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Snetterton Heath airfield was constructed in 1942 to class A specifications. The main runway was 6,000 feet long with two secondaries of 4,200 feet each. When work started, the base was intended for RAF use then re-scheduled for the USAAF in 1943, Its USAAF designation was Station 138, Station-ID "SN". At one stage, it was planned to add an air depot, known as Eccles on the northern side of the airfield, Four additional T-2 hangars were constructed on this site but construction was stopped before all facilities were completed. From 1943 to 1945, Snetterton Heath served as headquarters for the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing of the 3rd Bomb Division.
The airfield was opened on the 3rd June 1943 and was used by the United States Army Air Force Eighth Air Force 386th Bombardment Group The 386th Bomb Group was assigned to the 3rd Bombardment Wing and flew Martin B-26B/C Marauder twin-engine medium bombers. Its operational squadrons were: 552d BS (RG), 553d BS (AN), 554th BS (RU), 555th BS (YA).
The group remained at Snetterton Heath for a few days only, being transferred to RAF Boxted on 10 June 1943.
The 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrived on 12 June 1943 from RAF Andrews Field. The 96th was assigned to the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing (later, 45th Air Division), and the group tail code was a "Square-C". It's operational squadrons were: 337th BS (AW), 338th BS (BX), 339th BS (QJ), 413th BS (MZ). The group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.
The 96th BG entered combat in June 1943 and functioned as a strategic bombardment organisation throughout the war.
Snetterton Heath units often led major operations carrying commanding generals. General Curtis LeMay led the famous Regensburg shuttle mission to North Africa flying out of this base, and received a Distinguished Unit Citation for withstanding severe assaults by enemy fighters. The 96th also led the 3rd Division on the famous Schweinfurt mission of 14 October 1943. The 96th received another DUC for leading the 45th Bomb Wing a great distance through heavy clouds and intense antiaircraft fire to raid important aircraft component factories in Poland on 9 April 1944.
In addition to strategic operations, missions of the 96th BG included bombing coastal defences, railway bridges, gun emplacements, and field batteries in the battle area prior to and during the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. After V-E Day, the group was scheduled for occupation duties in Germany however plans were revised. The ground personnel left Snetterton Heath in early December. The 96th Bomb Group was inactivated on 20 December 1945. After the war, the field was closed in 1948 and fell into disuse.
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