772nd Squadron Patch
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The group received
two Distinguished Unit Citations (now called the Presidential Unit Citation) for its role
in World War II. The first citation was awarded after the group bombed oil refineries at
Ploesti, Romania, on May 18, 1944. The Citation was presented to the Unit on November 7,
1944 in the name of the President of the United States, by order of the Secretary of War
and General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff. The
Citation reads in part:
"The 463d Bombardment Group is cited for outstanding
performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy. Assigned the mission to attack and
destroy the Romano Americano Oil Refinery, Ploesti, Romania, in an effort to reduce the
total Axis oil production to a critical point in her military requirements. The ground
crews worked enthusiastically and with grim determination to have their aircraft at the
peak of mechanical perfection to insure the success of this mission despite the damages and
losses suffered by their group through a sustained period of operations. On 18 May 1944,
thirty-five B-17 type aircraft, heavily loaded with maximum tonnage, were airborne, and
despite adverse weather conditions rallied with the wing formation and set course for
their destination. Under continued adverse weather conditions encountered enroute, the
visibility became so limited, with dense cloud layers reaching to 30,000 foot elevation,
that all other units returned to base. Undaunted by the seemingly overwhelming odds, the
463d Bombardment Group continued on alone through the dense cloud coverage, which rendered
compact formation flying extremely hazardous. Despite intense, heavy, and accurate enemy
anti-aircraft fire encountered over the target, the gallant crews, displaying outstanding
courage, professional skill, and determination, though many of their airplanes were
damaged severely, maintained their tight formation and brought their ships through the
enemy defenses for a highly successful bombing run, inflicting grave damage to vital enemy
installations and supplies. Rallying off the target after the bombing run and while
unprotected by friendly fighters, the group was savagely attacked by approximately 100
highly aggressive enemy fighters. In the ensuing fierce engagement, while battling their
way through the heavy enemy opposition, the group lost 7 bombers; however, in the gallant
defense of the formation, the gunners accounted for 28 enemy aircraft destroyed, 30
probably destroyed, and 2 damaged. With the arrival of friendly fighters, the remaining
bombers proceeded for a safe landing without further damage. By the extraordinary heroism,
airmanship, and grim determination of the combat crews, together with the highly technical
skill and intense devotion to duty of the ground personnel, the 463d Bombardment Group has
upheld the highest traditions of the military service, thereby reflecting great credit on
themselves and the armed forces of the United States."
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