"FLYING COLT" LIBERATOR PILOT IN ITALY Diary and History 456TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (HEAVY) 15TH AIR Force ROBERT S. CAPPS, Colonel, USAF, Retired The famous "Battle of Britain" prevented the German invasion of England in 1940, because the Royal Air Force dominated skies over Britain. Nazi Germany was attempting to prevent the invasion of Europe (D-Day) by dominating skies over Europe, as the 456th Bomb Group arrived in Italy during January 1944. This was less than five months before the planned Allied invasion of Europe, ordered for early June, 1944. Germany dominated the skies! This book gives a detailed history how the 456th Bomb Group of B-24 Liberators helped gain air superiority in Europe, making D-Day possible, on time. During this great four month battle, the 456th Bombardment Group lost almost one-third of its aircraft. Written by Dr. Robert Capps a Group pilot during this period.