Formed in 1943, and equipped with B-26 “Marauder” bombers, the 53rd Bomber squadron took part in tactical bombing missions in Europe from 1944, mainly in support of Allied forces on the ground.
Less than two weeks after arriving in Europe, it helped prepare the invasion of Normandy by taking part in Operation Crossbow, striking launch sites for V-1 flying bombs and V-2 rockets, as well as carrying out numerous attacks on marshalling yards, bridges, gun emplacements and airfields.
Later that month, the squadron came under particularly heavy flak during an attack on Heuringhem, during which the lead aircraft in the group's formation was hit 264 times.
June 6, 1944 The squadron is active from dawn, attacking gun emplacements in Cherbourg, then striking communication lines, fuel storage sites and enemy strong points throughout Normandy.
On July 24, as part of a general movement of 98th Bombardment Wing units, the Marauders moved to bases closer to the invasion zone in southern England, and the following day supported Operation Cobra, the breakthrough of the Saint-Lô pocket.
Between August 7 and 9, the squadron carried out five attacks on heavily defended targets in northern France, earning the Distinguished Unit Citation. Later that month, the squadron moved to its first continental base, Tour-en-Bessin airfield in France. From this base, the 587th attacked strongpoints in Brest, France, and then began attacking targets in Germany from its bases on the continent.