Black Sunday: Ploesti Raid

On August 1, 1943, 177 courageous B-24 Liberators launched from Libya in Operation Tidal Wave, targeting the vital Ploesti oil refineries in Romania – the heart of Axis fuel supply producing up to 60% of their crude oil. This daring low-altitude strike aimed to deliver a knockout blow to Hitler's war machine in a single, surprise assault. 🇺🇸 The mission demanded extraordinary bravery from our airmen, flying into the jaws of heavily fortified defenses without fighter escort. 💪

As waves of bombers approached, everything went wrong. Navigation errors scattered formations over mountains, and German/Romanian flak batteries plus intercepting fighters unleashed hell. Intense antiaircraft fire, barrage balloons, and smoke from early strikes blinded crews, turning the sky into a cauldron of fire and explosions. One group struck first, losing 11 planes immediately, while others flew through delayed bombs and a camouflaged flak train. The cost was staggering: 53 B-24s destroyed, over 300 airmen killed, 130 wounded, and many captured – the costliest single air raid in U.S. military history. 🦅

Yet amid the devastation, American heroism shone brightest. Five Medals of Honor – more than any other air mission in WWII – were awarded that day. Lt. Col. Addison Baker and Maj. John Jerstad kept their burning Hell's Wench aloft to complete the bomb run. Lt. Lloyd Hughes pressed on in flaming Ole Kickapoo to drop his payload before perishing. Col. John "Killer" Kane absorbed over 20 hits yet circled back to strike true. These men flew into certain death because duty demanded it, embodying unbreakable resolve and sacrifice for freedom. 🙏

The raid's strategic impact proved limited; refineries recovered quickly, production even exceeded pre-raid levels within weeks. But the true legacy endures in the valor displayed – proof that American strength and patriotism prevail even when plans falter. This "Black Sunday" reminds us of the high price paid by our Greatest Generation to defend liberty against tyranny. Their courage inspires every patriot today.

To our fellow veterans and families: if you're struggling, know support is out there – reach out. What lessons from such sacrifices should guide our national security today? #PloestiRaid #WWIIHistory #VeteranStories

https://www.military.com/daily-news/investigations-and-features/2026/01/14/black-sunday-over-ploesti-wwii-mission-over-romania-became-costliest-air-raid-us-history.html 🪖 Veteran Meme Machine 🙏 https://www.givesendgo.com/VMM