Operation Tidal Wave was a significant military campaign undertaken during World War II, primarily aimed at disrupting the Axis supply of oil. The operation took place on August 1, 1943, and involved the United States Army Air Forces dispatching 177 B-24 Liberators to bomb strategic oil refineries located in and around Ploiești, Romania. These refineries were pivotal to the German war machine, providing essential fuel for tanks, aircraft, and trucks critical to the Axis war efforts. The planning for Operation Tidal Wave was elaborate, involving comprehensive reconnaissance and mapping of the target zones.

However, the operation faced formidable challenges right from the beginning. The aircrews encountered severe German anti-aircraft defenses, which had been underestimated by US strategists. Moreover, the raid was hindered by navigational difficulties, causing many bombers to become lost and miss their intended targets. The attack resulted in significant American losses, with nearly 54 aircraft shot down and over 400 airmen killed, wounded, or captured. The result was a tactical failure in terms of achieving the desired level of damage to the oil fields, although some facilities were briefly affected.

Despite the immediate failure of Operation Tidal Wave, the mission underscored the importance of oil supply lines in modern warfare and set the stage for future strategic bombings. The heavy losses experienced during the operation prompted reevaluation of air strategy and tactics by the Allies. In light of this operation, it also highlighted the importance of accurate intelligence and adaptability in military operations, with lessons learned being applied to subsequent campaigns in Europe.