"The Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney"
Paintings by Troy White that were inspired by the deeds of the 352nd Fighter Group during World War Two.
Accompanying photos were provided by the 352nd FG Organization.
Special thanks go out to Bob Powell, Tom Ivie, Sam Sox, Marc Hamel, Joe Noah and all of the other members of the 352nd FG Association that make it
"Second to None"
Pictured above are pilots of the 328th, 486th and 487th Squadrons which made up the 352nd Fighter Group.
Photos copyright ©352nd FG Association via Sam Sox . Used with permission.
The 352nd Fighter Group was activated on October 1, 1942 at Mitchell Field, Long Island, New York. The Group began to train on the P-47 Thunderbolt in March of 1943 and in July of that year was sent to England. Upon arrival the unit was sent to Bodney, AAF station 141. The 352nd operated from this base from July 8, 1943 until December 23, 1944 when the aircraft pilots and ground crews were sent to Asch, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. On January 23, 1945 the Group moved to Chievres, Belgium and remained there until April 13, 1945 when it returned to Bodney. The group produced 29 aces with five or more aerial victories. They lost 118 aircraft with 41 pilots killed and 33 missing.
The 352nd FG flew the P-47 from its first combat mission on September 9, 1943 until it completed its transition to the P-51 Mustang in April of 1944. When the Mustangs had their noses painted blue for easy recognition, the Group was dubbed the "Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney". The Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its role in the May 8, 1944 escort mission to Brunswick, Germany when it destroyed 27 enemy aircraft. On November 2, 1944 the Bluenosers shot down 38 German planes. This was the the second highest single day score turned in by an 8th AF fighter group during WWII. Additionally, the 487th FS was the only 8th AF Squadron to be independently awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation. They received the award for their role in the epic battle that unfolded over their home base at Asch, Belgium on January 1, 1945. The Squadron destroyed 23 German fighters that morning with no losses of their own.
The graphic above is reproduced from a wartime booklet on the 352nd FG
Click on any of the images to view a larger picture with background stories and accompanying photos.
New book Bluenoser Tales available from September 1st 2007!
For more info on the book and to check out the companion print of the cover art "Serenade in Blue" Click here
Many of the Bluenoser paintings are available as Limited Edition Prints and Canvas Giclées
All artwork represented on the pages of this website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without the knowledge, permission and express written consent of the artist Troy White. All text, photographs and graphics on the pages of this website, except where otherwise noted, are copyrighted by Stardust Studios. No copyrighted material appearing on this website may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including, but not limited to, electronic or printed, without the knowledge, permission and express written consent of Troy White, Stardust Studios.
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Revised: 15 Nov 2007.e-mail: Webmaster@starduststudios.com.
