353rd

The 353rd typically refers to the 353rd Fighter Group, a United States Army Air Forces unit that served during World War II. Activated in 1943, the group was part of the Eighth Air Force and operated primarily from bases in England throughout the European theater of operations.

The unit was initially equipped with P-47 Thunderbolt fighters and later transitioned to P-51 Mustangs, which became their primary aircraft for escort missions. The 353rd Fighter Group was responsible for providing long-range escort protection for heavy bomber formations conducting strategic bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Europe and Germany. Their missions were crucial in ensuring the success of daylight precision bombing campaigns that targeted industrial and military installations.

During its operational deployment, the 353rd participated in numerous significant air battles over occupied territories, including missions over France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. The group flew hundreds of combat missions and claimed the destruction of over 200 enemy aircraft, while also suffering considerable losses in personnel and aircraft.

The unit was credited with distinguished service and received multiple commendations for their contributions to the Allied air campaign. Their work helped establish air superiority over Europe, which was essential for the success of ground operations including the D-Day invasion and the subsequent liberation of Western Europe.

After the war in Europe ended in May 1945, the 353rd Fighter Group was inactivated in October of the same year. The unit's legacy represents the important role of fighter escort missions in World War II aviation warfare and the significant contributions of American airpower to the Allied victory in Europe.