The Tactical Air War over Normandy

Preparations for sustained tactical air operations began in October 1943 when Arnold transferred the headquarters of the Ninth Air Force from North Africa to England. The Ninth Air Force transferred its tactical units to the Twelfth Air Force, which remained in the Mediterranean theater, and initially drew on the Eighth Air Force for replacements.

During the first half of 1944, while the Eighth Air Force participated in the combined bomber offensive, the Ninth Air Force-commanded by Maj. Gen. Lewis Brereton and comprising the IX Fighter Command, the IX Bomber Command, and the IX Troop Carrier Command-acquired, trained, and equipped its tactical, technical, and service units. During its buildup, the Ninth Air Force also carried out medium-bomber attacks on the German rocket-launching sites on the northern coast of France and, in support of the combined bomber offensive, bombed airfields and marshaling yards, primarily in France. Fighters from the Ninth Air Force frequently flew long-range fighter escort for the heavy bombers of the Eighth Air Force.