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