Opinions please (impact Allied fighter bombers on D-day)

[drgondog]

Graham - the Mustang was not a major player in Jabo actions if you limit that definition to tac air support of ground forces... recognizing the the 354thFG flew Mustangs in the 9th AF for all of its' missions save three months of P-47's.

I included 8th AF Fighter Sweeps as a major component of disruption to Luftwaffe operations - behind German lines - because it in fact contributed to aerial superiority which in turn was decisive in the Normandy Campaign.

My father's Wing, the 355th FG actaually flew quite a few direct 'jabo' type missions with bombs (both HE and frags) during June and July and August before returning exclusively to primary role of Bomber Escort and Fighter Sweeps deep behind German lines. He can testify to the fact that although he was an ace, he was never touched by the Luftwaffe but had the hell shot out of 4 Mustangs by flak while shooting up airfields, marshalling yards, barges and trains... an activity shared by ALL 8th AF Mustangs.

I offered the opinion that the combination of close air tactical efforts by Typhoons and Thunderbolts and Fighter Sweeps by Mustangs was an overwhelming advantage leading to decisive victory by troops on the ground.. nothing more

Regards,

Bill Marshall