September 1944
Mission #80
1 September 1944
Target: Ferrara RR Bridge, Italy
34 aircraft with 34 early returns due to bad weather with 0 losses and 2 casualties.
Thirty-four planes took off to bomb this strategic bridge in Italy, but the mission was uneventful. Upon reaching the target it was found to be covered by a 10/10 undercast, and it was necessary for all planes to return their bombs to the base.
Mission #81
2 September 1944
Target: Mitrovica, Yugoslavia
28 aircraft with 1 early return dropped 66.5 tons of bombs with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Although this target in Yugoslavia was obscured by smoke and haze, the group turned in a very creditable performance. The target was well hit by the 133 thousand pounders which fell in a closely knit pattern.
Mission #82
3 September 1944
Target: Smederevo, Yugoslavia
28 aircraft with 0 early return dropped 62.25 tons of bombs with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
This mission was the first of its type to be experienced by the group, but was carried out very successfully. Direct hits were scored on the ferry slips and the causeway, and several boats in the vicinity suffered the devastating effects of our bombs. Although not spectacular, this mission was a demonstration of the ability of our crews who were busily engaged in making successful missions seem commonplace.
Mission #83
5 September 1944
Target: Sava East Railroad Bridge, Italy
28 aircraft with 28 early return due to bad weather with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Because of a very bad break in the weather, this mission must be termed unsuccessful. Arriving over the target a 10/10 overcast was encountered, and it was impossible to bomb the target by visual means. Through necessity all bombs had to be returned to base.
Mission #84
6 September 1944
Target: Sava East Railroad Bridge, Italy
27 aircraft with 1 early return dropped 64.0 tons of bombs with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
The weather cleared and the group went after the same target as on the previous day. This time the bridge was heavily pounded as was the marshalling yard which was slightly to the right of the briefed course. During the course of this highly successful raid 12 of our aircraft suffered minor damage from flak which was intense, accurate, and heavy.
Mission #85
11 September 1944
Target: Bron, France
36 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Mission #86
12 September 1944
Target: Bron, France
18 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Mission #87
13 September 1944
Target: Bron, France
18 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Mission #88
15 September 1944
Target: Bron, France
18 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Mission #89
16 September 1944
Target: Bron, France
18 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Mission #90
17 September 1944
Target: Bron, France
17 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Mission #91
22 September 1944
Target: Bron, France
22 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
Mission #91
22 September 1944
Target: Istres, France
12 aircraft with 0 early return on a supply mission with 0 losses and 0 casualties.
