TARGET: AIRFIELD
HOPSTEN-ACHMER, GERMANY
21 MARCH, 1945

The airfield at Hopsten-Achmer was the primary target. The Group comprised the 94th A Combat Wing with Colonel Romig of Wing serving as Air Commander of the Wing, and of the Division.

Combat Wing was formed without difficulty and the 457th was on time, on course and in proper position in Division formation. Division assembly line was flown approximately as briefed. Route to the IP was flown on time and on course. The target area was clear and it was decided to make a run on the primary target. Squadrons took interval and prepared for a visual run.

A run was begun on the primary target (Hopsten Airfield), but dense, persistent contrails obscured the target and bombs were not released. Low and high squadrons followed the leader and did not release their bombs at this time.

The Group then proceeded to the secondary target, but contrails again obscured the target. The low squadron, however, was able to make a visual run on this target. The aiming point was changed to the intersection of the runways.

Just before the run on the secondary target, the high squadron lead was hit by antiaircraft fire and it was necessary to turn the lead over to the deputy. The lead and high squadrons then executed a wide 360 degree turn, selected a new IP, and proceeded to make a second run on the primary target. High squadron deputy, Lt. Craig P. Greason, was hit near No. 4 engine by antiaircraft fire, caught fire and dropped out of formation.

The high squadron leader then reassumed the lead, though the airplane was crippled and it was necessary to release bombs on those of the Group’s lead squadron. The lead and low squadrons experienced some difficulty with AFCE. The lead and high squadrons let down to 2,000 feet below briefed altitude to avoid contrails on the second run.

Bomb results were observed to be fair for the low squadron, and good for the lead and high squadrons. In addition to the plane lost, nine others sustained damage. Lt. Greason’s crew were taken as prisoners of war.