A Brief History Of The 456th Bomb Group, World War II:
456th BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) Stornara, Italy 1943-1945
The 456th Bomb Group was formed 14 May 1943.
On 1 June 1943, the 456th Bombardment Group (H) was activated, along with it's four squadrons, at Wendover Army Air Field, Wendover Utah. These Squadrons were designated as the 744th, 745th, 746th and the 747th. The 456th Bomb Group would go into combat in the four-engined B-24 heavy bomber aircraft.
The squadrons were not manned until 14 July 1943 after movement to Gowen Field, Boise Idaho.
HEADQUARTERS, 456th Bombardment Group (H), Office of the Group Commander , Gowen Field, Idaho, 14 July 1943
GENERAL ORDERS No.1
1. In accordance with the provisions of AR 600-20 the undersigned assumes command of the 456th Bomb Group effective this date.
THOMAS W. STEED, Col. AC, Commanding
Thus this the first General Order created the 456th Bomb Group, one of the many who were to defeat Hitler and distinguish themselves in the destruction of the Nazi war machine's ability to conduct war.
On 26 April 1945 the Group flew its final combat mission, a motor transport depot in Tarvisio, Italy. There was no enemy opposition, there were no losses suffered by the 456th Bomb Group.
The mission results were adjudged as PERFECT, with 100 % accuracy. All bombs impacted within 1000 feet of the mean point of impact (MPI).
JULY 1945 The 456th Bomb Group returned to the U.S.A, assigned to Smoky Hill Air Field, in Kansas. In August it was re-designated as the 456th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy).
On 17 October 1945, The Group was inactivated, thereby ending a very illustrious wartime contribution.
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