Operation Pointblank

B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 398th Bombardment Group flying a bombing run to Neumunster, Germany, on April 13, 1945.

Operation Pointblank was a WWII joint Anglo-American operation intended to severely degrade and/or eliminate German aircraft fighter strength.

Operation Pointblank's primary objectives were: "securing air superiority over the cities, factories and battlefields of Western Europe in preparation for Operation Overlord."

The Americans used multiple groups of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft during the operation.

Operation Pointblank used a strategy of attrition against defending German air forces and was a success. During the campaign, a crucial tactical change was made which was providing fighter escorts to the bombers. The attainment of the operation's key objectives was critical because the Western Allied forces invasion of France required air superiority.

External links

Videos:

• B-17 Flying Fortress Heavy Bombers Over the Nazi Germany - 1943
• Operation Pointblank