces through the Philippines campaign.
13th Air Force — Bomb Groups
SOUTH PACIFIC · 1942–1945
Bombardment Group (Heavy)
Bombers of the South Pacific
B-17/B-24
Flying Fortress
One of the oldest bomb groups in the Army, activated in Hawaii before the war. Moved to the South Pacific where they flew B-17s and B-24s against Japanese bases in the Solomons, Carolines, and Philippines. Earned two DUCs.
Squadrons
Bombardment Group (Heavy)
The Grey Geese
B-17/B-24
Flying Fortress
Present at Hickam Field during Pearl Harbor. The 'Grey Geese' flew from Hawaii to the South Pacific, conducting long-range strikes against Japanese bases in the Solomons, Marshalls, and eventually the Philippines. One of the hardest-hit groups on December 7th.
Squadrons
Bombardment Group (Medium)
The Crusaders (Pacific)
B-25
Mitchell
Flew B-25 Mitchells in the South and Southwest Pacific. The 42nd conducted medium-altitude bombing and low-level strafing missions against Japanese airfields, shipping, and installations from the Solomons to the Philippines.
Squadrons
Bombardment Group (Heavy)
The Long Rangers
B-24
Liberator
The 'Long Rangers' — named for their extraordinary long-range missions across the vast Pacific. Flew B-24 Liberators from the Solomons to the Philippines, striking Japanese bases, shipping, and oil targets across the theater.
Squadrons
13th Air Force — Fighter Groups
SOUTH PACIFIC · 1942–1945
Fighter Group
P-38
Lightning
Flew P-40s, P-39 Airacobras, and later P-38 Lightnings across the South Pacific. Provided air defense over Guadalcanal and conducted fighter sweeps from the Solomons through New Guinea to the Philippines.
Squadrons
Fighter Group
P-51
Mustang
Flew the Yamamoto intercept mission — P-38s from the 339th Fighter Squadron shot down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto over Bougainville on April 18, 1943, one of the most significant individual missions of the war.
Squadrons
No units found matching your search.
4
Bomb Groups
2
Fighter Groups
23+
Squadrons