467th Bombardment Group (H)
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Missions List
#
Target
Date
Total: 221
Mission # 001 • Bourges, France • 10 Apr 44
Mission Info
Primary Target:
City:
Country:
Target:
Country:
Target:
Bourges
France
Airdrome
France
Airdrome
Secondary Target:
City:
Country:
Target:
Country:
Target:
Avord
France
Airdrome
France
Airdrome
Results:
Target Attacked:
Credited Mission:
Results:
Credited Mission:
Results:
Primary
Yes
Very Good
Yes
Very Good
more info available on Research Site
Mission Narrative
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”.
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”.
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