North Africa
R E S T R I C T E D
HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH AIR FORCE
APO 650
GENERAL ORDERS
23 December 1944
NUMBER 277
CITATION OF UNIT
Under the provisions of Circular 333, War Department, 1943, and Circular 89, North African Theater of Operations, 10 July 1944, the 47th Bombardment Group (L), Air corps, United States Army, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy in North Africa on 22 February 1943.
During the critical period from 12 to 22 February 1943, when Axis forces broke through at Kasserine Pass and imperiled the entire Allied position in Algeria, the 47th Bombardment Group, rising above the normal call of duty in a decisive performance, distinguished itself by conspicuous gallantry and unyielding determination in the face of almost unsurmountable odds. With the Allied advanced airfields at Thelepte, Tunisia, already overrun and a ground attack on their remaining base at Youks-les-Bains in Algeria imminent, personnel of the 47th Bombardment Group resolutely continued to maintain this field operational, working long hours under constant strafing and bombardment and often standing guard against expected attack when off duty. On 21 February when the enemy breakthrough threatened to become and Allied disaster, our air forces received urgent orders to give all possible support in stopping their advance. As the most advanced bombardment unit in the theater, the 47th Bombardment Group, though undermanned, undersupplied, and its facilities already overtaxed, responded with an all-out effort. Working throughout the night to repair, service and load their A-20 type aircraft with the necessary bombs, ground crews succeeded in maintaining them in continuous assault on the approaching hostile forces from first light until fall of darkness on 22 February. Determined pilots, taking off in adverse flying weather, skillfully maneuvered through cloud and rain-obscured mountain passes to locate their targets. Then, displaying utmost courage and combat proficiency, they repeatedly attacked at minimum altitude through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, enabling their bombardiers to release more than seven tons of bombs upon the advancing armored columns with such devastating effect that 'before nightfall they had turned the enemy back in full retreat. In the eleven missions flown on that one day, the 47th Bombardment Group, through its unconquerable battle spirit, contributed in great measure to lifting the Axis threat from Algeria and in so doing, profoundly influenced the course of the war in the North African Theater. By their extraordinary heroism, unyielding determination and selfless devotion to duty, the personnel of the 47th Bombardment Group have reflected highest credit upon themselves and the Military Service of the United States.
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL CANNON:
(t) Charles T. Myers
Brigadier General, USA
Chief of Staff
OFFICIAL:
/s/t/ William W. Dick
Colonel, AGD
Adjutant General