AIRCRAFT > BOMBERS > B-24 > Black Sunday--The Low Level Raid on the Ploesti Oil Refineries, 1943
Title:
Black Sunday--The Low Level Raid on the Ploesti Oil Refineries, 1943
Artist:
Michael Obermeyer
Categories:
AIRCRAFT >> BOMBERS >> B-24
Catalog Number:
2008.096
Location:
1303 LUKE AVENUE
Description:
Painting depicts "Operation Tidal Wave," the low level bombing of the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Romania on August 1, 1943. Nearly 200 B-24 Liberators were to fly the 2,700-mile trip from North Africa to Romania and back. Fifty-four of the 178 aircraft were lost, nearly 500 airmen lost their lives. All who flew the mission were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The painting shows "The Sandman" of the 98th Bomb Group, piloted by Major Robert W. Sternfels, leaving the target area at the Astra, Romania, refinery. The painting is signed on the reverse side by Maj. Sternfels, who consulted with the artist and provided great input into the making of this painting.