The Story Behind This Iconic World War II Photograph Is Astonishing

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On November 20, 1944, 400 bombers escorted by 300 Mustang and Lightning fighter planes set off on a vital mission. Hitler’s defeat was still nearly six months away, and fighting in Europe was still fierce and deadly. The planes set off from Pantanella airfield in southern Italy, and their target was Blechhammer, some 600 miles to the north in modern-day Poland.

The object of this U.S. Air Force mission was to destroy a synthetic fuel plant. Denying the Nazis the resources they needed for their tanks, planes and trucks was a key strategic aim. Fuel in particular was vital for the Germans to resist the Allied invasion of Europe. The Blechhammer refinery processed coal to make synthetic oil and was therefore an important target.

Leading the flight of bombers was a B-24 Liberator commanded by Lt. Col Clarence “Jack” Lokker. Lokker and his crew knew that this mission would be no cakewalk since the plant they planned to bomb had exceptionally strong batteries of anti-aircraft artillery. Clearly, the Germans were determined to protect this crucial resource.

Lt. Col Lokker was a highly experienced pilot and leader. A graduate of West Point, Lokker had qualified as a pilot in March 1942. When he passed out of flying school, he married his college sweetheart, Sybil Bralley. They had one child together, David, a son Lokker spent just three days with before he was posted to Italy.

Once in Italy, Lokker flew some 40 missions over enemy territory in a range of European countries including Germany, France, Hungary and Yugoslavia. His exceptional bravery was recognized by a Purple Heart, an Air Medal and a Distinguished Flying Cross. His November 20 mission was to be another extremely dangerous one.

That day, Lokker’s B-24 had a larger crew than normal because the plane was leading the attack on Blechhammer. The crew’s numbers were swelled to 11 with the addition of a lead navigator and lead bombardier, officers with responsibilities for the entire mission.

Lokker’s unit, the 465th Battle Group, set off at 7:42 a.m. on that Monday in November. The bombers organized themselves into formation at 5,000 feet and headed for their mission objective. However, poor visibility meant a decision was taken to re-route and head for an alternative, back-up target.

But visibility unexpectedly improved and suddenly the fuel plant came into view. The decision to head for the secondary target was reversed. As a result, the bomber formation banked and headed once more for their original target at Blechhammer. Lokker, wary of the intense anti-aircraft fire he knew his planes would face, ordered the formation to increase its height from 22,000 to 23,000 feet.

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