The 438th was withdrawn with the group to French Morocco between 27 February and 31 May for reorganization and re-equipping, being based at Oujda Airfield from 3 March and Rabat–Salé Airport from 25 April. After moving forward to Sedrata Airfield, Algeria, on 1 June, it returned to combat on 6 June, flying missions to reduce Axis strength on Pantelleria and striking targets on Sicily in preparation and in support of the Allied invasion of that island. The 438th was relocated to Djedeida Airfield on 26 June, and after the capture of Sicily in August it flew most of its missions against bridges, airdromes, marshalling yards, viaducts, gun sites, defensive positions, and other targets in Italy, later in support of Operation Avalanche, the Allied landings at Salerno in southwestern Italy.