5th Bomber Command USAF

1943 Christmas Card for V Bomber Command

Brief History

During World War II the unit initially controlled Fifth Air Force bomber units involved in the defense of the Philippines. It was largely destroyed in the Battle of the Philippines, and withdrew to Australia at the end of December 1941, although elements of some units remained in the Philippines until April 1942.

Re-equipped, the 5th (V) Bomber Command was re-established in Townsville on 5 Sep 1942. V Bomber Command moved to Port Moresby in New Guinea in December 1942. In February 1944 it relocated to Nadzab Airfield before moving to the Scouten Islands in the Neterlands East Indies in August 1944. By November 1944 it was again in the Phillippines before moving to Okinawa in Augusat 1945.

A special reconnaissance unit was formed in Fifth Bomber Command in March 1944 to carry out comprehensive weather reconnaissance flights in B-25 Mitchells. Brigadier General Jarred V. Crabb was Commander of the Fifth Bomber Command at the time of its establishment. Crabb sought volunteer crews to fly weather missions to remote Japanese held areas of New Guinea. Pilots who were proficient in instrument flying were encouraged to apply. Crews who volunteered were sent home earlier than normal combat crews.

It was inactivated on 31 May 1946, and disbanded on 8 Oct 1948.

Honours

• Distinguished Unit Citation
• Phillippine Presidential Unit Citation

Unit Personnel

• Alfred Arthur Shepherd 30 May 1944 - 23 Jul 1944