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Summary:
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The 401st put up the three squadrons forming the 94th Combat Wing "A" Group on this mission. Because of clouds over the target, bombing was conducted by PFF (Radar)techniques. As usual for oil targets, Merseburg was heavily defended, and flak was intense and accurate. As a result B-17 No. 43-38159 ("Wolf Pack"), piloted by Lt. H. L. Oas, was shot down, having taken a direct hit in the No. 3 engine. The pilot was able to parachute to safety, but all other members of the crew were killed or missing in action. Two other 401st ships received major battle damage and 25 received minor damage.
While the 401st was not attacked by enemy fighters, other Groups were less fortunate. Some 10 to 20 Me 109's attacked the Group following the 401st, and several German jets were seen in the distance. Of the 210 B-17's in the formation attacking Merseburg, 26 were shot down and 153 received battle damage.
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