MISSION DATE: July 4, 1944
MISSION NBR. 96
TARGET: Pitesti, Rumania - Steel Railroad Bridge
I. CHRONOLOGY
Twenty-eight
B-24 type aircraft took off at 0645-0720 hours to bomb the Steel Railroad
Bridge at Pitesti, Rumania. Three
aircraft returned early. Twenty-four aircraft over the target at 1016
hours. Twenty-three aircraft dropped
57.5 tons of 1000 lb G.P. bombs on the target at 1017 hours from 19,500 –
20,300 feet. One aircraft jettisoned
2.5 tons accidentally. Twenty-four
aircraft returned to base at 1335 hours.
One missing, last seen at 0921 hours.
None at friendly fields.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvous and route out were as briefed.
Target attacked at 1017 hours from axis of 124 degrees. Cover of P-51's, P-47's and P-38's observed
as formation approached I.P. of Raminical Valcea. Escort withdrew immediately after formation left target. Rally was right and the return route was as
briefed. Weather over target was
good. There was a haze with visibility
of 15-20 miles. Enroute, there was 5/10
cloud coverage over Yugoslavia and Rumanian mountains.
III. RESULTS
Observation
and photo-coverage revealed excellent bob pattern around aiming point with
probable destruction of target but smoke obscured assurance of definite and precise
hits.
IV.
ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak: None. Only one ship reported 3
bursts, believe this should be discounted.
V.
OBSERVATIONS
At
1156 hours at Stitkova, a reflector or blinker, coming up out of a wooded area
(steady flashing).
VI. CASUALTIES
One
aircraft lost, cause undetermined.
VII FLIGHT LEADERS:
Caywood Carr Mulhollan Healey Peterson Schirmacher
Lombard Noblett Kellan Carter Sullivan States
Gilday Lamirand Miller Martini