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Summary:
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The 401st was part of a force of over 1,000 heavy bombers which dropped over 2,000 tons of bombs on Berlin in the largest daytime blow ever struck at the Reich. The Group provided the Lead Box of the 94th Combat Wing. Because of partial cloud cover, bombing was by PFF (radar), but crews were able to observe strikes on buildings in the center of the city through breaks in the clouds.
While the 401st did not encounter any enemy fighters (other groups reported strong Luftwaffe attacks), flak over the target was extremely heavy and accurate. As a result the 401st lost three aircraft and crews, those piloted by Lt. Donald E. Butterfoss (42-31226), Capt. George Gould (42-31521) and Lt. J. H. Singleton (42-31116). In all the 8th Air Force lost 63 heavies.
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