12th Air Force Markings Lookup

One of the oldest bombardment groups in the USAAF. Served in North Africa from the earliest MTO operations. Flew tactical bombing missions across Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, and southern France. Known for aggressive low-level attacks on Axis shipping and rail targets.

One of the oldest bomb groups in the USAAF — the 17th BG launched the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in April 1942. In the MTO, the group flew B-26 Marauders from Sardinia and later converted to B-25 Mitchells. Operated from Corsica and then Dijon, France, after Operation Dragoon.

Operated from Corsica for most of the Italian campaign, striking targets in northern Italy and southern France. Specialized in bridge and viaduct attacks that cut Axis supply lines through the Po Valley. Later moved to Fano, Italy.

Deployed to North Africa for Operation Torch and suffered heavy early losses during low-level B-26 missions. After switching to medium-altitude tactics, became one of the most effective Marauder groups in the theater. Operated from Sardinia and Corsica.

Deployed to North Africa in 1943. Operated from Sardinia, then Corsica, flying interdiction missions across Italy and southern France. Moved to Dôle, France, after Operation Dragoon to support the advance into Germany from the south.

Activated at Columbia AAB, South Carolina. Deployed to North Africa in 1943 and flew missions throughout the Mediterranean. Operated from Corsica, then moved to Falconara, Italy, for the final push into northern Italy and the Po Valley campaign.

The group in which Joseph Heller served as a bombardier; his experiences inspired the novel Catch-22. Operated from Corsica, then Rimini, Italy. Flew over 900 missions during the Italian campaign, one of the highest totals in the MTO.

Pioneer dive-bomber group in the MTO. Originally equipped with A-36A Apaches (dive-bomber variant of the P-51), the 27th FBG flew some of the most dangerous close-support missions of the Italian campaign. Transitioned through P-40s to P-47 Thunderbolts. Supported the Anzio landings and the drive up the Italian peninsula.

First USAAF fighter group to see combat in the North African theater, arriving for Operation Torch in November 1942. Fought through Tunisia, Sicily, and the Italian campaign. Worked closely with RAF Desert Air Force squadrons and adopted some British tactical practices.

One of the most celebrated fighter groups of the MTO. The 57th FG's shark-mouth P-40 Warhawks became iconic images of the desert air war. Participated in the "Palm Sunday Massacre" (18 April 1943), destroying a large formation of Axis transport aircraft over the Gulf of Tunis. Transitioned to P-47 Thunderbolts in 1944 for fighter-bomber operations in Italy.

Operated P-40 Warhawks from Egypt and Libya before moving to Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy. One of the most experienced tactical fighter groups in the theater, the 79th flew close-support, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions throughout the Italian campaign. Transitioned to P-47 Thunderbolts in late 1944.

Designated a Fighter-Bomber Group for much of its MTO service. The 86th flew A-36A Apaches alongside the 27th FBG in the dive-bombing role before transitioning to P-47 Thunderbolts. Supported the Salerno landings, Anzio beachhead, and the push through the Gothic Line.

Deployed to North Africa in early 1943. Flew P-40 Warhawks through Tunisia, Sicily, and the Italian campaign before converting to P-47 Thunderbolts. Participated in Operation Dragoon, providing tactical air support for the invasion of southern France in August 1944 before returning to the Italian theater.

One of the few USAAF groups to fly the Bell P-39 Airacobra in operational combat in the MTO. Initially assigned to coastal defense and convoy patrol duties, the 350th later transitioned to P-47 Thunderbolts for the fighter-bomber role in Italy. Supported the final Allied offensive in the Po Valley, spring 1945.