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| The Mighty Eighth Air Force flew its last strategic bombing mission on April 21th, 1945. On May 7th, Gross Admiral Karl Dönitz, Kriegsmarine, signed the surrender orders
officially ending the war in Europe. The announcement of the cessation of hostilities was announced at USAAF bases in the European and Mediterranean theaters that day, but the
rest of the World would not get word until the next day, the 8th. Above men of the 486th bow their heads in prayer and an informal ceremony at Station 174. Locals near the base no doubt new something big was going on, and may even heard speakers over the base tannoy. Notice the dog near the base of the flag pole. He doesn't appear to be impressed. |