hello,
33 aircraft( usual would have been 36 a/c but see the link below) of the 397th BG took part in the mission.
here is the list of the eleven 397th BG losses on the 23rd December 1944.
MACR
- 11483 - 42-96144 - 596 BS - Estes.
MACR - 11487 - 42-96182 - 599 BD - Sewart.
MACR - 11349 - 42-96280 - 597 BS - Marshall.
MACR - 10877 - 42-96309 - 387 BG/557 BS - Stith.( was this a/c or crew on loan to the 397th BG - ?)
MACR - 11985 - 43-34430 - 599 BS - Cook.
MACR - 11490 - 43-34434 - 599 BS - Stephensen.
MACR - 13039 - 43-34136 - 599 BS - Eiden.
MACR - 11986 - 43-34139 - 599 BS - McCarthy.
MACR - 11897 - 43-34159 - 599 BS - Dryden.
MACR - 11898 - 43-34185 - 598 BS - Burns.
MACR - 11549 - 43-34221 - 598 BS - Stangle.
Perhaps there is someone out there who may be able to give you serial numbers of the other 22 a/c that returned safely to Base or other landing ground in allied territory.
http://www.battleofthebulgememories....e-mission.html
Alex