First in the Field"First in the Field" is a relevant title to describe the pioneer force destined to operate a hitherto un tested concept in modern aerial warfare: the 1st Bomb Division. The initial period of shallow penetration missions with a severely under strength force of B 17s, crews and support equipment was followed by growing and finally unsupportable losses. Nevertheless from early 1944 onward it was becoming clear that what was by then the 1st Bomb Division,