Doolittle takes command; the fighter mission changes
James Doolittle assumed command of the Eighth Air Force in January 1944 as the strategic air campaign was being reorganised for the invasion year. Fighter commanders already understood that merely sitting close to the bomber boxes surrendered initiative to the German interceptors. Under Doolittle and VIII Fighter Command, escort groups received greater freedom to sweep ahead, attack German concentrations before they reached the bombers and continue pursuit when an interception broke up. That was an extension of escort, not its abandonment. The operational purpose was now double. The bombers still…
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