363rd FIGHTER GROUP IN WORLD WAR II

In action over Germany with the P-51 Mustang, flying escort and ground support missions. The 363rd Fighter Group was the third P-51 Mustang-equipped unit to enter combat in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II. Over the years, very little has been written about the 363rd, primarily because it flew as a pure fighter unit for only seven months. Disbanded to become a Tactical Reconnaissance Group, the 363rd did not amass a large victory total compared to other Eighth and Ninth Air Force units, and as such has not warranted the attention of historians or the general public. This history is intended to shed light on the achievements of the 363rd for the period it flew escort and ground support missions over Europe. The day-to-day operations are interspersed with quotes from the group and squadron diaries, and supplemented by an exhaustive appendix to give the reader a look into the combat activities of this little-known Army Air Force organisation. With over 220 black and white photographs and colour aircraft profiles.