The 390th's Place in the European Theater
The 390th Bomb Group was one of forty bomb groups serving with the Eighth Army Air Force during World War II.

The Eighth Army Air Force, as with the other Air Forces, organized its assets into divisions and then wings. There were three air divisions under the Mighty Eighth. These divisions served as the intermediaries between the Army Air Forces and the operational units. During World War II, the Air Divisions were responsible for planning and executing combat operations, assigning targets, and establishing priorities to ensure efficient and effective utilization of air power in support of the Allies.

Under each division, each bomb group operated within a wing, or a larger organizational unit consisting of multiple units. The primary role of the wing was to coordinate, support, and provide strategic direction for the units under its command. By doing so, the wing was responsible for maximizing the combat capabilities of the units under its command.
organizational chart showing how the 390th bomb group fit into the military structure
Tail Marking: The Square J
Each aircraft had a tail marking unique to a specific bomb group. All 390th aircraft donned a Square J. The square symbol indicated the plane operated under the Third Air Division, what the “J” represented it belonged to the 390th Bomb Group.

The Square J has become as much of a symbol of the 390th Bomb Group as its unit insignia and still holds meaning to the veterans and their families, as well as the museum’s staff, volunteers, and members.
the square J, the tail marking and letter of the 390th bomb group
the 390th bomb group emblem
Unit Emblem: The SUr Le Nez

The 390th Bomb Group’s distinctive unit insignia was the Svr Le Nez. This emblem followed the Eighth Army Air Force’s rules and regulations for heraldry and was specific to the 390th.

In French, “Sur Le Nez” means “on the nose,” – accurate symbolism of the 390th’s precision and acc