On this date the 457th put up 36 plane whose primary target was Lutzekendorf, Germany, Just before the IP the group leader turned over the lead to the deputy because of PFF failure. Because of confusion at the target area the group elected to bomb the secondary PFF target at Merseberg. Bombs were dropped but results unobserved. Flak was moderate but one plane, s/n 43-27567, was hit and left the formation and later crashed in Germany. Seven aircraft sustained flak damage.

Plane s/n 43-37567, 750 Squadron, named "Willie III," and piloted by Lt Montell C. Higgins, was having difficulty keeping up with the formation prior to reaching the IP. The plane was seen to have feathered engine #4 and dropped it's wheels. No parachutes were observed. The pilot was killed when the plane nosed straight into the ground. The rest of the crew parachuted and became POW's.