The University of Akron, University Libraries, Archival Services
The B-26 Marauder Archive
Bombardment Groups
Introduction
The B-26 Martin Marauder was the most advanced medium bomber in the world when it was introduced in 1940. Early on the plane had to overcome a reputation as a dangerous aircraft after a spate of training fatalities. The first combat use of the plane was a disaster in 1943, but the Army Air Force learned to use the Marauder effectively, eventually producing the lowest loss rate per mission of any bomber in the European Theater. By the end of 1944 there were more than a thousand Marauders engaged in European combat.
The men who flew the B-26 were organized into Bombardment Groups, including the 17th, 22nd, 28th, 73rd, 77th, 319th, 320th, 322nd, 323rd, 344th, 386th, 387th, 391st, 394th, and 397th. Below this there were usually three Bombardment Squadrons per Group. Bombardment groups were distinct units, each with its own distinct history of operations during the war. This web page is arranged by Bombardment Group, and by clicking on the official insignia of each group, you can access that specific group’s basic history. Each basic history includes the Group’s component bomb squadrons, stations, commanders, campaigns, and decorations.
