The Vulgar Vultures · Fifteenth Air Force

455th Bombardment Group (H)

Explore the people, B‑24 Liberators, and combat missions of the 455th through original records, photographs, and firsthand accounts.

The 455th in World War II

Activated in July 1943, the 455th brought together the 740th, 741st, 742nd, and 743rd Bomb Squadrons. After training in the United States, the group flew its B‑24 Liberators overseas via Brazil and Tunisia, then moved to San Giovanni, Italy, in February 1944.

As part of the 304th Bomb Wing of the Fifteenth Air Force, the group flew its first combat mission to Anzio on February 16, 1944. Its final mission took it to Linz, Austria, on April 25, 1945.

Read the full group history →
252
Combat missions
4
Bomb squadrons
San Giovanni, Italy
Wartime combat base

Website Updates

Older updates
  • 6/14/2026: 558th Service Squadron Diary added
  • 5/25/2026: 1944 Bombing Report added and Reunion updated
  • 3/5/2025: Escape and Evasion Reports added
  • 2/8/2025: Accident Reports added
  • 2/4/2025: General Orders (1944–1945) added
  • 2/3/2025: Missing Air Crew Reports added

Help preserve the record

If you have photographs, documents, or a family story connected to the 455th, we’d like to hear from you.

Reunion information · Ask about pins and patches

Scroll to Top