The XX Bomber command flew its first October mission on the 14th, 16th
and 17th of October against Formosa and in support of U.S. Forces invading the
Philippines.
23 aircraft took off on October 16. 18 aircraft bombed the primary target. Two aircraft
bombed shipping along the China coast, and three bombed Hengyang, China, the last resort
target. All aircraft returned safely, but encountered heavy fighter opposition over the
primary target. There were 57 individual encounters with enemy aircraft with gunners
claiming 2 destroyed, 2 probably destroyed and 5 damaged. Several aircraft received minor
damage and one gunner wounded.
Reconnaissance photos indicated the target and adjacent buildings were almost
completely destroyed. Of the 80 buildings in the target area, 65 were completely destroyed
and only 6 escaped damage. Of 32 buildings around the airfield, 16 were destroyed and 9
damaged. 116 aircraft were destroyed or damaged.
