Us Official Photographs

Quesada in Cologne ruins

Maj. Gen. E.R. (Pete) Quesada, IX Tactical Air Command Chief, gets first hand views of what it's like to be on the receiving end of his fighter-bomber attacks. Together with air correspondent Lewis Lochner, Gen. Quesada toured the ruins of Cologne shortly after the city fell. Of particular interest to the General were the rail yards, target for scores of dive bombing and strafing attacks by the fleets of Republic P-47 Thunderbolts and Lockheed P-38 Lightnings he commands. A primary job of fighter-bombers is to strangle the enemy's communications and supply. Here's one of a train load of new Wehrmacht trucks that never left the loading platform.