"Initially, the 57th flew close air support missions against enemy troops and gun emplacements in the vicinity of Anzio, Italy; later, it flew bombing missions against railway marshalling yards at Foligno, Littoria, and Terni, Italy.

Between 19 March 1944 and 11 May 1944 the 57th took part in Operation Strangle to destroy Italian marshalling yards, railroad repair facilities and other rail targets such as bridges, tunnels, and viaducts.

"Its units trained to conduct long range bombardment, air refueling, and strategic reconnaissance operations around the world.

"[1] It was inactivated in June 1991[1] due to budget constraints and the reduction of forces after the end of the Cold War.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency