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Information > Heritage > History Spotlight
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Second bombing campaign on Ploesti oil fields
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A second wave of bombing Ploesti oil fields occurred April through August 1944. (U.S. Air Force illustration/history spotlight graphic)
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On July 9, 1944, 1st Lt. Donald D. Pucket took part in a highly effective attack against vital oil installation in Ploesti, Rumania. 15th Army Air Forces Commander Gen. Nathan Twining ordered a second wave of bombing from April 1944 to August 1944. Lieutenant Pucket was assigned to the 98th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps. During the mission, his plane received heavy and direct hits from anti-aircraft fire just after the "bombs away" command.
One crewmember was instantly killed and six others severely wounded. The airplane was badly damaged, two were knocked out, the control cables cut, the oxygen system on fire, and the bomb bay flooded with gas and hydraulic fluid. Regaining control of his crippled plane, Lieutenant Pucket turned its direction over to the copilot. He calmed the crew, administered first aid, and surveyed the damage. Finding the bomb bay doors jammed, he used the hand crank to open them to allow the gas to escape. He jettisoned all guns and equipment but the plane continued to lose altitude rapidly. Realizing that it would be impossible to reach friendly territory he ordered the crew to abandon ship.
Three of the crew, uncontrollable from fright or shock, would not leave. Lieutenant Pucket urged the others to jump. Ignoring their entreaties to follow, he refused to abandon the three shaken men and was last seen fighting to regain control of the plane. A few moments later the flaming bomber crashed on a mountainside. Lieutenant Pucket , unhesitatingly and with supreme sacrifice, gave his life in his courageous attempt to save the lives of three others. Lieutenant Pucket was bestowed the Medal of Honor for his actions.
The first bombing mission for the oil fields was called Operation Tidal Wave, and it was a costly mission in the loss of lives and aircraft. The mission was a strategic disaster as it did not fulfill its mission to curtail oil production |
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