October 1943 - 57th Bomb Wing

Transcription

12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: October 1943
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For my dad,
Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (deceased)
“Lil Butch”
John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired)
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12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: October 1943
The following is a compilation of the 321st Bomb Group’s Headquarters and individual
Squadron War Diaries. They have been transcribed word for word, from the Squadron
Histories provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Air
Force Base Alabama. At the end of each Squadron’s daily entry, the individuals cited in
the entry are identified by full name, rank and duty, in alphabetical order. The day’s
entry begins with the Tactical Operations Statement, from the United States Army Air
Forces (USAAF) Chronology, for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). The
history also includes mission reports, mission crew rosters, Missing Air Crew Reports
(MACR), personal mission logs, journals, and diaries made available by various sources.
Invitation
Anyone who has documentation pertaining to the 321st Bomb Group or its members, and
would like to have it included in this history, is welcome to participate. Copies of:
photos (official or personal); orders (promotion, decoration, travel, etc.); Mission
Reports; Missing Air Crew Reports; personal diaries, logs, journals, etc; other
documentation; or information that will help identify hi-lited individuals will be greatly
appreciated, as one of my goals is to correctly identify every man and plane assigned to
the 321st Bomb Group.
My only interest in this project is to honor those who served by perpetuating their story,
and making it available for future generations, particularly the families and friends of
our Great Heroes. If you are interested in helping, or if I may be of assistance in finding
information about your 321st BG Hero, please contact me at: Lil-Butch@nc.rr.com
Special Thanks to Very Special Folks
Agostino Alberti: Professor - historian (Soncino, Italy)
Michele Becchi: aviation history - archaeologist (Reggio Emilia, Italy)
Jack Brellenthin, great nephew of: Harold Ray Brellenthin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Cecile Burandt, daughter of: Charles Lawson “Chuck” Burandt, Capt, pilot, 446th BS
Sally Brown, daughter of: Barnard H. Seegmiller, Sgt, armament, 445th BS
Dave Charville, grandson of: Leighton Daniel “Danny” Charville, 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Barbara Connolly, daughter of: Edward Charles “Salvo” Ennis, T/Sgt, radar-radiogunner, 447th BS
1Lt Robert S. Crouse: pilot, 379BS
Ralph “Monguse” Gimenez: Software Architect, IL2-FB Skinner
Bob Haney, son of: Vincent M. Haney, M/Sgt, flight engineer, 341st BG
Ed Haney, cousin of: Gale Monroe Dickson, Capt, pilot, 446th BS
Special Thanks to Very Special Folks (continued)
Jim Hawkins, son of: Frank B. “Pancho” Hawkins, 2Lt, pilot, 381st BS
John Hughes, son of: John Jerome “Jack” Hughes, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS
Patti Johnson: genealogist, proofer, and family friend of: James Raymond Orechia,
T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS
Don Kaiser, son of: Quentin C. Kaiser, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 489th BS
John Lanza, nephew of: William A. Lanza, Sgt, gunner, 446th BS
Stephanie Lile, daughter of: Keith B. Lile, S/Sgt, gunner, 445th BS
st
1 Lt Joseph A. Malec: bombardier, 448th BS and friend of: Vernon Curtis Dossey, Capt,
pilot, 448th BS
Vince Mango, son of: Vincent A. “Vince” Mango, S/Sgt, aerial gunner, 447th BS
John J. McCarthy: Sgt, engineer-gunner, bombardier, 447th BS
Lorraine McRae, daughter of: James Arrington McRae, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS
T/Sgt Rocco F. “Rocky” Milano & daughter Peggy Chatham: Crew Chief of Peg O' My
Heart, Lil Butch, and Haulin' Ass, 446th BS
Bob Ritger, nephew of: Frederic Charles Ritger, 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Irving J. Schaffer: T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer, 448th BS
1st Lt Frederick H. Smith: pilot, 447th BS
Marsha Gurnee Suszan, daughter of: Clarence E. “Shine” Gurnee, S/Sgt, gunner,
448thBS
Dominique Taddei: author, U.S.S. Corsica (Corsica)
S/Sgt George B. Underwood: gunner, 381st BS
David Waldrip, nephew of: Robert Laseter Waldrip, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 447th BS
Vinny J. White, son of: Joseph P. White, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 381st BS
S/Sgt, Harry (NMI) Yoa: engineer-gunner, 445th BS
Crew lists
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
CL
O
Aircraft information - serial #, name, etc
Pilot
Co-pilot
Navigator
Bombardier
Engineer-gunner
Radio-gunner
Gunner
Photographer
Cannon Loader (on B-25G)
Observer
Sometimes used
Bomb/Nav Bombardier-Navigator
BN Bombardier-Navigator
EG Engineer-gunner
RG Radio-gunner
TG Turret gunner
AG Aerial gunner
PH Photographer
AP Aerial photographer
CC Crew Chief
Acronyms & Abbreviations
A/C: Aircraft
A/D: Aerodrome
AE: Aerial Engineer
A/F: Air Field, also Anti-Flak
AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)
abs: absent
AGL: Above Ground Level
ALO: Allied Liaison Officer
ALW: Alive and Well
AMGOT: Allied Military Government for
Occupied Territories
A.R.C.: American Red Cross
ASC: Air Support Command
ASN: Army Serial Number (personnel)
Assg: Assigned
ASV: Anti-Surface Vessel (radar)
ATA: Actual Time of Arrival
ATC: Air Transportation Command
ATS: Air Transport Service - also Army
Telegraph Service
Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)
BC: Bomber Command
BIC: Bruised in Crash
Bmb: Bombardier
Bn: Battalion
B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory
BSM: Bomb System Maintenance
CA: Heavy Cruiser
CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited
C.B.I.: China-Burma-India Theater
C/D: Coastal Defense
CE: Circular Error
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Chaff (US term): Radar countermeasure:
tiny strips of aluminum, metalized glass
fiber, or plastic. See Window
CL: Cannon Loader
CO: Commanding Officer
CG: Commanding General
CP: Command Post
M/G: Machine Gun
MIA: Missing In Action
M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)
MTB: Motor Torpedo Boat
M/V: Military Vessel, Maritime Vessel
M/Y: Marshalling Yards
MC: Maintenance Crew
NARA: National Archives and Records
Administration
NASAF: Northwest African Strategic Air
Force
NATC - Northwest African Training
Command
NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA
Nav: Navigator
N.B.S.: National Bureau of Standards
NC: Nurse Corps.
NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer
Nickels: propaganda Leaflets
(NMI): No Middle Initial
NOK: Next Of Kin
NRO: National Reconnaissance Office
OAF: Occupation Air Forces
OD: Officer of the day, also Olive Drab
OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster
OTU: Operational Training Unit
PAX: Passengers
PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator
POE: Point of Embarkation
POW: Prisoner of War (also PW)
PRO-Kit: Individual Chemical
Prophylactic packet
PW: Prisoner of War (also POW)
PWB: Psychological Warfare Branch
PX: Post Exchange
QBB: Base of cloud
QDM: Course to steer
QM: Quarter Master
R/B: Road Bridge
RC: Red Cross
CQ: Charge of Quarters
C/S: Call Sign
CWS: Chemical Warfare Service
D/H: Direct Hit
DD: Destroyer
DED: Declared Dead - no body or remains
found
Demo: Demolition
DL: Dead List
DNB: Died Non-Battle / Died Not-Battle
DOW: Died Of Wounds.
DOWRIA: Died of Wounds Received in
Action
DS: Detached Service
E/A: Enemy Aircraft
E/F: Enemy Fighter
EM or E/M: Enlisted Men
ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival
ETIR: Estimated Time In Route
EUS: Evacuated to the United States
E/V: Enemy Vessel
F Boat: Flying Boat
F/L: Formation Leader - also Flight Leader
FO or F/O: Flying Officer
FOD: Finding Of Death
Frag: Fragmentation
F.S.: Flight Section
GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)
GO: General Order
GP: General Purpose/Gun Position
GTC: General Time Convention (railroad)
HE: High Explosive
IAS: Indicated Air Speed
I & E: Information & Education
I.F.F.: Identification, Friend or Foe
(i. o.): Initials Only (initial is the name)
IP: Initial Point
KNB: Killed Not Battle
KIA: Killed In Action
L/A: Landing Area
LC: Landing Craft
L/G: Landing Ground
Lox: Liquid Oxygen
L/S: Landing Strip
R/J: Road Junction
R/Y: Railroad Yards
Repl: Replacement
RMC: Returned to Military Control
RON: Remain OverNight
RR/B: Railroad Bridge
RR/J: Railroad Junction
RR: Railroad
RTD: Returned To Duty
R/V: Rendezvous
S-1: Administration
S-2: Intelligence
S-3: Operations
S-4: Supply
SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing
SD: Special Duty
S/E: Single Engine (plane)
S.E.: Special Equipment (Shoran)
S/F: Siebel Ferry
sk: sick
S/M: Submarine
SO: Special Order
SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?
S/P: Sea Plane
Sq: Squadron
Sqdn: Squadron
SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action
T/A: Target Area
T/C: Troop Concentration
T/E: Twin Engine (plane)
TAC: Theater Allied Command
TBF: Tactical Bomber Force
TD: Temporary Duty
TDY: Temporary Duty
TLC: Tactical Landing Craft
TO: Take-Off (time), also Technical
Order, and Transportation Officer
T/O: Table of Organization
TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target
Trfd: Transferred
TWX: Teletypewriter Message
u/i: Unidentified, also unit of issue
UNRRA: United Nations Relief and
Rehabilitation Administration
L/V: Large Vehicle
LST: Landing Ship Tank
Ltr: Letter
LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action
MACR: Missing Air Crew Report
MATS: Military Air Transport Service
Very Pistol or Verey Pistol: Flare gun
VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer
WC: Water closet
W.O.: Warrant Officer
WIA: Wounded In Action
Window (British term): Radar
countermeasure: tiny strips of aluminum,
metalized glass fiber, or plastic. See Chaff
WP: White Phosphorus (bombs)
WT, W/T: Watch Tower
XC: Cross Country
ZI: Zone of Interior (U.S.A.)
Friday, 1 October 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (9th AF): In the first half of October, HQ
Ninth Air Force and HQ IX Bomber Command begin a movement to England from
Egypt and Libya.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (12th AF):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's hit communications targets in
the Capua, Grazzanise, Arce, and Mignano areas. B-24's, including heavy bombers on
detached service from the Eighth Air Force, bomb Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; B-17's, sent
against an airplane factory at Augsburg, Germany, fail to locate the target, and bomb
several alternate targets and targets of opportunity in Austria, Italy, and off Corsica and
Elba Island, Italy.
In Italy, Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) and XII
Air Support Command medium and light bombers, and fighter-bombers hit the
Benevento town area and marshalling yard, the bridge at Capua, and motor transport,
trains, and railroads mainly in the Isernia area and N to Avezzano. The British King's
Dragoon Guards (with the US Fifth Army) occupy Naples. British Eighth Army troops
occupy Foggia airfields. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its 66th Fighter Squadron transfer
from Gioia Airfield to Foggia, Italy with P-40's. The 15th Bombardment Squadron
(Light), and 311th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Twelfth Air Force, are disbanded at
Nouvion, Algeria and Gela, Sicily respectively. A detachment of the 515th Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Enfidaville, Tunisia with
B-24's, begins operating from Bengasi, Libya. During October, HQ 63rd Fighter Wing
transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Bastia, Corsica; HQ 68th Reconnaissance Group
transfers from Berteaux, Algeria to Massicault, Tunisia; the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron,
316th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Egypt to El Aouina, Tunisia with C-47's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Packing and preparations for the move to Grottaglie was the
order of the day. Everyone was busy packing organizational and personal equipment as
we were told that transport planes would arrive tomorrow to move part of the group to
Italy. No mission because of moving.
445th BS War Diary: Preparations are being made for the move to Italy. The combat
crews and the necessary ground personnel are scheduled to fly up tomorrow. Most of the
men hate to leave their present post because of the nearby beach which they had come to
take for granted. The kitchen was dismantled by the Italian prisoners this evening after
chow.
Friday, 1 October 1943 (continued)
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament:
10/01/43:
“Day before yesterday Conner, Schlott and I drove to Le Kef to get some
photos we had made there two months ago. It was an all-day, but enjoyable, trip. We got
the pictures. Yesterday a torrential rain caused water to flow six inches deep through
our tent. This morning there is a substantial rumor that an advance echelon is moving to
the heel of Italy to bomb across the Adriatic.”
Conner, Frederick P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Schlott, Abraham W. “Abbie”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner, armorer
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual garrison duties.
447th BS War Diary: Packing and preparing to move were the order of the day for the
flight echelon. A number of the tents were taken down and packed in the planes. Also
the necessary equipment for immediate operations was loaded on the planes. A large
number of DC transport planes came in late this evening. Ten of them will assist the
squadron in the movement. As usual when a move is contemplated it rained furiously
late in the night. There was a wild scamper by the men whose tents had been taken down
to get under shelter. The move is planned to begin early tomorrow morning but the rain
has made the runway a muddy mess and things look doubtful. The 446th will send their
mess with the flight echelon and are messing with our squadron temporarily.
MORNING REPORT for the week ending on the 1st of October, 1943:
Assigned strength E.M.---292, Officers---88. Lt. Hasty and Lt. Daume were sent to the
States. Klein and Weiss were transferred to the 331st Signal Wing. There are 6 E.M. and
9 Officers in Cairo. There are 4 men in the Hospital: Lamoureau, Fish, Dobbs, Penson.
Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt, navigator
Dobbs, William R., Cpl, mess
Fish, Harold E., Sgt, gunner
Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt, pilot
Klein, Almer A., Sgt, communications or Klein, Irving (NMI), Sgt, communications
Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt, photographer
Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner
Weiss, George G., Sgt, communications
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Saturday, 2 October 1943
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Brigadier General Gordon P Saville becomes
Commanding General, XII Fighter Command. Weather curtails operations.
In Italy, fighter-bombers of the XII Air Support Command attack
motor transport, roads, and bridges during armed reconnaissance missions from the
Volturno Valley N to Isernia and W to Benevento. The 64th and 65th Fighter Squadrons,
57th Fighter Group, transfer from Rocco Bernardo to Foggia, Italy with P-40's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary:
The first transports arrived today, packed up loads of
equipment and left for the new base. No mission.
445th BS War Diary: Early this morning, a severe rainstorm struck the area
accompanied by sharp lightning and thunder. This heavy rain flooded the camp area,
roads and runway and caused a postponement of the flights. Col. Knapp, Group
Commander, managed to get off and was the first one to arrive in Italy. The order was to
“stand by” for the whole day. Our men were forced to eat at the 448 th area since our
mess had already been moved.
Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We were notified that we were to send an advance
echelon to Italy so the day was spent in making ready. Everyone was excited over the
coming move glad to soon be out of North Africa and hoping the next base would be
better.
447th BS War Diary: The ten transports loaded with squadron equipment took off today
for our new base in Italy. The flight echelon had a false alarm right after lunch and all
went out to the planes with bed rolls and personal belongings in preparation to take off.
The weather was deemed unsuitable however and they weren’t able to get away. All the
men returned to the area for another night. Capt. R.W. Richardson returned from Cairo
with the group of men from the squadron who flew there with him September 25.
Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot
448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew):
“On way to Italy, sight many ships, fog and rain. Arrive at Grottaglie, sleep under plane.
W. House – 10 cents, Haircut – 10 cents, Shave – 5 cents.”
Sunday, 3 October 1943
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's, B-25's, and P-38's bomb
railroad, highway, and pontoon bridges, an overpass, and road junction at Capua, Castel
Volturno, Piana, Arce, Mignano, and Isernia; P-38's also hit shipping between Corsica
and Italy. XII Bomber Command fighter-bombers hit motor transport in the battle area as
US Fifth Army troops take Benevento. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its 95th, 96th and 97th
Fighter Squadrons transfer from Grombalia, Tunisia to San Pancrazio, Italy with P-38's.
HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group and its 29th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Sciacca
to Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily with C-47's. HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium)
and its 445th, 446th and 447th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Soliman,
Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy with B-25's. HQ 324th Fighter Group and its 314th, 315th and
316th Fighter Squadrons transfer from El Haouaria to Menzel Heurr, Tunisia with P-40's.
These units have been regrouping since Jul 43. Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at
Enfidaville, Tunisia begin operating from Bengasi, Libya with B-24's.
Part of the flight echelon left today for Grottaglie with
instructions to be prepared for a mission tomorrow. No mission.
445th BS War Diary: Impatiently “sweating out” the weather, the men rejoiced at the
blue skies this morning. However, it was in the midst of showers and dark clouds that a
large number of the ships took off and headed for Italy. Upon landing at the new base,
most of our men were visibly impressed by the wreckage of German, Italian and even
Allied planes; and the two large hangars that were severely hit by bombs. Supper at the
new base consisted of C-rations. Most of our men slept out in the open tonight in view of
the absence of our tents.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. The advanced Flight and Air echelons departed
from Soliman North for their destination which was Grottaglie, Italy.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I’m getting along
o.k. and the crew is all feeling o.k. They’re a swell bunch of fellows. Hope you get the
pictures o.k. of the crew.”
447th BS War Diary: Nineteen of our aircraft left the Soliman air port at 1230 hours this
date to go to the Grottaglie airport. Twelve of these ships were loaded with frag bombs
in order that a mission might be carried out at the earliest possible time. The other seven
ships carried men and equipment. We arrived at Grottaglie at 1530 hours, there was a
slight rain but the camp was arranged and set up before dark. Our squadron messed with
the 446th tonight at which place we witnessed one of the longest chow lines of my army
life. The flight over, which was led by Major Sampson, was uneventful and went off as
scheduled. We also had several transport planes at our disposal for the trip over. They
Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)
carried the heavy equipment, among which were jeeps, motorcycles, and material for the
engineering department. There were also eleven men who came with the transports to
see that all the equipment was unloaded and tents erected. Of the nineteen ships that took
off for Grottaglie airfield only eighteen made the trip. One ship piloted by Lt. Ashley
turned back because of engine trouble.
Ashley, Wilson S., 2Lt, pilot
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander
REAR ECHELON: We received word about two O’clock in the afternoon that
the rest of the unit had 24 hours to prepare to leave. There was a mad scramble to make
it. All combat men who have completed their fifty missions are being transferred out and
are going to a rest camp near Oran to await orders. Capt. Gale returned to the squadron
from the hospital at Mateur.
Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive
447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot:
“Moved to Taranto, Italy. Twelve ships carried frags plus the crew and baggage. Rest
of airplanes in the squadron shuttled back & forth. Sixty odd C-47s moved all the
equipment of the group including the jeeps, airplane parts, tents, kitchens, etc.”
“Work on plane. Repair work on nose wheel.”
Monday, 4 October 1943
In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb the Pisa
marshalling yard and Bolzano bridges; B-25's and B-26's attack the airfield at Argos,
road defiles at Terracina and Isernia, a highway overpass at Mignano, and shipping at
Bastia; NATBF aircraft hit road and rail junctions on the main road N from Capua; XII
Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit trains, roads, railroads, and vehicles near
Isernia, Avezzano, Pescara, and Isolella. The Allies now have complete control of
Corsica. The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force, based at La Marsa,
Tunisia begins operating from Pontecagnano, Italy with F-5's. The 87th Fighter
Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, transfers from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-40's. The
94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia sends a detachment to
Gambut, Libya with P-38's. The 448th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 321st
Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Soliman, Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy with
B-25's. "A" Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3rd Photographic
Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, based at La Marsa, Tunisia sends a detachment to
Grottaglie, Italy with B-17's and F-5's. "B" and "C" Flights are still in the US.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: More transports came in today to take more of the ground
echelon’s equipment and personnel to our new base.
The first mission of the month took off from the Grottaglie airdrome to bomb
Argos Airdrome. Numerous direct hits were made on enemy aircraft on the ground and
ten fires were counted. Three oil fires were seen, small buildings left burning and one
large explosion was observed as the planes left the target.
On the take-off for this mission one engine of the plane, piloted by Lt. Brinkley of
the 447th Squadron, failed and Lt. Brinkley, unable to get enough power out of the
remaining engine to return to the field, crash-landed a few miles after the take off. Lt.
Shaw, Brinkley’s co-pilot was killed in the crash, dying on the way to the hospital, and
the rest of the crew were hospitalized for various injuries. Luckily the plane did not catch
on fire nor did the bombs explode.
Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 132/mission 131) Group Mission # 133:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report # 133, 4 October 1943
1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).
2. At 0925
48___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Argos A/D.
Time No. A/C Type A/C
Mission
Target
crashed on take off. _None_ returned early. ___47___ dropped
No. A/C
No. A/C
__One__
No. A/C
3050x20 lb frag
No. & Type
Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)
bombs at 1155 hours from 8000/9000 ft. __47___ returned at 1400. One lost,
Time
No. A/C
Time
none missing, none at friendly field.
3. Bomb pattern was reported good although field was so large that it was not
completely covered. One string fell to W of field and one short. Numerous direct
hits were made on E/A on ground, and ten fires counted. Fires were seen among
planes on W, SW, NE sides of field. Small buildings on SW side burning. Three oil
fires seen and a large explosion on E side when leaving.
4. Air---------E/A were widely dispersed around field. Highest estimate of planes on
field was 30/40 mostly S/E. Heaviest concentration on N, S and SE sides.
Revetments were empty. L/G at 37-35N 22-43E approximate with few
planes.
Marine----None.
Ground----None.
Flak--------Light, slight, inaccurate. Some crews believe 40mm. Two guns observed
at village N of field and two at SW corner of field.
5. Enroute----Light rain until off Italian coast. 3/10 at 1500. Visibility unlimited.
Target------CAVU.
Return------Light rain 9/10 at 9000 ft.
6. None
Flight leaders--Lt. Sinclair, Capts Griffith and Seel, Major Cook.
Number of sorties---47
Photos taken.
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON,
Major, Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Our kitchen personnel are faced with the monstrous task of
feeding all four squadrons plus Group Headquarters. They were forced to serve C-rations
for breakfast. The new Squadron area is located in the midst of an olive tree orchard. It
is quite muddy. The base is located just about two miles from the small town of
Grottaglie which can easily be seen from our area. We are about 5 miles from the large
seaport-town of Taranto. The men ate some delicious English stew for dinner in the
midst of light showers which lasted till early afternoon. Many tents are starting to spring
up in the area as the Squadron digs in once again.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 132/mission 131) Group Mission # 133:
A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi
Gambler II”
P O’Harra, Roderick E., 1Lt
CP Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt
N Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt
B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt
E Martin, William E., S/Sgt
R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64575
Bonus, Robert M., Capt
Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt
Becker, Virgil C., 1Lt
Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt
Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt
Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt
Bryant, James C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½
Judy”
P Butela, William F., 2Lt
CP Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt
N None
B Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt
E Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt
R Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt
G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64659
P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt
CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt
N None
B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt
E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt
R Winston, E. G., S/Sgt
G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30354
Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt
Jackson, John I., 2Lt
None
Nysson, John W., 2Lt
Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt
Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt
Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear”
(Bear - no lettering)
Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt
Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt
Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt
Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie”
McGee, William N., 1Lt
Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, 446th BS
None
Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt
Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt
McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt
O’Neil, Phillip W., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED”
Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt
Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt
None
Zimmer, Paul E., PFC
McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt
Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt
Calvert, Murley E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64529
Shaw, William H., 2Lt
Young, William G., 2Lt
None
Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, S/Sgt
Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt
Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64508
P Bitner, William H., 2Lt
CP Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt
N None
B Morgan, Robert E., S/Sgt
E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
R Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt
G Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and
Joy”
Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander
Miller, Gail G., 2Lt
Larson, Harold W., 1Lt
Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt
Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt
Eagan, Joseph E., T/Sgt
Carleo, John J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64575
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt
Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt
McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt
Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt
Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt
Woronuk, John (NMI), Cpl
Landron, George J., Capt, 82nd FG
446th BS War Diary: Today Lt. C.M. VanArtsdalen finished his fiftieth mission. He
was thinking of running more missions and later did go on another but was told this was
his last.
VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt, pilot
Squadron Mission 105
TARGET: Argos A/D, Greece
DATE: 4 Oct 1943
Type of Bombs: Fragmentation
446th Planes: 13
th
Lt. Sinclair, 448 Sqdn, led the formation and the results of the attack were good. The
bomb pattern was good although the field was not completely covered. One string of
bombs fell West of the field and one fell short. Numerous direct hits were made on E/A
on the ground and ten fires were counted. Fires were seen among planes on W, SW, and
NE side of field. Three oil fires and a large explosion was seen. There were 30/40
aircraft on the ground. The flak was light, slight, and inaccurate. Lt Elliot flew as copilot for the 445th squadron.
Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS
A/C No. 41-30293
P Cornell, Earl K., F/O
CP Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt
N None
B Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt
E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt
R Smith, Roy W., Pvt
G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64551
VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt
Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt
None
Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt
Milner, Walter C., Sgt
Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt
Edwards, David R., S/Sgt
Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl
A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty”
P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt
CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt
N None
B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt
E Smith, James A., S/Sgt
R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt
G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt
F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania
Polka”
P Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt
CP Davison, William R., 2Lt
N None
B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt
E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt
R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
G Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot”
Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt
Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt
Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt
Coe, George A., 1Lt
Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt
Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas
Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No
Peekin’”)
McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt
Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt
None
Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt
Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt
Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt
Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship”
Taylor, Peter D., Capt
Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt
Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt
Brown, Newton E., 2Lt
McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt
Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-13200
Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt
Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt
None
Pappas, William J., 2Lt
Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt
Haasch, George F., S/Sgt
Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam II of
St. Joe”
P Tapper, George G., 2Lt
CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt
E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt
R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt
G Skill, Donald H., Sgt
F None
B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt
Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt
None
None
Zittel, Harold L., S/Sgt
Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt
Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt
None listed - likely the engineer
A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady”
P Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr.,
Capt
CP Klang, Irving E., 2Lt
N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt
B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt
E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt
R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt
G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz”
Chappell, Howard L., Capt
Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt
None
McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt
Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt
Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt
South, William R., S/Sgt
None
B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed
Beckie”
Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt
Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt
None
None
Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt
Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt
None listed - likely the engineer-gunner
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “Time is going
pretty fast. The rains are about to start in North Africa. Occasional storms and fronts
move in. They have held up several missions now. I have not flown past 45 missions and
the Doc has sent me back to a hospital at Tunis. This time I am going to stay till I’m
well. Have been here in the hospital for three days now. They still can’t find anything
definite. I won’t go into the possibilities now, I may be entirely wrong.
Backer, Max B., Capt, medical officer
The day I came here the outfit moved into Taranto, in the heel of Italy. They will
probably work ground support for Clark’s Army and then do work in the Balkans.
They’ll be busy for a while.
Schmidt, Hileman and Cosner are now flying DC-3’s in a Troup transport…(line
missing)…Max Garmon got sent home a week ago. I have lost a lot of weight. I don’t
know what it is, but this country is no good for me, either the climate or food, or maybe
just my nervousness. I’ll write more later.”
Cosner, Oliver J. "Ollie", 2Lt, pilot
Garmon, James M. "Max", Capt, pilot
Hileman, Donald L. "Buck", 2Lt, pilot
Schmidt, Frederick C. “Fred”, 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was the 50th for Lts. Nixon, Bugbee, and
McDuff. Everyone spent a busy day in the squadron area erecting more tents and
whipping the area into shape.
Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot
McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt, pilot
Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot
REAR ECHELON: We got up at five this morning and rushed around furiously
getting all the tents down and personal belongings packed. Transports were to arrive at
nine this morning to ferry the ground echelon to the new base in Italy. The tents were
hauled out to the line and left there to be loaded when the transports arrived. They never
came. Four squadron planes piloted by Capt. Richardson and Lts. Grantham, Hingel, and
Fabling returned to the base to ferry the second group over. The first group of men who
have completed fifty missions got their orders in the afternoon to return to the States.
Some of the fifty-mission men are still at our new base in Italy; others will assist in
ferrying the second group over tomorrow. The rest who still haven’t received orders to
return to the States will go to rest camp to await them.
Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt, pilot
Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, 1Lt, pilot
Hingel, Edward D., 1Lt, pilot
Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot
Twelve of our planes took off to bomb Argos Landing Ground, Greece. Bombing results
good. Ten planes completed the mission and returned safely. Lt. Stephenson turned back
soon after take off because of engine trouble and landed safely. The right engine on Lt.
Brinkley’s ship cut out as he was taking off. He was about thirty feet in the air when it
happened. He was unable to gain altitude and crashed a few miles north of the field. The
plane was completely destroyed and all members of the crew injured except the
bombardier, S/Sgt Harter. The crew was as follows: Lt. H.M. Brinkley, Lt. James Shaw,
S/Sgt James Harter, S/Sgt Frank Johnson, S/Sgt Edward Ennis, and Pfc. Robert J. Smith.
Lt. Brinkley, S/Sgt. Johnson, and Pfc. Smith are in the hospital in Taranto. S/Sgts. Harter
and Ennis received first aid at the Group dispensary. Lt. Shaw has been flown to the
hospital in Catania, Sicily. He suffered more serious injuries than the rest of the crew.
A/C No. 41-12925 “Huckelberry
Duck” (crashed near base, shortly after
take off)
Brinkley,
Hamilton
M., 2Lt
P
CP Shaw, James A., 2Lt
N None
B Harter, James, E., S/Sgt
E Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt
R Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt
G Smith, Robert J., PFC
F None
A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated
Lady”
P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt
CP Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt
N None
B Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt
E Roever, George W., S/Sgt
R Kastelic, Frank M., Sgt
G Smith, Argyle H., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James”
P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt
CP Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt
N Colby, John W., 2Lt
B Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt
E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt
R Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt
G Werner, George P., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt
DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt
None
Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt
Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt
O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt
McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind”
(returned early – engine trouble)
Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1lt
Baxter, William T., 2Lt
None
McCone, Walter G., 2Lt
Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt
Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt
Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt
McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt
None
Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt
Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt
Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt
Farrell, John J., Pvt
Leon, Robert D., Cpl
A/C No. 42-64695
Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt
McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt
None
Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt
Henry, William R., S/Sgt
Myers, William W., Sgt
Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle
II”
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt
None
Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
Mercer, William R., S/Sgt
Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt
Alton, David D., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt
Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt
None
Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt
Early, Frank X., S/Sgt
Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt
Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt
Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt
None
Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt
Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt
Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt
Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt
Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt
A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon
Ball”
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt
Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt
Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt
Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt
Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
Balsom, James P., S/Sgt
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You
Done Crapped Again”
McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt
Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
None
Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt
Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt
Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt
Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 35)
“Forty eight ships hit the airdrome at Argos, Greece. This was the first time in the war
that a medium group had operated off the continent. The weather was very poor,
scattered rain and clouds all the way. Light, inaccurate, heavy flak at the target. Fortyeight P-38s for escort. Brinkley crashed on the take off. He was flying off our wing.
Shaw killed.”
Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot
Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 50)
“…I got my fiftieth---and lad---bombing mission. It wasn’t a bad mission, but it started
off badly. We had been at Soliman North in Tunisia, and one day we moved to
Battipaglia, Italy. Fuel for our ships was carried by air transports in 5 gallon cans. Our
ground crews worked all night fueling our airplanes for a raid the next day.
Our mission was to bomb an air field at Argos, Greece. I was to fly in the last
element of a 24 ship formation. I would be “Tail End Charley”—the position that
usually get the worst of the flak. A fine kettle of fish for my fiftieth mission!
As we took off—I was on the right wing of my lead ship---the ship on the left wing
put out a long yellow flame from the right engine exhaust. It got off the ground, but
couldn’t stay up. It went down in an olive orchard. The co-pilot was killed. The rest of
the crew survived with minor injuries.
The rest of the mission was uneventful. We bombed the airfield going in a
northerly direction without a shot being fired at us. Tail End Charley saw no burst of
black smoke! We stayed at altitude and flew north for a short time, then turned west to
get back over water. After the turn, I looked back at the airfield and saw a thick layer of
black smoke over it. They did a lot of shooting after we had gone!
While we were gone it rained on our landing strip which was a dirt field. When I
got on the ground, as was my usual practice, I touched my brakes to make sure they were
undamaged. This time, nothing happened. I thought; Oh Boy! My last mission and no
brakes! But when I looked out at my wheel, I saw that it would stop rolling when I
touched my brake and was sliding on the wet dirt! I set my brake lock and skidded
around to my parking area using my engines for directional control. When I got parked,
I got out and kissed the muddy ground!
It turned out that Bill Brinkley was the pilot of the ship that crashed after take-off.
His brother, Jack had been his co-pilot for most of his missions, but had only recently
been replaced.
Some cans of kerosene had been mixed with the cans of gasoline, and, unnoticed
during the night, his ship had been fueled with kerosene! It might just as easily have
been my ship!
Thus ended my tour of combat…”
447th BS Special Account: On October 4 twelve of our planes were to participate in a
raid on Argos L/G, Greece. The plane piloted by Lt. H.M. Brinkley had an engine quit
immediately after take-off and crashed about five miles from the field. This account of
the accident is based on information obtained from survivors of the crash and from others
who say the plane in trouble.
As Lt. Brinkley’s plane raced down the runway for the take-off his right engine
was seen smoking. When he was about 30 feet in the air the engine was on fire. Lt.
Brinkley reported that he noticed unevenness in his right engine right after take off. Lt.
Shaw at about the same time reported that the engine was on fire and pulled the Lox
system switch. The plane was very hard to handle so Lt. Brinkley pushed the feathering
button and believes the prop feathered as the plane immediately became easier on the
controls. He had to cut down on the throttle of his left engine as he was afraid too much
throttle would cause the plane to flip over on its back. The highest speed attained by the
crippled plane was 135 MPH and it was not possible to gain any altitude – partially
because the take off was to the north where there is a gradual rise in the terrain. It was
necessary for Lt. Brinkley to bring the plane down and he ordered the crew to prepare for
a crash landing. He made a controlled crash landing in the foot opening he saw. One
wing hit a tree and the plane came to a stop as it crashed into a stone wall. The bad
engine was burning a little and there was a fire in the vicinity of the tail. No serious fire
developed and the bombs did not explode. The plane was completely demolished.
The turret gunner, Pfc. Smith, was thrown clear of the plane at the first impact.
His left arm was broken. S/Sgts. Harter and Ennis came out of the wreckage under their
own power. S/Sgt. Harter had strapped himself in the navigator’s compartment and was
unhurt in the crash. These three, assisted by some Italians who had appeared on the
scene, removed Lt. Brinkley, Lt. Shaw, and S/Sgt. Johnson from the wreckage. Lt.
Brinkley suffered a severe fracture of his right arm, Lt. Shaw a deep head wound, and
S/Sgt. Johnson a broken arm and broken leg. S/Sgt. Ennis suffered slight injuries. When
the plane crashed Lt. Shaw’s seat broke loose from the tracks and he was thrown through
the top. If this had not occurred it is likely that his injuries would not have been so
serious. Shortly after the crash help from the Group arrived and the men with more
serious injuries were taken to the hospital. Lt. Brinkley and S/Sgt. Johnson were taken to
the hospital in Taranto, Lt. Shaw was injured more seriously than the rest and he was
flown to the hospital in Catania, Sicily. It was reported later by the Group surgeon, Maj.
Pinger, that he died before they reached the hospital. Pvt 1cl Smith was stunned by the
crash and wandered away from the scene before help from the Group arrived. He turned
up later in the hospital at Taranto.
Of the entire crew S/Sgt. Harter was the only one who was able to continue
combat during the month of October.
Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier
Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
st
Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, 321 BG
Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
Mission # 98 (133): At 09:25 48 planes off to bomb Athens, Argos A/D. 1 crashed on
take off, 47 dropped 3050 Frags at 11:55 from 8000 and returned at 14:00. Bomb eastern
yard, numerous direct hits on A/C on ground and 10 fires reported, small buildings and
three oil fires seen. Flak slight, heavy, inaccurate. Weather: CAVU over target. F/L:
Sinclair.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64661
Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt
Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt
None
Cain, George S., S/Sgt
Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt
Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt
Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64552
Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt
King, James L., 2Lt
None
Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt
Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt
Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30343
P McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt,
CP Driver, William J., F/O
N None
B Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt
E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt
R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt
G Silva, John P., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30548
P Culp, Merle H., Capt
CP Boatwright, John S., 1Lt
N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 1Lt
B Reich, William John, 2Lt
E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt
R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt
G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt”
P Ford, Charles L., “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt
CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt
None
Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt
Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt
Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt
White, George E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29967
P Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt
CP Biener, Martin B., 2Lt
N None
B Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt
E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt
R Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt
G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64514
Bowman, William W., 2Lt
Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt
None
Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt
Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt
Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt
Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64519
Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt
Anderson, Andrew H., 2Lt
None
StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt
Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt
Tanner, James T., S/Sgt
Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt
Hobert, Walter W., PFC
A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe”
Sinclair, Erwin W., Jr., 1Lt
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj,
Commander
Holt, William E., 2Lt
Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt
Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt
Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt
Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt
None
B-25 A/C No. 42-64668
Peplinski, James L., F/O
Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O
Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt
None
Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt
Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt
Haberman, Marvin A., S/Sgt
None
B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Black
Magic”
P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O
CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt
N None
B Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt
E Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt
R Keller, Richard S., S/Sgt
G Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt
F CL None listed - likely the bombardier
A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck”
Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt
Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt
None
Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt
Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt
Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt
Ally, George B., S/Sgt
Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt
Tuesday, 5 October 1943
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Lieutenant General James H Doolittle assumes
command of the Twelfth Air Force during the absence of General Carl Spaatz. In Italy,
XII Bomber Command B-17's hit the Bologna marshalling yard; B-25's and B-26's bomb
the Formia road, a road loop N of Mignano, and Isernia chokepoint; NATBF, XII Air
Support Command, and RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) aircraft bomb numerous targets in
and N of the battle area, including heavy traffic in the Isernia area, gasoline dumps at
Alfedena, trains at Termoli, and towns of Venafro and Isolella. The 15th Troop Carrier
Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C-47's.
The 27th and 71st Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia send
detachments to Gambut, Libya with P-38's. The 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons, 79th
Fighter Group, transfer from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-40's. The 111th
Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Sele to
Pomigliano, Italy with P-51's. A detachment of the squadron is operating from Capaccio,
Italy. The 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from
Sele Airfield to Seretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Showers and threats of really bad weather ahead hampered
those remaining at Soliman as they endeavored to get the ground echelon to the new base.
Today’s mission was aimed at Salonika/Sedes Airdrome. Fragmentation bombs
covered the field with strings falling through ten parked planes resulting in four direct
hits. Hits were also made on hangars and in revetments causing explosions. The sky was
very cloudy and bombing through a hole in the cloud formation mad other observations
difficult.
2. At 0920
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Salonika/Sedes A/D. __One__
Mission
Target
No. A/C
Returned early. ___36__ dropped 2394x20 lb frag bombs at 1200 hrs from
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
8500/9500 ft. __36___ returned at 1255. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
3. Field was well covered with strings falling through 10 parked planes on W side
resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits made on hangars and in revetments causing explosions.
Bombs fell across SE dispersal area. Bombing through hole in clouds made complete
observation impossible.
Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)
4. Air---------10/12 S/E on side of target. 15 near landing strip. 10 on SE side. E/A
were mostly on W and S sides of field, half T/E and half S/E. Two HE177s some JU-88s and 87s were reported. One JU-52 in air near target.
Observed Megalo on MIKRA A/D—8 S/E on S side, 16 transports and 4
T/E and twin tail, possibly JU-86s. 20/30 S/E were observed on
VALONA A/D, 5/6 in revetments on S side. 18 E/A on NW side. On
PTOLEMAIS L/G 5 E/A were observed on square field. L/G with 4 E/A
on it seen in area E of MESOVOUNOS 40°38’N, 21°50’E.
Marine----Three medium M/V, two large white transports with two masts in harbor.
Two large M/V docked at Salonika. In Valona Bay two 5000 ton
freighters, 8 barges off Kanina. 15/20 small boats. One large ship,
possibly warship.
Ground----90/100 M/Ts heading S on coast S of Valona A/D at 1010.
Flak--------Heavy, slight, generally inaccurate and to right but becoming more
accurate at rear of formation. Position observed on NE bank of river SW
of target. From MEGALO MYRKA A/D heavy, slight, inaccurate,
generally below. Three batteries at center of E Side of Valona A/D.
Heavy, slight, fairly accurate. Battery two miles E of Kanina on Bay of
Valona.
5. Enroute----8/10 cumulo nimbus at 7000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
Target------8/10 cumulo nimbus at 8000 ft.
Return------7/10 cumulo nimbus at 9000 ft.
5. None
Flight leaders—Lt. Col Cook, Capts. Griffith and Seel.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: A bright sun in a cloudless sky this morning. Upon further
exploration just on the limits of the Squadron area, the men in the Squadron discovered
large supplies of German ordnance equipment including bombs, racks, hand grenades,
flares, ammunition and other equipment. The returning combat crews were mighty
pleased to see the comely Red Cross girl serving hot coffee. More men and equipment
are arriving daily via B-25’s and C-47’s. The weather here is cold and very damp.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64675 (No art - "Poochie"
under bombardier's window)
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 2Lt
Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt
McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt
Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt
Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt
Woronuk, John (NMI), S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64590
Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt
Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt
None
Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt
Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt
Bruyneel, Dennis A., S/Sgt
Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt
None
Judy”
Butela, William F., 2Lt
Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt
None
Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt
Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt
Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt
VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
None
Joy”
Eagan, Joseph E., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30354
None
Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”,
MSgt, HQ 321st BG
A/C No. 42-64659
N None
F None
Behrhorst,
Donald C., 2Lt
P
CP Ward, James M., 2Lt
N None
B Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt
E Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt
R Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt
G Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt
F None
None
Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt
None
A/C No. 42-64575
P Bonus, Robert M., Capt
CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt
N Becker, Virgil C., 1Lt
B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt
E Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt
R Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt
G Bryant, James C., S/Sgt
F None
446th BS War Diary: The Air echelon finally took off this afternoon for Grottaglie
although it looked for awhile as if they wouldn’t. It seemed that it took longer than usual
to get everyone aboard and ready to go.
TARGET: Salonika Sedes A/D, Greece.
DATE: 5 Oct 1943
Type of Bombs: FRAGMENTATION
446th Planes: 12
th
Lt. Col. Cook, 445 Sqdn, led the formation and the field was well covered. Strings of
bombs fell through 10 parked planes on W side of field resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits
were made on hangars and in revetments causing explosions. Bombs fell across SE
dispersal area. Completed observation was impossible because of clouds. Flak was
heavy, slight, and generally inaccurate but was becoming more accurate at the rear of the
formation.
Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, 445th BS Commander, 445th BS
Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt
Davison, William R., 2Lt
None
Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt
Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO Pee Wee”
P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt
N None
E Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt
R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt
G South, William R., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
None
None
Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt
CL None listed - likely the engineer
Beckie”
None
None
Polka”
P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt
CP Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt
None
None
N None
B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt
G Skill, Donald H., Sgt
F None
N None
B Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt
R Higgins, Thomas T., S/Sgt
F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl
A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess”
P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt
CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt
N None
B Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt
E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt
G Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt
N
B
E
R
G
F
Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st
BG, Commander
Coe, George A., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-13200
Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt
Chappell, Howard L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64551
Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt
None
Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
Cornell, Earl K., F/O
Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt
None
Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt
Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
Haresign, James M., S/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “Between the
last time I wrote and now has been probably the most interesting and hardest times I’ve
had over here. I got out of the hospital on October 5th and caught a transport from Tunis
to Taranto, our new base n the Adriatic coast in Southern Italy. Doc Backer wanted to
ground me and
send me home, I was in really poor physical shape. I talked to the Major and he said to
finish my five missions if I could and then he’d get me sent home. I wasn’t so eager about
it, but now that I have finished I’m damned glad I did.
Backer, Max B., Capt, medical officer
Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander
Italy is really in bad shape. All of this country around here is literally starved. I
haven’t been off the base, but there are Italian soldiers going around in gangs without
shoes, and little kids hang around in gangs looking for something to eat. It’s a pretty
horrible mess. You feel sorry for the Italians, but they also really brought on this war
almost as much as the Germans.”
447th BS War Diary: 4 more shuttle planes arrived from Soliman carrying men and
equipment. Among those arriving from Soliman were Capt. Manly, Capt. Herrmann, Lt.
Whitton, and M/Sgt. Horne. Our kitchen equipment also arrived and we hope to have our
own mess before long. Major Sampson assigned one of our ships to fly the men and
officers to Oran in order that they may go back to the states. These officers and men
have completed their 50 missions and have received their papers for the return trip. Sgt.
Ennis was taken to the hospital in Taranto and sent word back for some of his clothes.
Sgt. Kelly took them to him. Lt. Joseph, Lt. Morganti, and S/Sgt. Jones finished their 50
missions today. The usual routine was followed in and around camp. More tents were
pitched for the officers and men who arrived today. After the mission was completed the
restriction was lifted and the men were permitted to go into town, but were warned to
stay away from the local cat-houses by Major Sampson. Items can be bought much
cheaper here than in Africa and most of the fellows seem better satisfied.
Herrmann, Eugene R., Capt, engineering
Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering
Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt, bombardier
Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt, bombardier
Kelly, Denver E., Sgt, personnel
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt, pilot
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot
Whitton, Walter H., Jr., 1Lt, armament
REAR ECHELON: A small breakfast in the mess hall. All further meals
amounted to what the fellows could find to cook for themselves – such as cocoa, coffee,
vegetable stew, bread, etc. – except for a few small meals that were scraped together out
on the line. The work around the line amounted to loading the various shuttle ships. A
convoy of Service Group trucks loaded with luggage and squadron supplies left today for
Bizerte. They will be transported to Italy by TLC. Four more plane loads of squadron
personnel and equipment left for the new base in Italy.
There was a 9 ship mission to Salonika Landing Ground in Greece this morning. The
flight was led by Capt. Seel. Report received from the mission was good, very little flak
and no enemy aircraft.
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle
II”
P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2t
CP Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt
N None
B McCone, Walter G. 2Lt
E Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt
R Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt
G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt
F Asmus, George D., Sgt
P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt
CP DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt
N None
B Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt
E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt
R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt
G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt
F Leon, Robert D., Cpl
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt
None
Akers, M. J., Maj, HQ 47th BG
Ball”
P Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt
CP Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt
N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 2Lt
B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt
E Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
R Balsom, James P., S/Sgt
G Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt
None
Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt
Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt
Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt
Werner, George P., S/Sgt
None
Sholund, John D., 2Lt
None
None
Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64695
Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt
Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
None
Lady”
CP Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2lt
N None
E Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt
R Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt
F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 29)
TARGET: Salonika L/G Greece
3:35 Frags
Plane 175 (41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Fallone, Lt. McCone,
Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt, Jondro, S/Sgt Armstrong, Sgt. Asmus
“This was my first mission as first pilot. Field was well covered with strings
falling through ten park planes on W side resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits made on
hangars and revetments, causing large explosions. Flak heavy, slight, and accurate.”
“Thirty-six ships dropped frags on the Salonika airdrome; P-38’s for escort – Flak at the
coast on the way in and again at the target. Poor weather again today – rain and clouds
– landed singly because of the rain.”
Mission # 99 (134): At 09:20 36 planes off to bomb Salonika, Sedes A/D, dropped 2394
frags at 11:03 and returned 12:55. Field well covered with stings through 10 parked
planes resulting in 4 direct hits. Bombing through hole in clouds made observation
difficult. Flak heavy, inaccurate. Weather: 9/10th Cumulus.
A/C No. 41-30343
P McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
CP Driver, William J., F/O
N None
G Silva, John P., S/Sgt
F Hobert, Walter W., PFC
A/C No. 41-30548
Culp, Merle H., Capt
Boatwright, John S., 1Lt
Reich, William John, 2Lt
Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt
Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt
Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64661
None
None
A/C No. 41-29967
P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
CP Bruton, John E., 1Lt
N None
B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt
E Mauder, Charles J., Cpl
R Harding, John E., S/Sgt
G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
(spare)
P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt
CP Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
N Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt
B Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt
E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt
R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt
G Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64514
None
None
A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” (spare)
Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt
Joli, William H., 2Lt
None
Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt
Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt
Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt
LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt
None
Wednesday, 6 October 1943
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb the Mestre marshalling
yard while B-26's hit a highway chokepoint at Isernia, the highway at Mignano, and road
junction at Formia; P-38's strafe Araxos Airfield in Greece; NATBF planes on roadblocking missions hit targets at Teano, at Alfedena, between Cassino and Capua, and near
Sessa Aurunca; XII Air Support Command P-40's and A-36's attack roads and vehicles N
of the US Fifth Army battle zone and patrol the Naples area. The US Fifth Army reaches
the S bank of the Volturno River; Capua falls to British units. HQ 61st Troop Carrier
Group and its 14th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C47's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The threatening storm broke and rain and resulting mud
hindered the movements of the rear echelon. The transports bogged down time after time
and were unable to take a full load. Soliman was one of the few fields open today and
many types of aircraft landed to wait out the storm further cluttering up the landing strip
and loading areas the transport planes were using. Much complaining was heard when
some of the pilots had to stay overnight with no place to sleep. Many spots on the field
changed into lakes making taxing impossible. No mission flown today.
445th BS War Diary: Our mess situation is somewhat relieved now that we are feeding
448th and Headquarters only. Men and equipment continued to pour in by plane. In the
afternoon, the men had a chance to sample the numerous stone air raid shelters in our
area. Photo Jerry came over very high taking pictures and several bursts of flak were
thrown up at him. No damage done. There is a shortage of water over here and many of
the men are having great difficulty getting drinking water let alone water for washing. It
did not rain today and in this climate at this time of the year, that is strictly news.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We broke camp early in the morning for the
previous afternoon we received orders to move. The entire camp was torn down and
everyone moved out to the line where they awaited further orders. Lt Fox assembled his
convoy and started out about two o’clock was stopped and told there were no ships for
him to load the convoy onto. The few planes that had returned from Italy loaded up as
much as possible and started back to Italy. The men remaining at Soliman set up camp
on the line and waited for some air transportation. It was necessary for Lt. Fox to remain
there with his convoy until he received word to move to the harbor.
Fox, Richard F., 2Lt, supply
447th BS War Diary: Word was received today through Major Pinger that Lt. Shaw died
the afternoon of the crash as a result of the accident. The other crew members seem to be
getting along nicely. No mission today because of lack of gasoline. All combat crews
are straightening out their equipment or going to town, this is the first opportunity they
have had since arriving here and all are anxious to see the sights. Capt. Seel took some
men to Battipaglia to get one of our ships that has been there for some time, being forced
Wednesday, 6 October 1943 (continued)
down on a mission. They brought back the ship and also two men who had been staying
with the ship since it had been there. A JU-88, flying at 38,000 feet, flew over today. It
is presumed they were after pictures of the field. All that we could see with our naked
eye was a trail of vapor. The AA fired a few bursts but was short. Our mess was set up
today and officers and men are enjoying chow in their own organization now.
Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, 321st BG
REAR ECHELON: Five more transport loads of squadron equipment left today
for our new base in Italy. One B-25 also left for the new base piloted by Capt. Morton.
Capt. J. Hamilton, Lt. Beal, and some enlisted men went with the transports and with
Capt. Morton. Rain came down today in a deluge which almost bogged down further
loading. All planes were forced to use the new runway for take-off and landing. There is
little food here and everything is a muddy mess. Still nothing definite about when and
how the rest of us will go to the new base.
Beal, Joe L., 1Lt, Adjutant
Hamilton, John M. “Doc”, Capt, Medical Officer
Morton, William H., Capt, pilot
Thursday, 7 October 1943
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Bad weather cancels many operations.
In Italy, NATBF medium and light bombers strike roads, railway,
junction, and town areas in the Capua and Guglionesi regions. RAF DAF fighter-bombers
hit trucks in the Termoli-Vasto areas. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from
Lentini, Sicily to Naples, Italy. HQ 64th Fighter Wing transfers from Milazzo, Sicily to
Frattamaggiore, Italy.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Rain continues to pour down on Soliman. Chaplain Johnson
does the cooking now and is self appointed mess officer for the headquarters rear
echelon. No transports got off today. No mission today.
445th BS War Diary: A heavy rain whipped by high winds struck the area all night and
through early morning. It turned our area into a mud hole and most of the men were
soaked eating breakfast. Men and equipment continue to pour in via B-25 and C-47, the
latter flying in almost any kind of weather to deliver the goods. The Italian soldiers and
civilians seem cooperative. The soldiers aided in putting many large tents up while some
civilians were helping the kitchen personnel in serving food.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. The camp was set up but nothing permanent was
established as it was decided to move it to a more suitable place. T/Sgt. Kreig, Thomas
E., S/Sgt. Pyle, Joseph W., and S/Sgt. StAntoine, James J., were transferred to the Port of
Debarkation, U.S.A.
Kreig, Thomas E., T/Sgt, gunner
Pyle, Joseph W., S/Sgt, gunner
StAntoine, James J., S/Sgt, gunner
447th BS War Diary: There was a mission scheduled for 0800 today but was called off
because of bad weather. There was a continuous down-pour of rain all morning.
Another plane or two came in this afternoon bringing more men and supplies. Lt.
Neprash, Lt. Holloway, Lt. Kamensky, and Lt. Huchingson arrived on one of these
planes. The usual camp duties were continued with the pitching of tents for the incoming
men.
Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator
Huchingson, Lee F., 1Lt, Adjutant
Kamensky, George L., 1Lt, personal equipment
Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence
REAR ECHELON: Word came through about noon that all except for the
motor convoy would leave today – but only three transports showed up. The Frenchmen
gave up today – decided that we weren’t going to leave. Capt. Gale managed to get a
hold of a sheep – mutton steaks were cooked out on the line – and were darn good after
what we had been eating. Incidentally, a few of the men have been getting breakfast at
the Engineers’ camp nearby.
In Greece, XII Bomber Command B-24's bomb Tatoi and Eleusis
Airfields at Athens, airfields at Kastelli and Heraklion Airfields on Crete, and Maritsa
Airfield on Rhodes; B-25's also hit Eleusis airfield; P-38's fly convoy cover, patrols, and
sweeps over the Aegean Sea. Weather prevents the XII Air Support Command from
operating. In Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF hit a bridge at Minturno and a road
junction and military concentration at Termoli.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Although the mud and conditions of the field are no better
several transports got off for Sicily and Grottaglie today in a break in the storm. Most of
the jeeps have gone forward and those left bog down in the mud continually.
Coverage of the target was excellent on today’s mission to Athens/Eleusis
Airdrome. Strings of fragmentation bombs fell across the hangars crossing the field and
runway and dispersal areas, with seven direct hits claimed on enemy aircraft. Three fires
were observed and a flak battery on the edge of the field was reported hit. Two of our
planes were lost on this mission. One exploded as it hit the water and the other made a
controlled water landing. Both ships from the 445th Bombardment Squadron.
2. At 1125
48___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Athens/Eleusis A/D. _None__
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. ___48__ dropped 32464x20 lb frag bombs at 1332 hrs. from
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
8500/9500 ft. __46__ returned at 1525. Two lost, none missing, none at friendly field.
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
3. Coverage of target was excellent with strings falling across hangars, crossing the field
and runway, and dispersal areas. 7 direct hits are claimed on E/A. Three fires
observed in NW pat of field. Flak battery at NE corner of field reported hit. Two B25s were lose, one exploding on hitting water and one making a controlled landing on
water. One P-38 crashed into mountain and one into water. 1 FW-190 and two ME109s destroyed. 1 unidentified E/A possibly destroyed. Two ME-109s and one
unidentified E/A damaged.
4. Air---------30/35 FW-190s and ME-109s attacked very aggressively and persistently
after bomb run. Repeated passes were made from 6, 9, and 3 o’clock.
Individual E/A attacked from rear to 200/300 yds range and broke off in
half roll and dive. Pairs attacked from 6 and 9 simultaneously. A few
frontal attacks and attacks from below were also made. B-25 landing on
water was strafed and exploded. 50/60 E/A were on field. 25/30 T/E
being in revetments. One JU-290 was taxiing across runway during
bombing. 20 E/A were in the SW dispersal area and numerous E/A in the
NE area. Planes were also reported W of the hangars. 20 barrage balloons
observed at Corinth Canal.
Marine----One large and 1 small M/V in Corfu harbor. 1 medium M/V at 38°15’N,
21°55’E. at 1311, and 1 in Bay of Korinthos off Cape Velanidhia. Large
tanker heading out to sea off Preveza 38°19’N, 20°45’E. 10/12 vessels
possibly 4 destroyers in Piraeus harbor.
Ground----50/60 cars in M/Y at Thive, 38°19’N, 23°19’E. 50 M/T W of Eleusis.
Convoy at Perakhora 38°03’N, 22°58’E.
Flak--------Heavy, moderate to intense, fairly accurate at target. Positions observed at
SW and NE corners of field. 200 yds N of field, ¼ mile E of town of
Eleusis, at NW corner of Kalyvia, and 5 miles E of field. Light flak from
Tatoi A/D. Heavy, inaccurate from Leros Island, dockyards #21 on Map
A/10 of Athens and Araxos A/D.
5. Enroute----& Return--Light rain, 8/10 cumulo-nimbus at 6000 with 7/10 alto-cumulus
at 11,800 ft.
Target------3/10 cumulus at 10,000 ft with 5/10 alto-cumulus at 17,000 ft.
6. Flight leaders--Major Schwane, Capts. Seel, Culp and Bonus.
Observers------Majors Pinger and Pemberton, Capts. Corning and Weld.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Our men are encountering more and more small Italian children
who stand by the garbage pails and be food. They are apparently ill fed. Back in Africa
there were the Arab children who pulled the same thing. Here, the plot is the same but
the characters different. Once again our men got a look at Photo Jerry this morning. He
is apparently interested in this base which is an aerial beehive. Our Squadron lost two
planes today in the raid on the Athens Eleusis Airdrome. Great damage was caused and
several enemy fighters were destroyed, however.
A/C No. 42-64675 (No art - "Poochie"
under bombardier's window) (MACR927 & 1301 missing crews – at sea)
P Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt
CP Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
N Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt
B McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt
E Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt
R Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt
G Woronuk, John (NMI), Cpl
F Corning, Clarence H. “Pop”, Capt, 97th
FS, 82 FG (observer)
Judy”
P Butela, William F., 2Lt
N None
F Kmetevicz, Gene J., M/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64659
Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt
Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt
None
Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt
Childress, W. H., S/Sgt
Winston, E. G., S/Sgt
Pierce, William V., S/Sgt
Asmus, George D., Sgt
P Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt
N None
B Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt
E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt
R McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt
G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64590 (MACR-1307
missing crews – at sea)
Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt
Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt
None
Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt
Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt
Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt
O’Neill, Phillip W., Sgt
Chaney, Kenneth Morgan, T/Sgt, 9th
Combat Camera
A/C No. 42-64575
Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt
(mission commander)
None
None
A/C No. 41-30354 (spare)
Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt
None
445th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 927 & 1301: Aircraft 42-64675,
B-25C, was seen to make a controlled landing in the Gulf of Patrai, about 10 miles
northwest of the town of Patrai, enroute to the home base after a raid on the Eleusis
Airdrome in Greece, 8 October 1943. When last seen the airplane was afloat.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64675 (No art - "Poochie" under bombardier's window)
(MACR-927 & 1301 missing crews – at sea)
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt - POW, liberated and EUS
Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt - POW, liberated and EUS
Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt - POW, liberated and EUS
McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt - POW, liberated and EUS
Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt - POW, liberated and EUS
Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt - POW, liberated and EUS
Woronuk, John (NMI), Cpl - POW, liberated and EUS
Corning, Clarence H. “Pop”, Capt, 97th FS, 82 FG (observer) - POW,
liberated and EUS
Eyewitness Accounts: Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, navigator, 448th BS
2nd Lieut. Bryan A. Joyce, 0-798814, navigator of the No. 2 plane (42-64668), 4th
element of the 4th flight, commented as follows: “From the astrodome, I observed plane
42-64675, which was two elements in front of us, make a sharp turn of 180° and head
back toward another B-25 which was falling behind and quickly losing altitude after an
attack by enemy fighters. It seemed to me that Plane 675, in which Lt. Fisher was the
pilot, slightly overshot his second 180° turn and when once again heading in the same
direction we were, the plane was several hundred yards behind the damaged B-25 and
was quickly gaining on him. Enemy fighters began to attack both of the planes behind
the formation; the damaged B-25 went into the water and plane 675 pulled back up to
rejoin our formation. His right engine was feathered and he continued to gain on us as
we were only flying 150 mph. When we approached the narrows just before reaching
Cape Avia, we were attacked by a fresh bunch of enemy fighters. Plane 675 had not
quite reached our element and was the main prey for the aggressive fighters. The bomber
began to lose altitude quickly and was forced to make a water landing with the fighters
still attacking. There were splashes from bullets all around the bomber as the landing
was made but none after the plane had stopped. The plane was still afloat when I last saw
it. There was a slight haze and soon the plane could not be seen at all. I plotted the
position where the plane landed in the water on my map.”
Eyewitness Accounts: Morris, Raymond A., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 448th BS
S/Sgt. Raymond Morris, 34202342, the tail gunner in the No. 3 Plane (41-12926
“Hawkeye”), 4th element of the 4th flight, said: “I saw plane 42-64675 pass by the tail of
our plane going in the opposite direction. He was heading for the other B-25 that had
fallen back after an attack on our formation by enemy fighters. Plane 675 went on
slightly behind the damaged bomber and then made a 180° turn back in our direction. At
this time, the enemy fighters began to attack both of the bombers behind the formation. I
tried to cover both of the planes with my tail gun but they were out of range. I saw the
other bomber hit the water and explode. I was busy with attacking fighters for a moment
and when I again looked at plane 675, the right engine was feathered and it was closing
the gap between us. Before he had a chance to rejoin us, the formation was again
attacked by enemy fighters. Several of the fighters picked plane 675 for their target.
Plane 675 began to lose altitude and went into the water. It appeared that a good landing
was made as the plane did not burn or fall apart when hitting. As we pulled away, I could
see the plane floating on the water but couldn’t watch it for long because of more fighter
attacks on our element which kept me very busy. When I again looked at the water, we
were too far away to see if the aircraft was yet floating.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1307: Aircraft 42-64590, was
seen to go down and hit the water in the Gulf of Korinthos, at the mouth of the
Livadhostra Bay, after a break from the target following the bombing of Eleusis
Airdrome in Greece, 8 October 1943.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64590 (MACR-1307 missing crews – at sea)
Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt - rescued by fishing boat, ALW in Greece
Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt - rescued by fishing boat, RTD
None
Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt - rescued by fishing boat, EUS
Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt - KIA
Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt - KIA
O’Neill, Phillip W., Sgt - KIA
Chaney, Kenneth Morgan, T/Sgt, 9th Combat Camera - rescued by fishing boat,
ALW in Greece
Eyewitness Accounts: Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, navigator, 448th BS
2nd Lieut. Bryan A. Joyce, 0-798814, navigator in no. 2 plane (42-64668), 4th
element of the 4th flight, states: “I observed the airplane flying beneath us with the left
engine feathered. The plane that I was in was going at approximately 150 mph and plane
590, in which Lt. Hartmeister was the pilot, was falling back of us and losing altitude
quickly. While making a water landing, the bomber was strafed by enemy fighters and
burst into flames upon hitting the water. I plotted the position where the plane hit on my
map”.
Eyewitness Accounts: Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 448th BS
S/Sgt. Jeff D. Robinson, 33141188, tail gunner in the lead plane (41-12995
“Charlie’s Aunt”), 4th element of the 4th flight, made the following statement: “I first
saw plane 590 beneath the tail of my plane. The left engine was feathered and the plane
was quickly losing altitude and falling behind the formation. It appeared that our pilot
was trying to keep his element back to protect the bomber, as we were slowing down and
losing altitude. I saw several fighters attack the plane and I attempted to cover him with
my gun but he dropped back to far out of range. Plane 590 continued to lose altitude and
began to make a landing in the water. I saw the wake made by the tail dragging along the
water and then the nose hit. The plane bounced, hit the water again and immediately
burst into flames and exploded.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyewitness Accounts: Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner, 448th BS
CASUALTY INFORMATION
SUBJECT: Thomas H. Flynn, S/Sgt. ASN 31124434
DATE OF INTERROGATION: 19 Feb 1944
KNOWN INFORMATION
After completion of bomb run, on target in France, the ship was attacked by
enemy fighters, damaged and forced out of formation. A landing was made on the sea.
After the plane was brought down, Lt. Hartmeister the first man out, followed by
Lt. Frey, Sgt, Flynn and Sgt. Chaney who was the photographer on the mission. The
other members of the crew were all dead. The plane was on fire and although the life raft
came out of the ship, the tide carried it over toward the plane and it was consumed in the
flames. Lt. Hartmeister did not have a Mae West and was unable to swim, so Sgt.
Chaney gave him his Mae West to Lt. Hartmeister. Lt. Frey could not swim either and
Sgt Flynn assisted him. After swimming for nine hours toward shore, the flyers sighted a
fishing boat and were picked up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyewitness Accounts: Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Operations Officer, HQ 321st BG
Hqs 321st Bomb Gp (M), O of the Opns O, 30 November 1943. TO: Commanding
General, Hqs, Twelfth Air Force, APO 650, US Army. (THRU: Commanding General,
XII ASC, APO 766, US Army).
1. It is felt that a narrative of the details of this casualty by the undersigned eyewitness might aid in the interpretation by Intelligence of the diverging views mentioned
in 6th Indorsement.
a. The “Missing Air Crew Report” is correct.
b. Heavy accurate flak severely damaged Lieutenant Hartmeister’s plane over
the target. He feathered one engine, left the formation and lost altitude
toward the Gulf of Korinthos. One element (3 planes) of my flight
detached itself and dropped back and down to protect this cripple. I (in 4264575) left the formation (48 planes) with my flight of (7 planes) to cover
this element and the crippled # 42-64590 as they were being aggressively
attacked by enemy fighters. Lieutenant Hartmeister retained control of his
plane from 10.000 feet to the water’s surface but continued to drop back
farther and farther until our tail guns no longer covered him. I did not
actually see him hit the water, as did witnesses in the element behind me
and nearer the cripple, because we entered a rain storm and the visibility
became relatively poor. However, Lieutenant Hartmeister could not have
bailed out his crew from the altitude at which I last saw him. His gradual
dropping back leads me to suppose that he retained control of the plane
despite one feathered engine and another damaged.
c. At the time Lieutenant Hartmeister (42-64675) was forced to leave his
element and try for a water landing, bombing had been completed and a
breakaway to the left was being effected. At this point his element leader,
Lieutenant Fisher, peeled out of formation in a suicidal attempt to singlehandedly save his wing-man by joining on and flying formation with him.
Before Lieutenant Fisher could maneuver into this position, enemy fighters
shit out one of his engines. He feathered it and continued to close fast on
Lieutenant Hartmeister (I am told).
d.
Hence we have a flight of seven (7) planes at zero altitude, entering a
storm, followed by an element of 3 planes a mile behind, trailed by two
planes each having one engine feathered. According to other witnesses,
one of these two exploded - they could not agree which. At this time a P38 crashed into the water near by and exploded. Three other P-38’s, flying
on one engine, fell in on my wing for navigation home as I entered the
storm.
e. In a water landing, the B-25 type airplane usually cracks open just abaft the
wing. The engineer-gunner, radio-gunner and turret-gunner have their
posts in this part of the plane. Their avenues of escape are (1) downward
through hatch (usually jammed in belly landing) (2) through small port
hole (provided no parachutes are worn) (3) via the waist-gun ports (after
first removing the gun and mount) and (4) through the cracked fuselage
itself (if they are not wounded, panicky or rendered unconscious). The
pilot, co-pilot and bombardier ordinarily escape through the pilot’s hatch
which opens upward. The average length of time this type plane remains
afloat after crash landing is three (3) minutes.
f. Lieutenant Fisher’s crew follows:
P. Lt. J. B. Fisher
CP. Lt. J. W. Carmine
N. Lt. H. G. Osburn
B. Capt. C. H. Corning (S-2, 82nd Fighter Gp)
E. S/Sgt. T. C. Kunis
R. S/Sgt. H. L. Garthwaite
G. S/Sgt. J. Woronuk
BAILEY C. COOK,
Lt. Colonel, Air Corps
Group Operations Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Chappell, Jack F., and S/Sgt. Mencher, Fred S. finished
their fifty missions. There has been quite a bit of rain but the sun always comes out and
dries everything out for which we are thankful.
Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt, gunner
Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt, gunner
TARGET: Athens Eleusis A/D, Greece.
DATE: 8 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 12
MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and the coverage of the target was excellent.
Strings of bombs fell across the hangars, the field and runway, and the dispersal area.
Seven direct hits were claimed on E/A. Three fires were observed in the NW part of the
field. A flak battery at the NE corner of the field was reported hit.
Two B-25’s were lost, (not 446th) one exploding on hitting the water and one
making a controlled landing on the water. One P-38 crashed into a mountain and one
went into the water. One FW190 and two ME 109’s were destroyed. One unidentified
E/A possibly was destroyed. Two ME 109’s and on unidentified E/A were damaged.
30/40 E/A attacked very aggressively after the bomb run and made repeated passes. The
B25 which landed on the water was strafed and exploded. 50/60 E/A were on the field.
The flak was heavy, moderate to intense, and fairly accurate.
Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt
Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt
Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt
Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt
Skill, Donald H., Sgt
None
P Williams, Wallace (NMI), “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
N None
B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt
E Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt
R Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt
G Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt
F None
P Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt
CP Davison, William R., 2Lt
N None
B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt
R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Beckie”
None
None
Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), S/Sgt
Russell, Burton E., 2Lt
Klang, Irving E., 2Lt
None
Rodgers, Horace K., S/Sgt
Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
None
None
A/C No. 41-13008
CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt
N None
G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt
A/C No. 41-30293
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
None
A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of
St. Joe”
Carr, Philip O., 2Lt
None
Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt
Smith, James A., S/Sgt
Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt
Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt
None
Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt
Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
None
Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt
Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt
Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt
Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt
A/C No. B-25 G 42-32501 “Eager
Beaver”
Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt
Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt
None
None
MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt
Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt
None
(formation leader)
Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj,
Commander
Akers, M. J., Maj, HQ 47th BG
Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
Coe, George A., 2Lt
Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt
None
446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 29)
“# 29 Oct. 8, 1943
Time 4:15 Sqdn Mission # 107 Gr. Mission # 135
Frags
Athens Eleusis A/D, Greece
Formation Leader - Major Schwane
Results - Coverage of target excellent - hangars, field, runway & dispersal areas. 7
direct hits on E/A - 3 fires observed in NW part of field - flak battery NE of field hit. 2 B25’s lost - 1 exploding on hitting water & one making controlled landing on water. 1 P38 crashed into a mountain & 1 (P-38) into water. 1 FW-190 & 2 ME-109 destroyed.
One unidentified E/A possibly destroyed. 2 ME-109’s attacked very aggressively &
persistently. Repeated passes made at 6-9 & 3 o’clock. B-25 landing in water was
strafed & exploded. 50/60 E/A on field.
Remarks - Flak heavy, moderate to intense, accurate.
Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz”
Formation
3-1
P- Chappell, CP - Bettinger, N- Schad, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Chappell, JF, G Skill”
Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt, pilot
Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot
Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier
Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt, navigator
Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, pilot, Commander
Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 46)
“I went on the next five missions the Group ran. We were not, as I thought, to support
the 5th and 8th Armies, but were to start right in on the Balkans. We hit Greece and
Albania and Yugoslavia. We are the only Medium Group in this sector and the only one
working on these targets. The 82nd (P-38’s) came over with us and are our escort.
Number 46, the Major led and I led the second element in his flight. It was an
airdrome just north of Athens. It was a rough one. There was some historic country to
fly over, Corinth Bay, Athens, etc. ME-109’s came up after us and the P-38’s had a
terrific dogfight with them, trying to keep them off of us. We had a good formation, but a
boy in Whitey’s Squadron, in the 3rd flight, was hit by flak and one engine went out. He
got behind and the ME’s jumped him. Fischer, his element leader went back to help him
and cover him, but fighters knocked both of them down. It was Fischer’s 50th mission. I
tucked my element right under the Major’s and watched the fight. It was the biggest
battle I had ever seen. 30 or so ME-109’s and FW-190’s and 24 P-38’s, and our 36
airplanes. The sky was full of tracers. One of the most thrilling sights I ever saw was a
109 coming up in front of the formation with a 38 on his tail. The 38 was out climbing
him, and he was trying to climb into a big cloud before it was too late. He couldn’t make
it in time so he rolled over and came straight down. 2 more 38’s were on him then and
the last I saw was the four of them going straight down pushing 600 M.P.H. very close, I
imagine. The weather over here is very bad and there are mountains of 7000 and 8000
feet all through Greece and Albania. If you lose an engine it’s the end. You bail out, its
almost impossible to get out of that country on one engine.”
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, Capt, pilot, 445th BS
447th BS War Diary: There was a mission this morning to Kalanaki Landing Ground,
Greece, just outside Athens. The bombing was reported as good. Sgt. Clausen, a gunner
in our squadron was wounded in the head by flying glass. The 445th lost two planes due
to E/A. One of the pilots was on his 49th mission and the other was on his 50th. There
was no serious injury to any of our ships. Twelve of our ships took part in the mission.
S/Sgt. Quilty finished his 50th mission today. We also have five combat claims in our
squadron from this mission. They are: S/Sgt. Zoll, S/Sgt. Jensen, Sgt. Funk, and S/Sgt.
Batteiger. These claims are being filled out and sent into Group. We have 14 ships being
serviced tonight in order that a mission may take off tomorrow morning. The gasoline
has to be poured from 5 gallon cans which make the job a long and hard one. Combat
crews are helping with this. Capt. Gale, Executive Officer, arrived at the new base today.
1st Sgt. Vishy arrived from Soliman today and relieved Sgt. Kelly of his duties as acting
1st Sgt. Usual camp duties were continued.
Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt, gunner
Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt, gunner
Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt, gunner
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner
Kelly, Denver E., Sgt, personnel
Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt, bombardier
Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt
Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt, gunner
REAR ECHELON: Everybody all excited again – beaucoup transports came in,
but the 447th received one. Lt. McDuff came in and told us that his ship was down in
Potts field with something wrong with the propeller. He took M/Sgt. Baldridge with him
to fix it and then returned to Italy. Capt. Gale and 1st Sgt. Vishy left early this morning
for Italy in a B-25 that had been left behind because it was stuck in the mud. Lt. McGill
and M/Sgt. Blue are now in charge of those of us that are left behind.
Blue, John W., M/Sgt, engineering
McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant
Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt
MORNING REPORT: for the week ending on the 8th of Oct., 1943. Assigned
strength: E.M. ---274, Officers---82. The 12 men of the 62nd Service Group were sent
back to their group. 18 E.M. and 5 Off. Were sent back to the States (50 Missions) on
Oct. 4th. They were as follows:
1st Lt. John M. Allison (bombardier)
S/Sgt. Michael M. Galich (gunner)
nd
2 Lt. Andy K. Garrett (bombardier)
S/Sgt. John F. Murphy (gunner)
2nd Lt. Stanley Lieberman (bombardier)
S/Sgt. Daniel E. O’Connell (gunner)
2nd Lt. Roy W. Tate (bombardier)
Sgt. Raymond A. Tornio (gunner)
nd
2 Lt. George Ghetia (bombardier)
T/Sgt. Lee E. Byerly (gunner)
T/Sgt. Walter A. Cantrell (gunner)
T/Sgt. John R. Fryer (gunner)
S/Sgt. Patrick H. Desjardins (gunner)
S/Sgt. Jack G. Ferrier (gunner)
S/Sgt. Carl D. Hannemann (gunner)
S/Sgt. Edward R. Joseph (gunner)
S/Sgt. Gilbert W. Kramer (gunner)
S/Sgt. Russell E. Murphy (gunner)
S/Sgt. Hendrick Osowiecki (gunner)
S/Sgt. Benjamin Skorupa (gunner)
S/Sgt. Joseph M. Vaccaro (gunner)
S/Sgt. Arnold R. Sparby (gunner)
S/Sgt. Joseph S. Carrin (gunner)
Lt. Shaw was killed. There are 5 men in the hospital: Nieman, Ennis, Johnson, Smith,
R.J., Brinkley, N.
Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Niemann, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering
Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner
There was a mission this morning to Kalanaki Landing Ground, Greece, just outside
Athens. The bombing was reported as good. Sgt. Clausen, a gunner in our squadron was
wounded in the head by flying glass. The 445th lost two planes due to E/A. One of the
pilots was on his 49th mission and the other was on his 50th. There was no serious injury
to any of our ships. Twelve of our ships took part in the mission.
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle
II”
P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt
CP McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt
N None
B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt
R Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt
F None
Lady”
P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt
CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt
E Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt
R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt
G Fish, Harold E., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”
None
Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt
None
Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt
Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt
None
None
N None
B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt
E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt
R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-30557
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt
None
None
Ball”
N Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt
G Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle”
P Baxter, William T., 2Lt
CP Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt
N None
B Harter, James E., S/Sgt
E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt
R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”,
S/Sgt
G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt
F None
Colby, John W., 2Lt
Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt
Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt
None
Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt
Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt
Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt
Funk, Marvin J., Sgt
Weld, David (NMI), Capt, HQ 82nd FG
(observer)
None
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
Werner, George P., Sgt
None
TARGET: Athens / Eleusis A/D Athens, Greece
4:00 Frags
Plane 175 (41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McLaughlin, Lt.
Mayben, Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt Jondro, S/Sgt Armstrong
“Coverage of target was excellent with strings falling across hangars, crossing field and
runways and dispersal areas. 7 direct hits were claim on park E/A. Flak battery on NE
corner reported hit. Two B25’s were lost but neither of them from this squadron. Flak
heavy, moderate and accurate.”
“Forty-eight ships with twenty four 38s for escort. Dropped frags on the Eleusis
airdrome at Athens, Greece. At the target we got intense light and heavy inaccurate flak.
Just after bombs away and we started our turn off the target, we were jumped by about
ten 109s and 190s. What a show! A couple flew along beside us and peeled off toward
us then came up underneath us. One made a pass at us from head on. We fired the
flexible and fixed at him and he peeled down away from us. Two 25s were shot down
(Jack McLeod was in one). The 38s seemed to be in a tangle behind us while the 109s &
190s were making passes at us. One enemy fighter hit the ground a few miles in back of
us. Three 38s lost. Don’t know total results yet.”
McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt, bombardier, 445th BS
“Dig fox holes. Mission over Athens encounters heavy flak & fighters. 2 bombers & 5 P38s lost.”
Mission # 100 (135): At 11:25 48 planes off to bomb Athens, Eleusis A/D, dropped 3245
frags at 13:32 from 8500 feet. 2 planes and crews shot down by E/A, 46 planes returned
at 15:25. Coverage of target excellent with strings across hangars, dispersal areas and
runways, 7 direct hits on E/A also on flak battery. Formation attacked by 30-35 FW190’s and ME-109’s from 7 and 9 o’clock simultaneously and from beneath. 2 B-25’s
were lost, one exploding on hitting water and one making controlled landing. One P-38
crashed into mountain and one into water, one FW-190 and two ME-109’s destroyed and
one probably destroyed. Two ME-109’s damaged. Flak intense, heavy, accurate.
Weather: 3/10th at 10,000 feet. F/L: Culp.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
G
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. B-25 G 42-32487 “Black
Magic”
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O
Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt
None
None
Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt
Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt
Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt
Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt
A/C No. 42-64661
None
Snyder, C. H., Capt, HQ 47th BG
(observer)
A/C No. 42-64519
Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt
None
Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd”
Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt
Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt
Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt
Potosky, John S., S/Sgt
Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt
Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64552
King, James L., 2Lt
None
Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st
BG
A/C No. 42-64514
None
None
A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye”
Clark, Paul I. 2Lt
Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt
None
Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt
Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt
Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt
None
P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., Capt
N None
R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt
G White, George E., S/Sgt
F Pinger, Robert R., Maj, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
A/C No. 41-30352
CP McEvoy, John C., 2Lt
N None
B Parrott, George G., S/Sgt
R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt
G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt
F Hobert, Walter W., PFC
A/C No. 41-30355
P Bruton, John E., 1Lt
CP Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
N None
G Spencer, John S., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
B-25G A/C No. 42-64668
None
Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt
A/C No. 41-29967
None
Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt
House, Harry H., S/Sgt
Silva, John P., S/Sgt
None
Fleming, George B., F/O
Gouge, David J., 2Lt
None
Moorman, Arthur L., Sgt
Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt
Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt
Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt
Turner, Clyde R. “Bulldog”, Sgt, 445th
BS
A/C No. 41-30548
Boatwright, John S., 1lt
Boland, Chester H., 1Lt
Reich, William John, 2Lt
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt. Col, HQ 321st
BG (mission commander)
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Haskell, John D., 2Lt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30343
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
Gurnee, Charles E. “Shine”, S/Sgt
None
B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 (returned
early – engine trouble
Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt
Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt
None
Smith, Harold W., Sgt
Nithman, Charles E., Cpl
Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt
Rowley, Lester T., Sgt
CL None listed - likely the bombardier
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb airfields at
Larissa, Athens and Salonika, Greece and Argos, Italy. B-24's hit Kastelli/Pediada
Airfield on Crete. P-38's fly a sweep between the island of Corfu, Greece and Dubrovnik,
Yugoslavia and escort shipping in the Karpathos Straits between Karpathos and Rhodes.
In Italy, the XII Air Support Command does not operate, but the NATBF and RAF DAF
hit traffic in the Termoli and Montenero areas, guns N of Capua, a HQ at Palata, and
roads and railroads N of Naples. HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Crotone to
Foggia, Italy. The 66th, 67th, 68th and 506th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th
Bombardment Group (Heavy), cease operating from Tunis, Tunisia and return to their
base at Shipdham, England with B-24's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Good coverage of the field was reported with strings falling
across planes parked in center of the field on today’s mission aimed at Larissa Air drome.
Hits were made on 15 twin engine aircraft and hangars and small buildings were also hit.
Ten fires were seen as planes left the target.
321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 21/Mission 21): (The “G”
Squadron is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report # 21, 9 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 351 on 4 Jun 44)
2. At 1310
_4___ _B-25-Gs took off on sea-search from Corfu to Dubrovnik.
Mission
One returned early. ___3___ returned at 1710. None lost, none missing and none
at friendly field.
3. No sightings made.
4. Air---------Escort shot down one unidentified A/C 20 miles S of Dubrovnik at 1625.
Marine----None.
Ground----None.
Flak--------None.
5. Scattered cumulus: 3/10 at 3,000, 4/10 at 4,000, 2/10 at 10,000.
6. None.
Flight Leader: McLaughlin.
Number of sorties: 3.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32488
P Edwards, James T., 2Lt
CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt
N Lang, Robert B., 2Lt
B None
E Hughes, James C., S/Sgt
R Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt
G Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
None
Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt (observer)
Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654
Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt
None
B-25G A/C No. (returned early)
Squadron, A/C, and crew not identified
None
None
None
2. At 1115
36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Larissa A/D. __One__ returned
Target
No. A/C
early. ___35__ dropped 2258x20 lb frag bombs at 1251 hrs from 8000/9000 ft.
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Alt.
___35__ returned at 1420. None lost, missing, or at friendly field.
No. A/C
Time
3. Good coverage of field is reported. Strings fell across planes parked in center of
field. Hits made on two T/E on S perimeter, on 13 T/E around buildings at NW part
of field on 5 E/A in NE corner. Hangers in SW corner and small buildings N of
hangars hit. 4 fires seen when approaching target and 10 after bombing.
4. Air---------One E/A out of range over target. 7 E/A heading W 30 miles W of target.
16 T/E in center of field, 5/6 JU-52s on NE side. 13 T/E around hangars,
believed HE-111s and one ME -323. Field was obscured by smoke pots.
Marine----One large and 1 small M/V in Corfu harbor. 1 small M/V SE off Parga 39°
26’N, 20°28’E. E boat 45 miles off Italian coast fired at escort and was
strafed.
Ground----Double line of trenches observed 1½ miles W of Kastrosyika 39°05’N,
20°39’E. 30 M/T heading N 10 miles N of Lake Ioannina, 39°40’N,
20°50’E.
Flak--------At target heavy, intense, varied from accurate to inaccurate. 15 planes hit.
Positions observed at NE corner of field, at Nembegler near target. Two
miles NE and two miles NNW of field, from barracks-like buildings past
town of Topuslar, from 39°38’N, 22°31’E on N side of road, and 6 gun
positions on Map L/12(2) L-18/19, U-9/10 and S-18.
5. Enroute----5/10 cumulus at 9000 with tops at 14,000 over mountains. Visibility
unlimited.
Target & Return---CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders--Lt. Fineman, Capts VEUM & Griffith.
Observers------Gen. Ridenour, Colonel Knapp.
Number of sorties--35
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The Squadron carpenter together with his assistants constructed
the mess tables for both the Officers and enlisted men. Gradually the area is taking shape
and the boys are again “digging in”. Some of our men made their first visits to the
nearby towns of Grottaglie, Francavilla and Taranto and returned with various articles
which they purchased for reasonable prices. From their mess table the men can see the
barrage balloons over the port of Taranto – a constant reminder of this business of war.
Gambler II”
P Miller, Gail G., 2Lt
N None
B Poranda, Michael A., Pvt
E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
G Carleo, John J., S/Sgt
F Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig. Gen. 47th
Wing Commander (mission commander)
A/C No. 42-64508
Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt
Davenport, H. E., F/O, HQ 47th BW
None
Castle, Roy V., Pvt
None
A/C No. 42-64529
P Shaw, William H., 2Lt
CP Young, William G., 2Lt
N None
B Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, S/Sgt
E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt
R Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt
G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Cook, Bailey C., Lt., Col, Commander
None
Judy”
None
Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt
Peterson, Karl E., S/Sgt
VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., T/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30354
None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. F.O. Carr and S/Sgt. Porter finished fifty missions.
Carr, Philip O., F/O, pilot
Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt, gunner
TARGET: Larissa A/D, Greece.
DATE: 9 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 8
th
Lt. Fineman, 447 Sqdn, led the formation and good coverage of the field was reported.
Strings of bombs fell across parked planes in the center of the field. Hits were made on
two T/E on S perimeter of field, on 13 E/E in NW part of field, and on 5 E/A in NE
corner. Hangars in SW corner and small buildings N of hangars were hit. 4 fires were
seen while approaching target and 10 while leaving it. The flak was heavy, intense, and
varied from accurate to inaccurate. Capt Taylor and Lt. Wright were spares but filled in.
Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Cornell, Earl K., 2Lt
Riordan, Ronald C., 2Lt
None
DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
None
Russell,
Burton E., 2Lt
P
CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt
N None
B Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt
E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt
G Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC
A/C No. 41-13200
P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt
CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt
N None
B Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt
E Milner, Walter C., Sgt
R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt
G Edwards, David R., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Peekin’”)
Carr, Philip O., 2Lt
None
Smith, James A., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64551
Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt
None
Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt
Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches”
Coe, George A., 1Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt
Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt
None
Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr,
1Lt
Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt
None
Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt
Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt
447th BS War Diary: Lt. Cohagan, S/Sgt. Jensen, and T/Sgt. Jondro finished their 50
missions. Two of our G ships were sent on a sea sweep today also. The report was that
no ships were sighted. Their escort destroyed an enemy plane on the mission. Lt.
Grantham and Capt. Gale flew to Bizerte to see about the equipment which was supposed
to be sent over by boat. Several more men arrived from Soliman today; this jus about
completes the shuttle service. The remainder will comb by boat.
Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt, pilot
Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot
Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, 1Lt, pilot
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner
Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
REAR ECHELON: The rest of the men who are flying to the new base in Italy
took off today. Only the men in the motor convoy who are to go to Italy by boat remain
at Soliman. Lt. McGill is in command of this detachment.
McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 135/mission 134) Group Mission # 136: We
had a 12 ship mission to Larissa L/G, Greece. Lt. Fineman led the flight. The report on
the bombing was good. Flak was very heavy and accurate. S/Sgt. Jensen was wounded
slightly by the flak. No serious damage was done to hour planes.
CP Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 1Lt
N None
B Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt
F None
None
None
P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt
CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt
N None
B Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt
E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt
R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt
G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt
F None
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
Fish, Harold E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64695
P DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt
CP McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt
N None
E Henry, William R., S/Sgt
R Myers, William W., Sgt
G Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt
F None
P Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt
CP Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Sattenspiel, Stanly J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt
None
None
Lady”
None
Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt
Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt
Smith, Argyle H., Sgt
None
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt
None
Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt
Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30557
Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj,
Commander
McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt
Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt
Reilly, James M., Cpl
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Gilluly, John W., 2Lt
None
Harter, James E., S/Sgt
Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”,
S/Sgt
Manning, Hillard J., Sgt
Manly, Robert W. “Horse”, Capt
(observer)
Ball”
Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 50)
TARGET: Larissa A/D
3:05 Plane 546 (42-64546 “Jessie James”)
“Flight leader Lt. Fineman. Sgt. Jensen and Sgt. Newhouse hit by flak. No of fires seen.
Good coverage of field reported.
TARGET: Larissa A/D
3:05 Frags
Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt
Lalum, S/Sgt Gregory, S/Sgt McCown, Cpl Leon
“Coverage of field very good. Strings fell across planes on west side resulting in four
direct hit. Hits made on Hangars and on revetments. Bombs fell on two T Engine on S
perimeter and on 13 Twin Engine around buildings.”
“Larissa Airdrome in Greece – thirty-six ships dropped frags. Forty-eight P-38s for
escort – intense, accurate, heavy flak – as we left the target I could see at least eight
airplanes burning on the ground.”
“Mission #8. Larissa, Greece. Very heavy flak, Gen. Ridenour hit.”
Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, HQ 47th Wing, Commander
Mission # 101 (135): At 11:15 36 planes off to bomb Larisa A/D, 35 dropped 2258 x 20
frags at 12:51 from 8000 feet and returned at 14:20. Good coverage of field resulted with
hits on two 2E planes at S end and 13 2E planes at NW end and on 5 2E planes in NE
corner, 4 fires seen,. Field obscured by smoke ball. Flak intense, heavy intense and
accurate. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Veum
A/C No. 42-64514
P Bowman, William W., 2Lt
CP Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt
E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt
R Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt
G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64552
P Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt
CP King, James L., 2Lt
N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt
R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt
G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64519
P Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt
CP Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 41-30548
N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt
B Reich, William John, 2Lt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
Bruton, John E., 1Lt
None
Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt
Harding, John E., S/Sgt
Taylor, Henry F., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64655
None
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
BG Commander
None
Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 41-29967
None
Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64661 (returned early –
gun out)
P Haskell, John D., 2Lt
N None
B Cain, George S., S/Sgt
E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt
R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt
G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
F Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
Driver, William J., F/O
None
Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt
Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt
Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt
Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt
Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt
McEvoy, John C., 2Lt
None
Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt
Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt
McEntee, Peter M., PFC
Paschel, John W., S/Sgt
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-17's bomb 2 airfields at Athens, Greece
while B-24's hit Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes and Calato and Heraklion Airfields on Crete.
P-38's escort shipping off Rhodes hit Antimachia Airfield in the Dodecanese Islands, and
attack vessels in the harbors of Corfu, Greece and Kotor, Yugoslavia, and off Tivat,
Yugoslavia and hit targets of opportunity in the Aegean Sea and along its E coastline.
In Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF concentrate on gun positions on
both the US Fifth and British Eighth Army battlefronts; vehicles, railroads, and town
areas also are hit; the attacks take place NE of Capua, at Guglionesi, at Cassino and
Mondragone, between Rome and Terracina, and around the Termoli-Isernia-Pescara
areas. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadron transfer from
San Pancrazio to Lecce, Italy with P-38's. A detachment of the 380th Bombardment
Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime,
Tunisia with B-25's begins operating from Oudna, Tunisia.
No Mission. Final combat planes arrived today.
445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed to the men this afternoon. They
were paid for in American, Italian, British and French money and kept the cashier pretty
busy. Two red alerts were sounded today, one in the afternoon and one in the evening
but there was no bombing. The mosquitos are very abundant in this sector and many of
the men have bumps on various parts of their anatomy. Medical Officers have warned
the men that this is “malaria country” and that atabrine should be taken “religiously”.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Today 2nd Lt. Donald J. Meier was assigned and
joined our squadron as Communications officer. He had formerly been with the 97th
Bomb Group which was heavy bombers. Also Lt. Stanley D. Robinson was transferred
from DS to the 448th squadron.
Meier, Donald J., 2Lt, communications
Robinson, Stanley D., 2Lt, communications
447th BS War Diary: Business as usual – of setting up the various squadron sections.
There was a red alert in the afternoon – about 4:30, and another about 8:00 o’clock in the
evening. No raiders appeared.
448th BS War Diary: No entry.
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb Garitsa
Airfield, Greece and P-38's hit a vessel in the Corfu harbor on Corfu Island.
In Italy, XII Air Support Command and NATBF operations are
cancelled or aborted due to weather, but RAF DAF fighters hit trains, trucks, and gun
positions near Montesilvano and Vasto. The 381st and 428th Bombardment Squadrons
(Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with
B-25's begin operating from Oudna, Tunisia. Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been
operating from Bengasi, Libya with B-24's, return to their base at Enfidaville, Tunisia.
The 527th and 528th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfer
from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Our original target of Salonika/Sedes Airdrome was not hit
today due to 10/10 cloud coverage. The alternate target, Corfu/Garitsa Airdrome was hit,
the pinpoint targets being trucks and supplies. 5/10 cloud cover restricted observations,
but hits were seen across south side and center of the field.
2. At 0825
36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Salonika/Sedes A/D. __None__
Target
No. A/C
returned early. ___36__ dropped 2514x20 lb frag bombs at 1035 hrs from
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
8000/9000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1125. None lost, missing, or at friendly field.
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
3. Original target obscured by 10/10 clouds and mission turned back 10 minutes short of
target. Bombed alternate target which was trucks or supplies on Corfu/Garitsa A/D.
This target obscured by 5/10 clouds which restricted observation of results. However
hits were seen across south side and center of field.
4. Air---------Two S/E seen far back, pursued by P-38. Two reports of one transport on
Garitsa A/D. One report of 5 A/C on Katsiki A/D--39° 36’ N, 20° 55’ E.
Marine----.Corfu--1 large M/V possibly listing and down by stern. 1 medium M/V,
one Siebel Ferry.
Valona--Two medium M/V, 12 small vessels, one 300 ft. M/V headed
toward Corfu just off Cape Kalamasia 39° 33’ N, 20° 09’ E. One large
naval vessel and 1 possible large transport on opposite sides of spit of land
in Lazaretto harbor inside submarine nets.
Ground----Many trucks seen S. of Ioannina--39° 40’ N, 20° 50’ E, headed N toward
town. 12/15 M/Ts traveling N. just west of Lake Kastorias.
Flak--------Light, slight to moderate 4000 ft. below formation at target. A few
scattered bursts of heavy.
5. Enroute----Scud and light rain. 10/10 cover at 7000/10,000 ft strato cumulus near
land surface.
Target-----Did not reach due to solid cloud cover. 5/10 cumulus at 8000’, 7/10 at
15,000’. Visibility unlim.
Return-----Same as route out.
6. None.
Flight leaders--Major Bates, Capts. Griffith and Bonus.
Observers------Major Pemberton.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The weather is very damp and cold here especially at night and
during the early morning hours. A new mascot appeared in camp this morning – a fox. It
was the object of great attention for some time. There were occasional rains during the
day.
A/C No. 42-64508
Ward, James M., 2Lt
CP Davenport, H. E., F/O, HQ 47th BW
N None
B Castle, Roy V., Pvt
E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt
R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt
G Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 42-64575
Judy”
P Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt
Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
N None
Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
Asmus,
George
D.,
Sgt
None
F
Gambler II
P Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt
CP Miller, Gail G., 2Lt
None
N None
R Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-30354
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger”
P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt
CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt
None
N Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 1Lt
Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt
E Halpin, John J., Sgt
R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt
G Smith, James B., Sgt
None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64529
None
Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt
Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Gilbert D. Orrantia, Lt. Howard E. Carlisle, S/Sgt. Jack
Fieldon and S/Sgt. Zook finished fifty missions. Lt. John Bleech was transferred to Hq,
12th Air Force.
Bleech, John, 2Lt, pilot
Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt, pilot
Fieldon, Gordon S. "Jack", S/Sgt, gunner
Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt, pilot
Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt, gunner
TARGET: Corfu Garitso A/D, Greece.
DATE: 11 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 12
Major Bates, 448th Sqdn, led the formation to within 10 minutes of the original target
which was Salonika-Sedes A/D, Greece but turned back as it was covered by 10/10
clouds which restricted observations of the bombing. However hits were seen across S
side and center of field. Two were seen across S side and center of field. Two S/E
aircraft were seen pursued by P38’s. Flak was slight to moderate at 4000 feet which was
below the formation. There were a few scattered bursts of heavy flak.
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl
Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-13008
None
Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13200
P Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt
N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt
B Pappas, William J., 2Lt
E Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt
R Haasch, George F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30293
N None
B Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt
F None
P Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
CP Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt
N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt
B Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt
G Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 “Eager
Beaver”
None
None
MacDougal, Alan J., S/Sgt
B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
None
None
Zittel, Howard E., S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30551
Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt
Martin, Edward F., Cpl
Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt
None
Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13208
None
Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt
Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt
McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt
Edwards, David R., Sgt
None
Clark, Robert A., 2Lt
None
None
“Number 47 was to Salonika and there was some flak, no fighters and the weather was
lousy. We are hitting airdromes all the time and using 20 pound fragmentation bombs,
72 of them in each plane. They are deadly on barracks areas or dispersed aircraft.
We’ve really been doing good bombing too.”
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 136/mission 135) Group Mission # 137: 3
of our planes filled in as spares with the 445th on a raid of Sedes L/G in Greece.
However the target was covered with clouds – so the alternate target, Corfu A/D, was
bombed. No AA or E/A was encountered. Bombing results good. All our planes
returned safely.
Only A/C & pilot identified
– likely crew is:
P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
N None
B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt
R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt
G Alton, David D., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. A/C & crew not identified
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
Lady” Only A/C & pilot identified –
likely crew is:
None
Roever, George W., S/Sgt
Kastelic, Frank M., Sgt
None
Mission # 102 (137): At 08:25 35 planes off to bomb Salonika, Sedes A/D, dropped
2514 frags at 10:35 from 10,000 feet and returned at 11:25. Original target obscured by
10/10 coverage, formation turned back 10 minutes short of target and bombed alternate
which was trucks and supplies at Corfu Garitso A/D. This target obscured by 5/10 th
cover and haze, hits seen on S side and center of field. 2E/A seen and chased by escort,
slight, light flak. Weather: Rain and 5/10th coverage. F/L: Bates.
A/C No. 42-64552
P Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt
CP King, James L., 2Lt
N None
B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt
F Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st
BG (observer)
A/C No. 42-64519
P Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt
N None
B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt
E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt
R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt
G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64655
P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt
CP Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt
B Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt
E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt
R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt
G Ally, George B., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64514
Biener, Martin B., 2Lt
None
Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt
Papile, Frank M., S/Sgt
Griffin, Pink C, S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64521
None
Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64661
Barton, Thomas M., F/O
None
None
P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-29967
N None
R Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30548
P Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj,
Commander
CP Stultz, Raymond B., Capt
B Ellington, John H., Jr., 1Lt
E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt
R Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt
F None
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ
321st BG
None
A/C No. 41-30343
None
None
A/C No. 41-30355
None
Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt
Spencer, John S., T/Sgt
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command operations are canceled
by weather.
In Italy, the XII Air Support Command and other Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) elements (NATBF and RAF DAF) operate on a reduced
scale, hitting road junctions at Vasto and Fossacesia, Aquino Airfield, motor transport on
the Itri-Pico road and on a road N of Rome in the Bolsena and Capranica areas, roads
near Tarquinia, rail facilities at Cisterna di Latina, trains between Pescara and Benedello,
and guns and troops near Cercemaggiore. HQ 81st Fighter Group and its 91st Fighter
Squadron transfer from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39's. HQ
86th Fighter-Bomber Group and its 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, transfer from Sele
Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's. The 86th Bombardment Squadron
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield,
Italy with A-20's. The detachment of the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, that
has been operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38's since 4 Oct, returns to its base at
Mateur, Tunisia. The detachment of the 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th
Bombardment Group (Heavy), at Bengasi, Libya with B-24's since 1 Oct, returns to its
base at Enfidaville, Tunisia.
Today’s mission was cancelled due to bad weather.
445th BS War Diary: The men’s morale took a decided turn for the better this afternoon
coincidental with the arrival of a large number of packages and letters. The sunset was
beautiful this evening and there was a full moon tonight. The air was cold and crisp –
typical fall weather. It gets dark very early these days and that together with the cold
weather sends the men to bed very early.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We moved to our new area which was much better.
There was a building there and we moved our offices into it. There were also some
rooms which the officers selected by Major Schwane, moved into. The enlisted men and
those officers living in tents immediately started construction work on their tents using
the lumber that was available. Two officers even started building a house which they
later finished and moved into.
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but was cancelled because of
bad weather.
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Italy declares war on Germany.
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's and B-26's bomb the town of
Alife, a road junction at Sessa Aurunca, and airfield at Tirana; XII Air Support
Command, supplemented by RAF DAF fighters, supports the US Fifth Army, which
begins an assault crossing of the Volturno River on a 40-mile (64 km) front during the
night of 12/13 Oct. Fighters and fighter-bombers hit troop and tank concentrations, trains,
trucks, and communications the lines in the forward areas, especially around Ortona,
Giulianova, and Campobasso. NATBF light bombers join in the attacks, hitting road
junctions in the Vairano, Carinola, Dragoni, Vasto, Terracina, and Minturno areas. The
12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping
Group, transfers from Ariana to La Marsa, Tunisia with F-4's and F-5's. The detachment
of the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, operating from Gambut, Libya with P38's since 5 Oct, returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st
Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39's.
The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from Montecorvino to
Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 379th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th
Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's, begins
operating from Oudna, Tunisia.
Today’s target was Tirana Airdrome which was well
covered. Strings of bombs started in the barracks area and ran through dispersed planes
and the hangars. Several fires were started and four explosions were observed.
2. At 1150
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Tirana A/D. _None__
Mission Target
No. A/C
returned early. ___36__ dropped 2514x20 lb frag bombs at 1310 hrs from
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1355. _None_ lost, _None_ missing, _None_
No. A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
at friendly field.
3. Strings of bombs observed starting in barracks area NW of field and going through
dispersed planes and N. Hangars, crossing field and runway into SE hangars. A few
strings over. Two fires in N dispersal area – three or four fires in hangars – 4
explosions observed – one in front of SE hangars.
4. Air---------A few planes seen taking off during bomb-run. Approximately 30 planes
seen on field – mostly T/E. – located approximately as in photo 9/10/43 #
3005. 10 or 12 transports in N. dispersal area – 6/7 in front of S/E
hangars. S/E’s in N & S dispersal area. 3 4-engine observed. 6 E/A
observed on Durazzo/Shijak A/D.
Marine----2 small boats in cove at 40° 55’ N, 19° 28’ E.
Ground----Possible L/G reported at 41° 55’ N, 19° 20’ E – many trucks moving on
field. A runway reported SW of Sauk at 40°47’N, 19°43’E. Another
reported at 40° 43’ N, 19° 28’ E – possibly the same.
Flak--------Target. Heavy, moderate to slight – inaccurate – generally trailing.
Position noted SW corner of field – just W of hangar. Heavy, slight,
inaccurate flak came up through clouds about 10 miles SW of target.
5. Weather En route- 4/10 cumulus at 6000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
Target - 5/10 cumulus at 7000, tops at 8500 ft. Visibility unlimited.
Small convective cloud over tower.
Return - same as out.
6. None.
Flight leaders—Capts. Bonus, Seel, Griffith.
Observers------Mr. R. Vermillion, U. P. Correspondent.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Squadron supply issued stoves to the men today. These are very
welcome in this cold weather. Another large number of letters arrived this afternoon and
the men don’t mind it a bit. Captain Bonus led today’s raid on the Tirana airdrome in
Albania and subsequent reports indicated that at least half the aircraft on the ground were
destroyed by this attack.
P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt
CP Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt
N Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt
E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt
R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt
G Calvert, Murley E., Sgt
F Lord, Robert O., Jr., Capt (observer)
A/C No. 42-64575
P Bonus, Robert M., Capt
CP Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st
BG
N Larson, Harold W., Maj
G Bryant, James C., S/Sgt
F None
P Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt
N None
B Castle, Roy V., Pvt
G Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64508
Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt
None
Poranda, Michael A., Pvt
Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt
VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
Kmetevicz, Gene J., M/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64659
Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 42-54527
None
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt
Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Pvt
Gambler II”
N None
B Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt
E Haney, T. J., Sgt
R Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64529
CP Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt
N None
B Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt
R Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt
G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30354
Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt
None
Halpin, John J., S/Sgt
Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt
Smith, James B., Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. E.V. Mitchell departed for the Port of Debarkation U.S.A.
Lt. Jack Porter was transferred to Hq. 12th Air Force.
Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt, gunner
Porter, Jack Grafton, 2Lt,
pilot
TARGET: Tirana A/D, Albania.
DATE: 13 Oct 1943
Type of Bombs: Fragmentation.
446th Planes: 12
th
Captain Bonus, 445 Sqdn, the formation and the field was well covered. Strings of
bombs started in the barracks area NW of the field and going through dispersed planes
and hangars N of runway. Some crossed the field and runway into SE hangars. Two
fires were started on E end of runway and one fire N of North hanger. 4 explosions were
seen in front of SE hangars. The flak was heavy, moderate to slight, inaccurate.
Approximately 30 planes, mostly T/E, were seen on target.
Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot, 445th BS
A/C No. 42-64526
P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt
CP Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt
N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt
B Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
R Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt
G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30293
N None
F None
St. Joe”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt
Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo”
Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt
None
B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
None
None
Peekin’”)
Porter, Lloyd A., 2lt
Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt
Haasch, George F., T/Sgt
None
Polka”
Morris, Richard Pervis, “Big Moe”, Jr.,
2Lt
Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt
None
Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt
Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt
P
B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 “Eager
Beaver”
None
None
MacDougall, Allen J., S/Sgt
P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt
N None
G Martin, Edward F., Cpl
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
Shepard, Eugene D., 2lt
Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
None
McMahon, Francis D., Sgt
Vermillion, R., United Press
Correspondent (observer)
“The 48th was an airdrome 40 miles north of Athens, Larissa. There was lots of flak and
it was accurate. A piece came in through the windshield directly in front of my face and
sprayed glass all around. It didn’t hit me or the CoPilot either, although it was that
close.”
447th BS War Diary: Squadron luggage and supplies which came over by boat in 62nd
Service Group trucks arrived today. Today’s mission was the 50th for Lts. Weaver and
McCone, and S/Sgt. Lalum. Statistically we sent our 6000th man on a combat mission
today.
Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner
McCone, Walter G. 2Lt, bombardier
Weaver, Charles, 1Lt, navigator
of our planes and crews participated in a raid on Tirana A/D Albania. Flak was Heavy
moderate to light inaccurate. No E/A. Results good – field well covered, planes in
dispersal areas hit, several large fires. All our planes returned safely.
CP Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt
N None
B Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt
F None
Lady”
P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, Capt
CP Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt
N None
F Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj,
Commander (mission commander)
A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt
None
None
Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt
Hoskins, Raymond C., Sgt
None
Ball”
Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt
None
Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt
None
Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-30557
P
CP
N
B
E
R
Colby, John W., 2Lt
Czaja, Marion L, S/Sgt
None
II” (spare)
P McLaughlin, Robert A., 2lt
CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt
N None
E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt
R Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt
G Farrell, John J., Pvt
F None
A/C No. 42-64695
P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt
N None
F None
G
F
A/C No. 42-64598 “Sylvester the
Snarp”
None
S/Sgt
(spare)
Edwards, James T., 2Lt
Lang, Robert B., 2lt
None
Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt
Hughes, James C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2lt
None
TARGET: Tirana A/D
2:00 Plane 371 (42-53371 “Death Wind”)
“AA heavy, inaccurate. No of fires started in barracks runways and hangars. No of
explosions in area of hangar.”
TARGET: Tirana A/D
2:00 Frags
Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt
Lalum, S/Sgt Gregory, S/Sgt McCown
“Strings of bombs observed starting in Barracks Areas on field and going through
dispersal of planes and N hangar. Two fires in N dispersal Area. Three or four fires in
Hangar. Flak heavy moderate, inaccurate.”
“Tirana, the capitol of Albania has a big airport just outside the city limits. The
Germans have about thirty bombers dispersed on and around the field. Thirty-six ships
with twenty-four P-38s for escort. Dropped frags on this target today. The flak was
slight, inaccurate and heavy. There were four or five fighters fields in the vicinity but
none came up to intercept us. This target is only a little over ninety miles away from our
base. It was the shortest mission I have ever been on.”
Mission # 103 (138): At 11:50 36 planes off to bomb Tirana A/D, dropped 2414 frags at
13:10 from 10,00 feet and returned at 13:55. Strings of bombs scattered in dispersal area
NW of field, across runway and went through hangars on N and E side of fields. 2 fires
started N dispersal area and 4 in hangars, 4 explosions in SE hangar. Flak moderate,
heavy and inaccurate. Weather: 5/10th at 7000 feet at target.
A/C No. 41-30355
N None
F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt
A/C No. 42-64655
P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt
CP Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30548
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
None
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's hit Argos Airfield and B-17's
bomb the Terni marshalling yard. Other B-17's and B-24's attack a bridge at Giulianova,
the town area of Piano-Vomano and railroad and highway bridges N of Pescara and along
the E coast of Italy. Weather hinders tactical aircraft operations, but the XII Air Support
Command and RAF DAF hit trains and vehicles and fly patrols from N of the Volturno
River to Formia and N of Pescara. HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 308th and 309th Fighter
Squadrons transfer from Montecorvino to Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 5th
Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force, based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-5's
transfers operations from Pontecagnano to Pomigliano, Italy. The 111th Reconnaissance
Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, ceases operating from Capaccio and
returns to its base at Pomigliano, Italy with P-51's. The 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron,
86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with
A-36's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Argos Airdrome was hit today. The fragmentation bombs
covered the field with the best pattern through the center and on the east side. Several
fires were started and one flak battery was hit.
2. At 0740
36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Argos A/D. _None__ returned
Target
No. A/C
early. ___36__ dropped 2394x20 lb frag bombs at 0957 from 8500/10,000 ft.
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Alt.
___36__ returned at 1150. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
No. A/C
Time
3. Field was well covered with best pattern in center and E side. Some bombs short and
to W. Strings through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of runway, E/A on S. side and
in NW dispersal area. Fires seen in buildings on SW side, one fire in middle of field
and 3 fires on N edge. One flak battery hit.
4. Air---------4 S/E took off from target. Did not attack. Two JU-88s taxiing.
Estimated up to 40 E/A of which 25 were S/E on field. E/A dispersed
along N edge, 3 NE of field. 7/10 T/E on SE side, 9 S/E and 3 T/E on W
side, and several in front of buildings on SW. Two 4-engine and 1 glider
observed. One report of two E/A taking off from Araxos A/D, and 4 on
field.
Marine----One 3/400 ft. M/V in Argos harbor. 1 barge SW of Corfu headed S at
1030. Strafed barge 15 miles SW of Cape Pappas. Large M/V at
38°17’N, 21°10’E at 1005. Large white vessel, possibly hospital ship,
headed E at 37°12’N, 21°30’E at 0935. One report of barge at 38°53’N,
20°15’E.
Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)
Flak--------Heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. Considerably more than on mission
of October 4. Positions at SE corner, 1 mile S, on road W of field, on
center of S side and on N edge of field. Position at 37°42’N, 22°40’40”E.
Two guns observed ¼ mile W of Koutsopodi just S of road, one gun on E
side S of road, 3 guns ½ mile E.
Ground----NS runway, observed at 37°05’N, 21°56’E.
5. Enroute---& Return---Scattered showers. 7/10 at 5,000’, tops 7000 over land.
Target--------4/10 at 5000’. Break in clouds over target.
6. None.
Flight leaders---Major Schwane, Capt. Seel, Lt. Sinclair.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Many pairs of cold feet took the men to breakfast this morning.
There is a cold spell prevailing at present, a raw, penetrating cold that goes right to the
bone. A roof was built to the enlisted men’s mess and the men welcomed the protection
from the elements. The Officer’s mess is now completed also. A number of the men
attended the movie shown tonight which was “Air Force”. It was enjoyed by all.
A/C No. 42-64508 (spare)
(spare)
P Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt
N None
Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt
R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt
None
F None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Wallace Williams finished fifty missions. The 62nd Service
Group started showing movies over at Group Hqs. And many of our boys went. It was a
big help to the squadron’s morale. Moving over to Italy was also good for the morale for
it seemed we were actually getting somewhere at last.
Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, 2Lt, pilot
TARGET: ARGOS A/D, Greece.
DATE: 14 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 12
MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and the field was well covered with best pattern
in center of east side. Strings of bombs fell through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of
runway. Aircraft were hit on the S side and in the NW dispersal area. Fires were seen in
the buildings on the SW side, one fire in the middle of the field, and three fires on N
edge. One flak battery was hit. 4 S/E fighters took off from target but did not attack.
There was considerably more flak than the formation encountered on Oct. 4th over the
same target.
St. Joe”
P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj,
Commander
None
N Caldwell, Grady B., 1Lt
B Coe, George A., 2Lt
Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt
E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Beckie”
None
None
Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr.,
Capt
R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt
F None
Russell,
Burton E., 2Lt
P
N Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG
(observer)
E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt
G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl
A/C No. 41-13208
P
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 41-13200
Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
Shields, James A., T/Sgt
None
Peekin’”)
Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
None
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
None
Polka”
Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr.,
2Lt
None
B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Flying
Caisson”
P Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt
CP Durante, Angelo M., C., 2Lt
N None
B None
E Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt
R Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt
G Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt
F CL None listed - likely the engineer
None
None
“The last one was southwest of Athens and there was a lot of flak. I could hardly sleep
the night before I was so nervous, thinking about what I would do if there were fighters
or flak. When the flak came I slowed the throttles and went straight up 500 feet. We
were in it a long time and it seemed like an eternity. I did the wildest evasive action I had
ever done and we did not get hit. Flew through a lot of weather and there was hail on the
way home. That was the day before yesterday and I was really happy when we landed.
My orders went in to the 47th Wing yesterday and I should be home before Thanksgiving.
I’m just about walking on air. No sense in writing ay more here though, cause the
fighting is all over now and I’m just waiting around for the orders to come through. Griff
finished yesterday and we should be coming home together. I have been recommended
for the Ferry Command in the States.
Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt, pilot
This is for you all at home and I think will make up for all that I’ve left unsaid in
my letters.
447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Orr and S/Sgt. McCown. At
about 1300 all the “G” combat crew members were put on the alert with instruction that
they were not to leave the field until further notice. At about 1600, it was learned 3 of the
crews were to leave for parts unknown on the morning of the 15th October.
Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier
McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt, gunner
Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt, bombardier
Lt. Neprash, S/Sgt. J. Yates, Sgt. M. Andryscak, Cpl. Haley, S/Sgt. Eckenrode left
in transport to form the ground echelon for this mission. Statistically our 1000th plane
went on today’s mission.
Andryscak, Michael A., Sgt, gunner
Eckenrode, Garnet M., S/Sgt, armament
Haley, Francis R., Jr., Cpl, armament
Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence
planes and crews participated in a raid on the Argos A/D in Greece. The AA was heavy,
moderate, and accurate. Only one plane was slightly damaged by flak. S/Sgt. Alton
received minor wounds by flak. No E/A attempted to intercept. All our planes returned
safely.
A/C No. 41-30557
CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt
N None
B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr,
S/Sgt
E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt
R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt
G Reilly, James M., Cpl
F Christensen, Lars, Sr., Sgt
P Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
N None
B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt
E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt
R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt
G Funk, Marvin J., Sgt
F None
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
Colby, John W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64695
N None
R Myers, William W., S/Sgt
G Farrell, John J., Pvt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Edwards, John E., 2Lt
None
None
II”
None
Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt
None
Lady”
Lang, Robert B., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt
None
None
S/Sgt
G Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt
F None
Ball”
CP Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
N Kresge, James G., 2Lt
G Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt
None
Holliman, Marion P., Sgt
McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt
Leon, Robert D., Sgt
None
Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2lt
None
TARGET: Argos A/D Greece
4:05 Frags
Plane 557 (41-30557): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Sholund, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt
Czaja, Cpl Reilly, Sgt Christensen
“Field was well covered. Strings seen through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of
runway. Fire seen in buildings on SW side. Four S/E took off from target but did not
attack. Flak heavy moderate and accurate.”
“Thirty-six ships with forty-eight P-38s hit the Argos Airdrome in Greece. Uneventful
raid. Lots of transports on the field. Flak was moderately intense, heavy and fairly
accurate.”
Mission # 104 (139): At 07:40 36 planes off to bomb Athens, Argos A/D, dropped 2594
frags at 09:57 from 8500 feet and returned at 11:50. Field well covered with best pattern
in center, one string through 4 E/A on edge of runway and on S and NW dispersal areas,
fires seen in buildings on SW side, one flak battery hit. Flak intense, heavy and accurate,
flak more than on mission of October 4. Weather: 4/10th at 5000 feet. F/L: Sinclair.
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., Capt, pilot
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30343
None
A/C No. 41-30355
None
Sinclair, Elwin W., Jr., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-29967
None
None
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1lt
Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
A/C No. 41-30327
Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2lt
Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt
Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt
None
Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt
Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt
None
Clement, Sam (NMI), Sgt
McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30548
Bell, Albert R., Capt, HQ 321st BG
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64519
N None
B Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt
R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt
G Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64521
None
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-25's of the XII Bomber Command hit
airfields at Salonika and Megalo Mikra, Greece.
In Italy, XII Air Support Command and other elements of NATAF hit
roads, railroads, bridges, junctions, railway facilities, town areas, and motor transport at
or near Piedimonte, Vairano, Termoli, Petacciato, Sparanise, and Civitanova, and hit gun
positions and communications in the general battle area N of the Volturno River. HQ
47th Bombardment Group (Light) and its 84th and 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light)
transfer from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20's. HQ 340th Bombardment
Group (Medium) and its 489th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) transfer from Catania,
Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's. The detachment of the 71st Fighter Squadron,
1st Fighter Group, operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38's returns to its base at
Mateur, Tunisia.
The B-25G series aircraft assigned to this group left
Grottaglie today for Detached Service with the British Coastal Command in Tobruk.
They are to be stationed at Gambut. Captain Donald A. Bell as the commanding officer
of the detachment and Lt. Sergius P. Neprash as his adjutant and intelligence officer.
The B-25 C & D series planes had another mission over Greece today hitting the
two airdromes of Salonika/Sedes and Salonika/Megalo Mikra. On Megalo Mikra the frag
bombs strings started on the west side and crossed the field to buildings on the north east.
Bursts were observed among eighteen planes. Three fires were observed and one terrific
explosion caused flames to shoot up to 1000’ and grey smoke to 3000’ visible forty miles
from the target. On Sedes bombs started in the dispersal areas, hitting seven planes, went
across the field and made direct hits on the hangars. Three fires and one explosion were
observed.
Bell, Donald A., Capt, operations
Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence
2. At 0855
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Salonika/Sedes A/D and
Mission
Target
No. A/C
Salonika/Megalo Mikra A/D. __One__ returned early. ___35__ dropped
Target
No. A/C
No. A/C
2448x20 lb frag bombs at 1036 hrs from 9500/11,000 ft. ___35__ returned at 1155.
No. & Type
Time
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. On Megalo Mikra strings started on W side and crossed field to buildings on NE.
Bursts observed among 18 planes on S side. Three fires observed and one terrific
explosion S of center of runway. Flames shot up to 1000’ and grey smoke to 3000’,
visible 40 miles away.
On Sedes bombs started in W dispersal area, hitting 7 planes; went across field and
made direct hits on hangars. Coverage was excellent. Three fires and one explosion
observed.
4. Air---------30 E/A mostly T/E believed JU-88s, observed on Megalo Mikra, on S side
of runway. 15 S/E on N side. One E/A taking off. 2/3 4-engine planes
near runway, 6 ME-110s on S.
Marine----Two large white M/V, possibly hospital ships anchored in Salonika harbor.
Three other large M/V there. One transport or naval vessel entering
harbor. 20 small boats and two barges in harbor. Large M/V heading N at
1040 at 40°20’N, 23°00’E. One report of 16 tankers and freighters in
Valona bay at 1130, and one report of 13 barges and 5/6 small craft.
Ground----String of RR cars in Salonika M/Y. 17 or more M/T heading S at 1005 S
of Koritna 40°38’N, 20°46’E.
Flak--------Heavy, very intense, fairly accurate from targets. Altitude good but trailed
somewhat. Position noted in center of Sedes S dispersal area. Heavy,
slight, inaccurate from N and S side of Valona A/D.
5. Enroute---& Return---8/10 strato-cumulus at 5,000, tops at 9000’.
Target--------2/10 cumulus at 7,000’, visibility unlimited.
6. None.
Flight leaders—Lts. Bugbee, Spikes and Ford, Captain Culp.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report No. 140 (cont)
A B-25, believed green, came out of overcast near Valona and flew at some
distance to left of formation. 25/30 miles from this field, it dropped one bomb on an A/D
pealed off to left hitting deck and flew away to E.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: More mail arrived this afternoon although on a reduced scale. Our
Squadron continued the incessant pounding of airdromes in Greece today. The Balkans
are receiving many of our bombs these days. There was some rain tonight but it is not
nearly as cold.
Judy”
Thornburn,
Thomas
H., 2Lt
P
N None
E Haney, T. J., Sgt
G Carson, Cecil F., Pvt
F Asmus, George D., Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Smith, William C. “Doc”, Capt
(observer)
A/C No. 42-64508
None
Castle, Roy V., Pvt
None
A/C No. 42-64575
CP Bonus, Robert M., Capt
N Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64529
None
None
Gambler”
None
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt
Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt
None
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Woogerd, Warren G., Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: Capt. Frank Griffith, S/Sgt. Dewitt, T/Sgt. Haley, S/Sgt. L.M.
Mitchell, Lt. Richard P. Morris, and S/Sgt. Billy Dykes finished fifty missions.
DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt, gunner
Dykes, Billy, S/Sgt, gunner
Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt, pilot
Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt, gunner
Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt, gunner
Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr., 2Lt, pilot
TARGET: Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece.
DATE: 15 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 6
th
Lt. Bugbee, 447 Sqdn, led the formation and the coverage was excellent. On Megalo
Mikra strings started on W side and crossed the field to the buildings on the NE side.
Bursts were observed among 18 aircraft on the S side. Three fires were started and one
terrific explosion S of the center of the runway. Flames shot up to 1000 feet and grey
smoke up to 3000 feet. It was visible for 40 miles. On Sedes bombs started on the W
dispersal area hitting 7 planes, went on across the field and made direct hits on the
hangars. The flak was heavy, very intense, and fairly accurate. Eleven A/C were
destroyed on ground. Lt. Axson and Lt. Knapp were spares and returned early.
Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
St. Joe”
CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt
G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 41-13208
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt
None
Polka”
Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr.,
2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
N None
R Roulier, Edward T., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 41-13200 (spare)
P Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt
B Pappas, William J., 2Lt
E Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt
R Shields, James A., T/Sgt
F None
Russell, Bruton E., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 41-13008 (spare)
None
None
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We reached Casablanca today
(2:15 PM). We got off the boat & checked in at a camp called – Don B passage. We
have tents here to sleep in, no beds – so we’re sleeping on the nice soft wood floors.
Eating can C-rations, but it’s really pretty good. Everyone still O.K. & no trouble of any
kind.”
447th BS War Diary: Lt. Bugbee, Capt. Gale flew to Palermo, Sicily to pick up a “jeep”
engine and parts for the squadron. All our planes returned safely from the mission.
Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Bodine and S/Sgt. Nittle.
Bodine, Arnold F. "Beeny the Bum", 2Lt, navigator
Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot
Nittle, Samuel, S/Sgt, gunner
MORNING REPORT for the Week ending on the 15th of Oct., 1943: Assigned
strength: E.M.---274, Officers---81. Capt. Burns transferred to the States. There are 8
E.M. and 13 Off. On D.S. with the G’s. (see Oct. 14th.)
Burns, John P., Capt, pilot
of our ships were scheduled to participate in a raid on the A/D at Salonika/Megas,
Greece. However Lt. Fraser was forced to return early because of an oil leak in his right
engine. The rest of the planes completed the mission. There were no E/A sighted. The
AA was heavy, moderate, and accurate.
P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt
CP Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt
N None
B Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt
E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt
R Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr,
S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30557
Boyle, Joseph G, Jr., 2Lt
None
P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt
N Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt
R O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64695
None
None
Lady”
None
None
None
Sattenspiel, Stanley J., S/Sgt
None
None
Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt
CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj,
Commander
N Bodine, Arnold F., “Benny the Bum”,
1Lt
B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt
E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt
R Werner, George P., Sgt
G Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ball”
Colby, John W., 2Lt
None
TARGET: Salonika A/D
3:00 Plane 371 (42-53371 “Death Wind”)
“Bursts observed among 18 planes on S side. Explosion S of center of runway. Flames
shooting up to 1000 feet. Gray smoke to 3000 feet visible 40 miles away.”
TARGET: Salonika/Megala Mikra A/D
3:00 Frags
Plane 997 (41-12997 “Southern Belle”): Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt
Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Sgt Manning
“Bursts observed among 18 planes on S side. Three fires and one terrific explosion on
side of runway. Coverage excellent. 30 E/A observed on Mikra. No flak.”
448th BS War Diary:
“Italy to Tobruk, Libya. Gambut #3, very dusty.”
Mission # 105 (140): At 08:55 36 planes off to bomb Salonika, Sedes and Salonika,
Mikra A/D’s, 35 dropped 3448 frags at 10:35 from 9500 fee and returned at 11:55. At
Mikra A/D strings started on W side across field to buildings on NE side and across 18
planes on S side, 3 fires and 1 large explosion S of center of runway. At Sedes A/D
bombs in dispersal area and hits seen on hangar, 3 fires observed. 30 E/A on ground at
Mikra. Intense, heavy, accurate flak from both targets. Weather: 2/10th at 7000 feet at
the target. F/L: Culp and Ford.
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
321st BG
E Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt
R Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64514
P Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
CP Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt
B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt
E Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt
G Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30355
Conway,
John
G., Sr., 1Lt
P
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-29967
P Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt
CP Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt
R McEntee, Peter M., Pvt
F None
P
CP
N
B
A/C No. 41-30343
None
Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30548
None
A/C No. 42-64519
None
None
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64661
CP Gouge, David J., 2Lt
N None
B Cain, George S., S/Sgt
E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt
R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64521
None
Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): P-38's bomb a vessel in Leukas Channel off the
W coast of Greece. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb the marshalling yard
and rail lines, railroad tunnel, highway underpass, warehouses, industrial buildings, and
gas works in or near Bologna; XII Air Support Command and other NATAF elements
provide close support to the US Fifth and British Eighth Armies; fighters and light and
medium bombers hit communications centers of Venafro, Vairano, Sparanise, Latina,
Alife, and the town of Pietravairano; roads, railroads, and junctions in the areas SE of
Rome to the bomb line, between Vasto and Pescara, and at Mondragone; gun positions,
trucks, and military concentrations near Vinchiaturo, Boiano, and Termoli; landing
ground of Cisterna di Latina; and several other targets in the area between Rome and
Ancona.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The marshalling yards at Ancona on the east coast of Italy
was today’s target. The whole of the yards save a small portion in the center was
completely covered. The north and south choke points were hit and the gas works blown
up and left burning. Hits were observed on warehouses, cars in the M/Y, locomotive
sheds, repair shops, round house, factories south of the yards and fuel tanks were set
afire. Two explosions, several fires and columns of smoke were observed coming from
the target as the formation left.
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: (The “G” Squadron
is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons)
321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/Mission 1):
B-25 G’s DS, Gambut.
1. At 1200 four B-25 G’s took off for shipping strike Pserimos (Cappari) – Cos area.
None returned early. Four shot five seventy-five MM shells at 1408 from 450 feet,
closed to 2000. Four aircraft returned at 1610. None lost, missing, or at friendly
field.
2. No hits scored on E-Boat. Three Beaufighters escort strafed same boat with 20 mm
cannon fire. Boat seen smoking. 250 50 caliber rounds fired by B-25s at E Boat. No
hits observed.
3. Air---------None.
Marine----At 36 degrees 55’ North – 27 degrees 05’ East – “E” Boat heading SE.
Cos channel, East of Pserimos. Caique (60 ton, 1 masted vessel) sighted
heading SE. 36 degrees 48’ North – 27 degrees 28’ East – medium M/V,
believed Turkish heading 200 degrees.
Ground----None.
Flak--------Light, slight, inaccurate from Caique.
4. Enroute—3/10’s broken cumulus 500’ – 600’.
Target-----2/10’s stratus-cumulus 1000’ 1500’.
Return----3/10’s broken cumulus 500’ – 600’.
5. None.
Flight Leader -- Lt. Dorman (Capt: D. A. Bell)
No. of sorties--4.
No. of photos--None.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
“Red Nosed Beckie”
P Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt
CP Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
N Lang, Robert B., 2Lt, 447th BS
B None
E Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt
R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
G Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501
P Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt
CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt
N Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS
(observer)
B None
E MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt
R Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt
G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt
CL Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, 447th BS
Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt, 447th BS
Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt, 447th BS
S/Sgt, 447th BS
Fish, Harold E., Sgt, 447th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
None
None
Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt
1. B-25 G’s DS, Gambut.
2. At 1400 four B-25 G’s took off for shipping strike of Calino – Cos area. One
returned early. Three shot 13 rounds of seventy-five mm shells at 1001 from 100
feet. 3 returned at 1810. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. B-25’s made 2 passes at “E” Boat located at 36 degrees 54’ N – 26 degrees 54’ E.
Closed to 2000 yards. Near misses recorded. Ship seen smoking at middle. 150
rounds of 50 caliber shot at “E” Boat, no hits observed. 1800 rounds of 50 caliber
shot at attacking JU-88’s, 2 probable damaged.
4. Air---------Sighted 4 ME-109’s at target at 4000 yards on B-25 course. No passes
made. At target after second pass B-25 and 2 Beaufighters escort attacked
simultaneously by 3 JU-88’s. No hits on bombers, 1 Beaufighter hit, B-25
gunners claim 2 JU-88’s probably damaged. B-25’s fired 1800 rounds of
50 caliber at JU-88’s from 1000 to 750 yards when JU-88’s turned off.
JU-88’s made several passes in 15 minute running battle. Attacks made at
5 and 7 o’clock. JU-88’s echeloned to right, followed each other in.
Marine----MTB sighted and attacked at 36 degree 54’ N – 25 degree 54’ E. Ship
going 20 knots at a heading of 100 degrees. Time 1601. “Numerous”
vessels seen in Cos harbor.
Flak--------from “E” boat – intense, light, accurate; few puffs of 40 mm, inaccurate.
5. Enroute----5/10’s – 500’ cumulus.
5/10’s – 4000’ strato-cumulus.
Target-----Clear. Visibility unlimited.
Return----Scattered showers. 7-8/10’s – 500-1000’.
6. None.
Flight Leader – F/O Peplinski.
No. of sorties--3.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
None
None
Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt, 446th
BS
R Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, 445th BS
G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
N None
B None
R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt
G Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt
CL Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS
P
CP
N
B
E
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32464
“The Goon Bird”
Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS
None
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32488
Joyce, Bryan A., F/O
None
2. At 0940
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Ancona M/Y. __None_
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. ___36__ dropped 288x250 lb_ bombs with .1 and 45 second fusing
No. A/C
No. & Type
at 1128 from 7500/9500 ft. ___36__ returned at 1300. None lost, missing or at
Time
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
friendly field.
3. Marshalling yards completely covered except for small portion of center. North and
south choke points hit. Gas works blown up and left burning. Fuel tanks set afire.
Hits were observed on warehouses, cars in M/Y, locomotive sheds, repair shops,
round house, and factories S of M/Y. Two explosions and several fires observed.
Columns of smoke were coming from target as formation left.
4. Air---------Some A/C observed on Marina di Falconare. A/D too far away to identify.
Ground----Two trains 35 cars each, mostly tank cars, east of Loreto--43°27’N,
13°39’E. Much activity in M/Y at Loreto.
Marine----One large DD or light cruiser and one large M/V on S. side of harbor. One
medium M/V and 25/30 small boats on N side.
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute----5/10 cumulus at 7000ft.
Target------4/10 cumulus at 9000ft. Thin stratus at 6500 ft.
Return------4/10 cumulus at 8000ft.
6. None.
Flight leaders---Lts. Ford and Farrell, Captain Chappell.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: This afternoon the men listened with great interest to the story of a
former B-24 gunner who was shot down near Naples almost a year ago and spent 10
months in an Italian prisoner of war camp. After he listed the food he had eaten for the
past ten months, the men certainly must have enjoyed their spam more than ever. Some
lucky members of the Squadron, who were tuning in their radios, happened to hit upon
the play by play broadcast of the Penn State-Navy football game direct from the States.
Thus the magic of radio brought them right to the 50 yard line today.
Gambler II”
Kailer,
William
Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt
P
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Haney, T. J., Sgt
Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Halpin, John J., Sgt
Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30354
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Castle, Roy V., Pvt
Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64529
BG Commander
None
Perry, Gilbert E., S/Sgt
None
Joy”
Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG
Cook, Bailey C., Lt. Col, Commander
(mission commander)
Judy”
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
446th BS War Diary: Free rations were issued and came in very handy as quite a few of
the men were getting low on cigarettes. The fact that it was free was also appreciated.
TARGET: Ancona M/Y, Italy
DATE: 16 Oct 1943
Type of Bombs: 250# Demolition.
446th Planes: 12
th
Lt. Ford, 448 Sqdn, led the formation and the M/Y were completely covered except for
a small portion of the center. North and south choke points were hit, gas works blown up
and left burning. Fuel tanks were set afire. Hits were observed on warehouses, cars in
the M/Y, locomotive sheds, repair shops, roundhouse and factory south of the M/Y. Two
explosions and several fires were observed. Columns of smoke were coming up from the
target as formation left. No flak or fighters.
Ford, Charles L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
A/C No. 42-64551
Bradley, James M. “Jungle Jim”, Jr.,
Capt
N None
R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt
F None
N None
Polka”
P Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr.,
2Lt
N None
B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt
E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt
R Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt
F None
P
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Roulier, Edward T., Cpl
None
None
None
A/C No. 41-13200
None
Shields, James A., S/Sgt
None
St. Joe”
Tapper, George G., 2Lt
None
Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt
Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt
Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt
None
Peekin’”)
McClelland,
Alva
L., 2Lt
P
N None
E Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt
R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt
F None
N None
E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt
R Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt
G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13008
None
None
A/C No. 41-30293
None
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
“# 30 Oct. 16, 1943
250# demo
Ancona M/Y Italy
Formation Leader - Capt Ford
Results - M/Y completely covered. N & S choke points were hit, gas works blown up &
left burning. Fuel tanks set afire. Warehouses, cars in M/Y, locomotive shed, repair
shops, round house & factories south of M/Y were hit. 2 explosions & several fires seen.
Remarks - No flak - no fighters.
Formation
1-1
P- Chappell, CP - Knapp, N- Springer, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G -Skill”
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS
Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt, pilot
Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner
Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “I went in to the city of
Casablanca this afternoon, its very interesting, the city, people, & there ways of living,
also getting used to their money, and language. I can’t seem to talk French very good.
I’m going back to town tomorrow afternoon to see if I have missed anything.”
447th BS War Diary: The squadron moved today to a new bivouac area. The site is an
olive grove directly behind our line and parking area from the runway. There is one
white stone building which will serve as an officers’ mess and club.
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 140/mission 139) Group Mission # 141: 6 of
our planes took part in a raid on the Marshalling Yards at Ancona, Italy. Bombing results
excellent. All our planes returned safely. Capt. Seel’s plane blew a tire when landing.
CP Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt
N None
G Zacharya, Andrew, Pvt
F None
None
Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt
None
N None
B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., S/Sgt
G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64695
None
None
II”
None
Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt
None
Ball”
Colby, John W., 1Lt
Newhouse, Ralph W., S/Sgt
None
N None
B Alton, David D., S/Sgt
G Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt
(spare)
Halloran, Robert F., 2lt
None
TARGET: Ancona M/Y Italy
3:20 250 lb. Bombs.
Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, Lt., Lanza, S/Sgt
Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Pvt Zacharya
“M/Y completely covered. N and S choke points hit. Gas works blown up and left
burning. Fuel tanks set afire. No flak.”
447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot:
“On mission to Salonika Greece to hit the two airdromes bounding the city, we had to
turn back because our left engine started throwing oil. We were at about 11,000 ft into
Albania when we first noticed it. So we made the good ole 180° and returned to the
base.”
Mission # 106 (141): At 09:40 36 planes off to bomb M/Y at Ancona, Italy, dropped 268
x 250 bombs at 11:08 from 7500 feet and returned at 13:00. M/Y completely covered
except for small portion in center, and 3 choke points well hit, gas works blown up, and
one fuel tank set afire, many buildings around yards hit and several fires observed.
Weather: 4/10th Cumulus at target. F/L: Ford.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
321st BG
Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30343
None
Spencer, John S., T/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 42-64521
None
None
A/C No. 42-64519
Anderson, Andrew H., L., 2Lt
None
BG
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
A/C No. 41-30355
None
None
A/C No. 42-64552
King, James L., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64661
None
None
A/C No. 42-64514
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
None
P Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt
CP Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
McEntee, Peter M., Pvt
None
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., Capt
Commander
None
“Mission #9. working with RAF – Island of Kos. 3 B-25s attack E. boats. We were
attacked by JU-88s.”
Weather prevents operations by the XII
Bomber Command. US and RAF units of NATAF operate at a reduced pace.
In Italy, light and medium bombers hit the towns of Teano and Alife
and motor transport at Benedello, Penna, and Pedesso; fighter-bombers bomb and strafe
troops, trucks, guns, train stations, and a bridge near Vinchiaturo, Benedello, Teramo,
and Sparanise; other fighters strafe locomotives S of Ancona. The 97th Bombardment
Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to
Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20's. The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support
Command, transfers from Barcellona, Sicily to Foggia, Italy with P-40's.
No mission today.
2. At 1308 5 B-25G’s took off on a shipping strike of the Pserimos-Cos area. No A/C
returned early. 5 A/C shot 17 75-mm shells and 750 50 caliber at 1529 from 350 feet
altitude, 5000-1000 yards range. 4 returned at 1757; 1 with left engine shot out
returned at 1610 with 3 Beaufighter escort. None lost, missing, or at friendly field.
3. Results: Attacked 2 beached small F boats on N. shore of Kos Island at 36 degree 52’
N- 25 degree 08’ E with 75-mm and 50 caliber fire. Scored 2 direct hits on east boat
with cannon and covered east boat and personnel with 50 caliber fire.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----sighted 2 beached F boats, 40 feet apart, on N. Kos Island shore at 36
degrees 52’ N – 25 degrees 08’ E.
Ground----None.
Flak--------20-mm and 40-mm, slight, inaccurate from coast from 5 mile E of target to
target. Light, accurate, intense from target area. Lt. Edwards received
direct 20-mm hit in port engine which cut out. He salvoed 2 waist guns,
75 and 50 ammunition and radio equipment, 2-250 pound bombs to stay in
the air.
5. Weather at target—2/10’s coverage - strato-cumulus 1000-1500’. Visibility: 19-20
miles.
6. None.
Flight Leader - Lt. Edwards.
No. of sorties-5.
No. of photos-None.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
CP Slater, Edward N., 2Lt, 445th BS
N Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS
B None
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501
“Eager Beaver”
N None
B None
CL Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32488
P Edwards, James T., 2Lt
CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt
N Lang, Robert B., 2Lt
B None
E Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt
R Hughes, James C., S/Sgt
G Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt
CL Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32464
“The Goon Bird”
McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
None
Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS
Biebighauser, Roy A., 447th BS
Farrell, John J., Pvt, 447th BS
Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), 445th BS
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
None
None
S/Sgt
Fish, Harold E., S/Sgt
Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS
2. At 1410 5 B-25 G’s took off for shipping strike of the Calinos-Pserimos-Kos area.
None returned early. 5 A/C shot no 75-mm ammunition. 5 A/C returned at 1825.
None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Results: No target sighted.
4. Air---------1 unidentified A/C S of Nisiro Island heading due S.
Marine----1 single stack, 200’ vessel painted grey in Kos harbor; 1 Turkish M/V in
Kos channel.
Ground----None.
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute----rainstorm south of Crete.
At target---CAVU.
Return-----CAVU.
6. None.
Flight Leader – F/O Peplinski.
No. of sorties--5.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64668
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS
None
Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt, 446th BS
Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O (observer)
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
None
None
Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt
Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, 445th BS
Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt
CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt
N None
B None
E Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt
R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt
G Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt
CL Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
None
Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32464
“The Goon Bird”
Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt
None
445th BS War Diary: A number of the men are complaining of colds due no doubt to the
extreme dampness of the climate. The Officers celebrated the grand opening of their club
this evening in a most turbulent manner. Plans are now being laid for the construction of
an enlisted men’s club.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Everyone is still O.K. I hope
Enid, the folks are all alright in the USA. I looked over more of Casablanca today, I
don’t believe I’d care much for Africa, just pass through & that’s all. The town & people
are not quite as clean as they should be; in fact they’re just plain dirty. Until tomorrow.”
447th BS War Diary: Everyone worked today getting settled in the new area. A wooden
building is being constructed by the enlisted men for their kitchen. Most of the men have
obtained lumber and made floors for their tents. Because of the shallow rock formations
some difficulty is being experience in digging to latrine and in sinking tent stakes to a
holding depth. Capt. P. Seel flew to Soliman today for medical supplies.
“Thirty-six ships hit Ancona Marshalling yard by the harbor. This is the second most
important port left in Italy that is still in German hands. We went right across the harbor
over two cruisers but they must have been dismantled Italian vessels because they didn’t
put up any flak. Our bombing was pretty good. Forty-eight P-38s for escort.”
“Mission #10. Recon off coast of Turkey – nothing sighted.”
XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb the
marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia; P-38's follow with a strafing mission, damaging
or destroying several locomotives and vehicles.
In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36's hit the Venafro railroad
yards, and other fighter-bombers hit gun positions, troops, and railway stations in or near
Boiano, Petacciato, and Vairano. Fighters strafe airfields around Rome and also hit
Viterbo, Grosseto, and the seaplane base at Bracciano, and attack trains on the RomeOrte and Rome-Naples, Italy lines. NATBF light bombers bomb the road and railway
near Cassino, the town of Carpinone, the road junction at Castiglione della Valle, and
roads, bridges, and motor transport near Minturno and Chieti. HQ 316th Troop Carrier
Group transfers from Mazzara to Borizzo, Sicily. The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd
Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Catania, Sicily with C-47's. The 12th
Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group,
based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-4's and F-5's, sends a detachment to operate from
Ajaccio/Camp del Oro, Corsica.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Both the east and west ends of the West Marshalling Yards
at Skoplje, Yugoslavia were hit today with some bombs in the center of the yards. Hits
and fires were observed in building on the NE end of the yards and two direct hits were
made on sheds at the west end. One explosion and two fires were noticed.
2. At 1344 4 B-25G’s took off for shipping strike of Pserimos-Kos area and to bomb
Antimachia A/D on Kos Island. None returned early. 4 dropped 7 x 300 pounds
demolition bombs with 8-11 second fusing at 1534 from 400 feet. 4 shot 10 75 mm
shells at 1536 from 300 feet altitude from range of 8000 to 2500 yards. 4 A/C
returned at 1725. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. A/D runway was hit in center with 2 bombs. Other 5 bombs were long with one A/C
having trouble releasing bombs. Field strafed by 325 rounds of 50 caliber fire. 2 “F”
boats sighted on heading of 130 degrees. Westerly boat attacked and 10 75 mm shells
fired. 2 direct hits observed with one more probable. Beaufighters skip-bombed the
easterly ship coring 2 direct hits, also strafed both boats with 20 mm and machine gun
fire.
4. Air---------8/10 A/C in SW dispersal area including a Spitfire and a JU-87. 3 MA202’s in NE dispersal area near hangars.
Marine----2 “F” boats sighted at 36 degrees 52’ N – 27 degrees 00’ E on a heading of
130 degrees going 6-8 knots. Boats were in trail, westerly boat attacked
by B-25G’s, easterly by Beaufighters skip bombing.
Ground----None.
Flak--------Slight, slight and heavy from Masticari. Intense light, inaccurate from “F”
boats; mostly 20 mm and small arms fire with few 40 mm bursting late.
5. Weather--CAVU in and out.
6. None.
Flight Leader -- F/O Peplinski.
No. of sorties--4.
Photos taken---none.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, 448th
BS
CP Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt, 448th BS
N None
B None
E Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt, 448th BS
R Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, 445th BS
G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt, 448th BS
CL Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, 446th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64668
P
P
CP
N
B
E
Peplinski, James L., F/O, 448th BS
Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, 448th BS
None
Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, 448th BS
R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt, 448th BS
G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt, 448th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, 448th
BS
Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt, 448th BS
Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS
None
Nithman, Charles E., Cpl, 448th BS
Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, 448th BS
Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, 448th BS
Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, 445th BS
None
None
Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt,
448th BS
Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt, 448th BS
Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt, 448th BS
2. At 1025
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ West M/Yds. At Skoplje,
Mission
Target
Yugoslavia. __None_ returned early. ___36__ dropped 231x250 lbs with .1 & 45
No. A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
Second fusing at 1215 hours from 10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1325.
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
__None__ lost, __None__ missing, __None__ at friendly field.
No. A/C
No. A/C
No. A/C
3. Results: Both east and west ends of yards were hit, with some bombs down center
and over. Hits and fires observed in buildings on NE end and two direct hits on sheds
on W end, with some bombs to North of sheds. Possible hits on locomotive sheds
reported, and explosion to North of sheds, and two fires on south side of tracks.
4. Air---------Two S/E seen taking off from Skoplje A/D – with 5/8 E/A on ground – 3/4
JU-52’s and two S/E (2 on west side and three around perimeter). Huge
M/T convoy reported, several hundred vehicles heavily laden – with
trailers – some artillery – moving NW between Veles 41°43’N, 21°47’E
through Skoplje towards Tetovo, About a third of W M/Y facilities filled.
Marine----Two small boats at Kneta E. Kravastase and 3 M/V in Durazzo harbor
reported all tied up along SW pier.
Flak--------One report of seven bursts, heavy, inaccurate – trailing formation at target
and 12 bursts heavy inaccurate from Tirana.
5. Weather En route and return: Scattered Cumulonimbus with 6/10 cumulus at 9000 to
40 miles inland.
Target: CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders: Lt. Col. Cook, Maj. Schwane and Capt. Seel
Observers
: Col. Walsh, Maj. Pemberton, Capt. Landron and Lt. Drotis.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Captain Tipton, Squadron Operations Officer, today flew his 51st
mission. The weather was fair until the evening when the rain started and looks like it
might continue all night.
Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot
A/C No. 42-64529
None
None
Gambler II”
N None
R McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64659
N None
F None
A/C No. 42-64508
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Judy”
None
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
None
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt
None
None
None
Joy”
Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt
Haney, T. J., S/Sgt
Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64575
Laird, Ellsworth A. Jr., S/Sgt
Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Sawyer and S/Sgt. Brei finished fifty missions.
Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt, gunner
Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt, gunner
TARGET: Skoplje, Yugoslavia.
DATE: 18 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 12
th
Lt. Col. Cook, 445 Sqdn, led the formation and both East and West ends of the yards
were hit, with some bombs down center and over. Hits and fires observed in buildings,
on NE end, and two direct hits on shed on west end, with some bombs to north of sheds.
Possible hits on locomotive sheds reported, and explosion north of sheds and two fires on
south side of tracks. No flak or fighters encountered.
Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS
Commander
N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
B Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
F None
N None
B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt
F None
P
None
None
None
None
P
A/C No. 41-13208
None
Mitchell, John C., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13008
CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt
N None
G Martin, Edward F., Cpl
F None
St. Joe)
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt
None
N None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Capt
Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt
Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt
Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt
Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
None
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
None
Peekin’”)
None
None
A/C No. 41-13200
Drotis, Ray L., 1Lt (observer)
Shields, James A., S/Sgt
Gehrts, Walter F., Sgt
Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt
“# 31 Oct. 18, 1943
250# demo
Skoplje, Yugoslavia
Formation Leader - Lt Col. Cook
Results - Both east & west end of yards hit - hits & fires observed in bldgs on NE end & 2
direct hits on sheds on W end & N sheds - possibly hits on locomotive shed & explosion N
of sheds & 2 fires S side of track.
Remarks - No flak - no fighters encountered.
Formation
2-1
P- Chappell, CP - Fetterly, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G -Skill”
Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 444th BS
Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Well we moved over to the
airport today, the Camps Airport – still at Casablanca. We also loaded our baggage in a
B-17 – we’re supposed to take off tomorrow morning. I also went into Casablanca to
night – Nick, and Dickson went with me, Cobbett, Sweeney & McDonough left earlier
this afternoon. Bought Enid a silver bracelet but could not find any S & P shakers for
Mom – not much to buy here. I’d guess I’d better get some sleep now, cause I have to get
up early tomorrow morning. Oh yes, we rode home in a Dingy cart, tonight – 4 miles in
45 minutes.”
Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot
Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier
Cobbett, Stanley W., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG
McDonough, John F., S/Sgt, gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG
Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG
447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Colby, T/Sgt. Anderson, and
T/Sgt. Balsom.
Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt, gunner
Balsom, James P., T/Sgt, gunner
Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator
of our ships participated in a raid on the M/Y’s at Skoplje, Yugoslavia. Due to the
shortage of pilots in our squadron, the group furnished us with 3 co-pilots. Results good
– No AA or E/A was seen. All our planes returned safely. Capt. Seel came in on one
engine because the left engine blew a cylinder on the return trip. He made a perfect
landing and the ship was not damaged.
Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt
Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt
None
Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt
Christensen, Lars, Sr., Sgt
P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt
CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt
N None
F Landron, George J., Capt, 82nd FG
N None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
E
R
G
F
Jeffrey, James H., PFC,
Lady”
CP Ennis, John H., Jr., 448th BS
N None
B Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt
G Wagner, Harvey H., S/Sgt
F None
Ball”
Colby, John W., 1Lt
Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30557
None
Driver, William J., F/O, 448th BS
None
Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr.,
S/Sgt
Walsh, James H., Col, HQ 47th Wing
(mission commander)
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64695
None
None
N None
R Anderson, Chester E., S/Sgt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-32450
Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st
BG
None
Smith, Argyle H., S/Sgt
None
B-25 G A/C No. 42-64654
None
447th BS Special Account: While returning from a raid on the Skoplje, Yugoslavia
Marshalling Yards on October 18, the plane piloted by Captain P. Seel developed engine
trouble. The left engine blew a cylinder and caught on fire. The Lox system took care of
the fire and the prop was feathered. Capt. Seel flew the rest of the way home on one
engine and made a perfect landing. The Navigator, Lt. Colby, was on his 50th mission
and it was his first one-engine landing. He was really sweating it out.
Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator
TARGET: W M/Y at Skoplje Yugo 3:00 Plane 512 (42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”)
“Possible hits on engine sheds.”
TARGET: M/Y at Skoplje Yugoslavia
3:00 250 lb Bombs
Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, S/Sgt Davis, S/Sgt
McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl Reilly, Sgt. Christensen
“Both east and west of yard hit, with direct hits on sheds on W side. Possible hits on
Engine, sheds and explosions to N of shed and two fires on south side of tracks. No
flak.”
“Thirty-six ships with twenty-four P-38s for escort went to Skoplje Yugoslavia to hit the
marshalling yard. There were about two hundred pieces of rolling stock in the yard.
Going into the city was a truck convoy that extended about fifteen miles south. Slight,
inaccurate heavy flak. Eight P-38s came along with us to dive bomb a bridge near the
city.”
“Mission #11. Dodecanese Isles, off coast of Turkey. Skip bomb airfield. Hit’s scored on
E. boats with cannon. Flak and machine gun fire. Baltimore crashes on take off.”
Note: “Baltimore” is the British designation for the Martin A-30 bomber, used by RAF.
Mission # 107 (142): At 10:25 36 planes off to bomb W M/Y’s at Skoplje, Yugoslavia,
dropped 231 x 250 bombs at 12:15 from 10,000 feet and returned 13:25. Both E and W
ends of yards hit with a few bombs in center, locomotive sheds hit with 2 fires on S side
of tracks. Bombs also in buildings to N of sheds with one large explosion. Slight, light
flak. Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 42-64519
Edmondson,
Howard D., 2Lt
P
CP Anderson, Arthur H. L., 2Lt
N None
B Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30548 (spare)
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt
321st BG
None
A/C No. 41-30355
None
BG (observer)
A/C No. 42-64655 (spare)
King, James L., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64514
P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
N Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt
B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt
R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt
G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt
F None
In Italy, during a low-level raid, XII Bomber Command B-24's bomb
bridges at Porto Civitanova, S of Porto Sant' Elpidio, N of Pedaso, and N of Cupra
Marittima; fighters, fighter-bombers, and light bombers of the XII Air Support
Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF attack the town of Boiano, gun positions and troop
concentrations on the outskirts of town, and an ammunition dump and railroad tunnel
nearby, Viterbo and Tarquinia landing fields, the towns of Cassino and Anzio, the
railroad N of Pesaro and near Pineto, trains near Barisciano, troops near Mintumo, and
vehicles at several points.
No mission today.
1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). DS Gambut.
2. At 1108 4 B-25Gs took off on shipping strike of Antikythira Channel and NW Crete
area. None returned early. 2 dropped 4 x 300 pounds demolition bombs and shot 37
75 mm shells from 1245 to 1247, the bombs were dropped from mast level, the shells
fired from 8000 yards to 900 feet and altitude of 400 feet. 4 returned at 1415. None
lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Results: Convoy of 3 LC’s, one Caique, and one armed trawler sighted and attacked
20 miles NE of Cape Spetha on Crete. 2 75 mm hits scored on most southerly
landing craft; 3 75 mm hits on most northerly LC, 1 75 mm hit on armed trawler
which was middle boat. LC and trawler loaded with personnel many of whom
abandoned their ships when strafed with 50 caliber and 75 mm fire. Armed trawler
skip-bombed from mast level and sunk by B-25. 3 Beaufighters escort strafed vessels
with 20 mm and 50 caliber fire. Beaufighters confirmed sinking of trawler as they
followed B-25’s in. Beaufighters shot down one Arado-196 which was patrolling
north of the convoy; also destroyed one Dornier seaplane on the water one mile north
of convoy. Dinghy seen 25 yards south of Dornier.
4. Air---------2 Arado 196’s sighted, one N and one S of the convoy attacked. 2
Beaufighters shot down northerly A/C; southerly A/C last seen headed for
Crete to the south. One Dornier S/P 1 mile north of convoy sighted by
Beaufighter; sank same
Marine----At 35 degrees 45’ N – 25 degrees 55’ E convoy consisting of 3 LC 1
caique, and 1 armed trawler sighted. Convoy headed South in trail. First
2 ships, caique and LC attacked on first pass. 180 degree turn made and
last 2 ships, armed trawler and LC attacked.
Ground----none.
Flak--------Light, slight inaccurate from Cape Spetha; light, slight, inaccurate from
trawler.
5. Weather---Out and in – broken cumulus at 800 feet, scattered showers. 15-20 mile
winds.
6. None.
Flight Leader – Lt. Gilluly.
No. of sorties--4.
No photos taken.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
“Flying Caisson”
P Edwards, James T., 2Lt, 447th BS
CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS
N Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS
B None
E Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS
R Hughes, James C., S/Sgt, 447th BS
G Fox, Robert J., Sgt, 447th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501
“Eager Beaver”
N None
B None
CL Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654
Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, 448th BS
Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, 448th BS
None
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
Kresge, James G., 2Lt
None
S/Sgt
2. At 1302 3 B-25 G’s took off for a shipping strike of the south Rhodes Islands. None
returned early. 4 dropped no bombs or shot ammunition. 3 returned at 1720. None
3. Results: No sightings.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----None.
Ground----None.
Flak--------None.
5. Weather—CAVU out and in except for scattered rain 80 miles from coast coming
back.
6. None.
Flight Leader – Lt. Dorman.
No. of sorties--3.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O, 448th BS
N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, 448th BS
B None
G Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS
CL Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
None
None
Horton, Felton E., Sgt, 445th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
None
None
Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
None
445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today and the men just took it easy in their
tents while others visited the nearby towns for food, wine and “senioritis”. The weather
is very damp again tonight but the men are beginning to get used to it.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “This finds me at Telergma field,
30 miles from a town called Constantine, a good sized town & quite pretty, ran into some
of my old classmates here, but we got separated from my enlisted men. Hope we get back
together some day soon.”
447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Marion P. Holliman, while returning from Taranto, was
standing next the curb hitch-hiking with Sgt. Argyle H. Smith when an English truck hit
Holliman and knocked him down – and out. At that time Sgt. Smith called on all the
Italians around for aid, but water didn’t seem to do any good. When Holliman came to,
he was in an Italian car setting in front of our own dispensary. It seems that the English
truck didn’t stop. Holliman wound up with a few scratches, a sore jaw – and a knot on
his head. Lt. Bugbee took one of our planes to Catania, Sicily. The trip was made to take
a Red Cross girl to the hospital there.
Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt, bombardier
Smith, Argyle H., Sgt, turret gunner
“Take off but return due to engine trouble.”
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's, B-26's, B-25's and P-38's
bomb the Rome-Casale landing ground, Marcigliana and Cerveteri Airfields, railroad
bridges at Montalto di Castro, Grosseto, and 13 miles (21 km) SE of Orvieto, and the
marshalling yard at Nish, Yugoslavia obstructing the Belgrade-Sofia line; the XII Air
Support Command, NATBF, and other aircraft of the NATAF devote most of their
efforts to bombing gun positions, trucks, and rail and road communications S of Vasto, at
Mignano, N of Cassino, in Cassino and Chieti, at Castropignano, Carpinone, Arce,
Tratella, and at various other points along highways and railroads. Fighter-bombers also
hit shipping along Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia, claiming 2 vessels sunk. HQ 62nd
Fighter Wing transfers from Palermo, Sicily to Naples, Italy. The 527th Fighter-Bomber
Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Serretella Airfield to Pomigliano,
Italy with A-36's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks at
the South Marshalling Yards at Nis provided good results for the day. Many large fires
were observed with smoke to 5000 feet. Six explosions were seen including one from a
locomotive shed which was described as terrific.
1. B-25 G’s, DS Gambut.
2. At 1344 4 B-25 G’s took off to attack 4 “F” boats beached on NE coast of Kos Island.
4 shot 11 75 mm shells at 1600 hours from altitude of 400 feet with range from 4000
to 2500 yards. 4 returned at 1750. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Target not sighted but flight attacked 2 “F” boats beached 7 miles W of original target
sighting. Both boats fired upon by 75 mm and 50 caliber fire. 2 hits at water line
scored on West boat with 75 mm shells; numerous hits with 50 caliber fire.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----2 “F” boats seen beached about center of N shore of Kos Island.
Ground----none.
Flak--------From A/D at Antimachia, heavy, slight, inaccurate and some 40 mm fire.
20 mm and 40 mm fire from Kos coastline near beached vessels, intense,
accurate.
5. Enroute--raining to 50 miles out then scattered cumulus, 4/10’s coverage at 200 feet.
At Target--Scattered cumulus, 3/10’s coverage at 400 feet. Visibility-15-20 mile.
Back—Same as out.
6. None.
Flight Leader--Lt. Dorman.
No. of sorties--4.
Photos taken--none.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
None
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
None
None
McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
None
None
Fish, Harold E., Sgt, 447th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654
None
2. At 1302 4 B-25 G’s took off to attack 2 “F” boats beached on N. coast of Kos Island.
None returned early. 4 fired 14 75 mm shells at 1530, 4 fired 22 75 mm shells at
1555 to 1559 and 2 dropped 3 x 300 pound bombs at 1559. Ranges from 7000 to
1000 yards. 2 returned at 1755 hours. None lost or missing. 2 landed at El Adem.
3. At 1530 2-masted schooner attacked at 35 degrees 40’ N 26 degrees 53’ E with 75
mm fire. 2 direct hits claimed with 2 more, at least, probable. 2 “F” boats on N
central coast of Kos attacked from 1555 to 1559 with 75 mm and 50 caliber fire and
skip bombed. 3 direct hits with 75 mm seen with 3 more probable, all on Westerly
boat. Westerly boat hit directly on stern with one skipped bomb from Lt. Gillluly’s
plane. One of Lt. Black’s 2 skipped bombs landed in water between the 2 “F” boats
probably causing damage to both. Other bomb was long. Schooner and “F” boats
strafed by 50 caliber fire. Westerly boat last seen keeled over, easterly boat out of
commission and supplies were seen burning on the beach near boats. 2 B-25’s
damaged by flak.
4. Air---------10 a/c seen in SW dispersal area of Antimachia A/D, 2 MA-202, 2 ME109’s and the rest medium a/c.
Marine----2 masted schooner sighted and attacked at 35 degrees 40’ N, 26 degrees
53’ E. Speed 3-6 knots, heading 270 degrees. 2 “F” boats sighted and
attacked on N central coast of Kos Island.
Ground----Considerable trucking activity seen at A/D, apparently aiding in large scale
repair work being done to A/D.
Flak--------Heavy, slight, inaccurate from A/D. 3-gun heavy battery seen at centre of
A/D; 3-gun light battery seen at N perimeter of A/D; spasmodic 20 and 40
mm fire from N Kos coastline near beached boats. Intense, light, fairly
accurate from “F” boats.
5. Weather--Enroute--raining to 50 miles out then scattered cumulus, 4/10 coverage at
200 feet.
At target--scattered cumulus, 3/10 coverage at 400 feet.
Visibility--15-2-miles.
Route Back--Same as out.
6. None.
Flight Leader--Lt. Gilluly.
No. of sorties--4.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64668
“Eager Beaver”
P Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS
th
CP Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, 445 BS
N None
None
B None
E Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS
th
R Jones, Harold G., Sgt, 445 BS
G Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS
th
CL Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, 445
BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64487
P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, 448th BS
CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt, 448th BS
N None
B None
E Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt,
448th BS
R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt, 448th BS
CL Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt, 448th BS
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
None
2. At 1055
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ S. M/Y at Nish. __None_
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. ___36__ dropped 283x250 lbs bombs with .1 & 11 second fusing at
No. A/C
No. & Type
1302 from 10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1435. None lost, missing or at
Time
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
friendly field.
3. Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires observed,
one with smoke to 5000 ft. 5 explosions were seen, including 1 from a locomotive
shed described as terrific. Fires and explosions observed among rolling stock. N.
M/Y reported well hit by P-38s, who also set two E/A on fire at Skoplje A/D.
4. Air--------- Two S/E seen taking off from Skoplje A/D Also two transports on the
ground, and one report of 1 large E/A and 4 S/E E/A on same field. One
report of 10 T/E E/A on Bajanovac.
Marine----Three medium M/V in center of Durazzo Harbor and two M/V at the
docks.
Ground--- 50 truck convoy proceeding S from Shegas to Bushnesh (41°35’N, 9°40’E)
observed at 1402. 40 M/Ts going south from Nis to Spaj (43°15’N,
22°15’E) Road from Vranje to Skoplje filled with M/Ts, some hauling
guns, and 12 tanks proceeding south, observed at 1243. Two trains
carrying heavy guns on cars seen 60 miles NW of Skoplje. Two long
trains of 30 cars each seen west of Kumanovo, 42°08’N, 21°43’E. 200
cars observed in M/Y at Kliona, 42°37’N, 20°34’E.
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute and return---5/10 towering cumulus at 6000 ft over mountains. Vis Unlimited
Over Target-----------CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders:--Major Schwane, Capt. Seel and Capt. Culp.
Observers---Captain Silver.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Two combat crews arrived today as replacements to bolster our
rapidly diminishing combat crew ranks. The Squadron received word today of the death
of “Slug” Coburne, an armorer in the Squadron. He was well-liked by all and will be
missed greatly by his buddies.
Coburne, "Sluggo", Sgt, armorer
A/C No. 42-64659
N None
R Winston, E. G., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64508
None
Haney, T. J., S/Sgt
Carson, Cecil F., Pvt
None
Judy”
P Jackson, John I., 2Lt
N None
R Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64529
Ward, James M., 2Lt
Choka, Andrew J., T/Sgt
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Ralph Axson, S/Sgt Foley, S/Sgt. Miles, and S/Sgt. Ludwig
finished fifty missions.
Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt, gunner
Ludwig, Michael E., S/Sgt, gunner
Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt, gunner
TARGET: South Marshalling Yards, Nis, Yugoslavia.
DATE: 20 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 12
MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and very good coverage was obtained on both
locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires were observed, one with smoke rising in
the air to 5,000 feet. Six explosions were seen, including one from the locomotive shed
described as terrific. Fires and explosions were observed among rolling stock. The north
marshalling yards were reported well hit by P-38’s dive bombing, who also hit two
enemy aircraft and set them on fire at Skoplje. No flak or fighters. Group reported that
this was the most perfect bombing the Group has yet done.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
St. Joe”
None
None
A/C No. 41-13008
None
None
N None
F None
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64526
Commander
None
Capt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
None
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
None
N None
F None
A/C No. 42-64551
None
None
Polka”
P Chappell, Howard L., Capt
CP Russell, Burton E., 2Lt
None
N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt
E Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO A/C No. 41-13200
Pee Wee”
None
None
N
E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt
None
F None
“# 32 Oct. 20, 1943
250# demo
South Marshalling Yards, Nis, Yugoslavia
Formation Leader - Major Schwane
Results - Very good coverage on 2 locomotive sheds & tracks. Many large fires obscured
- one with smoke rising to 5000 ft. 6 explosions were seen - 1 from loco. Shed was
terrific. Fires & explosions among rolling stock - P-38 dive bombed & hit 2 E/A & set
them on fire at Skoplje, Yugoslavia.
Remarks - No flak or fighters. Perfect bombing reported by group.
Ship number - 42-64551
Formation
2-1
P- Chappell, CP - Russell, N- Springer, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G Bonacich”
Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC, gunner
Russell, Burton E., 2Lt, pilot
Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, pilot, Commander
Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Now I am at Tunis, Africa – at
Alaina field quite a lot of damage down here, a large town, but still the same kind of
people – Arabs and French Jew – Stayed in town till 9:00 PM. We’re still traveling in
the B-17 – 19 of us – everything O.K.”
447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. James E. Harter had a close call while on the mission. He
received a slight wound from a bullet which went “thru” the nose of the ship. Today’s
mission was the 50th for Capt. Seel. It was the 40th for S/Sgt. Perpich and concludes his
tour of duty. He is being relieved after a tour of 40 missions because of the exceptional
number of harrowing experiences he has had in combat. On three different occasions his
plane made one-engine landings.
Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier
Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt, gunner
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 142/mission 141) Group Mission # 143: 9 of
our planes and crews participated in a raid on Nis M/Y in Yugoslavia. The target was
well covered. No E/A or AA was sighted. All our planes returned safely.
CP Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt
N None
B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr.,
S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64695
McFadden, Kenneth L., 2Lt
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Lady”
None
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
None
II”
None
None
Fallone, John J., 2Lt
None
None
Joiner, Harold W., 2lt
None
None
A/C No. 41-30557
None
Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2lt
Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt
Hilton, Maurice J., T/Sgt
None
TARGET: S M/Y at Nis
3:35 Plane 557 (41-30557)
“Very good coverage. Many large fires. No of explosions described as terrific.”
TARGET: Nis Yugoslavia
3:35 250 lb. Bombs.
Plane 512 (42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt
Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Cpl Reilly, Cpl Leon
“Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires were
observed with smoke up to 5000 ft. Six explosions were seen, one from locomotive shed
described as terrific. No flak.”
“Marshalling yards at Nish, Yugoslavia was today’s target. The 38s put up twenty-four
ships to dive bomb a RR yd on the North side of town that had three hundred freight cars
in it. Our RR yd on the West side of town had six hundred cars in it. Sixteen additional
P-38s for escort. As we passed over Skoplje we flew right over a JU88 and two fighters.
Some of the gunners got shots at them but no claims were put in. No flak at the target
and good bombing. Thirty-six ships made the trip.”
“Mission #12. Dodecanese Isles. Get 3 holes in ship, one through radio seat, transmitter
and life raft. Luckily, I had moved to machine gun runway just seconds before.”
Mission # 108 (143): At 10:55 36 planes off to bomb M/Y’s at Nis, Yugoslavia, dropped
283 x 250 bombs at 13:02 from 11,000 feet and returned at 14:35. Very good coverage
on locomotive sheds and track, many fires seen, 1 large explosion and 6 small ones, fires
among rolling stock. Escort of P-38’s with bombs hit the field N of the yards and caused
fires and destroyed 2 E/A on the ground. Many truck convoys on the roads also train
movements. No flak. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Culp.
A/C No. 41-30327
P Veum, Ole E., Capt
CP Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st
BG
B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ
321st BG
E Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt
R Milton, Daniel H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-29967
Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt
Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt
None
Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30355
Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt
Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30343
Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64552
None
Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt
Ally, George D., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30548
None
Fleming, George B., S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64519
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt
None
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-30352
None
A/C No. 42-64521
P Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt
CP Barton, Thomas M., F/O
N None
B Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt
E Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt
R House, Harry H., S/Sgt
G Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt
F Silver, George A., III, Capt
A/C No. 42-64661 (spare)
King, James L., 2Lt
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Colonel Arthur Thomas takes command of the
XII Air Force Service Command.
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's hit a railroad viaduct at Terni
and rail and road bridges in Albania. B-24's hit Orvieto railroad bridge; B-26's and B-25's
bomb bridges at Montalto di Castro and NW of Acquapendente and the railroad at
Orbetello; P-38's bomb a radar station at Pellegrino and the marshalling yard at Skoplje,
Yugoslavia; RAF and US NATAF light and medium bombers concentrate on Cassino,
hitting the town, a bivouac area nearby, and railroad to the S; vessels along Dalmatian
coast of Yugoslavia are also attacked; XII Air Support Command fighters and fighterbombers patrol the Naples area and attack numerous roads, railroads, bridges, junctions,
trucks, gun emplacements, and other targets in the battle area. The 93rd Fighter
Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano,
Sicily with P-39's.
No mission today.
445th BS War Diary: Another replacement crew arrived today. The men find it rather
odd to see these new faces around camp after having been together so long. In the
evening, the generator balked and finally stopped. Many of the men who had been
reading or writing letters came out to see what was being done to fix the generator. It
was a large gallery that watched the vain two-hour attempt to start the generator. Finally,
all left in disgust to hit the hay.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Squadron received its’ weekly rations. Morale was
improved.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Believe it or not, here I am in
Italy. We left Tunis about 10:30 P.M. flew over Cantania Sicily, not much left there, then
on to this place, Grottaglie, Italy. We are at an airport here, what’s left of it, pretty well
blown alt to hell. We have lots of planes here, & I am connected with the 446th Sqd, 321st
group, all nice fellows.”
447th BS War Diary: No mission. Capt. Seel flew to Palermo, Sicily to obtain a new
rear end for our gas truck and to pick up jeep parts.
“Rain, mud, tent swamped with water.”
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) approve
the plan, submitted by General Henry H "Hap" Arnold and the US Joint Chiefs of Staff
(JCS), to create a new Air Force (the Fifteenth) in Italy from part of the Twelfth Air
Force to be used in strategic bombing against Germany as well as in support of ground
operations.
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's bomb railroad bridges N and
SE of Omvieto; B-25's hit a railroad bridge S of Grosseto and Eleusis Airfield, Greece;
The XII Air Support Command, along with other elements of the NATAF, hit town areas,
highways, vehicles, gun positions, railroad communications, strongpoints, and targets of
opportunity at or near San Salvo Teano, Venafro, Cantalupo el Sannio, Isernia, Cassino,
Montenero, and Boiano. Aquino Airfield is also bombed. The 12th Troop Carrier
Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, based at Gela, Sicily, begins operating from
Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Our planes took off today to attack the dispersal areas of the
Athens/Eleusis Airdrome. A good pattern fell across both dispersal areas and three direct
hits are claimed.
2. At 1025
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ NE & SE dispersal areas of
Mission
Target
Athens/Eleusis A/D. __None_ returned early. ___36__ dropped 2430x20 lb
No. A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
frag bombs at 1222 hrs from 10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1415. None lost,
Time
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
Missing or at friendly field.
3. NE dispersal----Good pattern with three direct hits and other bursts among dispersed
planes are reported. Also three fires seen.
SE dispersal-----Strings started at runway and crossed into dispersal area. One direct
hit claimed on T/E. One E/A destroyed by escort. One P-38 shot
down at 18,000 ft. shortly after leaving target.
4. Air---------15/20 E/A observed. 8 over target and others after leaving. Attacks not
aggressive—held off by bombers fire. 12 ME-109s made pass 5 minutes
after target. One flew 2000’ above for 8 minutes. 6 Mes black with white
stripes on wings. Escort seen dog fighting in distance.
Target-Up to 30 E/A situated on target, 15 being in revetments. 10/12 T/E on E.
perimeter.
Tatoi—10 S/E and 25 T/E. Many airplanes on W. side.
Tanagra-20 T/E and some JU-52s reported.
Marine----8 large and 10 medium M/Vs in Piraeus. One large and 4 small M/Vs end
one E/V heading W. off Pearomita (38°20’N, 22°23’E). One medium
M/V in harbor south Dhomnriana (38°20’N, 22°56’E). One DD and one
transport heading E off C. Andromache (38°20’N, 22°23’E). 4 medium
M/Vs on E. side of Eleusis Bay.
Flak--------Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from target. Altitude correct bursts to left of
formation. Positions noted N end of runway and on E & W edge of field.
From TATOI—heavy, fairly intense and moderately accurate. Three
positions noted around E. edge of field. From TANAGRA—heavy, fairly
intense, moderately accurate.
5. Enroute---5/10 coverage at 5000 ft. Haze over Italy. 3/10s scattered cumulus over
Corfu. Towering cumulus from 6,000/10,000 ft. over Albania.
Target-----2/10 scattered. Tops at 9/10,000 ft.
Return-----Cumulus building up to 4500’.
6. None.
Flight leaders—Lt. Spikes, Major Bates, Captain Bonus.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The shower which was used at the last two bases is now being
built in the area. The men welcome this latest innovation but don’t particularly relish a
cold shower in this weather. The generator again went bad in early evening and for the
second night in a row the area was in darkness, presaging an early trip to bed without
writing “that letter to the girlfriend”.
A/C No. 42-64659
Gambler”
None
N None
Poranda, Michael A., Cpl
B Castle, Roy V., Cpl
Haney, T. J., S/Sgt
Schuster, S. B., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 42-64575
Joy”
P Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt
Vallery, Dean B., F/O
N None
B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl
Perry,
Gilbert
R.,
S/Sgt
Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt
E
R Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt
G Quintin, Stanley, J., S/Sgt
F None
(mission commander)
A/C No. 42-64508
Standley, Charles A., 2Lt
N None
B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt
R McIntosh, Kermit S., T/Sgt
Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt
None
F None
P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt
CP House, Robert M., 2Lt
None
(observer)
A/C No. 42-64529
P Young, William G., 2Lt
CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt
N None
B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt
R Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt
G Smith, James B., S/Sgt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30354
Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st
BG
Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, S/Sgt
446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Mercuri finished fifty missions. Six officers and three E.M.
reported for duty. The following are the names: Lt. Robert L. Holt, Lt. Dale F. Walker,
Lt. Phillip Bsharah, Lt. Gale M. Dickson, Lt. George E. Nicklaus, and Lt. Rudolph H.
Pestalozzi. These officers were all 2nd Lts. The E.M. were S/Sgt. George Cohen, S/Sgt.
John A. Franc, and Sgt. John C. Samsel.
Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt, pilot
Cohen, George, S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Franc, John A., T/Sgt, gunner
Holt, Robert L., 2Lt, pilot
Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt, gunner
Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 2Lt, bombardier
Samsel, John C., Sgt, gunner
Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot
TARGET: Athens/Eleusis A/D, Greece
DATE: 22 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 7
th
Lt. Spikes, 447 Sqdn, led the formation and coverage was good. In the NE dispersal
area there were three direct hits and others bursts among the dispersed planes and three
fires were started. In the SE dispersal area strings of bombs which started on the runway
crossed into the dispersal area. One direct hit was claimed on a twin-engine aircraft. One
enemy aircraft was destroyed by the escort. 15 to 20 enemy aircraft were observed, eight
of them over the target and the others after leaving. Attacks were made on the formation
but were not aggressive. They were held off by concentrated fire from a tight bomber
formation. The escort was seen engaged in a dog-fight in the distance. Flak was from
the target and was moderate heavy and inaccurate. One P-38 was shot down shortly after
leaving the target.
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
P
St. Joe”
None
Coe, George A., 1Lt
None
N None
B Milner, Walter C., Sgt
F None
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt
None
Capt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
None
Peekin’”)
None
Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt
None
P Taylor, Peter D., Capt
CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2lt
N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt
B Brown, Newton E., 2lt
E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
G Edwards, David R., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30293 (spare)
None
Smith, Roy W., Pvt
None
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Nothing much new today,
checked in & I got all our records fixed up, cloths unpacked & bed set up in our tent, &
got to know all the fellows.”
447th BS War Diary:
MORNING REPORT: for the week ending on the 22nd of Oct., 1943: Assigned
Strength: E.M.---275, Officers---86. James H. Jeffery was assigned as a radio-gunner to
this squadron on the 16th. 6 Off. And 6 E.M., combat crew men, were assigned to the
squadron on the 22nd:
2nd Lt. Harwood Beebe, Pilot
2nd Lt. Donald P. McCormick, Bombardier
nd
2 Lt. Joseph J. Nowakowski, Bombardier. 2nd Lt. Robert G. Davies, Pilot
2nd Lt. Theodore G. Jordan, Pilot
2nd Lt. John H. Haeberle, Pilot
S/Sgt. William R. Milam, Engineer
S/Sgt. Charles D. Godwin, Engineer.
S/Sgt. Elmer V. Boza, Radio
Sgt. Harold F. Schrader, Turret gunner.
Sgt. William F. Kazar, Turret gunner
S/Sgt. Adolph Kaufold, Radio
6 E.M. were transferred to headquarters: Bolton, Cook, D.C., Sobol, Budowsky,
Woodward, Noble. Lt. Dunn was sent to the hospital on the 19th. Sgt. Dobbs came back
from the hospital on the 21st. 5 E.M. are on D.S. to Group on the 21st. Lt. C.D. Lungren
was transferred to the M.A.T.S. on the 22nd.
Bolton, Harry A., Pvt, mess
Budowsky, David, Pvt, communications
Dobbs, William R., Sgt, mess
Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, pilot
Jeffrey, James H., PFC, radio-gunner
Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt, pilot
Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, Pvt, gunner
Sobol, Fred W., Pvt, duty soldier
Woodward, Theodore B., Pvt, armament
of our planes participated in a raid on Athens/Eleusis A/D in Greece. About 15 to 20 E/A
attacked the formation over the target – but were driven off by the escort and by the
bomber machine gun fire. No claims were made. One of our own planes was damaged
when the radio-gunner shot through the tail. The AA was heavy, moderated, and
inaccurate. All our planes returned safely.
None
S/Sgt
E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt
R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt
F None
II”
CP Sholund, John D., S/Sgt
N None
B Alton, David D., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-32450
N None
R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt
G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt
P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt
CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj,
Commander
N Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt
R O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
None
Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt
None
Lady”
None
Smith, Argyle H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64695
None
None
None
A/C No. 41-30557
P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt
B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt
E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt
R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt
G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt
F None
TARGET: NE and SE areas of Athens Eleusis
3:50
Plane 600 (42-64600 “Lady
Luck”) Flight leader Lt. Spikes. “Good pattern with hits on parked planes. 1E/A
destroyed by escort. One P-38 shot down.”
TARGET: Athens Eleusis A/D Greece
3:50 Frags
Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Miller, Lt Stephenson, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt
McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl Reilly
“Three direct hits and other bursts among park planes. Also three fires seen in SE
dispersal. One direct hit claim on T/E, one E/A destroyed by escort and one P-38 shot
down. Flak heavy, medium, intense.”
Mission # 109 (144): At 10:25 36 planes off to bomb NE and SE dispersal areas at
Athens Eleusis A/D, dropped 2430 frags at 12:22 from 10,000 feet and returned at 14:30.
NE dispersal area had good pattern with 5 direct hits among parked E/A, 3 fires seen and
strings in SE dispersal area with direct hit on 2E airplane. 15-20 E/A seen made passes at
formation but not very aggressive and held off by fire. Flak heavy, moderate and
inaccurate. Weather: 2/10th scattered over target. F/L: Bates.
E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt
R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt
G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64514
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
321st BG
None
A/C No. 41-30352
None
McEntee, Peter M., S/Sgt
Davey, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64519
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64552
None
Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-30343
None
A/C No. 42-64655
King, James L., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64521
None
Bell, Robert C., 2Lt
None
None
Mauder, Charles J., Cpl
None
A/C No. 41-30548
Commander
B Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
F None
P
A/C No. 41-30355 (returned – engine
trouble)
None
None
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's bomb railroad and road
bridges at Marsciano and Montalto di Castro; P-38's hit the airfield at Tirana; B-25's hit a
bridge in Albania; the XII Air Support Command, RAF Desert Air Force (DAF), and
NATBF attack troop concentrations in the Spinete area, and town areas, vehicles, trains,
railroads, highways, bridges, and gun positions at or near Gaeta, Pescara, Vasto, Isolella,
Sulmona, Isernia, Vairano, and Ancona.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Great secrecy surrounded the arrival of a group of B-17’s
today. It is rumored that they are to fly in a combined mission a few days hence. The
field is terribly crowded now and the 17’s had to be parked wing tip to wing tip.
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
11:30
Willhite to Asbury. “36 with Frags, target time 13:00.”
Set-up A/C for Tunis to procure Mess Supplies (Lt Kneisle) Monday.
14:30
The A/C taking Capt. Blake (416th) to Algiers will remain over-nite.”
Check with Capt. E. C. Bell when any A/C is going to Africa—must
procure Engineering Equipment.
445th BS War Diary: With this crisp weather prevailing, football is in the air. This was
typified by a lively game of “touch football” held in front of the S-2, Operations
headquarters by some of the men. When they were through, most of them realized – as
they soothed aching muscles – that they “weren’t as young as they used to be”. In the
evening, the men watched a large number of B-17’s land at the base. They apparently
have some important target to hit. Some of the men were able to get the classic
Minnesota-Michigan football on the radio. The broadcast of these games bring the men
much closer to home, especially the sports enthusiasts in the Squadron of which there are
many.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. 26 E.M. arrived from Soliman. Approximately 80
B-17’s landed at our field and stayed all night. They left on an early mission the next day
and returned here again. One overshot the field and cracked up slightly. Orders came
through transferring the following officers and men to the Port of Debarkation. Lt. C.M.
VanArtsdalen, Lt. Leroy O. Brooks, Lt. C.H. Conner, Lt. H.L. Carlisle, Lt. G.D. Orrantia,
Lt. P.O. Carr, T/Sgt. S.C. Swenson, S/Sgt. C. Elk, S/Sgt. G.S. Fieldon, S/Sgt. F.S.
Mencher.
Brooks, LeRoy O., 2Lt, pilot
Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt, pilot
Carr, Philip O., 2Lt, pilot
Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt, pilot
Elk, Charles, S/Sgt, gunner
Fieldon, Gordon S. "Jack", S/Sgt, gunner
Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt, gunner
Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt, pilot
Swenson, Stanley C., S/Sgt, gunner
VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “This was a day off for the group.
Everyone seems to be taking it easy, & resting up. Nick, Dickson & I went into town, we
walked all over & see the town, now I can’t seem to talk Italian so I’m stuck on language
again, at least I can make them know what I want & carry on a partial conversation. We
bought some candy, quite good – I guess this is all.”
447th BS War Diary: No mission today. Twelve replacements were assigned to the
squadron, six officers and six enlisted men, all combat crew members. The replacements
(listed below) are the first to come into the squadron since June. The men did not bring
planes with them. The replacements are as follows: Lt. Davies, Lt. Beebe, Lt. Haeberle,
Lt. McCormick, Lt. Jordan, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt. Milam, S/Sgt. Kaufold, S/Sgt.
Godwin, S/Sgt. Boza, Sgt. Kazar, Sgt. Schrader.
Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot
Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot
Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt, pilot
Kaufold, Adolph, T/Sgt, gunner
Kazar, William F., Sgt, turret gunner
McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt, bombardier
Milam, William R., S/Sgt, engineering
Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt, bombardier
Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt, turret gunner
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-24's of the 98th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; the 376th Bombardment
Group (Heavy) fails to complete the mission because of clouds.
In Italy, medium bombers hit Tirana Airfield, a railroad bridge N of
Orvieto, and a viaduct at Terni; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF
attack communications and shipping targets, hitting vessels, vehicles, trains, roads,
bridges, and the town areas in and around Formia, Sora, Chieti, Minturno, Sessa
Aurunca, Popoli, Terracina, between Ancona-Pedaso, Frosolone (just before it is taken by
allied ground forces), and along the Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The B-17’s, which arrived yesterday, joined several other
groups of B-17’s and B-24’s in a raid on the Messerschmitt works at Wiener Neustadt.
Our planes were unable to hit their primary target, Larissa Airdrome, due to 9/10
cloud cover so hit the alternate at Tirana Airdrome. Strings of fragmentation bombs fell
in front of hangars paralleling the runway on both sides. Hangars and warehouses were
hit and hits were made on E/A in front of the hangars. Hits were seen on enemy aircraft
in dispersal area. Fires were observed in hangars, in warehouses, and in buildings at the
south east and clouds of smoke were observed on leaving the target.
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut Libya: Came Oct 24th, and
no supplies. Capt. Bell waited until noon and then dispatched a plane to Deversoir, an
Air Corps Supply Depot, to get some definite action done on our own hook. Lts. Gilluly,
Schwindle and crews went out on this special mission. They should be back tomorrow.
Bell, Donald A., Capt, pilot, operations, HQ 321st BG
Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
The 2 planes from El Adem came in this morning carrying, among others, Lts.
Black and Slater and S/Sgt Barneycastle who had been there since the evening of the 20th.
After a cleaning and shaving, which they badly needed, both planes’ crews were put on
the alert with 4 others for a possible raid in the afternoon.
Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Black, Gordon J., 2lt, pilot, 445th BS
Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Briefing time came in just around chow time as usual and the combat men went
out to their ships right after eating. The flight of 4 was to go out on a general shipping
strike of the Kalinos area. It was adjudged good hunting when they came back at 1800
and told of how 2 Caiques were attacked and a 75 mm hit scored on each. F/O Peplinski
can chalk another successful mission to his record as he led the flight. F/O Keith scored a
hit also on this last strike and none of our ships were hit. Lt. Bailey on his first mission
as a 1st pilot ran into some engine trouble and had to turn back. One less a/c didn’t make
too much difference and the Jerry is finding that the B-25-Beau-fighter combination is a
pretty rough one to contend with. A squadron of 15 Beaufighters breezed into this base
from their base at Cyprus. They are all equipped and trained for torpedo work.
Intelligence says that there are 4 more “F” boats fully loaded at Piraeus harbor, Greece,
ready to pull out. It looks as though those Beaus and ourselves have our work cut out for
us. But the big question seems to be, “Why not let the Beaus take care of those “F” boats
themselves”?
Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot, 448th BS
Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot, 448th BS
Today is also a big day for our C. O., Captain Donald A. Bell, he completed his
last tour of combat mission. It took him 18 months to do it, including service in and over
England, Tunisia, Sardinia, Italy, Greece, and finishing up his tour here in Dodecanese.
It’s truly an impressive record and every one realizes it. Those that were around helped
him celebrate at the local Officers Club. And so to bed.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian.
1. 321st Bombardment Group, DS Gambut.
2. At 1345 4 B-25 G’s took off for a shipping strike of Kalinos-Pserimos-Cos Area.
One returned early. 3 shot 7 75 mm shells at 1555 from 350 feet at range of 5000
yards to 1500 yards. 3 A/C returned at 1740. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Results--sighted 2 masted caique off E coast of Kalinos Island. Attacked both
simultaneously. Ships anchored and facing E and W, attacks made at 220 degrees. 3
75 mm HE fired at NW vessel, 4 75 mm HE fired at SE boat. One direct hit scored
on each caique, starting a fire on NW target and causing pieces to fly off of SE target.
Both boats strafed with 500 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition. One A/C made one
pass, fired 150 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition at beached “F” boats previously
disabled on N central shore of Kos Island.
4. Air---------Sighted 1 JU-52 at 1515 halfway between Crete and Kos heading S at
1400, 3 S/E E/A sighted at 1500 feet heading E over NE tip of Kos Island.
Marine----At 1555 sighted and attacked 2 caiques, one each ½ mile off E coast of
Kalinos and ½ mile off W coast Pserimos Island. Boats anchored facing
E-W. 2 beached “F” boats previously attacked sighted at N central shore
of Kos Island.
Ground----None.
Flak--------From W coast of Kalinos and E coast of Pserimos in target area, heavy and
light, moderate, falling short for most part. No B-25’s hit.
5. Out--Visibility unlimited except for scattered thunder showers.
Target--CAVU.
Return--Scattered cumulo-nimbus.
6. None.
Flight Leader--F/O Peplinski.
No. of sorties--3.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
Peplinski, James L., F/O, 448th BS
Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, 2Lt, 448th BS
None
Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, 448th BS
Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt, 448th BS
Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt, 448th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501
“Eager Beaver”
Lang, Robert B., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
None listed - likely the cannon loader
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
None
None
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654
None
Fox, Robert J., Sgt
2. At 1125
36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Tirana A/D. _None_ returned early.
Target
No. A/C
___36__ dropped 2586x20 lb frag. Bombs at 1346 hrs from 10/11,000 ft. ___36__
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Alt.
No. A/C
returned at 1425. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
Time
3. 9/10 cloud cover began 30 miles W. of Larissa and continued over target. Alternate
target of Tirana A/D was bombed with very good coverage. Strings fell in front of
hangars paralleling runway on both sides. Hangars on N and SE sides and
warehouses on NW hit. Hits made on E/A in front of hangars and large fire seen.
Hits on E/A at end of runway and in dispersal area. Fires observed in hangars, in
warehouses and building at SE. Clouds of smoke observed on leaving target.
4. Air---------Boneyard at NW had about 25 E/A in it. 25/30 other E/A on field
including 15 HE-111’s and JU-52s at SW corner. Transports parked on
field parallel to runway, and 5/6 around perimeter. On Durazzo/Shijak 8
T/E were observed on E perimeter and 15 T/E in revetments.
Marine----Two large M/V and 5/6 small in Durazzo harbor. 1 small 15 miles W of
Durazzo at 1357.
Ground----40 M/T heading E from Korca at 1319. 30 M/T heading S at Pogradec
(40°54’N, 20°38’E) at 1319. 8 very large and 6/8 small warehouses, piles
of equipment and 3 hospitals observed S of Milik Sea.
Flak--------Heavy, moderate, inaccurate, trailing through clouds at Larissa. Heavy,
moderate to fairly intense, accurate from Tirana. Heavy, slight from
Durazzo/Shijak. 7 A/C hit by flak.
5. Enroute---Variable 4/10 to 7/10 cumulo-nimbus over mountain areas. Base at 5,000’
tops at 12,000 ft.
Larissa----9/10 cumulus at 6,000 ft.
Tirana-----3/10 cumulus at 6,000 ft.
Return-----5/10 cumulus.
6. None.
Flight leaders--Capts. Culp, Bonus, Chappell.
Observer--Colonel Taylor.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The general health of the Squadron at present is low. A number
of the men have colds with even a few cases of flu reported. A larger number have
yellow jaundice caused by the lack of a nutritious, balanced diet. The weather and food
seem to be more formidable foes than the Germans. Another large mail call this evening.
It is very damp tonight.
A/C No. 42-64659
N None
B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 42-64508
Crider, Claude M., 2Lt
None
McIntosh, Kermit S., T/Sgt
Branch, Robert H., S/Sgt
None
House, Robert M., 2Lt
None
Souders, Walter E., 2Lt
Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle”
P Young, William G., 2Lt
CP Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt
N None
E Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt
R Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl
F None
P Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt
N None
B Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt
G Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt
F Cook, Bailey C., Lt. Col, Commander
(observer)
Gambler”
N None
G Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Judy”
None
Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt
Matthews, Earl L., Pvt
None
Castle, Roy V., Cpl
Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt
Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl
None
A/C No. 41-30354
None
Herrman, Byard G., Sgt
None
Joy”
Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt
Standley, Charles A., 2Lt
None
Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt
(observer)
A/C No. 42-64529
CP Kuester, Wilbur H., 2Lt
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt
Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt
Choka, Andrew J., T/Sgt
A/C No. 42-53373
BG Commander
Dillon, James A., Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. R.H. Kirk, Lt. A.W. Brown, Lt. J.K. Martin, and Lt. K.E. Boyd
were transferred on paper from this squadron. They were already gone but the officers
were on DS. We received some more new men into the squadron. They were Lt. Harold
R. Brellenthin, Lt. Joseph R. Farrell, Lt. Sawyer W. Rice, Sgt. I.E. Epperly, S/Sgt. E.M.
Leary, and Sgt. D.R. DeBari. S/Sgt. Haresign was slightly injured by flak on today’s
mission. Again received rations.
Bradley, James L., Jr., Capt, pilot
Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot
Brown, Aud W., 1Lt, pilot
DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt, gunner
Epperly, Ivan E., Sgt, gunner
Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot
Haresign, James M., S/Sgt, gunner
Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot
Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Martin, John K., 2Lt, pilot
Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt, bombardier
TARGET: Tirana, A/D, Albania.
DATE: 24 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 6
Capt. Culp, 448th Sqdn, led the formation, but clouds obscured the original target,
Larissa, Greece, and the formation bombed Tirana with very good coverage. Strings fell
in front of hangar paralleling the runway on both sides. Hangars on north and SE side,
and warehouses on the NW side were hit. Hits made on enemy aircraft at end of runway
and in dispersal area. Fires observed in hangars, in warehouses, and buildings on SE.
Clouds of smoke were observed on leaving the target. We had no escort and no enemy
planes were seen in the air. Flak was heavy but trailing through clouds near Larissa and
accurate heavy at Tirana. S/Sgt. Haresign was slightly wounded by flak coming through
the turret.
Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot, 448 BS
St. Joe”
CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt
N None
E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt
G Samsel, John C., Sgt
F None
N None
R Kent, Carl Hugh, T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64551
P Klang, Irving E., 2Lt
N None
B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt
E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt
R Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt
F None
Walker, Dale F., 2Lt
Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt
None
None
Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt
Kemp, Quentin, B., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
None
Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt
“# 33 Oct. 24, 1943
Frags
Tirana A/D
Formation Leader - Capt. Culp
Results - Good coverage on target. Hits observed on E/A, hangars, warehouses. Fires in
hangars, warehouses & bldgs on S.E. Clouds of smoke observed on leaving target.
Remarks - E/A seen but did not attack. Flak heavy, moderate inaccurate. S/Sgt.
Haresign slightly wounded.
Formation
1-1
P- Chappell, CP - Walker, N- Dickerson, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G Schultheis”
Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot, 448th BS
Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, navigator
Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt, gunner
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 1)
“This was a very exciting day. I went on my first mission today, we went to Albania &
bombed an airport at Tirana, we did a pretty good job, had lots of flak & few fighters but
no damage done to our plane at all, every one returned safe. This is 17 days from the
time I left the States. Nick & Dickson also got in there first mission. I went with a Capt.
Chappell; he’s sure a swell fellow.”
Letter Home: “Well, here I am somewhere in Italy. The trip over was very nice,
no trouble of any kind. I went on my first mission today. It was quite all right. Nothing
too exciting, but still o.k.
447th BS War Diary: Orders came in today for several of our 50 missions men relieving
them from combat duty and ordering them back to the States.
of our planes participated in a raid which was to be on Larissa A/D, Greece, but because
of the poor visibility, the alternate target, Tirana A/D was bombed. Lt. Jahrhaus had to
return early because of a defective turret. The target was well covered. No E/A was
seen. The AA was heavy, moderate, moderate, and inaccurate. All our planes returned
safely.
P Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt
N Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt
E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt
R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt
G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
Maybe, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt
None
P Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt
N None
B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr.,
S/Sgt
E Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt
R Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt
F None
Lady”
CP Davies, Robert G., 2Lt
N None
B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt
F None
(spare)
P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt
CP Baxter, William T., 2Lt
N Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt
E Milam, William R., S/Sgt
R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt
G Schrader, Harold F., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64695
Haeberle, John H., 2Lt
None
Snarp”
Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt
None
Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt
None
(returned early)
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
None
Leon, Roger D., Cpl
“Thirty-six ships started out for Larissa Airdrome in Greece. We, Hank & I, went as
spares. One ship dropped out on the climb so we filled in. My first mission as first pilot.
No escort today. The 17s using our base also used our escort. When we got to Larissa at
14,000 ft the clouds prevented our seeing the target. We knew we were over it by the flak
that they put up through the blanket of snowy clouds. We went to the alternate target, the
airdrome at the capitol of Albania, Tirana. Moderate heavy, fairly accurate flak. Also a
few shots from Durazzo harbor and airdrome. We landed just a few minutes before the
17s.”
Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 1Lt, pilot
Mission # 110 (145): At 11:25 36 planes off to bomb Tirana A/D, dropped 2586 frags at
13:46 from 10,000 feet and returned 14:36. 9/10th cloud cover beginning 30 miles W of
Larissa caused formation to bomb secondary target of Tirana with good coverage. Hits
and fires among buildings and hangars and among parked planes, clouds of smoke
observed on leaving target. Moderate, heavy, accurate flak, 7 planes hit. Weather:
7/10th at target.
A/C No. 41-30548
CP Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj,
Commander
N Boland, Chester H., 1Lt
B Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
R Watrous, Roger T., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64514
CP Jones, Truman R., 2Lt
N None
G Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt
F Taylor, Y. H. (i.o.), Col, HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
A/C No. 41-30327
P Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
CP Veum, Ole E., Capt
B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ
321st BG
R Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64661
None
Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30343
None
A/C No. 42-64552
None
None
A/C No. 42-64521
CP McEvoy, John C., 2Lt
N None
B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt
R Papile, Frank M., S/Sgt
F None
P Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt
CP Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 42-64519
P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt
CP King, James A., 2Lt
N None
E Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
A/C No. 41-30352
Sinclair, Erwin W., Jr., 1Lt
None
None
None
None
In Italy, XII Bomber Command P-39's strafe and bomb the landing
ground at Podgorica; XII Air Support Command, NATBF and RAF DAF concentrate on
blocking roads and destroying bridges; town areas, vehicles, radio stations, trains, and
vessels are also attacked; targets attacked are in or near Frosinone, Formia, Gaeta,
Cetraro, along the Sangro River, Kuna, along the Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia, W of
Lagosta Island and S of Rome; Tarquinia Airfield is also bombed. HQ 324th Fighter
Group and its 314th Fighter Squadron transfer from Menzel Heurr, Tunisia to Cercola,
Italy with P-40's. The squadron, which has been out of combat since 21 Jul, will fly its
first mission on 30 Oct. The 36th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier Group,
transfers from Mazara to Castelvetrano, Sicily with C-47's. The 64th Fighter Squadron,
57th Fighter Group, transfers from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with P-40's. The 486th
Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from
Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's.
Today’s target was Podgorica Landing Ground. Many
clouds over the target interfered with observation but the field was generally well
covered.
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: Came the morning
of the 35th and the first thing on the docket was to take stock of the maimed, lame, and
the blind. The results; 4 men in the hospital near Tobruk – Lt. Dorman, Sgts. Jones,
MacDougall, and Drotts. Their respective ills were malaria, infected ear, and 2 with
yellow jaundice. Here to the base medicos went Sgt. Hanna with a badly infected arm,
Sgt. Archambeau with an infected toe, and Sgt. Lefstad with a hernia of some sort. Sgts.
Hanna and Lefstad will be on a plane to Italy tomorrow that is going after the mail,
supplies, personnel, etc. It is expected that Lt. Beavers will fly that plane up with the
Adjutant to arrange for the payroll and other personnel problems.
Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt, gunner, 446th BS Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt, 446th BS
Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS Hanna, R. J., S/Sgt, gunner, 445th BS
Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 445th BS
Lefstad, Paul R., Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS
MacDougall, Alan J., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS
Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
At 1300 F/O Peplinski and his “gang” of 4 more planes set out after what is
generally considered a tough target, namely, 7 “F” boats snug in Kos harbor. It can be
admitted that it was not without foreboding that we watched them take off. However our
fears were groundless and the story they told was one of sighting one solitary LC about a
mile S of Kos harbor and shooting it up a bit. The rest of the day was spent in compiling
lists of requirements that could be picked up in Italy for personnel here in Africa. And
quite a list it became too. The plane in Egypt has yet to arrive back here.
Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot
2. At 1300 6 B-25 G’s took off to attack 7 “F” boats sighted in Kos harbor. One
returned early. 5 shot 11 75 mm shells at 1505 from 400 feet at range of 5000 to
2500 yards. 5 returned at 1700 hours. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Results: Sighted one LC anchored 1 mile SE of harbor installations at Kos. Attacked
at 1505 with 11 75 mm shells. No hits observed. Shot 250 rounds of 50 caliber
ammunition through nose guns 1 75 mm shell hit pier.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----At 1505 sighted and attacked LC anchored 1 mile SE of Kos Harbor. 1507
sights neutral M/V anchored near coast 2 miles NW of Karai Island.
Ground----none.
Flak--------slight, light inaccurate from harbor.
5. Enroute--CAVU until Crete, then scattered showers.
Target--Rain few miles out from coast CAVU at harbor.
Back--Showers to Crete; CAVU from then.
6. None.
No. of sorties--6.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
None
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
BS
Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 448th BS
None
Nithman, Charles E., 448th BS
Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt
None
Lang, Arthur W., 445th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501
“Eager Beaver”
None
None
Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
None
Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt
Hughes, James C., S/Sgt, 447th BS
Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt, 447th BS
Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt, 446th BS
Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt, 446th BS
None
None
Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt, 446th BS
Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt, 446th BS
Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt, 446th BS
2. At 1155
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Podgorica L/G. _None_ returned
Mission
Target
No. A/C
early. ___36__ dropped 2502x20 lb frag. Bombs at 1313 hrs from 10/12,000 ft.
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Alt.
___36__ returned at 1425. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
No. A/C
Time
3. Generally good coverage, with concentrations on East and W. side of field, in NW
corner and through middle. Some bombs short of target to S and some over to N. and
into town. Clouds over target interfered with observation.
4. Air---------Two fires observed on approach just south of center of field. One E/A
landing, and one E/A taking off,--observed at bomb release point. About
15 T/E and 10 S/E A/C observed on L/G on E, W, and N. perimeter. 7/10
A/C reported on Scutari/Stoja A/D.
Ground----A possible landing strip, narrow and 4000-5000 feet long, 200 yards from
beach W of Drin River at 41°54’N, 19°18’E.
Flak--------Heavy, intense, accurate, tracking at first and last flights.
Marine----None.
5. Enroute and Return--8/10 cumulus at 6000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
Return-----------------7/10 convective cumulus at 6000 ft; tops 10,000 ft. Visibility
unlimited.
6. None.
Flight leaders---Capts. Bonus, Bradley and Lt. Olson.
Observer: Major Pemberton, Capt. Vincent.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Despite measures taken against them, the Italian kids seem to be
continually coming back to beg for food from the men. Occasionally they are chased off
but apparently their hunger gets the better of them and they come back. There is quite a
number of Italian women circulating through the camp usually in the morning. They
collect laundry for the men and thus render a helpful service. Weather still remains
damp.
None
None
Joy”
P McGee, William N., 1Lt
CP Standley, Charles A., 2Lt
N None
E Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt
R Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt
F Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., Capt, HQ 321st
BG
A/C No. 42-64659
N None
B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64529
None
Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64508
Kuester, Wilbur H., 2Lt
None
Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt
None
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Castle, Roy V., Cpl
Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt
Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt
P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt
CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt
N Padua, Joseph A., 2Lt
B Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt
E Halpin, John J., Sgt
R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt
G Smith, James B., S/Sgt
F None
Gambler II”
N None
G Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64575
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Cook, Bailey C., Lt. Col, Commander
Malek, Stanley J., 1Lt
Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt
None
Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
Carson, Cecil F., Cpl
None
A/C No. 41-30354
Vallery, Dean B., F/O
None
Souders, Walter E., 2Lt
Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt
Judy”
None
Zimmer, Paul E., Cpl
Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt
DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: B-17’s went back to their own base. S/Sgt Haresign finished his
fifty missions.
TARGET: Podgorica L/G, Albania.
DATE: 25 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 12
Capt. Bonus, 445th Sqdn, led the formation with generally good coverage, concentrations
on E and W sides of field. One enemy aircraft landing and on taking off observed at
bomb release point. Heavy, intense, accurate flak tracking first and last flights.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt
None
Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt
Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt
Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt
None
Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt
McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt
None
N None
F None
P Chappell, Howard L., Capt
CP Walker, Dale F., 2Lt
E Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt
G Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt
F None
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Peekin’”)
Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt
Samsel, John C., Sgt
None
Capt
Holt, Robert L., 2Lt
A/C No. 42-64551
None
Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt
None
Bettinger, Howard P., 2lt
None
Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt
A/C No. 41-13200
Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt
None
Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt
Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64526
P Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt
N None
B Milner, Walter C., Sgt
R Shields, James T., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13008
None
None
Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt
None
“# 34 Oct. 25, 1943
Frags
Podgorica L/G, Albania
Formation Leader - Capt Bonus
Results - Good coverage - concentrations on E & W side of field. 1 E/A landing & 1
taking off obscured at bomb release point. About 15 T/E & 10 S/E A/C observed on L/G
on E, W & N perimeter. 7/10 A/C reported on Scutari/Stoja A/D.
Remarks - Heavy intense accurate flak.
Formation
2-1
P- Chappell, CP - Walker, N- Dickerson, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G Schultheis”
Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, navigator
Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt, gunner
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 2)
“Another good day, more exciting, went on my second mission, also with Capt. Chappell.
We went to Yugoslavia, bombed an airport at Podgorica, did a good job, 38 – 25s in our
formation also 36 P-38 for escorts. Lots of flak and a few planes were hit but all came
home O.K.”
447th BS War Diary: Three more replacement
today as follows:
Lt. Trevor
S/Sgt. Monroe
Lt. Langston
S/Sgt. Moomaw
Lt. Ryherd
S/Sgt. Tudor
Lt. Drury
S/Sgt. Wadlow
Lt. Muirhead
Sgt. Roberts
Sgt. Harmer
Cpl. Boyd
Boyd, Robert J., Cpl, gunner
Crowell, James M., Jr., Sgt, gunner
Drury, Alfred Charles, 2Lt, pilot
Johnston, William M., 2Lt, bombardier
Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt, bombardier
Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot
Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt, communications
crews were assigned to the squadron
Lt. Vincent
Lt. Deane
Lt. Johnston
Lt. Briskey
Sgt. Crowell
Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier
Harmer, Harry B., Sgt, armor-gunner
Langston, Everett D., 2Lt, pilot
Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt, gunner
Roberts, Herman, S/Sgt, gunner
Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt, pilot
Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot
of our planes participated in a raid on Podgorica L/G. No E/A were seen. The AA was
heavy, moderate, and accurate. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.
Thomas,
David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
P
N None
F None
Lady”
CP Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt
E
R
G
F
None
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
None
Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt
Snarp”
None
S/Sgt
None
N None
F None
None
TARGET: Podgorica L/G
2:35 Frags
Plane 598 (42-64598 “Sylvester the Snarp”): Lt Stephenson, Lt. Miller, S/Sgt Brown,
S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl Reilly
“Generally good coverage, with concentrations on E and W side of field. Some bombs
fell short and some over into town. Flak heavy, moderate, and accurate.”
“Mission #13. Kos – attack German barge, light flak.”
Mission # 111 (146): At 10:55 36 planes off to bomb Podgorica L/G, dropped 2560 frags
at 14:13 from 10,000 feet and returned at 13:30. Generally good coverage with
concentration on E and W side of field. Flak intense, heavy, accurate, trailing first and
last flights. Weather: 7/10th cover at target.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” (spare)
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64519 (spare)
None
None
A/C No. 42-64552
N None
E Potosky, John S., S/Sgt
G Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64521
None
None
A/C No. 42-64514
CP Barton, Thomas M., F/O
N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt
B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Senec, Joseph F., Jr., S/Sgt
BG (observer)
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-29967
None
Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt
None
In Greece, B-25's and P-38's of the XII Bomber Command attack the
airfields of Salonika/Sedhes and Megalo Mikra.
In Italy, XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF fighters and
fighter-bombers attack gun emplacements and road junctions in the battle area along the
E coast and in the center of Italy, also destroying many vehicles and parked aircraft in the
Ancona area, where railroad facilities are also hit; a schooner at Porto Civitanova is left
smoking; medium bombers of the NATBF bomb Terracina and an ammunition dump.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today our planes again bombed Salonika/Megalo Mikra
and Salonika/Sedes Airdromes. A very good bomb pattern was laid across the field and
dispersal areas of Megalo/Mikra. Hits were seen on the runway and a building in the
south dispersal area. Strings of bombs hit among parked aircraft there of which three
received direct hits. One large fire was observed as the formation left the target.
Salonika/Sedes was well hit, direct hits being made on four aircraft near the hangars and
among other dispersed aircraft. Three fires were observed and the dispersal area between
the two airdromes was well hit.
The crew of one plane from the 447th Squadron were reported as missing in action
after this mission. The plane was last seen on the deck with one propeller feathered, the
engine having been hit by flak. The following were the crew of this aircraft.
Pilot- Lt. Baxter, Co-pilot – Lt. Jordan, Bombardier – Lt. Muirhead, Radio – Sgt.
Newhouse, Engineer – S/Sgt. Gregory, Gunner – Sgt. Wagner, Photographer – Cpl. Leon.
Baxter, William T., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 447th BS
Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Leon, Robert D., Cpl, photographer, 447th BS
Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt, bombardier, 447th BS
Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt, radio-gunner, 447th BS
Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt, Gunner, 447th BS
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: The first thing on
the docket on the 26th was S/Sgt Yates, acting Medical Corps, caravan to the dentist near
Tobruk. We took three men who needed that sort of treatment. Yates also checked up on
our men in the hospital there and found that Sgt. Jones was about to come back to us.
However, Sgts. Drotts and MacDougall, with jaundice would have to be flown to an
American hospital in Cairo. Lt. Dorman, over his malaria scare, now has jaundice and
also is in Drotts and MacDougall’s class. Lt. Beavers, with the Adjutant took off for Italy
about 0930.
Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence, 447th BS
Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 445th BS
Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS
Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
Two planes from Italy arrived in the afternoon. They were on their way to Cairo,
the “happy hunting grounds” evidently, and brought some mail, mostly for the 448th men,
however, which irritated the others more than somewhat.
Our maintenance men got 7 planes into the “combat flying” status so two
missions were dispatched today. The first bunch had no sightings. However the 2nd
flight of 3 planes and escort ran into 3 JU-52’s and had quite a tiff there for about 10
minutes. When the smoke and JU-52’s had cleared away the score was: Germans 1 JU52 I the briny drink (exploded they say) 2 other 52’s damaged as was their Arado-196
escort. Americans: “Peps” right engine knocked out by fire from the Arado. He had to
limp 380 miles home on one engine. Like Edwards, he had to salvo half the plane to
keep from settling. A neat feat in any man’s language. Jerry must have been surprised at
being peppered by 75 mm fire from an opposing a/c.
Edwards, James T., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Lt. Gilluly with Line Chief Mais came in from the Deversoir Air Depot with a
plane load of parts and PX rations. Most of us saw our 1st bar of Nestles chocolate since
last April when the boxes were opened.
Nothing much of a count happened the rest of the day and after the mission the
fellows gabbed---mostly about that JU-52 scramble.
2. At 1100 4 B-25G’s took off for a shipping strike of the Kos-Kalinos area. None
returned early. 4 dropped no bombs nor fired any shells. 4 returned at 1520. None
3. Results: None.
4. Air---------1 unidentified A/C turned away half way between Kos and Crete.
Marine----2 small fishing boats sighted in Turkish waters.
Ground----none.
Flak--------Light and heavy, moderate, inaccurate from Kos Harbor.
5. Weather--Cloudy, strato-cumulus, 500 to 100. Wind from SW. Visibility 20 miles
Rain in target area.
6. None.
Flight Leader--Lt. R. W., Johnson.
No. of sorties--4.
No. of photos--none.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
None
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
None
None
Wenrich, Richard E., S/Sgt, 445th BS
Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS
Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, 445th
BS
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654
BS
Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt, 448th BS
None
Nithman, Charles E., Cpl, 448th BS
Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501
“Eager Beaver”
None
None
1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS Gambut.
2. At 1315, 3 B-25G’s took off on shipping strike of the Amorgas Island area. At 1520
and for 10 minutes thereafter 16 x 75 mm shells and 4100 50 caliber fired. 3 returned
at 1745. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Results—At 1520 4 A/C – 3 JU-52’s and 1 Arado-196 sighted and attacked in a 10
minute running battle. Beaufighter escort destroyed on e JU-52. B-25’s shot 16 x 75
mm and 4100 50 caliber. Hits observed on all a/c. Possible one other destroyed and 2
damaged. One B-25 received one direct hit disabling one of its engines which was
feathered.
4. Air----------At 1510 sighted 4 unidentified A/C. At 1515 2 A/C sight destroyer. A/C
fired flares. At 1520 sighted and attacked 3 JU 52’s, 15 minutes S of
Amorgas,
Marine-----At 1515 sighted destroyer, did not attack.
Ground-----None.
Flak---------Intense, heavy and light from destroyer.
5. Weather--CAVU.
6. None.
No. of sorties--3.
No. of Photos taken--none.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
None
Williams, Almas C., Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
P Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt
CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS
N None
B None
E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS
R Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS
G Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt, 447th BS
CL Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
None
None
Krueger, Charles Oliver, S/Sgt
Horton, Felton E., Sgt, 445th BS
2. At 1155
36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Salonika/Megalo Mikra and
Mission
Target
Salonika/Sedes A/Ds. _None_ returned early. ___36__ dropped 2588x20 lb frag.
Target
No. A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
Bombs at 1338 hrs from 10/11,500 ft. ___35__ returned at 1500. None lost, one
Time
Alt.
No. A/C
Time
missing, none at friendly field.
3. Megalo Mikra-----Very good bomb pattern across field and dispersal areas. Hits on
runway and building in S dispersal area. Strings of bombs hit
among parked A/C three of which received direct hits. One large
fire seen as left target.
Sedes A/D----------Good coverage of A/D with hits on 4 A/C near hangars and among
10 T/E and S/E A/C in northeast corner. Three fires observed, one
very large. Dispersal area between two A/Ds hit. One plane hit by
flak over target. Last seen on deck with prop feathered.
4. Air---------Megalo/Mikra--20/25 T/E mostly in S dispersal area.
Sedes A/D------About 25 E/A.
Ground---7 M/Ts at Kastorias 40°32’N, 21°16’E.
Marine----One medium M/V and 15/20 small boats in Salonika Harbor.
Flak--------Heavy, very intense, accurate, tracking. Three bursts from Skala
Eleuther--Okhorion (40°26’N, 22°35’E). Position observed at X-18 on
TC-S/12 (2). Six A/C hit by flak.
5. Enroute and Return--8/10 convective cumulus at 7/11,000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
Return-----------------3/10 cumulus at 7/10,000’. Visibility unlimited.
6. None.
Flight leaders---Major Schwane, Captain Tipton, Lt. Sinclair and Beeson.
Observer: Major How.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The enlisted men’s club was opened tonight with a wild
celebration. Speeches were made by C.O. Col. Cook, Captain Nickerson and Lt. Jackson.
Col. Cook described the club as “not only the best club in any Theatre of Operations but
the best I’ve ever seen coming from the best Squadron I have ever seen”. It was a very
successful opening of a very successful club. As expected, the bar was very busy and the
men had their fill of the drinks.
Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander
Jackson, James Oliver, Capt, intelligence
Nickerson, James E. "Nick", Capt, intelligence
Joy”
P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip” Capt,
CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt
N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt
E Lockwood, Patrick B., M/Sgt
R Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt
G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 42-64575
CP Standley, Charles A., 2Lt
N None
B Zimmer, Paul E., Cpl
E Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
G Pierce, Mickey (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30354 (spare)
Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt
None
Castle, Roy V., Cpl
Donegan, John B., S/Sgt
Forbes, Robert W., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64508
CP Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt
R Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” (spare)
None
Poranda, Michael A., Cpl
Dipietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt
Herrman, Byard G., Sgt
None
Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt
None
Smith, James B., S/Sgt
None
None
Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
Cox, Bernard L., Sgt
A/C No. 42-64659
P Ward, James M., 2Lt
CP Vallery, Dean B., F/O
N None
E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt
R Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt
G Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt
F None
Judy”
P Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt
N None
B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt
G Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt
F Cooper, Robert H., Cpl
A/C No. 42-64529
Walker, Robert S., 2Lt
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Shepard and T/Sgt. Beach were slightly injured by flak on
today’s mission. A plane in another squadron failed to return.
Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt,
bombardier
TARGET: Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece.
DATE: 26 Oct 1943
446th Planes: 9
MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and very good coverage was obtained. On Sedes
A/D there were direct hits on four aircraft near hangars and among ten single- and twinengine aircraft in the NE corner. Three fires were observed, one very large. Dispersal
area between the two A/Ds was hit. At Megalo Mikra a very good bomb pattern crosses
the field and dispersal areas. Hits scored on runway and buildings in S dispersal area.
Strings of bombs hit among parked aircraft, three of which received direct hits. One
large fire was seen as the formation left the target. Flak was intense heavy and six planes
were hit. One plane, not 446th, was lost seen on deck with a prop feathered. T/Sgt.
Beach was hit in the let and Lt. Shepard was sprayed by glass when flak hit the planes.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Commander
None
None
Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-13208
None
McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt
None
Peekin’”)
Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt
None
Samsel, John C., Sgt
Haw, Marvin Tinsley, Maj, HQ 82nd FG
(observer)
None
Higgins, Thomas T., S/Sgt
Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64551
None
Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13008
None
None
Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt
None
N None
R Kent, Carl Hugh, T/Sgt
F None
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “No mission today, layed around,
wrote some letters & went into Grottaglie & looked around the town, not much there &
no news so this is all for today.”
447th BS War Diary: Capt. Seel flew to Cairo to take some crews, mail, etc. to the G’s.
Lt. Spikes and Lt. Bugbee took crews that had finished their tour of duty to Oran. Lt.
Neprash returned from Tobruk in a “G” to pick up needed equipment, etc.
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot
of our planes participated in a raid on Salonika, Sedes A/D in Greece. Results – pretty
good. The AA was heavy, very intense and accurate. One plane (450) was severely
damaged by flak – one (557) was slightly damaged. S/Sgt. Milam was severely injured
by flak. Lt. E.F. Becker, Lt. Johnston, and S/Sgt Kaufold were slightly injured by flak.
Lt. H.K. Paiton had a piece of flak enter thru his leather jacket and hit the seam of his
Mae West – result, a slight bruise just below the collar bone. Plane # 487 with Lt.
Baxter, Lt. Jordan, Lt. Muirhead, Sgt. Newhouse, S/Sgt. Gregory, Sgt. Wagner, and Cpl.
Leon had one engine shot out over the target and was last seen loosing altitude.
(missing – was seen on deck after
crossing target)
CP Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt
N None
B Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt
G Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt
None
Johnston, William M., 2Lt
Milam, William R., S/Sgt
Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt
Schrader, Harold F., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
S/Sgt
Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt
E Tudor, Mathew S., M/Sgt
Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt
R Wadlow, Verlin L., T/Sgt
Kazar, William F., Sgt
G Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt
None
F None
Lady”
P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt
CP Haeberle, John H., 2Lt
None
N None
B Deane, George J., 2Lt
Czabaj, Matthew W., Sgt
Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt
R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt
Harmer, Harry B., Sgt
F None
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
P Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt
Langston, Everett D., 2Lt
Halloran,
Robert
F.,
2Lt
N
McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt
E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt
R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt
G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 42-64695
P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt
N None
B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt
R Myers, William W., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30557
CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt
“Thirty-six ships hit the twin airdromes at Salonika Greece. This was the first mission
for my radio gunner, engineer and turret gunner. Eighteen ships hit one airdrome and
eighteen hit the second one (Sedes) the flak was intense, accurate and heavy
(unbearable??) Baxter was shot down at the target with a co-pilot on his second mission,
a bombardier on his first and a cameraman on his fiftieth. Broyles was shot up pretty
badly, his engineer had a big hole in his leg. The plane had about a hundred holes in it.
Spingler’s gunner was sick. Becker & Paiton were hit in the face. Thirty-two P-38s for
escort. Good coverage. About thirty JU 88s on the field with fifteen or more gliders and
few JU 52s.”
Baxter, William T., 2Lt, pilot
Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", 1Lt, bombardier
Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot
Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator
Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 1Lt, pilot
447th BS Special Account: On 26 October 1943, B-25C plane No. 42-53487 was
missing after a raid on Salonika-Sedes Airdrome, Greece.
As the plane completed its bomb run on the target it apparently was hit by flak, at
about 1340 hours, in the right engine. The crews of several other planes in the same
flight saw its right engine emitting a trail of black smoke shortly after it dropped its
bombs. The plane followed the rest of the formation for about 120 degrees of the 180
degree right turn that the formation made off the target, during which turn it was
observed to be losing altitude fairly rapidly. It failed to complete the full turn with the
formation possibly because the turn was into its damaged engine. It straightened out and
flew a straight course of about 200 degrees while the formation continued on a heading of
about 270 degrees. At this time it was at about 7500 feet altitude some 2000 feet below
the formation. By this time its right motor had ceased smoking. Some observers state
that the propeller was feathered. When last seen it was continuing to lose altitude rapidly
although several observers state that it was holding its altitude. All agree that it was
under control. Since its engines had well over 300 hours and had lost a great deal of their
power it is the opinion of the pilot who usually flew the plane that it could not hold such
an altitude on one engine and that it was doubtful whether it could maintain flying speed
at any altitude. One observer states that he saw the plane turn south and then east to a
point near the coast south of Epanomi Point where it was only about 500 feet off the
water.
At the time that it first left the formation the flight leader was advised of its
condition and unsuccessfully attempted to contact it by radio. Its element leader also
observed its plight and throttled back to give it a chance to rejoin the formation.
However it was soon apparent that it could not or would not rejoin the formation when it
continued on its 200 degree heading and the formation was compelled to leave it behind.
At the time that the plane left the formation P-38s were seen to peel off from the
main body of the escort, dive down, and go back to the crippled plane. Observers
disagree on the number of P-38s which went back; some say one, some three, but most
agree on two. They say that the P-38s circled the crippled plane and that they were
following it when they were last seen. One observer states that one of the P-38s dropped
its belly tank when it peeled off and went back.
The P-38 Group which provided the escort advises that none of their pilots report
seeing any B-25 in distress on this mission or observed the incident above described. On
this same mission the plane piloted by Lt. Broyles was severely damaged by flak. There
were about 100 holes in the plane when it landed. The horizontal stabilizer was shot up
so badly it had to be replaced; both rudder and cables were cut; the elevators and rudders
were full of holes; the fuselage from the radio compartment to the tail was full of holes;
there were several large holes in the bombardier’s compartment, one hole in the
crawlway, and all four fuel tanks were punctured.
The following is an account of what took place during (and immediately after) the
time of damage to the aircraft as told by Lt. Broyles, the pilot.
“We had just dropped our bombs when the flak began to burst very near the plane.
I first knew we had been hit when I felt the plane lurch and heard the “claps” of
fragments hitting us. Lt. DeMay, co-pilot, reported that we had been hit in several places.
S/Sgt. W.R. Milam, tail gunner, reported over the interphone that he had been hit in the
leg and the radio operator, S/Sgt. A. Kaufold, reported that he had been hit in the face.
The bombardier, Lt. W.A. Johnston, reported two holes in the bombardier’s compartment
and said that he had several small cuts from the shattered plexiglass. After a few
moments the turret gunner, Sgt. H.F. Schrader reported that gas and oil were leaking out
of the right engine. Lt. Johnston crawled back to the Navigator’s compartment and
turned on the cross feed to increase the gas supply to the right engine. The injured men
in the back were given first aid by the turret gunner. The plane was a little hard to handle
because of the damage but we were able to keep up with the formation and land at our
home base without mishap.”
DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt, pilot
Johnston, William M., 2Lt, bombardier
Kaufold, Adolph, S/Sgt, gunner
Milam, William R., S/Sgt, engineering
Schrader, Harold F., Sgt, turret gunner
“Mission #14. Nothing sighted.”
Mission # 112 (147): At 11:55 36 planes off to bomb Salonika, Mikra and Sedes A/D’s,
dropped 2588 frags at 13:38 from 10,000 feet and returned at 15:00 with one plane
missing (447), it made a controlled one engine landing in enemy territory. Good bomb
pattern at Mikra with strings across field, parked planes in dispersal areas 3 of which
received direct hits. 1 large fire started. At Sedes good coverage with hits on 4 E/A near
hangars and among 10 E/A in NE area. 3 fires observed. Flak intense, heavy and
accurate. 6 planes hit. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Sinclair
None
A/C No. 42-64519
CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 42-64661
CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt
N None
R Robinson, Jefferson Davis, S/Sgt
G Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30548
N Boland, Chester H., 1Lt
F None
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
321st BG
None
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
A/C No. 42-64521
Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64552
Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt
None
Brisco, Albert S., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30343
P Driver, William J., F/O
CP Gouge, David J., 2Lt
N None
In Austria, 150+ B-17's and B-24's bomb Wiener-Neustadt and
railroad tracks and installations and bridges at Friedberg and Ebenfurth. Weather severely
curtails NATBF missions and XII Air Support Command operations in support of ground
forces. Fighter-bombers attack Gaeta, Italy and bomb small vessels on the Dalmatian
coast at Opuzen, Yugoslavia. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its 65th and 66th Fighter
Squadrons transfer from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with P-40's. The 315th and 316th
Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, transfer from Menzel Heurr, Tunisia to Cercola,
Italy with P-40's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Colonel Knapp called a meeting of the Headquarters Staff
today and announced that as of the first of November he would no longer be with the
group but would be given command of a Wing or similar organization. We hare all glad
to see him get his new post and promotion in position but will miss our commander under
whose guidance the group has grown to its present strength as a combat unit. The
Colonel also revealed the fact that with the beginning of the month the Group would be
changed from a strategic one to a tactical one, and that our operations would be entirely
different than anything we had done before. No mission due to weather.
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: The earliest takeoff for a mission so far occurred today the 27th, when 4 of our A/C took off at 0725 to
low-level bomb the Antimachia A/D on Kos. Soon after they had left we got another
extreme in the weather-a dust storm. It came up suddenly and blew with such intensity
that everyone buttoned up their tents and clouds of dust completely obliterated the
landing ground form the air. Wing “Ops” phoned to tell us that our planes had been
rerouted to the Matruh landing ground. The wind and dust subsided around 1800 and at
1830 our A/C came back to this base. They seemed proud of their achievements for the
day and we could readily see why. All bombs hit the A/D squarely and one of the bombs
tossed by Lt. Johnson it squarely into a JU-52 destroying it and killing many of the
personnel gathered around it. Other bombs scored hits on the runway and left side of the
A/D. Lt. Gilluly was the leader on this, another successful mission.
Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS, Gambut.
At 0720 4 B-25G’s took off to bomb Antimachia A/D in Kos Island. None returned
early. 2 dropped 7 x 300 lb. bombs, 1 dropped 4 x 250 lb. bombs. 4 fired 10 x 75mm
and 1000 50 caliber shells all beginning at 0915. Bombs dropped from 100 feet. 4
A/C diverted to Matruh L/G because of sandstorm at Gambut No. 3, landed there at
105. Took off from Matruh at 1740; landed at Gambut No. 3 at 1840.
2. Results: 2 A/C dropped 7 bombs down center of runway; 1 A/C hit left side of
runway with 4 bombs. On JU-52 on ground hit directly by bomb. One bomb fell in
group of men. Beaufighters knocked out 2 gun emplacements. 75-100 men on field
strafed with 75 mm, 20 mm, 50 caliber fire from B-25’s and Beaufighters. 2 large
fires seen on A/D when flight returned.
3. Air---------One JU-52 in center of field surrounded by personnel, hit by bombs. 6-8
bi-planes on A/D, well camouflaged.
Marine----sighted LC in cove on NE coast of Leros Island.
Ground----75 to 100 men seen on field, mostly around JU-52.
Flak--------Light, moderate, fairly accurate from target.
4. Enroute---CAVU.
Target-----v/10’s cumulus at 1000 feet.
Return----CAVU, slight haze.
5. None.
No. of sorties--4.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, 447th BS
Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 447th BS
Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt, 447th BS
S/Sgt, 447th BS
G Fish, Harold E., Sgt, 447th BS
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654
P
CP
N
B
E
R
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
Bailey, Bert C, 2Lt, 447th BS
Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt, 446th BS
None
None
Fox, Robert J., Sgt, 447th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, 446th BS
None
Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, 446th
BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, 448th
BS
Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt, 448th BS
None
None
Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt, 448th BS
McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt, 448th BS
Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt, 448th BS
445th BS War Diary: A 6-man touch football game was played in the morning between
the Officers and enlisted men. The Officers won the hard fought game on the last play of
the game when Lt. Malek caught a pass in the end zone to make the final read, 26-19.
Every man on the field played a hard game and there many tired, sore muscles in camp
today. The enlisted men vowed revenge for the defeat.
Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lt. Caldwell was promoted to Captain effective
October 16, 1943.
Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt, navigator
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “No mission – went into Taranto
today, it’s quite a town very large, had dinner at the officers Mess, then had tea at the
English and American officers club. Nick & Dickson were with me. I bought some Salt
& pepper shakers for Mom. There’s not much to buy here & the people are none to
friendly yet. So no more news until tomorrow.”
447th BS War Diary: No mission. A little O.T.U. schooling for some of the new
replacements.
“Take off for Deversoir, buzz Pyramids, land at Payne Field. Stay at Grand Hotel.”
USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Weather prevents most Twelfth Air Force
operations planned for the day. No missions are flown by the XII Bomber Command.
In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36's hit several highways and
bridges in advance of the battleline and attack gun positions in the Vairano area and
transportation targets in the Rome area. The 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop
Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47's. The 346th Fighter
Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Sardinia with P-39's.
No mission – weather.
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: Just after breakfast
on Oct. 28, Lt. Prior took off for Cairo on a mercy mission. He was carrying M/Sgt.
Martinis, Sgts. MacDougall and Drotts to a Cairo hospital. All had yellow jaundice.
Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Martinez, Elmo J. "Moe", M/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 445th BS
Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS
This morning a Colonel Pellit from Deversoir Air Base stopped in on his way to
Tunis. He said that he wanted to see how we were getting along. After talking to the two
Captains Bell he took off with a list of supplies of what we needed. It seems as though
half of our efforts have been directed toward getting supplies.
Bell, Ernest C., Capt, Engineering Officer, HQ 321st BG
At 1340 four planes led by F/O Peplinski went away on what has now become a
routine shipping strike of the Low-Kalinos area. Just after they left, Lt. Beavers and
company came in from a two day stay in Italy. They brought some staggering news.
According to them, all the G ships and crews were to be transferred Nov. 1st to the 310th
B.G. who were to become a part of the Coastal Command. All 321st personnel was to be
replaced in the near future. Other than those tentative plans nothing was definite but it is
enough to start plenty of conjecture by those involved. The plan was to send at least a
plane a day to Italy so that the crews could get all their personal belongings. It looks as
though those “few days” we heard about in the beginning have been stretched into “for
the duration”.
Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Pep came back with the following report: “No hits, no runs, no errors, no
nothing”.
2. At 1340, 4 B-25G’s took off on shipping strike of Kos-Kalinos area. None returned
early. 4 fired no 75 mm shells nor dropped bombs. 4 returned at 1745. None lost,
missing or at friendly field.
3. Results: None.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----None.
Ground----Flashes and dust rising from E coast of Kos, South of Kos harbor, looked
like a battle. Parties on coast flashed letter “M” in the colors of the day..
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute---6/10’s cover Mediterranean at 800 feet and up. Wind 20 MPH from NE.
Target-----2/10’s at 1500; wind from NE light; visibility--10 miles.
Return----same as target.
6. None.
No. of sorties--4.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
P Peplinski, James L., F/O, 448th BS
CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O, 448th BS
N Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, 448th BS
B None
E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, 448th BS
R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt, 448th BS
G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt, 448th BS
G None listed - likely the engineer
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
P
CP
N
B
E
Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt, 446th BS
Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt, 446th BS
None
Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt, 446th BS
R
G
G
Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt, 446th BS
Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt, 446th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
None
None
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
None
None
BS
Parmelee, Walter J., S/Sgt, 448th BS
445th BS War Diary: Another football game was played this morning and the enlisted
men quickly gained revenge for their defeat yesterday. They ran, passed and kicked the
Officers dizzy, grinding them to a humiliating 33-0 defeat. It is now the Officers turn to
pledge revenge. Luxury rations were distributed to the men today. Rumors spread
around camp that Col. Knapp, present Group Commander, would be transferred and that
Lt. Col Olmsted would succeed him. The same rumor also had it that Lt. Col. Cook, our
Squadron Commander, would become Group Operations Officer and that Capt. Tipton,
our Squadron Operations Officer, would be the new Squadron Commander. None of
these were confirmed. A hard rain in the evening accompanied by lightning and thunder
left the camp in a very soggy condition. It is also very cold and damp tonight.
Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander
Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot, Commander
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. A lot of Christmas packages arrived in the mail
today as well as a lot of letters. The squadron’s morale was really lifted.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Nothing new, having bad
weather, lots of rain, wrote two more letters, and fixed up around the tent, made a chest
of drawers for cloths. Drank a little Italian wine & ate some of there candy – I guess
that’s all.”
447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled by cancelled because of rain. Lt. B. Miller
took a plane to Tunis to pick up Lt. Kamensky and some supplies. Lt. Bodine went along
to check up on orders for our 50-mission men.
Bodine, Arnold F. "Beeny the Bum", 2Lt, navigator
Kamensky, George L., 2Lt, personal equipment
Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt, pilot
“Go out to Pyramids, buy perfume & necklace at bazaar.”
In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's, escorted by P-38's,
bomb the Genoa marshalling yard and also hit the Sampierdarena marshalling yard, San
Giorgio instrument factory, and ordnance, electric, and fitting plants and bridges at
Genoa-Ansaldo; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF are forced by
bad weather to abandon several missions in support of ground forces. Troops and gun
positions are attacked on 2 occasions and several bridges are hit; Giulianova harbor and
shipping are successfully attacked. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Naples to
Foggia, Italy. HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group and its 11th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer
from Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47's. The 487th and 488th Bombardment Squadrons
(Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer from Catania, Sicily to San
Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Captain Vincent was appointed Group Executive Officer,
Lt. Col. Olmsted, Group Deputy Commander and Lt. Col. Cook, Group Operations
Officer today.
Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Operations Officer
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, Deputy Commander
Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., Capt, Executive Officer
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: The 29th was a
quiet day for the most part. Pep and crew took off in the first of a series of planes to
leave for Italy to pick up all personnel belonging. Eventually it is hoped that all G-crews
will have their possessions right here instead of scattered to the Seven Seas.
Major Parkinson and the British Medical officer dropped in for a visit to talk over
the heath situation. As a result of the discussion it was decided that no Americans would
visit the Sgt. and Officers Clubs because of the “dysentery menace”. All of which was a
mystery to us since we only have had one case of dysentery since our arrival here which
should be some sort of a new GI record. However, our QM has the only movie projector
in the base so that proposed edict can work both ways. The proposed movie for this date,
while on the subject is “Moontide”.
5 of our B-25’s went on a shipping strike of the E. Klades Islands area. All they
saw was a small sailing boat and they must have scared its occupants a bit with the 75
mm cannons—but not hits claimed. As a surprise to many, especially those who were
taking a “helmet bath” in the area, 2 comely British “poopsies” dropped in to pay us and
our Day Room a visit. The uninitiated a “Poopsie” is a traveling British show girl and
quite a sight they were too--especially to us out in the middle of the desert. They were
entranced by our modern swing records and especially enjoyed those “Mail Call”
transcriptions that are in the Special Services “B” kit. A dusty floor isn’t conducive to
good dancing as proclaimed by Arthur Murray but those that tripped the light fantastic
with one Poopsie seemed pretty well satisfied judging from that look in them eyes. Our
Day Room received most of its impetus upon receipt of a Special Service “B” Kit from
Cairo. We now have a radio, all kinds of records and transcriptions, magazines, books
and a set of athletic equipment, Spare time, what little there is, is now well taken care of.
321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ferry Personnel and Equipment):
Departed Gambut 0915. Returned from Grottaglie 1145, 31 Oct 43.
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64770
(remainder of crew not identified)
P Peplinski, James L., F/O
CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O
N
B
E
R
G
CL
2. At 1310, 5 B-25G’s took off on shipping strike of the E Klades Islands. None
returned early. 5 shot 7 rounds of 75 mm ammunition at 1505 at 400 feet; range from
7800 to 2000 yards. 5 returned at 1720. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Results: Sighted and attacked small sailing boat at 37°00’No, 25°50’E. No hits with
any of the 7 x 75 mm shells fired. 50 caliber fire strafed the boat 500 rounds of 50
caliber fired.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----At 1505 attacked small sailing boat at 37°00’No, 25°50’E. It was under
sail heading WSW. At 1625 off SE coast of Crete heading W, 2 Swedish
relief vessels. At 1630 sighted small S/M heading E. Location: 34°22N,
26°10’E, speed 12 knots. S/M crash dived after formation passed over it.
Ground----None.
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute---CAVU.
At Target-at 500 few cumulus, alto-cumulus. Wind 15 MPH from N.
Back------4/10’s cover cumulus at 1000 ft. Hazy at coast.
6. None.
No. of sorties--5.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
None
S/Sgt
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
Schwindle,
Adam
C. “Gus”, 2Lt
P
CP Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt
N None
B None
E Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt
R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, 446th
BS
G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
CL Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
P Edwards, James T., 2Lt, 447th BS
CP McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt, 447th BS
N None
B None
E CL Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS
R Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS
G Farrell, John J., Pvt, 447th BS
CL Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
None
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501
“Eager Beaver”
None
None
Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS
BS
445th BS War Diary: The rain that started last night continued all morning and
occasionally in the afternoon. The area is almost in a flooded condition. Some tents are
nearly a foot under water and at one low place there is a falls and river where the water
flows over a stone wall. Some of the men jokingly suggested that the B-25’s be fitted
with pontoons. If this kind of weather continues, that apparently will be the only way the
Squadron could get any planes in the air.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We are right in the middle of a terrific rainstorm.
More rain than we have so far seen this winter. Everyone is hoping their tents will keep
out the water.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “It’s still raining & bad weather,
rained all last night, sleep was good so I slept until noon today. Had fried rabbit tonight,
bought off an Italian boy, was it good. We had the Italian cook it & I guess he new his
stuff. I have a mission scheduled for tomorrow, so guess I hit the hay so I’ll be in good
shape for it. I wrote letters to Enid & Mom today, so until tomorrow.”
Letter Home: “I have visited several towns here and find them very interesting,
so much different than we are used to. I have a tough time trying to converse with these
people, but manage to get along. Until you have seen places over here you haven’t any
idea how wonderful a country we have to live in there in the U.S. Honest, it’s the best
place you will ever find. Everyone here where I’m at are really swell fellows. We all get
along good. I’m flying now with a Capt. Chappell. He sure is a swell fellow and I like
our work fine. P.S. I’m sending a 5 Franc bill from Africa.”
447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but cancelled because of rain. Lt. Miller
returned from Tunis.
Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 1Lt, pilot
“Leave Cairo 11:20 for Payne Field, leave for Deversoir, 5:30 C-47.”
In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-24's bomb the Genoa marshalling
yard and nearby Sampierdarena and Genoa-Ansaldo steel works; B-17's bomb Savona
and Varazze, Porto Maurizio, and the Imperia marshalling yard; weather reduces the
efforts of NATAF elements; NATBF B-25's bomb Frosinone; fighter-bombers, mainly of
the XII Air Support Command, hit bridges, junctions, shipping, marshalling yard, gun
positions, and vehicles at several locations, including Giulianova, Ancona, Ortona, Sessa
Aurunca, Mignano, and Cassino.
No Entry
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: Threatening rain
clouds surrounded us when w arose in the morning of Oct. 30th and a great wetness
seemed imminent. However, the clouds seemed to break up just before they reached us
and about 1000 the threat was over. Train service from Cairo has broken down and we
haven’t had fresh meat for days but Lt. Johnson promised to return with some when he
came back from that famous City. He took off this morning carrying Lt. Dorman, with
yellow jaundice acquired at the local British hospital, and S/Sgt. McNulty who needed an
appendicitis operation, to Cairo’s finest American hospital. We wished them good luck
and God speed in a quick recovery.
McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 448th BS
Lt. Gilluly with 4 ships took off on the first mission today. 2 more ships a dock.
Just after the 1st flight took off, a Lockheed 12 landed. Before we knew what struck us,
there in our pyramidal orderly room stood Major General Royce, two colonels and a
Major. Colonel Pellit was among those present and it probably a result of his visit 3
days ago that we had so much rank here today. General Royce made about 16 decisions
in 16 minutes, asked questions about supplies and personnel, saw the 2nd flight of 2 B-25s
take off on another mission, bid us adieu and then took off himself. He said he was going
to see General Spaatz this same night and among other things would discuss our
situation.
The 1st flight came in and said everything went along as scheduled. They went
out after 2 “F” boats at Kos harbor, which they saw when they got up there and which
they shot up to the best of their ability. Flak was intense and accurate coming form about
6 different directions so they didn’t waste any time getting out of there.
While the 1st bunch was landing we got a radio call from F/O Keith who was
leading the 2nd flight saying that Lt. Blacks plane was not coming back. That cryptic
message made us all apprehensive and when Keith landed we got the details of this our
first casualty. Both ships went in and peppered 3 M/Vs in Naxos harbor with 75’s and
50’s with no flak encountered. But after they turned off it started. It was only moderate
but was accurate enough to hit Lt. Black’s ship, probably in the cockpit, because both
engines were last seen functioning perfect when the ship hit the water. The Beaufighter
eyewitness said the A/C broke into pieces on impact and no sight of life was seen. It was
a shock to all of us as Lt. Black, although the newest man in the organization was well
liked by all. Our hats are off to Lts. Black, Golden, and S/Sgts Norton, Ramsburg, Lang,
and Wenrich. We’ll miss them. This episode can’t be dismissed without mention of
another amazing item. When notified that Lt. Black’s plane went down, S/Sgt. Leist was
digging a latrine, he was doing that extra duty because of carelessness and laxness. He
wasn’t around when his plane took off and a substitute had to be procured in a hurry.
The sub was S/Sgt. Ramsburg and the plane was 579, Lt. Black’s ill fated B-25.
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot, 448th BS
th
Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445 BS
Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 447th BS
Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS
Tonight’s movie “A Night to Remember” seemed to lack the zip it should have
had.
2. At 1330 4 B-25G’s took off to attack 2 “F” boats in the inter Kos harbor. None
returned early. 4 fired 9 x 75 mm shells at 1532 from 450’ at range of 6000 to 1000
yards. 4 returned at 1735. None lost, missing or at friendly field.
3. Results: 2 “F” boats sighted and attacked in inter Kos harbor at 1532 hours. 3 x 75
mm shells fired at northerly boat; 2 probable hits. 6 x 75 mm shells fired Southerly
boat, no hits observed. One 75 mm shell hit in the town near pier. 650 rounds of 50
caliber strafed boats and shore installations.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----2 “F” boats in inter Kos Harbor attacked; 2-masted schooner sighted in the
Kos channel in Turkish waters. 1-masted schooner sighted in cove off
Cape Krio in Turkish waters; Swedish relief vessel sighted in Kase straits
at 1445 heading east.
Ground----None.
Flak--------intense, light, and accurate from boats; 5/6 light gun position N.W. section
of the town of Kos, intense fairly accurate; several positions N of town on
coast shooting light, moderate, inaccurate.
5. Enroute---scattered cumulus 1/3 of the way out at 500’; hazy.
Target-----CAVU.
Back------Clear, winds 15 MPH NNE.
6. None.
No. of sorties--4.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489
P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt
CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt
N Kresge, James G., 2Lt
B None
E Zoll, Thaddeus, A., S/Sgt
R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI), “Alex”,
S/Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501
“Eager Beaver”
P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt
CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt
N Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS
B None
E None listed - likely the Cannon Loader
R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt
G Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt
CL Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt, 447th BS
Edwards, James T., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
None
Hughes, James C., S/Sgt, 447th BS
Fox, Robert J., Sgt, 447th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 43-64587
Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
None
BS
Clement, Sam (NMI), Sgt, 448th BS
2. At 1350 2 B-25’s took off to attack 3 500 ton M/V’s in Naxos harbor. None returned
early. Fired 2 x 75 mm shells at 1550 at 250’ from 2500 to 1000 yards. 1 returned at
1755. One Lost.
3. Results: 3 M/V’s in Naxos harbor attacked by 2 B-25G’s. One fired 2 x 75 mm
shells, both over; other received flak hit after turning off target and crashed into
Naxos Straits 2 miles W of Naxos harbor. Beaufighter escort saw A/C crash into
water and break into pieces. B-25 and Beaufighter circled area but saw no signs of
life.
4. Air---------None.
Marine----3 500 ton M/V’s sighted and attacked in Naxos harbor S of main jetty.
Ground----None.
Flak--------Held off until A/C had turned off target then intense, accurate, light and
heavy from M/V’s and coastal batteries.
5. Enroute---CAVU.
Target-----CAVU.
Back------3/10’s cover 5000-6000’, visibility unlimited.
6. None.
Flight Leader—F/O Keith.
No. of sorties--1.
SERGIUS P. NEPRASH,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
None
Maddox, Richard L., Sgt, 445th BS
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
“Flying Caisson” (MACR- 1137 - shot
down by flak)
None
None
Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS
445th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1137:
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Flying Caisson” (MACR- 1137 - shot
down by flak)
th
Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445 BS - DED
Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS - DED
None
None
Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS - KIA, buried in Florence
Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS - KIA, buried in Florence
Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS - KIA, buried in Florence
Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS - DED
Eyewitness Accounts: Fletcher, John Bratt, pilot, F/O, RAFVR, 47th Squadron
I saw a big flash on the Mitchell as it was going in to attack, and it then started to
turn violently to port and then commenced a gradual glide to the water. He flew straight
in and the A/C broke up. I circled and then I could see no sign of life in the wreckage.
The other Mitchell was proceeding southwest and I caught him and told him over VHF
what had happened and we came back to the area and both planes went over the
wreckage again but still could see no sign of life in the wreckage.
J. Fletcher
Flight Officer, RAFVR
47th Sq
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eyewitness Accounts: Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot, 448th BS
(1) Four aircraft, 2 B-25’s and 2 Beaufighters attacked the harbor of Naxos on the
Island of Naxos at 1600 hours on 30 Oct 1943. The axis of attack was 10 deg across the
point of land jutting out of the west side of the island of Naxos and into the Harbor of
Naxos.
(2) The attack was made on three M/V’s of 500 tons inside the harbor. Wild
evasive action was used in crossing the point of land. 3 M/V’s were sighted straight
ahead and about 3000 yards away. The attack continued to 1000 yards and the 2 B-25’s
turned 90 deg to the left and started to leave the harbor. The number 1 ship pulled to an
altitude of 200 feet and then started down towards the water thus doing evasive action.
The number 2 ship turned at an altitude of under 200 feet ft and inside the number 1 ship.
There was no flak encountered until the ships turned off the target run and started to
break for safety. Then we encountered a great deal of medium and heavy flak. Most of
the flak hit the water in front of the two ships. The number 2 ship continued on a heading
of 150 deg and at a low altitude of 100 ft until it was seen by the gunners of number 1
ship, to crash in the water at a point two miles off Naxos harbor.
(3) The pilot of number 1 ship, Flight Officer Charles F. Keith, called the pilot of
number 2 ship, 2nd Lt. Black, by VHF while the two ships were speeding away from the
target and told him to make another left turn and start home. No answer was received
from the number 2 ship.
(4) The number 1 ship made another left turn and started back on a heading of
150 deg and slowed to 179 mph. The number 1 ship continued on this heading approx 2
minutes and calling all ships in the flight. The only answer was from one Beaufighter.
(5) The number 1 ship and the Beaufighter returned to the outer entrance of the
harbor and saw the oil slick where the number 2 ship crashed. There was no wreckage
except what looked like a torn piece of a life raft. NO persons were seen in the water.
(6) The missing Beaufighter was last seen by the gunners in the number 1 ship
attacking the M/V’s after the number 1 ship started the second left turn. The gunners
next saw the number 2 ship hit the water outside the harbor.
(7) There was no fire in the number 2 ship and both engines appeared to be
running at normal power.
Charles F. Keith
F/O, AC, 321st Bmb Gp (M)
448th Bmb Sq (M)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eyewitness Accounts: Krueger, Charles Oliver., Sgt, gunner, 448th BS
I had been continuously scanning the harbor and 3 M/V’s for hits and indications
of flak guns when our craft entered a left bank and turn to pull away from the target. This
action resulted in cutting off my view towards the spot. I then looked away from that
direction and towards the island opposite. I saw then the first flak. It burst well away
from us and to our right. From its range and size and color of explosion I judged it to be
88 mm. From the time interval between that burst and subsequent appearances, I further
judged only one gun of that size was firing. When next I was able to see the target our
plane was approx 2500-3000 yards away and leveling off. At that time I saw our number
2 plane approaching us from the left, about 150 ft lower and on an intersecting course. I
saw the pilot look up and both engines were turning and everything seemed normal. I
picked them up after they passed under us and they seemed to be making a shallow right
turn. I followed them for a few seconds and at the same time noting another flak burst in
their range and vicinity. They were not hit then. I turned my attention back towards the
target. I watched their gunnery patterns and then looked back to discover if our second
plane was rejoining formation. It was nowhere in sight. In the same general area, in
relation to the island opposite the target and about a mile to our rear, I observed a large
splash in the water. In fact the water seemed to continue to rise as I looked. I did not
immediately associate this splash with our number 2 craft until looked over the entire
area, as we got back on a homing course, and could find no trace. We returned to this
spot a few minutes later and circled a large oil slick. I saw no wreckage, and no survivors
or bodies.
Charles O. Krueger
Sgt, 35304429
321st Bmb Gp (M) 448th Bmb Sq (M)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraph 15 - Description of the Extent of Search:
(1) After leaving Naxos Harbor and starting on a 150 deg heading, I checked to
see where all the planes in the flight were. My turret gun reported that one B-25G had
crashed and we were also short one Beaufighter.
(2) I immediately did a 180 deg turn, with the one remaining Beaufighter and
returned to a position two miles outside Naxos Harbor. There I saw an oil slick and a
piece of torn life raft at the position where the turret gun had reported that B-25G
crashed.
(3) At this position I encountered heavy flak. It all fell 500 yds short of us.
(4) The remaining aircraft then returned to base.
Charles F. Keith
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The men enjoyed a good pancake breakfast this morning. Rain
continued on and off during the day and kept the area in a very wet condition. The bad
weather has continually forced postponement of the missions. During this bad weather,
the men have no other choice but to retire to their tents and write letters, read books or
get in some “bunk fatigue”.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. A mission was scheduled but had to be cancelled
because of the continual bad weather.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Raining again this very minute,
has been all day, so we had no mission. I hope it stops so we can run a few good
missions, it helps pass the time & we will also get out of here quicker. Went into town &
looked around again today. Is the same old thing, so nothing new to say.”
447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but cancelled because of rain.
viaduct in France.
XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb Antheor
In Italy, B-26's hit Anzio; B-25's attack docks and shipping at
Civitavecchia; P-38's strafe and bomb Tirana airfield; weather cancels all NATAF attacks
except for 11 P-40's which bomb and strafe a tanker off Split, Yugoslavia, leaving it
burning. XII Air Support Command fighters fly an uneventful naval escort. HQ 1st
Fighter Group and its 71st Fighter Squadron transfer from Mateur to Djedeida, Tunisia
with P-38's. The 379th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group
(Medium), ceases operating from Oudna and returns to its base at Menzel Temime,
Tunisia with B-25's.
No Entry
HSAFME. Attn: General Royce, Cairo
HqRAFME.
235 Wing
From: Doolittle
31 October
B-25G Mitchell aircraft now at Gambut will remain in place until relieved by
detachment from 310 Group. Crews, and ground personnel now on detached
service at Gambut with 235 Wing, RAF, from 321 Group US will be replaced in
near future by B-25G aircraft, crews, and ground personnel from 310th Group.
Flow of parts and supplies to maintain detachment for an indefinite period will be
set up by the 310 Group. Transports moving personnel and supplies from the 310
Group at OUDNA to GAMBUT will be utilized to move personnel and supplies
for the Detachment from the 321st Group now at Gambut to GROTTAGLIE. You
will be notified as to date of arrival of detachment of 310th Group
321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: This date, the 31st,
had nothing to distinguish it except that it is the last day that the G-crews are members of
the 321st Bomb Group. Tomorrow they will be the 310th Coastal Command. No
missions were flown. Lt. Johnson came back with his precious cargo of 500 lb. of fresh
meat, 300 lbs. of potatoes and 2 crates of oranges.
Gp. Captain Collins said that a big German push and invasion was scheduled for
Nov. 1st on Leros Island. We had planned a big-Officers-Enlisted Mens soft ball game
but when that information came in play was forgotten and all attention was directed
towards getting the maximum number of ships in the best possible condition for combat.
The rains came about 6:30 which ended all activities for the day except that of keeping
the water out of the tents. At 1900 we all pushed our clocks back one hour as did the rest
of the Middle East.
Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot, 445th BS
445th BS War Diary: The men were paid today in Italian money. Orders to proceed to
the United States were received by a number of the men who have finished 50 missions.
From all indications they will leave tomorrow. In the evening, a celebration was in order
for the enlisted men who are to leave tomorrow. It was held in the club and a good time
was had by all. Several of the men who are to leave gave speeches and were wildly
applauded.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. And so with payday, which is always successful,
we close the diary for October. The month was a good one for the squadron with
successful bombing by the combat men, we got the camp set up quite nice, and everyone
had a chance to go into town hunting souvenirs and good places to eat. The main thing
we accomplished was a successful movement to Italy.
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Still bad weather so went into
Grottaglie again today, another pilot & myself. We had dinner with an Italian family,
certainly was a good diner, we couldn’t understand what they were saying so we spent
most of our time eating. After all, you know how I like to eat.”
447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but cancelled because of rain.
MORNING REPORT for the week ending Oct. 31st, 1943:
Officers---66. Oct. 23 Ralph Penson came back from the hospital.
Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner
E.M.---269,
24th 5 E.M. came here from Soliman. 12 Officers went home to the States:
1. Capt. Richardson, Robert W., pilot
2. 2nd Lt. Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, pilot
3. 2nd Lt. McGowan, Francis E., pilot
4. 2nd Lt. Fabling, Charles R., pilot
nd
5. 2 Lt. DeMoss, Jack M., pilot
6. 2nd Lt. Lingrel, Paul W., bombardier
nd
7. 2 Lt. Hoffman, Charles W., pilot
8. 2nd Lt. Batchelder, Stephens H., pilot
9. 2nd Lt. Ackley, James H., pilot
10. 2nd Lt. Hengel, Edward D., Sr., pilot
nd
11. 2 Lt. Blanton, Ralph A., pilot
12. 2nd Lt. Ashley, Wilson S., pilot
25th 9 officers and 14 E.M. were assigned. 9 officers and 5 E.M. sent to the States:
1. 1st Lt. Joseph, Merwin J., bombardier
2. 1st Lt. Morganti, Clyde J., pilot
st
3. 1 Lt. Black, Donald, navigator
4. 1st Lt. Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, pilot
5. 1st Lt. Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, pilot 6. 1st Lt. McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff
Stuff”, pilot
st
st
7. 1 Lt. Nixon, Donald O., pilot
8. 1 Lt. Brinkley, W.R., Wilton R., pilot
9. 1st Lt. Althouse, Donald I., pilot
1. T/Sgt. Hofstedt, John H., radio-gunner 2. S/Sgt. Lankford, Raymond D., gunner
3. S/Sgt. Draper, Ralph M., gunner
4. S/Sgt. Popowski, Frank A., gunner
5. S/Sgt. Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, bombardier
26th 3 Off. And 4 E.M. – missing in action. 29th 3 Off. And 4 E.M. dropped from the
rolls. 5 Off. Sent to rest camp:
1. Becker, Edward B., 2Lt, bombardier
2. DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt, pilot
3. Stephenson , Henry W., 2Lt, pilot
4. Sattenspiel, Stanley J., 2Lt, bombardier
5. Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt, navigator
30th 5 Off. And 11 E.M. to the States:
1. Capt. Morton, William H., pilot
2. 1st Lt. Bodine, Arnold F., navigator
3. 1st Lt Weaver, Charles, navigator
4. 2nd Lt. McCone, Walter G., bombardier
nd
5. 2 Lt. Orr, Douglas C. “Doug”, bombardier
1. T/Sgt. Jackson, Edward B., gunner
2. T/Sgt. Stanton, James E., radio-gunner
3. T/Sgt. Jondro, William G., Jr., radio-gun 4. S/Sgt. Gouvin, Henry J., gunner
5. S/Sgt. Jensen, Aage E., gunner
6. S/Sgt. Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, bombardier
7. S/Sgt. Nelson, J.E., James E., gunner
8. S/Sgt. Lalum, Luther I., gunner
9. S/Sgt. Anderson, Chester E., gunner
10. S/Sgt. Balsom, James P., gunner
11. S/Sgt. Nittle, Samuel, gunner
“Go back to Cairo with Prior, Block & Nithman.”
Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt, pilot
Nithman, Charles E., Cpl, engineer-gunner
Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, pilot
October 1943
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943:
Many changes occurred during the month of October. The group moved from the
field at Soliman to Grottaglie Airdrome located about 15 miles NE of Taranto on the heel
of Italy. With our move e became the first United States Medium Bomber Group to
operate from Italy. The airdrome was crowded with both British and American planes.
From our new base we attacked the Balkans as a new phase of operations and a new
campaign was started. The transportation situation was very difficult as the only vehicles
we had at Grottaglie were the jeeps which were brought over in transport aircraft.
Gasoline was difficult to obtain and the planes were fueld from five gallon cans brought
into the base by planes from Sicily.
During the month our B-25-G series airplanes were sent on detached service to
Gambut # 3 to function under the British Coastal Commands in an attempt to quell the
threatened German invasion of Allied controlled Dodecanese Islands.
A separate mess was opened for Group Headquarters for the first time. This
proved to be a great convenience, eliminating three daily trips to one of the squadrons
and the strain of added personnel messing with the 445th. A Headquarters Officers’ Club
was also started using two of the rooms in the building in which the headquarters was
located. One of the rooms contained the bar and the other was the cardroom. The club is
very popular and used nightly. Nurses from the Air Evacuation unit stationed at the field
added the feminine touch and made informal dances possible.
Civilian help was available in nearby towns and was gratefully taken advantage
of. In the Headquarters building were located a barber shop, tailor shop and laundry
collection. Much of the building and repairing was done by Italian civilians eager to
work and asking a modest return for their labors.
Now that we were located in the forward zone in the theatre of combat, free
rations of cigarettes and candy were issued each week.
The new location with its buildings and conveniences seemed almost like home
after the inconveniences of North Africa. Everyone was glad to get away from the heat,
dust and dirt – to say nothing of the Arabs – abounding at all our former bases.
October 1943 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943: None
446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943
446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF
321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF
APO 650
November 1, 1943
446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARRATIVE HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 1943
A. Original unit
1. 446th Bomb Sqdn (M), 321st Bomb Group (M), AAF .
2. Organized August 1, 1942
3. Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C.
4. Pursuant to authority contained in Conf Genl Orders #143, Hq, 3rd Air Force,
Tampa, Fla. Dated June 23, 1942, the following units are activated at this stations
(Barksdale Field), effective this date: Hq, 321st Bombardment Group (M), and the 446th
Bomb Sqdn (M).
5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement
centers
B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted
1. 1 October 1943
79 Officers, 294 Enlisted Men
2. Net Increase
None
3. Net Decrease
4 Officers
4. 31 October1943
76 Officers, 294 Enlisted Men
C. Stations permanent or temporary of unit or parts thereof:
1. There are remaining, this date, at Soliman North 1 Officer and 14 Enlisted men. 15
Enlisted men are en route from Soliman North to Grottaglie. 6 Officers and 16 Enlistee
men left on 15 October 1943 for operations in the vicinity of Tobruk, Libya.
D. Commanding Officer in important engagements:
1. Engagements;
(a) Athens Eleusis A/D, Greece.
(b) Argos A/D, Greece.
(c) South Marshalling Yards, Nis, Yugoslavia.
(d) Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece.
(e) Skoplje, Yugoslavia.
2. MAJOR HENRY H. SCHWANE (pilot).
E. Losses in action, Officers and Men.
1. None.
F. Former and present members who have distinguished themselves in action.
1. None in October.
G. Campaigns
1. Complete data covered in attached mission summaries.
447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943
Missions Flown: 15
Bombs dropped (weight): 200,160
Sorties Flown: 134
Planes lost: 2 (1due to enemy action, 1 due
to mechanical failure)
Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: 4 confirmed
Enemy Aircraft Damaged: 3
During the month our 1000th sortie was flown.
The month of October saw the beginning of a new phase of operations for the
squadron. At the beginning of the month we along with the group, moved from our
African base at Soliman to the air base at Grottaglie, Italy, and from this base began
bombing operations against the Balkans. We were the first U.S. medium bombers to
operate from an Italian base and the first to rain the Balkans. There were several other
groups based on the field, American and British, including Spitfires, A-20’s,
Beaufighters, B-26’s, Hudsons, and P-38 Recon. Planes. Combat operations were begun
immediately when the flight echelon arrived at the Italian base. The first mission was run
the day after arrival and subsequent raids were run daily, weather permitting.
Shortage of gasoline presented some problem at first and the supply flown in
daily from Sicily by transport was all that was available. This was in five gallon
containers which made filling the bomber tanks a long and tedious job.
Our transportation facilities were inadequate during the month too because of the
fact that only the jeeps could be brought along in the transport planes. The heavy
equipment (trucks, etc.) are to be shipped via TLC and were waiting in Africa for
shipping space at the close of the month. One officer and approximately thirty enlisted
men of the squadron remained at the African base with this equipment.
During the month the squadron lost two planes. One crashed when an engine cut
out on the take off and one man was fatally injured in the crash. He dies on the way to
the hospital. The other plane was hit while on a bombing mission and was last seen
smoking badly and losing altitude. No word concerning the crew had been received by
the month’s end. Detailed accounts of these two losses are given in the “Special
Accounts” section. Our squadron gunners shot down four enemy fighters (confirmed)
and damaged several others.
The G planes in the squadron operated from the base at Gambut, Libya for the
best part of the month. They were under the British Coastal Command there and attacked
Shipping on most of their missions. They were still on detached service at the end of the
month.
Generally speaking the disposition of the men in the squadron is to be pleased
with the new environment as compared with Africa. The country is cleaner and there are
no Arabs. The Italian people seem to be friendly enough and their competition for our
laundry business brings them into camp early every morning in droves. Both Italian
civilians and soldiers are employed by the squadron for such jobs as KP, carpentry, etc.
The usual rate of pay is thirty cents a day.
The port city of Taranto is visited by most of the men when they have a day off.
The shops there have a much greater variety of goods than is to be found in the shops in
African cities and the prices are much more in accord with values. Four different types
of currency are acceptable in the cities; Allied Invasion Currency, American Gold Seal
Dollars, British Military Currency and the regular Italian currency. This caused some
confusion at first.
By the end of the month all of the original combat crew members had completed
their tour of fifty combat missions and all but about ten had received orders transferring
them out of the squadron. A few will get assignments to other jobs in this theatre but the
majority will return to the states. Five replacement crews were assigned to the squadron
to take the place of the men who have left.
Our first bivouac area at the new base was located on the west side of the field to
the south a few hundred yards from the runway. The area was small and we were
crowded in between the 448th and the 446the areas. This area was to be occupied
temporarily until the 47th Group (A-20’s) moved out. We expected to move into barracks
occupied by members of this group when they moved. As it turned out, however, an
RAF outfit got the barracks when they were vacated and we moved into an olive grove on
the west side of the runway to the north. There was one stone building in the new area
and this we undertook to convert into an officers mess and officers club. A bar was built,
large bomb crates served as tables and wooden benches were built. A large stock of
liquor, cognac, champagne, wine, and other drinks were procured from nearby cities, but
at the close of the month the bar and club were still in the process of construction and
hadn’t been formally opened.
The enlisted men obtained lumber and constructed a wooden building for their
mess. It was built from scrap lumber which they were able to obtain about the base.
Much of it was obtained from building which had been wrecked by bombs.
This same source supplemented by frag-bomb boxes provided a supply of lumber
for tent floors and all the tents in the area have wooden floors. Many of them have
wooden sides also and provide very nice living quarters. Heaters have been put in most
of the tents as the weather turned rather cold during the month. A shower was
constructed on the line with facilities for heating water and a few individual showers
were constructed in the squadron area.
There were several days of heavy rain which left the area in pretty much of a
mess. The soil is of a clay type and becomes very messy when wet. During the heavy
rains water ran into the officers mess and was about three inches deep at one end.
The sections in the area are set up in tents. On the line some sections are in tents
and others in wooden buildings which they have constructed from scrap lumber. The
parking area for the planes is not hard-surfaced and becomes very muddy when wet. It is
almost impossible to taxi the planes out of the area when it is wet and on occasions some
of our planes have been left parked on the taxi strips adjacent to the runway.
In the way of food the squadron received British rations during the month. The
chief difference is in the beverages. We had tea with most every meal. Several turkey
dinners were served in the officers mess, funds having been contributed by the officers to
pay for these “extras”. Cigarette, candy, and toilet article rations were issued gratis once
a week to all the men.
At the close of the month improvements in the squadron area were still being
made and rumors were being circulated that as of Nov. 1 we were to be transferred from
Strategic Air Force into Tactical Air Force. Also that our Group Commander was to get
command of a new wing and we were to get a new Group Commander.
448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943:
The month of September came to an end laden with the first rain the squadron had
seen since landing at Ain M’Lila. Everyone was more than happy to learn that the mud
had the same gooey consistency of that found in the rest of North Africa. The weather
turned colder for a short time but soon was back to normal, hot, humid and with millions
of flies. The missions were concentrated on communications and support of the Salerno
Beach Head and every formation encountered much flak and many enemy fighters.
Bastia, Corsica was the target on September 25 and the crews reported the island to be a
small rocky uninviting piece of land.
On September 30th everyone was paid in American Gold Seal currency and
immediately rumors were afloat as to what that event intended for the squadron. Actually
a move was expected and late the next afternoon it was learned that twelve planes loaded
with bombs would take off the next morning for Grottaglie A/D 12 miles east of Taranto
as an advanced echelon. Five B-25’s loaded with baggage and personnel would follow
the same day and C-47’s would move the remainder of the personnel and light equipment
including tents. The vehicles and heavy equipment would follow by water as soon as
possible.
October 2nd dawned dark and dismal with a threat of rain. Everyone packed their
belongings and waited their turn to depart. By nine o’clock everyone on the first echelon
was ready to leave the rain of the last few days had made the main Soliman Field unfit for
take off and it was not until noon that the bombers were allowed to depart. At about
14:00 nine C-7’s and C-53’s transports arrived at the field and were loaded in short order.
However, due to the lateness of the hour they decided not to leave until the next morning.
Meanwhile the 17 B-25’s that had gone ahead, landed at Grottaglie during a
downpour of rain and hastily erected shelters. Both parties at Grottaglie and Soliman
spent a very miserable night in the rain and mud. The next day more rain and muddy
fields prevented any take of
On October 4th the movement continues despite the weather and al personnel and
equipment not necessary for the convoy arrive at the new base.
At Soliman the combat crews who had completed 50 missions in September were
at last given their orders to return to the U.S.A. The remainder of the personnel waited in
the ever deepening mud and water for the orders to report to the Port of Embarkation.
They had not received them on October 31st.
At Grottaglie the squadron the squadron entered by bountiful rains, mud and lack
of transportation struggled to erect their new camp. They found themselves located in an
olive grove directly across the road from the airdrome. The many sections of German
barracks were lying about the squadron personnel availed themselves of this material to
build sturdy, waterproof floors for their tents. Several Officers moved into a barracks just
outside the area.
With part of the Mass equipment at Soliman and only British rations available the
squadron ate very poorly for the first wee. Due to the lack of transportation water
became an ever present problem. Showers were unknown and the art of taking a bath
from a helmet was universally acquired.
On October 5th a German reconnaissance plane was observed over the field and
for the following two days it returned. Needless to say fox-holes became the order of the
day and many cigarettes were expended by the soldiers to relive the delays of the take off
driving in the solid limestone which under laid the camp site. The Italian eagerly did this
chore for a few packs of the coveted smokes.
During all this time missions were still being flown by the Group which was the
first bomb Group to operate from the Italian mainland. The targets were in Greece,
Yugoslavia and Albania and much flak and fighter opposition was encountered, however
the squadron did not lose a plane although Lt. Clark received a leg wound on a mission
over Tirana, Albania on October 24th. Balkans, Athens, Tirana and Skoplje were all
targets for the Group. For their splendid work Group received another commendation
from General Doolittle and Major Bates was highly complimented for his squadron’s part
in these events. Except for a few flak holes in several of the planes 448th weathered the
month with little trouble notwithstanding the fact that most of the first pilots were flying
their first missions as such. Five new combat crews replaced those who had completed
50 missions and received their Baptism of fire over such hot targets as Athens, Argos and
Skoplje, Sedes.
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot, Commander
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot
Doolittle, James Harold "Jimmy", Maj Gen, 12th AF, Commander
The end of the first wee at the base found the squadron well sheltered, a kitchen
and Officers Mess completed and an Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall well on the way to
completion. The kitchen and Officer’s mess was constructed out of a German barracks
and the Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall was built with the use some girders and tarpaulins.
The Bill of Fare improved somewhat with the advent of American rations but did not
compare with that received in Africa.
With everything well under control Officer’s and EM took the opportunity of
improving their new surroundings. They found much to interest them but also much to
disappoint them in the soft under belly of Hitler’s fashioned “Europe”. This part of Italy
they found was occupied with half starved, poorly clothed soldiers and civilians who
were whole heartedly sick of the war. The airdrome was located only 12 miles east of the
city of Taranto and about 1 mile from the town of Grottaglie. Both places were found to
be much cleaner, much poorer and prices much cheaper than anything encountered in
North Africa. Visits to Taranto soon disclosed that there was much candy available but
little of anything else. The Germans had bled the country white.
Christian and stone variety souvenirs were all that could be purchased. Although
the British Army was in great preponderance the arrival of American troops soon started
the ball of inflation rolling and the Lira became very cheap. Visits further a field to
towns like Bari, Lecce, Brindisi and etc brought out the fact that little damage had been
don to the country side by the war.
In camp King mud ruled with a sticky land and hampered not only operations but
all other activities. Landings and take offs were dangerous procedures and broken nose
wheels and planes bogged down in the mud were common sights. Through the efforts of
1st Sgt. Iseldyke, crushed rock was laid on the worst areas in camp which improved the
condition.
Iseldyke, LeRoy J., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt
The squadron suffered the worst month in its history as Officers and Enlisted Men
succumbed to Yellow Jaundice, Captain Silver estimated that approximately thirty
percent of the squadron had the malady at one time or another.
Silver, George A., III, Capt, medical officer
With the approach of cold weather colds were to be expected. As yet no one in
the squadron has had malaria which is the record for the Group.
Although Captain Kneivel was hospitalized during the month, Lt. Neprash did an
excellent job of filling his shoes and carrying on the Adjutant’s duty.
Kneivel, Arthur W., Capt, executive
Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence, 447th BS
The following Officers and Enlisted men completed their 50 missions during the
month of September and October and left the squadron with the best wishes from all for a
speedy and safe return to the U.S.A: Captain Isaacson, Lts.: Davies, Moore, Hardzog,
Stewart, Clough, Garrett, Petrich, Ligarde, Mundell, Brandt, Reich, Bowmen, Stultz,
Ellington, Cassels, Abrams, Brosnan, Tolton, Holt, Mims, McCurry, Coffey, Sutton and
Conway. S/Sgts: Hilborne, Vance, Ryal, Yutzy, Smith, Long, Uzailko, A. LaRue,
Taylor, Moorman, Hardy, Egbom, White, Ridgeway.
Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt, bombardier
Bowman, William W., 2Lt, pilot
Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot
Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt, pilot
Coffey, Kenneth H.F., 2Lt, pilot
Davies, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot
Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier
Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt, gunner
Hilborne, Thomas G., S/Sgt, gunner
Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt, pilot
Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt, navigator
McCurry, Milton L., 2Lt, pilot
Moore, Leland A., 2Lt, pilot
Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt, bombardier
Reich, William John, 2Lt, bombardier
Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt, gunner
Stewart, John C., 1Lt, pilot
Sutton, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier
Tolton, Justin C., 2Lt, pilot
Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt, gunner
Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt, gunner
Brosnan, Cornelius C., 1Lt, pilot
Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt, pilot
Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt, pilot
Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt, gunner
Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot
Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Holt, William E., 2Lt, navigator
LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt, gunner
Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt. engineer-gunner
Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt, bombardier
Moorman, Arthur L, S/Sgt, gunner
Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt, bombardier
Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner
Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Stultz, Raymond B., 2Lt, pilot
Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt, gunner
Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
White, George E., S/Sgt, gunner
In the entertainment field the squadron fared very well with an array of new
picture shows weekly in the old Italian granary and much wine, women and song in the
surrounding towns. The only fly in the ointment was the early fall of darkness and the
lack of electric lights. Kerosene lamps purchased locally alleviated the situation to a
slight extent.
On October 23rd thirty six B-17’s landed at the field in preparation for a raid on
Austria the next day. That night with almost 326 airplanes on the field everyone had
grave fears as to the attempt the attention this field might receive from the enemy. That
night and the next day passed uneventfully. As this field was the only one with
completed facilities in Southern Italy there was constant a constant stream of airplanes of
all types taking off and landing constantly. Late in the month a Group of Spitfires moved
in along with British Ack Ack crews and guns. Many of the personnel of the squadron
became well acquainted with our allies.
The end of the month found this squadron well set up on its new home and
employing many Italians as KP’s, launders and other chores.
October 1 – 7 – 43: Squadron strength 89 Officers and 302 Enlisted Men. No Officers
or Enlisted Men assigned or joined this period. Captain Stultz, Staff Sergeant Kessler
wounded inaction on September 30 but remained on duty. Staff Sergeant Deal wounded
on same raid was taken to 54th Station Hospital. The mission was over South Piano,
Italy. Pvt. Kilgore transferred to 6644th Navigational Aids Squadron. Staff Sergeant
Hilborne and Vance are transferred to the U.S.A. after completing 50 missions. On
October 1st by C-47 and B-25 the Squadron began to move personnel and equipment
from Soliman to Grottaglie Air Base, Italy. The weather was extremely bad, rained
continuously. By October 5 every one but the 72 Men and Officers who stayed behind to
take care of the motor convoy were in Italy. The Squadron bivouacked in an olive grove
beside the Airdrome. Except for inclement weather and lack of transportation the
Squadron was well set up by the end of the week. Operational missions concentrated on
Airdromes in Greece and Yugoslavia.
Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt, gunner
Hilborne, Thomas G., S/Sgt, gunner
Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt, gunner
Kilgore, Thomas A., Pvt, gunner
Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot
Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt, gunner
October 8 – 14 – 43: No Officers and Enlisted Men joined during this period. Staff
Sergeant Smith and Yutzy transferred to the U.S.A. after completing 50 missions. Usual
Squadron duties performed. Many Officers and Enlisted Men awaiting transportation to
U.SA. after completing their 50 missions.
Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt, gunner
October 15 – 21 – 43: 1st Lt. Robinson assigned and joined on D.S. to 47th Wing. 10
Officers and 19 Enlisted Men, combat crews of B-25G went on D.S to Tobruk, North
Africa. Captain Isaacson went on D.S. to AAF School of Tactical Training, Orlando,
Florida. Missions continued to pound Yugoslavia and Greece Airdromes and
communications despite continual rain the Squadron is well set up. Transportation and
water supply remained a problem.
Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt, pilot
Robinson, B. T., 2Lt
October 22 – 31- 43: The following Officers and Enlisted Men assigned and joined: 2nd
Lts. Jones, Bell, Cooper, Eddy, Hicks, Kreutz, Coffee, Tobias, McRee, Moss, Matkins,
Crowell, Doyle, and Feeley, F/O Sandlin: Staff Sergeants Pitts, Johnson, Robertshaw,
Allen, Bennett, Kepford, Riss; Sergeants Currie, Gately, VanCura, Johnson, Coleman,
Daniels, and Tudor; PFC Jeffrey. The following Officers and Enlisted Men were
transferred to U.S.A. after completion of 50 missions: Lts Davies, Moore, Stewart,
Garret, Mundell, Captain Stultz, Urquhart, Ligarde, Ellington, Bowman, Brandt, Bruton,
Clough, McCurry, Mims, Coffey, Holt, Petrich, Reich, Abrams, Staff Sergeants Ryal,
LaRue, Taylor, Uzailko, Robert, Harding, Moorman. Lt. Hardzog transferred to
Headquarters M.A.T.S. Lt. Tolton on D.S. to the 12th Bomber Command. On October
24 Lt. Clark was wounded in the leg while on a mission over Tirana, Albania. 5 Officers
were sent to rest camp at Ponte Cesaria. Usual Squadron duties were performed. 15
missions were flown during the month. Squadron on October 31 was 74 Officers and 302
Enlisted Men.
Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt, bombardier
Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt, gunner
Bell, Robert C., 2Lt, bombardier
Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt, gunner
Bowman, William W., 2Lt, pilot
Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot
Bruton, John E., 2Lt, pilot
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot
Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt, pilot
Coffey, Kenneth H.F., 2Lt, pilot
Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt, gunner
Currie, James L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Davies, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot
Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier
Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt, turret gunner
Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Holt, William E., 2Lt, navigator
Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt, gunner
Jones, Truman R., 2Lt, pilot
Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt, bombardier
Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt, navigator
McCurry, Milton L., 2Lt, pilot
Mims, Joe A., 1Lt, bombardier
Moorman, Arthur L, S/Sgt, gunner
Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt, bombardier
Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt, gunner
Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt, gunner
Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt, gunner
Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O, pilot
Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot
Tobias, William M., 2Lt, pilot
Tudor, Owen M., Sgt, gunner
Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot
Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt, pilot
Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt, gunner
Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt, pilot
Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier
Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot
Harding, John E., S/Sgt, gunner
Hicks, John T., 2Lt, pilot
Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC, gunner
Johnson, Roy C., Sgt, gunner
Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt, gunner
LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt, gunner
Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt, bombardier
McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt, bombardier
Moore, Leland A., 2Lt, pilot
Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt, pilot
Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt, bombardier
Reich, William John, 2Lt, bombardier
Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt, gunner
Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt, gunner
Stewart, John C., 1Lt, pilot
Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt, gunner
Tolton, Justin C., 2Lt, pilot
Urquhart, Donald A., 2Lt, pilot
VanCura, Edward W., Sgt, gunner

October 1943 - 57th Bomb Wing

Transcription

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