Hethel Airfield, Station 114, was one of the first newly built bomber stations in Norfolk. The land was purchased in 1940, with construction beginning the following year ready for opening in 1942. Initially, the station was due to house an RAF unit, and then assigned to the 12th American Army Air Force, but plans were changed and the airfield was allocated to the USAAF Eighth Air Force.

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The 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), known as 'The Sky Scorpions', arrived at Hethel in Norfolk, England, from Colorado in the United States, between June and July 1943. The 389th was assigned to the 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing, flying B-24 Liberators, and was made up of the following four squadrons: the 564th, 565th, 566th and the 567th Bomb Squadrons.

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Shortly after arrival in England, a detachment was deployed to Libya in North Africa, where operations began from the July 9th 1943. From there, on the August 1st 1943, they were to participate in one of the most infamous bombing raids of the Second World War - an attack on the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania. Only the B-24s had the range for the mission, which lasted up to 14 hours. The group received a DUC (Distinguished Unit Citation, now known as the Presidential Unit Citation), and were rewarded with the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) for their efforts in the raid. One of the brave airmen, Lt. Lloyd H. Hughes, was awarded with America's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honour, posthumously, for his extraordinary bravery in the battle - refusing to turn back his severely flak damaged plane, known as Eager Eagle, and continuing with the mission - paying the ultimate price.

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In all, the 389th flew a total of 321 missions over enemy territory between June 16th 1943 and May 28th 1945 - flying its last combat mission on April 25t 1945. The group lost 116 B-24 Liberators and more than 830 members of aircrew and ground personnel. It is in their honour that we have constructed the memorial exhibition, and we will always remember their sacrifice.