In early 1945, as World War II approached its conclusion in Europe, the United States Army Air Forces coordinated with the Soviet Red Army during the Vistula–Oder Offensive, an operation designed to push German forces out of Poland. On February 14, 1945, a squadron of B-17 bombers, usually known for their strategic bombing campaigns against German military targets, was deployed to support this offensive. However, due to navigational errors, the mission went awry and Prague, a city with a significant Czech civilian population, was mistakenly placed in the bombers' sights.

The B-17s, equipped for daylight precision bombing, carried out their mission believing they were striking enemy positions. As they approached Prague, vital landmarks were misidentified, leading to an erroneous bombing run over the city. Explosions rocked the urban landscape, causing extensive damage to both property and civilian lives. Approximately 100 civilians lost their lives, and numerous homes and businesses were devastated among the historic streets. The incident sparked outrage and highlighted the dangers of aerial warfare in densely populated areas, as well as issues with communication and intelligence sharing among allied forces.

The consequences of the bombing were felt long after the war ended. Public sentiment in Czechoslovakia turned sour towards American forces for the attack, which was viewed by many as unnecessary and reckless. The incident raised questions about the conduct of war, the responsibilities of allied nations towards civilian populations, and the implications of advanced military technology used in combat without clear intelligence. It served as a crucial lesson for future military strategies that aimed to minimize civilian casualties, ultimately influencing the rules of engagement in subsequent conflicts.