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= 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) =

History
The 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was formed during the early stages of World War II. General Orders No. 46, dated 01 Apr 43, brought to life, in name only, this new war baby. Soon men and material began to flow into the organization and it started to take shape. The initial cadre who made up the elements of the 445th Bomb Group came from various units. The selection of Lt. Colonel Robert H. Terrill proved to be fortuitous as he was a West Point graduate with many years of experience in the Army.

The 445th Bomb Group was activated at Gowen Army Air Field, Boise Idaho. It would consist of a Group Headquarters and four bombardment squadrons (700th, 701st, 702nd, and 703rd). The initial Staff consisted of Lt. Col Terrill, Group Commander; Maj Andersen, Deputy Group Commander; and four squadron commanders: Capt Irving H. Ward, 700th Bomb Squadron; 1st Lt. Howard E. Kreidler, 701 Bomb Squadron; 1st Lt. James C. Evans, 702nd Bomb Squadron; and Capt Willis B. Sawyer, 703rd Bomb Squadron. The Group Operations Officer was Capt. William W. Jones.

At the end of April, 1943 a portion of the 445th Bomb Group was sent to the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT) at Orlando Florida.