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Okaloosa County BOCC — November 16, 2013 — 86th Fighter-Bomber proclamation — reading text
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PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners is pleased to commend the 86 th
Fighter-Bomber Group Association and its valiant service in World War II on their reunion, celebrated in
remembrance in Okaloosa County, on September 18-22, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the 86th Fighter-Bomber Group entered combat from North Africa in July 1943.
Fighting from bases in Sicily, Italy, Corsica, France and Germany, flying the A-36, P-40 and P-47, they
remained in action until victory in Europe – followed by occupation and the 86th is still in Germany to-
day; and
WHEREAS, in three major invasions and eight main campaigns, the Group’s record of de-
stroyed enemy equipment and personnel casualties is among the top of American units. The losses were
not light, 25 percent of pilots were killed in action: and
WHEREAS, the Group was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations; one in the breakout of
Anzio Beachhead in May 1944, the other in finish of the German Air Force in April 1945; and
WHEREAS, some pilots of the 86th had gunnery training at Eglin before going overseas. After
the war, officers and airmen of the 86th served at Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field.
This reunion of the WWII unit and their families in Fort Walton Beach maybe their last; and
WHEREAS, recognition of this event is a fitting tribute to the members of the 86th Fighter-
Bomber Group. Their accomplishments in victory in World War II are a justifiable source of pride and
reflection of their service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Okaloosa
County, Florida, that we do hereby proclaim September 18 through September 22, 2013 as
“86th FIGHTER-BOMBER GROUP (WORLD WAR II) DAYS IN OKALOOSA COUNTY”
DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of September, 2013.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA
ATTEST: _________________________________
DON R. AMUNDS
CHAIRMAN
___________________________
DON W. HOWARD
CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT