TARGET: AIRCRAFT WORKS AND AIRFIELD
VILLACOUBLAY, FRANCE
20 MAY, 1944

The Eighth Air Force’s focus of attention for this mission centered upon French airfields. The targets for the 457th were the aircraft works and airfield at Villacoublay, situated five miles southwest of Paris. The main function of the unit was the repair and maintenance of aircraft, primarily for FW-190s. Major Theodore C. Hoffman led the Group with Lt. Malcolm E. Johnson as pilot.

Twelve aircraft were dispatched. Bombing results were good, with the airfield, hangars and other buildings all being successfully hit by the bombs. No enemy fighter opposition was encountered.

Flak was moderate but accurate, causing battle damage to eleven aircraft.