The group flew the Boeing B - 17 Flying Fortress as part of the Eighth Air Force 's strategic bombing campaign .
The group entered combat on 13 May 1943 by attacking an airfield at Saint - Omer .
The group flew the Boeing B - 17 Flying Fortress as part of the Eighth Air Force 's strategic bombing campaign and entered combat on 13 May 1943 by attacking an airfield at Saint - Omer .