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United States Air Force 44th Bomb Group (Flying 8 Balls)
![U. S. Air Force 44th Bomb Group (Flying 8 Balls) OK, Grove, Headstone Symbols and Meanings, U. S. Air Force 44th Bomb Group (Flying 8 Balls)](https://www.cityofgroveok.gov/sites/default/files/styles/full_node_primary_extra_wide/public/imageattachments/building/page/17041/44th_bomb_group.jpg?itok=w00kjufK)
U. S. AIR FORCE 44TH BOMB GROUP (FLYING 8 BALLS) - During World War II the 44th Bombardment Group was the first VIII Bomber Command B-24 Liberator heavy bombardment group stationed in England. It was initially stationed at RAF Cheddington on September 11, 1942, and moved to RAF Shipdham in October. The 44th operated from England for a longer period than any other B-24 group; sustained the highest Aircraft MIA loss of all Eighth Air Force B-24 groups; claimed more enemy fighters than any other Eighth Air Force B-24 group, and was the first group in the VIII Bomber Command to be awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for actions on May 14, 1943 for an extremely hazardous mission against naval installations at Kiel, Germany. The 44th Bomb Group flew its last combat mission on April 25, 1945. During the course of hostilities, the 44th flew a total of 343 missions and its gunners were credited with 330 enemy fighters shot down and its own losses. highest of any B-24 group in the Eighth, were 153.
Colonel Leon W. Johnson, while commander of the 44th Bombardment Group, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Polesti Raid on August 1, 1943. In the postwar era, the 44th Bombardment Group was one of the original ten USAAF bombardment groups assigned to Strategic Air Command on March 21, 1946.