Ploesti, Rumania, was the heart of the greatest concentration of petroleum refineries in Axis Europe. Until 19 August 1944 it was the target of the most intense and determined aerial offensive ever waged by the Allied Strategic Air Forces in the Mediterranean. Aimed at denying Germany the oil resources, the campaign was bitterly contested and costly in lives and material. This report discusses the significance of the target and the operational problems encountered and the tactics and techniques used to overcome them. It tabulates and examines the damage achieved and presents, in appendices, other pertinent information.

N5575 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.