United States. Army. Air Corps. Bombardment Group, 5th

<p>Background During World War II, the 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) "Bomber Barons" (5th BG) operated the B-24 Liberator in the South Pacific (SOPAC) comprised of Headquarters Squadron (HQ), 23rd Bombardment Squadron (23rd BS), 31st Bombardment Squadron (31st BS), 72nd Bombardment Squadron (72nd BS) and 394th Bombardment Squadron (394th BS). Nicknamed "Bomber Barons" the motif was a skull with wings with "Kiai O Kalewa" (Hawaiian for "Guardians of the Upper Realm)</p>
<p>Commanding Officers (C. O.)
Lt. Col. Edwin B. Bobzien (April 1941–January 1942)
Col. A. W. Meehan (January 1942–October 1942)
Lt. Colonel B. E. Allen (November 1942–August 1943)
Lt. Colonel Marion D. Unruh (August 1943–December 30, 1943)
Lt. Col J. C. Reddoch, Jr. (December 30, 1943–August 1944)
Col. T. C. Musgrave (August 1944–February 1945)
Lt. Col. A. W. James (February 1945–March 1945)
Lt. Col. I. J. Haviland (March 1945–July 1945)
Lt. Col. A. W. James (July 1945–January 1947)
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<p>Wartime History
The 5th Bombardment Group operated in the Pacific during World War II. At the start of the Pacific War, assigned to the 7th Air Force (7th AF). In 1943 assigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF) and later the Far East Air Force (FEAF) until the end of the war.</p>

<p>Headquarters Squadron (HQ)
During 1941, the 31st BS was part of the 7th Air Force and based at Hickam Field. During 1942, assigned to Mokuleia Field. On December 1, 1942 arrives at Bomber 1 on Espiritu Santo.</p>