On August 17, 1943, the entire strength of the American heavy bomber forces in England set out to raid two vital industrial targets deep in southern Germany. For American commanders it was the culmination of years of planning and hoping, the day when their defensive formations of Flying Fortresses could at last perform their true role and reach out by daylight to strike at targets in the deepest corners of industrial Germany. The day ended in disaster. Thanks to the courage of the aircrews, the bombers broke through to the targets and caused heavy damage, but sixty of the planes were shot down and the hopes of the American commanders were shattered. Historically, it was probably the most important day for the American air forces during the Second World War. - Jacket flap.