5th Bomber Command (V Bomber Command)
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF)

Background
5th Bomber Command (V Bomber Command), 5th Air Force (5th AF) was part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II.

Wartime History
On January 14, 1942 Headquarters, V Bomber Command transfer from Darwin to Java.

On March 2, 1942 V Bomber Command ceased operating from Java and ceases to function as an operational unit and withdraws to Australia. On May 6, 1942 when U.S. forces in the Philippines surrender, some V Bomber Command personnel left in the Philippines surrender to the Japanese and become Prisoners Of War (POW).

On September 5, 1942 newly arrived Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker becomes Commanding Officer (C. O.) based in northern Australia and Port Moresby in New Guinea.

On January 5, 1943 flying as an observer, Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker aboard B-17F "San Antonio Rose" 41-24458 led a bombing mission against Rabaul. After bombing, his bomber was pursued "closely pursued by four (4) to five (5) Zeros." [sic Ki-43-I Oscars from 11th Hiko Sentai] Left outboard engine [no. 1 engine] temporarily smoking." and went Missing In Action (MIA). For his actions, Walker later earned the Medal of Honor, posthumously.

After his loss, Brigadier General Howard K. Ramey became the Commanding Officer (C. O.). On March 26, 1943 piloting B-17F "Pluto" 41-24384 on a reconnaissance / administrative flight and went Missing In Action (MIA). After his loss, on March 29, 1943 replaced by Colonel Roger M. Ramey (no relation) becomes the Commanding Officer (C.O.) of 5th Bomber Command (V Bomber Command).

On February 20, 1944 Headquarters, V Bomber Command moves from Port Moresby to Nadzab Airfield.

On February 27, 1944 Colonel Jarred V. Crabb becomes the Commanding Officer (C.O.) of 5th Bomber Command (V Bomber Command).

On August 15, 1944 Headquarters, V Bomber Command moves from Nadzab Airfield to Owi Island off Biak.

During November 1944 Headquarters, V Bomber Command moves to Leyte in the Philippines.

On January 22, 1945 Headquarters, V Bomber Command moves to Mindoro in the Philippines.

During March 1945 Headquarters, V Bomber Command moves to Clark Field on Luzon in the Philippines and remains until the end of the Pacific War.

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker (September 5, 1942–January 5, 1943) †
Brigadier General Howard K. Ramey (January 5, 1943–March 26, 1943) †
Colonel Roger M. Ramey (March 29, 1943–October 1943)
Col Bill Davies (October 1943–February 1944)
Colonel Jarred V. Crabb (February 27, 1944–?)

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