|
Summary:
|
The primary target for this mission was the FW 190 assembly plant at Sorau, southeast of Berlin. However, because the primary target was obscured by clouds, the Group bombed the secondary target, the large synthetic oil refinery at Politz, just north of Stettin. Enroute to the target the Group encountered terrific flak, during which three aircraft were lost. They were the B-17's piloted by Lt. Samuel P. Wilson (42-39820), Lt. Francis L. Shaw (42-39847), the famous "Battlin Betty", and Lt. Robert O. Stine (42-39881). Lt. F. O. Kuhl and his crew were also lost to flak, and a number of aircraft returned with wounded men aboard. The target was bombed through clouds, but columns of thick black smoke were seen to rise from the target area.
|
