Description

Today's operations will be the most extensive yet mounted by VIII Bomber Command. The operations call for a "maximum effort". Whereas in the past a single target or those close together have been chosen, today's effort is against widley separated targets. The main effort for today will be the shipyards, U-boat pens and harbour facilities at Kiel, Germany. This target is defended by a substantial configuration of anti-aircraft batteries and fighter aircraft. The experienced Bomb Groups of 1st Bomb Wing and 2 Bomb Wing are designated to attack this target. Because of the distance to the target, figther escort is not possible. In addition, 92BG which has been operating as the host organization of a Combat Crew Replacement Center has been re-designated as a full combat group. 

The main force despatched against Kiel is a formation of 115 B-17s: 91BG (27); 92BG (7); 303BG (27); 305BG (28) and 306BG (26). Despite the heavy defenses 109 of the 115 depatched are effective on the target. Aircraft losses are light at 3 B-17s MIA. The bomber gunners put up a magnificent defense claiming 41-11-26 of the enemy. This force is joined by 21 B-24s despatched by 44BG. 17 of 21 are effective on the target. This force faces significant fighter attacks and 5 aircraft are MIA. The bomber gunners slug it out with the Luftwaffe and claim 21-13-1.The 44th BG is awarded the first Distinguished Unit Citation in the 8th Air Force for their actions on this date. 

Meanwhile, the Ford and General Motors vehicle factories at Antwerp, Belgium are the primary target for 42 B-17s despatched from: 94BG (21) and 95BG (21). 38 of 42 are effective on the target. NOTE: Roger A. Freeman reports 2 aircraft MIA from this formation 1 from 94BG and 1 from 95BG but only 1 can be supported from MACR records. The bomber gunners claim 5-1-4 on enemy aircraft. This formation receives fighter support from 118 P-47s despatched from 4FG, 56FG and 78FG. 

The German air depot Courtrai (now Kortrijk) Belgium is the primary target for 39 B-17s despatched from: 96BG (21) and 351BG (18), thus redeeming themselves from the turn-backs of yesterday and logging their first mission. 34 of 39 are effective on the target. 2 B-17s are MIA. The bomber gunners claim 0-0-1 on enemy aircraft. 

A power station at Ijmuiden, Holland is the primary target the 322nd Bomb Group (Medium). This Bomb Group is equipped with the Martin B-26 Marauder. 12 B-26s are despatched and 11 are effective on the target. This is the first mission for the 322BG and the first use of the B-26 by the 8th Air Force in the ETO. In October 1943, they will be transferred to the 9th Air Force for use in tactical, rather than strategic, bombing missions. 1 B-26 crashes upon return, 1KIA 5RTD, aircraft is salvaged.