The 306th Bomb Group Historical Association keeps the stories, documents, and photographs of the 8th Air Force's 306th Bombardment Group (H) — the first American heavy bomber group to bomb Germany in World War II — alive for families, researchers, and future generations.
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During 1943, the 8th Air Force suffered devastating losses because the Allied fighters at the time did not have the fuel capacity to escort the bombers deep into Germany and back to their bases. The losses culminated in October during Black Week when over four bombing missions into Germany 148 bombers were lost; almost 1,500 men.
Read the story →306th veteran Andrew W. Tolmachoff recounts his journey from training to combat as a B-17 gunner with the 369th Bomb Squadron — a remarkable story of courage, survival, and the personal cost of war.
Read the memoir →Explore the 306th through veteran interviews, oral histories, documentaries, Thurleigh and Museum videos, reunions, memorials and other historical programs — all brought together in one convenient place by the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association.
Visit the channel →The 306th BGHA is planning a trip to Thurleigh to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Museum in July 2027. More information to come.
Visit the museum →The latest issue features veteran stories, historical research, and news from the Association.
Read Echoes →Shirts, caps, patches, challenge coins, and 306th memorabilia. Proceeds support the association and the Thurleigh museum.
Store opening soonThe 306th BGHA is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3). Your support preserves decades of research, keeps Echoes in publication, and helps families find their veterans.