TARGET: RAILROAD STATION
NUREMBERG, GERMANY
21 FEBRUARY, 1945

The date is the anniversary of the first mission flown by the 457th one year ago.

Nuremberg was again the assigned target. Heavy movement continued in the area especially to and from the Eastern Front. The Group comprised the 94th A Combat Wing with Major Spencer as Air Commander. The Group assembled over Glatton as briefed, but did not assemble in Wing formation.

The 457th entered formation behind the lead group of the 1st Combat Wing. Rather than disrupt the Division formation along the Division assembly line, the Group leader made the decision to hold the status quo.

The Division assembly line was flown to the left of course, in order to remain in Division column.
Over the Continent, it became necessary to do considerable “S-ing”, in order to stay in Division formation. The route was flown approximately as briefed. The IP was reached on course, but twenty-four minutes late, because of the time lost by “S-ing”, and also because winds were not as briefed. Cloud coverage at the target area was ten tenths, and bombing was done in group formation, with all three squadrons releasing their bombs on the smoke markers of the PFF lead craft. Bomb results were unobserved due to ten-tenths cloud coverage.

After bombing, the Group rejoined the Division column and proceeded on the return route. Deviations to the right and left of course were made in order to remain in Division formation. The route was uneventful.

Flak was moderate and two craft received damage.