From Pyote to Fortress Europe-
Viewing Guide and Extended Activities

This video tells the story of the 381st Bomb Group (Heavy) during World War II.

This unit provides a viewing guide with vocabulary and pre- and post-viewing discussion questions. There is also an enrichment activity which allow students to extend their knowledge or practice specific skills.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify events in the beginning, middle, and end (or outcome) of an historical narrative.
2. Identify the financial, material, and human costs of the war.
3. Discuss the effect of daylight bombing on the lives of the aircrews of the 381st Bomb Group.

National History Standards Correlations

• Standard 1: The student thinks chronologically. (Objective 1)
• Standard 2: The student comprehends historical narratives. (Objectives 1 and 2)
• Standard 3B (Era 8): The student understands World War II and how the Allies prevailed. (Objective 3)

Vocabulary (return to top)

Discussion Before Viewing (return to top)

1. What do you think the job of bomb groups such as the 381st was during the war?
2. Locate both Pyote, Texas and Ridgewell, England on a map.

[After student discussion, teacher should give a brief introduction of the objectives and topic to be studied.]

Discussion After Viewing (return to top)

1. Why was Pyote called the "Rattlesnake Bomber Base?"
2. What effect did the b ulding of the base have on the town of Pyote?
3. Describe the path most of the planes took to get to England. What was the reason for this type of route?
4. What types of transportation was used to move the group to England?
5. Discuss the tragedy that occurred on the ground at Ridgewell.
6. What was so big about "Big Week?"
7. How did a change in fighter tactics help in increasing mission survivability rates? What else was done to increase the chances that aircrews would survive?
8. Discuss the importance of ground support to the bomb groups success in the air.
9. What role did the 381st play on D-Day?
10. What type of targets were selected for bombing missions? Why do you think these were chosen?
11. What has become of Pyote and Ridgewell today?

Activity for Enrichment and Extension (return to top)