TARGET: PORT AREA
BREMEN, GERMANY
30 MARCH, 1945

Similar to the day before, the Group this day made its final mission to “Little B”, again bombing the port area. The assigned targets were the submarine and ship building yards. The Group comprised the 94th’s A Combat Wing with Lt. Col. Peresich as Air Commander.

The 457th did not assemble in Wing formation, but proceeded directly to the first Control Point in order to gain time. About five minutes prior to the Control Point, the Group came upon a thick layer of clouds and haze. Being unable to get above or around the cloud layer, the Group had no choice other than to fly through it in an attempt to assemble with the Division.

The Group continued in the cloud layer and it was decided to continue on the same heading until all aircraft broke out in the clear and were able to reassemble. Consequently, Division assembly line was not flown as briefed, because the Group did not break out of the clouds and reassemble until approximately 40 miles left of course. After reassembling, the Group turned right and joined Division formation at the tail end of the column, at the Dutch coast.

Route from the Dutch coast to the IP was flown on course. The formation was last in the Division line, for the reasons mentioned above.

Bombing was done in Group formation, by means of a combination PFF/VisuaI assist. Cloud coverage was five to seven tenths. Bombs were dropped from 24,500 feet and results were observed to be very good, with several direct hits.

Bremen maintained its reputation and provided moderate and accurate antiaircraft fire. Twelve planes sustained damage.