MISSION DATE:  JANUARY 9, 1944        

MISSION NBR.  2

TARGET:  Zara, Yugoslavia  -  Installation in City

I. CHRONOLOGY

Seventeen out of nineteen B-24's attempted to reach target. Two returned early due to mechanical failure.  

II.  ROUTE AND ASSAULT

The Group was forced to turn away from the target about twenty miles off shore due to a solid overcast which would have prevented any successful bombing. Bombs were salvoed in the Adriatic.

III.  RESULTS

No bombs dropped on target due to solid overcast.

IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE

     A.  Fighters:  None encountered                 

     B.  Flak:     None observed or encountered   

V.  OBSERVATIONS

Three FW-190's seen. No passes were made at formation.

VI.  CASULATIES

None  

HEADQUARTERS 450^TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) A.P.O. 520

Mission No. 2

Narrative mission report for mission flown 9 January 1944

1. Target:  Installations in the City of Zara, Jugoslavia.

2. Own A/C:  17 out of 19 B-24H attempted to reach target. Two retuned early due to mechanical failure.

3. Escort:  Approximately 30 P-38's of the 82^nd Fighter Group provided the escort.

4. Enemy A/C:  There were no enemy encounters during this mission.

5. Flak:  No flak was observed.

6. Observations: 3 FW 190 seen at 1140 hrs. at 44⁰ 00'N – 14⁰ 44'E on course at 180⁰ to 190⁰-. No passes were made.

7. Mission: the Group was forced to turn away from the target about twenty miles off shore due to a solid overcast which would have prevented any successful bombing. Bombs were salvoed in the Adriatic.

James A. McKamy

Major, A. C.,

S-2 Officer.