Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is an Italian made liberation medal which commemorates the Liberation of Rome. The Medal is a five pointed star, front bears the Air Corps propellor insignia in relief and the reverse is engraved.
Lt.
Bell
91st BOMB Gp
LIBERATION
OF ROME
JUNE 5, 1944
These medals are extremely rare as they were locally made and were sold and given to the American soldiers after the battle as a thank you from the Italian people to their Liberators.
On the June 5th 1944, the people of Rome flooded into the streets to welcome the arrival of the Allied troops. The men had marched from the south, following their success at the Battle of Monte Cassino. Now, the crowds were celebrating the liberation of Rome from German occupation.
Shops and workplaces were closed for the day and the reigning Pope – Pius XII – appeared on the balcony of the Vatican to address the jubilant crowds below in St Peter’s Square. He gave thanks for this victory, particularly as the ancient city had suffered remarkably little damage in the course of the battle.
The Pope praised the “goodwill on both sides”, since the city had survived its occupation and liberation largely intact.
The 91st Bomb Group, known more informally as "the Ragged Irregulars", flew 340 missions between 7-November-1942 and 25-April-1945 in 9,591 sorties dropping 22,142 tons of bombs. The Group lost 197 aircraft MIA.
Before D-Day these were predominantly strategic bombing missions, hitting targets like aircraft factories, air fields and oil facilities. After the Allies had gained a foothold on the Continent, the Group carried out more missions in support of ground troops, such as bombing railway yards and tracks. With 420 enemy aircraft destroyed, the Group had the highest total claim of all the Eighth Air Force Bomb Groups. The Group also had the highest losses of any of these Bomb Groups, with 197 aircraft reported as missing in action over the course of the war.
CLAIMS To FAME:
Highest total claims of enemy aircraft destroyed in 1sr Bomb Division: 420
Highest losses of all 8AF Bomb Groups: 197 Aircraft MIA
First 8AF BG to attack a target in the Ruhr: 4-Mar-43 DUC awarded.
Lead the famous Schweinfurt mission of 17-Aug-43
First 8AF Bomb Group to complete 100 missions: 5-Jan-44
