Today in Military History: Dec. 5, 1943, P-51s escort bombers

On December 5, 1943, Ninth Air Force pilots from the 354th Fighter Group flew P-51s into combat for the first time. They escorted Eighth Air Force bombers 490 miles to targets in northern Germany. The presence of P-51 escort fighters reduced bomber losses significantly.

P-51 Mustangs, USAAF, photographed for a series of U.S. 8th Air Force publicity pictures for widespread distribution

P-51 Mustangs, USAF, photographed for a series of U.S. 8th Air Force publicity pictures for widespread distribution.

 

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