Description

Eighth Air Force began its lineal existence when it was constituted as VIII Bomber Command on January 19, 1942. It was activated in the United States on February 1, 1942. An advanced detachment was established in England on February 23 and units began arriving from the United States during the spring of 1942. The command conducted the heavy bombardment operations of Eighth Air Force (see also US Strategic Air Forces in Europe ) from August 17, 1942, until early in 1944 re-designated the Eighth Air Force on February 22, 1944. Afterward, the eighth engaged primarily in bombardment of strategic targets in Europe transferred, without personnel, equipment, and combat elements, to Okinawa on July 16, 1945. Although some personnel and combat units were assigned before V-J Day, the Eighth did not participate in combat against Japan .

COMPONENTS: 1st Bombardment Wing: 1942-1943. 2d Bombardment Wing: 1942 – 1943. 3d Bombardment Wing: 1942 – 1943. 4th Bombardment Wing: 1942 – 1943. 12th Bombardment Wing: 1942 1944. 301st Fighter Wing: 1945 -1946. 316th Bombardment Wing: 1945 – 1946.1st Air Division: 1943 – 1945. 2d Air Division: 1943-1945. 3d Air Division: 1943 – 1945. VIII Fighter Command: 1944 – 1945.