"Black Jack" patch

Formed in 1943 and equipped with B-26 Marauder bombers, the 53rd Bomb Squadron took part from 1944 in tactical bombing missions in Europe, mainly in support of Allied ground forces.

Thus, less than two weeks after its arrival in Europe, it contributed to the preparation of the invasion of Normandy by taking part in Operation Crossbow, striking V-1 flying bomb and V-2 rocket launch sites. It also carried out numerous attacks against marshalling yards, bridges, gun emplacements, and airfields.

Later that same month, the squadron faced particularly intense flak during an attack on Heuringhem, in the course of which the lead aircraft of the group’s formation was hit 264 times.

On 6 June 1944, the squadron was active from dawn, attacking gun positions at Cherbourg, then striking lines of communication, fuel storage sites, and enemy strongpoints throughout Normandy.

On 24 July, as part of a general movement of the units of the 98th Bombardment Wing, the Marauders moved to bases closer to the invasion area in southern England, and the next day they supported Operation Cobra, the breakout from the Saint-Lô pocket.

Between 7 and 9 August, the squadron carried out five attacks on heavily defended targets in northern France, which earned it the Distinguished Unit Citation. Later in the month, the squadron moved to its first base on the continent, Tour-en-Bessin Airfield in France. From this base, the 587th attacked the strongholds at Brest, France, and then began striking targets in Germany from its continental bases.