401st Bomb Group, Mission No. 207, 14 Feb 1945, Dresden, Germany. Briefing took place at 0400 hours, as the mission was to be a long one. Pilots were advised that on takeoff they would encounter a 30 degree crosswind at 15-20 miles per hours. Aircraft loading was six 500 pound G.P.'s plus six 500 pound M17's. All operational aircraft were airborne by 0854 hours. Two aircraft were forced to abort, and two spares also returned early. Upon return, several aircraft landed at alternate airfields because they were running low on fuel. The Group put up three squadrons making up the 94th Combat Wing "A" Group on this long mission to eastern Germany. The target was a small marshalling yard in the center of Dresden being used by the Germany Army retreating from the Russian advance. Because of 9/10ths cloud cover, bombing was initiated using PFF (radar) means. However, a break in the clouds enabled the lead bombardier to see railroad tracks and buildings resembling round houses in the target area and, synchronizing, dropped his bombs visually. Although unobserved, results were believed to have been good. No enemy air opposition was encountered. But while flak was described as meager and inaccurate, one 401st ship received major battle damage and four others sustained minor damage.