June 1, 1944: Operation Frantic, a U.S. shuttle-bombing mission that used Soviet bases to attack Eastern European targets, kicked off with its first mission: “Frantic Joe.” Led by Lt. Gen. Ira C. Eaker, Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, 130 B-17 bombers and 69 P-51s bombed a railway yard in Hungary, a success. The operation continued through September, hampered by Soviet recalcitrance and lack of protection for U.S. forces.

Quote of the Day: “There are no reluctant leaders. A real leader must really want the job.” Lt. Gen. Ira C. Eaker

Brandus, Paul. This Day in U.S. Military History (p. 140). Bernan Press. Kindle Edition.