HEADQUARTERS
450TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) AAF
APO-520 US ARMY
S-2 NARRATIVE REPORT
MISSION DATE: JANUARY 15, 1944


MISSION NBR. 6

TARGET: Prato, Italy - Marshalling Yard

I. CHRONOLOGY
Twelve B-24's dropped 36 tons of 500 lb Demo. bombs in vicinity of target at 1230-1245 hours from 21,000 feet. Fifteen aircraft jettisoned bomb loads in Tyrrhenian Sea enroute to home base as they were unable to find target.

II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
There were five early returns to home base due to engine trouble or inability to join formation. The Group was escorted by P-38's from the 82nd Fighter Group.

III. RESULTS
Only twelve bombers dropped near target area. The primary target was not definitely claimed hit except by the aircraft returning late. Many hits seen in town area surrounding primary target. The aircraft returning late claimed at least four hits in the marshalling yard.

IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None observed or encountered.
B. Flak: None observed or encountered.

V. OBSERVATIONS
After final report went in, a Squadron Bombardier reported that eight large seaplanes were observed in the Ligurian Sea side of the lake designated on the map as Torre-Del-Lago. Thirty-nine large aircraft seen on the western end of air field of Island of Elba.

VI. CASUALTIES
None

VII. FLIGHT LEADERS
Mills Kingsman Gideon Richman