TARGET: HIGHWAY
ST. LO, FRANCE (AREA)
25 JULY, 1944

Field Order No. 447 read in part:
“The is! U.S. Army will attack south and southwest acmss the Peresis..St. Lo Highway on 25 July 1944. Eighth Air Force heavy bombers are attacking in support of the 1st Army Assault troops will start advancing into the target area at zero plus 60 minutes. Bombing will cease after zero p1 us 55 minutes. Friendly groundforces will conduct counter battery artillery fire against enemy flak positions throughout the entire mission.”

With this Field Order, the crushing of the German Army in France commenced. A maximum effort was required of all groups. The 457th dispatched 49 aircraft in four boxes, comprising the 94thB Combat Wing with Major William F. Smith as Commander. Major Peresich led the low box; Captain Belcher led the high box, and Major Snow led the high, high box.

Bombing altitude would be 12,000 feet. The four boxes assumed a line abreast formation at the IP and began the bomb run. Visibility was poor. The enemy ground forces were blanketed with bombs. All 457th craft returned without damage.

Elsewhere, music lovers enjoyed the opportunity to hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Henry Unger, on 26 July, at the Peterborough Cathedral.