56TH Fighter Group: 'Wolfpack' Operations - Air Battle for Berlin.

Abstract

The 56th Fighter Group was a World War II Army Air Force P-47 unit that flew bomber escort mission in the European Theater. A highly successful fighter unit, it achieved more aerial victories and produced more aces than any other unit. One of the group's many highlights was its participation in the Air Battle for Berlin, March 1944. This paper focuses on the air-to-air battles fought during that battle by the pilots of the 56th Fighter Group. The paper begins with a short history of the group, then examines the strategic decisions and tactics of the Allied Air Forces. The strategic decisions and tactics of the German Luftwaffe are examined as well. The battle itself is given in a chronological sequence using actual combat reports and narratives. The paper closes with the results of the battle and lessons learned.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA192792

Entities

People

  • Frederick L. Breitinger Jr

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Africa
  • Air Defense
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Attrition
  • Bomber Aircraft
  • Bombing
  • Business Administration
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Fighter Bombers
  • Flight Training
  • New York
  • North Africa
  • Second World War
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation