MISSION SUMMARY

Mission Number 146

 

  1. Date:     5 May 1945
     
  2. Code Name: Thunderhead    #1
     
  3. Target:     Hiro Naval A/C Factory  (primary visual)   (90.30   - 660)
                       Hiro Arsenal   (primary radar) 90.30  - 794)
     
  4. Participating Units: 73rd and 58th Bombardment Wings
     
  5. Number A/C Airborne: 170
     
  6. % A/C Bombing Primary: 85.04%    (148 primary and   4 opportunity)
     
  7. Time Over Primary: 051140K   - 051211K
     
  8. Altitude of Attack: 18,000  - 24,700
     
  9. Weather Over Target: clear to 3/10
     
  10. Total A/C Lost: 2
     
  11. Resume of Mission: Bombing results were good to   excellent.  Major buildings in west half of Target received direct hits.  Direct hit on large U-shaped building of Hiro Naval Engine and Turbine Factory.  One major building in southwest section of Hiro Arsenal received direct hit 30% of Target estimated to be destroyed, all buildings, except seaplane hangars at south end of   Target area, gutted or destroyed.  578 tons of bombs placed on Target.  Eighteen aircraft non-effective.  Enemy air opposition - 56 E/A sighted made 16 attacks.  Enemy aircraft destroyed 3, probably destroyed 2 and 1 damaged.  A/A heavy, moderate to intense and inaccurate to accurate.  Sixty-eight aircraft landed at Iwo Jima.  Average bomb load:  8245 lbs.  Average fuel reserve:  572 gallons.                  

 

 

  

    

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