I. CHRONOLOGY
40 B-24’s took off at 0814 hurs to attack Baker area [Lugo, Italy]. There was one early return due to engine failure. 39 dropped 91.2 tons of clustered fragmentation bombs on primary target from 1153 to 1157 hours from 19,800 to 21,600 feet. 39 returned to base at 1423 hours. None lost, none missing and none at friendly fields.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused over Manduria at 14,000 feet at 0952 as the third group in the Wing line. The course was as briefed to I.P. at Cesenatica (4412N-1224E), attacking on a heading of 303 degrees true. Rallied left to rally point at S. Pietro (4352N-1159E) and proceeded out to Adriatic at 4246N-1446E to jettison hung-up bombs, to 4207N-1526E to base.
The weather showed 1-2/10 low cumulus with tops at 6,000 feet confined to the Italian East coastline. It was clear elsewher, although over the northern portion of the route haze restricted visibility to 20 miles. At the target there were no clouds but haze restricted horizontal visibility to 10 miles. There were no clouds at any point on the return route or over the base.
No specific rendezvous was made with escort but approximately 20 to 25 P-51’s patrolled the target area.
III. RESULTS
Bombing was done by two attack units of two boxes each. Bomb strike photos show that the first section made up of the 716th and 717th squadrons had a good concentration of bursts immedicately north and south of the aiming point and comvering a wide area. The general pattern extends approximately 7,000 feet west of the aiming point.
The second section made up of the 716th and 719th squadrons had a heavy concentration of bursts immediately north of aiming point and covering a wide area to approximately 8,000 feet west of aiming point.
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: No E/A were sighted.
B. Flak: Primary flak was reported as S-I-H.
[Losses: None. Damage: From flak — 4minor. Casualties: None.]
