 B26.COM |
Guest Book | Pages & Links |
Page - 1 - | - 2 - | - 3 - | - 4 -
| The 387th Bombardment Group is cited for extraordinary heroism in armed
conflict with the enemy on 23 December 1944, when the group was dispatched to attack a
vital and strongly defended railway bridge at Mayen, Germany. While en route to the target
the second box of B-26 airplanes, which was without fighter escort and was separated by
several miles from the first box, was viciously attacked by from 15 to 25 Messerschmitt
aircraft. Despite the determined defensive fire which took a large toll of the hostile
fighters, the enemy pressed his attacks with such fury that the low flight was overpowered
and four B-26 aircraft were forced down in flames. Although in the ensuing encounters
every airplane in the remaining two flights sustained damage from the enemy attacks, the
gallant airmen succeeded in driving four of the enemy airplanes to certain destruction and
forcing four more to break away in flames. Meanwhile the first box pressed on to the
target despite intermittent flank and the imminence of fighter attack. Although a
pathfinder failure occurred 1 minute before bomb-release time, the bombardiers
synchronized on the target with such accuracy that extensive damage was inflicted on the
bridge. Notwithstanding the heavy losses incurred during the enemy attacks the second box
returned for an additional run on the target, and as a result of their determined efforts
the central portion of the bridge span was completely destroyed. Despite the severe damage
inflicted on the group's aircraft during the morning mission, the officers and men of the
387th Bombardment Group displayed great determination in embarking on another mission only
2 hours after the bombers had returned to base. A withering hail of antiaircraft fire was
encountered over the target area at Prum, Germany, which damaged 21 of the 26 airplanes
dispatched. In the face of this sustained barrage of flak the courageous airmen released
their bombs with a high degree of accuracy upon the communications installations. In
carrying out this dual blow against the enemy's communication and transportation
facilities on this date, the officers and men of the 387th Bombardment Group displayed
aerial skill, resolution, and devotion to duty in keeping with the finest traditions of
the Army Air Forces. (General Orders 140, Headquarters Ninth Air Force, 23 July 1945, as
approved by the Commanding General, United States Forces, European Theater (Main). By command of Major General Weyland
|
