Friction in Action: Revisiting the U.S. Army Air Forces’ August 1943 Raid on Ploesti

The 1 August 1943 low-level, U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber attack on the Ploesti oil facilities in Romania is best known for its daring, its crews’ bravery, and the heavy losses. Little attention has been given to an examination of the plan for the attack, the reasons for its failure, or its limited results. One of the most significant factors contributing to the outcome was combat friction, the accumulation of a number of unforeseen, relatively minor factors that disrupted the plan. This mission illustrates that daring and bravery, while necessary and important, are insufficient for military success and that flexibility and leadership are essential to overcome friction.