Monument Details

384th Bombardment Group 'First and Last Bombs Dropped by The 8th Air Force' Memorial

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Details:

The monument is located at the southern end of the former runway that runs from the southwest to the northeast. It is just off of the road to the immediate west of an information tablet that explains the significance and history of the former Grafton Underwood Airfield.

Monument

This black and brown granite monument recognizes (in English) the actions of the 384th Bombardment Group and four of its squadrons. In addition to the text on the front of the monument, there is the insignia of the 384th Bomb Group as well as a depiction of a B-17 Flying Fortress. On the back of the monument is more text and another depiction of a B-17. The granite base of the monument features the insignia of four separate squadrons of the 384th: the 544th, the 535th, the 546th, and the 547th. Lastly, on the ground in front of the monument, there is a bronze plaque that displays a small map of the memorial's location as well as the former runways. Additionally, in front of the monument, there are four small granite pillars that bear the same squadron insignia as the monument that form a small fence.

Monument Text:

Front:

"The 384th Bombardment

Group (H)-8th Air Force

Of The

United States of America

Flew From This Airfield

1943 - 1945."

Back:

"The First and Last

Bombs Dropped by The

8th Air Force Were From

Airplanes Flying From

Grafton Underwood."

Bronze Plaque:

"The 384th Bombardment Group (H)

Memorial Avenue of Trees

Colonel William E. Dolan

Memorial Avenue

Runway 12-30

Colonel Budd J. Peaslee

Memorial Avenue

Runway 6-24

Memorial Monument"

Commemorates:

People:

William Edward 'Pops' Dolan

Budd J. Peaslee

Units:

384th Bomb Group (Heavy)

544th Bomber Squadron, 384th Bomb Group, Heavy

545th Bomber Squadron, 384th Bomb Group, Heavy

547th Bomber Squadron, 384th Bomber Group

8th Air Force

United States Air Force

Wars:

WWII

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