In World War Two the 8th Air Force became the greatest
air armada of any country in any war, reaching a total strength of 200,
000 persons by mid-1944 (it is estimated that more than 350,000 Americans
served in the 8th AF in the three years in Europe). At peak strength the
8th AF could put up over 2000 four-engined bombers and more than 1000 fighters
on a mission. For these reasons the 8th Air Force has become known as "The
Mighty Eighth."
The 398th Air Force Historical Society is a remarkably
large population of Army Air Corp personnel that served in World War Two.
Over twenty years ago, they formed a sanctioned group and have been looking
for "lost souls" ever since. My father, George R. Hilliard, is
unit contact. This nation, as well as you and me, owes a great deal to
all of the over two thousand current surviving members. They all have a
story to tell. My daughter and I have been assisting in a small way to
help locate people for my father. This has been rewarding in many ways.
If you know of someone that was in the 398th
Bombardment Group, you may: