354th FG - May 23er, 1944 mission

[Henofred]

Bonjour,

I am looking for details about the mission of May, 23rd 1944. This day there the Group was acting as “Target Support” onto Bourges airfield, France. Beforehand, merci for your responses.

Regards,
Frederic

[drgondog]

8th AF F.O. 364
464 B-24s and B-17s of 2BD and 3BD attacked various airfields from Orleans to Etemps.

Approximately 84 B-24s attacked Bourges, one was lost to German fighter near Patay (446BG).

The different 8AF and 9th AF FC fighters flew area/target support. The 354th FG mission was uneventful as was the rest of the fighter groups. Heavy overcast over much of France.

[Henofred]

Merci beaucoup drgondog.

I had thought that perhaps one of the books telling the story of this Group, had mentioned something. But as the mission was a “piece of cake”…

Best regards,
Frederic

[Henofred]

I forgot in my previous reply: Do you know who was leading this mission?

Best regards,
Frederic

[drgondog]

Frederic - No, I do not. Aside from the Group History by Blake, there is not much detail on individual missions leadership.

Bickell (Gp CO) and Teschner (Depty CO) Brooks (Gp Ops), Bradley (353FS CO), Stephens (355FS CO) and Turner (356FS CO) are your likely suspects for that time.

[Henofred]

Hi drgondog - I will try to find. Thanks a lot for this choice, it limits thus my research.

Warmest regards from France,
Frederic

[Frank Olynyk]

The May 23rd mission was lead by LtCol Teschner. It is described as Penetration, T/? (sorry, the letter is smudged, but it is probably T/G for Target) & Withdrawal Support (Medium Range) for Heavies. Order Number 283, to Bourges Airfield in France. No claims, no losses.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Henofred]

Woaww! That's great Frank! Merci beaucoup.

Best regards,
Frederic