The 39th Bomb Group’s exciting journey began on April 12, 1944, at Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina, Kansas. Activated for the B-29 Superfortress program, the Group was a fresh start for a previous B-17 unit, ready for its vital role in the war.

By May, the Group’s personnel were arriving, with the 402nd Squadron deactivating and its members joining the 60th, 61st, and 62nd Squadrons. The excitement surged on May 15 as they moved to Dalhart, Texas, where Colonel Potter B. Paige assumed command on June 15, with Lieutenant Colonel Frank P. Sturdivant as Deputy Group Commander.

Dalhart was a hub of activity as the Group prepared for their move back to Smoky Hill, which finally happened in August and September. They found the 499th Bomb Group still using the field and learned from them while waiting their turn.

Command for the Squadrons was set with Colonel Woodward B. Carpenter for the 60th, Colonel William J. Crumm for the 61st, and Colonel Robert W. Strong for the 62nd. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Weir was the Group Executive, and Lieutenant James H. Thompson handled Operations.

By July 1, many had gone to Orlando, Florida, for B-29 bombardment training. In October, the 499th left for Saipan, clearing the way for the 39th to fully take over Smoky Hill.

Flying training intensified, and by January 15, 1945, the ground echelon departed Salina for Seattle, boarding the S.S. Howell Lykes, which reached Guam on February 18. Meanwhile, the flight echelon finished its final preparations.

With Colonel John G. Fowler taking over as Group Commander, the aircraft began their journey from Smoky Hill in late March. After processing in Kansas and traveling to the West Coast, they flew across the Pacific to Guam. The real action was about to begin, and as Colonel Thompson said, "Men, this is it!"