Mount Vesuvius Eruption of March 1944

During World War II, with the war raging in Italy, Mt. Vesuvius erupted during March of 1944. The volcano destroyed between 78 and 88 of the 340th Bombardment Group's aircraft at the Pompeii Airfield. On March 22, 1944 the airfield was abandoned.

Vesuvius — Mount Vesuvius photos from National Archives and Records Administration

B-25 with ash from Mount Vesuvius eruption — B-25 Mitchell bomber with ash from Mount Vesuvius eruption

Vesuvius 321st Cassino — B-25s from the 447th Squadron of the 321st Bombardment Group on their way to bomb targets.

Finito Benito Next Hirohito — B-25J named "Finito Benito Next Hirohito," flying near the volcano in May 1945

B-24 Liberator flying near Mt Vesuvius in 1944

The above photo was takedn by John Sutay, former 57th Bomb Wing Historian, who passed away on May 31, 2002.