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Summary:
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The 401st furnished four Boxes of 12 aircraft each which divided into eight Forces of six aircraft upon reaching the target area. The Group was given a target in a wooded area near Groesbeck, Holland, where a concentration of enemy tanks and gun positions was located. The target was bombed visually with splendid results, resulting in messages of commendation from Colonel Bowman to the Lead crews. No enemy air opposition was encountered, and flak was meager.
As noted in the Flying Control Notes, one aircraft crashed on takeoff. "Rosie's Sweatbox" (No. 42-97872), piloted by Lt. F. E. Cook, failed to clear the hedge at the end of the main runway and crashed onto the Weldon road. Despite the devastating explosion of fragmentation bombs and aircraft fuel, the tail gunner, Cpl. W. J. Ambrogetti, was still alive when emergency crews arrived. Unfortunately, he died later that day. All of his crewmates were killed instantly.
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