TARGET: GROUND TARGET
POINTE DE GRAVE, FRANCE, GERMANY
15 APRIL, 1945

The Group returned to the Royan area. The formation consisted of six six-ship elements. Targets were not assigned until the formation reached the target area.

The Group left the Assembly area on time, on course, and assembled in Wing formation between Paris and the first Control Point. The Group was in proper position in the B Force formation behind the Wing leader.

Course to the orbiting point was flown as briefed. Arriving at the orbiting point, the Group executed nine 360 degree turns for one hour and eight minutes, until the Wing leader directed that all sections attack Pointe de Grave visually. The Group then divided into elements; elements took interval and Came across the IP on course.

The only difficulty encountered was from prop wash Caused by the 351st’s high squadron. All the elements, except Element No.6, dropped bombs on the first run. Number 6, unable to drop bombs on the first run because of interference caused by prop wash, executed a 360 degree turn in order to make a second run, and released bombs successfully. Observed results for all elements were excellent.
Light enemy antiaircraft opposition was encountered. They must have expected a return. The following message from General Jacob L. Devers, Commanding General of the Sixth Army Group, was received through the 1st Air Division:

“FOR THE STAGGERING BLOW WHICH THEY GAVE TO THE GERMAN GARRISON AT ROYAN, I SEND MY HEARTY THANKS TO THE BRAVE MEN OF THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE. THE RELENTLESS HAMMERING GIVEN TO IT FROM THE AIR CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO ITS SEIZURE BY GROUND ELEMENTS. IT WAS ANOTHER JOB WELL DONE. MY WARM CONGRATULATIONS.”