467th Bombardment Group Research

On this day, the 467th BG flew their first combat mission. It was the 8th AF mission #295 in which 729 bombers were dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France. The 467th BG was part of a group of 151 bombers that hit the airfield and aviation industry at Bourges; in France.

Thirty B24's of the 467th BG took off starting at 0600, and all of these reached the target. Twenty-six of these ships attacked the target. Two failed due to mechanical difficulties, and two because of other reasons.

The first squadron was led by Lt. Col. Shower, who flew with Lt. Driscoll and crew #007-R0 of the 788th Sqdn on 42-52623 'Wabbit'. Lt. Tormoen, flying 42-52506, was in the position of deputy lead, with Major Salzarulo as command pilot. Major Smith led the second squadron with Lt. Campbell and crew #053-R0 of the 790th Sqdn on 42-52571 'Snooper'. Capt. Nietzel flew deputy lead with this squadron.

The results of this raid were generally good, though one section bombed slightly west of the MPI. Neither flak nor enemy aircraft was encountered.

The return of the ships from this first raid was a thrill to all on the ground. It was a beautiful day in England, with sunshine and clear skies. The ships flew over the base in perfect formation. A large crowd was gathered to welcome them back. When thirty were found present, "it was a real joy to realize that our friends had all returned". It was even better to hear the crews describe their first raid as a “milk run”.

Lead Navigator Reports

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Lead Navigator Narrative

Lead Bombardier Reports

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Lead Bombardier Narrative

Lead Bombardier - 2nd Section Reports

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Command Pilot Reports

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Lead Pilot Reports

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96th CBW Reports

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8th AF Reports

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729 bombers and 496 fighters are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France; 3 bombers and 2 fighters are lost.
1. 238 B-17s are dispatched to bomb aviation industry targets in Belgium; 123 bomb the aviation industry and airfield at Evere, 52 hit Brussels/Melsbroek Airfield, 39 hit aviation industry targets at Brussels, and 20 hit Bergen op Zoom; 1 B-17 is lost and 99 damaged; casualties are 4 WIA and 10 MIA.
2. 248 B-17s are dispatched to hit aviation industry targets and airfields in Belgium and France; in Belgium, 62 hit Maldagem Airfield, 60 hit Diest/Schaffen Airfield and 42 hit Florennes/Juzaine Airfield; in France, 21 hit Courcelles and 21 hit Beaumont sur Oise Airfield; they claim 0-2-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-17 is lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 19 damaged; casualties are 10 MIA.
3. 243 B-24s are dispatched to hit the airfield and aviation industry targets; in Belgium, 151 hit the airfield and aviation industry at Bourges; in France, 28 hit Orleans/Bricy Airfield, 21 hit Romarantin Airfield and 15 hit V-weapon sites at Marquise/Mimoyecques; they claim 6-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 B-24 is lost and 3 damaged; casualties are 1 WIA and 10 MIA.
Escort is provided by 51 P-38s, 295 P-47s and 150 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-51s: P-38s haveno claims or losses; P-47s claim 12-0-7 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 4 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; P-51s claim 40-0-16 aircraft, 1 P-51 is lost and 1 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA.

Source: THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by Carter / Mueller, the Office of Air Force History,

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