Us Official Photographs

B-24 Liberators over Ploesti

Smoke and flames rise to 23,000 feet as these Consolidated B-24 Liberators of the 15th AAF leave the target during the heavy bomber attack on oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania, on 15 July. Continuing their effective smashes as the Hun's dwindling oil supply, our "Heavies" scored many hits on the refineries directly causing huge fires. Returning crewmen reported that a column of smoke was visible for 200 miles, rising from the target, after the attack, and estimate that it was severely damaged.