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ISOLATING THE BATTLEFIELD The B-26 Marauder, developed by the Glenn L. Martin Company, was first delivered to the Air Corps in February 1941. It's high landing speed made it the 'hottest' aircraft of it's time. This medium bomber contributed to Allied victories in Europe, North Africa, the Aleutians and the Pacific. The largest number flew in Europe isolating the battlefield prior to and after "D-day". By D-day, 6 June 1944, all major bridges in France scheduled as targets had been destroyed. The B-26's were the primary aircraft used to destroy railroad yards, roads, and communication centers as well as bridges, limiting the enemy's mobility. After World War II, Hans Speidel, a respected German general, highlighted the work of medium bombers. "Destruction of railways was making regulated railway supply impossible as early as mid-May 1944 ... Lack of fuel paralyzed all movement. The Seine bridges below Paris and the Loire bridges below the Orleans were destroyed from the air before 6 June 1944." The first B-26 Group assigned to the 8th Air Support Command, European Theater of Operations, arrived in England in March 1943. All B-26 Groups in the ETO as of 16 October 1943 were assigned to the 9th Air Force: 322nd 323rd 344th 386th 387th 391st 394th 397th Pathfinder Group * * * * * * * * * Other major B-26 Groups included: 12th AF, North African and Mediterranean Theaters: 17th 319th 320th 5th AF, Pacific Theater: 22nd  |