12 Apr First Over Germany
First Over Germany by Russell A. Strong
(1982) First Over Germany: A History of the 306th Bombardment Group by Russell A. Strong is the history of the 306th Bomb Group.
The author, Russell A. Strong, was a navigator with the Milton M. Adam Crew of the 367th bombardment squadron, one of four squadrons in the 306th BG. Strong arrived at Thurleigh, the RAF airfield that housed the 306th, midyear 1944, and flew 35 bombing missions over France and Germany. He then went on to serve as a navigation instructor in the States.
During the years of his postwar career with Western Michigan University and after retirement Strong worked tirelessly in support of the 306th Bomb Group Association. He created the quarterly newsletter which included historical accounts of the 306th … both combat crews and ground crews. Past copies of the newsletter can be found at the office 306th BG website. As vintage issues are discovered they are digitized and added to the collection.
WWII historian Vernon L. Williams, who took over as editor of Echoes in 2007, calls this book one of the best unit histories to come out of World War II. In the preface, Russell Strong describes the years of research that went into it. The most interesting pages came from the 306th veterans themselves who sent their stories, often painful ones, to Strong. Some of these veterans also helped fund the project.
First Over Germany recounts the group’s history from October 1942 to April 1945. It is a must for anyone doing research on this group. It is very readable. I swear that some of the most harrowing stories have been woven into a few of the World War II movies I’ve seen.
Strong also printed a photo collection of the 306th combat crews. Both books are now out of print. Today you can buy a copy of First Over Germany on Amazon for about $200. The combat crew book has been digitized at the Oregon Chapter 8th Air Force Historical Society website.
Through the years, Russell Strong collected photographs and other historical materials which have become the foundation of the wealth of digital material now available on the 306th BG website. Last year the 306th Bombardment Group Historical Association donated its treasure trove of history (most of it collected by Russell Strong) to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.
In the author’s words: “Being a part of the 306th in 1944 was exciting, sometimes terrifying. Living again the 306th from 1974 to the present has been a most rewarding and enjoyable personal experience.”
Russell A. Strong died on the 2nd of October, 2009 in Charlotte, NC.
We can never thank our veterans enough.
Update: the book is now available for researchers and family to read at the website of the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association. https://www.306bg.us/library.htm
First Over Germany: A History of the 306th Bombardment Group on amazon
bruno zappaterra
Posted at 17:41h, 05 Octoberit is really a pity, noy to say something.,..worse, than a person not having at least 200 bucks to buy it….cannot read it….!
Pat DiGeorge
Posted at 19:02h, 05 OctoberI agree, Bruno. It’s very expensive to buy the copies. However, if you are doing research on someone in the 306th Bomb Group, if you go to the website of the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association and click on Education/Research, you will find tons of information there. If there is someone you are researching, let me know and I’ll help all I can. One other suggestion is our Facebook Group, 306th Bomb Group – First Over Germany. The historians there will help you, too! Good luck!
Ellen Schoonover
Posted at 02:11h, 12 JanuaryAcknowledging how costly “First Over Germany” can be, reading the accounts of my cousin who became a guest of the Third Reich on April 17, 1943 after the plane he was piloting (Banshee) was damaged where the surviving crew had to bail out, it is an excellent account for any who flew in the European Theatre during WWII.
Unfortunately, the author’s “Labor of Patriotism and Camaraderie” was mostly paid for by alumni of the group.
If you watch, you may find it for under $100.
Pat DiGeorge
Posted at 07:30h, 12 JanuaryEllen, great news … now the book is also available for researchers and family to read at the website of the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association. https://www.306bg.us/library.htm
Ann Louise Jeffries
Posted at 09:56h, 12 DecemberMy Father, Virgil H. Jeffries, was the pilot of Las Vegas Avenger. On his 25th mission—November 26, 1943 he and his men were shot down after completing their mission to Bremen. He and his co-pilot, and navigator evaded capture for 22 days, were captured and taken to Stalag Luft I were they spent the rest of the war. I remember well the day Russell Strong came to this house and interviewed my Father for his book, First Over Germany!
Pat DiGeorge
Posted at 16:49h, 15 DecemberAnn, thank you for this wonderful memory. We can never thank them enough.