I. CHRONOLOGY
32 B-24’s took off at 0734 hours to bomb the Vipiteno R/R Bridge. 2 early returns jettisoned their bombs in the Adriatic. Of 30 a/c over the target 27 dropped 64.5 tons of 1,000 lb GP bombs at 1137 to 1143 hours from 23,000 to 26,800 feet. Of the 3 a/c not dropping on target 1 returned 2.5 tons to base because of rack malfunction the other 2 a/c jettisoned in the sea on the return route. 28 a/c returned to base at 1620 hours. None lost, 1 missing and 1 at friendly field.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused behind the 450th Group over Cazza on course at 13,000 feet at 0921 hours as fourth group in the Wing line. The route ot was as briefed except for overshooting the I.P. which resulted in the 719th Squadron (B-1) making a 360 degree turn to avoid Innsbruck flak defenses which brought the 718th Squadron (B-2) (who elected to follow the Able section) over the target in the 719th Squadron (B-1) position. The 719th Squadron (B-1) was therefore last over the target. The formation attacked on an axis of approximately 185 degrees true. A right rally brought the group on its briefed course back to base. All squadrons bombe visually.
Approximately 20 P-51’s met the formation at 1115 hours at 4726N-1224E and were last seen in the Florence area at 1255 hours.
There was no difficulty due to weather on route out or back. At the target CAVU conditions prevailed and the target was readily identified.
III. RESULTS
The following is the photographic interpretation of the results by squadrons:
717th Sq (A-1): 26 bursts plotted immediately West and South of bridge with one hit on South end of bridge.
716th Sq (A-2): 26 bursts plotted on mountain side from 1,000 to 2,000 feet east of bridge. 2 bursts are plotted in edge of M/Y 2,700 feet southeast of bridge.
718th Sq (B-2): 23 bursts plotted in open area 1,500 to 2,500 feet south of bridge with one hit on through tracks leading into MY.
719th Sq (B-1): 23 bursts plotted immediately south of bridge with one hit on tracks 200 feet south of bridge.
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak: At the target the flak was reported as Moderate to Intense, Accurate, Heavy and of from therr to seven minutes duration.
[Losses: None. Damage: From flak — 19 (7 severe, 12 slight). Casualties: None.]
