From 1942 to 1945, the 344th Bombardment Group (Medium) AAF, known as the “Silver Streaks,” flew B-26 Martin Marauders in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. Assigned to Drane Field, Lakeland, FL, from December 1942 to January 1944, the group later led the Ninth Air Force into action on D-Day, striking gun emplacements on the Cherbourg Peninsula just 21 minutes ahead of landing craft. The group received a Presidential Unit Citation dated 31 August 1945 for action on 24-26 July 1944, and it honors the members who died with honor.