Welcome to the New Base of Operations: 354th Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group
This website is dedicated to the men of the 354th Fighter Group. Assigned to the newly formed Tactical Ninth Air Force the 354th Fighter Group would be the first unit to take the Merlin-engine P-51 Mustang into combat escorting heavy bombers in the strategic campaign in December 1943. With the Mustang’s long-range and maneuverability the 354th changed the nature of war and rescued the Eighth’s Air Force strategic bombing campaign over Europe. The Pioneer Mustang Group became the highest scoring aerial fighter unit in the USAAF.
There are literally hundreds of pages meticulously written by 354th group historians at squadron level to headquarters covering day to day operations. Unit histories on this website are a concise narrative from those pages that began at the 354th activation at Hamilton Field, California to the end of hostilities in Europe.
2009 Reunion Information
The 354th Fighter Group Association announces the following dates and location for their 2009 Reunion. Click here.
| TRIBUTES | UNIT HISTORIES |
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Section begins with Fallen Comrades, a list of heroes who gave their lives in the service of their country and family. Submitted Tributes from family and friends, rich details. The Unit Roster list every member assigned to the 354th during the war. Historical accounts of the One-Man Air Force and Ike's Fourth of July Flight. What makes an ace? Aces of the 354th FG, and link to the Air Force Historical Research Agency. |
These Unit Histories were documented by group headquarters and squadron historians. They are serious and entertaining accounts from activation to end of hostilities in Europe. A brief historical survey of the Ninth Air Force is also featured. A section on USAAF aircraft Recognition Markings, with a harrowing video account. Designated squadron colors from Mustangs to Thunderbolts are colorfully illustrated in Battle Colors. |
| FIGHTER AIRCRAFT | INTERACTIVE MEDIA |
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Technical Information on the P-51 Mustang to the P-47 Thunderbolt, combat aircraft used by 354th fighter pilots against the aircraft of the German Luffwaffe such as the Messerschmitt Bf-109, Focke Wulf Fw-190, and Bf-110 to the ME-262. Brief development history with sound files and color plates. Links to available reading for research and book orders. |
JMT Productions documentary: Heroes of the 354th Fighter Group, see video clips. The Unit Movement Map shows operational base locations in England and continent. List of Published Books currently available. View an issue of The Pioneer Press newspaper of the 354th. War Articles pertaining to the 354th. Warbird Videos cover the P-51 and P-47. |
| 354TH ASSOCIATION | PHOTO GALLERIES |
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Page will contain general Reunion Information regarding future annual association gatherings. A Message Board will be posted to provide association members private access to an online communication center. A general message board will also be available to website visitors. |
Images from private collections of William W. Louie Collection and Jack Wimer Collection show aircraft and men during training and war. Also included are images from The Horry County Museum, Jack Cook Collection, and 354th Fighter Group Association annual Reunion Photos. |
Contact Information
If want your photos featured on this website please contact the Website Coordinator: 354thpmfg.com. Tributes: If you are interested in submitting a tribute for any member of the 354th Pioneer Mustang Group please email tributes.
Acknowledgements
These people provided assistance and contributed materials. I am eternally grateful to the 354th Pioneer Mustang Fighter Group Association, without them this website would not be possible.
354th Fighter Group Historians: Capt. Arthur F. Brown, Capt. Fredrick S. Burkhardt -HQ, Lt. Albert J. Feigen - 353rd FS, Lt Donald F. Snow - 355th FS, Lt. Gabriel M. Bernstein - 356th FS, Capt. Albert D. Fowler - 356th FS, Lt. Charles F. Kennaw - 353rd FS, Rudolph A. Tholt - HQ.
The 354th Fighter Pioneer Mustang Group Association, William W. Louie, Charles Tighe, Ray Bain, Norm Davis, Alan Grant, Rosemary Krebs, Larry Wood, Roberta Roddy, Robert D. Davis, Walter Harrington, Jon Teboe, JMT Productions, Robert W. Lamb, Paul Cornell, Jr., Jack Cook, Ted Skowronek, Hugh Gibson, The Al Styrsky family, Nantucket Historical Association Digital Exhibition - Robert Young, Jr., Jack E. Wimer, Doug Gifford, Jim Pierce, Walt Fink, Jeff Larner, Catherine and Millicent Carrizales, Tripp Alyn.
Thanks to DemusDesigns for providing this open source template and StuNichols for allowing use of the gallery script..