Operation Tidal Wave

On August 1 1943, a force of 177 American heavy bombers conducted a strategic bombing mission over the oil fields near Ploesti, Romania to deny petroleum-based fuel to the Axis powers. The operation was one of the costliest for the USAAF in the European Theater, with 53 aircraft and 500 aircrewmen lost. It was proportionally the most costly major Allied air raid of the war, and its date was later referred to as "Black Sunday."  Join James as he tells the gripping story of "Operation Tidal Wave" in this special topical episode written by Sean McIver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Om Podcasten

War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation’s founding right down to the present. Wars made the U. S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America’s wars is essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America’s wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.