Quote:
Originally Posted by NickM
Guys:
Going over my old copy of Mighty Eighth & came across the somewhat less well known Fighter Group, the 356th; supposedly the 8th AF Fighter Group with the worst vic to loss ratio in air to air combat...so(since I sort of like 'underdog/underachiever' stories) I have to ask the following questions:
Was it just because they had trouble coming to grips with the Luftwaffe or did they actually get outfought or did they end up getting 'shut out' by more aggressive groups? Or did they simply have bad luck?
Could anybody recommend any bios for any 356th Men?
Finally: Are there any 9th AF FGs or 2TAF squadrons that were in the same category?
Thx
NM
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First, Kent Miller wrote an excellent history of the 356th FG so look to his book first.
Second, The 8th AF FC had a variety of leadership styles ranging from Zemke/Blakeslee who were very aggressive about going after the Luftwaffe - early before the Doolittle 'set 'em loose' memo in January 1944. When they engaged, they pursued and stayed engaged..
Others were more reserved about responsibility to protect the bombers... and frequently the squadron leaders were positioned within the group with the same attitude. When opportunities to bounce occurred, these leaders would drive the German fighters away but often not pursue. IMO The 356th fit this profile with Rau and Malstrom.
One other wild card factor - the arrival of the Mustang and replacement of the Jug. With the exception of the 56th FG, which had a huge lead over the 357th, the 4th, the 352nd and 355th FG, the P-47 equipped groups were relegated to Penetration and Withdrawal support. Because of the range the 56th Jugs were also doing the Penetration support, but mostly in the lead of the lead Task Force - and got more chances at scoring than the other Jug groups.
Four of the top five air to air scoring groups were groups that converted by April, 1944 and engaged in the big air battles far out of range of the P-47s.
Of the top five air to air groups, the 355th was closer in leadership under Col Cummings to the 356th - namely drive 'em off and return - but he had squadron commanders that were more aggressive (IMO) than the 356th FG.
The 356th dramatically improved when it received the P-51 in November of 1944 but at that time only the big battles of November and December were available.