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Operation Torch (8–16 November 1942) was the Anglo–American invasion of French North Africa during the Second World War. It was aimed at reducing pressure on Allied forces in Egypt, and enabling an invasion of Southern Europe. It also provided the ‘second front’ which the Soviet Union had been requesting since it was invaded by the Germans in 1941. The region was dominated by the Vichy French, officially in collaboration with Germany, but with mixed loyalties, and reports indicated that they might support the Allied initiative. The American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, commanding the operation, planned a three-pronged attack, aimed at Casablanca (Western), Oran (Center) and Algiers (Eastern), in advance of a rapid move on Tunis.
Operation Chastise was an attack on German dams carried out on 16–17 May 1943 by Royal Air Force No. 617 Squadron, later called the Dam Busters, using a purpose-built "bouncing bomb" developed by Barnes Wallis.
John C. Meyer was the fourth highest-scoring American ace in Europe with 24 aerial victories and 13 aircraft destroyed on the ground. By the time an accident put an end to his combat flying, he had flown 200 combat missions. He remained with the Air Force after the war and later became the Commander in Chief of the Strategic Air Command. John C. Meyer was the fourth...
With 26.83 victories, Major George Preddy was the sixth highest-ranking American ace of all times, and the leading Mustang ace. He was shot down and killed by friendly ground fire on Christmas day 1944 while he was pursuing enemy fighters at very low level. With 26.83 victories, Major George...
"Hub" Zemke commanded the 56th FG, which became known as "Zemke's Wolfpack", and was one of the greates advocates of the Republic heavy fighter. He was shot down and captured in October 1944, having flown 154 combat missions and obtained 17.75 confirmed aerial victories. "Hub" Zemke commanded the 56th FG,...
Mahurin was the first American pilot to become a double ace in the European Theater and was also the only pilot to shoot down enemy planes in the ETO, PTO and Korean War. During World War II he was credited with 20.75 aerial victories, making him the sixth-highest American P-47 ace. He was also credited with shooting down 3.5 MiG-15s in Korea, bringing... Mahurin was the first American pilot...
Neel Kearby was one of the leading Thunderbolt aces with 22 enemy aircraft destroyed. On October 11, 1943 he led his 4-aircraft formation against a Japanese raid of 12 bombers and 36 fighters. Kearby shot down six aircraft during the action, with no American loss, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Neel Kearby was one of the leading...