The 457th put up 34 aircraft for this mission to Augsburg as part of a force of 1200 heavy bombers. This was the first mission where a new 12 ship boxes was used. Lt Col Wilson led the three 12 ship boxes. Just before the turn on the IP, the formation was hit by force of about 40 or 50 ME-109's and FW-190's but the planes did not press their attack. Most peeled off before they got within gun range. One deputy lead plane from the 457th was hit and two engines set afire. The plane left the formation and later exploded. Bombing results were good and flak was heavy. Eighteen planes suffered flak damage and the mission was considered successful.

Plane s/n 42-97601, piloted by Lt Noel A. Cunefare, was flying a deputy lead when they were attacked by a force of about 25 ME-109's. The fighters struck head on and their #4 engine was blown off the wing. The plane dropped out of formation with two engines on fire. They considered trying to make Switzerland but the conditions worsened and the order was given to jump and most of the crew did. Some were still aboard when the plane exploded. (See Wes Atkins account of this incident in "Black Puff Polly - Mission No 91", by Roland Byers.)