7th Bombardment Group Historical Foundation

The 7th Bombardment Group Historical Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to commemorating and preserving the history of the U.S. Army Air Forces' 7th Bombardment Group, particularly its service during World War II. The foundation operates under the tax identification number EIN 742466548.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the foundation is to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the personnel who served in the 7th Bombardment Group. It aims to provide factual historical information and support the preservation of the unit's legacy, especially in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater during World War II.

Activities

The foundation is involved in collecting and sharing personal accounts from surviving veterans, maintaining rosters of former members, and facilitating access to historical records. Its efforts contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the group's operations, which included significant participation in key campaigns in Burma, China, and Southeast Asia during the early 1940s.

Historical Context

The 7th Bombardment Group itself was originally activated in 1928 and played a crucial role in U.S. military aviation history, evolving from its early days as the 1st Army Observation Group in 1918. The group famously left the United States in late 1941 to reinforce the Philippines, with several B-17s arriving in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Over the course of the war, the group flew missions with B-17s and later B-24 Liberators from bases in India, targeting enemy forces across Burma and into Southeast Asia.

Impact

By preserving the stories of veterans and documenting the unit's operations, the foundation ensures that the historical achievements and sacrifices of the 7th Bombardment Group are remembered and respected for future generations. This work supports educational initiatives and memorial activities, keeping alive the memory of those who served in one of the U.S. Army Air Forces' most storied units.