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Because of bad weather, the 8th Air force scheduled the day for tactical missions to help support the Normandy assault. Since the earlier bombing of potential airfields that could be used by the Luftwaffe had proven effective, it was decided to hit them again. The 492nd drew an airfield near Melun. This was their second time going there.
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The mission was delayed getting started until about 1100 hours when the weather began clearing. The Group dispatched 10 planes to hook up with the 14th Wing. This would be a Pathfinder-led mission with Captain Byrne, the 857th Operational Officer, leading the Group from a Pathfinder ship.
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We don't have records that document the fighter protection for the 492nd on this mission. We do know that the 8th Air Force dispatched 172 escorts for the armada and had many other fighters flying about on targeted assignments.
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The 14th Wing did encounter some inaccurate flak during the mission. Aside from that, there was no resistance.
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The 492nd reported that all 10 of their planes attacked the target. The 392nd wasn't being led by a Pathfinder and was unable to find the target and returned to base with their payloads.
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The bad weather period was almost over. The heavy bomber boys had gotten in more tactical missions than had been planned, but they weren't complaining. These milk runs were easy compared to the raids into Germany. Due to the Normandy invasion and the weather, the crews were able to rack up a lot of missions in a hurry. But the returning good weather meant that the Mighty 8th would soon be returning to Germany.
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Going back into Germany was going to be harder than it was earlier. The bad weather had given Hitler an opportunity to strengthen his air defenses in Germany. The Allied Air Force had lost some of the momentum they had gained during May.
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On this day, Captain Earleywine and his Crew 901 was transferred to the 93rd BG for lead crew and Pathfinder training. Captain Handwright and his Crew 801, who had previously received transfer orders to the 44th, was also reassigned to the 93rd BG for the same purpose.
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