1st Schweinfurt Raid

I'll have to be careful with the archive--it's not in chronological order.  After several pages of small 4x4" strike photos from the October 14 raid, I discovered that on 17 August 1943 the 384th bombed the ball-bearing plant at Schweinfurt for the first time.  Capt. Horak's collection contains numerous strike photos, including this large 9x9" one.  (It's slightly clipped on the right side due to scan bed limitations.)

As before, Henry also has the formation diagram, shown above. Planes piloted by Wilson, Hausenfluck, Sweningsen, Mattes, and Wofford were lost.  The summary report on the action is also included.  It has a quoted bombardier's statement from Lt. Baggs.

Interesting to note that it took almost 5 hours to fly to the target and less than 3 to return.  Faster airspeed without ordinance?  Early evidence of the jet stream?  More direct route home?  For more info see the 384th website for this mission.