83rd Anniversary of the Eighth Air Force

Tuesday, January 28th is a historic day for both the City of Savannah and the United States. Eighty-three years ago, January 28, 1942, the charter for the Eighth Air Force was created in a former National Guard Armory, 1108 Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia. Its main objective was two-fold: first, to cripple Hitler's war making capabilities by destroying factories and taking out transportation lines; and second, to clear the skies of the Luftwaffe so that an allied landing on continental Europe would be possible. Lieutenant General Henry “Hap” Arnold appointed Major General Carl Spaatz to command the new Eighth Air Force. Brigadier General Frank Hunter, of Savannah, was put in charge of Fighter Command and Brigadier General Ira Eaker was made head of the bombardment force.

Of the 350,000 members of the Eighth Air Force serving during World War II, 26,000 were killed in action and another 28,000 became prisoners of War. Instrumental in the victory over Germany, the Eighth Air Force grew to be the “Greatest Air Armada of all Time.”

In recognition of this historic anniversary both the City of Savannah and Chatham County Commission will issue proclamations at their respective meetings this week. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force kicks off a yearlong celebration starting with $8.00 admission Tuesday, January 28th, and 8% discount in the museum store.