the 351st bombardment group was activated 1 october 1942 at salt lake city ab, utah. the group established at geiger field in washington in november 1942 where the group was assembled for initial training, and the second phase of training was conducted at biggs field, texas, between december 1942 and march 1943. the unit then moved to pueblo aab, colorado for preparation for overseas movement. the ground unit left pueblo for new york on 12 april 1943. the aircraft began movement on 1 april 1943. in april–may 1943, the unit moved to raf polebrook england to serve in combat with eighth air force. it was assigned to the 94th combat wing, also at polebrook. the group tail code was a "triangle j".