During World War II, Operation Frantic was a series of air raids conducted by American bombers based in Britain or the Mediterranean which then landed at bases built by the Americans in Soviet-controlled Ukraine. This shuttle bombing technique complicated the defense of German targets. Originally, this program was to lead to establishing three heavy bomber groups in Soviet territory permanently. Only seven missions were actually flown in 1944 and '45 and only a small contingent of U.S. troops were based on the Eastern Front. The first mission was designated Frantic Joe . See Operation Bellicose
