The area around Munich was the center of development of the new jet aircraft that could be a real threat to the 8th Air Force. Over 1200 heavy bombers were launched to this area around Munich on this date. The 457th was to attack an area called Allach, if visual, or Munich if overcast. The group put up 36 aircraft. After assembly and before the group reached the English Coast the plane flown by Lt Jack W. Gazzale caught fire from mysterious causes. The fire was in the wing tip. The crew started bailing out and the plane exploded. The target area was totally overcast and a failure of the PFF equipment in the lead planes caused the group to make a 360 and return to the target. Bomb results were unobserved and only moderate flak was encountered.

Plane s/n 42-97088 was forming up in formation over England when it's wing tip appeared to burst into flane. Several of the crew bailed out and shortly after the plane exploded. The pilot, Lt Jack W. Gazzale, was blown clear of the plane and parachuted to the earth as did five other members of his crew. Three of the crew were killed in the explosion and Lt Fred Oglesby lost his leg from an injury. For a detailed description of this event, read Jack Gazzale's remembrance.