World War II
Virtual Museum

Highlights from the history of the 318th Fighter Group. Appears to have been written immediately at the conclusion of WWII. Includes illustrations by "Flannagan".

Commendation certificate, 318th Fighter Group, A.A.F. for fighter air-support on Saipan, Tinian and Guam, June-July-August 1944; from Lt.Gen. Holland Smith and Vice Adm. Kelly Turner.

Source: Unknown.

Navy PB4Y's of VPB-116 encounter Japanese Zero's off of Iwo Jima island on October 12, 1944. This encounter would later be referred-to as "The Flight Of The Blue Raiders".

Donated by WWII Navy VPB-116 pilot veterans Les DeMott and Robert Rosati

Click here for video interview with pilots Les DeMott and Robert Rosati.

Three images at Marianas Airdrome immediately after capture by U.S. forces. 1) Mechanic checks hydraulic system on a U.S. fighter airplane. 2) P-47 makes its first landing on newly captured Japanese airfield. 3) Sgt. Frank Everwind of Philadelphia PA cleaning his carbine rifle.

"Five pilots from the 19th Fighter Squadron in front of a P38. The P38's were used for long-range flights to Truk and Iwo Jima from Saipan. Summer 1944. Top row: Wayne Petty, Hal Dunning, Stanley Lustic. Bottom row: Boone Ruff, Noble Kendle."

Source: Bach, E.R.

Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Air Warning Squadron #5 (Marine Aircraft Group 23), 4th Marine Division, for outstanding service during the seizure of Saipan and Tinian June 15 to August 1, 1944.

Source: Minor, Loys Meredith.

Cover photo, 7th AAF Brief (Newspaper, Saipan), Vol.1, No.36, August 8, 1944.

Source: Jack Flannagan, 318th Fighter Group.

Flight pictures of U.S. P-47 on a high altitude patrol over Saipan, Summer 1944.

Source: Unknown

Artistic drawing by artist from 318th Fighter Group. 318th Fighter Group's P-47's intercept "Betty" at Pagan airstrip, Pagan Island, 1944.

Source: Jack Flannagan.

U.S. P-47's on the ground at Saipan, Summer 1944.

Source: Unknown