Description

Two separate fighter operations are utilized to escort the two heavy bomber operations attacking at Frankfurt, Germany and Chartres, France.



The first operation is a despatch of 589 fighters of types: P-38; P-47 and P-51. 33 P-38s from 364FG are despatched on their first combat operation escorting the heavy bombers attacking at Frankfurt, Germany. 1 aircraft is damaged. There are no losses, casualties or claims in this element.



445 P-47s are despatched to escort the heavy bombers attacking at Frankfurt, Germany. 8th Air Force: 56FG; 352FG; 353FG; 355FG; 356FG; 359FG; and 361FG these are joined by IX Fighter Command: 358FG; 362FG and 365FG. 1 8th Air Force aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 1 POW. 1 aircraft from IX FC 365FG Failed to Return (FTR) 1EVD. 7 aircraft are damaged. The fighters of this element claim 13-2-3 of attacking German aircraft. There are no other losses or casualties.



111 P-51s are despatched from: 4FG and 357FG to escort the heavy bombers attacking at Frankfurt, Germany. 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 1KIA. 2 aircraft are damaged. The fighters in this element claim 4-0-1 of attacking German aircraft. There are no other losses or casualties.



The second fighter operation is the despatch of 281 fighters of types: P-38; P-47 and P-51 to escort the heavy bombers attacking at Chartres, France. 89 P-38s from 20FG & 55FG are despatched. 1 aircraft with battle damage is Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) is a crash landing upon return - 1RTD. There are no other losses, casualties or claims in this element.



145 P-47s are despatched. 8th Air Force: 78FG; IX Fighter Command: 362FG and 365FG. There are no losses, casualties or claims in this element.



P-51 despatch is all from IX Fighter Command and detailed under another title.