World War II: Bombers Hit Schweinfurt & Regensburg!

August 17, 1943 - American bombers (left) launch the first Schweinfurt-Regensburg raid. In accordance with the Pointblank Directive, which called for the destruction of the Luftwaffe prior to the invasion of Europe, the US Army Air Force planned an ambitious raid on German aircraft and ball bearing production facilities in Regensburg and Schweinfurt. The attack was to be carried out by the 1st and 4th Bombardment Wings in early August 1943. As part of the plan, the 4th BW would strike at Messerschmitt Bf-109 plants in Regensburg before continuing on to Allied bases in North Africa. The 1st BW was to strike ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt and return to its bases in England. It was hoped that the two-prong nature of the attack would overwhelm German air defenses and that the arrival of the 1st BW, shortly after the 4th BW, would catch German fighters on the ground refueling. Inclement weather delayed the attack until August 17, and forced the 1st BW to depart later than intended. As a result, it followed further behind the 4th BW than planned. Led by Colonel Curtis LeMay, the 4th BW encountered stiff German resistance, but succeeded in inflicting significant damage on its targets in Regensburg. Due to the weather delays, the Germans were able to refuel prior to the arrival of the 1st BW. Relentlessly attacking the American formations, the Germans shot down 36 B-17s. Hitting their target, the Schweinfurt force returned to England. While the raid did cause significant damage, 60 B-17s were shot down over enemy territory.