Us Official Photographs

P-38 Reconnaissance planes over Ploesti

These two photographs were taken by Lockheed P-38 Reconnaissance planes, (note P-38 above) which preceded bombers over Ploesti, Rumania on 17, 18 and 19 of August 1944, and broadcast "in the clear" to approaching formations which were clear of smoke. These photos of the 17 August 1944 attack show development of smoke concentration. Huge oil fires caused by bombing prove Ploesti, Rumania's smoke screen had been defeated.