Honington, Suffolk, England

Located at RAF Honington in Suffolk, England, a square bronze plaque stands as a tribute to one of the most innovative tactical shifts of World War II—an initiative born from the leadership of the 384th’s own, Colonel Budd John Peaslee. In September 1943, he transitioned to the 1st Air Division (40th Combat Wing) as Chief of Staff. Drawing on his experience leading heavy bombers, Peaslee recognized a lethal gap in mission planning: the unpredictable European weather.

He pitched a concept to his old friend, General James "Jimmy" Doolittle. The idea was for P-51 Mustangs, piloted by experienced bomber pilots, to fly ahead of the formations and scout targets in real-time. Doolittle approved, and the 1st Scouting Force was born under Peaslee’s command.

Activated on September 19, 1944, at RAF Honington, the unit flew 107 missions there before moving to RAF Bassingbourn. By the war's end, they had led the 1st Air Division on every single mission during their tenure, bravely defending the bombers they were scouting for.

The memorial plaque at RAF Honington was dedicated by the Scouting Force Association in 1998. It reads: "In honor of the 1st Scouting Force Flight Operations and ground personnel supported by the 364th Fighter Group who served at Honington 21 September 1944 - 24 March 1945. Led by Colonel Budd J. Peaslee, and Lieutenant. Col. Allison C. Brooks, this group of volunteer bomber and fighter pilots, flying the mighty P-51 Mustang, lead the 1st Air Division on every mission, to every target during this period. They took the bomber stream through the weather, scouted all targets and, although not their responsibility, bravely defended the bombers when necessary. In Memory of Those who gave their lives while serving at Honington William Doherty, Charles Keany and Lawrence Visconti."