Summary:
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Colonel Bowman led the Group and the First Air Division on this attack on the synthetic oil production facilities at Merseburg. Foul weather was encountered over the target, and bombing was conducted by PFF (radar). Flak was ineffective, probably because the preceding Wing had dropped a considerable amount of "chaff". However, while the 401st escaped the flak, 217 of the 652 aircraft over Merseburg received battle damage, and seven others were shot down. U.S. fighter support was excellent, and no enemy fighter aircraft appeared. Colonel Bowman's aircraft lost an engine over the target, returning to Deenethorpe on three engines.
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