TARGET: TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY
FRIEDBERG, GERMANY
21 NOVEMBER, 1944

Although Merseburg was the briefed target, unfavorable weather conditions caused the Group to abandon the original plan and attack a target of opportunity. Major Syptak, Air Commander of the 94th A Combat Wing, led the Group with Captain Seesenguth as pilot, flying seventh in the Division formation, as briefed. Division assembly was loose, but the Group assumed its approximate position.

At the Dutch Coast, a significant amount of flak made it necessary for the preceding groups to “S” on course. The 94th A Combat Wing continued on its briefed course and advanced in front of its briefed position, becoming fourth instead of seventh. The course over enemy territory was flown approximately as briefed. Approximately ten minutes before the IP, the Group encountered cloud conditions extending up to 30,000 feet. The Group leader decided to get below the clouds. At approximately 21,000 feet, another group of B-17s coming from about 45 degrees “shuffled the deck”.

The leader believed that all aircraft were now separated. The PFF equipment was not functioning satisfactorily and the operator reported it would be difficult to make the briefed mn. It was then decided to reassemble. The low squadron was not too far distant and assembled successfully. The high squadron, being separated, continued on its course toward the target. Although the primary target area was visible, weather conditions were extremely bad. Bombs were released. Results were not observed.

In the meantime, the other two squadrons began a search for a target of opportunity and deviated considerably from the briefed course. Bombs were released on Friedberg, making an indistinguishable pattern 2,000 feet east of the marshalling yard located there.

Although flak had been encountered at the target, it was meager and inaccurate and no aircraft were lost. Flak was encountered at Cromer on the return to England; however, it caused no damage