This Day in 303rd Bomb Group History: June 3rd

glm@303rdbg.com (Gary L. Moncur) — 03 Jun 2026 14:36:33 -0000

June 3, 1943
8th AF: HQ 5th Air Defense Wing arrives at Duxford, England from the US. This unit will be redesignated the 66th Fighter Wing in Jul 43. HQ 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 545th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) arrive with B-17's at Grafton Underwood, England from the US. HQ 386th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 552nd, 553rd and 554th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) arrive with B-26's at Snetterton Heath, England from the US.

June 3, 1944
303rd BG (H) Combat Mission No. 169
Target: Gun Emplacements at St. Cecily, France
Crews Dispatched: 21
Length of Mission: 5 hours, 15 minutes
Bomb Load: 12 x 500 lb G.P. M-43 bombs
Bombing Altitude: 20,500 ft
Ammo Fired: 140 rounds

June 3, 1944
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS 8th AF: In Operation COVER, two missions, both designated Mission 388, are flown. In the first, 219 of 238 B-17s and 120 of 124 B-24s attack coastal defenses in the Pas de Calais, France area, bombing a total of 22 targets; 21 B-17s and 24 B-24s are damaged; no casualties. Escort is provided by 91 P-38s and 129 P-47s. In the second raid, 97 of 102 B-17s and 98 of 104 B-24s hit 16 of the same targets hit in the morning; 2 B-17s are damaged. Escort is provided by 102 P-38s, 34 P-47s and 83 P-51s; 1 P-51 is lost and 1 P-38 is damaged; 1 airman is MIA. During the night, 23 B-24s participate in CARPETBAGGER operations in France.