Museum Audio Tour 9: Air Power Gallery: Taking the Offensive – Mediterranean

DAYTON, OH, UNITED STATES

12.31.1969

Audio by NMUSAF PA 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

During World War Two, operations were conducted throughout several different theaters -- or places of action. In the Mediterranean, the U.S. Army Air Forces began using aircraft such as the British Bristol Beaufighter, an effective night fighter, in the summer of 1943. Beaufighters flew night cover for Allied forces in Italy and France until the closing days of World War II. The British Supermarine Spitfire MK. VC [Mark five C], which was involved in all fronts of the war, was flown by nine Allied nations, including the United States. The U.S. Army Air Forces' 31st Fighter Group and 52nd Fighter Group started using Spitfire Mk.Vb in combat in August 1942 flying from England on raids over western France. The 31st and 52nd Fighter Groups flew them first during Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa in November 1942. The B-24 Liberator was also employed in every combat theater during the war. Over 18,000 were built, more than more than any U.S. aircraft in history. Because of its great range, it was particularly suited for such missions as the famous raid from North Africa against the oil industry at Ploesti, Romania, on Aug. 1, 1943. The B-24D on display flew combat missions from North Africa in 1943 and 1944 with the 512th Bomb Squadron. It was flown to the museum in May 1959.

• Date Taken: 12.31.1969
• Date Posted: 09.02.2015 12:15
• Category: Newscasts
• Audio ID: 41897
• Filename: 1509/DOD_102704051.mp3
• Length: 00:01:31
• Album: Museum Audio Tour
• Track #: 09
• Location: DAYTON, OH, US