The Mighty Eighth Air Force
 plane

 17 August 1942

MONDAY, 17 AUGUST 1942

The first mission of the 8th Air Force in Europe occurred on this date.

ETO (8th AF): Mission 1: 12 of 12 B-17s bomb Rouen/Sotteville marshalling
yard in France at 1739-1746 hours; they claim 0-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2
B-17s are damaged. 6 B-17s also fly a diversion without loss; escort is
provided by RAF Spitfires.