Description

The Renault armament and motor works at Paris, France are the primary target of this mission. 97 B-17s are despached: 91BG (26); 303BG (23); 305BG (18); and 306BG (30). 85 of the 97 despatched are effective on the target. Fighter resistance is heavy and 4-B-17s are MIA and 16 are damaged. The combined claims of bomber gunners are 47-13-6 on the attacking fighters. The 305BG meets the fiercest resistance, contributing 25-6-5 to the total. The 305th Bomb Group is awarded as Disinguished Unit Citation for this action. The number of enemy aircraft destroyed (47) is probaby an exageration, as the gunners from many bombers are firing at the attacking fighters. However, the numbers give a good indication of the resistance mounted by the Luftwaffe. There is no fighter escort for this mission. 

In addition to the main formation, a combined force of 25 B-24s are despatched from 2nd Bomb Wing (44BG and 93BG) to fly a diversion over the North Sea. There are no losses or claims in this group.