Pantanella

Airfield
media-24353.jpeg UPL 24353 Pantanella Airfield, Italy
Home of the 464th and 465th Bomb Groups
15th AF

Object Number - UPL 24353 - Pantanella Airfield, Italy Home of the 464th and 465th Bomb Groups 15th AF

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Detailed History

41°08'14"N 015°55'12"E



runway: ..L/..R - ...x..m - PSP

runway: ..R/..L - ...x..m - PSP



Pantanella airfield was a semi-permanent airfield located approximately 15km south of the Cerignola, Apulia, Italy.

It was part of the Foggia Airfield Complex, a series of World War II military airfields located within a 25 mile (40 km) radius of Foggia. It had extensive taxiways, hardstand parking areas, a steel control tower and capacity for approximately 150 heavy bombers with large support facilities with blister hangars as well as wooden structures. The airfield was completed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers with two parallel PSP runways in May 1944.

The airfield opened months earlier, in February 1944, and became home to two Heavy Bomber Groups of the 15th Air Force, composed of 6 squadrons in total. Both Bomb Groups (464BG(H) and 465BG(H)) flew the B-24 Liberator and participated in both strategic and tactical bombing missions throughout southern and eastern Europe. Over time both Groups earned two Distinguished Unit Citations whilst at Pantanella.

After V-E Day, both Groups were assigned to 'Green Project', which was the return of troops from Europe to the United States via the South Atlantic Transport Route. For this role B-24s were modified with sealed bomb bays, the removal of all defensive armament, and internal fuselage equipped with seating to carry approximately 30 personnel. The airfield remained in operation until the end of the war and closed in July 1945.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 464th Bomb Group 778th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14062121
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Engineer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 464th Bomb Group 777th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-691627
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 465th Bomb Group 783rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18025023
  • Highest Rank: Master Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Engineer/Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 464th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Group Commander - Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 465th Bomb Group 783rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35880416
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant (RAF)
  • Role/Job: Gunner

Aircraft

The nose art of a B-24 Liberator (serial number 41-29490) nicknamed "Gemini ?" of the 486th Bomb Group. The nose art was painted by artist Phillip S. Brinkman.
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Gemini
  • Unit: 451st Bomb Group 486th Bomb Group Base Air Depot 2 832nd Bomb Squadron 834th Bomb Squadron 725th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Easy Maid
  • Unit: 464th Bomb Group 779th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: The Ugly Duckling
  • Unit: 464th Bomb Group 778th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Jackpine Joe
  • Unit: 465th Bomb Group 780th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: The Monster
  • Unit: 465th Bomb Group 780th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Pantanella: Gallery (12 items)