Summary:
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The Group was organized into "A" and "B" sections, with Capt. W. C. Garland leading the first and Capt. Stann the second. Bombing results ranged from fair to excellent on these difficult targets. Lt. H. R. Briarton, the lead bombardier, was commended by the Commanding Officer of the 94th Combat Wing for the fine results. Flak was intense and accurate and, because of the haze, all formations made more than one run over the target. Two 401st aircraft were brought down by flak--No. 42-97448, flown by Lt. Charles S. Ksieniewicz, and No. 42-31593, flown by Lt. Frank F. Dougherty. The intensity of the flak is indicated by the fact that, of the 570 8th Air Force bombers over the target, nine were shot down and 345 were battled damaged.
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