This Week in History
“This Week in History” is a weekly recounting of historical events which shaped today’s U.S. Air Force.
June 12, 1942 saw the first American mission against a European target. Twelve U.S. Army Air Force B-24 Liberator bombers attacked the oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania. Allied Forces attacked Ploesti throughout the war because it was a Nazi supplier of equipment and oil. The Liberator’s great range made it particularly suited for such missions. This feature also made the airplane suitable for long over-water missions in the Pacific Theater. More than 18,000 Liberators were produced. (U.S. Air Force photo)