15th USAAF bombing raid of Bulgaria, 17 Jan. 1944?
 

I found a victory claim against a four-engine US bomber, filed by a Bulgarian Bf 109G pilot for 17 January 1944. However, I could not find any trace of a combat mission performed by the 15th USAAF over Bulgaria that day. Can someone help me solving this minor 'puzzle'?
Thank you, in advance.

Re: 15th USAAF bombing raid of Bulgaria, 17 Jan. 1944?
 

Dénes,
Checking my MTO loss database, built for A History of the Mediterranean Air War, I do not find any 15th Air Force losses on this date, and only a F-5 photo plane loss north of Casino for the 12th AF.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: 15th USAAF bombing raid of Bulgaria, 17 Jan. 1944?
 

Thanks, Frank. The question is: was there a US bombing raid at all over Bulgaria on 17 January 1944? I could find no trace of it.

Re: 15th USAAF bombing raid of Bulgaria, 17 Jan. 1944?
 

To your question regarding Jan 17,44 mission over Bulgaria the answer is NO . However the 15th AF was on the air with 301st BG , 99th BG , 449th BG were on the air with max effort tied up in Italy bombing escorted by 3 fighter groups . The 450th missed the randezvous with the FG and had to jettison the bombs while ditching the mission . The 376th was on ground due IMC conditions . Bulgarian claims need to be carefully reviewed .

Hope that helps

Alex K