Striking Back – February 1943 to June 1944

This gallery explores the evolution of American and Allied airpower during the critical period from early 1943 through the spring of 1944 as the Allies went on the offensive against Germany, Italy and Japan.  Visitors learn about the effort to develop an effective strategic bombing program and to gain the air superiority needed to support the advancement of Allied ground and naval forces.

Key events in this gallery include the invasions of Sicily and Italy, the battle to protect supply lines to China, successes in the carrier war and island-hopping campaign in the Pacific, and the build-up of strategic bombing capability in Europe.

Striking Back is the story of how aviation shifted the balance of power in Europe, the Pacific and the CBI, and its critical importance to the advancement of Allied forces on all fronts.