Today's mission for the 384th was a 'Crossbow' operation - the codename given to any mission directed against V-weapon installations in occupied Europe. The Primary Target was the V-weapon launch site in the Foret Nationale de Tournehem. The 384th Bomb Group was to lead the 41st Combat Wing, with 384th Bomb Group Deputy Commander Lt. Col. William E. Buck in command.

A total of 25 aircraft were assigned to the mission, with a very early start planned. Of the 25, 18 were to actual complete the mission. Three aircraft were forced to abort the mission, one aircraft was scrubbed immediately after take off, two aircraft were ground spares that weren't used, with another aircraft making it to the target area but due to weather conditions, was unable to release the bombload and brought it back to base.

B-17G #42-31435 West End was the aircraft forced to scrub the mission after take off, due to an issue with #1 engine. It's place was taken by a ground spare, B-17G #42-37776 Lady Drew - however, by the time this aircraft had taken off and had got half way across the English Channel, it was unable to locate the formation and was thus to return back to Grafton Underwood after jettisoning it's bomb load. It safely landed back at base at 09.30. Also having to abort the mission were B-17G #42-31235 Goin' Dog due to issues with two of its superchargers meaning it could not keep its place in the formation, and also B-17G #42-107074 Helena; Pilot 2nd Lt. John James Malone suffering from severe cramps in his knee which forced the aircraft to return, whilst it was still in the vicinity of the airfield, after being in the air for four hours.