They Too Served: 496th Fighter Training Group, 1943-45 by Major David H. Kelley USAF

Author:Major David H. Kelley USAF [USAF, Major David H. Kelley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History, Military, United States, Europe, General, Germany, Special Forces
ISBN: 9781786250551
Google: JaxvCwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
Published: 2015-11-06T05:07:30+00:00

Anxiety and Confidence—Operation Overlord

During May and June the Allied invasion of Europe was the pivotal event for the 496th. In May the group put heavy emphasis on station defense and force protection, including several major exercises plus daily ground defense alerts at the end of the month. The exercises covered a wide range of potential German threats including day or night bomber raids, airborne assault, sabotage, and poison gas attack.{89} By June measures included 24-hour manning of antiaircraft guns (usually night-time only), double-strength guard units, firearms assigned to all station personnel, and tight restrictions on station access. Anxiety peaked with the invasion on 6 June. According to the group history, “D day caused a stir of excitement divided between hope and concern particularly over the weather, omni-present in the minds of airmen. As the days passed the alertness against possible counteraction lessened; not officially but in the minds of the individuals. Many of the Replacement Pilots anxious to participate in the fray welcomed the orders posting them to groups immediately, some of whom had not begun training.”{90} By late June the 496th reduced defensive measures as threat conditions returned to a normal level.

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