Us Official Photographs

B-17 Fortresses attack Paris

The photograph made from Boeing B-17 Fortresses of the 8th AAF Bomber Command on Dec. 31, when they attacked the vital CAM ball bearing plant and the nearby HISPANO SUIZA aircraft engine repair depot in Paris. Meeting little fighter opposition, and favored by good visibility they left their cargo well within the target area. The CAM ball bearing plant in Paris manufactured a great many of the precision bearings that are required to maintain the mechanized Nazi war machine on it's many defensive fronts. The Daimbr Benz aircraft engine repaired in the HISPANO SUIZA plant is used in single engine fighters. Fires were started that the crews were able to see for many miles after they had left the target area. Many hits were registered on both of the factories under attack and the crews felt that a good job had been done.