Almost Home by Jim Laurier

The 352nd Fighter Group was one of the most highly decorated USAAF Fighter Groups in World War II, producing many leading aces of the war. The 352nd was composed of three squadrons: (the 328th, 486th and 487th Fighter Squadrons). Once deployed to the European Theater of Operations the group was eventually headquartered in Bodney, England before being forward deployed to Belgium. It performed a variety of missions for the Eighth Air Force, but predominantly served as bomber escort.

“Almost Home” was created as tribute to the 352nd Fighter Group. A “combat out”, or loose formation of 352nd P-51 Mustangs is depicted crossing the coast of France over the English Channel on their way home to Bodney, England. Among the group of Mustangs shown are: Maj. George E. Preddy Jr. in “Cripes A’ Mighty" (26.3 victories); Capt. Edwin L. Heller in “Hell-er Bust” (5.5 victories); Lt. Col. John C. Meyers in “Petie 2nd”’ (24 victories); Capt. William T. Whisner in “Moonbeam McSwine” (15.5 victories).

During WWII the 352nd flew 420 missions, 59,387 operational combat hours, destroyed 776 enemy aircraft and had 29 aerial aces. They were known as “The Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney”. To the Luftwaffe, they were probably simply known as “trouble”.