Mission 166

55th Mission Summary No. 166, 14 Feb 45

General Summary. On 14 Feb 45, 158 B-24 a/c (158 a/c scheduled) of the 55th Bombardment Wing were dispatched to attack the VIENNA LOBAU and the VIENNA SCHWECHAT Oil Refineries in AUSTRIA. There were 130 effective sorties and 28 non-effective sorties. The Wing formed into two forces known as Red and Blue with different target times.

Group assemblies were accomplished from 0954-1054A and Wing rendezvous from 1030-1115A respectively for Red and Blue Forces.

The first force composed of 56 a/c from the 460, 465, and 485 Bomb Groups was over VIENNA from 1243-1250A. 94 B-24 a/c dropped 254,500-255,000 lbs. of .1N .025 bombs on the VIENNA LOBAU and SCHWECHAT Refineries from 24,500-25,000' 18 a/c of the 464th Group, unable to reach the primary target were directed to VILLACH; at 1310A; from 25,000', 13.5 tons of bombs were dropped on the Marshalling Yards.

71 B-24s of the second force were over VIENNA from 1343-1350A; from 24,500-25,000', 57 a/c dropped 113 tons on the VIENNA LOBAU and SCHWECHAT Oil Refineries.

Results: 485th - Red Force: Photos show bombs away in vicinity of the LOBAU Refinery. No strikes were visible due to cloud cover. Blue Force: Bombs fell in unidentified area between HAINFIELD (IP) and target.

464th - Red Force: Photos show a good concentration of hits in the center of the South M/Y at VILLACH (T/O). Hits extended into East Sidings and Goods Sidings. 3 or 4 hits were observed at West Choke Point of North Yards and other strikes at West End of Main Station. Blue Force: Bombs fell in open area 2 miles South of FISCHAMEND MARKT.

465th - Red Force: Bombs fell in open area about 1 mile SSE of FISCHAMEND MARKT. Blue Force: Bombs fell in open area 1/2 mile East of FISCHAMEND MARKT.

460th - Red Force: Bombs fell at the Northwest outskirts of FISCHAMEND MARKT. Photos show a few strikes in residential area and one direct hit on S.F. RR to VIENNA. Blue Force: Bombs fell in open area 2½ miles Northeast of SCHWECHAT.

Flak encountered at VIENNA ranged from SLT/IAH. No flak was encountered at VILLACH.

A total of 19 e/a were observed and there were 3 encounters by the 460th Group.

Weather: Clear at takeoff; clear to middle of ADRIATIC, then 4/10 stratocumulus at 6,000' increasing to 6/10 at 6,000' over the SAVA River from the Alps to VIENNA, 7/10 to 12,000'; at target there was thinning undercast to approximately 10 seconds from bombs away; clear over remainder of target area; on return clear to ZAGREB to Spur of ITALY and clear at base.

147 A/c landed at home bases from 1515-1725A. No a/c are listed as lost or missing.

460th Bomb Group (RED FORCE) 21 a/c took off at 0845A. Fighter escort, 25 P-51s, first sighted at 1150A at 440-1530, furnished penetration, target and withdrawal cover. They left the formation at 1400 at the Adriatic coast. Just before the target, fighter escort, which had the checkered tail markings, made several passes at the formation, coming in on a pursuit curve and almost causing crew members to shoot at them.

At 24,500', 21 A/c were over the primary target at 1243A. On an axis of 68°, 21 a/c dropped 41.75 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs .1N .01 .025T fusing. The Group experienced M-IAH flak over the target for 4-5 minutes. Bursts were black color. Smoke pots were in operation immediately South of the target and had just been fired as the Group approached on the bomb run. M-H flak was experienced at 4750-1720 on the return route.

8 e/a, probably Me 262s were seen on the mission: At 1743-1747A near GYOR, these a/c were 3 miles away and crossed in front of the formation at 1305A to 1320A, altitude 19,000'.

21 a/c returned to base with a mean landing time of 1559A.

5 Me 210's were observed on the mission at 1740-1740A at 1430A. Our formation was flying at 22,000' on a heading of 302°. The e/a, out of range, were deployed around the a/c in the high box, first observed in the following manner: 2 e/a were at 11 o'clock high in the sun, one at 2 o'clock high, one at 5 o'clock high and one at 7 o'clock high. Simultaneously, one of the e/a from the 11 o'clock position and the e/a from the 2 o'clock position, attacked the #6 a/c. The e/a from 11 o'clock high attacked very aggressively, closing in and breaking ammunition. This e/a continued the pursuit curve to within 200 yards, at which point it executed a chandelle and broke away, passing over the #5 a/c. The e/a from 2 o'clock closed to about 200 yards and peeled off left. The other e/s feinted attacks but did not come in. The attacked bomber, after losing the #4 engine, fell backward-joined the second attack unit for protection. The presence of these five e/a was not known until they attacked and our gunners, caught unaware, did not fire. The e/a, a dirty brown or OD in color, had red and yellow bands around their fuselages near the tail and three black bands on their wing tips. E/a did not carry long range fuel tanks. The e/a, after leaving our formation, were seen to attack a straggling B-24 from another Group and shoot it down in flames.

17 a/c returned to base with a mean landing time of 1725A. 1 a/c landed at a friendly field, VIS.

464th Bomb Group. (RED FORCE) On 14 Feb 45, beginning at 0900A, 21 B-24 A/c took off to bomb the primary target. 18 a/c were over at Alternate, VILLACH M/Y, AUSTRIA, and 17 a/c dropped 33.5 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs from 25,000' at 1310A. Axis of attack 175°.

Recapitulation of Bomb Tonnages: 17 a/c dropped on target 33.5 tons 2 a/c returned to base 4.0 " 2 a/c jettisoned 4.0 " 1 a/c (included in those dropping on target) jettisoned .5 " Total 42.0 tons

Rendezvous with 12 P-51 a/c was made at 1150A at 4552-1521 and they were within sight of the formation at frequent intervals until 1407A at 4247-1600. 16 P-38 a/c were reported in the target area only. Markings indicated P-51 a/c were from the 52nd Fighter Group. No markings for P-38 a/c reported.

All a/c returned to base between 1500-1532A.

(BLUE FORCE) On 14 Feb 45, 21 B-24 a/c took off starting at 1000A to bomb the Primary Target.

19 a/c were at a point 7 3/4 miles Southeast of the Primary Target, and 13 a/c dropped 26 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs from 24,500' at 1349A.

Recapitulation of Bomb Tonnages: 13 a/c dropped 26 tons 7 a/c returned to base 14 " 1 a/c dropped on GRAZ 2 " Total 42 tons

One a/c (the original loader) after leaving the formation bombed the first alternate target. 2 tons of bombs were dropped on GRAZ M/Y at 1334A from 23,000'. Axis of attack 140°.

No flak was encountered but was observed at the following points: Primary Target area (5 min) IH KAPFENBERG SH GYOR SH SOPRON SH

1 M/S FW 190 probably an e/a was observed in the primary target area. Flow below the formation and on opposite heading.

Rendezvous with 35 P-51s was made at 1225A at 4600-1520 and remained in the vicinity of the formation until 1435A at the Spur. Markings indicated escort was from the 332nd Fighter Group.

All a/c returned safely to base.

465th Bomb Group. (RED FORCE) 18 a/c of 19 scheduled took off at 0910A on 14 Feb 45 to attack the Schwechat O/R at VIENNA, AUSTRIA.

An escort of P-51 fighter planes joined the formation at 1227A at the IP, and left the formation at 1340A at (4625-1632)

No e/a were seen or encountered.

Flak at the target was IAH. It's duration was approximately two minutes and was generally accurate as to altitude, but most bursts were to the left of the formation. SIH flak was encountered in the vicinity of LIEZEN, and IIH flak was encountered at GYOR.

18 a/c went over the primary target at 1245A at 25,000'. 14 a/c dropped 27.75 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs, fused .1N and .01 and .025T. 1 a/c bombed a target of opportunity, a BH at HINTERPLATZ (4642-1559) at 1355A. This a/c took off late and when it was unable to catch up with the Group it attempted to join the 455 BG, but was ordered away from the formation upon giving a wrong bomb group recognition signal. They/a/c continued on until a suitable target of opportunity was found, which was bombed with good results reported by the crew members.

Tons dropped on Primary 27.75 Tons dropped on T/O 2.00 Tons jettisoned 4.00 Tons returned to base 2.25 Total carried 36.00 Tons

(BLUE FORCE) 18 a/c of 18 scheduled took off at 1010A on 14 Feb 45 to attack the Schwechat O/R at VIENNA, AUSTRIA.

An escort of P-51s joined the formation at HALLPARA at 1250A and furnished cover to the target. No escort was seen on the return to base.

No e/a were seen or encountered.

Flak at VIENNA was Moderate to Intense, Inaccurate Heavy. It was generally to the left and appeared to be tracking another Group. Flak at the alternate target of MARIBOR was Moderate Accurate Heavy.

16 A/c went over the target at 1345A at 25,500', 11 a/c dropped 20 3/4 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs fused .1N .01 & .025T. 4 a/c dropped 8 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs similarly fused on the M/Y at MARIBOR, YUGOSLAVIA, an alternate target, at 1501A from 24,500'. 1 a/c dropped 2 tons on a BH at ZELTWEG (4815-1702) at 1400A at 25,500'.

Recapitulation of Bomb Tonnage: Dropped on Primary 20 3/4 tons Dropped on Alternates 8 " Dropped on T/O 2 " Jettisoned 5 3/4 " TOTAL 35 tons

All a/c returned safely to base, landing at 1707A.

485th Bomb Group. (RED FORCE) On 14 Feb 45, 20 B-24 a/c took off at 0840A to bomb VIENNA LOBAU O/R in AUSTRIA.

20 P-51s joined the formation at 1230A at 4720-1445 and provided close escort on penetration, target and withdrawal. They departed at 1330A at 4730-1700.

18 a/c were over the target at 1250A. 18 a/c dropped 34.1 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs, fused .1N .01 .025T from 25,500' while on a heading of 70°. An effective smoke screen partially obscured the target.

No e/a were encountered or observed. M/IAH flak was encountered at the target for approximately 5 minutes. Several crews reported bursts behind the lead group at regular intervals indicating that the Radar equipment was tracking the chaff stream.

19 a/c landed without incident, mean landing time 1546A.

(BLUE FORCE) At 0940A, 21 B-24 type A/c took off to bomb the same target in VIENNA.

40 P-51s joined the formation at 1250A at 4600-1517. They departed at 1430A at 4620-1640.

Shortly after turning on the IP the lead ship accidentally released its bombs and 12 a/c dropped 21 3/4 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs fused .1N .01 .025T from 25,500' at 1341A while on a heading of 65° mistaking this for bombs away signal.

Recapitulation of Bomb Tonnage 12 a/c dropped between IP and target 21 3/4 tons and jettisoned 2 3/4 " 2 sortie a/c jettisoned 4 " 6 sortie a/c returned to base 12 " 1 a/c (DR) returned 2 " TOTAL 42 tons

5 Me 109's were seen at VIENNA, flying very low and gaining altitude, as if taking off - probably from ZWOLFAXING A/Dme. No e/a were encountered. SIH flak was encountered in the target area.

20 a/c returned without incident, landing at 1644A, mean landing time.

BOMBING AND NAVIGATION ANALYSIS

Bombing Analysis a. 460th Group (RED FORCE) This Group led the Wing Formation and was briefed to destroy the VIENNA LOBAU O/R. The entire target area was covered by clouds and haze. The briefed axis of attack was flown. The PFF was unable to pick up the target in his scope. The bomb run was continued because there was a possibility that breaks in the clouds might make a visual run possible. The new navigator and bombardier were unable at any time to pick up the target. By the use of some check points, the bombardier synchronized where he thought the target was and on word from the Group Commander the bombs were dropped. The bombardier leading the second attack unit was unable to positively identify the target, the drift was killed on known checkpoints and bombs were dropped on the Group leader. Two bombs were salvoed in the target area but the checks were satisfactory on the ground.
(BLUE FORCE) This Group led the Wing formation on an axis of attack on VIENNA LOBAU O/R. Extreme haze made a visual run impossible and the approach was made using the standard PFF-synchronization method of bombing. The pilotage briefed the formation to what he estimated to be the target. When the 70° sighting angle was relayed to the bombardier in the another Group of B-24's forced this Group to turn from the bomb run. After sufficient clearance was obtained, the PF operator again set what he believed to be the target in his scope. Four sighting angles were then relayed to the bombardier. Only slight rate corrections were necessary and bombs were away at 1347A on an axis of attack of 47°. PF operator leading the second attack unit found his set to be inoperative and bombardier dropped his bombs with the Group Leader.
b. 485th Group (RED FORCE) This Group flew second in the Wing formation and was comprised of two attack units of two boxes and one box respectively. The primary target was the VIENNA LOBAU O/R. The turn over the IP was made as briefed. The target area was identified shortly after the beginning of the bomb run. The aiming point was not positively identified due to haze and a very effective smoke screen. One a/c salvoed 8 bombs in the target area due to bomb door creepage.
(BLUE FORCE) Flying second in the Wing formation this Group employed two attack units of two boxes and one box respectively. The target was not identified from the IP. The bombardier leading the Group was given the 70 degree sighting angle and then was informed by the PF operator that the bombs were releasing. All a/c of this box toggled on the leader. The Group leader was unable to contact the Deputy leader so the Group rallied from the bomb run. Bombardiers leading Baker and Charlie boxes did not release their bombs. The Group Leader decided that it was not advisable to break Wing formation so the remaining bombs were returned to base.
c. 465th Group (RED FORCE) This Group flew third in the Wing formation and was briefed to destroy the VIENNA SCHWECHAT O/R. The IP was completely obscured by a 10/10 undercast. The formation was turned to strike the IP from the estimated PFF run made in radar. The drift corrections and sighting angles were relayed and given to the lead bombardier. No visual corrections were made as smoke, haze, and broken clouds obscured the target area. The Bombardier leading the second attack unit followed the Group leader into the target area as the mickey operator thought the course was good. Four range angles 70-65-65-65 degrees were relayed and the bombs were released on this synchronization. Two malfunctions were reported by this Group. One a/c returned one bomb to base and one a/c salvoed 8 bombs in the target area when they failed to release electrically. The malfunctions cannot be explained.

(BLUE FORCE) This Group attacked the SCHWECHAT O/R by PFF and four a/c attacked the MARIBOR M/Y visually. At the IP for the primary the PFF operator returned the formation onto the back of the IP area. The pilot was given two course corrections and the bombardier was given only the 70 degree angle. The bombardier allowed the telescope to travel through to the dropping angle but did not drop his bombs as the radar operator believed the formation to be right of the target. The leader of Baker Box dropped his bombs and all other a/c toggled on him. The lead a/c and three others who did not drop at the primary broke away from the formation and bombed the MARIBOR M/Y. One malfunction was reported, and solved when the bombs failed to release but the a/c checked satisfactorily.

d. 464th Group (RED FORCE) This Group was briefed to fly high in the wing formation and destroy VIENNA SCHWECHAT O/R. It was necessary for the formation to turn back at 4617-1506 at 26,700', because of high cirrus from 19000 to 30000'. It was decided to bomb Air Force Alternate No. 5 - VILLACH M/Y. The Group lead bombardier selected VILLACH CENTER L/YE (4647-1335) as an IP. The Group turned at this point and a visual bombing run was made with #71 on a track of 175°. The lead bombardier used the center of the South M/Y as the MPI. Charlie box leader used the North M/Y as the target. Photos show several hits were scored on the West checkpoint of the North Yard. Two malfunctions were reported. Four bombs were salvoed in the target area. One a/c had bomb door creepage and one had an inoperative B-10 shackle.

(BLUE FORCE) This Group attacked SCHWECHAT O/R and GRAZ M/Y. The Group leader lost number two engine and confidently altitude was lost during the changing of leaders. By the time bombing altitude was again reached the Group was past the IP. It was impossible to turn left onto the target because of prop wash from the Group ahead. The lead bombardier was unable to set up a course so did not release his bombs. Baker box leader did not drop either. Charlie box leader received three sighting angles from the PFN and dropped his bombs. The deputy leader of Baker box thought he had the target in his sight and released his bombs. The remaining a/c of the box also toggled at this time. The leader planned to take the Group to an alternate target but learning that most of the formation had released bombs he stayed in Wing formation on return. Five A/c returned bombs to base. The original Group leader made a run on GRAZ M/Y but results were unobserved. Two malfunctions were reported. One a/c had bomb doors creepage but the other was satisfactory on the ground check.

e. Summary. This mission accomplished very little by way of military damage to the primary target. Positive identification of the targets was the main reason. Smoke, haze, and clouds prevented visual identification. The use of the targets hampered any successful pathfinder runs. One Group dropped their bombs near the IP. It is believed the nose navigator hit the bomb release turret. Directives have been issued to disconnect these switches but apparently are not being complied with.

Navigation Analysis (RED FORCE) a. The 460th Group led the line rendezvous to the position (4650-1600) on schedule at 0954A. The 485th and 464th Groups followed the lead Group. The 464th Group arrived four minutes late and was forced to fly an interception course that enabled them to join the Wing formation at 1031A.
b. The 485th made a good course to the key point STEBNICK, arriving there at 1058A, four minutes late but at the prescribed altitude of 19,000'. The 460th continued as briefed to the target passing over KALMUNZ and going from there to the IP. Due to bad cloud formations the 464th Group rallied from the vicinity of 4617-1506. As all alternate targets to the South were cloud covered, and high cirrus prevented proceeding farther Northwest, the Group leader decided to attack VILLACH. They proceeded from the point of turn to FERLACH/NEU, avoiding flak areas enroute, and used the Southeastern part of VILLACH/NEU as an IP. Banking off the target to a position (4600-1400) they returned to base, passing over a position (4526-1508) and STEBNIR. In the GRAZ area the 485th was forced to deviate from course because of high cirrus clouds and continued to get alone. The 460th Group rallied off the target to a FISCHAMEND MARKT and flew from there to GYOR. An extremely strong wind caused the lead Group to drift to the east of course with a track of 197°. A slight turn to the left was made to avoid flak at GYOR at 1335A. After paralleling the briefed course, the 460th, the lead Group turned and came back on course at the position(4658-1642). From here to base the reciprocal of the briefed route was flown.

c. No route flak was encountered. The high cirrus mentioned above and the undercast in the immediate target area hindered navigation. On the route back generally undercast conditions in the GYOR area together with extremely high winds made it difficult to keep on course.

d. The 460th Group turned on the IP by PFF and the bomb run was made by the same means. The 485th turned on the IP by PFF run somewhat to the Southwest of the IP. The IP was cloud covered, but the target area was clear so that a visual run was possible. The 465th Group turned on the bomb run just short of the IP so as to parallel the 485th Group. Both the turn and the bomb run were made by PFF. The 464th Group passed directly over their IP and made a visual bomb run.

GROUP	AXIS	TOT TIME	ELEV ALT
460°	68°	1243A	24,500'
485	70°	1250A	25,500'
465	68°	1244A	25,000'
464	175°	1310A	21,500'

460th Group: Navigation good. Log good; 485th Group: Navigation good. Log good; 465th Group: Navigation good. Log good; 464th Group: Navigation good. Log good.

(BLUE FORCE) a. Rendezvous was accomplished as planned with the 460th leading at 1054A and the other Groups falling into formation from that point to (4650-1600). The Wing formation was 460, 485, 465, and 464 Groups in that order.

b. The route to the target was flown closely to that briefed. The 460th Group passed over the keypoint STEBNICK at 1158, four minutes behind schedule and at an altitude of 14,000'. From here the Wing continued to the initial point via VARISVAR. The 460th rallied to ZWETENDORF as ordered and from there proceeded to GYOR. From GYOR course was somewhat to the East of that briefed until they came on the briefed course at (4550-1622). From this point course was flown as briefed to base. The 485th rallied right off the target after the Group leader had accidentally dropped his bombs. They turned at the center of NEUSIEDLER SEE and continued on to SZOMB and to base via GRAZ. The 465th rallied off the target to ZWETENDORF and continued to the turnpoint GYOR. From here they made a good course, passing East of GYOR, to ROHONC, which was an initial point for MARIBOR. The 464th rallied from the formation at this point, but as no additional boxes came back into the formation, they/a/c returned to base, broke away at point 4617-1506 on return. The 464th followed the Wing formation from this point to the East directly to base. They regained the briefed route back at a position (4712-1646) and from there to base.

c. There were no difficulties enroute due to flak. A complete undercast was encountered near VARISVAR and from this point onward much reliance had to be placed on PFF fixes.

d. All Groups turned on the bomb run by PFF. The 485th overran the 460th on the turn at the IP causing considerable difficulty in the latter's bomb run. The 465th turned on course at the IP and started making their run by PFF. They broke out of the overcast area too late to correct the PFF operator who was two miles to the right of the target. Baker and Charlie boxes both dropped on the primary area, but able box saved their bombs and by hand toggled satisfactory. One a/c dropped its bombs on the lead ship in the first attack unit.

GROUP	AXIS	TOT TIME	BOMB ALT
460°	75°	1347A	24,200'
485	65°	1324A	25,000'
465(VIENNA)	55°	1342A	25,000'
465(MARIBOR)	277°	-	24,500'

460th Group: Navigation good. Log good. 485th Group: No rating as log is missing. 465th Group: Navigation good. Log satisfactory. 464th Group: No rating as log is missing.

Pathfinder Navigation Analysis (RED FORCE) a. 460th Group The lead mickey operator assisted in the navigation with numerous fixes, especially over the extensive areas of undercast. The PFF operator turned the formation on the first sighting point. The mickey operator could not pick up the target, but a visual interception since the clouds were scattered. After the bomb run had started the PFF operator identified the target and started the bombardier off at 70°. The mickey operator in the second attack unit helped the bomb leader set up his course and made a total of 12° in course corrections. He also gave the first two sighting angles to the bombardier. Both these sets worked well. Fixes were given every 10 minutes. PFF was used to avoid flak areas.
b. 464th Group Pathfinder equipment was used as a navigational aid on this mission. Weather prevented the formation from reaching the primary target. Fixes were given to the dead reckoning navigator approximately every ten minutes. The bombardier made a visual run on the marshalling yards at VILLACH. On the return fixes were used to check pilotage and dead reckoning and to avoid flak areas. The lead H2X set was in excellent condition and two other sets worked satisfactorily. One H2X set only gave a picture in one segment of the scope. Another set was inoperative at altitude.
c. 465th Group The PFF operator was of invaluable assistance to the dead reckoning and nose navigator in providing fixes and in helping to avoid flak positions over an undercast. Because of the smallness of the SAVA and the weak returns the PFF operator was only able to set up a course and rate estimation of the target area from the checkpoints of the VIENNA SOUTH L/Y and the VIENNA RIVER. This was done in an effort to bring the bombardier as close as possible to the target. Three angles were given: 70, 69, 53; then the bombardier took over and tried to bomb with visual methods. Clouds over the target, however, prevented the bombardier from seeing the target, so the run was finished by Pathfinder. Interference with the mickey equipment was experienced.
d. 485th Group The pathfinder equipment was used extensively as a navigational aid because of poor weather conditions. It was also effective in avoiding known flak areas and in making the turn over the initial point. Twenty-five fixes were given to the dead reckoning navigator. Prior to the initial point of the primary target, an intercept in course was necessary. After the pathfinder operator had turned the formation on its correct axis of attack at the initial point, the bombardier took over for a visual bomb run. The course corrections were made by the mickey operator because the target area was covered with smoke. All the sets operated fairly well with the exception of the lead aircraft which had inverter trouble the entire mission.

(BLUE FORCE) a. 460th Group The radar equipment in the lead aircraft was working exceptionally well, and the PFF operator gave fixes to the dead reckoning navigator approximately every ten minutes. Because of too many broken clouds in target area visual, a PFF run on 65° had VIENNA was disregarded. Since the initial point had been made by PFF, another group cut over in front of the 460th. By the time the formation was back on its proper bomb run the mickey operator tried to set up course on this industrial section of VIENNA. He then tried to make a run on a target in the general vicinity of the briefed primary but could not get a good picture where he estimated the refinery to be and synchronized on this return. It was his belief that the bomb run was successful on the target by hack in his scope. The PFF set in the lead aircraft of the second attack unit did not have a bombing circle, therefore the mickey operator could not set up rate. The second attack unit dropped its bombs on the lead ship in the first attack unit.

b. 464th Group The lead ship used pathfinder as a navigational aid and in synchronous bombing. A PFF fix was given once every eight minutes. Prior to the initial point of the primary target it was necessary for the deputy to relinquish the lead position because of engine trouble. The deputy took over the lead of the formation. He recognized VIENNA at a distance of 45 miles. The formation took a heading 20° to the left of the target after turning on the bomb run. A new heading was given to the pilot to correct for this error, but the pilot refused to take it, saying he could not break up the Wing formation. The run was completed in formation and the course was approximately five miles south of the briefed target. Inasmuch as the pathfinder operator could not set any pictures from any other target or course and the bombardier could not see to bomb visually the leader believed the bombing run to be the best possible under the circumstances. The pathfinder equipment in this group worked fairly well. The lead set had trouble because of poor scope definitions. He could, however, pick up VIENNA. The other operator reported his set could not have been used for bombing because of intense interference.

FIGHTER ESCORT

332nd Fighter Group

MISSION: To provide close escort on penetration, target cover and withdrawal for B-24's of the 55th Bomb Wing attacking VIENNA LOBAU and SCHWECHAT O/R's.

NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF MISSION: 38 P-51s took off from A/D at 1000A. Two returned early. In a two-squadron group formation with the 99th Fighter Squadron leading, 36 A/C a/w with B-24's of the assigned 55th Bomb Wing at 1230A at 25,000' above (4650-1438). R/V was 20 minutes before briefed R/V time and south of R/V point. Target cover was furnished from 1343 until 1400A at an altitude of 26,000' to 28,000'. Leaving the target area at 1400, escort was provided on withdrawal to 4730-1535, where last 19 fighters left bombers at 1525A, at an altitude of 20,000'. All down at base at 1525A.

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