8th Airforce

The Eighth Air Force of the United States Army Air Forces was activated on January 28, 1942, and became the main American strategic air force engaged in Europe during World War II. It was deployed to the United Kingdom in the summer of 1942 as part of preparations for the air campaign against Nazi Germany. Under the command of the United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe, the Eighth Air Force's main mission was strategic daytime bombing of enemy industrial, military, and logistical targets.

The first combat operations took place in August 1942, with limited raids against targets in occupied France. In 1943, the Eighth Air Force intensified its operations as part of the combined bombing offensive carried out jointly with the British Royal Air Force. It carried out large-scale bombing raids against targets in Germany, including industrial centers, fuel refineries, weapons factories, shipyards, and transportation infrastructure. This period was marked by deep operations over the Reich, such as the raids on Schweinfurt and Regensburg, which resulted in significant losses among crews and aircraft.

From 1944 onwards, the operational effectiveness of the Eighth Air Force increased with the arrival of large numbers of long-range fighter escorts, notably the P-51 Mustang, which enabled bomber formations to be accompanied deep into the heart of Germany. During this period, the Eighth Air Force played a central role in preparing for the Normandy landings by attacking railway networks, bridges, fuel depots, and German defenses in France and Belgium. It then continued to support Allied ground operations by striking enemy lines of communication and concentrations.

Between the fall of 1944 and the spring of 1945, the Eighth Air Force focused part of its efforts on destroying the German oil industry, transport infrastructure, and air bases, contributing to the logistical and operational disorganization of German forces. It also participated in operations against the German offensive in the Ardennes, attacking enemy columns, road junctions, and supply areas as soon as weather conditions permitted.

The Eighth Air Force's operations continued until the German surrender in May 1945. After the end of hostilities in Europe, it was gradually reorganized and reduced, with some of its units being transferred or deactivated.