As you know I have been researching our Fathers last mission in Germany. These are the accounts of that day that I have learned and I would like to share.
On the morning of 24/Feb/1944 05:30 hours the 445th BG, of the 8th Air Force went into briefing to learn their target mission for that day was the Messerschmitt factories at Gotha Germany. This was mission # 28 for the 445th; this was to take place deep into enemy territory. It was the 5th mission of that week known as "Big Week". The 703rd (Jimmy Stewarts squadron) was designated lead squadron, (Jimmy did not fly this day as he stayed back to coordinate operations). As I have learned the men of the 445th had a bad feeling about this particular mission quite apprehensive, yet as trained seasoned flyers they went on prepared there aircraft, and preflight checks as usual.
The 8th Air Force, 701st, 702nd, 703rd, 704th, BS, 445th BG put 30 B-24 H Liberators in the air that day. They were flying out of Tibenham......
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