Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The 303rd was formed in Boise, Idaho, on February 13, 1942. It was organized into a headquarters unit, three heavy bombardment flying squadrons, and a heavy reconnaissance squadron. The flying units were the 358th, 359th, and 360th Bombardment (H) Squadrons, and the 31st Reconnaissance (H) Squadron. #2 The USAAF’s rapid wartime expansion led to accidents becoming commonplace. The unit diary entry for April 30, 1942, noted a totally pointless mishap: officers playing with an unloaded gun accidentally shot through a wall and window of the S-2 office. #3 The USAAF began to organize in England in 1942, and Brigadier General Ira Eaker was put in charge of VIII Bomber Command, the heavy bombardment component of the Eighth Air Force. Eaker was a longtime acolyte of Arnold’s, and he grew up dirt poor in Texas and Oklahoma. #4 The 303rd struggled to become combat ready, and it was clear that the group would not be ready for overseas duty as planned. The men continued to train, and they needed the training because of a foolish accident that occurred on May 27. While airborne, a pilot mistakenly activated the bail-out alarm.