Twentieth Air Force  

XX Bomber Command

58th Bomb Wing

The 58th Bomb Wing was activated May 1, 1943, and first based overseas at Chakulia, India, from April 2, 1944, then at Kharagpur, India, between April 23 and October 12, 1944; at Hijli Base Area, India, from February 8 to February 24, 1945, and at West Field, Tinian, from March 29 to November 15, 1945. Comanded by Brigadier General LaVerne G. Saunders from March 5, 1944, then Colonel Dwight O. Monteith from February 8, 1945, until Brigadier General Roger M. Ramey took command on April 24, 1945. Voice code was "Loyal" during Marianas operations.

Click on the Image to see a large version of the Hellbirds logo.

462nd Group

The 462nd Bomb Group flew its first mission on June 5, 1944, to Bangkok. It received a Distinguished Unit Citation for the Yawata mission on August 20, 1944; a second award, for strikes on industrial of Tokyo and Yokohama on May23, 25, and 29, 1945. Squadrons were 768th, 769th, 770th, and 771st, the latter disbanded in October 1944. From April 7, 1944, the group was based at Piardoba, India, until February 26, 1945, then at West Field, Tinian, from April 4. Forward base in China was A-5, Kiunglai. Comanded by Colonel Richard Carmichael from August 26, 1943, until he was shot down and captured during August 20 Yawata mission, when Colonel Alfred F. Kalberer took over. Voice call was "Wicked."

462nd Formation nears its base in Piardoba, India. Click on the image to view the full image.

769th Bomb Squadron