TARGET: ELECTROLYTIC HYDROGEN PLANT
PEENEMUNDE, GERMANY
25 AUGUST, 1944

The heavy bomber effort of the Eighth Air Force shifted from central Germany to targets in northern Germany, along or near the Baltic Sea Coast. Aircraft plants and oil refineries at Politz and other Baltic points were targets. The 457th Group was directed to attack the electrolytic hydrogen plant building at Peenemunde on the shore of the Baltic, already damaged in previous attacks.

Colonel Luper, Air Commander, with Captain Dozier as pilot, led the three boxes to compose the 94th A Combat Wing, leading the 1st Division in the flight across the North Sea to the target.

Considerable difference between the briefed and actual winds over the North Sea caused the formation to gain twelve minutes time. The formation then led the Division in a turn left of course and “S” ed to prevent bunching up on the ten combat wings of the Third Division flying ahead.

Considerable German shipping was seen after the Danish Peninsula was crossed, as the flight east to the IP was continued. Heading into Peenemunde from the northeast, the lead bombardiers and navigators quickly identified the target area. Bombs were released from 22,000 feet, those of the lead box falling slightly over the electrolytic building with five probable hits. Those of the low box fell slightly to the left with several possible hits and those of the high box fell squarely on the building.

A few seconds after bombs away, Lt. Donald K. Goss’ plane was hit in the left wing and the flap fell off. With No. 2 engine out, he peeled from the formation and headed for Sweden, where he crashed and the airplane burned. The crew survived and were interned in Sweden.
For the second day, twelve hundred planes had dropped bombs on German targets. No German fighter opposition was encountered and all of the twenty losses of the Eighth were caused by flak and operational reasons.

Diary Albert G. Williams: It was a long trip over water. The target was hit hard and I don’t think a second trip will be necessary. It was a successful bombing

From the diary of 751st BS gunner Sgt. Albert G. Williams:
“My second mission was accomplished today. The target was Peenemunde, Germany. It was a long trip over water. The target was hit hard and I don’t think a second trip will be necessary. It was a successful bombing. We are already alerted for tomorrow.”