er of Pantelleria, the 99th participated in the capture of the islands. The two islands were Lampedusa and Linosa. This was the first time in history that air power alone had completely destroyed all enemy resistance.Then after the takedowns of the three islands, Lieutenant Colonel Davis was called back to the states to take command of the all black 332nd fighter group which consisted of the 100th, the 301st, and the 302nd with a technical group.*11*The next year in the middle of January, the 99th and the 79th moved to Capodichino Airfield, near Naples on the western coast of Italy. From there the squadrons supported the battle of Anzio.During the Battle of Anzio on January 27, 1944 the 99th spotted a group of German fighter planes attacking ships near the beach of Naples. The 99th attacked the Germans and made five kills. Because of this battle, a few months later, in a study made by the Army’s statistical unit, the 99th was said to be a superb tactical fighter unit.Then finally, the 332nd got its action in the war. It was composed of the three groups 100th, 301st, and 302nd. They arrived in Italy in about early February of 1944. Their first assignment was to patrol Italy’s western coast. But when theyencountered Germans, they tried to pursue but their planes were too slow to catch up. Then in late May, the 332nd joined other fighter groups in General Eaker’s 15th Air force at Ramitelli. It was not until June 9, 1944, three days after D-day that the 332nd got their first important mission. The mission was to escort B-17 and B-24 bombers to destroy factories in Munich,*12* Germany and was led by Colonel Davis. As they neared Munich, Colonel Davis alerted that enemy planes were approaching the bombers from the rear. Then he ordered the 302nd to go get the enemies. They made five kills and had only one loss. The bombers accomplished their mission and told Colonel Davis when they got back to base that their formation fly...
