At peak strength the Eighth Air Force had approximately 200,000 personnel, 2,800 heavy bombers, and over 1,400 fighter planes. There were 40 bombardment groups and fifteen fighter groups. More than 350,000 Americans served in the Eighth during the war. Seventeen Medals of Honor were awarded to its crewmen, and the Eighth had 261 fighter aces. By comparison, at maximum strength the Fifteenth Air Force had 1,190 bombers.
