Today in World War II History—Dec. 5, 1943

B-17 Flying Fortress “Maiden America” of the 385th Bomb Group is escorted on a mission by two P-51 Mustangs, including P-51D “Marymae” of the 357th Fighter Group. (Imperial War Museum, Roger Freeman Collection)
75 Years Ago—Dec. 5, 1943: US P-51 Mustang fighter planes first escort US Eighth Air Force bombers on missions, extending range of raids.
Japanese G4M bombers bomb Calcutta, India (350 killed) and nearby US Tenth Air Force airfields (500 casualties).
Pres. Franklin Roosevelt selects Gen. Dwight Eisenhower as Supreme Allied Commander for Operation Overlord (D-day).