The XX Bomber Command, part of the United States Army Air Forces, was tasked with strategic bombing operations against Japanese wartime infrastructure. As Japan intensified its military campaign in China, notably through Operation Ichi-Go, which aimed to secure vital resources and establish a stronger foothold in the region, American forces were compelled to take action. The decision to bombard Hankow was part of a broader strategy to weaken Japanese supply lines and capabilities in the face of their aggressive operations. The coordination of this attack involved meticulous planning and reconnaissance to target the supplies that were essential for sustaining Japanese forces in China.

On the date of the bombing, American bombers, primarily B-29 Superfortresses, launched a coordinated attack on the supply base located in Hankow, a city that served as a strategic hub for Japanese logistics. The five hundred tons of incendiary bombs dropped created massive fires, leading to widespread destruction of military supplies and facilities. The operation not only caused significant material damage but also aimed to instill a sense of vulnerability within the Japanese military command, highlighting the reach and capability of American air power. This bombing run was one of the several measures taken by the Allied forces as they sought to regain the initiative in the Pacific Theatre.

In the aftermath, the bombing of Hankow had direct implications on the Japanese supply chain and their ability to sustain operations in China. This attack underscored the effectiveness of strategic bombing as a military tactic, capable of influencing the course of ground operations by degrading enemy resources. Furthermore, it contributed to the ongoing discourse regarding the use of incendiary bombs and their impact on civilian populations, a topic that would later become a significant concern in wartime ethics.