Join us Saturday, May 28th, for a very special event!
On March 18, 1945, more than 1,300 United States Army Air Force B-17 and B-24 bombers, escorted by over 700 P-51 Mustangs, was met by a force of Luftwaffe Me 262 jet fighters.
Throughout the spring of 1944 Allied air forces crippled the Luftwaffe such that, by the invasion of Normandy, the Allies had achieved air supremacy in the skies over France. Allied bombers then resumed their attacks on Germany to fatally damage its ability to wage war.
By the spring of 1945, U.S. forces repelled the German counteroffensive in the Battle of the Bulge. In the east, Soviet forces were pushing the Germans westward. On both fronts German forces continued to inflict heavy casualties on Allied forces. Even so, the end of the war in Europe seemed to be in sight.
The Allied bombing campaign intensified. It culminated with a series of very large attacks on Berlin in February and March of 1945. On March 18th, the 8th Air Force sent 1,329 B-17 and B-24 bombers, escorted by 733 P-51 Mustang fighters, to attack targets in greater Berlin. The Luftwaffe responded with one of the largest groups of Me 262 jet fighters ever assembled. The ensuing fight resulted in what has been termed the largest USAAF air battle of 1945.
Docent and U.S. Air Force veteran Matt Ouding will describe the events that led to the large air attacks on Berlin. He'll focus on the March 18th mission and why this large mission was conducted even with the end of the war in sight.
The presentation will be followed by a flight demonstration of the P-51D Mustang 'Stang Evil, weather permitting.
8:00 am Doors Open
9:30 am Presentation
10:00 am Walk-Around, Special Cockpit Photo Opportunity, and Start-Up
Standard admission prices are in effect. The purchase of advance on-line tickets is encouraged. Advance ticket prices are:
Adult $15
Child (4-12) $11
Senior and Military $13
WWII Veterans Free admission
Parking Free
Story Credit: Rich Tuttle
Photo Credit: Bill Lavery Aviation Photography & Digital Art
