On August 1, 1943, Operation Tidal Wave was underway with the sole purpose of destroying oil refineries around Ploieşti, Romania. The bombing run was part of a large scale campaign which was intended to deny petroleum-based fuel to the Axis.
The operation consisted of 178 bombers with a total of 1,751 aircrew flying at low altitude against heavy AA defenses and enemy fighters.
The majority of the bombers made it to their targets but suffered tremendous losses. Over 70% of the bombers that made it back had battle damage. One B24 alone had over 365 bullet holes when it landed.
The mission was one of the costliest for the USAAF in the ETO, with 53 aircraft and 660 air crewmen lost. It was the second-worst loss ever suffered by the USAAF on a single mission and its date was later referred to as "Black Sunday". Five Medals of Honor and 56 Distinguished Service Crosses along with numerous others awards were awarded.
Given the large and unbalanced loss of aircraft and the limited damage to the targets, Operation Tidal Wave is considered a strategic failure of the American side. #ww2 #skymiles #stayzero #zerofoxtrot