TARGET: RAILROAD JUNCTION
MUNSTER, GERMANY
30 SEPTEMBER, 1944

Comprising the 94th B Combat Wing, the 457th was targeted to hit the vital railroad junction at Munster. Other wings of the Eighth attacked other vital rail junctions. With Major Dickinson as Air Commander, the Group flew the planned route over England and entered the Belgian coast, to encounter nine- tenths cloud cover. From this point to the target, with tops of the clouds reaching to 25,000 feet, it was apparent bombing would be by PFF.

Turning on the bomb run, the lead squadron began an instrument run. Bombs were released in the smoke of other impacts, in the town itself. At the time of bombs away, the formation was flying at 27,000 feet.

Although flak at the target was only moderate, it was accurate enough to hit the deputy lead ship, piloted by Lt. William A. Millea. The nose crumpled forward, parts of both wings fell off, the plane dropped from formation, a bright red flash was seen, the ship exploded and dropped towards the ground. None of the crew survived.

After encountering difficulty with the PFF equipment, the low squadron finally made a successful run when the equipment began to function normally again. Through an opening in the clouds, hits were observed in the city. No pilotage points were visible for the high squadron. As bombs were released, a clearing could be seen below, but landmarks were not identified.

The mission took a toll of one aircraft missing and six others damaged by flak. No enemy aircraft had been encountered. September concluded with the 457th having flown thirteen missions, and having another month to remember. The severity of the autumn season was close at hand. As an indication of the pressure on the crews, Spleth’s crew flew eight of the Group’s nine missions beginning on September 12 (their first one.) The pressure was to continue.

Sgt. Albert G. Williams, 457th/751st gunner: Munster, Germany. The target was a railroad yard. Couple of ships went down. Our crew carried propaganda leaflets for slave workers.

Lt. Edwin B. Benson, 457th/749th bombardier: Mission 10. Munster R.R. yard. Time 6.10. Low. FLAK. Pilot Fisher