Ploesti - A Framework for Discussion
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic method of analyzing one of the most daring and, in retrospect, one of the most tragic and indecisive air-to-ground battles in the European theater in World War II. I refer to the Allied attempt to destroy Hitler's primary source of petroleum, the oil complexes of Ploesti, Rumania, in the summer of 1943. The raid on Ploesti was boldly conceived in that it employed new tactics that had not been tested in combat and was a highly complex operation that required the utmost in crew skill and courage. The action resulted in five Medals of Honor being awarded, the most ever for a single military operation. The raid was unfortunate in that so many planes and lives were lost without achieving the ultimate objective of depriving Germany of enough oil to seriously hamper her warmaking capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA146438
Entities
People
- J. E. Boatwright
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College