Lester L. Rowekamp, mission June 24, 1944

June 24, 1944             We went on mission to Ploesti, Rumania. On leaving base, we climbed to 17,000 ft. to get above overcast. Consequently we were on oxygen for 6 hrs. Flak was heavy and accurate as usual over target. Some bombs hit center of target using offset bombing due to smoke screen. Did a 360.degree turn between Ploesti and Bucharest to wait for other section to drop bombs. 50 to 60 enemy fighters sighted. 9 attacked us but all passes were low and I didn't get a shot. 3 ME-I09's and 2 B-24's downed and 2 B-24's missing. On the way back, flew over Yugoslavia looking for plane #27. Were low on gas when we reached the Adriatic. Threw out all loose equipment. Just barely made it back to base. App 8 hrs