SUNDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 1942

ETO - THEATER OF OPERATIONS: In the UK, Lieutenant Colonel Townsend Griffiss, aide to Major General James E Chaney, is killed when the aircraft in which he is a passenger is mistakenly shot down by RAF Polish fliers. He is the first US airman to die in the line of duty in Europe since the US entered World War II. The 8AF base at Bushy Park is later named Camp Griffiss in his honour.

(8AF): HQ VIII BC arrives at Daws Hill, England from the US; Major General Ira C Eaker assumes command.

ZI - ZONE OF INTERIOR: (HQ AAF): Major General Carl Spaatz suggests that the now "task-less 8AF" be made the nucleus for AAFIB.

For the build-up of US armed forces in the UK for an attack on Europe, to General George C Marshall in London. The plan calls for establishment of the 8AF in the UK.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): HQ VIII Ground Air Support Command is activated at Bolling Field, Washington, DC

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Major General Carl Spaatz is designated 8AF commander.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): Major General Carl Spaatz assumes command of HQ 8AF at Bolling Field, Washington, DC.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): The transport SS ANDES docks in the UK, carrying about 1,800 personnel for various 8AF units. This is the first large shipment of AAF troops to the UK.

ETO - EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (8AF): 39 officers and 348 enlisted men of HQ and the bomber, interceptor and service commands arrive at High Wycombe, England where the VIII Interceptor Command sets up HQ.