06/07/2026
Yesterday marked the 82nd anniversary of D-Day during World War II. Of the thousands of Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated in the operation, more than 300 Martin B-26 Marauder bombers took part in bombing targets that were crucial to the success of the landings.
One of the bombardment groups assigned to missions on D-Day was the 344th Bomb Group. The 344th was tasked with attacking coastal batteries and other strategic targets around Utah Beach and the Cherbourg Peninsula. Following D-Day, the group continued flying missions throughout Normandy and later supported Allied operations across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
While D-Day is often remembered through the stories of those who landed on the beaches, the success of Operation Overlord also depended on the aircrews who flew above them. Their missions helped weaken German defenses, disrupt transportation routes, and support the troops moving inland from the Normandy coast.
The University of Akron Archives and Special Collections preserves the history of the B-26 Marauder and the men who flew and maintained these aircraft through the B-26 Marauder Archives, which includes materials related to the 344th Bomb Group, such as the Carl Christ Collection, John Dinou Collection, and the Stanley Mitick Jr. Collection. On this anniversary, we remember their service and the many stories of courage, sacrifice, and teamwork that made D-Day possible.
1. B-26 Martin Marauder flying with "invasion" stripes, Stanley Mitick Jr. Collection
2. Page 1 of June 6, 1944 Mission Report, Carl Christ Papers
3. Page 2 of June 6, 1944 Mission Report, Carl Christ Papers
4. Copy of D-Day Mission Formation List, Carl Christ Papers
