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Summary:
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The 401st again furnished three 12 aircraft Boxes, making up the 94th Combat Wing "A" formation. The Low and High Boxes bombed the primary target, the former achieving excellent results, with 95% of its bombs within 1,000 feet of the MPI. The High Box Leader experienced mechanical difficulties with its bomb sighting mechanism due to flak damage but nevertheless managed to drop his bombs manually with excellent results--90% of the bombs hitting within 2,000 feet of the MPI. The Lead Box Leader was also hit by flak on the bomb run and its bomb release mechanism damaged. The Deputy Leader ultimately took over and bombed a secondary target, the airfield at Halberstadt, with excellent results.
While no enemy air opposition was encountered, the Group was subject to intense and accurate flak attacks in and around the target area estimated to have lasted for thirty minutes. While no aircraft were shot down, 31 received battle damage of which eight were major. Also 2nd Lt. George R. Shullo, co-pilot of the Shackleford crew was killed by Flak and thre other crew members 2nd Lt. Charles B. Minorm navigator, Sgt. William R. Lee and S/Sgt. Clerance R. Steitz were wounded.
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