Valor in Combat
This site is dedicated to the men of the 354th Fighter Group during World War II. The group was assigned to IX Fighter Command under the command of Brigadier General Elwood R. "Pete" Quesada. The 354th Fighter Group was the first unit to take the Rolls-Royce Merlin P-51B Mustang into combat. The Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group, as they were famously known, was instrumental in the development of the P-51 for use in long-range missions to escort Eighth Air Force heavy bombers on strategic bombing raids deep into enemy territory at a very critical time. This unit achieved the highest record of 701 enemy aircraft destroyed in air-to-air engagements.
There are literally hundreds of recorded pages meticulously written by group and squadron historians detailing day to day operations from its activation in November 1942 to the end of hostitlies in May 1945. Presented here is only a concise narrative, this is their story.
354th HQ
353rd FS
355th FS
356th FS
Items of Interest
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Lt. Col. James H. Howard Dedication
William W. Louie, 356th Fighter Squadron, commissioned a Bronze plaque to honor Lt. Col. James H. Howard’s heroic actions over Germany on 11 January 1944. The Bronze plaque was dedicated at Boxted Airfield Museum's 75th Anniversary Commemoration in 2018.
Tactical Markings 1943 to 1945
Twelve full-color illustrations showing squadron code letters, camouflage paint schemes, tactical markings and squadron recognition colors of 353rd, 355th and 356th Fighter Squadron Mustangs and Thunderbolts from November 1943 to May 1945.
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The Stars Look Down
The Supreme Allied Commander's flight with the Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group on the Fourth of July 1944.
Top Ten Fighter Groups
In the entire ETO, the 354th Fighter Group had the highest total of claims against enemy aircraft destroyed in the air.
Pioneer Cinema
The P-51 Mustang's development as a long-range escort fighter. Interviews with combat veterans. Five other videos available.
