VIII Air Support Command 75

2 October 1943

Description

This mission was directed at the German airfield of St. Omer/Longuenesse, France. 72 B-26s from 322BG (36) and 387BG (36) are despatched. Weather and cloud cover frustrate the bombing attempts and only 6 aircraft from 322BG are effective on the target. 387BG does not bomb at all. There are no aircraft losses or claims, but 12 aircraft are damaged. 1 airman is KIA and 4 are wounded.

Mission Details

SAINT OMER/LONGUENESSE

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

Notes: Cloud cover hampers acquisition.

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 9.00
  • People killed in action: 1
  • People wounded in action: 4
  • Aircraft sent: 72
  • Aircraft effective: 6
  • Aircraft damaged: 12

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

Lieutenant Paul Bensel and his crew of the 388th Bomb Group stand with a bomb, personally addressed to Hitler, and their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-5954) nicknamed "Mister Yank II" before the Regensburg Raid, August 1943. A B-17 nicknamed "Homesick Angel" is visible in the background.
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 482nd Bomb Group 562nd Bomb Squadron 812th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 37332004
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 2-Jul-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.