1944: Eighth, Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Forces hit petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) targets throughout the European Theater. Of the approximately 3,000 sorties flown during the day, around 60 planes are shot down. The operation involved a large force of B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators, escorted by Allied fighters, as part of the ongoing strategic bombing campaign in support of the Normandy campaign. (USAF Art program)
