"Achtung, Achtung . . ."

The U.S. Eighth Air Force returned to Germany last week. Target: Emden's oft-bombed U-boat yards. As usual, the exact effects on the bomb target were unknown. But the effect on the Luftwaffe was terrific: some 500 Fortresses and Liberators shot down 117 German fighters; escorting U.S. fighters shot down 21 more. U.S. loss: 17 bombers, three fighters.

These figures made it clear that 1) the German fighters had found ways to break through the long-range escort cover; 2) when they did, the bombers with new and improved gun turrets were well able to take care of themselves. New German tactics were unavailing. Rocket-carrying Me-210s lined up six abreast, attacked the bombers head on, peeled off to the left. Then five or six more would come in.

Somewhere along the skyway, a U.S. bomb-group commander signaled over the interplane radio to P-47s buzzing above the Fortress formation: "Jesus, you guys look good up there." Fighter pilots grinned behind their oxygen masks. Gone were the days when bomber gunners used to spray lead at any fighter that strayed too close.

The R.A.F. night bombers were pleased. When the Eighth takes a heavy toll of German fighters, the R.A.F.'s job is that much easier on the next few nights.

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