Lester L. Rowekamp, mission June 16, 1944

June 16, 1944             We went on mission to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (Yakia-Apollo Oil Refinery). Bratislava is on the Danube River, app. 33 miles from Vienna. We were tail end Charlie in our group. We were hit by about 40-50 enemy fighters (Me 110's, Me-210's, Me-l09's and FW-190's) at beginning of bomb run. 8 Me-210's came at us from 6 o'clock high. I got one when it reached 8 o'clock high but it was unconfirmed because it blew up and no one saw it go down. One of my guns jammed. 6 came in from 12 o'clock. Knocked plane # 89 down. Slug hit top turret dome above right ear and put hole in plexiglas. Intercom was not working too well. Seconds later a second slug hit dome above left ear. Saw two enemy fighters go down besides the one that blew up. Tail gunner claimed another. Altogether 12 enemy fighters and 3 B- 24's went down. Our squadron lost plane #26, Lt. Drake's crew. Attack lasted about 10 minutes and we had no fighter escort. Bombing was almost perfect. Huge storage tanks, sheds, office buildings, cracking plants RR yards left in flames. Trip back was drafty and very cold. Group received Presidential Citation for raid. App 8 hrs