[drgondog]

The 4th had a Penetration, Target, Withdrwal Support to 3rd BD B-17s to Brux, Czechoslovakia. Just before R/V at Kassel the bombers came under attack near Frankfurt. Major Goodson, took the 4th south to the R/V near Bad Nauheim and then spotted 30 plus German fighters heading toward Giessen. The 4th bounced and the fight ranged to Mannheim.

The 335th FS was the primary force shooting down Me109s in the Giessen/Marburg to east of Franjfurt area.

Goodson, leading the 4th at lead of 336th got his score in Kassel area, along with McDill. The 334th with Hively leading got several in the Coburg and Plauen area.

Unfortunately, the 4th dropped tanks in this fight and many had to turn back early and 41 total B-17s were lost in 3rd Div attacks in Cz..the last time the 8th AF lost 10% (or more) of the attacking force.

Regards,

Bill