Operation Tidal Wave
$50M
Cost
1,726
Troops Deployed
310
US Casualties
100
Civilian Deaths
Overview
The daring low-level B-24 bomber raid on the Ploesti oil refineries in Romania — Nazi Germany's primary source of petroleum. 177 B-24 Liberators flew 2,400 miles round-trip at treetop level to attack the heavily defended complex.
Outcome
Refineries were damaged but recovered to full production within weeks. The mission suffered the highest loss rate of any major USAAF raid: 53 aircraft lost, 310 killed, 108 captured. Five Medals of Honor were awarded — three posthumously.
Key Fact
Pilots flew at 50 feet altitude through walls of anti-aircraft fire and oil refinery smokestacks. The 30% loss rate made it one of the costliest air operations of WWII.