I. CHRONOLOGY
28 B-24’s took off at 0841 – 0859 hours to bomb VIENNA/FLORISDORF M/Y. None returned early. 28 dropped 54.5 tons 500 lb GP bombs in two sections at 1316 and 1322 hours respectively, from 23,500 to 24,500 feet. 23 returned to base at 1630 hours, 1 landed at friendly field to refuel returned at 1737 hours. None lost, none missing, 4 at friendly fields.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused with 450th Group over LA DLRIA as Wine lead on course to SAN VITO at 11,000 feet at 0949 hours. Continued on course to SARKANY (4742 N – 1715 E,) over which the formation passed at 1246 hours at 24,500 feet, thence to the IP, MALACKY (4826 N -1701 E) at 1307 hours at 24,500 feet. A PFF run was made over 8-10/10 undercast on the target on a heading of 247° T. A sharp rally right took the formation to TP, HOLLABRUNN (4834 N – 1604 E) where a turn to the left took them around the defenses of MOOSBIERBAUM and on course to base.
20 P-51’8 as escorts were observed at 1225 hours at 4700 N – 1740 E at 1225 hours. The escort was evaluated as excellent and departed at 1405 hours at 4650 N – 1600 B.
From SM VITO 10/10 undercast with few breaks persisted to the VIENNA area. Visibility in target area was 20 to 30 miles over 8 to 10/10 undercast. On return 8/10 undercast persisted to Yugoslavian coast.
III. RESULTS
Strike photos through breaks in the cloud cover reveal A sections bombs falling into the VIENNA residential district and B section’s falling into the mountains SW of VIENNA. All bombing was by PFF.
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak �M � A � H at the target with formation under fire from 4 to 8 minutes. 3 A/C were seriously damaged and 18 received minor damage.
V. CONCLUSIONS
None lost, 21 damaged (3 seriously 18 minor), 1 seriously wounded, no victories.
