RESTRICTED
                                           HEADQUARTERS
                                        FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE
                                             AFO  520			C_UPD-rmb

GENERAL ORDERS)								5 August 1944	
              :
NUMBER  2331  )								Section

Citation  of Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   I

SECTION I - CITATION OF UNIT

	Under the provisions of Circular 333, War Department, 1943, and Circular 26, North 
African Theatre of Operations, 6 March 1944, the following unit is cited for outstanding 
performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy:

	483RD BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H).  For outstanding performance of duty in action against 
the enemy on 18 July 1944.  In connection with the counter air offensive against vitally 
import and high priority targets in Germany, the 483rd Bombardment Group (H) was ordered 
to attach and destroy the enemy airdrome and installations at Memmingen.  Enroute to 
the target, the Group became separated from the other Groups in the formation and from 
the fighter escort by extremely severe and adverse weather conditions.  Alone, the 
Group proceeded to the target area where it was aggressively attached by approximately 
two hundred (200) enemy fighters.  In the air battle which ensued, gunners of the Group 
shot down or damaged sixty-six (66) enemy aircraft at the same time losing fourteen (14) 
airplanes with their entire crews.  Undismayed by the ferocity and viciousness of the 
attack and in spite of the severe losses suffered, the remainder of the Group proceeded, 
and with great heroism, gallantry and determination, carried out the bombing attack as 
ordered, though under the concentrated gunfire of the entire enemy fighter force.  The 
bombs were dropped on the target with devastating effect, destroying all major installa-
tions and destroying or damaging an additional thirty-five (35) grounded enemy aircraft.  
Throughout the entire action which was carried out with exceptional gallantry and deter-
mination, and in spite of overwhelming  opposition, crew esprit and individual heroism 
could not be excelled.  By their professional skill and devotion to duty, their extra-
ordinary display of heroism in the face of unparalleled odds and the exceptionally gal-
lant manner in which this attack was carried out, combat and ground personnel, 483rd 
Bombardment Group (H), have reflected great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces 
of the United States of  America.

By command of Major General TWINING:

                                     R.K. TAYLOR
                                     Colonel, GSC,
                                     Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL:
	J.M. IVINS,
	Lieutenant Colonel, AGD,
	Adjustant General.