Thirty-eight (38) B-24’s took off at 0615 hours to bomb Ebreichsdorf A/C factory. Three (3) returned early, of which one (1) jettisoned and two (2) returned bombs to base. Thirty-five (35) dropped 862 tons of 500-lb GP bombs with .1 and .01 fuses on target at 1030 hours from 18,000 to 21,300 feet. Thirty-five (35) returned to base at 1312 hours. None lost. None missing. None at friendly fields.

Rendezvoused with 450th Group over Manduria at 3,000 feet at 0720 hours on course to San Vito, thence to key point Biograd (4356N – 1527E) at 0846 hours at 12,000 feet to turn point Ostarije (4514N – 1517E) to turn point Litija (4603N – 1450E) to turn point Zeltweg (4712N – 1445E) to turn point Guszwerk (4745N – 1519E) to Initial Point Altenmarkt (4802N – 1559E). Axis of attack 101° True. Rallied right and continued on course to Szombathely (4714N – 1637E) to turn point Vrbeovec (4553N – 1625E) to turn point Drvenik (4327N – 1609E) to base.

Escort was provided from Belgrade at 0845 hours into, over, and withdrawal from target to a point near Yugoslavian coast, departing at 1145 hours. Excellent protection was provided.

Visual observation indicated poor results. Target appeared to have been hit by formations preceding this group and there was considerable fire and smoke in target area. Variation from the aiming points were many, being reported as, to right of target; plowed a corn field; some bombs over; scattered; and hit town 62 miles SW of target. Bomb strike photos show at least 100 bursts 2,000 to 4,000 feet east to southeast of Sollonau, eight miles SW of target. Majority in open fields between the town and a large military supply depot to the east. At least 140 bursts in extreme northeast corner of depot in a warehouse area. One warehouse had a direct hit. Some bursts in scattered pattern as far northeast as Pottendorf.

Fighters. Four (4) ME-109’s were seen near Pulignano at 1155 hours going 180° to our course, 500 feet below. No attacks were made. Four (4) unidentified A/C reported north of Litija at 0955 hours, none attacked. Seven (7) unidentified A/C reported at 1145 hours, followed the formation to the coast but made no passes. They were described as having bullet-shaped nose and looked like ME-109’s except for fuselage and tail. They stayed 1,000 yards off to side and made no passes.

Flak. In the target area this group experienced intense, accurate, heavy flak of the predicted variety, causing minor damage to twenty (20) of our A/C.

[No losses. Six slightly wounded. No victories.]

Pin It on Pinterest