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Summary:
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The 401st provided the Low Box of the 94th Combat Wing, part of a force of over 800 8th Air Force bombers and as many fighter escorts. Bombing results were reported as fair to good, with reports of smoke covering the entire area and a sheet of flame approximately 1,000 feet in height near the MPI. No enemy fighter opposition was encountered, but flak over Edam, Hamm and Ostend was meager to moderate.
When the B-17's returned in the dark to their bases in England, German fighters infiltrated the bomber formations and, when the returning aircraft turned on their landing lights, 14 were either shot down or collided with others in the confusion. However, all 401st aircraft made safe and orderly night landings.
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