 He was credited with his next victories on 25 July, claiming the destruction of an Avro Lancaster heavy bomber and a Spitfire.Ihlefeld participated and led JG 1 in Operation Bodenplatte, the failed attempt to cripple Allied air forces in the Low Countries.The objective of Bodenplatte was to gain air superiority during the stagnant stage of the Battle of the Bulge and dates back to meeting held on 16 September 1944.