Iwo Jima (November 8, 1944)

This was another shakedown mission involving 17 aircraft of the 73rd Bomb Wing. The target were the air fields on Iwo Jima. The bombers arrived at the target around 12:30 pm flying between 27,600 and 29,000 feet carrying 10,000 lbs. of bombs each.

The target was 4/10 to 5/10 overcast. Bombing results are unknown due to lack of photographs. Eleven aircraft were ineffective. One formation of eight bombers missed the target completely when the lead plane overran the initial point of the bomb run. Only six aircraft hit the primary target.

Enemy opposition consisted of heavy antiaircraft fire (though not very accurate) and eight fighters. Six phosphorus bombs were dropped on bombing formations.

One aircraft lost, ditching at 19°N, 141°E.

Additional Resources

  • Resume of 20th Air Force Missions, (see book information on the books resources page).
  • Mission resumes are also available on the Twentieth Air Force Association web site. This site is built with frames. To view the mission resumes click the "Missions" link in the top menu on the site's home page. This is mission 5.

Mission List

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