Hell’s Angels

During the airbattles that destroyed Nazi Germany’s ability to wage war, one bomb group wasespecially distinguished.

The Hell’s Angels.

At the outbreak of World War II, the United States was in noway prepared to wage war. Although the US declared war against Germany inDecember 1941, the country lacked the manpower, the equipment, and theexperience it needed to fight. Even had an invasion force been ready, asuccessful assault on Nazi-occupied Europe could not happen until Germany’sindustrial and military might were crippled.

Because no invasion could happen without air superiority,the first target was the Luftwaffe—the most powerful and battle-hardened airforce in the world. To this end, the United States Army Air Forces joined withGreat Britain’s already-engaged Royal Air Force to launch a strategic aircampaign that ultimately brought the Luftwaffe to its knees. One of thestandout units of this campaign was the legendary 303rd Bomb Group—a.k.a. Hell’sAngels.

This is the 303rd’s story, as told by the men who made itwhat it was. Taking their name from their B-17 of the same name, they becameone of the most distinguished and important air combat units in history. Thedramatic and terrible air battles they fought against Germany changed thecourse of the war.