September 1944 - 57th Bomb Wing

Transcription

12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: September 1944
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For my dad,
Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (deceased)
“Lil Butch”
John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: September 1944
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: [email protected]
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 September 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO:
In France, the flight of the 72nd Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO,
operating from Caserta, Italy with L-5s returns to base at Brignoles; and the 121st Liaison
Squadron, AAF, MTO, based at Pomigliano, Italy sends "A" Flight to operate from St
Tropez with L-4s and L-5s. During Sep, the detachment of the 16th Reconnaissance
Squadron (Heavy, Special), AAF, MTO, operating from Borgo, Corsica with B-17s,
returns to base at Foggia, Italy (the squadron serves as a radar detection and ECM unit in
the MTO until 26 Sep 44).
`
In Italy during the night of 31 Aug/1 Sep A-20s hit gun positions and
targets of opportunity in the W Po Valley; weather grounds B-26s during the day but B25s score excellent results against road and railroad bridges N and NE of Venice; fighterbomber and fighters bomb and strafe roads, troop concentrations, supply dumps, and
German HQ in the battle area N of Florence, and fly armed reconnaissance from
Ventimiglia along the coast to La Spezia; and the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd
Fighter Wing, moves from Pomigliano to Rosignano with Mosquitos leaving a
detachment at Pomigliano. In France, the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron,
5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance)] and based at Borgo, Corsica with F-5s begins operating from Le Luc;
the 314th and 315th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, move from Le Luc to Istres
with P-47s; and the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, moves from
Solonzara, Corsica to Le Vallon with Beaufighters.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Continuing our “Operation Strangle” to isolate the German
forces on the Gothic Line, the Group with 24 A/C attacked the Feltre RR and Rd. bridges
on the supply route in from Austria. The RR bridge was smothered with 100% coverage
while the Rd. bridge was missed by the six plane Azon deal which dropped 12 x 1,000
pounders.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 527/mission 527) Group Mission # 527:
Feltre, Italy Railroad Bridge
(Group mission report not available at this time)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 528/mission 528) Group Mission # 528:
Feltre Road Bridge, Italy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 1 September 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: No operational mission was scheduled for today. Nine new
gunners arrived today as replacements. Seven officer-bombardiers were promoted to the
grade of First Lieutenant today. The usual bomb training was in effect today including
transition, formation and flights to the bombing range. The mail call was very slim
today.
445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 527/mission 527) Group Mission # 527:
(445th BS did not participate)
446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown. Lts. Clausen and Matthews are made First
Lieutenants.
Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt, bombardier
Matthews, John Walker, Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Squadron Mission 375
TARGET: Feltre, Italy Railroad Bridge
DATE: 1 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb.
446th Planes: 9
Lt. Wiginton led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area with several direct
hits on bridge one span of which was reported down before bombing. No flak, no
fighters.
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
A/C No. 43-27747 “Spider’s Frolic
Pad”
P Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt
CP Gittings, Raymond W., 2Lt
N Phillips, Lowell G., 1Lt
B Mayo, Jack D., 1Lt
E Leonard, Malcolm B., S/Sgt
R Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., T/Sgt
G Bruner, Edward (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4052 “Lil Butch”
P Hipson, Robert Graham, 1Lt
CP Crinnion, Edward V., 2Lt
N None
B Vannah, Harold P., Jr., F/O
E Petrella, Luigi C., S/Sgt
R Poorman, William H., S/Sgt
G Lorentson, Edward H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4020 “Bourbon Baby”
Gibbons, George H., 1Lt
Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 2Lt
None
Ricke, Richard O., S/Sgt
Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Maddox, Everett R., T/Sgt
Cifuni, Robert J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27497 “Barbara”
Peterson, Frederick I., 2Lt
White, Frank B., 2Lt
None
Nemet, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt
Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt
Harrison, Hoyt V., T/Sgt
Leeper, Kenneth E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4097 “Tiny?” (later
Darlene)
P Ivankovig, Paul J., 1Lt
CP Rackley, Donald D., 2Lt
N None
B Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
E Stapleton, Carl B., S/Sgt
R Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt
G Wiacek, Emil J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Mickel, Alan T., 1Lt
Reilly, John A., 2Lt
None
Finney, Preston N., S/Sgt
Lundtoft, Hans G., S/Sgt
Freeman, Cecil O., S/Sgt
Heery, Philip M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27660 “Shooting Bull”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ligon, Walton M., 2Lt
Goodrich, John W., 2Lt
Dunn, Thomas B., 1Lt
Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
Zelnick, John J., S/Sgt
Bundy, Garland A., S/Sgt
Glendening, George F., Jr., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27732 “LEYDALE”
Wozniak, Stanley E., 2Lt
Fisher, Carl D., 2Lt
None
Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 1Lt
Henry, Scott G., S/Sgt
Wilking, Robert L., Cpl
Slezak, Alex E., S/Sgt
Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical
(observer)
A/C No. 43-4074 (picture of seated
lady - no name/lettering)
Swanson, Harry A., 1Lt
Gallagher, Andrew Paul, F/O
None
Gilligan, John W., 2Lt
Davis, Virgil F., Sgt
Brugioni, Dino A., S/Sgt
Haxby, William H., Jr., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27496 “PRINCESS
PAOLA II” (later PRINCESS) (Did not
take off - electrical trouble)
Vancil, Alfred E., 1Lt
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt
Bender, Vernon I., S/Sgt
Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt
Beets, Frank T., Sgt
None
TARGET: Feltre Road Bridge, Italy
DATE: 1 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. (Azon)
446th Planes: 6
Major Cooper led the formation. Bombs to S and two near misses at center of bridge.
No hits. No flak, no fighters. (Crew list missing)
A/C No. 1 unidentified plane & crew
Cooper, Paul T., Maj, Commander
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
None
None
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 1Lt, bombardier:
“Rec’d a letter from Alice – wrote. Another day with not a thing to do, monotonous as
heck. Reading ‘Cross Creek’ – fair. Took B-4 bag down to Tech Supply to be repaired.
Sacked awhile, but too hot. Rec’d another letter from Alice. To show, ‘Her Primitive
Man’ – good.”
447th BS War Diary: Today’s training consisted of local transition. No change. Usual
squadron duties.
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 527/mission 527) Group Mission # 527: Nine
of our ships participated in a raid on the Feltre RR Bridge (B-442190), with Lt. Wiginton
leading our squadron. Excellent concentration in target area with several direct hits on
bridge. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %.
A/C No. 43-27779
P Remmel, Earl Howard “The Fox”, 1Lt
CP Ramey, Gordon A. “Gordy”, 1Lt
N None
B Melamed, Meyer G., 1Lt
E Ifshin, Isidore (NMI) “Sonny”, Sgt
R McFarland, John F., T/Sgt
G Bauder, Harold R., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4069 “Ruptured Duck”
P Burns, Robert J., 2Lt
CP Wallace, Edwin E., 2Lt
N None
B Niedelman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt
E Mercea, George (NMI), S/Sgt
R Gaydos, John P., T/Sgt
G May, Frederick J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4040 “Fearless Fosdick”
F
Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt
Mims, Nathan (NMI), 1Lt
None
Gargiulo, Vincent J. “Vince”, 2Lt
Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt
Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt
Richards, Charles M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27498 “Ave Maria”
P Wakeley, Charles G., III, 1Lt
CP Willis, Richard L., 1Lt
N None
B James, Robert M., 1Lt
E Tollefson, Walter F. K.,S/Sgt
R Pierce, William H., T/Sgt
G Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
F Simms, Cleo W., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27492 “Reddie Teddie”
Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt
Morton, William C., 1Lt
Thomas, Robert E., 1Lt
Windler, John H., Capt
Gillies, Robert H., S/Sgt
Mathews, William E., T/Sgt
Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”,
S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27636
Magne, Henry J. “Joe”, 1Lt
Hutson, Ernest G. “Hod”, 2Lt
None
Fisher, Gerald E., 1Lt
Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt
Young, Robert E., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet
Mrs. Runyon)
Runyon, Leroy C., 1Lt
Johnson, Eric A., 1Lt
None
Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt
O’Neil, James R., Sgt
Keefe, John A., S/Sgt
Flowers, Frank J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27473 “Paper Doll”
Schweda, George J., 1Lt
Marchant, Wendell E., 2Lt
Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 1Lt
Brule, Gordon J., 1Lt
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
MacNeil, Joseph W., S/Sgt
Corkill, John (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4079 “Little David”
P Cunningham, Robert T. “Bob”, 1Lt
CP Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt
N None
B Spilko, Harold (NMI), 1Lt
E Dubbs, Andrew C., Sgt
R Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt
G Guild, Bernard Robert, Sgt
F Shand, Arthur T., S/Sgt
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “51st
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed Feltre R.R. Bridge (I), nice bombing, no opposition.”
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 1Lt, pilot,
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
448th BS: War Diary of: Schaffer, Irving J., Cpl, radio-gunner:
“Awoke 7:53AM. It's Friday, the first day of September. . Corn pancakes, oatmeal,
coffee, grapefruit juice. Washed sun tans. Played blackjack for a spell. Sauce and
spaghetti, peas, diced carrots, cocoa, bread and butter. Steve Wojnolowicz 152 Front St.
Schenectady was over for chow. Clarence Donovan Schaffner 51 Olean St, Bolivar, New
York and I hiked through a narrow rocky winding trail to the village of Ventiseri. About
12 kilometers from camp. Village is situated on side of mountain about 7,000 feet high.
Stopped at the cafe‚ for water. Una mademoiselle and deux French soldats were there.
Colored troops. Intermingled sexually with the Corsican whites. Malaga and blue grape
vineyards dot the hillside. Fig trees, sassafras, thimbleberries and cork trees dominate
the heavier wooded sections. Peasant women still laboring although 80 years of age.
From this village of Ventiseri, one can plainly see the 321st airdrome in the valley.
Native villages are up in the mountains to keep out of the mosquitoes reach and malaria.
Viewed an ancient graveyard and monastery. The church bell is atop a high stone tower
ranging about 75 feet in height. 15-foot ladder sections are the path, which the bell
ringer uses to reach his objective. Small American school in village. At the village water
spring we met the priest. Commenced our return journey at 4:20PM.
Arrived at Travo at 6:10PM. Jeep picked us up for remainder of 1 miles to camp. Pork
chops, mashed potatoes, peas, bread and marmalade, coffee. Our motor at the shower
was stolen. Showering at Steve's of the 445th. Fragmentation bombs being loaded for
tomorrow's mission. Celebrating Schaffner's being grounded on his 62nd mission. 4 other
radiomen were grounded. Sure will miss Charles. Retired at 11:45PM. Feeling
somewhat inebriated.”
Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Wojnolowicz, Stephen J. "Wowly", Sgt, ordnance, 445th BS
Saturday, 2 September 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 72d
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Brignoles to
Grenoble, France with L-5s.
In Italy, B-25s bomb 3 bridges in the Po Valley, following a raid
during the night of 1/2 Sep by A-20s which hit a pontoon bridge and targets of
opportunity in the Valley; and fighter-bombers blast roads, bridges and gun
emplacements in Po Valley, docks at Savona, and shipping off shore. In France, fighterbombers, hampered by poor weather, hit barracks and rail lines in the Lyon area; and HQ
324th Fighter Group moves from Le Luc to Istres.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Stood down – weather.
445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were scheduled for a mission today but it was
cancelled. 10 bombardiers received some good training on the rate machine while 6
others spent some time on the bomb trainer. The squadron bombardiers are going
through a rigorous training schedule. Hamburgers were enjoyed for supper tonight after
the afternoon mail call had again proved disappointing to the men.
446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties are performed.
“Policed & cleaned up tent for inspection by Maj. Cooper. Ok. Hung and sacked all
day. Hot as heck. Gathering of the clan in the club. Middle of the nite, heavy rainstorm
with thunder and lightning.”
Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled but cancelled due to weather conditions.
1st Lt. William E. Kibler in on DS, 320th Service Group per SO-121 57th Bomb Wing. A
meeting was held at 9:30 hours at the 447th Squadron Orderly Room with Staff Officers
and enlisted men Section Heads present regarding the possibility of moving in the near
future. Consequently rumors are thick. Today’s training consisted of local transition and
bombing practice.
Kibler, William E. “Kib”, 1Lt, pilot
“Awoke at 7:35AM. Boys informed me I am on the morning's mission. Pancakes,
oatmeal, prunes and apricots, bread and jelly, coffee. Mission canceled, standing by.
Operations called. Seward, La Bella and myself to go up for practice camera mission
using k20 aloft for 1 3/4 hours. Pilot Lt Ovard will see results tomorrow. Canned corn
beef, many beans, fruit salad, bread and butter, water. Slept for 1-1/2 hours. Haircut
and shave at the barber shop. Dirt floor, four foot wooden side, mosquito netting, canvas
Saturday, 2 September 1944 (continued)
roof. Box with back support for chair. Read "Young Man Axelbrod" by Sinclair Lewis.
Day is very clear. George Huha, Hutchinson, Mine, Hermansi, Pennsylvania informed
me that Master Sgt. George Parsons has appointed me chief radio operator. Fried hot
dogs, kidney beans, canned corn, fruit salad, bread, iced tea. Visited Taylor and Smitty
at 445th. They have three missions. One quart of beer per man at club. Charge - 20
francs. On tomorrow's mission as cameraman, carrying 1000-lb demolition bombs.
Retired 10:00PM. Thunderstorm awoke us at 2:00AM. We let down and secured flaps.
Unable to fall asleep for some time.”
Hutchinson, James (NMI), Sgt, gunner
Huha, George (NMI), Sgt, communications
LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, Sgt, radio-gunner, bombardier
Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt, pilot
Parsons, George M., Jr., M/Sgt, communications
Seward, Richard F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Smith, Francis L. “Smitty”, Cpl, gunner, 445th BS
Taylor, Marion R., Cpl, engineer-gunner, 445th BS
Sunday, 3 September 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, medium bombers pound railroad and road bridges in the W
Po Valley while fighter-bombers blast motor transport and rolling stock in the Turin area;
and on the night of 2/3 Sep A-20s on armed reconnaissance, start fires in Genoa harbor.
In France, fighter-bombers blast German vehicles retreating up the
Rhone Valley; the capture of Lyon is completed by French elements of the US Seventh
Army; and the 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, moves from Le Luc to Istres
with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The Azon mission of 6 A/C missed the Ronca Scrivia RR
bridges, mainly because of the target being obscured by shadows. However, the 36
planes attacking Po/Torreberretti bridge reported both approaches well hit on the RR
bridge with the road bridge completely demolished.
Po/Torreberretti Road and Rail Bridge, Italy.
Ronca Scrivia Railway Bridge, Italy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Two bombardiers went to the Capri rest camp which is still
available for rest purposes. 2 ships went to the bombing range, 5 ships went on transition
while 3 planes went on cross-country flight.
445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 529/mission 529) Group Mission # 529: The
squadron sent 9 ships to join the formation which attacked the Po-Torreberretti road and
railroad bridge, Italy. The squadron bombardiers displayed fine form probably gained in
the practice bombing by hanging up a perfect mission – 100 per cent bombing accuracy.
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
Wagner,
Gerald W., 1Lt
P
CP Sprankle, Floyd H., 2Lt
N Casaburi, Robert Roland, 1Lt
B Galindo, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt
E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt
R Kintly, James E., T/Sgt
G Harris, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27714 “Blonde Beauty”
Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt
Place, Winston R., 1Lt
None
Krause, Richard E. “Dick”, 2Lt
Carruthers, John (NMI), II, Cpl
Stephens, Robert T., T/Sgt
Smith, James B., S/Sgt
None
Sunday, 3 September 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 43-27741 “Val” (previously
“Modern Design”)
P Jeffery, James C., 1Lt
CP Bowling, Dan Parker, 2Lt
N None
B Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
E Poirier, Andre (NMI), Sgt
R Carney, Robert J., S/Sgt
G Miller, Robert Ryal, Sgt
F Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl
A/C No. 43-27733 “Porky’s Baby”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Wolfe, Robert A., 1Lt
Spencer, Charles F., 2Lt
None
Skebey, Robert J., 2Lt
Yoa, Harry (NMI), S/Sgt
Parlette, Oliver C., T/Sgt
Jannetta, Floridi D. “Floyd”, SS/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Groose, William R. “Bud”, 1Lt
Young, William J. “Dusty”, F/O
Rehrig, Earl E., 1Lt
Robson, Herbert E., 1Lt
Leith, Douglas L., 1Lt
Scott, Aurelias M., T/Sgt
Weaver, Dale W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Eatherly, Joseph A., 1Lt
Kendall, Wayne E., 2Lt
None
Cravey, Robert P., F/O
Freiler, Walter C., Sgt
McDonald, Thomas E., T/Sgt
Bates, Leonard H., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27534 (standing lady)
Born, Walter E., 2Lt
Santone, Michael A., 2Lt
None
Vaughan, Fred W., 2Lt
Bertling, Gerald M., Sgt
Gonzales, Alfred R., T/Sgt
Jacobs, Harry E., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27769 “Miss Fancy
Pants”
Martin, John W., 2Lt
Cormier, Emery O., 1Lt
None
Silnutzer, Joseph A., 2Lt
Walther, Henry W., S/Sgt
Giorgio, John B., T/Sgt
Smith, Francis L. “Smitty”, Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27502 “Pretty Kitty Blue
Eyes” (previously “What’s Cookin’?”)
Shenk, Stanley R., 2Lt
Monger, Samuel A. “Sam”, Jr., 2Lt
None
Knight, Arnold K., S/Sgt
Swingholm, Raymond J., S/Sgt
Pate, Harris B., Jr., T/Sgt
Bellendir, John C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27698 “Peggy Lou” (Lead
spare - did not fill in)
Weld, Willis R., 1Lt
Webb, Allen W. “Pete”, 1Lt
None
Palmer, Richard W., 2Lt
Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
Leach, Earl V., T/Sgt
Arcuri, John (NMI), Sgt
None
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament:
09/03/44”
Attended services again at Ghisonaccia. We had an attendance of eleven,
two of whom were non-members. The time was given over to testimony bearing and was
well used. Hughes came down from Bastia. For several days the weather was rather
warm. Last night a terrific electrical storm broke up in the mountains, which got
everyone out to fasten down the sides of the tent, and although very little rain fell here,
today is cool and pleasant. The fields and woods are green and fresh. I notice since
cutting their crop of hay the farmers have devoted the fields to pasturage for many fine
looking horses and cattle. I am expecting to soon load our last bombs in this theater. I
rather expect the war to end sometime this month with us still on the island. I want very
much to go to France. I doubt I will get to go home from this theater. The camp is rife
with rumors and speculation.”
Hughes, Francis, (from Mesquite, NV)
446th BS War Diary: Two missions with 14 of our ships are flown. Promotions to 1st
Lieut. Come to the following: Briles, Gittings, Grove, Higgins, Jaksic, Ligon, Lippy,
Nagel, Peterson, Pietrowski, Rackley, Trosky, White, Wozniak. Lts. Vancil and Noel
plus EM’s Mabe, Mowry, Slezak, Lamacchia go to Rome rest camp.
Briles, Connolly O., 1Lt, pilot
Gittings, Raymond W., 1Lt, pilot
Grove, Russell V., 1Lt, pilot
Higgins, Howard A., 1Lt, pilot
Jaksic, Francis R., 1Lt, bombardier
Lamacchia, Peter T., Sgt, Supply
Ligon, Walton M., 1Lt, pilot
Lippy, Harvey W., 1Lt, bombardier
Mabe, John Ivan, T/Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt
Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt, bombardier
Peterson, Frederick I., 1Lt, pilot
Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot
Rackley, Donald D., 1Lt, pilot
Slezak, Alex E., S/Sgt, gunner
Trosky, Chester J., 1Lt, pilot
Vancil, Alfred E., 1Lt, pilot
White, Frank B., 1Lt, pilot
Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt, pilot
TARGET: Po/Torreberretti Road and Rail Bridge, Italy.
DATE: 3 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 9
Lt. Wagner led the formation. A number of direct hits reported with good coverage of
middle and both ends of bridge. Some over to N and some short. Flak was heavy,
moderate and accurate, six planes holed. No fighters.
Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
A/C No. 43-27696 “Baby Blue Eyes”
P Jordan, Henry L., 1Lt
CP Reilly, John A., 2Lt
N Franklin, Arthur E., 1Lt
E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
R Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., T/Sgt
G South, William R., S/Sgt
F None
Pad”
P Fontaine, Eugene A., Jr., 1Lt
N None
B Derringer, Albert J., 2Lt
E Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt
R Cohen, Irwin (NMI), S/Sgt
G Heery, Philip M., S/Sgt
F None
Carlson, Lowell A., 2Lt
None
Leith, William V., 2Lt
Larson, Ralph L., S/Sgt
None
PAOLA II” (later PRINCESS)
P Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt
CP Schmid, Kenneth L., 2Lt
N None
B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 1Lt
E Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., S/Sgt
R Bove, Anthony P., T/Sgt
G Brown, Ronald M., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Smith, Randell Leroy, 1Lt
DiNorma, Joseph S., 2Lt
None
Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt
Smetana, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt
Rousos, Milton P., S/Sgt
None
Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 1Lt
Taylor, Richard E., 2Lt
None
Kreider, John L., S/Sgt
Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt
Bender, Thomas J., S/Sgt
None
Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt
Ingram, William T., 2Lt
None
Helgert, Claude George, S/Sgt
Fellmer, Carl M., S/Sgt
Wlodyka, Andrew J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27699 “Jessie” (later name
dropped from nose art)
Pietrowski, Stanley J., 2Lt
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt
Poorman, William H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Kimble, Arnold P., 2Lt
None
Shettleworth, William E., Sgt
Holder, Paul F., S/Sgt
Wiacek, Emil J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27501 “Sweet Sue Kathy
Jeanne” (unnamed to Nov 44. In 45
“Kathy Jeanne” dropped) (Lead spare did not fill in)
Goff, Leroy Robert, Jr., 1Lt
Crinnion, Edward V., 2Lt
Ottem, Earl R., 1Lt
Johnson, Henry W., 1Lt
Kane, Ronald J., S/Sgt
Burrow, Isom F., S/Sgt
None
TARGET: Ronca Scrivia Railway Bridge, Italy
DATE: 3 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 2 1000 lb. Azon, 2 1000 lb. GP per ship
446th Planes: 5
Lt. Dickson led the formation. Because target was obscured by shadow of hill bombs
were aimed at rail siding and a bridge approx. 200 yds. S of target. Hits on tracks and
group of buildings to S. Possible hits on first bridge S of intended target. Flak was light,
scant and inaccurate. No fighters.
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs. C”
Dickson,
Gale Monroe, 1Lt
P
CP White, Frank B., 2Lt
N Chapman, John Edward, 1Lt
B Kaenzig, Charles Leslie, 1Lt
E Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt
R Miles, Walter J., Jr.,
G Haxby, William H., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4077 “Stormy Weather”
(Previously 447th ship “Ann’s Little
Boy Val”)
P Hively, Harold Henry, 1Lt
CP Ziglar, Frank C., Maj
N None
B Paulson, Ronald A., 1Lt
E Lundtoft, Hans G., S/Sgt
R Nagy, Julius L., S/Sgt
G Murch, George M., Jr., Cpl
F Brugioni, Dino A., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27745
Hipson, Robert Graham, 1Lt
None
Gambino, Samuel F., 2Lt
Petrella, Luigi C., S/Sgt
Lorentson, Edward H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27519 (picture of Hula-girl
- no name/lettering)
Grove, Russell V., 2Lt
None
Yarbrough, George L., 1Lt
Cornelius, Wilbur G., Sgt
Crozer, Robert L., S/Sgt
McCarty, Lyle (NMI), S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27480
P Matthews, John Walker, Jr., 2Lt
CP Gallagher, Andrew Paul, F/O
N None
B Gale, Benjamin H., Jr., 1Lt
E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt
R McKearin, William Jerome, S/Sgt
G Mittman, Milton M., S/Sgt
F None
“Hawkes & Burandt got a ship to go to Sardinia. T.O. 1000; landed 1130 @ Villacidro.
Spent all day @ 17th BG, 37th BS with Horvath, Lynch, Love, Wright, etc. Went to Mass
with Horvath @ 1600. T.O. @ 1800, land 1430. Read ‘Without Orders’ – excellent.
Ship # 349, B-25. Solenzara Villa to Solenzara.
Flying time: 03:00 hrs.”
Burandt, Charles Lawson "Chuck", 1Lt, pilot
Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot
37th BS, 17th BG (M - B-26) personnel:
Horvath, James "Jim", 1Lt,
Love, Lloyd, 1Lt,
Lynch, Joseph, 1Lt
Wright, 1Lt
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp
Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Hubert P.J. Jensen; 1st Lt Guy M. Washburn; T/Sgt. Edward S.
Korzeniowski; T/Sgt. Walter J. Bilski; S/Sgt. Elmon P. Harriman; S/Sgt. Frederick J.
Tarra. The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st
Lt. William F. Heitman; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Spruill; T/Sgt Frank J. Reynolds; T/Sgt.
Aubrey W. Chatters; T/Sgt. Sidney Orloff; S/Sgt. Ralph Sinclair. The following officers
and enlisted men departed for rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. Robert W. Mulholland; 1st Lt.
Edwin E. Wallace; T/Sgt. Joseph D. Alpino; S/Sgt John Jaskowski. Morning report:
Officers 91; Enlisted Men 335. Today’s training consisted of local transition. The
following officers and enlisted men are on DS – Cairo: 1st Lt. Anthony L. Muzinich; 1st
Lt. Richard E. Murray; 1st Lt. William C. Huffman; 1st Lt. Harold N. Lindell; S/Sgt.
Robert W. Engels; S/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart; S/Sgt. George Mercea; S/Sgt. Grant W.
Baldridge; Sgt. Roy C. Dawson; Sgt. Joseph Veid; M/Sgt. Fred Pate. The following
officers were promoted to the rank of first lieutenant per SO 226, H1 12th AF: 2nd Lt.
Robert J. Burns; 2nd Lt. Earl W. Hall; 2nd Lt. Lester W. Robinson; 2nd Lt. Richard L.
Willis.
Alpino, Joseph D., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt, gunner
Bilski, Walter J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Chatters Aubrey W., T/Sgt, gunner
Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt, gunner
Burns, Robert J., 1Lt, pilot
Hall, Earl W., 1Lt, pilot
Harriman, Elmon P., gunner, S/Sgt
Heitman, William F., 1Lt, pilot
Huffman, William C., 1Lt, bombardier
Jaskowski, John (NMI) “Jack”, S/Sgt, gunner
Jensen, Hubert P. J., 1Lt, pilot
Korzeniowski, Edward S., T/Sgt, gunner
Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt, navigator
Mercea, George (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Mulholland, Robert W., 1Lt, bombardier
Murray, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot
Muzinich, Anthony L. “Tony”, 1Lt, pilot
Orloff, Sidney (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Pate, Fred (NMI), M/Sgt, engineering
Reynolds, Frank J., T/Sgt, gunner
Robinson, Lester W., 1Lt, pilot
Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt, bombardier
Tarra, Frederick J., S/Sgt, gunner
Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt, aerial gunner
Wallace, Edwin E., 1Lt, pilot
Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 1Lt, pilot
Willis, Richard L., 1Lt, pilot
of our ships participated in a raid on the Torreberretti RR and Road Bridge (J-776207)
with Lt. Stocking leading the squadron. All bombs short of the target area. Mission
efficiency 100%; Bombing accuracy 0 %. (447th crew list unreadable)
P Stocking, Eugene E., 1Lt
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
A/C No. 43-27520 “Amorous Anne”
plane and crew identified in Mango war
diary
Krafka, Edward (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
Gates, Edward (NMI), 2Lt, pilot
None Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
Altman, Irving L., 1Lt, bombardier
Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt, engineergunner
See, Russell K., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Mango, Vincent A. "Vince", Sgt
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Mango, Vincent A. "Vince", Sgt, aerial gunner (Mission 41)
“Target: Torreberretti RR Br
Flak: HMA Combat: 2:30 Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 520 (43-27520 “Amorous Anne”) Crew: P-Lt Krafka
CP-Lt Gates B-Lt Altman N-Lt Rye E-SSG Clyne R-SSG See G-Sgt Mango
Number of direct hits reported w/good concentration on both ends of bridge”
Altman, Irving L., 1Lt, bombardier
Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
Mission 338 (529): At 15:55 36 planes off to bomb Po/Torreberretti Road and Railway
Bridge, Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as
the last element of the flight. Twenty-six (26) aircraft dropped 104 x 1000 G.P. from
10,500/12,000 feet. 36 x 1000 GP bombs returned due to rack malfunction and pilot’s
error. A number of direct hits were reported with good coverage of middle and both ends
of bridge. Heavy moderate, and accurate flak from battery ½ mile SW of bridge. 6
planes holed. Weather CAVU.
A/C No. 43-27652 “Out of Bounds”
A/C No. 43-27528
Anderson, Douglas R., 1Lt
P Farrell, Harold S., Capt
Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt
CP Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 1Lt
None
N Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 1Lt
Luckhaupt, Robert W., 2Lt
B Zinkand, Willard T., 1Lt
Bergstrom, Donald P., S/Sgt
E Perillo, Anthony L., S/Sgt
Rockwell, Stewart R. “Rockwell”, Sgt
R Doughty, Paul V., T/Sgt
Popovich, Chris (NMI), Sgt
G Holloway, Garland (NMI), Sgt
Seward, Richard F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4037 “Cherry Fizz”
A/C No. 43-27508
Blackwell, Robert G., 1Lt
P Burks, Richard W., Capt
Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 2Lt
CP Sheffield, Woodrow W., 2Lt
None
N None
Kiska, George P., 2Lt
B Greene, Louis P., 1Lt
Pineda, Nico M., S/Sgt
E Weyeneth, Carl H., S/Sgt
Brusa, Robert P., Sgt
R Bixler, Frederick F., T/Sgt
Hersh,
Bertram
(NMI),
S/Sgt
Markiewicz, Edward B., Sgt
G
None
F Schaffer, Irving J., Cpl
A/C No. 43-4068 “The Dutchess”
A/C No. 43-4067 “The Big Swing”
Duggan, Raymond E., F/O
P Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt
Kirk, Theodore (NMI) “Ted”, 2Lt
CP Rubin, Julius W., 2Lt
None
N None
McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 1Lt
B McCue, William M., Jr., 1Lt
Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., Cpl
E Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt
Hulse, Donald W., Cpl
R Parham, James E., T/Sgt
Moleski, Benny M. “Ben”, Cpl
G Penhale, Walter B., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27791
A/C No. 43-4076
Gladwill, James G., 2Lt
P Warren, William F., 1Lt
Rosenau, Gustave D., 2Lt
CP Kuoni, Charles F., Jr. 2Lt
None
0N None
Bearden, James E., 2Lt
B Comfort, Edward P., 1Lt
Rippel, Nat (NMI), S/Sgt
E Baird, James (NMI), Jr., Cpl
Berman, Samuel (NMI), Sgt
R Bass, Bernard G., Cpl
Knauss, Charles F., S/Sgt
G Abiecunas, Joseph P. “Abby”, Cpl
Dembrowski, Henry J., S/Sgt
F Sommer, Robert F., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27523
P Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt
CP Holcombe, Dewey R., 2Lt
N Bond, Edward N., 1Lt
B Schlenk, Henry O., 1Lt
E Veeck, Richard W., S/Sgt
R Jacobson, Fred (NMI), T/Sgt
G Groome, Daingerfield M., S/Sgt
F None
“PA system called us at 6:30AM for a 7:25AM briefing for today's mission. 6:35AM
mission canceled. Pancakes, coffee, tomato juice. Smitty, Taylor and I attended
Protestant services. Chaplain (Captain) Johnson presided. Went over to photo lab.
Results of practice mission were fair. Received our rations for two weeks consisting of 5
cans of beer, 1 coke, 15 pkgs cigarettes, 8 candy bars, 1 box gum drops, 1 tooth brush, 1
tube toothpaste, 1 jackknife, $3.30. Hot mashed potatoes, sliced beets, spinach, bread
and butter, coffee. Called in for briefing at 3:55PM. Target 30 miles north of Genoa,
Italy. 23 span railway bridge and highway. Acting as photographer using K20. Take off
4:10PM. Encountered flak about 5:31PM. 5 minutes before target. First element hit
target, snapped 3 photos. Didn't salvo our 1000-lb GP. Landed 7:05PM. Several ships
hit, but returned safely. I had no fear on my first mission, but my stomach felt very
strange. Fred Bixler of Indianapolis, radio operator was most helpful. Using Schaffner's
flack helmet. Flack suit and sitting on frequency meter. Altitude 12000 feet, about 45
degrees F. Clear weather. Interrogated by S-2. Stew, stewed tomatoes, lima beans,
vanilla pudding, bread and coffee. Schaffner, Huha and I ate cheese sandwiches and
drank a can of beer each. On tomorrow's mission. Flew on "Cheery Fizz" today. 29
missions. Retired 11:30PM.”
Bixler, Frederick F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Johnson, E. V. (i.o.), Capt, Chaplain, HQ 321st BG
Monday, 4 September 1944
In Italy, B-25s and B-26s hit several road and railroad bridges and
tunnel in the Po Valley while fighter-bombers strike pontoon bridges, roads, bridges, and
motor transport in preparation for an Allied ground assault on the Gothic Line; during the
night of 3/4 Sep A-20s on armed reconnaissance of the Po Valley bomb vehicles in the
Turin-Milan areas; fighters fly armed reconnaissance and offensive patrols in the Po
Valley and the Rhone Valley in France.
In France, the 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; and the
detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, operating from
Tarquinia returns to base at Rosignano with Mosquitos.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On a very successful mission the 3 Pavia bridges were simply
smothered with beautiful concentrations by 18 A/C on each. Recce showed all 5 spans
down on the RR bridge and both road bridges badly damaged.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 531
DATE: 4 Sep 44
NO. A/C: 18
SQUADRONS:
445-9
446-9
447-0
448-0
TARGET: Pavia E. Road Bridge K-196328
TIME OFF: 0902
T.O.T.: 1101
TIME DOWN: 1215
AXIS OF ATTACK: 115° HEIGHT: 12/12,500 ft.
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 72 x 1000 GP - .1 & .025
PLANES HOLED: None. ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to P-5033; K-0705; J-8035; J-9743 (IP), target, right turn to J-9320 to P5033 to base.
WEATHER: CAVU entire route.
FLAK: None
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: All bombs in target area. Several direct hits on center of bridge. One
report of bridge collapsed at S end. Some bombs N of bridge on land.
OBSERVATIONS: 20 car train moving west at J-9627 at 1055 hrs. Bridge 5 miles S.
of Pavia out; 100/150 RR cars in M/Y at Voghera (K-0813) 100
RR cars and a locomotive in M/Y at Serravalle 0-9384; 200 RR
cars in Alessandria M/Y; Pavia - 100 RR cars, Stationary in M/Y.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Burandt and Collins.
NO. OF SORTIES: 18
PHOTOS TAKEN.
S P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
Asst Intelligence Officer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 4 September 1944 (continued)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 532
DATE: 4 Sep 44
NO. A/C: 19
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-0
447-10
448-9
TARGET: Pavia W. Road Bridge K-192328
TIME OFF: 0902
T.O.T.: 1102
TIME DOWN: 1230
AXIS OF ATTACK: 115° HEIGHT: 11,200/11,600 ft.
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 68 x 1000 GP.
4 x 1000 salvoed malft.
4 x 1000 returned malft.
ROUTE: Base to P-5033; K-0705; J-8035; J-9743 (IP), target, right turn to J-9320, P5033 to base.
WEATHER: CAVU.
FLAK: None
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: All bombs in target area. Excellent concentration from center to south
bank. ¾ direct hits observed.
OBSERVATIONS: 12 M/T at K-0611, going east, 1110 hours.
Novi Ligure, O-88889, 50/60 RR cars and one engine.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Capt. Farwell and Lt. Alger.
NO. OF SORTIES: 19
PHOTOS TAKEN.
WILLIAM E. LEVINE,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
Ass’t S-2 Officer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 533
DATE: 4 Sep 44
NO. A/C: 18
SQUADRONS:
445-6
446-6
447-3
448-3
TARGET: Pavia RR Bridge (K-182332).
TIME OFF: 0902
T.O.T.: 1102
TIME DOWN: 1245
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 63 x 1000 GP .1 & .025
9 x 1000 returned malft.
ROUTE: Base to P-5033; K-0705; J-8035; J-9743 (IP), target, right turn to J-9320, P5033 and base.
WEATHER: CAVU.
FLAK: None
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: 4/5 direct hits seen on bridge. Several reports of spans down from center
to north end. All bombs in target area with excellent concentration
reported on bridge itself.
OBSERVATIONS: Indications of pontoon bridge being built across Po River at K0423. 3 car train moving south at P-0070 (Ronco Scrivia).
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Wagner and Vivas.
NO. OF SORTIES: 18
PHOTOS TAKEN.
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: Squadron personnel took turns traveling to the beaches behind the
line area for the purpose of firing carbines at targets on the beach. This was
accomplished in compliance of an order posted on the bulletin board. There was a
satisfactory mail call this afternoon and the men’s faces reflected their jubilant feelings.
squadron sent out 9 aircraft with the formation that attacked the Pavia railroad bridge,
Italy. This squadron came through with its second straight 100 per cent bombing
accuracy mission.
A/C No. 43-27740 (flight leader)
Collins, Daniel P., 1Lt
Dickerson, Samuel M., Capt
Smith, Raymond (NMI), 1Lt
Baldwin, Harold O., 1Lt
Malloy, Edward J., Sgt
Kneisel, Charles W., S/Sgt
Kramer, Henry P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
P Dyer, Robert H., 1Lt
CP Moore, William H., Jr., 2Lt
0N None
B Hagerman, Millard W., 1Lt
E Leith, Douglas L., S/Sgt
R McDonald, Thomas E., T/Sgt
G Decker, Robert J., S/Sgt
F None
P Hardman, Albert F. “Al”, Jr., 1Lt
CP Rung, Raymond F. “Red”, Jr., F/O
N None
B Cravey, Robert P., F/O
E Watts, Joseph T., Jr., Cpl
R Plunk, Charlie B., T/Sgt
G Tronolone, Joseph R., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27716 “Shit House
Mouse”
Baker, Thomas J., 1Lt
Poteete, Max W., 2Lt
None
Beck, Robert B. “Bob”, 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
Frank, Robert R., 1Lt
McKay, Donald I., 1Lt
None
Smith, William A., Jr., S/Sgt
Davis, Olin (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt
Taylor, Marion R., Cpl
None
Lyons, Lawrence L., 1Lt
Elliott, James R., Jr., 2lt
None
Weiner, Irving B., 2Lt
Larkin, Francis C. “Charley”, S/Sgt
Hall, Warren Francis, T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27698 “Peggy Lou”
P Weld, Willis R., 1Lt
CP Payne, Lawrence J., 2Lt
N Rehrig, Earl E., 1Lt
B Palmer, Richard W., 1Lt
E Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
R Leach, Earl V., T/Sgt
G Arcuri, John (NMI), Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
McLaughlin, Elwood F., Jr., 1Lt
Emler, Richard S. “Dick”, F/O
None
Doherty, Charles S., S/Sgt
Hope, Amos (NMI), Sgt
Gray, John H., S/Sgt
Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
Glasford, Loren G., 2Lt
None
Gifford, Robert H., 2Lt
Rockett, James J., S/Sgt
None
“Modern Design”) (Lead spare - did not
fill in)
Jeffery, James C., 1Lt
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
Poirier, Andre (NMI), Sgt
Carney, Robert J., S/Sgt
Miller, Robert Ryal, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!” (flight
leader)
P Wagner, Gerald W., 1Lt
E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt
R Scott, Aurelias M., T/Sgt
G Smith, Francis L. “Smitty”, Cpl
F None
A/C No. 43-4008 “Spirit of St Louis”
Gunder, William H., 1Lt
None
Yoa, Harry (NMI), T/Sgt
Jannetta, Floridi D. “Floyd”, S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27742 “Vicious Vera”
(later “Winnie Mae”)
P Daggett, Allen L. “Jerry”, 1Lt
CP Kendall, Wayne E., 2Lt
N None
B Klein, Robert J., 1Lt
E Cummings, Walter T., S/Sgt
R None listed
G Bates, Leonard H., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27792 “Cuddle Bunny”
P Richardson, John S., 1Lt
N None
B Krause, Richard E. “Dick”, 2Lt
E Marinucci, Andrew J., Sgt
R Kavan, Lester D., S/Sgt
G Harris, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
Moore, Henry D., 1Lt
None
Woody, Louie M., Sgt
Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt
Valley, Arnold E., S/Sgt
None
None
Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt
Stanley, Harold Gene “Gene”, Cpl
None
446th BS War Diary: September 4 and 5: Two missions are flown each of these days.
TARGET: Pavia E. Road Bridge, Italy
DATE: 4 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP
446th Planes: 9
Lt. Burandt led the formation. All bombs in target area. Several direct hits on center of
bridge. One report of bridge collapsed at S end. No flak. Lt. Wozniak spare returned
early.
Darlene) (flight leader)
P Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt
N Dunn, Thomas B., 1Lt
R Sweedler, Max (NMI), T/Sgt
G Haxby, William H., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
Perlman, Jacob L., F/O
None
None
CP Rackley, Donald D., 2Lt
N None
B Farber, Joseph L., 1Lt
R McCarty, Lyle (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
Chandler, Walter W., 2Lt
None
Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., S/Sgt
Burrow, Isom F., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-36224 probably ”Hauling
Ass II”
P Goff, Leroy Robert, Jr., 1Lt
N None
B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt
E Davis, Virgil F., Sgt
R Freeman, Cecil O., S/Sgt
G Larson, Ralph L., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64549
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Bryan, Dwight L., Sgt
None
Higgins, Howard A., 2Lt
None
Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
Miles, Walter J., Jr., T/Sgt
South, William R., S/Sgt
None
Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt
Cressman, Jack E., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
Briles, Connolly O., 2Lt
None
Pettit, Robert H., 2Lt
Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt
Mittman, Milton M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4021 “The Little
Admiral” (later Lady Jane) (Lead spare
- did not fill in)
Phillips, Lowell G., 1Lt
Forsberg, Robert A., 1Lt
McArdle, John R., S/Sgt
Brown, Dennis H., S/Sgt
None
TARGET: Pavia Railroad Bridge, Italy
DATE: 4 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 6
Lt. Wagner led the formation. 4-5 direct hits seen on bridge. Several reports of spans
down from center to N end. All bombs in target area with excellent concentration on
bridge itself. No flak.
PAOLA II” (later PRINCESS) (flight
leader)
N Ottem, Earl R., 1Lt
R Bove, Anthony P., T/Sgt
G Brown, Ronald M., S/Sgt
F None
P Ligon, Walton M., 2Lt
CP Ingram, William T., 2Lt
N None
B Robertson, Charles W., Capt
R Brugioni, Dino A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-3989 “My Georgia Peach”
(on co-pilot side - “The Leading Lady”,
previously “Miss Dallas”)
CP Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Leith, William V., 2Lt
E Bender, Vernon I., S/Sgt
R Holder, Paul F., S/Sgt
F None
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart”
Nagel, Charles E., 2Lt
None
DeAngelo, Ralph J., S/Sgt
Leary, Gwynn M., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27678 “Lemmon Lu”
None
Vannah, Harold P., Jr., F/O
None
“To Finance Office to exchange Francs for Lires. Sacked and hung around tent all day.
Letter from Mary Mooney. Showered & shaved. Meeting all officers @ 1745, a lot of
promotions & Air Medal Clusters given out. To show, Kay Kyser ‘Around the World’ –
good, except generator cutting out.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers are relieved of assignment and transferred
to Replacement Depot No. & for transshipment on rotation to the United States per orders
from 12th Air Force: Captain John H. Windler; 1st Lt. Merton K. Matthewson; 1st Lt.
Melville R. Bastin. Today’s training consisted of local transition. A formation took
place at officers area of the 447th Squadron at 1830 hours for the presentation of awards
and decorations to a large number of combat officers and enlisted men. Colonel R.H.
Smith addressed the formation and presented 87 Air Medals, 9 Distinguished Flying
Crosses, 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, 8 Purple Hearts and a Silver Star to 1st Lt. Eric A. Johnson.
Bastin, Melville R., 1Lt, pilot
Johnson, Eric A., 1Lt, pilot
Matthewson, Merton K., 1Lt, navigator
Windler, John H., Capt, bombardier
Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 532/mission 532) Group Mission # 532: Ten
of our ships participated in a raid on the Pavia RR Bridge K-182332 with Lt. Alger
leading our squadron. All bombs in target area with an excellent concentration on bridge
scoring several direct hits. Mission efficiency 58.3 % Bombing accuracy 100%.
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet Mrs.
Runyon)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Rosenblatt, James M., 1Lt
Smith, William L., S/Sgt
Holmes, Ora E., Jr., Sgt
A/C No. 43-28082 “Traveling
Comedy” (later “Modern Maiden”)
(flight leader)
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt
Bullion, Roland G. “Rollo”, 2Lt
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Ford, Leonard W., S/Sgt
Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt
May, Frederick J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27785
P Gates, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
CP Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 1Lt
N None
B Toole, John F., T/Sgt
E Applegarth, Smith B., Sgt
R Balling, Robert J., S/Sgt
G Lejman, George T., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27779
P Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt
CP Cunningham, Robert T. “Bob”, 1Lt
N None
G Young, Robert E., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 43-27636
P Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt
CP Robinson, Lester W., 2Lt
N None
B Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
E Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt
R Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt
G Miller, Dale G., Sgt
F Burns, Harry B., Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ramey, Gordon A. “Gordy”, 1Lt
Remmel, Earl Howard “The Fox”, 1Lt
None
Ifshin, Isidore (NMI) “Sonny”, Sgt
Korzeniowski, Edward S., T/Sgt
Bauder, Harold R., Sgt
None
None
Connolly, Paul B., Sgt
None
Jensen, Hubert P., J., 1Lt
Burns, Robert J., 1Lt
None
Melamed, Meyer G., 1Lt
Freeman, Millard C., S/Sgt
See, Russell K., S/Sgt
Guild, Bernard Robert, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27492”Reddie Teddie”
Morton, William C., 2Lt
Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt
Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt
Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4009 “Double-O-Nine”
(Lead spare - filled in with 448th BS)
Spear, Marvin L., 1Lt
None
Mesna, Leeland A. “Lee”, 1Lt
Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt
Carlson, Carl M., T/Sgt
Payne, Leonard T., S/Sgt
None
Three of our ships participated in a raid on the Pavia East Road Bridge with the 446 th
squadron. All bombs in target area, scoring several direct hits. Lt. Krafka led our
squadron. Mission efficiency 88.8 % Bombing accuracy 88.8 %.
A/C No. 43-3403 “Incendiary Blonde”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Woods, Richard J., 1Lt
Walker, Marion E., 1Lt
None
Gargiulo Vincent J., 2Lt
Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt
Torrey, Francis S., S/Sgt
Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, Sgt
A/C No. 43-4060 “Cover Girl”
P
CP
N
B
Manley, Ward E., 1Lt
Hennessey, Ralph E., 2Lt
None
Niedelman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt
E
Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt
R
G
F
Pierce, William H., T/Sgt
Fowler, Harold E., S/Sgt
Shand, Arthur T., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27542 “Superstitious
Aloysius”
Krafka, Edward (NMI), 1Lt
Christian, Calvin B., 1Lt
Altman, Irving L., 1Lt
Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt
Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27718 (Wing spare returned - did not fill in)
Gillis, John R., 1Lt
Wentz, James I. “Jim”, F/O
None
S/Sgt
Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr.,
S/Sgt
Free, Paul L., T/Sgt
Rose, Clifford A., S/Sgt
None
Mission 339 (532): At 0902 19 planes off to bomb W. Pavia Road Bridge, Italy. Eight
(8) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the lead element of
the flight. The formation dropped 68 x 1000 GP from 11,200/11,600 feet. 4 x 1000 GP
bombs returned due to rack malfunction. All bombs in target area and 3/4 direct hits
were observed. No flak encountered. Weather: CAVU.
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. 43-27805 “Desirable” (flight
leader)
Farwell, Harold S., Capt
Moss, Raymond W., Capt
Duncan, George F., 1Lt
Zinkand, Willard T., 1Lt
Perillo, Anthony L., S/Sgt
Doughty, Paul V., T/Sgt
Holloway, Garland (NMI), Sgt
None
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
Rubin, Julius W., 2Lt
None
Judy, Philip R., 1Lt
Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
Hassenbein, Sam (NMI), T/Sgt
Popovich, Chris (NMI), Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27648 “Sweetie”
Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 1Lt
None
Lesser, Robert (NMI) “Bob”, F/O
Trigler, Louis E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27668
Verkruysse, Emile D., 1Lt
Sheffield, Woodrow W., 2Lt
None
McCue, William M., Jr., 1Lt
Weyeneth, Carl H., S/Sgt
Bixler, Frederick F., T/Sgt
Hersh, Bertram (NMI), S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27706 “Silver Belle”
Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
Riley, Robert L., 1Lt
None
Martin, James M., Jr., 1Lt
Blasingame, Emory J., S/Sgt
Kielich, Henry J., T/Sgt
Hutchinson, James (NMI), S/Sgt
Schaffer, Irving J., Cpl
A/C No. 43-4076
Moyer, Emerson C., 1Lt
Holcombe, Dewey R., 1Lt
None
Farris, Stephen C., 1Lt
Grim, Robert E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27528
Grady, John R., 1Lt
Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt
Hickey, William O., 1Lt
Hulse, Donald W., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-28081
Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny” 1Lt
None
Carter, Eugene F., S/Sgt
Walker, Jack L., S/Sgt
Bishop, William (NMI) “Bill”, S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27538 “Down But Not
Out” (Returned early - no credit) (only
ship and pilots identified)
Winstead,
Hungh J., 2Lt
P
CP Rosenau, Gustave D., 2Lt
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
A/C No. 43-27791 (Returned early - no
credit) (only ship and pilots identified)
Tetlow, John S., 2Lt
Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt
None
None
Mission 340 (533): At 09:02 18 planes off to bomb Pavia Railroad Bridge, Italy. Three
(3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as last element of the
first flight. The flight dropped 63 x 1000 GP bombs from 10,500/10,000. 9x1000 GP
bombs returned due to a malfunction of the bomb rack. 4/4 direct hits were observed on
the bridge. Several reports of spans down from center to north end. No flak encountered.
Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 43-27720
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt
Burks, Richard W., Capt
McKinley, Robert H., 1Lt
Schlenk, Henry O., 1Lt
Veeck, Richard W., 1Lt
Jacobson, Fred (NMI), T/Sgt
Abiecunas, Joseph P. “Abby”, Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27726
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Shear, Meyer (NMI), 1Lt
Mitchell, Robert E., 1Lt
None
Comfort, Edward P., 1Lt
Haack, Cecil J., S/Sgt
Wald, Douglas A., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27530 “Twin Engine
Sadie”
Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt
None
Malec, Joseph A., 1Lt
Qualls, Thomas B., Sgt
Randall, Charles R., Jr., Sgt
Hawthorne, Ralph C., Sgt
LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, Sgt
A/C No. 43-27481 (Returned early - no
credit) (only ship and pilots identified)
Tilton, Harvey S., 1Lt
Reedy, Walter W., 1Lt
None
None
“Awoke 6:10AM. It may be Labor Day, but you would never know it on this island.
French toast, orange marmalade, coffee. Pre-brief and briefing. 3 bridges at Pavia, 1000
lb. GP. 6 nine ship formation. Altitude 9, 10, 11,000 feet. Take-off 9:13AM. Over target
11:02. 100% hit. No flak - P47 escort. Landed 12:20PM. Did not get any photographs
(my fault). Lieut (1st) Rogers pilot. Flew on "Silver Belle" (43-27706) which has 39
missions. Felt much better on my second mission. Red Cross served doughnuts, coffee,
lemonade at interrogation. Salmon (canned) spaghetti, diced carrots, peas, bread and
marmalade, iced tea. First shift of guard 6 to10PM. Full moon. Chilly evening. On
tomorrow's mission. Schaffner brought me a roast pork sandwich. Retired 11:00PM.”
Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Tuesday, 5 September 1944
In Italy, medium bombers again strike, with excellent results, road
and rail bridges in the Po Valley while fighter-bombers blast rail lines and rolling stock S
of the river; A-20s hit the Milan and Genoa areas during the night of 4/5 Sep and attack
ammunition stores during the day; fighters support the limited ground force advance in
preparation for a major assault on the Gothic Line.
In France, fighters fly sweeps through the Rhone Valley; the 23rd
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group
[attached to 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] moves from Borgo, Corsica to
Valence with F-5s (the squadron is operating from Le Luc); the 84th and 86th
Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), move from Poretta
Airfield, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII
Tactical Air Command, moves from St Raphael to Valence with F-6s; and the 314th
Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, moves from Istres to Amberieu with P-47s. The
414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63rd Fighter Wing, moves from Alghero, Sardinia to
Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Back to the Pavia Rd. bridges to knock them completely
down, 12 A/C knocked an 18 foot hole in the West bridge and 12 blew the tip off the East
bridge, almost demolishing it.
18 A/C each on the Polesella and Legnago bridges also reported “buono”
concentrations which statement was borne out by the pictures. The flight to the Polesella
RR bridge was unusual in that it was attacked by 4 enemy aircraft. One of our planes
was holed by a 20mm shell, while the gunners accounted for one ME-109 which was
seen going down smoking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 534
DATE: 5 Sep 44
NO. A/C: 12
SQUADRONS:
445-7
446-0
447-0
448-5
TARGET: Pavia E. Road Bridge (K-196328).
TIME OFF: 0853
T.O.T.: 1032
TIME DOWN: 1150
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 48 x 1000 - .1 & .025
PLANES HOLED: None.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
WEATHER: Enroute: 7/10 cirrus at 20,000 ft. throughout route. 4/10 in Po Valley.
Visibility unlimited.
Target: 7/10 cirrus at 20,000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
Tuesday, 5 September 1944 (continued)
FLAK: None
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Excellent concentration on bridge from center to the S. approach. Several
direct hits seen. No wild bombs.
OBSERVATIONS: Usual M/Y activity along route.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Capt. Moss
NO. OF SORTIES: 12
PHOTOS TAKEN.
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
Ass’t Intelligence Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 535/mission 535) Group Mission # 535:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 535
DATE: 5 Sep 44
NO. A/C: 12
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-6
447-6
448-0
TARGET: Pavia W. Road Bridge (K-192328).
TIME OFF: 0853
T.O.T.: 1035
TIME DOWN: 1205
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 40 x 1000 GP - .1 & .025
8 x 1000 ret. malfunction
PLANES HOLED: None.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
WEATHER: Enroute: 7/10 cirrus at 20,000 ft. throughout route. 4/10 in Po Valley.
Visibility unlimited.
Target: 7/10 cirrus at 20,000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
FLAK: None
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Excellent concentration on bridge from center to the S. approach. Several
direct hits seen. No wild bombs.
OBSERVATIONS: 20/30 M/T near Mortara (J-8855) heading E on road just SW of
town. 40/50 M/T stationary at K-9403, on main road to NE; 10
M/T heading N. from Pavia spaced about 100 yds apart.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lt. Wiginton
NO. OF SORTIES: 12
PHOTOS TAKEN.
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
Ass’t Intelligence Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 536
DATE: 5 Sep 44
NO. A/C: 18
SQUADRONS:
445-9
446-9
447-0
448-0
TARGET: Polesella RR Bridge at G-222033.
TIME OFF: 0936
T.O.T.: 1133
TIME DOWN: 1315
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 36 x 1000# GP - .1 & .025
32 x 1000# Returned-malfunction.
4 x 1000# Salvoed-malfunction.
PLANES HOLED: 4 flak.
1 E/A
ESCORT: Area Cover. Non existent.
ROUTE: Base to R-8940, S-1877, G-8615, G-4708 (IP), target, right turn to G-1613,
F-9701, L-2380, P-5018 and home.
WEATHER: CAVU with slight haze.
FLAK: Heavy, moderate, fairly accurate from Rovigo A/D--extreme range on bomb-run
and breakaway.
ENEMY AIR: 4 ME-109’s attacked formation 10 miles N. of Ferrara at 1137 hrs.
Several aggressive passes made from 5 to 7 o’clock and below, breaking
away from B-25’s at 300 yards. T/A shooting 20mm--no tracers seen.
Attacked singly and in pairs. 1 ME-109 damaged--seen going down in
smoke.
RESULTS: Lead 6 A/C did not drop due to malfunction in lead ship. 9 A/C dropped
on first run then remained with formation leader who made another run in
an attempt to release bombs. Good concentration on center and N. end of
bridge. Several D/H seen. Few bombs over to west.
OBSERVATIONS: None.
FLIGHT LEADERS: LTS. Russell and Hawkes.
NO. OF SORTIES: 18
PHOTOS TAKEN.
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 537
DATE: 5 Sep 44
NO. A/C: 18
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-0
447-9
448-9
TARGET: Legnago RR Bridge F-893257.
TIME OFF: 0938
T.O.T.: 1130
TIME DOWN: 1300
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 68 x 1000# GP .1 & .025
4 x 1000# GP Returned.
PLANES HOLED: One by E/A.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to P-5018, L2380, F-9701 (IP), target, right turn to F-9927, F-9701 and
home.
WEATHER: CAVU.
FLAK: None.
ENEMY AIR: 4 FW-190’s at 1135 hrs. 10,700’ alt. E/A trailed formation to just north
of Reggio. Made one pass high at 6 o’clock.
CLAIMS: None.
RESULTS: Good concentration on center of bridge. Some D/H’s seen; One element
hit NE approach. Other bombs just NE of bridge. Center span believed
out.
OBSERVATIONS: 75 RR cars at L-2082. 40 RR cars at Parma. 20/30 RR cars at
Villafranca.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Stocking and Furey.
NO. OF SORTIES: 18
PHOTOS TAKEN.
WILLIAM E. LEVINE,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The weather was cloudy most of the day with showers in the
morning. There was a rumor circulating in the squadron to the effect that Germany had
capitulated. The source of the rumor, it was reported, was the Belgian radio. This
gorgeous rumor was really never taken seriously and at the end of the day it was
appropriately buried.
Seven aircraft of the squadron joined another squadron for the group to attack the Pavia
east road bridge, Italy. This squadron just missed another perfect mission, destroying the
bridge with a 97.2 per cent bombing accuracy.
A/C No. 43-27740
P Groose, William R. “Bud”, 1Lt
B Robson, Herbert E., 1Lt
G Haynes, Irving L., Cpl
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
CP Poteete, Max W., 2Lt
N None
R Davis, Olin (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt
F None
CP Spencer, Charles F., 2Lt
N None
B Gonzales, Alfred R., T/Sgt
R Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt
G Lemke, Leslie J., S/Sgt
F None
None
Engleman, Bud (NMI), Sgt
Tronolone, Joseph R., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Watts, Joseph T., Jr., Cpl
Walburn, John A., Sgt
Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
McLaughlin,
Elwood F., Jr., 1Lt
P
CP Emler, Richard S. “Dick”, F/O
N None
B Silnutzer, Joseph A., 2Lt
E Hope, Amos (NMI), Sgt
R Gray, John H., S/Sgt
G Stanley, Harold Gene “Gene”, Cpl
F None
445th BS BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 535/mission 535) Group Mission # 535:
Note: 1 ME-109 claimed, per HQ 321st BG (per 448th BS radio-gunner Cpl Irving J.
Schaffer’s diary, it was an FW-190
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT” (flight
leader)
Russell, Lawrence L. “Scrap Iron”, 1Lt
Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt
Napple, Francis S., 1Lt
Galindo, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt
Hawkins, Vernon L., S/Sgt
Plunk, Charlie B., T/Sgt
None
CP McKay, Donald I., 1Lt
N None
R Hall, Warren Francis, T/Sgt
G Kramer, Henry P., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Elliott, James R., Jr., 2Lt
None
Doherty, Charles S., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
Payne, Lawrence J., 2Lt
None
None
None
Butler, Russell J., S/Sgt
None
CP Santone, Michael A., 2Lt
N Skebey, Robert J., 2Lt
E Smith, William F., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Mouse”
None
Malloy, Edward J., S/Sgt
Kavan, Lester D., S/Sgt
None
Hadsell, Donald M., 1Lt
Moore, William H., Jr., 2Lt
None
Knight, Arnold K., S/Sgt
Kofmehl, James J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo” (Lead spare did not fill in)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt
None
Dyer, Robert H., 1Lt
Rung, Raymond F. “Red”, Jr., F/O
None
Hagerman, Millard W., 2Lt
Decker, Robert J., S/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: September 4 and 5: Two missions are flown each of these days.
TARGET: Pavia W. Road Bridge, Italy
DATE: 5 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 6
Lt. Wiginton led the formation. Excellent concentration on bridge from center to the S
approach. Several direct hits seen. No flak. Lt. Ivankovig was a spare and returned
early.
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
CP Taylor, Richard E., 2Lt
B Kiernan, Noble J., 1Lt
R Harrison, Hoyt V., T/Sgt
G Mittman, Milton M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
Gittings, Raymond W., 1Lt
None
Mygrant, Robert F., S/Sgt
None
Ass II”
P Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt
CP Doyle, John D., 2Lt
N None
B Derringer, Albert J., 2Lt
E Zelnick, John J., S/Sgt
R Holder, Paul F., S/Sgt
G Glendening, George F., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
P Rackley, Donald D., 1Lt
CP Fisher, Carl D., 2Lt
N None
B Jaksic, Francis R., 1Lt
E Aderholt, William J., Jr., S/Sgt
R Bundy, Garland A., S/Sgt
F None
Darlene)
None
Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt
Cohen, Irwin (NMI), S/Sgt
None
None
Brugioni, Dino A., S/Sgt
None
Admiral” (later Lady Jane) (Wing
N None
B Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
R Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt
G Cifuni, Robert J., Sgt
F None
TARGET: Polesella Railroad Bridge, Italy
DATE: 5 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 9
Lt. Russell led the formation. Lead six planes did not drop due to malfunction in lead
ship. Nine aircraft dropped on first run and then remained with formation leader who
made another run in an attempt to release bombs. Good concentration on center and N
end of bridge. Several direct hits seen. Flak was heavy, moderate and fairly accurate.
Four ME-109’s attacked the formation. Several aggressive passes made. One ME-109
damaged, seen going down smoking.
Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
(flight leader)
R Miles, Walter J., Jr., T/Sgt
F None
Capalety, Thomas A., 2Lt
None
Thornton, Lotus Moody, S/Sgt
None
Hively, Harold Henry, 1Lt
None
Hogman, Frans H., 2Lt
Nagy, Julius L., S/Sgt
None
P Mickel, Alan T., 1Lt
CP DiNorma, Joseph S., 2Lt
N None
B Finney, Preston N., S/Sgt
E Shettleworth, William E., Sgt
R Brown, Dennis H., Cpl
F None
N None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
“Kathy Jeanne” dropped)
None
Sweedler, Max (NMI), T/Sgt
None
None
None
Pad”
Chandler, Warren W., 2Lt
None
Sitts, Lonnie C., 1Lt
Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., S/Sgt
Bove, Anthony P., T/Sgt
Brown, Ronald M., S/Sgt
None
P Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt
CP Carlson, Lowell A., 2Lt
N None
B Gilligan, John W., 2Lt
E Helgert, Claude George, S/Sgt
R Fellmer, Carl M., S/Sgt
G Wlodyka, Andrew J., S/Sgt
F None
B
E
R
G
F
Leary, Gwynn M., Sgt
None
“Checking clothes, etc. to turn in. B-4 bag repaired ok, packed woolens. Copied
operations list of my missions, time, etc. Boys had a rough mission today. Guess
Chudars saw the light. Meeting of all combat personnel @ 1600, Group theatre. Very
interesting lecture on escape procedure in France & Italy. Rec’d a letter from Ma. Boys
of the Group put on a stage, pretty good show.”
Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary:
bombing.
Today’s training consisted of local transition and practice
Six of our ships participated in a raid on the Pavia Road Bridge West, K-192328, with Lt.
Wiginton leading our squadron. Excellent concentration from center to south approach
with several direct hits. Mission efficiency 66.6%; Bombing accuracy 100 %.
P
(flight leader)
CP
N
B
E
R
G
None
None
A/C No. 43-3522 “Hunky Dorey”
P Manley, Ward E., 1Lt
CP Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
N None
B Rosenbledt, James M., 1Lt
E Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt
F
G
F
None
Webb, James A., 1Lt
S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27506 “Rebel Devil”
Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt
Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”,
T/Sgt
Mitchell, Rennie (NMI), S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Robinson, Lester W., 1Lt
Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt
None
Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt
Netzel, Carl F., Cpl
Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt
Guild, Bernard Robert, S/Sgt
None
Gates, Ralph (NMI), 2Lt
Morton, William C. “Mort”, Jr., 2Lt
None
Toole, John F., T/Sgt
McFarland, John F., T/Sgt
None
Nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Legnago RR Bridge F-893257, with Lt.
Stocking leading the squadron for the second mission of the day. Excellent concentration
from center to south approach with several direct hits. Mission efficiency 86.1 %;
Bombing accuracy 100 %.
A/C No. 43-27718
P Gillis, John R., 1Lt
CP Hennessey, Ralph E., 2Lt
A/C No. 43-27498 “Ave Maria” (flight
leader)
Stocking, Eugene E., 1Lt
None
Spilko, Harold (NMI), 1Lt
S/Sgt
R Free, Paul L., T/Sgt
G Rose, Clifford A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27793 “The Melting Pot”
P Runyon, Leroy C., 1Lt
CP Johnson, Eric A., 1Lt
N None
E O’Neil, James R., Sgt
R Keefe, John A., S/Sgt
G Lejman, George T., Sgt
F None
N
B
E
Martin, Wayne R., 1Lt
Smith, William L., Sgt
None
None
Partee, Watson L., S/Sgt
Mango, Vincent A. “Vince”, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
P Brown, Grover C., Jr., 1Lt
CP Jensen, Hubert P. J., 1Lt
N None
B LaFountain, Ned F., S/Sgt
E Quintenz, Robert P., Sgt
R Hague, Curtis A., Cpl
G Burns, Harry B., Sgt
F None
CP Ramey, Gordon A. “Gordy”, 1Lt
N None
B Gargiulo, Vincent J. “Vince”, 2Lt
R Korzeniowski, Edward S., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
Cunningham, Robert T. “Bob”, 1Lt
Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27798
Wakeley, Charles G., III, 1Lt
Willis, Richard L., 1Lt
None
Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4029 “Mike Hunt”
Speer, Marvin L., 1Lt
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt
Holmes, Ora E., Jr., Sgt
Aloysius” (Lead spare - returned - did
not fill in on mission)
Condit, Albert K., 2Lt
None
E
R
G
F
Dubbs, Andrew C., Sgt
Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt
Dimondstein, Herbert (NMI), Sgt
None
Freeman, Millard C., Sgt
None
“Target: Legnago Road & RR Bridge
Flak: None Combat: 3:00
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 079 (43-4079 “Little David”)
Crew: P-Lt Magne CP-Lt Bullion B-Lt Fischer E-SG Partee R-SSG Pelak G-Sgt Mango
Good concentration on center of bridge. Some direct hits seen. Center span believed out.
2nd flight attached by 4 FW-190. 4th OLC to AM pending”
Bullion, Roland G. “Rollo”, 2Lt, pilot
Fisher, Gerald E., 1Lt, bombardier
Magne, Henry J. “Joe”, 1Lt, pilot
Partee, Watson L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt, radio-gunner
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “52nd
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed Pavia Rd. bridge, nice bombing, no opposition.”
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 1Lt, pilot,
Mission 341 (534): At 08:53 12 planes off to bomb Pavia E. Road Bridge, Italy. Five (5)
planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the lead element of the
flight. The formation dropped 48 x 1000 GP from 9,800/10,000 feet. Excellent
concentration on bridge from center to W approach. Several D/H seen. No flak
encountered. Weather: 7/10 cirrus at 20,000 enroute, visibility unlimited.
(Crew list missing)
(flight leader)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
A/C No. 43-27791 plane & partial crew
identified in Schaffer war diary
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
Mission 342 (537): At 19:48 18 planes off to bomb Legnago RR Bridge, Italy. Nine (9)
of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated. 68 x 1000 GP from 10,500/11,000
feet. 4 x 1000 GP returned due to malfunction of bomb rack. Good concentration on
center of bridge with center span believed out. One plane holed by E/S. No flak
encountered. Weather: CAVU.
P Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt
CP Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt
B Farris, Stephen C., 1Lt
G Holloway, Garland (NMI), Sgt
F None
P Rosenau, Gustave D., 2Lt
CP Winstead, Hungh J., 2Lt
A/C No. 43-28081
Bard, John A., 1Lt
None
Young, Robert B., 1Lt
Berman, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
Knauss, Charles F.,
A/C No. 43-27668
Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt
None
None
P Gladwill, James G., 2Lt
CP Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Conover, Donald C., 2Lt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-27528
Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt
None
Bell, Flavious J., S/Sgt
Poteet, Edward J., S/Sgt
Carrick, Kenneth M., S/Sgt
None
Sadie”
P Duggan, Raymond E., F/O
N None
B McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 1Lt
E Carter, Eugene F., S/Sgt
R Walker, Jack L., S/Sgt
G Bishop, William (NMI) “Bill”, S/Sgt
F Seward, Richard F., S/Sgt
CP Reedy, Walter W., 1Lt
N None
G Pealer, Woodward D., Sgt
F White, E. T., S/Sgt
None
Morefield, James Carl, S/Sgt
Magyar, Steven J., S/Sgt
None
“PA system awoke us at 6:00AM. Cold Tuesday morning. Canned grapefruit, powdered
scrambled eggs, bread, apple jelly, coffee. Attended 7:50AM briefing. 1 hour standby.
Same target as yesterday. Jerries making repairs. Take off 8:50AM. Over target
10:33AM. Reconstruction in progress. Dropped 1000 GP bombs. Direct hit. Milk run.
Saw snow covered Alps. Everything looks very peaceful below. Flew at 10,000 feet.
Pilot Lt. Kruse 28 missions on ship 43-27791. Using K20, took some good photos.
Interrogated. Red Cross serving. Every day of a mission, combat crews are entitled to a
shot of whiskey. Navy beans, spaghetti, carrots and peas, chocolate cake, tea, bread and
apple butter. Feeling very tired. 445th encountered fighters in Po Valley. Shot down one
FW-190. Attended lecture on "escape and evasion" by a Captain from the underground.
(Llenard). The group theater is open air. Individual 12" square metal stools are placed
together. The hill is inclined about 30 degrees. The screen on a 25 x 15 wooden stage is
in the pit. Enlisted men have one side reserved, officers the other. Due to the
inconsistency of the power supply (energizer) the show is usually interrupted.
Commenced "The Seventh Cross", Anna Seghers. Vienna sausage, tarter sauce, mashed
potatoes, string beans, canned pears, coffee, bread and apple jelly. Nelson gave us some
fresh tomatoes he bought in Solenzara. Meeting of all enlisted men at 7:15AM at enlisted
men's club. Major Bell broke down as soon as "Ike" called upon him. A new CO has
been appointed. They say Major Bell was the best CO we ever had. Read a bit. Retired
at 9:30PM.”
Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, Commander Iseldyke, LeRoy J. “Ike”, Sgt, gunner, 1st Sgt
Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt, pilot
Nelson, John F. “Chief”, Cpl, engineer-gunner
Wednesday, 6 September 1944
In Italy, during the night of 5/6 Sep A-20s attack targets of
opportunity in the Savona and Milan areas.
In France, during the day, weather grounds XII Tactical Air
Command aircraft except for a few fighters based in France which fly armed
reconnaissance over the Belfort, Dijon, and Colmar areas, destroying or damaging
numerous motor transport and railroad cars and several locomotives, field guns, trailers,
and a tank; HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons move from
Istres to Amberieu with P-47s; and the 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier
Group, based at Ciampino, Italy, begins operating from Istres with C-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission – weather.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEADQUARTERS
321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)
APO 650
TO:
Commanding Officer, 321st Bomb Gp (M)
FROM: General Knapp
“6 Sep 44 0950 Hours
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR EXCELLENT
BOMBING FOR LAST TWO DAYS. P.R.U. REPORTS PAVIA RR BRIDGE
DISTROYED. PAVIA WEST ROAD BRIDGE DISTROYED. PAVIA EAST ROAD
BRIDGE BADLY DAMAGED AND BLOCKED. POLENELLA AND LEGNAGO RR
BRIDGE APPROACHES CUT.”
A Certified True Copy
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
Asst. Group S-2.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Inconsistent weather conditions forced a postponement of the
mission. Capt. McLain, a flight leader in the squadron, was transferred to the 448 th
Squadron where he assumed command of the squadron. The S-2 office was crowded all
day today as personnel in the squadron took a sudden interest in the fast-moving war in
Europe. Fresh frankfurters were on the menu for supper and were enjoyed by all. “Doc”
Smith and his “Mitchell-Aires” played for the men in the evening.
McLain, Damon I., Capt, pilot, Commander
Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon
Wednesday, 6 September 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Promotions came to the following:
Brugioni, Holder; to staff, Leeper, Leary.
Brugioni, Dino A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer
Holder, Paul T., T/Sgt, gunner
Leary, Gwynn M., S/Sgt, gunner
Leeper, Kenneth E., S/Sgt, gunner
to Technical Sergeant,
“To PX to pick up rations. Turned in all flying equip. (except A-10 jacket) to Tech
Supply. Turned in Revolver & misc. junk to Supply. John Naynik and Al Boggie dropped
in from Sardinia. Good to see them again. Few of the boys feeling good tonite. Letter
from Alice. Wrote Alice. Burandt out - had to put him to bed.”
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today, but cancelled due to weather
conditions. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp Rome,
Italy. 1st Lt. William F. Heitman; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Spruill; T/Sgt. Frank J. Reynolds;
T/Sgt. Aubrey W. Chatters; T/Sgt. Sidney Orloff; S/Sgt. Ralph Sinclair. Today’s training
consisted of local transition. Captain Robert W. Manly departed for Rome Italy.
Manly, Robert W. "Horse”, Capt, intelligence
Orloff, Sidney (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Sinclair, Ralph, S/Sgt, gunner
“Awoke 7:30AM. Cloudy Wednesday. Pancakes, stewed apricots, wheaties, coffee.
Stand-down on this morning's mission. The showers are about five miles down the road
along a stream about 50 feet wide. A gasoline pump draws the water to a 500-gallon
tank. From here it passes through large coils that are heated, then to the shower. There
are 20 overhead sprinklers in two rows. The ceiling is the sky with six foot burlap walls
surrounding the spot. Our drinking water is drawn from the same water supply to a
large water bag atop a 30 foot wooden tower. The bag is open on top and canvas side.
Holds 500 gallons. Chlorine is mixed in and water trucks are refilled to bring aqua to
the various squadrons. Hash paddies, lima beans, canned tomatoes, bread, coffee. New
CO Captain Damon McLain took charge today. Tent and area inspection tomorrow.
Schaffner and I went hiking up in the mountains. Tried to reach an ancient structure
about 3 miles up the mountain. After several hours we were unable to reach objective.
On return we picked grapes, berries and peaches. Figs are still green, as are the olives.
Snitched 7 ears of corn from a farm. Mike Kocsis (Mess Sgt) brought a huge cake over
for Schaffner's birthday. Smitty and Taylor bought a motorcycle. Listened to a few
musical programs and read. Retired 10:45PM.”
Kocsis, Michael (NMI) “Mike”, Jr., Sgt, cook, Mess Sgt
Thursday, 7 September 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather cancels all flying
in France and Italy except for weather reconnaissance by a few P-47s.
In France, HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and the 97th
Bombardment Squadron (Light) move from Poretta, Corsica to Salon with A-20s; the 16th
and 18th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 64th Troop Carrier Group, based at Ciampino, Italy
begin operating from Istres with C-47s; and the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance
Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance)] ceases operating from Le Luc and returns to base at Valence; at the
same time, a detachment begins operating from Satolas-et-Bonce with F-5s.
445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were scheduled for the mission today but it was
finally cancelled. Lt. Santone, pilot who was on detached service to the 3rd Air Base area,
returned to the squadron today. He was happy to return, he said, and ready to pile up
some missions. There was a fair mail call today. Pork chops were served at the evening
meal.
Santone, Michael A., 2Lt, pilot
09/07/44: 22:00 hours
“Just came in from guard duty. I rather enjoyed the four hours of solitude, sitting under
the plane watching the deepening shades of evening take over from the sinking sun. In
the distance I could hear the roll and rush of the waves as they died on the beaches. The
stars were bright and fascinating. Everyone talks constantly of the imminent collapse of
Germany and the demobilization to follow.”
446th BS War Diary: September 7 and 8: Regular duties in the area.
“Wrote Ma. Packing clothes. Lewis returned from Rome. Showered & shaved. Sacked
awhile. A lot of fun kidding Burandt and Hawkes about their escapades of last evening.
To show ‘Bermuda Honeymoon’ – good.”
Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but cancelled due to weather
conditions. Sergeant Boyd T. Oltesvig was reduced to the grade of private for
misconduct. The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp, Rome,
Italy: 1st Lt. Hyman Niedleman; 1st Lt. Grover C. Brown Jr.; T/Sgt. Carl M. Carlson;
S/Sgt. Arthur Schwartz; S/Sgt. Leonard W. Ford; S/Sgt. Leonard T. Payne. Today’s
Thursday, 7 September 1944 (continued)
training consisted of local transition. A congratulatory message was received from Brig.
General R.K. Knapp for the excellent bombing of the last two days.
Brown, Grover C., 1Lt, pilot
Carlson Carl M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Ford, Leonard W., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Knapp, Robert Duane, Brigadier General, 57th BW Commander
Oltesvig, Boyd T., Pvt, mess
Niedleman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier
Payne, Leonard T., Sgt, gunner
Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
“Awoke 7:30AM. Fried powdered eggs, tomato juice, bread, apple jelly. Schaffner's
29th birthday. Stand by on today's mission. Corned beef hash, navy beans, fruit salad,
bread, apple butter, tea. "Ike" got weapons courier, 10 of us started for Bonifacio.
Narrow winding mountain roads. Bridges were blown by Germans. Railway line on
Corsica put completely out of commission. Passed through Port Vecchio where 321st
landed. Viewed castle with drawbridge. 500 years old at Bonifacio. Bombed freighter
still in harbor. Took photographs. Very hilly. Drank cap corse and muscatel wine. Joe
Ryan really played the women - no luck. Ate at cafe in Bonifacio. Vegetable soup,
French rye bread, tomatoes, pepper eggplant and ground meat. French-fries, fresh
peaches and figs for dinner. Kibitzed with several prostitutes. Inhabitants are not very
clean. Streets are of cobble stones and about 15 feet wide. Typical of book reading.
Fork as souvenir from Bonifacio. Returned by Port Vecchio, very similar to Bonifacio.
Joe Creighton drove back. Arrived camp 8:30PM. 22 new men came in today.
Lemonade, coffee, doughnuts brought over to the tent by Mike Kocsis, 150 Lenox Avenue,
Bridgeport, Conn. Starry sky, beautiful evening. Stand down on today's mission. Retired
11:30PM.”
Iseldyke, LeRoy J. “Ike”, Sgt, gunner, personnel, 1st Sgt
Ryan, Joseph C. "Joe", Sgt, personnel, (detail Sgt)
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 72nd
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Grenoble to
Lons-le-Saunier with L-5s.
In France, A-20s fly supply missions to an airfield near Lyon;
fighters strafe the Belfort area, hitting 10 trains with good results, and blast a horse-drawn
vehicle convoy near Strasbourg; the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier
Group, based at Ciampino, Italy begins operating from Istres.
In Italy, bad weather grounds B-25s and B-26s; P-47s on armed
reconnaissance in the Po Valley area attack 2 pontoon bridges and several barges, cut a
road, and hit several vehicles and other targets of opportunity; HQ 350th Fighter Group
moves from Corsica to Tarquinia; the detachment of the 23rd Photographic
Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to the 3rd
Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)] ceases operating from Le Luc with F-5s and
returns to base at Valence.
445th BS War Diary: Thirteen crews were standing by for the combat mission and 3
other crews were alerted for a nickeling mission. Tricky weather conditions in Italy
grounded both missions for the day. It’s now Captain J. O. Jackson, Intelligence Officer,
who received notification today of his promotion. Lt. Shynshka also received word of the
promotion to Captain. Four combat crew members left the squadron to start the rotation
trip back home today. Included was Lt. Alfred B. Smith who completed 70 combat
missions.
Jackson, James O., Capt, intelligence
Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt, pilot
Shyshka, Lubomir P. "Cross Country", Capt, pilot
09/08/44:
“I spent the day writing letters and reading. Day has been cool and
cloudy. I have decided to obtain a book in which I can keep notes on all the books I read.
Beasley borrowed some of my negatives and out of kindness made some very excellent
prints for me. Friends are wonderful. Received a letter from Lynne Empey.”
446th BS War Diary: September 7 and 8: Regular duties in the area.
“Did a little more packing, just abut all ready to go now. DFC came back approved. To
Group to pick up UCFC’s letter. All flying cancelled due to weather. Sacked. Cleaned
up tent. Letter from J. Mac – answered. Maj. Cooper told me I’m leaving the day after
tomorrow. To Solenzara to pick up laundry. Wrote MJC, Ma, Alice.”
conditions. In addition to his other duties 1st Lt. George G. VenJohn is appointed
Squadron Alternate Voting Officer. 1st Lt. Lester W. Robinson was relieved of
assignment and transferred to Headquarters 12th Air Force. Today’s training consisted of
local transition.
Robinson, Lester W., 1Lt, pilot
VenJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence
“Awoke 7:30AM. Dismal and dreary morning. Oatmeal, pancakes, grapefruit juice,
coffee. Stand down on today's mission. (Nickeling mission) Picked up 5-A from Crisp at
446th. Visited Rudy, Taylor. Stew, diced carrots, navy beans, beets, chocolate pudding,
bread and marmalade. (Low ceiling) John Nelson, 14 Greenridge Place, Saratoga
Springs, NY. Oldest tent member? Smitty and I took a trip down to Solenzara on his
motorcycle. Beef and gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, canned applesauce, bread
and butter, coffee. Evening shower. Weather turning. Sgt Kerr brought back watermelon,
cantaloupe and tomatoes from Solenzara. Very enjoyable. Chilly evening. On
tomorrows nickeling mission. Retired 9:45PM.”
Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
DiFulvio, Rudolph A. "Rudy", 2Lt, bombardier
Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Nelson, John F. “Chief”, Cpl, engineer-gunner,
In Italy, B-26s achieve excellent results against rail bridges in the E
Po Valley while B-25s bomb troop concentrations and supply points S of Bologna;
fighter-bombers and fighters attack railways and roads in the Po Valley and from Genoa
to Turin; motor transport and rolling stock are bombed and strafed in N Italy and E
France, with particular success in the Belfort-Mulhouse-Freiburg, France areas; and the
detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, operating from
Pomigliano with Mosquitos, returns to base at Rosignano.
In France, the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical
Air Command, moves from Valence to Satolas-et-Bonce with F-6s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: In an attempt to drive the enemy out of the Gothic Line we
flew two 24 plane missions against defense positions N & E of Borgo San Lorenzo.
Photos showed target areas well covered. 6 plane nickeling mission to the Spezia area
was completed without mishap.
Major Haven, Group S-2, leaves for the States to be discharged on over-age basis.
Haven, Malcolm D., Maj, intelligence, S-2 Officer
Defense Positions near Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy
Supplies and Barracks areas S. of Firenzuola, Italy (Q-907984)
Nickeling Mission to Borgo and San Marcello areas, Italy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: There was quite a bit of interest shown by the “old boys” in the
squadron when 14 new enlisted ground crew replacements arrived today. An officer and
6 enlisted combat crew members all left the squadron today headed for the good old
U.S.A. A few crew members left for the rest camp at Rome.
A/C No. 43-27740
Jeffery,
James
C., 1Lt
P
N Fisher, Sigmund M., 1Lt
B Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 1Lt
E Malloy, Edward J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
N None
E Carruthers, John (NMI), II, Cpl
R Parlette, Oliver C., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27769 “Miss Fancy Pants”
P Lyons, Lawrence L., 1Lt
CP Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt
N None
B Larkin, Francis C. “Charley”, S/Sgt
E Smith, William A., Jr., S/Sgt
R Hall, Warren Francis, T/Sgt
G Weaver, Dale W., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
Sauer, Carlton F., S/Sgt
None
Richardson, John S., 1Lt
None
Marinucci, Andrew J., Sgt
Rossi, Sam J., Sgt
Haynes, Irving L., Cpl
None
None
Hafner, Duane H., Sgt
Smith, Richard H. “Red”, Col, pilot,
321stBG Commander (observer)
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
None
CP Born, Walter E., 2Lt
N None
R Stephens, Robert T., T/Sgt
N None
B Weiner, Irving B., 2Lt
G Woody, Louie M., Sgt
F None
(Lead spare - returned - did not fill in)
P Kendall, Wayne E., 2Lt
CP Emler, Richard S. “Dick”, F/O
N None
B Skebey, Robert J., 2Lt
E Freiler, Walter C., Sgt
R Butler, Russell J., S/Sgt
G Bricen, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
None
Rockett, James J., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27545 “Maggie”
None
None
Three of the squadron’s aircraft went out on a nickeling mission to drop leaflets in the
Borgo, San Marcello areas in Italy.
CP Elliott, James R., Jr., 2Lt
N Smith, Raymond (NMI), 1Lt
E Bertling, Gerald M., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27509
P Eatherly, Joseph A., 1Lt
CP Corey, Robert (NMI), 2Lt
N None
B Carney, Robert J., S/Sgt
R Kneisel, Charles W., S/Sgt
F None
09/09/44:
“A very beautiful autumn day. A blue haze suspends a few fleecy clouds
over the mountains to the west, and the air has an exhilarating crispness.”
446th BS War Diary: A twelve plane mission is flown with success.
TARGET: Defense Positions near Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy
DATE: 9 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags.
446th Planes: 12
Captain Annear led the formation. Two separate concentrations—one had good coverage
on target area, the other was short. Target difficult to identify. Four ME-109s sighted
but did not attack. No flak. Lt. Gibbons was a spare and returned early.
Annear, Warren Raymond, Capt, pilot, 448th BS
Ass II”
P Cooper, Paul T., Maj, Commander
CP Cameron, William D. “Bill”, Jr., Maj,
HQ 321st BG
G Bender, Thomas J., S/Sgt
F None
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
Pad”
Ivankovig, Paul J., 1Lt
None
Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
None
None
None
None
None
None
Cassidy, Warren J., Sgt
None
None
Murch, George M., Jr., Cpl
None
Darlene)
None
None
Rackley, Donald D., 1Lt
None
Stapleton, Carl B., S/Sgt
McKearin, William Jerome, S/Sgt
None
None
Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., T/Sgt
None
(Wing spare - did not fill in)
P Gibbons, George H., 1Lt
CP Goodrich, John W., 2Lt
N None
B Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 1Lt
R Mygrant, Robert F., S/Sgt
G Alberico, Camillo A., Sgt
F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot
Pilot/Co-Pilot: unknown
Douglas C-47 Skytrain
Mission: unspecified. Training?
Flying Time: 5:00 (123rd mission in MTO)
“Almost completely packed, all set to leave tomorrow. Rec’d DFC from Maj. Cooper,
(16374) Hung around tent all afternoon. Had a swell lobster supper. Letters from Ma &
J. Mac. Got my orders to leave tomorrow. To show ‘Smith of Minnesota’ – Lousy.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp,
Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Leeland A. Mesna; 1st Lt. Gordon A. Ramey; T/Sgt. Leo G. Hubert;
T/Sgt. William H. Pierce; T/Sgt. Myles O. Williamson; Sgt. Paul B. Connolly. The
following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy. 1st Lt. Hyman
Niedleman; 1st Lt. Grover C. Brown Jr.; S/Sgt. Leonard T. Payne; T/Sgt. Carl M.
Carlson; S/Sgt. Leonard W. Ford; S/Sgt. Arthur Schwartz. The following officers were
promoted to the rank of captain: 1st Lt. LeRoy Alger; 1st Lt. Eugene E. Stocking; 1st Lt.
Maurice Wiginton. Today’s training consisted of local transition.
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), Capt, pilot
Brown, Grover C., 1Lt, pilot
Carlson Carl M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Connolly, Paul B., Sgt, aerial gunner
Ford, Leonard W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Hubert Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Mesna, Leeland A. “Lee”, 1Lt, bombardier Niedleman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier
Payne, Leonard T., S/Sgt, gunner
Pierce, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot
Schwartz, Arthur, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", Capt, pilot
Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on supplies and barracks area (Q-907984), with
Lt. Alger leading the squadron. Good pattern in target area. Mission efficiency 12.6 &;
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27785
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
None
Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt
None
Dubbs, Andrew C., Sgt
None
Runyon)
P Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt
CP Wentz, James L., F/O
N None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
E
R
G
F
Curry, Hughie L., Sgt
None
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), Capt
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt
None
Aloysius”
Gates, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
None
Hague, Curtis A., Cpl
Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 1Lt
None
S/Sgt
Applegarth, Smith B., Sgt
Balling, Robert J., 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
None
S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
Jensen, Hubert P. J., 1Lt
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Quintenz, Robert P., Sgt
McFarland, John F., S/Sgt
None
Rosenbledt, James M., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-4079 “Little David” (Wing
spare - returned - did not fill in)
Woods, Richard J., 1lt
None
Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt
Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt
None
None
None
LaFountain, Ned F., T/Sgt
Tarra, Frederick J., S/Sgt
Burns, Harry B., Sgt
None
Abbondanza, Anthony J., Sgt
None
“Target: Borgo San Lorenzo Barracks & Supply dump
Flak: HIS
Combat: 2:25
Bombs: 100 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 751 (43-27751 “MMR”)
Crew: P-Lt Schnoebelen CP-FO Wentz B-Lt Gargiulo E Sgt Curry R-SSG Schnaars GSgt Mango
Good concentration in target area”
Curry, Hughie L., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Gargiulo, Vincent J. “Vince”, 2Lt, bombardier
Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt, pilot
Wentz, James L., F/O, pilot
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “53rd
mission, flew with Lt. Washburn as bombardier, nice bombing; a mile north of Borgo San
Lorenzo supply & barracks area, one fighter seen, some flak.”
Mission 343 (538): At 16:48 24 planes off to bomb Defense Position in Northern Italy.
Twelve (12) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated. 224 x 100 Inst.
Nose .025 tail. Bombs dropped plus 132 x 20# frags from 10,500/11,000 feet. Two
separate concentrations had good coverage on target area. The other was short. Target
identification difficult. No flak. Four ME-109’s, unaggressive, closed to 700 yards
without a pass. Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 43-27805 “Desirable”
Annear, Warren Raymond, Capt
P Grady, John R., 1Lt
CP Burks, Richard W., Capt
Duncan, George F., 1Lt
N None
B Kiska, George P., 2Lt
E Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., Cpl
Jacobson, Fred (NMI), T/Sgt
R LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, Sgt
Lorentson, Edward H., S/Sgt, 446th BS,
G Moleski, Benny M. “Ben”, Cpl
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27791
Out”
P Mitchell, Robert E., 1Lt
CP Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt
None
N None
McKinley, Robert H., , 1Lt
B Luckhaupt, Robert W., 2Lt
Parham, James E., T/Sgt
E Clark, Raymond S., S/Sgt
R Wilkinson, Robert M., T/Sgt
th
G Slezak, Alex E., S/Sgt, 446 BS
None
F 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. 43-27523
None
Baird, James (NMI), Jr., Cpl
Fellmer, Carl M., S/Sgt, 446th BS
None
A/C No. 43-27720
Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 1Lt
Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 1Lt
Walker, Jack L., S/Sgt
None
None
Wald, Douglas A., S/Sgt
White, E. T., S/Sgt
None
Winstead, Hungh J., 2Lt
None
Hawthorne, Ralph C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
Cook, Don W., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27726
None
Shaw, Charles W., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-4076
Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
None
Veeck, Richard W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
Bergstrom, Donald P., Sgt
None
Mission 344 (540): At 17:30 6 planes off to bomb Spezia and Carrara, 3 A/C; 3 on
Borgo and San Marcello, Italy. Three (3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron
participated. The formation dropped 101 nickel bombs on the respective targets. No flak
encountered and no E/A. Weather: CAVU.
Sadie”
P Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
CP Copes, Wilson R., 2Lt
N None
E Gager, Joseph R., S/Sgt
R Hulse, Donald W., Sgt
G DeGeorge, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt
F Silver, George A., III, Maj, medical
(observer)
P Bard, John A., 1Lt
CP Tetlow, John S., 2Lt
N None
G Bowman, Wilmer E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27528
None
Goethals, Camiel A., Sgt
Pealer, Woodward D., Sgt
None
“Awoke 6:50AM. Damp Saturday morning. Pancakes, syrup, coffee, oatmeal. Standby
on "Nickel Mission". This is a mission on which pamphlets are enclosed in a bomb,
timed to explode 10 seconds after release. Information regarding war news and to
continue fighting is useless. Secured "Citizen Tom Paine" by Howard Fast. Very clear
and warm. Open buns chicken a la king, peas, potatoes, bread and marmalade, canned
pears, coffee. Tracy reported prisoner of war. Take off 5:30. Flew at 15,000 feet. Very
cold. Flew tail position as gunner became sick. Dropped "nickels" at 6:35PM. No
fighters, no flak. Landed 7:50PM. Vienna sausage, navy beans, sauerkraut, canned
tomatoes, bread, orange marmalade, coffee. Jim Blackard returned from Rome. 1st
mission returned OK. Retired 10PM. Nelson staggered in at midnight. Quite sick.
Schaffner and I put him to bed. Awake until 3AM.”
Blackard, James R. “Jim”, T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Tracy, William G., Sgt, engineer-gunner
In Italy, medium bombers continue the campaign against railroad
bridges in the Po Valley and execute 4 attacks against supply and ammunition dumps;
fighter-bombers hit dumps and communications as the ground assault on the Gothic Line
commences during the early morning.
In France, XII Tactical Air Command fighters and fighter-bombers
blast communications in the Belfort and Dijon areas, cutting railroads and hitting several
trains.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Only one 36 A/C mission today and it recorded a 99.4%
accuracy against the Nazzaro Command Post and Ammunition Supply area, SE of La
Spezia.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEADQUARTERS
th
57 BOMBARDMENT WING
APO 650, US Army,
10 September 1944.
SUBJECT:
TO
:
Congratulatory Message
Commanding Officer, 321st Bombardment Group.
The following message from Headquarters, Twelfth Air Force is
paraphrased for you information.
“THE FIFTH ARMY TODAY CELEBRATES SALERNO DAY AND
THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LANDING ON THE
MAINLAND OF ITALY. I WANT TO TAKE THIS OCCASION TO
EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE TO YOU AND THE MEMBERS OF
YOUR STAFF FOR THE SUPERIOR SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN
TO THE FIFTH ARMY THROUGHOUT THIS LONG AND ARDUOUS
CAMPAIGN. WE CAN ALL BE GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD AN
OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY A PART IN BRINGING ABOUT THE
DEFEATS THAT THE GERMAN ARMIES ARE NOW SUFFERING.
PUBLISH TO ALL YOUR UNITS WITH MY PERSONAL “WELL
DONE!”
LT. GENERAL CLARK
General Cannon has replied to General Clark as follows:
“CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR CELEBRATION FIRST
SALERNO DAY ANNIVERSARY. YOUR GRACIOUS MESSAGE IS
APPRECIATED. FROM MYSELF PERSONALLY AND FROM ALL
ECHELONS OF THE TWELFTH AIR FORCE PLEASE ACCEPT THIS
EXPRESSION OF OUR GRATIFICATION IN HAVING BEEN ABLE
TO TAKE PART IN THE VICTORIOUS ASSAULT UPON THE
GERMAN STRONGHOLD IN ITALY BY GIVING AIR SUPPORT TO
YOUR GALLANT COMMAND.”
MAJOR GENERAL CANNON
For the Commanding General:
J. H. PATTERSON,
Major, Air Corps,
Adjutant.
A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY:
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
Nazzaro Command Post and Ammunition Supply area, SE of La Spezia.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The usual training schedule was in effect again today. It is paying
off as the squadron now leads the group in bombing accuracy. A few letters and
packages arrived today making life a bit easier for Mail orderly Sgt. Sergeant.
Sergeant, William A. "Buck", Sgt, mail clerk
squadron dispatched 12 aircraft to help bomb the Nazzaro command post and
ammunition storage dump, Italy. The 445th bombardiers hit the bulls- eye with a perfect
100 per cent bombing accuracy for the mission.
CP Glasford, Loren G., 2Lt
F None
Kendall, Wayne, E., 2Lt
Bowling, Dan Parker, 2Lt
None
Plott, John M., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
P Payne, Lawrence J., 2Lt
N None
F None
R O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt
G Bellendir, John C., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Pants”
None
Malloy, Edward J., S/Sgt
None
Mouse”
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Gonzales, Alfred R., T/Sgt,
Hunsberger, William R., Cpl
Bricen, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
CP Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt
N None
R Sauer, Carlton F., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27509
None
DiFulvio, Rudolph A. “Rudy” , 2Lt
None
(later “Winnie Mae”) (Lead spare returned - did not fill in)
N None
R Carney, Robert J., S/Sgt
G Moorehead, Lewis E., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
Walther, Henry W., Sgt
None
None
None
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lieutenant Levine is transferred to 447th S-2; he
was a valued member of our Intelligence section for a number of months.
Levine, William E., Lt, intelligence
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (Pilot)
Co-Pilot: unknown AT-6C
Mission: unspecified.
Flying Time: 0:45 (124th mission in MTO)
Co-Pilot: unknown Douglas C-47 Skytrain
Co-Pilot: unknown Douglas C-47 Skytrain
Co-Pilot: unknown B-25J
“Up early, all packed and ready to go. Said goodbye to all the boys. B25C # 549, Pilot
– Ligon. T.O. for Marcianise @ 09:30; land 1130. Landed wrong field. T.O. from
Marcianise @ 1150, land Pomigliano @ 1210. Had chow @ transit mess. Had to wait
around for truck to pick up. Arr. @ (Repl. Dept) Staging Area #7 @ 1545. Signed in,
assigned tent with Sacker, Taylor, Robertson & Barbour. Issued blankets and mess gear.
Got PX rations.
Flying time: 02:20 hrs.”
Barbour, Marshall H. “Red”, 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Ligon, Walton M., 1Lt, pilot
Robertson, Charles W., Capt, bombardier
Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 1Lt, pilot
Taylor, Jason G., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Captain R.W. Manly Squadron Intelligence Officer, was relieved
of his duties and transferred to Group Headquarters, where he has taken over Major
Haven’s duties as Group Intelligence Officer. 1st Lt. William E. Levine has been
assigned to our squadron and has taken over Captain Robert W. Manly’s duties as
Squadron Intelligence Officer. Lt. Levine was formerly Intelligence Officer of the 446th
Squadron. Today’s training consisted of local transition. Morning report: Officers 95;
Enlisted Men 334.
Haven, Malcolm D., Maj, S-2 Officer, intelligence Levine, William E., 1Lt, intelligence
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence
Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on the Nazzaro Command Post and Ammo
Dump (P-840049) with Captain Stocking leading our squadron. Excellent concentration
in target area causing large explosion in the north part of area and direct hits on the large
building. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %.
P Walker, Marion E., 1Lt
CP Woods, Richard J., 1Lt
None
None
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27779
P Gates, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
CP Condit, Albert K., 2Lt
N None
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
N None
E Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt
R Hague, Curtis A., Cpl
G Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt
F None
R
G
F
Stocking, Eugene E., Capt
Cameron, William D. “Bill”, Jr., Maj,
HQ 321st BG
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt
Miller, Dale G., Sgt
None
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
Heitman, William F., 1Lt
None
None
S/Sgt
None
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
Rye, William T., Jr., 1Lt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
None
S/Sgt
None
P Johnson, Eric A., 1Lt
CP Marchant, Wendell E., 2Lt
N None
E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt
R Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt
G Tarra, Frederick J., S/Sgt
F None
(Wing spare - returned - did not fill in)
CP Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt
N None
B Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt
G Payne, Leonard T., S/Sgt
F None
G
F
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”,
T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27701
None
None
“Target: Nazzaro CP & Ammo Dump (La Spezia)
Flak: HMA Combat: 2:00
Bombs: 100 lbs
Escorts: None
Crew: P-Lt. Dean, CP-Lt Heitman, B-Lt Spruill, E-Sgt Partee, R-TSG Mathews, G-Sgt
Mango F-SSG Pelak
Good coverage of area w/frags and 100 pounders. Large explosion and fire and several
small fires seen.”
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt, pilot
Mathews, William E., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt, photographer
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “54th
mission, flew with Lt. Washburn as bombardier, bombed Nazzaro C.P. & Ammo S., very
nice bombing, heavy flak.”
Mission 345 (541): At 12:42 36 planes off to bomb Nazzaro C.P. & Ammo Storage,
Italy. Twelve planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated leading the second
flight. The formation dropped 480 x 100# Inst. Nose .025 tail and 1440 x 20# frags from
10,400/12,500 feet. Good coverage of target area of both 100 pounders and frag bombs.
Large column of smoke and large fire observed. Heavy moderate inaccurate flak. Two
planes holed. Weather: CAVU.
P Farwell, Harold S., Capt
CP Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt
E Rippel, Nat (NMI), S/Sgt
G Pealer, Woodward D., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27791
P Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 1Lt
CP Churchill, Duane W., 2Lt
N None
R Brusa, Robert P., Sgt
G Markiewicz, Edward B., Sgt
F Schaffer, Irving J., Cpl
A/C No. 43-27508
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-27726
Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt
Grady, John R., 1Lt
None
Conover, Donald C., 2Lt
Wilkinson, Robert M., T/Sgt
Bowman, Wilmer E., S/Sgt
None
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
None
Blackard, James R. “Jim”, T/Sgt
DeGeorge, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt
None
Out”
None
Rockwell, Steward R., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27720
P Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 1Lt
CP Riley, Robert L., 1Lt
N Hickey, William O., 1Lt
F None
P Verkruysse, Emile D., 1Lt
N None
B Shaw, Charles W., 1Lt
G Hersh, Bertram (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4076
CP Cook, Don W., 2Lt
N None
E Qualls, Thomas B., Sgt
R Randall, Charles R., Jr., Sgt
G Hawthorne, Ralph C., Sgt
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27481
None
“Awoke 6:25AM to check mission. Not on today. 100 lb demos up in Adriatic sector. Soft
boiled eggs, wheatena, bread, marmalade, coffee. Clear morning. There are five cots in
our tent. Wooden floor and table in center. "frag" boxes act as locker trunks. Wash from
a helmet. Drinking water in canteens. 60 watt bulb from energizer. Most of the time it
remains very dim. Radio inoperative due to lack of power. Nelson is really under the
weather this morning. Just scheduled for today's mission. Flying 791 (43-27791) Lt
Lonsdorf pilot. Target is ammunition dump and command post about 25 miles north of La
Spezia. Take off 12:32PM. 13:55PM encountering heavy moderate inaccurate flak.
Over target 1400. Hit target squarely. Could see explosion. Threw window out "Escape
hatch" to allude radar detection. (stencil) Had quite a mess with "window". Using K20
#11. Took some good photos. One of formation. Interrogated. (Landed 1505) Stuffed
peppers, boiled onions, beans, bread, marmalade, coffee. 1st shift guard 6 to 10. Quite
chilly. Very starry night. On tomorrow's mission. Met the new CO, Captain McLain at
the club. Bought him a drink. Retired 10:00PM.”
Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
In Italy, B-26s hit defensive positions as US Fifth Army elements
push through N Italian mountain passes toward Gothic Line defenses; B-25s bomb
railroad bridges at Vigevano and Canneto sull'Oglio and supply areas; fighter-bombers
and fighters attack roads, railroads, guns, supply areas, bridges, and other targets at
Vernio, and in the Alessandria, Turin, Piacenza, and Milan areas; and the 65th and 66th
Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group, move from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone, Italy with
P-47s. The 522nd Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter Group, moves from Salon to Loyettes,
France with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Back to the barracks, gun and supply areas in the Gothic Line
sector we racked up 94 and 77.9% missions. Against the communications target and after
3 runs due to weather, a 100% “swab-job” against the Canneto Rail bridge was added to
our growing list of perfect missions this month.
Gun Positions, Q-897977
Canneto Rail Bridge, Italy (Alt)
Barracks and Supply area, Q-907984
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron participated in two missions. A large number of
packages and plenty of mail arrived today. The men are starting to gripe about the food
situation. The food contains poor quality and is entirely inadequate, they complain. The
Mitchell-Aires serenaded the enlisted men tonight and after the musical session,
doughnuts were served.
445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 542/mission 542) Group Mission # 542: In
the first one, 6 ships joined the group to bomb gun positions near Borgo close to the front
lines in Italy. This squadron achieved 87.5 bombing accuracy.
A/C No. 43-27740
Wagner, Gerald W., 1Lt
Cronk, Ronald W., 2Lt
Napple, Francis L., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-3535 “Rum Runner”
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
P Frank, Robert R., 1Lt
CP Payne, Lawrence J., 2Lt
N None
E Hunsberger, William R., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Rockett, James J., T/Sgt
None
None
Doherty, Charles S., Sgt
None
None
Butler, Russell J., Sgt
None
445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 543/mission 543) Group Mission # 543: In
the second mission, the squadron sent out 9 aircraft to help bomb the Canneto railroad
bridge, Italy. It resulted in another 100 per cent mission for this squadron.
P Collins, Daniel P., 1Lt
CP Smith, Richard H. “Red”, Col, 321st BG
Commander
B Baldwin, Harold O., 1Lt
R Plott, John M., T/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
Daggett, Allen L. “Jerry”, 1Lt
None
Klein, Robert J., 1Lt
Cummings, Walter T., S/Sgt
O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
P Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt
CP Place, Winston R., 1Lt
N None
B Gonzales, Alfred R., T/Sgt
R Stephens, Robert T., T/Sgt
G Bricen, Thomas T., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
CP McKay, Donald I., 1Lt
E Malloy, Edward J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 1Lt
Young, William J. “Dusty” F/O
None
Mouse”
None
None
Hardman, Albert F. “Al”, Jr., 1Lt
None
Smith, William F., S/Sgt
Kintly, James J., T/Sgt
None
None
None
“Modern Design”) (Lead spare - did not
fill in)
None
None
09/11/44:
“Last evening being Sunday, Chaplain Irons came down from his base
near Bastia according to our tentative plans from the week before to hold services with
as many boys as could be gotten together. With him were Frances Hughes and two
others, one of whom was a non-member. At about seven we convened at the 321 theater
area on the hillside and although a hoard of mosquitoes siphoned off considerable of the
blood of Israel, we had a very satisfying meeting. Chaplain Iron’s remarks were very
pertinent to the problems of a soldier trying to live and teach our religion. Cpl. Verl
Orme was set apart as Group Leader in the Corsican area. Each of the boys expressed
themselves and as usual with a Mormon gathering the bull session that followed was
projected far into the night. Hershel Hafen was also there and we had a good visit.”
Hafen, Herschel W.
Hughes, Francis, (from Mesquite, NV)
Orme, Verle W., Cpl, 487th BS, 340th BG
446th BS War Diary: More lucky personnel head for home: Lts. McRae, Taylor,
Sacker, Captain Robertson and Technical Sergeant Mitchell. F/O Derringer is made a
Second Lieut.
Derringer, Albert J., 2Lt, bombardier
McRae, James Arrington, 1Lt, bombardier
Mitchell, John J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
TARGET: Gun Positions, Q-897977
DATE: 11 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags.
446th Planes: 6
Lt. Wagner led the formation. All bombs in target area. Several reports of large fires and
smoke. Twelve burst of flak.
CP Kimble, Arnold P., 2Lt
F None
None
None
Admiral” (later Lady Jane)
P Vancil, Alfred E., 1Lt
N None
E Smetana, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt
R Bundy, Garland A., S/Sgt
G Larson, Ralph L., S/Sgt
F None
P Wozniak, Stanley E., 1Lt
N None
B Finney, Preston N., S/Sgt
E DeAngelo, Ralph J., S/Sgt
G Beets, Frank T., Sgt
F None
None
None
None
None
TARGET: Canneto Rail Bridge, Italy (Alt)
DATE: 11 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 9
Major Cooper led the formation.
Primary target obscured, alternate bombed.
Concentrations on S and N approaches and N half of bridge. Several direct hits Owing to
scattered clouds, first flight dropped on second run and second flight on third run. Flak
was heavy, moderate and inaccurate.
Ass II”
CP Cassidy, Charles F., Jr., Lt Col, HQ
321st BG
F None
Matthews, John Walker, Jr., 1Lt
None
Lippy, Harvey W., 1Lt
Cohen, Irwin (NMI), 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
Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt
None
None
Pad”
Schmid, Kenneth L., 2Lt
None
Epstein, Joseph H., 1Lt
Murray, Thomas A., S/Sgt
None
Ottem, Earl R., 1Lt
None
None
Holder, Paul F., T/Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
Paulson, Ronald A., 1Lt
Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Cpl
Alberico, Camillo A., Sgt
None
Darlene)
None
Gale, Benjamin H., Jr., 1Lt
Wiacek, Emil J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27497 “Barbara” (Wing
None
Brugioni, Dino A., T/Sgt
None
“Nearly froze last nite, cold and how. Shaved, got a haircut. Hanging around tent
waiting orders. No news all day about shipment. Drew 3 more blankets. To show
‘Minstrel Man’ – Lousy. Lot of fun swapping the latest rumors. Hawkes address: 926
39th St. Ogden, Utah.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men were relieved of
assignment and transferred to the Replacement Center No.7, on rotation, for
transshipment to the United States: Capt. Herbert J. Banks; Capt. George B. Nelson;
Capt. Glannin A. Cloward; 1st Lt. Forrest T. Nettles; 1st Lt. Nathan Mims; 1st Lt Robert
H. Swanson; T/Sgt. Walter J. Bilski; T/Sgt. Sidney Orloff; T/Sgt. Frank J. Reynolds;
S/Sgt. Cleo W. Simms; S/Sgt. Joe T. Blalock; S/Sgt. John Corkill; S/Sgt. Theodore M.
Fisher; S/Sgt. Raphael E. Morrissey; S/Sgt. Charles M. Richards; S/Sgt. Ralph Sinclair;
S/Sgt. Walter F.K. Tollefson. The following enlisted men are assigned to this squadron
per orders from 57th Wing: Sgt. Leonard P. Burlowski; Sgt. John F. Lenahan; Cpl. Floyd
B. Bennett; Cpl. Ferrer Piazza; Cpl Lewis O. Stone; Cpl. Robert L. Miller; Cpl. Warren J.
DeRuyter; Cpl. Eugene J. Siedlecki; Cpl. John T. Williams; Pvt. Curtis A. Freeman; Pvt.
James E. Sommers; Pvt. John M. McMinn; Pvt. Louis S. Ciranny. Today’s training
consisted of local transition.
Banks, Herbert J., Capt, pilot
Bennett, Floyd B., Cpl, armament
Bilski, Walter J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Blalock, Joe T., S/Sgt, gunner
Burlowski, Leonard P., Sgt, armament
Ciranny, Louis S., Pvt, engineering
Cloward, Glannin A., Capt, pilot
Corkill, John (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
DeRuyter, Warren J., Cpl, engineering
Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt, gunner
Freeman, Curtis A., Pvt., engineering
Lenahan, John F., Sgt, engineering
McMinn, John M., Pvt, engineering
Miller, Robert L., Cpl, ordnance
Mims, Nathan (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
Morrissey, Raphael E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Nelson, George B., Capt, bombardier
Nettles, Forrest Truett, 1Lt, pilot
Orloff, Sidney (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner Piazza, Ferrer (NMI), Cpl, mess
Richards, Charles M., S/Sgt, turret-gunner
Siedlecki, Eugene J., Cpl, transportation
Simms, Cleo W., S/Sgt, gunner
Sommers, James E., Pvt, engineering
Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
Stone, Lewis O., Cpl, engineering
Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 1Lt, pilot
Tollefson, Walter F. K., S/Sgt, gunner
Williams, John T., Cpl, transportation
Three of our ships participated in a raid on the Canneto Rail Bridge flying with the 446th
Squadron, with Lt. Speer leading our squadron. Target area well covered. Weather at
the primary target, Palazzolo RR Bridge, prevented bombing the target, necessitation the
bombing of the alternate Mission efficiency 100% Bombing accuracy 100 %.
CP Cammack, Elmore (NMI), 2Lt
N None
B Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr.,
S/Sgt
E Freeman, Millard C., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 2Lt
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie” (Wing spare
- returned - did not fill in)
Jensen, Hubert P. J., 1Lt
None
None
of our ships participated in a raid on barracks and supply area Q-907984, with Capt.
Wiginton leading our squadron. Target area well covered. Mission efficiency 99.9;
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27785
Hall, Earl W., 1Lt
None
Chatters, Aubrey W., T/Sgt
None
Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, Capt
Grimse, Ralph T., 1Lt
S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27636
N None
G Abbondanza, Anthony J., Sgt
F None
CP Buckley, Paul I., 2Lt
N None
E Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt
R Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt
F None
Runyon)
CP Cahoon, Carl W., 2Lt
N None
R Keefe, John A., S/Sgt
G Flowers, Frank J., Sgt
F Balling, Robert J., Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt
None
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Ifshin, Isidore (NMI) “Sonny”, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27701
None
None
Aloysius”
None
None
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Magne, Curtis A., Cpl
None
mission, flew with Wigs, dropped frags on same place as 53rd mission, some flak.”
Mission 346 (542): At 17:57 18 planes off to bomb Barracks and Supply area (Target #1area “B”), Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated as lead
position of the flight. The formation dropped 72 x 500 # Inst. & .025, 1079 x 20# frags
and 1x20# frag. jet over water. Target area well covered both by GP8s and Frags. Scant
to moderate flak heavy bursting north of target during breakaway. No planes holed.
Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 43-27720
Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt
Harris, Stephen C., 1Lt
Doughty, Paul V., S/Sgt
Holloway, Gerald (NMI), Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
Tilton,
Harvey
S., 1Lt
P
N None
E Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
R Campbell, James R., T/Sgt
G Markiewicz, Edward B., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27528
P Duggan, Raymond E., F/O
CP Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt
N None
B McKinley, Robert H., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27791
None
Rockwell, Steward R., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-4076
None
Gager, Joseph R., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27523
Cook, Don W., 2Lt
None
P Reedy, Walter W., 1Lt
N None
E Haack, Cecil J., S/Sgt
R Morefield, James Carl, S/Sgt
G Wald, Douglas A., S/Sgt
P Grady, John R., 1Lt
CP Kuoni, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Kiska, George P., 2Lt
E Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., Cpl
R Hulse, Donald W., Sgt
G Moleski, Benny M. “Ben”, Cpl
F None
Copes, Wilson R., 2Lt
None
None
Mission 347 (543): 18 planes off to bomb Gun Position area in northern Italy. Three (3)
planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated as the last element of the flight.
The formation dropped 72 x 500- Inst. & .o25 and 960 x 20 lb. Frags. 120 x 20 lb frags
were salvoed due to a malfunction. All bombs in target area. Several reports of large
fires and heavy smoke. 12 bursts of flak on breakaway. Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 43-27648 “Sweetie” (AntiFlak/Incendiary Ship)
P Riley, Robert L., 1Lt
CP Kirk, Theodore (NMI) “Ted”, 2Lt
N None
R Walker, Jack L., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4037 “Cherry Fizz” (AntiFlak/Incendiary Ship)
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27726 (AntiFlak/Incendiary Ship)
P Bard, John A., 1Lt
CP Holcombe, Dewey R., 1Lt
N None
B Young, Robert B., 1Lt
R Berman, Samuel (NMI), Sgt
G Trigler, Louis E., S/Sgt
“CQ blowing whistle awoke me at 5:30AM. Standby for 6:30AM. Fresh fried eggs,
oatmeal, bread, marmalade, coffee. Briefing at 6:50AM. Target is supplies. North of
Borgo San Lorenzo. Take off 7:35AM. Carry light 500lb GP bombs. At 9:00AM
encountered flak. (moderate) Fighters were in vicinity but did not make a pass. Did not
drop bombs. Over target at 9:20 AM on second run over target. Hits looked good
(75%). 6th mission. Landed 10:30AM. Red Cross served doughnuts. Interrogated.
Photos should be OK. James R Blackard, 4081 Boulevard, Indianapolis, Indiana (tent
mate) also flew as cameraman. Flew on 791 (43-27791). Stew, fresh cucumbers, onion,
beets, canned tomatoes, pineapple, bread and marmalade, water. Over at photo lab, Sgt
Sheldon said one of my photos would be used for public relations (ammunition dump).
Collecting additional per diem (Marrakech). Rode with Smitty on motorcycle to showers.
Roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetable salad, chocolate milk, chocolate ice cream, bread
and marmalade. Attended "Presenting Lily Mars." Very clear, starry sky. Retired
11:00PM.”
Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General
Benjamin W Chidlaw assumes command of the XII Fighter Command.
In Italy, B-26s blast defended positions in the C battle sector of the
Gothic Line; B-25s pound Po River railroad bridges and attack guns and strongpoints in
the battle zone as the enemy falls back to prepared Gothic Line defenses and the rapid
Allied advance halts; fighter-bombers strike at guns, troop concentrations, strongpoints,
and flak positions in the Genoa and Milan areas; and HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 64th
Fighter Squadron move from Alto, Corsica to Ombrone Airfield with P-47s.
In France, French-based fighter-bombers cut tracks in the Belfort,
Basel, and Freiburg areas; and the 417th Night Fighter Squadron, 63rd Fighter Wing,
arrives at La Valon from Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters; and the 523rd and 524th
Fighter Squadrons, 27th Fighter Group, move from Salon to Loyettes with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Three separate formations of 12 A/C each kept up the
relentless pounding of the German first lines of defense and photos showed excellent
coverage of supplies, gun positions, and troop concentrations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 545
DATE: 12 Sep 44 NO. A/C: 12
SQUADRONS:
445-12
446-0
447-0
448-0
TARGET: Troop Concentration L-904074
TIME OFF: 0830
T.O.T.: 1001
TIME DOWN: 1055
AXIS OF ATTACK: 345° HEIGHT: 11,000 ft.
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 44 x 500 - Inst & .025.
720 x 20 lb frags.
4 x 500 ret’d (Malfunction)
PLANES HOLED: None
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to Q-9469, Q-9786 (IP), target, right turn, L-9604, Q-9469 and home.
WEATHER: Enroute: CAVU.
Target: Clouds - 3/10 stratocumulus, Visibility--unlimited.
FLAK: Heavy, scant, inaccurate from west of target area.
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Good concentrations of 500 pounders between bldg and road to the west in
target area. Building was destroyed. Smoke and clouds prevented
accurate results of frags. Target area believed well covered.
OBSERVATIONS: None.
FLIGHT COMMANDER: Col. Cassidy
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lt. Russell
NO. OF SORTIES: 12
PHOTOS TAKEN.
ROBERT W. MANLY,
Capt., Air Corps,
Gp. S-2 Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 546
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-12
447-0
448-0
TARGET: Gun Positions at L-896073 (Area #8- -NW of Firenzuola, Italy.
TIME OFF: 0825
T.O.T.: 1000
TIME DOWN: 1105
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 48x500# Inst & .025.
708x20# Frags. (1 a/c carried
only 108 frags. 5 a/c carried 120)
PLANES HOLED: Two.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to Q-9469, Q-9786 (IP), target, right turn, L-9604, Q-9469 & home.
Target: Clouds--3/10 stratocumulus, Visibility--unlimited. Tops--5000’.
FLAK: Heavy, moderate, inaccurate to accurate starting at bombs away and tracking
along breakaway.
Light, moderate, inaccurate, several miles north of Vecchio (IP).
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Good concentrations both sides of buildings in center of area, and some
GP’s in southeast corner. Frags caused immediate explosion and column
of black smoke. (Target identification hampered by stratocumulus).
Report of explosion and fire in area #10, hit by 445th Squadron.
OBSERVATIONS: Possible dinghy off Pianosa Island with one B-25 circling.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lt. Hawkes.
NO. OF SORTIES: 12
PHOTOS TAKEN.
RAGNAR G. LIND,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
Ass’t.. S-2 Officer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 547
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-0
447-12
448-0
TARGET: Gun Area at L-894062
TIME OFF: 0830
T.O.T.: 1003
TIME DOWN: 1115
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 40x500# Inst & .025
8x500# salvoed over water. B/E.
624x20# frags.
96x20# frags. Salvoed--malfct.
PLANES HOLED: 1 A/C. 1 man wounded.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to Q-9469, Q-9786 (IP), target, right turn, L-9604, Q-9469, base.
Target: Clouds--3/10 stratocumulus, Visibility--unlimited.
FLAK: Heavy, scant, to moderate, inaccurate from known positions west of target
becoming more accurate while tracking at breakaway.
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Good coverage of east half of target area with 500# bombs, and of west
half with frags. All bombs, but one or two clusters of frags which were
across river to north, appeared to be in target area. One explosion and one
small fire observed.
OBSERVATIONS: None
FLIGHT LEADERS: Capt. Alger.
NO. OF SORTIES: 12
PHOTOS TAKEN.
ROBERT W. MANLY,
Capt., Air Corps,
Gp. S-2 Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Squadron personnel signed the payroll today and had but 18 days
to “sweat out” the good old pay day. The cast of “Off the Cob” put on another show
lasting exactly one hour and a half at a nearby camp.
squadron bombed troop concentrations and gun positions at Firenzuola, Italy with 100
per cent bombing accuracy again.
A/C No. 4-3631 “FAN - IT” (flight
leader)
P Russell, Lawrence L. “Scrap Iron”, 1Lt
CP Cassidy, Charles F., Jr., Lt Col, HQ
321st BG (flight commander)
E Hawkins, Vernon L., S/Sgt
R Kintly, James E., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
N None
E Taylor, Marion R., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
None
None
CP Shenk, Stanley R., 2Lt
E Kofmehl, James J., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt
None
None
Cormier, Emory O., 1Lt
None
Walter, Henry W., S/Sgt
None
Pants”
None
Hall, Warren Francis, S/Sgt
Moorehead, Lewis E., Sgt
None
Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
None
None
N None
Mouse”
P McLaughlin, Elwood F., Jr., 1Lt
N None
B Doherty, Charles S., Sgt
R Gray, John H., S/Sgt
F None
P McKay, Donald I., 1Lt
N None
B Cravey, Robert P., F/O
F None
Corey, Robert (NMI), 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
Lewis, Max E., 2Lt
None
None
446th BS War Diary: More men get those “going home” orders: Captain Kerr, Lt.
Church, Hollingsworth, Lewis, Mottley, and EM DeBari, Howe, Bellamy, Boatright,
Britton, Casper and Zeman.
Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Britton, William W., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt, gunner
Church, Edwin A., 1Lt, pilot
DeBari, Dominick R., T/Sgt, gunner
Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Howe, Frank M., Jr, Sgt, gunner
Kerr, John C., Capt, pilot
Mottley, John F., 1Lt, bombardier
Zeman, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner
TARGET: Gun Positions at Firenzuola, Italy
DATE: 12 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 500 lb. Demo. And Frags.
446th Planes: 12
Lt. Hawkes led the formation. Good concentration. Frags caused immediate explosion
and column of black smoke. Flak was heavy, moderate and inaccurate. Lt. Ivankovig
was a spare and returned early.
(flight leader)
Hawkes,
Leon
R., 1Lt
P
R Maddox, Everett R., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
Aderholt, William J., Jr., S/Sgt
None
Darlene)
None
None
Pivo, Robert (NMI), 2Lt
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Cubbage, Robert (NMI), Cpl
None
Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt
Chapman, John Edward, 1Lt
Farber, Joseph L., 1Lt
None
Pad”
Fontaine,
Eugene
A., Jr., 1Lt
P
CP Cressman, Jack E., 2Lt
N None
B Derringer, Albert J., F/O
R Cohen, Irwin (NMI), T/Sgt
F None
N None
G Glendening, George F., Jr., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Everhart, Herman E., F/O
None
None
None
Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt
Leeper, Kenneth E., S/Sgt
None
None
None
None
None
“Kathy Jeanne” dropped) (Lead spare did not fill in)
Ivankovig,
Paul
J., 1Lt
P
CP Perlman, Jacob L., F/O
N None
B Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
E Cornelius, Wilbur G., Sgt
G Thornton, Lotus Moody, S/Sgt
F None
“Up early, still no news about shipment. Tried to get PX ration ticket. Told we were to
move to the 541st area tomorrow @ 0900 a.m. We all left for Naples, had dinner in the
transient mess. Hung around PX and Red Cross all afternoon, met Burandt and Briles
there. Chiseled more PX rations. Went out to the Orange Club with Sacker and Taylor,
fine dance band there.”
Briles, Connolly O., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp,
Capri: 1st Lt. Robert T. Cunningham; 1st Lt. Ernest C. Rice; S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry;
Sgt. Jack Bowman; Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn. The following officers and enlisted men were
assigned to this squadron per orders from 57th Wing: 2nd Lt. Robert K. Murchland; 2nd Lt
Franklin L. Darrell; 2nd Lt. Edmund E. Bardy Jr.; F/O Donald W. Gies; Sgt. James E.
Citarelli; Sgt. Michael M. Maslyar; Sgt. James H. Williams. The following officers and
enlisted men returned from rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. Robert W. Mulholland; 1st Lt. Edwin
E. Wallace; T/Sgt. Joseph D. Alpino; S/Sgt. John Jaskowski. The following officers and
enlisted men departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Orval L. Schnoebelen; 1st Lt
Harold Spilko; T/Sgt. Robert R. Vineski; S/Sgt. Russell K. See; Sgt. Millard C. Freeman;
Sgt. Theodore Fiocca. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp,
Rome, Italy: 1st Lt Leeland A. Mesna; 1st Lt. Gordon A. Ramey; T/Sgt. Leo G. Hubert;
T/Sgt. William H. Pierce; T/Sgt. Myles O. Williamson; Sgt. Paul B. Connolly. Today’s
training consisted of local transition and practice bombing.
Alpino, Joseph P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Bardy, Edmund E., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier
Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, Sgt, aerial gunner
Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Citarelli, James E., Sgt, gunner
Connolly, Paul B., Sgt, aerial gunner
Cunningham, Robert T. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot
Darrell, Franklin L., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier
Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt, radio-gunner Freeman, Millard C., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Gies, Donald W., F/O, pilot
Hubert Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Jaskowski, John (NMI) “Jack”, S/Sgt, gunner
Mesna, Leeland A. “Lee”, 1Lt, bombardier Maslyar, Michael M., Sgt, gunner
Murchland, Robert Keith, 2Lt, pilot
Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt, pilot
Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot
Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner
Spilko, Harold (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier
Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”, T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Wallace, Edwin E., 1Lt, pilot
Williams, James H., Sgt, gunner
Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on Gun area L-894062 with Captain Alger
leading the squadron. Good concentration on western half of target area with G.P.’s and
eastern half with frags. Nearly all bombs hit in target area. Mission efficiency 83.3 %;
Bombing accuracy 100 %. Cpl. Curtis A. Hague was wounded in action.
A/C No. 43-27779
None
Bardy, Edmund E., Jr., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
N None
B Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt
R Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt
G Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27473 “Paper Doll” (flight
leader)
Brice, David W., 2Lt
Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt
Webb, James A., 1Lt
None
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Alpino, Joseph D., 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
A/C No. 43-27718
Amundson, Donald A., 2Lt
None
Darrell, Franklin Lloyd, Jr., 2Lt
S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-3403 “Incendiary
Blonde”
Cammack, Elmore (NMI), 2Lt
None
Korzeniowski, Edward S., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27785
Cahoon, Carl W., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27636
Appenzeller, Richard D., 2Lt
None
None
None
Williams, James H., Sgt
None
Aloysius”
Jaskowski, John (NMI) “Jack”, S/Sgt
None
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Matthews, William E., T/Sgt
Jensen, Herbert P. J., 1Lt
None
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Hague, Curtis A., Cpl
None
P Schweda, George J., 1Lt
CP Autry, Aaron E., 2Lt
N None
B Fisher, Gerald E., 1Lt
E Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt
R McFarland, John F., T/Sgt
F None
“Awoke 7:00AM. Stand down on today's mission. Fresh fried eggs, oatmeal, bread,
marmalade, coffee. Clear and warm. Bonifacio pictures came out badly. Replacements
came in today. Pork and beans, spinach, sliced cheese, cake, iced tea. Truck ride down to
a small French estate about one mile past "Travo". Bought one and one half kilo of
tomatoes at twenty francs a kilo. Capt McLain asked Nelson to open bar at club at
3:00PM. Meat paddies, beans, canned tomatoes, chocolate pudding, bread, marmalade,
eggnog. Received a letter from Shyrle (quite a bracer). Attended "GI Pie" show
presented by a British troupe. Brawl over at club. Retired at 11:30PM.”
Shyrle, Irving Schaffer’s future wife
In Italy, B-25s destroy a bridge at Peschiera del Garda, cutting the
Milan-Verona line; B-25s and B-26s bomb guns and defensive positions N of Florence;
fighter-bombers attack railroads, rolling stock, and bridges in N Italy, although a heavy
overcast hampers operations in the NW.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Four formations of 12 A/C each pounded the Gothic Line --this time in the Mt. Oggioli area. Again good concentration with no losses.
Target #1, Mt. Oggioli, Italy
Target #2-Mt. Oggioli, Italy.
Gun Positions at Firenzuola, Italy
Target #5-Mt. Oggioli, Italy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The day was generally cloudy and cool. There seems to be a
minor epidemic of colds running through the squadron. Squadron Doctor Captain Smith
lays the outbreak of colds to lack of resistance by men due to inadequate vitamin diet. A
small amount of mail arrived today.
Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon
squadron sent out 12 ships in a formation from the group which attacked gun
emplacements 4 miles northwest of Firenzuola, Italy. This squadron achieved a 95.8 per
cent bombing accuracy to help maintain its high average for the month.
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
Russell, Lawrence L. “Scrap Iron”, 1Lt
Dentoni, Louis M., 2Lt
Napple, Francis L., 1Lt
None
CP Webb, Allen W. “Pete”, 1Lt
N None
B Klein, Robert J., S/Sgt
P Hadsell, Donald M., 1Lt
CP Mogren, Edward G., 2Lt
N None
B Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt
E Kofmehl, James J., S/Sgt
R Rockett, James J., T/Sgt
G Walburn, John A., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
N Yepez, Oscar W., 1Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
Barton, Samuel V., 2Lt
None
None
Walter, Henry W., S/Sgt
None
CP Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
N None
R Scott, Aurelias, M., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
P Frank, Robert R., 1Lt
N None
B DiFulvio, Rudolph A. “Rudy” , 2Lt
F None
Mouse” (Wing spare - did not fill in)
P Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 1Lt
CP Lewis, Max E., 2Lt
N None
B Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt
E Woody, Louie M., Sgt
G Miller, Emanuel (NMI), Cpl
F None
Eyes” (previously “What’s Cookin’?”
Sprankle, Floyd H., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27740
Dickerson, Samuel M., Capt
O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt
None
None
Slodden, Henry M. “Kip”, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
CP Young, William J. “Dusty”, F/O
N None
F None
446th BS War Diary: Cairo vacationers include Lt. Fontaine, Gittings, Lippy and
Derringer and EMs Mills, Bruner, Cohen, McKearnin, Petrella and Wiacek. Two
missions are flown and Dusty Rhodes is made a Master Sergeant.
Bruner, Edward (NMI), Sgt, gunner
Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Derringer, Albert J., 2Lt, bombardier
Fontaine, Eugene A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Gittings, Raymond W., 1Lt, pilot
Lippy, Harvey W., 1Lt, bombardier
McKearnin, William J., Sgt, gunner
Mills, Robert E., Sgt, engineering
Petrella, Luigi C., S/Sgt, gunner
Rhodes, Noah F. "Dusty", M/Sgt, engineering
Wiacek, Emil J., S/Sgt, gunner
TARGET: #1, Mt. Oggioli, Italy
DATE: 13 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 500 lb. Demo. and Frags.
446th Planes: 12
Lt. Vivas led the formation. Clouds obscured accurate results of first flight. Bombs
believed to have hit among buildings. Second flight was uncertain about target. No flak.
Lt. White returned early because of loose cowling.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Dunn, Thomas B., 1Lt
None
lady - no name/lettering) (Turned back loose cowling)
None
Reeves, Charles F., M/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
None
None
Pivo, Robert (NMI), 2Lt
None
Beets, Frank T., S/Sgt
None
Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt
None
Pad”
None
Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
Cornelius, Wilbur G., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
None
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
Kaenzig, Charles Leslie, 1Lt
None
None
Bundy, Garland A., Sgt
None
None
None
P Wojcik, Walter (NMI), 1Lt
CP Gallagher, Andrew R., F/O
N None
R Kaufman, Sanders S., S/Sgt
G Slezak, Alex E., S/Sgt
F None
Ass II”
P Grove, Russell V., 1Lt
N None
E Henry, Scott G., S/Sgt
G Leeper, Kenneth E., S/Sgt
F None
None
None
TARGET: # 5 Mt. Oggioli, Italy
DATE: 13 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 3
Capt Dickerson led the formation. Good concentration in immediate target area. Second
box of six with Frags. Did not bomb because of weather at target. No flak.
Dickerson, Samuel M., Capt, pilot, navigator, 445th BS
N None
B Hogman, Frans H., 2Lt
E Kreider, John L., S/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-4021
P Gibbons, George H., 1Lt
CP Goodrich, John W., 2Lt
N None
R Crozer, Robert L., S/Sgt
G Leary, Gwynn M., S/Sgt
F None
“Moved into the 541st Bn Area. Got processed (fill out papers etc.) After chow went to
Base Censor had 201 file and personal papers censored. Got more PX rations.
Showered. Went to USO show, also saw ‘Step Lively’ with Frank Sinatra – good.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men returned from Cairo,
Egypt: 1st Lt A.L. Muzinich; 1st Lt. R.E. Murray; 1st Lt. W.C. Huffman; 1st Lt. H.N.
Lindell; M/Sgt. Fred Pate; S/Sgt. G.W. Baldridge; S/Sgt. George Mercea; S/Sgt. E.C.
Cowart; S/Sgt. R.W. Engels; Sgt. R.C. Dawson; Sgt. J. Veid. Today’s training consisted
of local transition and practice bombing.
Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt, gunner
Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Huffman, William C., 1Lt, bombardier
Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt, navigator
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt, pilot
Mercea, George (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Pate, Fred (NMI), M/Sgt, engineering
Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt, aerial gunner
Three of our ships participated in a raid on Mt. Oggioli Target No. 5, with Lt. Manz
leading the squadron. No bombs were dropped, couldn’t pick up target.
P Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 1Lt
CP Breckenridge, Louis C., 2Lt
N None
B Payne, Leonard T., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27701
P Wallace, Edwin E., 1Lt
CP Buechner, Helmut K., 2Lt
N None
R Hubert, Leo G., S/Sgt
G Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt
F None
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
Tulley, Harlan Norval, 2Lt
Mulholland, Robert W., 1Lt
Mission 348 (549): At 19:30 12 planes off to bomb target #2-Mt. Oggioli, Italy.
Squadron 448 was the only participant in this attack dropping 56 x 500 – Inst. & .025 and
600 x 20 lb frags. Good concentration on center and north half of target area.
Identification difficult. 3 planes holed from premature explosion of frag bomb beneath
formation. Heavy, scant and accurate flak SE of target. Weather Enroute haze and
visibility 12 miles.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Kruse, Milfred E., 1Lt
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
A/C No. 43-4076
Warren, William F., 1Lt
None
Randell, Charles R., Jr., Sgt
None
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
Churchill, Duane W., 2Lt
None
None
Autrey, W. F. (i.o.), 2Lt
None
Baird, James (NMI), F/O
Bass, Bernard G., Cpl
None
Out”
None
Roberts, Charles J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
None
None
Clark, Raymond S., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27523
None
Hulse, Donald W., Sgt
None
Mission 349 (551): At 09:49 12 planes off to bomb target #5-Mt. Oggioli, Italy. Three
(3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the last element of
the flight. The formation dropped 48 x 500 lb – Inst. & .025 and 720 x 20 frags returned
because weather interfered. Good concentration of 500 lb bombs in immediate target
area. No flak encountered. Weather: Haze and high overcast at 18,000 feet, 3/10
stratocumulus visibility 12 miles.
A/C No. 43-27528
None
White, E. T., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27720
CP Reedy, Walter W., 1Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27726
None
None
“CQ blowing whistle at 6:30AM for 8:55AM briefing. On a "frag" mission. Scrambled
eggs, oatmeal, ground sausage, tomato juice, bread, marmalade, coffee. Take off
9:40AM. Target is troops and supplies fifteen miles northwest of Borgo S Lorenzo.
Fighters - did not make a pass. No flak. Over target 11:00AM. Made three runs. Hit
target. Landed 12:40. 1st Lt Bard, pilot. Flew as radio-photographer. Good photos.
Seventh mission. Canned corn beef, kidney beans, canned corn, peach pie, lemonade,
bread, marmalade. Nelson went to Catania, Sicily. Gray, a radio gunner of 445th, cut
my hair. Graduated from U of Kentucky. (Bachelor of Science) Read all evening.
Received mail today. Clear and starry evening. On tomorrow's mission. Retired
10:00PM.”
Bard, John A., 1Lt, pilot
Gray, John H., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 445th BS
321st Bomb Group Headlines:
In Italy, medium bombers attack defensive positions in the E and C
parts of the Gothic Line as the enemy fiercely resists, especially at Il Giogo Pass and on
Monte Altuzzo; fighter-bombers continue strikes against communications and movement
in the Po Valley.
In France, bad weather limits fighters to a few sweeps in the S; and
th
HQ 17 Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Sardinia to Corsica.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: One mission this date --- but a 48 plane one. It was in direct
support of the 8th Army trying to push their way through troops and defenses in the
Rimini area. We covered the area with 100% concentrations in spite of the fact that the
flak was terrific, holing 27 A/C, forcing one plane to crash land, and injuring 7 men.
General Cannon, Commanding General of the 12th Air Force made a long
inspection of the Group this date accompanied by General Knapp.
Crumpet #2, Area A, Italy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The cigars were really being passed out today as some of the
squadron “wheels” put on the “railroad tracks”. Lts. Wagner, Hatcher, Russell, Yepez
and Casaburi all were notified of their promotion to Captain. There was a meeting held
for all officer and enlisted combat crew members this evening where insurance was
discussed.
Casaburi, Robert Roland, Capt, navigator
Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot
Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot
Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot
Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator
squadron sent out 12 ships to join the group in bombing gun positions and defenses
southwest of Rimini. Braving an intense and accurate flak barrage, the squadron
bombardiers did it again with 100 per cent bombing accuracy.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27740
Fisher, Sigmund M., 1Lt
None
Cormier, Emory O., 1Lt
None
Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt
None
N None
E Hickey, William R., S/Sgt
R O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt
F None
P Wolfe, Robert A., 1Lt
N None
E Yoa, Harry (NMI), S/Sgt
G Jannetta, Floridi D. “Floyd”, S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
CP Young, William J. “Dusty”, F/O
N None
G Jacobs, Harry E., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Larkin, Francis C. “Charley”, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Miller, Emanuel (NMI), Cpl
Otterness, William B., Cpl
None
Mouse”
Rung, Raymond F. “Red”, F/O
None
Watts, Joseph T., Jr., Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27509
McKay, Donald I, 1Lt
Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27698 “Peggy Lou” (Lead
P Groose, William R., “Bud”, 1Lt
CP Couch, Thomas (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Thompson, Henry C., Jr.,
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Lieut. LeClair, squadron operations officer, is made a Captain.
LeClair, Edward R., Capt, pilot
TARGET: Crumpet #2, Area A, Italy
DATE: 14 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: Frags and 500 lb. Demo.
446th Planes: 12
Captain Wiginton led the formation. Target area well hit with Frags. Numerous fires
started. Good concentration of 500 lb. also. Fires and explosions seen. Flak was heavy,
intense and accurate. 27 planes holed, 7 crew members wounded. One plane crashlanded at base, two of the crew bailed out over field rather than ride the ship in.
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", Capt, pilot, 447th BS
CP Cooper, Paul T., Maj, Commander
F None
Pad”
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
None
Holder, Paul F., S/Sgt
None
None
None
Farber, Joseph L., 1Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
N None
R Koos, Walter V., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Trosky, Chester J., 1Lt
None
McFarland, Charles W., S/Sgt
None
Mission: Test Hop
“Officers call @ 0800, check assignment of tents, etc. To Naples with Taylor. Having
blouse altered at the Red Cross. Dinner at the transient mess. Walked around town.
Had a most pleasant evening. Oh, Boy. Had a snapshot taken with Taylor.”
447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Bruce Lowery returned to the squadron after a short leave to
the United States. A pre-fabricated hut is being erected to accommodate S-1; S-2; S-3.
Lowery, Bruce, 1Lt, armament
Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on “Crumpet No.2 area “a” Troops and
Defenses, with Capt. Wiginton leading our squadron. Excellent concentration of bombs
in target area resulting in a 100 % Mission efficiency and 100 % bombing accuracy.
Seven of our planes were holed by flak and Lt. Fisher, Lt. Gates, Capt. Alger, S/Sgt.
Baldridge were slightly wounded. Lt. Walker flying plane #701 made a crash landing
when the hydraulic system was hit by flak. Lt. Vieser and Sgt. Byrn bailed out over our
base field.
A/C No. 43-27785
N None
B Darrell, Franklin Lloyd Jr., 2Lt
E Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
G Williams, James H., Sgt
F
None
A/C No. 43-27718
None
S/Sgt
G Connolly, Paul B., Sgt
F None
CP Cammack, Elmore (NMI), 2Lt
N None
E Netzel, Carl F., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 43-27701
P Walker, Marion E., 1Lt
CP Appenzeller, Richard D., 2Lt
N None
B Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt
E Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt
R Torrey, Francis S., S/Sgt
G Payne, Leonard T., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
S/Sgt
None
Aloysius”
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
None
Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
None
CP Gies, Donald W., F/O
N None
R Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Murchland, Robert Keith, 2Lt
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
None
None
Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-4060 “Cover Girl” (Lead
spare - returned - did not fill in)
Buckley, Paul I., 2Lt
None
Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt
None
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed troops with frags near Rimini, buku flak, 25 holes in
ship, nice bombing.”
Mission 350 (552): At 08:21 48 planes off to bomb Crumpet #2-Area “A”-Troops and
defenses, Italy. 12 planes (12) of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as
the lead squadron. The flight dropped 3587 x 20 lb. frags., 48 x 500 – Inst. - .025.
Returned 600 x 20 due to obscured target. Target area well hit and numerous fires
started. Heavy intense and accurate from known positions. Planes holed 27 and 7 men
wounded and 1 plane crashed on base with the crew safe. Weather: Haze, clouds 8/10
altocumulus, visibility 15 miles.
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. 43-27720
Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt
Bard, John A., 1Lt
None
Sadie”
None
Gager, Joseph R., S/Sgt
None
Smith, Milford A., 2Lt
None
None
None
Hallman, Robert L., T/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27726
None
Poteet, Edward J., T/Sgt
Wald, Douglas A., Sgt
None
None
Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt
None
None
Cook, Don W., 2Lt
None
Mallin, Theodore (NMI), 1Lt
Herod, James E. “Jim”, Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27791
P Ovard, Glenn S., 1Lt
CP Moyer, Emerson C., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27668
P Verkruysse, Emile D., 1Lt
CP Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt
N None
G Hersh, Bertram (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-28081
None
Baird, James (NMI), Jr., Cpl
Bass, Bernard G., Cpl
White, E. T., S/Sgt
None
Walker, Jack L., T/Sgt
“Awoke 6:35AM. Briefing at 7:40AM. Very clear. Pancakes, hot cereal, coffee. Troop
concentration and gun emplacement on the "Gothic Line" just above Rimini at the
Adriatic Sea. Fighters at 3 and 6 o'clock - did not make a pass (friendly). First element
dropped bombs. We didn't drop. Pictures of fighters and heavy flak to our rear. One
ship in our formation hit. Making emergency landing in Italy. Several bombardiers were
slightly cut. Holes in several ships. Weather slightly cloudy 3/10th. Seen the island of
Monte Cristo. Landed 11:50 with bomb load (500). Hamburgers, beans, diced beets,
canned tomatoes, fruit salad, bread, marmalade. Ship in distress at 12:45 over field.
Hydraulic system shot up, crew bailed out. Pilot crash landing ship. On another mission
this afternoon. Troops and ammunition dump at the "Gothic" line. 48 ship formation.
Briefed at 2:00PM. All set to take off. Mission stand down. Public relations to publish
my photo of target (bridge) and B-25 showing destruction of target at La Spezia. Back
aching quite a bit. General Cannon, General Knapp inspected the squadron. Rode to
showers with Jeffery Lynn (Hollywood actor). Colonel Smith from Washington spoke on
personal affairs. (National Life Insurance) On tomorrow's mission. Frank Julio, Italian
interpreter for Catherine Cornell and Brian Aherne, Ethiopian Governor joined our
outfit. Very clear night. Had a Tom Collins at club. Retired 9:30PM.”
Cannon, John K., Maj Gen, 12th AF Commander
Knapp, Robert Duane, Brigadier General, pilot, 57th BW Commander
Lind, Ragnar G. “Jeffrey Lynn”, 2Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAFMTO: "A" Flight of
the 121st Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO, moves from St Tropez to Lyons, France with L5s (squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy). HQ 87th Fighter Wing, 47th Bombardment
Group (Light), 57th and 86th Fighter Groups, and several other units are transferred from
HQ XII Tactical Air Command to HQ XII Fighter Command; HQ XII Tactical Air
Command, based in S France, remains assigned to the Twelfth AF but is put under
operational control of the Ninth AF.
In Italy, all medium bomber missions are cancelled or aborted due to
weather; fighter-bombers, though restricted by weather, carry out armed reconnaissance
against enemy communications and defensive positions in the Milan-Genoa- ModenaPistoia areas, as Allied forces (joined on this date by elements of the Brazilian
Expeditionary Force) attempt to penetrate enemy strongholds in the N Apennines; HQ
XII Fighter Command moves from Caserta to Florence; HQ 62nd Fighter Wing moves
from Naples to Antignano; and the 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, moves
from Sardinia to Tarquinia with P-47s.
445th BS War Diary: There was no combat mission today. The Red Cross came
through this morning by distributing doughnuts and coffee to area personnel. Eight
combat crew gunners were promoted to staff sergeant. Lt. Bruce Lowery returned from
the States and was assigned to this squadron as Armament Officer. Lt. Smith, navigator,
was transferred to the 448th. A big celebration was held at the enlisted club tonight in
honor of M/Sgt Patrick B. Lockwood, venerable line chief, who leaves for the U.S.A.
tomorrow. Speeches were made by old 445th “alumni”, including Major Gaffney, Lt.
Gregory, Major Larson, Capt. Anderson and others. All hailed the great work done by
Sgt. Lockwood and his engineering personnel.
Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, Capt, bombardier
Gaffney, Charles, H., Maj, Executive Officer
Gregory, Samuel J., 1Lt, Adjutant
Lockwood, Patrick B., M/Sgt, engineering
Larson, Harold W., Maj, navigator
Lowery, Bruce (NMI), 2Lt, armament
Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt, navigator
09/15/44:
“Yesterday we had a bit of excitement. A plane from the 447th Squadron
was shot up. Two of the crew bailed out and the plane bellied in. No one was hurt. I
pulled guard from 03:30 to 07:00 hours this morning. If everything goes according to
plan Gil and I will go to Rome on the 18th. Enjoyed reading the Improvement Era last
evening. Don Revord asked for a Book of Mormon this morning after reading an article
on Joseph Smith, the Prophet. I loaned him one.”
Inman, Gilbert E. “Gil”, Sgt, armament
Revord, Donald D., Sgt, armament
446th BS War Diary: Newest promotions are to Technical Sergeant Felmer, Corporal
Welch.
Felmer, Carl M., T/Sgt, gunner
Welch, Edwin S., Cpl, communications
“Got back to base @ 0900. Had to censor a few letters. Showered and sacked awhile.
Had a typhus shot @ 1430. Into town with Taylor to get cleaning, picked up my blouse at
Red Cross, did a fine job of altering. Ice cream @ R.C., supper @ Transient Mess.
Snapshot taken with Taylor, Robertson, and Hollingsworth. Back to camp early, a good
USO show and movie ‘Mr. Winkle Goes to War’.”
conditions. 2nd Lt. Harlan N. Tulley (N) and 2nd Lt. Donald J. Colgan (B) were assigned
to this squadron per 57the Wing. The following officers and enlisted men were relieved
of assignment and transferred on rotation to Replacement Depot No. 7 for transshipment
to the United States: 1st Lt. William E. Neiman; 1st Lt. Robert M. James; 1st Lt. Salvatore
P. Casarella; 1st Lt. Hyman Niedleman; M/Sgt. James B. Henderson; T/Sgt. John P.
Gaydos; S/Sgt Arthur T. Shand; Sgt. Ora E. Holmes. The following officers and enlisted
men departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. C.B. Christian; 1st Lt. G.E. Fisher; 1st Lt.
M.L. Speer; M/Sgt. W.H. Perry; T/Sgt. R.E. Bruns; T/Sgt. H.C. Niemann; Sgt. J.A.
Wade; Sgt. J.J. Harris; Cpl R.D. Lahman; Pfc. Frank H. Dorrel; Pfc. G.J. Sarberg. The
following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt.
O.L. Schnoebelen; 1st Lt. H. Spilko; T/Sgt. R.R. Vineski; S/Sgt. R.K. See; Sgt. M.C.
Freeman; Sgt. T. Fiocca. Today’s training consisted of local transition.
Bruns, Robert E., T/Sgt, engineering
Casarella, Salvatore P., Jr., 1Lt, intelligence
Christian, Calvin B., 1Lt, pilot
Colgan, Donald J., 2Lt, bombardier
Dorrel, Frank H., PFC, intelligence
Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt, radio-gunner
Freeman, Millard C., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Gaydos, John P., T/Sgt, armament-gunner Harris, Jack J., Sgt, armament
Henderson, James B., M/Sgt, communications
Holmes, Ora E., Jr., Sgt, photographer
James, Robert M, 1Lt, bombardier
Lahman, Robert D., Cpl, ordnance
Neiman, William E., 1Lt, pilot
Niedleman, Hyman (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier Niemann, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering
Perry, Woodrow H., M/Sgt, armament
Sarberg, George J., PFC, medical
Shand, Arthur T., S/Sgt, photographer
Speer, Marvin L, 1Lt, pilot
Spilko, Harold (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier
Tulley, Harlan N., 2Lt, navigator
Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”, T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Wade, Jarrel A., Sgt, engineering
“CQ blowing whistle at 5:45. Still dark. 9/10th coverage. French toast, oatmeal,
grapefruit juice, coffee. Stand by until 2:00PM. Schaffner leaving for Rome at 8:30AM.
After briefing, which is held in an all-metal portable bomb shelter, trucks transport us to
the line. Gunners, radioman, pilot, etc., make a last minute preflight. Bombs are loaded
the evening before by ordnance. About five minutes before engine time, we first put on
whatever clothing necessary. Next comes our "Mae-West" or life preservers. Over this is
our parachute harness. The takeoff is somewhat rough due to an earthen runway. We
sweat out man takeoffs with a bomb load. After the formation has assembled and
reached flight altitude, we set course. As we approach the Italian coast, flak suits are
donned, plus a flak helmet. A flak suit is composed of small individual squares of metal
linked together. The back, front and lower front are individual sections snapped
together. In emergency, the pulling of the front cord will dismantle the three units. The
flak helmet is of medium metal. Hinged earflaps are held in place with a strap under the
chin, holding the helmet in place. At this point, one is quite weighted down. As we
approach our IP (initial point) where we begin our bomb run, the human tension
becomes quite alive. Eyes pierce the sky, expecting fighters, flak, ships in trouble, etc.
Once we leave our target, the crew finds relaxation. However until we departed Italian
soil, maximum effort is required. Each man is entrusted with an escape kit consisting of
money, maps, compass. Escape kits are to be used should you land in enemy territory.
Meat loaf, canned tomatoes, mashed potatoes, (dehydrated) peas, fruit salad, iced tea,
bread, marmalade. Slight drizzle. Taylor and I purchased tomatoes, Spanish melon,
cantaloupes at a small French market. Nelson returned from Catania. Boiled beef,
beans, canned tomatoes, fruit salad, coffee, bread, marmalade. Listened to British
heavyweight fight for title Jack London (champion) Fred Mills (contender). Ate a piece
of Spanish melon. Rum coke at club. Retired 9:30PM.”
In Italy, medium bombers attack fuel and supply dumps and
defensive positions in the Bologna and Rimini areas while fighter-bombers and fighters
bomb and strafe rail and road targets N of the battle areas in the N Apennine Mountains
as US Fifth Army forces struggle to break through strong enemy defenses in the hills N
of Prato, along the main Monte Altuzzo ridge, on Monte Veruca, Monte Monticelli, and
other mountain positions; the 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment
Group (Light), moves from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; and the 526th Fighter
Squadron, 86th Fighter Group, moves from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Trepidation was rampant when the crews learned at briefing
that the target for 36 A/C was the Casalecchio Fuel Dump in the Bologna area, north of
the Gothic Line. However, the flak failed to materialize, the target received a 100%
“snow-job” and only 4 ships were holed by the scant flak. Azon is back again --- they
missed their target --- the Ronco Scrivia RR bridge with 4 bombs dropped by 3 A/C.
Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy
Ronco, Scrivia Rail Bridge, Italy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The mail situation has slowed down again and the men are
registering plenty of discontent not only with that but the continued poor food served in
the squadron.
aircraft from the 445th joined the group formation attacking the Casalecchio fuel dump
near Bologna, Italy. Once again, this squadron received 100 per cent bombing accuracy
in the bomb-fall plot.
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
Wagner,
Gerald W., Capt
P
N Napple, Francis L., 1Lt
E Hawkins, Vernon L., S/Sgt
G Jacobs, Harry E., Cpl
F None
None
Kofmehl, James J., S/Sgt
None
N None
F None
CP Dentoni, Louis M., 2Lt
N None
B Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
Carney, Robert J., T/Sgt
None
None
Slodden, Henry M. “Kip”, Cpl
(later “Winnie Mae”) (Lead spare - did
not fill in)
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Two missions are flown.
TARGET: Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy
DATE: 16 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. and Incendiaries
446th Planes: 9
Captain Wagner led the formation. Good concentration, all bombs in target area. Several
fires, one especially large, seen. Flak was scant moderate, inaccurate, and heavy,
accurate. Four aircraft holed. Lt. Hively was forced to make a single-engine landing at
base. Lt. Pietrowski, spare, returned early.
Wagner, Gerald W., Capt, pilot, 445th BS
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt
None
McFarland, Charles W., S/Sgt
None
None
Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
None
P Rackley, Donald D., 1Lt
CP Everhart, Herman E., F/O
N None
B Forsberg, Robert A., 1Lt
R Wilking, Robert L., Cpl
G Wlodyka, Andrew J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ass II”
Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt
Kiernan, Noble J., 1Lt
None
None
Koos, Walter V., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
Wojcik, Walter (NMI), 1Lt
None
Brown, Dennis H., Cpl
None
B Hogman, Frans H., F/O
E Kreider, John L., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27496 “PRINCESS”
(previously PRINCESS PAOLA II)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
Vannah, Harold P., Jr. F/O
None
dropped from nose art) (Spare - returned
without filling in)
Higgins, Howard A., 1Lt
None
None
TARGET: Ronco, Scrivia Rail Bridge, Italy
DATE: 16 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP and Comp “B” Azon
446th Planes: 3
Lt. Goff led the formation. Two bombs hit along RR 400 feet S of target. One bomb hit
just to N and S end of bridge. One bomb hit 400 feet E of target along road and on E
bank of river. Flak was heavy, moderate and accurate. Two aircraft were holed.
A/C No. 43-4077 “Stormy Weather”
(Previously 447th ship “Ann’s Little
Boy Val”)
CP Ziglar, Frank C., Maj
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs. C”
Anderson, Melvin Anders, Capt, HQ
321st BG
Leary, Gwynn M, S/Sgt
Fellmer, Carl M., T/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27745
CP DiNorma, Joseph S., 2Lt
N None
B Epstein, Joseph H., 1Lt
E Cassidy, Warren J., S/Sgt
G McCarty, Lyle (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 65, Co-Pilot)
Pilot: Grove, Russell V., 1Lt
B-25J 43-27497 “Barbara”
Mission: Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy
“Met Otto Hunter this a.m. A bull session. Hung around tent all a.m. Into Naples after
dinner with Taylor & Sacker. Lot of fun kidding the Red Cross Girl. Coffee, etc. @ R.C.
Ate @ transient mess. After supper out to Orange and Rotunda Clubs. Sacker a riot.
Hitching back hard.”
447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Bruce Lowery is relieved of his assignment to this squadron
and transferred to the 445th Squadron. All clocks, watches and sundials will be retarded
one hour at 3:00 A.M. Sunday Sept. 17, 1944. S-1; S-2; S-3; have moved into the newly
erected pre-fabricated hut. In addition to his other duties 1st Lt. William E. Levine has
been appointed Squadron EFM Officer and Squadron Summary Court Officer.
Levine, William E., 2Lt, intelligence
Lowery, Bruce, 1Lt, armament
Nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Casalecchio Fuel Dump, with Lt. Muzinich
leading our squadron. All bombs in target area with the heaviest concentration in the
central and south third of target area. Mission efficiency 100%; Bombing accuracy 100%.
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
S/Sgt
None
Muzinich, Anthony L. “Tony”, 1Lt
Autry, Aaron E., 2Lt
Cowart, Eugene C., T/Sgt
None
CP Burns, Robert J., 1Lt
N None
B Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
R Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27636
N None
B Colgan, Donald J.,
E Dimondstein, Herbert (NMI), Sgt
R MacNeil, Joseph W., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27779
P Ramey, Gordon A. “Gordy”, 1Lt
N None
B Huffman, William C., 1Lt
F Keefe, John A., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Darrell, Frank Lloyd, Jr., 2Lt
None
None
None
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Maslyar, Michael M., Sgt
None
None
Runyon) (Lead spare - returned - did not
fill in)
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
None
Mission 351 (553): At 07:47 36 planes off to bomb Casalecchio Fuel Dump, Italy. Nine
(9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the last box of 9 in
the flight. The formation dropped 2039 x 20# frags and 144x500# M-77 Incend.
121x20# frags returned due to malfunction. All bombs in target area. Several fires, one
especially large with billows of black smoke up to 1500 feet observed. Light and heavy
flak on breakaway. Weather: Clear, haze, visibility 8/10 miles into sun.
CP Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt
E Blasingame, Emory J., S/Sgt
R Kielich, Henry J., T/Sgt
G Hutchinson, James (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4076
P Gladwill, James G., 2Lt
CP Autrey, W. F. (i.o.), 2Lt
N None
R Hassenbein, Sam (NMI), T/Sgt
G Gage, Robert L., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27528
P Reedy, Walter W., 1Lt
CP Smith, Milford A., 2Lt
N None
B Mallin, Theodore (NMI), 1Lt
E Haack, Cecil J., S/Sgt
R Goldstein, George (NMI), T/Sgt
G Wald, Douglas A., S/Sgt
F None
Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt
None
Morefield, James Carl, Sgt
White, E. T., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-4037
None
None
Young, Robert E., 1Lt
Brusa, Robert P., S/Sgt
Sharp, Samuel I., Jr., S/Sgt
None
P Stevens, Ray B., 1Lt
CP Cook, Don W., 2Lt
N None
E Bell, Flavious J., S/Sgt
R Poteet, Edward J., T/Sgt
G Carrick, Kenneth M., S/Sgt
F LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, Sgt
P Swanson, Earl G. “Swanny”, Jr., 1Lt
CP Tetlow, John S., 2Lt
N None
R Hallman, Robert L., T/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27668
None
None
“SQ blowing whistle over PA system at 5:50AM. Briefing 6:45AM. Very clear morning.
A bit of diarrhea. Pancakes, oatmeal, coffee. Carry 500-lb amiable incendiaries. Target
fuel dump 3 miles SW of Bologna. Over target 9:31AM. Good hit. Good photos. Flak
was moderate and inaccurate. Pictures of Florence and ship "Cherry Fizz" (43-4037).
Landed at 11:10AM. Very cold upstairs (12000) right wing lead element. Mission (9) a
bit nervous. Hash, eggplant, canned beans, fresh tomatoes, cake, coke, coffee,
marmalade. Received rations - 9 bottles beer, 4 packages gum, 2 cokes, 3 cigars, 14
pkgs cigarettes, 9 bars candy, 3 bars soap, 1 face powder, 1 pipe, 2 cartons tobacco, 1
towel. Washed coveralls in gasoline. Captain McLain inspecting area. Slafkes, Davey
left for the states. Stew, fresh tomatoes, onion, cucumbers, bread, butter, coffee. Stomach
feeling punk. Not on tomorrow's mission. Retired 9:15PM.”
Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Slafkes, Milton M., S/Sgt, gunner
In France, the US Seventh Army's French II Corps makes contact
with the US Third Army's French 2nd Armored Division near Bains-les-Bains; and the
314th and 315th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, move from Amberieu to Tavaux
with P-47s.
In Italy, B-25s hit troop concentrations in the British Eighth Army
battle area in the vicinity of Rimini; B-25s pound rail bridges in the W Po Valley, while
fighter-bombers operating in the Po Valley attack rails, roads, rolling stock, road bridges,
motor transport and other targets; in the mountains S of the Po Valley US Fifth Army
forces break through the Gothic Line at Il Giogo Pass, take Monte Altuzzo and Pratone,
finish clearing Monte Veruca, and gain the crest of Monte Monticelli; and HQ 86th
Fighter Group and the 527th Fighter Squadron move from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto
with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: 54 A/C to the gun and troop concentration area at Rimini
smothered the target with 100% bombing. Fragmentation and 500 lb. bombs were used
on three separate missions.
Troop Concentration NQ of Rimini, Italy
Troop and Gun concentration Area, Italy.
Troop and Gun Concentration Area, Italy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: One of the squadron’s best flight leaders – Capt. Shyshka – left
today for his trip to the States on rotation. Pvts. Abrams and Morisi were promoted to
Corporal today and were automatically put on flying status, something they both had
been pulling for a long time. Two new Officer and enlisted men were assigned today as
combat replacements. A party was held tonight at the headquarters Officer’s club in
honor of Major Larson, former 445th navigator, who leaves for the States tomorrow.
Abrams, Samuel, Cpl, gunner (photographer)
Morisi, David D., Cpl, engineer-gunner
Shyshka, Lubomir P. "Cross Country", Capt, pilot
445th BS Mission Summary: In two separate missions, the 445th squadron sent out a
total of 12 ships to strike hard at troop concentrations northwest of Rimini. The squadron
bombardiers continued their brilliant streak of masterful precision bombing by achieving
100 per cent bombing accuracy in both attacks.
A/C No. 43-27740
Fisher, Sigmund M., 1Lt
None
N None
R DeLaune, William P., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Hickey, William R., S/Sgt
None
Lewis, Max E., 2Lt
None
None
Mouse”
None
Weiner, Irving B., Sgt
None
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Leith, Douglas L., S/Sgt
None
Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
None
None
(Lead spare - did not fill in)
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Sides, Harry F., 1Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Couch, Thomas (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!” (Lead
Groose, William R. “Bud”, 1Lt
None
Klein, Robert J., 1Lt
Plunk, Charles B., T/Sgt
None
09/17/44:
“There were nine present at services this morning, two of whom were nonmembers. I took over the class in the absence of Bro. Hacking who had the lesson, and
being unprepared I discoursed on the Book of Mormon. I thought it appropriate for the
new-comers and I now believe my choice of subjects was a wise one. Tomorrow Gil and
I are going to Rome. We haven’t had mail for quite some time. Weather splendid.”
Hacking, Lauerle T., 1Lt, pilot, 379th BS, 310th BG
Inman, Gilbert E. "Gil", Sgt, armament
446th BS War Diary: Nick Bianculli gets long awaited orders to go home.
Bianculli, Nicholas (NMI), Sgt, cook
446th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Group Mission # 555:
TARGET: Troop and Gun Concent, Rimini Area, Italy
DATE: 17 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 20 lb Frags. and 500 lb.
446th Planes: 9
Major Cooper led the formation. All bombs in target area, good coverage. No flak. Lt.
Wozniak, spare, returned early.
Ass II”
CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt
F None
Pad”
N None
B Pettit, Robert H., 2Lt
E Cornelius, Wilbur G., Sgt
F None
None
None
None
None
None
Knapp, Walter E., T/Sgt
None
P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt
E Davis, Virgil F., S/Sgt
R McFarland, Charles W., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Kaufman, Sanders S., S/Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
Huntoon, Stuart Layne, PFC
None
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
None
446th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Group Mission # 557:
TARGET: Troop and Gun Concent, Rimini Area, Italy
DATE: 17 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 20 lb. Frags. and 500 lb.
446th Planes: 3
Captain Stocking led the formation. All bombs in target area. Concentrations in E end.
Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, inaccurate.
Stocking, Eugene, E., Capt, pilot, 447th BS
N None
F None
CP Higgins, Howard A., 1Lt
N None
B Finney, Preston F., S/Sgt
R Rousos, Milton P., S/Sgt
F None
None
None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 66, Co-Pilot)
Pilot: Cooper, Paul T., Maj
B-25J 43-36224 probably “Hauling Ass II”
Mission: Troop and Gun Concentrations, Rimini Area, Italy
“A few of us had a meeting @ 1000, got reamed out by an Inf. Major for dirty tent – what
an outfit. Chaplain really a riot, have to punch his ticket. To Supply to see about our
Liquor ration, pick it up tomorrow a.m. Sacked awhile. Sacked, shaved, and showered
all afternoon. To show, very good.”
447th BS War Diary: Private Verlin L. Wadlow is promoted to the grade of corporal.
Morning report: Officers 91; E/M 335.
Wadlow, Verlin L., Cpl, communications
of our ships participated in a raid on Troop and Gun Concentration area, R-835988, R784986, R-784994, M-820000, with Lt. Murray leading our squadron. All bombs in
target area. Western section of target area well hit with concentration in center. Mission
efficiency 55.5 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %.
A/C No. 43-27785
N None
B Darrell, Franklin Lloyd, Jr., 2Lt
E Freeman, Millard C., Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27779
P Jensen, Hubert P. J., 1Lt
CP Bullion, Roland G. “Rollo”, 2Lt
N None
B Mulholland, Robert W., 2Lt
E Quintenz, Robert P., Sgt
G Connolly, Paul P., Sgt
F Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27718
P Gillis, John R., 1Lt
CP Amundson, Donald A., 2Lt
N None
E Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr.,
S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Murray, Robert E., 1Lt
Breckenridge, Louis C., 2Lt
Huffman, William C., 1Lt
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Toole, John F., S/Sgt
McKnight, John A., Jr., Cpl
None
Aloysius”
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
None
Coward, Eugene C., S/Sgt
None
Gies, Donald W., F/O
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Wallace, Edwin E., 1Lt
None
Mercea, George (NMI), S/Sgt
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 557/mission 557) Group Mission # 557: Six
of our ships participated on a second mission for the day, with Capt. Stocking leading our
squadron. Excellent concentration in target area. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing
accuracy 100 %.
Buckley, Paul I., 2Lt
None
None
CP Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Gillies, Robert H., S/Sgt
G Citarelli, James E., Sgt
F None
P Woods, Charles D., 1Lt
N None
B Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”,
S/Sgt
E Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt
R Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt
G Abbondanza, Anthony J., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Stocking, Eugene F., Capt
None
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
None
Cahoon, Carl W., 2Lt
None
Colgan, Donald J., 2Lt
None
“Target: Rimini Guns & Troop concentration
Flak: HMI Combat: 2:35
Bombs: frags
Escorts: None
Crew: P-Lt. Dean, CP-Lt Hennessey, B-Lt Gargiulo, E-Sgt Partee, R-TSG Alpino, GSgt Mango
All bombs in target area. Concentrations in E end and center. 5th OLC to AM pending”
Gargiulo, Vincent J. “Vince”, 2Lt, bombardier
Hennessey, Ralph E., 2Lt, pilot
mission, flew with Lt. Washburn as bombardier, nice bombing, some flak, troops at
Rimini.”
Mission 352 (556): At 07:38 18 planes off to bomb Troop and Gun concentration Area,
Italy. Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the lead
squadron. The formation dropped 1080x20# frags and 40x500# Inst. And .025. 24x500#
Returned as element did not pick up target and 8x500 Ret. Due to pilot error. All bombs
in target area. Target identification difficult. Heavy scant, inaccurate flak holed one
plane. Weather: 3/10 stratocumulus at 5000, visibility unlimited.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27720
None
A/C No. 43-27791
Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt
None
Rockwell, Stewart R. “Rockwell”, S/Sgt
Justice, Conway J., Jr., Cpl
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. 43-27523
None
Langley, Edmund P., Jr., Cpl
Brusa, Robert P., S/Sgt
Enderle, Melvin J., Cpl
None
Sadie”
Reedy, Walter W. 1Lt
None
Campbell, James R., T/Sgt
Cook, Don W., 2Lt
None
Qualls, Thomas B., S/Sgt
Randall, Charles R., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27726
Bard, John A., 1Lt
None
Reves, Louis E., Cpl
Holloway, Garland (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
None
None
A/C No. 43-27481
None
None
Grady, John R., 1Lt
None
Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., S/Sgt
Hulse, Donald W., S/Sgt
Moleski, Benny M. “Ben”, S/Sgt
None
Mission 353 (557): At 08:03 18 planes off to bomb Troop and Gun Concentration Area,
Italy. Six (6) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated as lead for the
second flight. The formation dropped 1080 x 20# frags and 72 x 500# inst. And .025.
All bombs in target area. Heavy moderate, to intense, inaccurate on breakaway. No
planes holed. Weather: 3/10 stratocumulus at 5000 feet visibility unlimited.
A/C No. 43-28081
Out”
P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt
CP Leonard, Lee V., 1Lt
None
B Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt
E Baird, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
R Bass, Bernard G., S/Sgt
G Abiecunas, Joseph P. “Abby”, S/Sgt
None
F None
P Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt
None
N None
Goldstein, George (NMI), T/Sgt
Edwards, Jesse R., Cpl
None
LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, S/Sgt
F
A/C No. 43-27668
None
N None
B Poteet, Edward J., T/Sgt
E Roberts, Charles J., S/Sgt
Hassenbein, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt
R Blackard, James R. “Jim”, T/Sgt
Sharp, Samuel I., S/Sgt
None
F None
448th BS: War Diary of: Schaffer, Irving J., S/Sgt, radio-gunner:
“Awoke 6:45. This Sunday morning, clocks were set back one hour. Was disturbed about
10:15PM last evening from a lot of jabbering in the tent. New combat man sleeping in
Charles bunk for night. Commenced Alexander Woollcott’s "As You Were". Retired
12:30. Bright and clear morning. Corn fritters, grapefruit juice, coffee. Assisted the
"Chief" in reassembling club after a night of fury. Major Bell was over. On detail to pick
up cement below Bastia at Casanova. Left 10:45. IR - 600 lb cans of cement (10 1/2
tons) Arrived at camp 4:30PM. Traveled about 70 kilometers. Light rain on return.
Stopped to pick grapes along way. Farmer came out with shotgun. Took a couple of
eggplant sandwiches. Some of the boys left for the mountains to observe the holidays
starting at sundown. Made S/Sgt today (Sept 15, 1944) Roast beef, mashed potatoes,
canned corn, onions and beets, coffee, bread and marmalade. Over at the club awhile.
Killed a bottle of beer. Mike stopped in, has infected hands. Clear evening. Retired
9:00PM.”
Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, HQ 321st BG
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAFMTO: The 72d
Liaison Squadron, AAFMTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Lons-le-Saunier
to Vesoul, France with L-5s.
In Italy, B-25s continue to hit troop concentrations and gun positions,
in support of the British Eighth Army forces which open an assault on defenses in the
Rimini area; despite bad weather B-26s and P-47s maintain attacks on bridges, rail lines,
and transportation in the Po Valley; HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) moves from
Salon, France to Follonica; HQ 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from
Decimomannu, Sardinia to Alto, Corsica with B-26s; and the 525th Fighter Squadron, 86th
Fighter Group, moves from Poretta, Corsica to Grosseto with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Three 18 A/C missions against the Rimini troop and gun area
reported 100% coverage of the target, which statement was borne out by the photos.
Rimini Gun and Troop/C area, Italy
One A/C was lost over the target from flak described as scant and very accurate. Three
chutes were seen to land in German territory 4 miles N of Rimini. The plane crashed into
the sea.
Rimini Gun Position and troop area bounded by R-820002, R-835988, and R-784986
Rimini Gun Position and Troop area bounded by R-82-0002, R-835988, R-784986
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
squadron sent 15 aircraft out to help bomb troop concentrations northwest of Rimini,
Italy. They ran into a terrific flak barrage and one aircraft piloted by Lt. Richardson was
lost over the target. Another piloted by Lt. Payne landed at Grosseto, Italy with one
engine shot out. A third piloted by Lt. Moore landed at Ghisonaccia field with a
punctured tire. Sgt. Sauer, radio gunner in Lt. Dyer’s plane was wounded in the side by
flak. Despite the many difficulties, the squadron’s deadeye bombardiers achieved a 99.8
bombing accuracy for the mission. (Crew list missing)
(MACR-8779 shot down)
N None
B DiFulvio, Rudolph A. “Rudy” , 2Lt
E Marinucci, Andrew J., S/Sgt
G Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt,
(landed at Ghisonaccia field, with
punctured tire)
P Moore, William H., Jr., 2Lt
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 5 unidentified plane & crew (#
2 position in 2nd flight)
P
CP
N
B
G
F
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
(landed at Grosseto, with one engine out)
Dyer, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot
Sauer, Carlton F., Sgt, radio-gunner
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
445th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 8779:
A/C No. 43-27792 “Cuddle Bunny” (MACR-8779 down in flames in Adriatic Sea)
P Richardson, John S., 1Lt – POW, returned
CP Corey, Robert (NMI), 2Lt – POW, returned
N None
B DiFulvio, Rudolph A. “Rudy” , 2Lt – went down with ship – KIA
E Marinucci, Andrew J., S/Sgt – POW, returned
R Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt – POW, returned
G Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt – POW, returned
F Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl – POW, returned
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eyewitness Account: Chapman, John Edward, 1Lt, navigator, 446th BS
445th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF
321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF
Office of the Operations Officer
APO 650,
21 September 1944
AG-360.33 – Richardson, John S. (0) and crew.
SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.
1. “I was the navigator in the bomber flying in the lead of the second flight of the
formation which followed immediately behind the aircraft in question on the mission of
18 September 1944.”
2. “While we were on the bomb run, I observed three parachutes to open below
and to the left of our formation. After seeing the chutes, I looked for and found the
bomber from which they had jumped. It was heading in a northerly direction toward the
sea. The plane was burning but seemed to be under control. The flames appeared to be
coming from the wings and not the fuselage but were too far away to be positive. It
looked to me as though the parachutists would land behind enemy lines. I did not see the
airplane crash nor did I see more than three chutes open.”
JOHN E. CHAPMAN,
1st Lt, 0-699134,
Navigator.
(Attachment to MAC Report,
Richardson, John S. (0) and crew,
B-25J, Aircraft 43-27792, 21 September 1994.
Incl 4.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eyewitness Account: Parlette, Oliver C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 445th BS
APO 650,
21 September 1944
1. “I was the radio-gunner of the aircraft in number two position of the same
flight in which Lt. Richardson was flying. During the bomb run I was watching the
concerned plane to see the bombs drop. There was a flak burst to the rear of our element
at our altitude and another which seemed to burst just below Lt. Richardson’s plane as the
bombs were dropping from the bomb bay. There was a large orange flash followed by
brown smoke which may have resulted from a direct flak hit in the falling bomb load. I
judged it to be a flak burst because of its similarity to the first which burst behind our
element. I observed the right landing gear to lower and the right engine aflame. The
plane seemed to falter for about five seconds and then began to lose altitude, slowly at
first and then more rapidly. I lost sight of the plane when we peeled off the bomb run.
The tail gunner reported seeing one chute. I saw the parachutist at 6000 feet. The
parachute opened about ten or fifteen seconds after the plane was hit. I regained sight of
the aircraft and saw it hit the water just off the coast. Judging from my observations of
the splash, the plane did not make a controlled landing. It appeared to me that the
airplane came to the surface again and seemed to be in tact.”
OLIVER C. PARLETTE,
T/Sgt., 11072713,
Radio-gunner.
Incl 5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyewitness Account: Yoa, Harry (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 445th BS
APO 650,
21 September 1944
1. “I was the tail gunner of the aircraft in number two position, first element of
the same flight in which Lt. Richardson was flying. On the bomb run, while the plane
concerned had its bomb bay doors open, I observed the landing wheels to lower and
could see that the right engine was aflame. The plane, apparently under control, began to
lose altitude rapidly. It appeared as though the pilot headed his bomber toward the sea. I
observed a parachute to open, which was probably from the rear of the crippled bomber,
at approximately 7000 feet. The parachute drifted in the direction of the town of Gatteo.
I did not see the plane hit the water but I saw the splash. We were too far away to
observe whether the bomber was afloat.”
HARRY (NMI) YOA,
S/Sgt., 14053361,
Engineer-Gunner.
Incl 6.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eyewitness Account: Hickey, William R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 445th BS
APO 650,
21 September 1944
1. “I was the tail gunner of the aircraft in number two position of the second
element, flying directly in front of the aircraft concerned. While on the bomb run, I was
looking directly at Lt. Richardson’s plane to watch his bombs fall away. Just as the
bombs were dropping from the bomb bay, there was a huge orange flash about five or ten
feet below the bomb bay of the bomber. I believe this was due to an explosion of a frag
bomb because I did not observe any flak with the exception of a few bursts about a half
mile or more ahead of the formation. The plane fell off to the left and began to descend
rapidly but under control. I saw one chute come out and a few seconds later another.
The plane turned to the right and began to head in the direction of the sea as it continued
downward. When the plane dropped to approximately 300 feet above the sea, it nosed
over into the water out of control about three-fourths of a mile off the coast.”
WILLIAM R. HICKEY,
S/Sgt., 16169957
Incl 7.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CP Cronk, Ronald W., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
N None
F None
CP Martin, John W., 2Lt
N None
G Walburn, John A., S/Sgt
F None
446th BS War Diary:
reported.
Pants”
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
DeLaune, William P., S/Sgt
None
Two combat missions are flown and successful results are
TARGET: Rimini Gun and Troop/C area, Italy
DATE: 18 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 9
Captain Russell led the formation. All bombs in target area, aiming point well covered.
Flak was heavy, scant to moderate, accurate. One B-25 shot down and crashed in water.
Three chutes seen. Three planes holed, one landed at Grossetto, with wounded crew
member. (Crew list missing)
Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot, 445th BS
unidentified crew
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
(Lead position in 2nd flight)
None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
TARGET: Rimini Gun and T/C area, Italy
DATE: 18 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 5
Lt. Burandt led the formation. Bombs started between road and river and continued
through target area with good coverage of W central portion. No flak. Lt. Hively
returned early because nose wheel would not lock. Landed on tail skid.
B Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt
F None
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Pad”
None
None
Ass II” (Turned back without
completing mission - nose wheel
malfunction)
None
None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 67, Pilot)
Co-Pilot: unknown B-25J 43-4052 “Lil Butch”
Mission: Rimini Gun and Troop/C area, Italy
Flying Time: 2:50 (131st mission in MTO)
“Into town early, with Taylor & Barbour, went MATS & ATC offices in Naples to see
about air priority home. No can do. Out to Capadochina, saw Capt. McKay about
taking a war-weary B-25 home. No soap. Met a bunch of boys @ the transient mess.
Went to show @ 1330, ‘The Canterville Ghost’ fine. RC for coffee, etc. Lousy evening,
returned to camp @ 2200.”
Barbour, Marshall H. “Red”, 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
447th BS War Diary: 2nd Lt. Frederick J. Hiller, bombardier, and Corporal Zigmond
Klimkowicz have been assigned to this squadron per order from 57th Wing.
Hiller, Frederick J., 2Lt, bombardier
Klimkowicz, Zigmond (NMI), Cpl, gunner
of our ships participated in a raid on the Rimini Gun Position and troop area bounded by
R-820002, R-835988, and R-784986, with Lt. Wiginton leading our squadron. Good
coverage in west central position of target area with strings starting south of road and
walking thru area. Mission efficiency 99.4 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. (Crew list
missing)
P Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", Capt
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 560/mission 560) Group Mission # 560: Four
of our ships participated in a raid on Rimini Gun Position and Troop area bounded by R82-0002, R-835988, R-784986 with Lt. Ramey leading our squadron. Good coverage of
target area with bombs starting just north of the river and walking thru target area.
Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %. (Crew list missing)
P Ramey, Gordon, A., 1Lt
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
Comedy” (later “Modern Maiden”
diary
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Mango, Vincent A. "Vince", Sgt
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
“Target: Rimini Guns & Troop concentration
Flak: HMI Combat: 2:30
Bombs: frags
Escorts: None
Plane # 082 (43-28082 “Traveling Comedy” “Modern Maiden”) Crew: P-Lt Dean CP-Lt Murchland B-Lt Mulholland E-SSG
Partee R-TSG Alpino G Sgt Mango F- Sgt Burns
Good coverage. Bombs started between river and RR and walk through target area.
Several fires and much smoke observed. 1 Plane from 1st flight was hit in right engine by
a frag from above element. 3 crew members bailed out and were machine gunned by
German troops. Remaining 3 crew members were blown up w/plane.”
Mission 354 (559): At 08:06 18 planes off to bomb Rimini Gun and T/C Area, Italy.
Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the last box of
nine. The formation dropped 1073x20# frags. and .025. 7x20# frags salvoed into sea
due to malfunction. Good coverage. Bombs started between river and railroad and
walked through target area. Slight to moderate flak holing one A/C. Weather: 5/10
stratocumulus over land tops at 6,000 with visibility 10 miles. (Crew list missing)
A/C No. 43-27481 plane & partial crew
identified in Schaffer war diary
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F Schaffer, Irving J., S/Sgt
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
Mission 355 (560): At 08:36 18 planes off to bomb Rimini Gun T/C area, Italy. Three
(3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the last element of
the second flight. The formation dropped 1080x20 # frags and 72 x 500 # Inst. and .025
from 12/13,000 feet. Fires started over target area, black smoke observed. Observations:
3 medium vessels heading north. No flak encountered. Weather: 5/10 stratocumulus
over land, tops at 6000 feet.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Enderle, Melvin J., Cpl
None
Out”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Baird, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Bass, Bernard G., S/Sgt
Abiecunas, Joseph P. “Abby”, S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27508
None
Berman, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
Markiewicz, Edward B., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43- 27668 (Turned back - did
not complete mission) plane & partial
crew identified in Schaffer war diary
Schaffer, Irving J., S/Sgt
“Awoke 5:15AM. Briefing at 6:35AM. Sky 4/10 coverage. Scrambled powdered eggs,
oatmeal, grapefruit juice, bread, marmalade, coffee. Target, troops and supplies
northwest of Rimini. Pilot Lt Moyer (43-27481) Takeoff 8:10. Over target 9:29. 100%
hit. Flak - moderate inaccurate. P47 dive-bombers. 5/10 clouds. Very cold. Flew at
12,000 feet. One ship 445th went down - bombardier, DiFulvio. Hit over target. Three
parachuted but were being fired upon by German ground forces. Eating early chow for
another mission this PM. Stuffed peppers, onions and beets, kidney beans, butterscotch
pudding, iced tea, marmalade, bread. Briefing at 12:35PM. Same as this morning's
target. Lt Swanson (43-27668). Takeoff 1:45PM. Lead ship 2nd element. Turned back
at coast of Italy. 10/10 at 10,000. Landed 3:10PM. Capt Neprash gave me another
photo which is to be published. Feeling knocked out after knowing of Rudy's ultimate
fate. Dreary day. Received 10 letters. Used K-8A for both missions. On 1st shift of
guard. Comfortable evening. Prayed for Rudy. Schaffner returned from Rome. Stuffed
pepper, canned tomatoes, canned peaches, bread, butter, coffee. Feeling blue. Retired
10:30PM.”
DiFulvio, Rudolph A. “Rudy”, 2Lt, bombardier, 445th BS
Moyer, Emerson C., 1Lt, pilot
Neprash, Sergius P., Capt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 1Lt, pilot
In Italy, bad weather grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit
guns and defensive positions along the Gothic Line and attack roads and bridges in the
Bologna area; the 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment
Group (Light), move from Salon, France to Follonica with A-20s; the 95th Bombardment
Squadron (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Villacidro,
Sardinia to Poretta, Corsica with B-26s; and the 441st and 444th Bombardment Squadrons
(Medium), 320th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to
Alto, Corsica with B-26s. In France, HQ 64th Fighter Wing moves from St Tropez to
Dole.
445th BS War Diary: Bad weather forced a cancellation of both the combat mission and
flight training. 13 crews were standing by for the mission. Occasional rains today turned
the area into a sloppy mud-hole. A fair amount of mail arrived this afternoon. Late in the
afternoon a torrential downpour almost flooded the area, filling foxholes and slit trenches
up to the top. Cool weather followed the rains. The men couldn’t complain about
tonight’s supper. It consisted of fresh beef with especially delicious gravy.
446th BS War Diary: September 19 and 20: Regular duties are performed about the
bivouac area.
“Officer’s muster @ 0850, check on tent assignments, etc. Over to subsistence @ 1000
to draw monthly ration of liquor. Into town, saw ‘Andy Hardy’s Double Trouble’ – very
good. To Red Cross, then ate @ transient mess. Back to Repple Depot.”
conditions. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp, Rome,
Italy: Capt. LeRoy Alger; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Speer; M/Sgt. Woodrow H. Perry; T/Sgt.
Robert E. Bruns; T/Sgt. Harry C. Niemann; Sgt. Jarrel A. Wade; Sgt. Jack J. Harris; Cpl.
Robert D. Lahman; Pfc. Frank H. Dorrel; Pfc. George J. Sarberg. Captain Marshall C.
Strenger is promoted to the rank of Major per SO 240, 12th AF, dated 17 Sept. 1944.
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), Capt, pilot
Bruns, Robert E., T/Sgt, engineering
Dorrel, Frank H., PFC, intelligence
Harris, Jack J., Sgt, armament
Lahman, Robert D., Cpl, ordnance
Niemann, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering
Perry, Woodrow H., M/Sgt, armament
Sarberg, George J., PFC, medical
Strenger, Marshall C., Maj, pilot, Commander
Wade, Jarrel A., Sgt, engineering
“CQ blowing whistle over PA at 5:50AM. Raining but clear in the east. Briefing
7:05AM. Pancakes, grapefruit juice, coffee, hot cereal. Stand by on mission. Rain is
continuing. Laying in sack, reading from "As You Were" (Edgar Allan Poe) (Ring
Lardner). Cement and tarpaper coming in for winterizing tents. Sides to be built up with
lumber from frog boxes. Meatloaf, string beans, sliced cabbage, mashed potatoes, fruit
salad, hot tea, bread, butter. Working on roof of club. Still raining. Continual gab
session in progress. Stand-down on mission. Roast beef, beans, canned corn, rice
pudding, coffee, bread, marmalade. Learned to play cribbage and gin rummy. Very
windy, rainy, cold. Secured tent. Retired 9:00PM. Awoke 10:15PM. Heart burn,
feeling punk. Drank two canteens water. Up several times urinating. Retired
11:30PM.”
In Italy, the 27th and 79th Fighter Groups are added to HQ XII Fighter
Command which on this day begins operations in support of the US Fifth Army; weather
again grounds medium bombers and severely restricts fighters which fly uneventful
reconnaissance missions; the 427th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth AF (attached to 62nd
Fighter Wing), departs Pomigliano for India with P-61s.
In France, HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 316th Fighter Squadron
move from Amberieu to Tavaux with P-47s; the 437th Bombardment Squadron
(Medium), 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to
Serragia, Corsica with B-26s; and the 442nd and 443rd Bombardment Squadrons
(Medium), 320th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to
Alto, Corsica with B-26s.
445th BS War Diary: Sixteen crews were scheduled for today’s mission but once again
poor weather conditions caused a postponement and all flight training was cancelled as
the bad weather continued all day. Another fair amount of mail arrived this afternoon.
Another heavy downpour of rain occurred shortly before supper and the area resembles a
quagmire. Another delicious beef supper was enjoyed for chow this evening. The
writers of “Off the Cob” have rewritten their show and now call it “Cornzapoppin”.
Together with the “Mitchell-Aires” they plan to make a short tour of the Naples area in a
week or so. The entire cast staged a rehearsal tonight in the Officers club.
446th BS War Diary: September 19 and 20: Regular duties are performed about the
bivouac area.
“Raining very hard. Over to processing to see about shipment, have to wait until the 1 st.
Into town with Taylor & Sacker. PX rations. Hot shower, shave, & haircut @ RC. Got
us an apartment in town, mighty fine. To show, Kay Kyser, ‘Around the World’ – fine.”
conditions. T/Sgt. Edmund D. Schwegmann is assigned to this squadron per orders from
57th Wing. Sgt. Aleis Betmarik Jr. is reduced to the grade of private for misconduct.
Betmarik, Aleis (NMI), Jr., Pvt, communications
Schwegmann, Edmund D., T/Sgt, communications
“CQ blowing whistle 5:15AM. Briefing 6:00AM. Slight rain. Carrying 1000 lb GP's.
Railroad bridge 50 miles northwest of Valero at Citta Della, Italy. Powdered eggs in
pancake form, stewed prunes, coffee, bread. Played cribbage, read, kibitzed. Stand-down
on mission. Steel runway mats coming in. Boys are repairing club. Spamburgers,
carrots and onion, canned tomatoes, applesauce, bread, butter, coffee. Very heavy rain.
Rain ceased 3:30PM. New roof being put on club. Roast beef, mashed potatoes,
cabbage, beans, fruit salad, coffee, bread, marmalade. Went to see Smitty and Taylor.
Frag exploded causing Rudy's ship to go down. B26 outfit claims they saw 6 chutes
open. Flak missed Taylor's head and his radio-gunner was put out of commission with a
slug in his right side. (7 on lead ship). Rudy's wife to have baby next week. Read Ring
Lardner's "Some Like Them Cold" and Edgar Allan Poe's "Murders in the Rue Morgue."
Retired 8:50PM.?”
In Italy, bad weather and unserviceable landing grounds cancel all
operations; and the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance), moves from Follonica to Florence/Peretola with F-5s (a detachment is
operating from Malignano).
In Corsica, HQ 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium) moves from
Elmas, Sardinia to Borgo; HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the 439th and
440th Bombardment Squadrons move from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragia with B26s; and the 34th, 37th and 432nd Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 17th Bombardment
Group (Medium), move from Villacidro, Sardinia to Poretta with B-26s.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Group Mission # xxx
(W): redesignated # 651 on 1 Jan 45:
Weather Reconnaissance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The weather here in Corsica was clear but atmospheric conditions
over in Italy were unfavorable and another stand-down order was posted to the chagrin of
16 crews which were standing by anxious to get this oft-postponed mission completed.
Some mail arrived this afternoon but it was confined strictly to the power men in the
squadron. Most of the men in the area have procured a large supply of lumber and are
“winter-izing” their tents in anticipation of a winter in Corsica. Cement is available in
the area for the purpose of improving the two clubs and is also ready for use by any
personnel desiring to cement their tent floors. There were no lights in the area tonight
due to a faulty energizer. Another rehearsal of the show “Cornzapoppin” was held at the
Officers club tonight.
445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order xxx/mission xxx) Group Mission # xxx (W):
redesignated # 651 on 1 Jan 45:
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Private Huntoon, turret gunner, is promoted to
Corporal.
Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Cpl, turret gunner
“Back to Repple Depot, got some clothes, etc, took back into town. Raining hard. Hung
around all a.m. To R.C. lot of fun again. Met Levine and Locke. To bed early, nothing
doing.”
Locke, Jacob (NMI) "Jack", 2Lt, intelligence
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but was cancelled due to
weather conditions. Today’s training consisted of local transition. Major Marshall C.
Strenger departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy. The following enlisted men have been
promoted to the grade of technical sergeant: S/Sgt. Eugene C. Cowart; S/Sgt. Andrew
Pelak; S/Sgt. Alvin L. Simberg; S/Sgt. Joseph W. MacNeil; S/Sgt. Russell K. See; S/Sgt.
Francis S. Torrey. The following enlisted men have been promoted to the grade of staff
sergeant; Sgt. Anthony Abbondanza; Sgt. George W. Currey; Sgt. Hughie L. Curry; Sgt.
Herbert Dimondstein; Sgt. Millard C. Freeman; Sgt. James R. O’Neil; Sgt. William L.
Smith; Sgt. Glenn S. Thomason; Sgt. Frederick J. May; Sgt. Jack Bowman; Sgt. Paul B.
Connolly; Sgt. Roy C. Dawson; Sgt Frank J. Flowers; Sgt. Vincent A. Mango; Sgt. Dale
G. Miller; Sgt. Robert P. Quintenz; Sgt. Joseph Veid. The following enlisted men have
been promoted to the grade of corporal: Pfc. Norman C. Bulfinch; Pfc. Herbert B. Held.
Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Bulfinch, Norman C., Cpl, intelligence
Connolly, Paul B., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Cowart, Eugene C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Currey, George W., S/Sgt, communications
Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt, gunner
Dawson, Roy C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Dimondstein, Herbert (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Freeman, Millard C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Held, Herbert, B., Cpl, gunner
MacNeil, Joseph W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Mango, Vincent A., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
May, Frederick J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, gunner
O'Neil, James R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner See, Russell K., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Simberg, Alvin L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Smith, William L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Thomason, Glenn S., S/Sgt, engineering
Torrey, Francis S., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Veid, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Take-off: 0600
Landing: 0830
Flight Time: 2:30
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 44-28721 “Shug”
None
Luedtke, Claron William, T/Sgt
None listed
Dimiceli, A. G., 1Lt (weather officer)
“CQ blowing whistle at 6:00AM. First day of autumn. Feeling like a million. Briefing at
7:20AM. Fried powdered eggs, wheatena, bread, marmalade, coffee, grapefruit juice.
Stand-down. Hitched to the 340th with Smith, Stanley. Found Lozowski in 486Sq (Usher,
Stevenson, McLaren, Carter, Thomas, Lt Bahen, Horton also in 340th group.) Ate chow
at 340th. Headquarter tent, metal stools and board covered boxes to form table. Dirt
floor. Area very scattered. Visited Lt Bain and Lt Horton. Lt Ivory from 448th was also at
340th. Spoke about Rudy. Complete crews fly on transition flight. Very clear day (Hash,
canned tomatoes, rice pudding, bread and peanut butter, grapefruit juice - 340th meal)
Lozowski came back with me to 448th. Joe Creighton’s friend, Lt Ned Reilly came down
from 340th (489th). Leonard and Ned stayed for supper. Roast beef, mashed potatoes,
shredded cabbage, fried eggplants, bread, marmalade, coffee. We went through the
chow line twice. Killed a bottle of Jamaique Rum. None for yours truly. Used squadron
jeep to drive the boys back. Removed our caps and zipped our jackets up and drank with
Ned at the 340th officer's club. Edith (Red Cross) acting bartendress. Sampled every
drink. Creighton drank consistently (American whiskey and gin). Met Captain Taylor.
Ned removed three cases of Rupert’s beer for Joe and me. Tried to leave at 9:00PM.
Finally departed at 11:00PM. Joe very stinko. Yours truly drove back. Arrived camp
12:15AM. Very tired. Clear night. Stumbled on way in tent. Chief (John Nelson)
kidding me about being inebriated. Retired 12:30AM.”
Bahen, A. L., 1Lt, bombardier, 486th BS, 340th BG
Carter, B. D., Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG
Creighton, Joe, 389th BS, 340th BG
Horton, C. A., 2Lt, pilot, 486th BS, 340th BG?
Horton, R. H., 1Lt, pilot, 486th BS, 340th BG?
Ivory, Daniel J., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Lozowski, Leonard J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG
Nelson, John F. “Chief”, Cpl, engineer-gunner, 448th BS
Reilly, Ned, Lt, 489th BS, 340th BG
Stanley, Harold Gene “Gene”, Cpl, gunner, bombardier, 445th BS
Stevenson, R. D., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG
Usher, C. C., Sgt, tail gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG
In Italy operating N of the Italian battle area, medium bombers bomb
road and rail bridges, while fighter-bombers continue hitting roads, railroads, and
transportation, and support ground forces as US Fifth Army elements prepare to pursue
the enemy withdrawing from N of Pistoia and to drive N to Raticosa Pass and NE to
Imola; British Eighth Army forces battle the enemy along the Marecchia River; HQ 87th
Fighter Wing moves from Furiani, Corsica to Caserta; the 84th Bombardment Squadron
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), moves from Salon, France to Follonica with
A-20s; the 438th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 319th Bombardment Group
(Medium), moves from Decimomannu, Sardinia to Serragio, Corsica with B-26s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Three missions totaling 56 sorties were flown today against
the Cittadella, Legnago, and Piazzola railroad bridges. All objectives were well hit,
particularly the Cittadella bridge which had 300 feet knocked out of it. No ships lost.
Piazzola Rail Bridge, Italy.
Cittadella Road and Rail Bridge in Italy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legnano RR Bridge, F-893257
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The squadron participated in two missions today. The second
mission saw three 445th ships help bombing the Legnago railroad bridge, Italy once again
with a 100 per cent bombing accuracy. The work of the squadron bombardiers recently is
nothing less than sensational.
first went out to attack the Cittadella road and railroad bridge, Italy. 12 ships from the
squadron scored 6 direct hits on the bridge knocking out 300 feet of the span with 100 per
cent bombing accuracy and drew a commendation from Colonel Smith for “probably the
most effective attack ever carried out by the group against a bridge”.
Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
Sides, Harry F., 1Lt
None
N None
F None
N None
B Carney, Robert J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
N None
E Swingholm, Raymond J., S/Sgt
G Bellendir, John C., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
None
Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt
Arcuri, John (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
Young, William J. “Dusty”, 2Lt
None
Engleman, Bud (NMI), Cpl
None
Reed, Donald C., 1Lt
None
Parlette, Oliver C., S/Sgt
None
None
Salch, Raymond F., Cpl
None
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27509
P Spencer, Charles F., 2Lt
CP Dentoni, Louis M., 2Lt
N None
B Beck, Robert B. “Bob”, 2Lt
R Rockett, James J., S/Sgt
G Walburn, John A., S/Sgt
F None
(2nd flight, 2nd element, No 2 position returned early due to engine trouble)
P Santone, Michael A., 2Lt
N None
B Vaughan, Fred W., 2Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-28928 “Heaven Can
Wait”
None
Leith, Douglas L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
None
second mission saw three 445th ships help bombing the Legnago railroad bridge, Italy
once again with a 100 per cent bombing accuracy. The work of the squadron
bombardiers recently is nothing less than sensational.
Mitchell, Robert F., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
P Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 2Lt
N None
G Valley, Arnold E., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
McMahon, Bernard J. “Mac”, Jr., 2Lt
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Homeward bound are the following men of the 446: Captain
Sampson, Lieut. Smith, Lieut. Wotkowicz and Sergeant Mike Ferance of ordnance.
Ferance, Mike (NMI), Sgt, ordnance
Sampson, Allan T., Capt, pilot
Smith, Randell L., 1Lt, pilot
Wotkowicz, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot
TARGET: Piazzola Rail Bridge, Italy
DATE: 22 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000lb.
446th Planes: 12
Lt. Goff led the formation. Good concentration with all bombs in target area especially
on W half of bridge and W approach. W approach cut. Reports of direct hits on center of
bridge. No flak. Lts. Hawkes, Swanson and Nagel returned early.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Panning, Robert F., 2Lt
None
Luitjens, Harvey J., Cpl
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
P Trosky, Chester J., 1Lt
N None
B Kaenzig, Charles Leslie, 1Lt
E Davis, Virgil F., Sgt
G Popovich, Chris (NMI), Sgt
F None
None
None
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
CP Everhart, Herman E., F/O
None
N None
G Beets, Frank T., S/Sgt
None
F None
Schmid,
Kenneth
L.,
1Lt
CP
None
Paulson, Ronald A., 1Lt
Leary, Gwynn M., S/Sgt
None
F None
None
N None
B Forsberg, Robert A., 1Lt
E Murray, Thomas A., S/Sgt
None
F None
Pad”
P Wojcik, Walter (NMI), 1Lt
N None
G Slezak, Alex E., S/Sgt
F None
(returned early without completing
mission)
G Brown, Ronald M., S/Sgt
F None
(returned early without completing
mission)
P Swanson, Harry A., 1Lt
CP Chandler, Warren W., 2Lt
N None
E Kane, Ronald J., S/Sgt
G Burrow, Isom F., S/Sgt
F None
None
None
Darlene) (returned early without
completing mission)
None
None
Co-Pilot: Panning, Robert F., 2Lt B-25J 43-4052 “Lil Butch”
Mission: Piazzola Rail Bridge, Italy.
Flying Time: 3:25 (132nd mission in MTO)
446th BS: War Diary of: Luitjens, Harvey J., Cpl, radio-gunner: (mission 1)
“No. 1) Made a run on Bridge in City of Rimini. Carried 4x1000 bombs. Flew with Lt.
Fitzgerald.”
Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot
“Chow, then out to Repple Depot. Sacker and I up to RC for coffee etc. Hung around
town all a.m. To show ‘Desperados’, good. Landlady had a small party for us.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest
camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Gordon J. Brule; 1st Lt. George J. Schweda; 1st Lt. Robert J.
Burns; 2nd Lt. Ralph E. Hennessey; S/Sgt. William T. Mabbutt; S/Sgt. Edmund
Rogowski; S/Sgt. Frank J. Flowers; S/Sgt. Dale G. Miller; S/Sgt. Glenn S. Thomason.
The following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest camp, Capri. 1st Lt.
Robert T. Cunningham; 1st Lt. Ernest C. Rice; S/Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry; S/Sgt. Jack
Bowman; Sgt. Ernest E. Byrn. The following enlisted men have returned from rest camp
Rome, Italy: Sgt. James E. Dowell; Sgt. Carlo E. Huhtala; Sgt. John J. Smith Jr. The
following officers and enlisted men have departed for rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. Richard J.
Woods, 1st Lt. Marion E. Walker; S/Sgt. George D. Schnaars; S/Sgt. Gaston G. Poulin;
S/Sgt. Harold R. Bauder; Sgt. Andrew C. Dubbs. The following enlisted men are
assigned to this squadron per orders from 57th Wing: S/Sgt. Clyde D. Hilliard; Sgt. Dale
L. Strange; Cpl. Norman L. Waterman; Cpl. John B. Wrede Jr; Pfc. Herman C. Wikle;
Pvt. Charles D. Carzoli; Pvt Richard E. Spradlin. Sergeant Dale L. Strange was added to
the S-2 staff. Today’s training consisted of practice bombing and local transition.
Bauder, Harold R., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, S/Sgt, gunner
Brule, Gordon J., 1Lt, bombardier
Burns, Robert J., 1Lt, pilot
Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Carzoli, Charles D., Pvt, mess
Cunningham, Robert T. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot Dowell, James E., Sgt, mess
Dubbs, Andrew C., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Hennessey, Ralph E., 2Lt, pilot
Hilliard, Clyde D., S/Sgt, photographer
Huhtala, Carlo E., Sgt, engineering
Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, gunner
Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Rice, Ernest C., 1Lt, pilot
Rogowski, Edmund W., S/Sgt, gunner
Scarberry, Harold W., S/Sgt, gunner
Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt, gunner
Schweda, George J., 1Lt, pilot
Smith, John J., Jr., Sgt, armament
Spradlin, Richard E., Pvt, armament
Strange, Dale L., Sgt, personnel
Thomason, Glenn S., S/Sgt, engineering
Waterman, Norman L., Cpl, engineering
Woods, Richard J., 1Lt, pilot
Walker, Marion E., 1Lt, pilot
Wikle, Herman C., PFC, mess
Wrede, John B., Jr., Cpl, engineering
Fourteen of our ships participated in a raid on the Legnano RR Bridge, F-893257, with
Lt. Muzinich leading our squadron. A good concentration, centered on the northeast end
approach. Another pattern straddled the center with direct hits. The bridge was cut in the
NE section. Mission efficiency 83.3 %; Bombing accuracy 100 %.
None
See, Russell K., T/Sgt
Merrill, B. L., Capt, 9th Combat
Camera?
(returned - did not complete mission)
P Willis, Richard L., 1Lt
N None
E Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt
R Maslyar, Michael M., Sgt
G Burns, Harry B., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Muzinich, Anthony L. “Tony”, 1Lt
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt
Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt
None
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Mango, Vincent A. “Vince”, S/Sgt
None
P Marchant, Wendell E., 2Lt
CP Wentz, James I. “Jim”, F/O
N None
B Hiller, Frederick J., 2Lt
E Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt
R Simberg, Alvin L., T/Sgt
G Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27785
None
None
N None
B Bardy, Edmund E., Jr., 2Lt
G Veid, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
Runyon)
N None
B Colgan, Donald J., 2Lt
E Ford, Leonard W., S/Sgt
R Matthews, William E., T/Sgt
G Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Brown, Grover C., Jr., 1Lt
Bullion, Rolland G. “Rollo”, 2Lt
None
Dawson, Roy C., S/Sgt
Dimondstein, Herbert (NMI), S/Sgt
MacNeil, Joseph W., T/Sgt
None
Aloysius”
LaFountain, Ned F., S/Sgt
Citarelli, James E., Sgt
None
Stocking, Eugene E., Capt
None
None
Byrn, Ernest E., S/Sgt
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), T/Sgt
Klimkowicz, Zigmond (NMI), Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27718
P Gillies, John R., 1Lt
CP Brice, David W., 2Lt
N None
G Hagan, Richard E., Cpl
F None
CP Breckenridge, Louis C., 2Lt
N None
B O’Neil, James R., S/Sgt
E Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt
G Smith, Kenneth C., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27636
None
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Mango, Vincent A. "Vince”, S/Sgt, aerial gunner (Mission 47)
“Target: Legnago Road and RR Br
Flak: None
Combat: 2:55
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Crew: P-Lt Dean CP-Lt Murchland B-Lt Gould E-SSG Partee R-TSG Alpino G SSG
Mango
Concentrations on NE end and approaches and on center. Several direct hits seen.
Bridge believed out in NE sections.”
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt, bombardier
Mission 356 (561): At 09:08 15 planes off to bomb Piazzola Rail Bridge, Italy. Three
(3) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated as the last element of the first
flight. The formation dropped 60 x 1000 # .1 and .025 bombs from 10/11,500 feet. Good
concentration with several D/H on center of bridge and that span down. Observations:
15/20 RR cars in yards at Vincenzo. No flak. Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 43-4076
N None
B Young, Robert B., 1Lt
E Qualls, Thomas B., S/Sgt
R Seward, Richard F., S/Sgt
G Hawthorne, Ralph C., S/Sgt
F None
Out”
P Annear, Warren Raymond, Capt
N None
G Enderle, Melvin J., Cpl
F LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27668
Autry, W. F. (i.o.), 2Lt
None
None
Mission 357 (562): At 08:45 24 planes off to bomb Cittadella Road and Rail Bridge in
Italy. Twelve (12) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the
lead of the flight. The formation dropped 90x1000# .1 & .025, from 11,000/11,500 feet.
6x1000# salvoed-Malfunction. All bombs in target area. Entire east end of bridge down.
Observations: 550 RR cars in yards, tanks and armored cars parked. No flak
encountered. Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 43-27720
Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt
CP McLain, Damon I., Capt
None
B Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, Capt
R Campbell, James R., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27508
P Blackwell, Robert G., 1Lt
Stromberg, Carl K., 2Lt
CP Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt
None
N None
E Donaud, Earl J., S/Sgt
Bass, Bernard G., Sgt
Congdon, Harry W., S/Sgt
G Markiewicz, Edward B., S/Sgt
None
F 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
None
Brink, Richard E., 2Lt
Wright, Melvin M., Cpl
Mardeuse, Alfred K., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27726
Freund, John F., 2Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-28081
Stevens, Ray B., 1Lt
None
Yarbrough, George L., 1Lt, 446th BS
Walker, Jack L., T/Sgt
None
Cook, Don W., 2Lt
None
Sharp, Samuel I., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27791
Grady, John R., 1Lt
None
None
None
None
Hales, Ermine L., Capt
None
None
“CQ blowing whistle at 6:00AM. Briefing 7:20AM. Pancakes, stewed prunes, bread,
marmalade, coffee. Very clear morning. Weather reconnaissance ship sent out over
target area to check weather. Target at Cittadella, northern Italy. Carrying 10000 lb
GP. Target is 1000 x43 foot railroad bridge. Flying #805 (43-27805 “Desirable”) Lt
Ovard pilot. Using K-8A camera. Takeoff 8:45 AM. Flying 12000 feet. Very cold. Over
target 11:03AM. Lead ship second element. First run on target, wing ships dropped
bombs. Bombs went all over countryside. Second run was a 100% hit. Viewed snow
covered Alps. Milk run. Met a character Ben Hospod. Landed 12:40. Feeling very
tired. Schaffner left for the states via Naples. Moved to corner of tent. 310th men badly
poisoned from lye in wheat cakes. Played cribbage with James Blackard. Vienna
sausages with sauce, kidney beans, creamed peas, coffee, bread and butter. Sleeping bag
very comfortable and warm. Retired 8:00PM.”
Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt, pilot
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Although several missions
are aborted because of bad weather:
In Italy, medium bombers attack several railroad bridges in the Po
River Valley; fighter-bombers hit guns and rail and road targets in the battle area as the
US Fifth Army pushes on through the Gothic Line defenses.
In France, the detachment of the 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance
Squadron, 5 Photographic Reconnaissance Group [attached to 3rd Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance)], moves from Satolas-et-Bonce to Dijon with F-5s (squadron is based
at Valence); the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command,
moves from Satolas-et-Bonce to Dijon with F-6s.
th
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Three more bridges were again smothered by 1000 pounders
delivered by the 321st. The entire Legnago bridge was knocked off its supports; the Pavia
North RR bridge had 4 spans destroyed while the Pavia East RR bridge was rendered
impassable. Pinpoint objective bombing seems to have attained a new high degree of
finesse as “bridge-busting” gets down to the fine science developed by the 321st Bomb
Group and its Commander, Colonel R. H. Smith.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 564
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-0
447-12
448-0
TARGET: Padua N. RR Bridge at G-350530.
TIME OFF: 0744
T.O.T.: 0930
TIME DOWN: 1100
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 46 x 1000# .1 & .01
1 x 1000# ret. malfunction.
1 x 1000# salvoed over water.
PLANES HOLED: None.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to P-4919, L-3088, L-7587, L-9799, G-0342, G-0850 (IP), target, left
turn to G-3758, G-1954, G-0316 & base.
WEATHER: Enroute: 9/10 cumulus in mts., tops at 8000’. Visibility: unlimited.
Target: 7/10 altocumulus bases at 14,000’. Visibility: unlimited.
FLAK: None.
ENEMY AIR: None
CLAIMS: None.
RESULTS:
All bombs target area. Best concentration from center to N. end of bridge.
Several direct hits seen.
OBSERVATIONS: At 0945 hrs. 6 M/T heading SE in Bondeno (L-9692); at 0942 hrs.
15 scattered M/T heading E & W between G-0315 & G-1013; 40
M/T stationary on road halfway between Parma and Reggio; much
M/T activity on roads S. of La Spezia; engine & 6 cars heading N.
toward Cittadella out of Padua at 0929 hrs.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Capt. Murray.
NO. OF SORTIES: 12
PHOTOS TAKEN.
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt., Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 565
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-0
447-0
448-12
TARGET: Padua East R.R. Bridge at G-359509.
TIME OFF: 0749
T.O.T.: 0929
TIME DOWN: 1110
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 47 x 1000# - .1 & .01
1 x 1000# - returned
because of malfunction.
PLANES HOLED: 5
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to P-4919, L-3088, L-7587, L-9799, G-0316, G-3628 (IP), target, left
turn to G-3758, G-1954, G-0316 and return.
WEATHER: Enroute: 9/10 cumulus over mountains, tops at 8000 ft. Visibility:
unlimited.
FLAK: Moderate, fairly accurate, heavy from Rovigo area and moderate, heavy, out of
range from G-2030 between Este and Monselice.
ENEMY AIR: None
CLAIMS: None.
RESULTS: Center of bridge and west approach hit by good concentration of bombs
with a number of direct hits reported on center of bridge. Bridge believed
cut.
OBSERVATIONS: 20 M/T heading S.W. from Bondeno to Finale Nell’Emilia. 10
M/T going N.W. at 0935 just S. of Novellara from Reggio. 30/40
M/T near Badia Polesine. 60 R.R. cars at Camposanto L-7880
loaded with tanks and heavy equipment. 100 R.R. cars at Capri.
50 R.R. cars at Mirandola L-7091.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Capt. Farwell.
NO. OF SORTIES: 12
PHOTOS TAKEN.
ROBERT W. MANLY,
Capt., Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 566
SQUADRONS:
445-12
446-15
447-0
448-3
TARGET: Legnago RR Bridge at F-893257.
TIME OFF: 0808
T.O.T.: 0956
TIME DOWN: 1130
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 120 x 1000# GP .1 & .01
PLANES HOLED: 5
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to P-4919, L-3088, L-7587, L-9799 (IP), target, right turn to F-9927, L9799, retrace route home.
WEATHER: Enroute: 9/10 cumulus in mountains, tops at 8000 ft. Vis: unlimited.
FLAK: None
ENEMY AIR: None
CLAIMS: None.
RESULTS: Excellent concentration on target with several direct hits. Some bombs
over on south bank of river.
OBSERVATIONS: 1000 hrs 20 M/T heading S. at F-9618.
15 M/T heading S. at P-9949.
12 M/T heading N. & S. between L-0260 to Parma.
30/40 M/T SE from Castagnaro, at G-0016.
9 M/T heading N. toward Reggiolo at L-4595.
9 square truck size vehicles, stationary on rd. just NW Pontremoli.
1030 hrs. locomotive with steam up at Reggio M/Y.
4 strings rail cars Parma to Reggio (30 plus cars stationary L1982).
40/50 RR cars stationary San Felice M/Y L-7589 and/or Guastalla
L-3699.
9 small barges in groups of 3 just NW of Bondeno.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Russell, Hawkes, Dickson.
NO. OF SORTIES: 30
PHOTOS TAKEN.
RAGNAR G. LIND,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
Ass’t. S-2 Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The Italian K.P.’s who had served the squadron faithfully ever
since the early days at Gaudo, Italy left the outfit for their native land following an order
by higher headquarters. They were hard and efficient workers and will be sorely missed
not only by the cooks but also by the men themselves who are now going to be forced to
pull K.P. themselves. The squadron area has taken on a metropolitan touch with the
advent of “telegraph poles” erected in the area to raise the power lines off the ground.
Presidential citation ribbons were distributed today.
Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot
squadron supplied 12 ships led by Capt. Russell today to help attack the Legnago railroad
bridge, Italy. The red hot squadron bombardiers continued on their brilliant bombing
streak by coming through with another 100 per cent bombing accuracy.
(later “Winnie Mae”) (flight leader)
P Russell, Lawrence L. “Scrap Iron”, Capt
N Casaburi, Robert Roland, Capt
F None
CP Reed, Donald C., 1Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
None
Jacobs, Harry E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Mitchell, Robert F., 2Lt
Carruthers, John (NMI), II, Sgt
Kintly, James E., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
McMahon, Bernard J. “Mac”, Jr., 2Lt
None
Cravey, Robert P., 2Lt
None
Emler, Richard S. “Dick”, 2Lt
None
None
None
Hope, Amos (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 44-28928 “Heaven Can
Wait”
None
Miller, Edward A., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27740
Daggett, Allen L. “Jerry”, 1Lt
None
Klein, Robert H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
N None
B Doherty, Charles S., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”(Lead
N None
G Valley, Arnold E., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
None
None
Sycylo, Theodore W., Cpl
None
09/23/44:
“Yesterday I returned from a five-day pass to Rome. I was greatly
impressed by the beauty of the city. Being the only town of any culture and richness I
have visited since leaving the States, perhaps made it seem more splendid than it would
have been otherwise. We went by plane and landed at the Littorio airport, early in the
forenoon. First of all we proceeded to find a room, which was not at all difficult as we
were accosted by a nice old lady as soon as we got off the jeep. She took us to an
apartment house at number 47 Via Montebello where Gil, Leslie Hildebrandt and I took
a room with two beds for $4.00 per day. Later we ran into Rucker who was on his way
home from Foggia and he stayed over with us. Two middle-aged women owned the
apartment and they were very nice to us, especially after they learned we were not
interested in “Signorinas”, a subject they seemed to like to discuss.
Hildebrand, Leslie A., T/Sgt, photographer
Inman, Gilbert E. "Gil", Sgt, armament
Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament
The afternoon of our first day the four of us strolled about the city visiting such
places as the Coliseum, Victoria Emanuel II monument and the ruins of ancient Rome.
At nine o’clock the next morning we joined the Red Cross tour and visited the Pantheon,
St. Peter’s church and the Vatican where we saw the Pope. St. Peter’s is the most
marvelous work of man I have ever seen. The perfect beauty of the statues, particularly
Michelangelo’s Pieta, the mosaics, marble floor pattern and pillars, the gold on St.
Peter’s tomb, and the immensity of the place, is indescribable. One has to see it to believe
it. In the great hall of the Vatican we stood along an aisle for about an hour waiting for
the Pope to appear. At last, attended by a magnificent procession of Pontiffs, Cardinals,
etc. and Swiss guards in their elaborate red and green and yellow uniforms, he came,
carried in a chair on the shoulders of men. As he passed down the aisle many soldiers
held rosaries and crucifixes to be blessed, which he did by passing his hand over them.
Here was the great representative of God on earth, held by millions to be the holy, sinless
symbol of God and Christ, being carried in richness and splendor on the backs of men for
to be seen and worshipped. It was as if I were seeing a circus act. Such cannot be true
religion.
The Pope spoke a few minutes in English, most of which I could not understand,
afterward individually speaking with and blessing officers, nurses and WACs who were
escorted to the front. We were very tired and hungry after our long walk and wait.
Naturally our first thought was of a restaurant. Somehow Gil and I became separated
from Hildie who was taking pictures of the Pope so we entered a restaurant on a
fashionable street not far from the Vatican. There we met a couple of young girls who
rather struck our fancies. We decided to take them to a show and dance at the Red
Cross. They very coyly arranged to have us follow them from the cafe after refusing to
let us pay for their meal. It was not long before we discovered that they had different
ideas of a good time, so, much to their frustration we parted company. Rome is full of
such victory girls.
Hildebrand, Leslie A. “Hildie”, T/Sgt, photographer
Our time for the next few days was spent visiting various places of interest,
shopping, eating ice cream at the Red Cross and attending theaters, both Italian and
Allied. I was disappointed that we could not obtain tickets for “The Barber of Seville”
which was playing at the Royal Opera House. One evening in the midst of a drenching
rain I played Sir Walter Raleigh to a young lady by lending her my coat and
accompanying her home. She became very solicitous as we walked along singing Lili
Marlene, and I was surprised when she did not invite me to her room. She explained that
on account of the rain she was not going to her own house. At any rate I had prepared
my declination of her offer which I felt was forthcoming.
While I was in Rome, the trial of Caretta, the famed Fascist killer was being held.
Caretta was taken from the prison by a mob of enraged widows and relatives of the 320
people massacred in the Adreantine Caves. He was beaten and thrown from a bridge
into the Tiber. This bloody outrage, though I did not see the dead, was manifested by the
turmoil that gripped the city for several days.
On account of weather, the plane that came for us had to stay overnight. The
skies cleared the next morning and we made the hop in 55 minutes. I was glad to get
home, but disappointed not to find mail waiting for me. It has been several weeks since a
letter. We are preparing for a long stay on Corsica which does not please me. The
Italian boys are going home and that means KP again for us. Several groups of B-26s
are moving up from Sardinia and that should help the attendance at our church
services.”
446th BS War Diary: A very successful mission is flown to northern Italy.
TARGET: Legnago Rail Road Bridge, Italy
DATE: 23 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. GP
446th Planes: 15
Lt. Russell led the formation. Excellent concentration on target with several direct hits.
No flak. Lt. Wozniak, spare returned early.
Russell, Lawrence L. "Scrap Iron", Capt, pilot, 445th BS
None
None
Ass II” (flight leader)
G Bryan, Dwight L., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Leary, Gwynn M., S/Sgt
None
None
None
P Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt
N None
B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 1Lt
E Shettleworth, William E., Sgt
G Haxby, William H., Jr., Cpl
F None
CP Taylor, Richard E., 2Lt
F None
(flight leader)
P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 42-64549
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
None
None
None
None
None
Darlene)
None
None
Wallace, Robert D., 1Lt
None
None
P Trosky, Chester J., 1Lt
N None
R Rousos, Milton P., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Pad” (Spare - returned early - did not fill
in)
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
None
Co-Pilot: Ingram, William T., 2Lt B-25J 43-4052 “Lil Butch”
Mission: Legnano Railroad Bridge, Italy (F-893257)
Flying Time: 3:25 (133rd mission in MTO)
“Arrived back to Repple Depot @ 0800, Sacker & Taylor told they were leaving by plane
immediately. To Red Cross, coffee, etc. Shaved. Tried to go to Opera matinee, no seats.
Showered @ RC. Supper @ Transient Mess. To opera @ 1900, saw III Act of La
Traviata, Also ballet. Good.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have departed for rest
camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Earl W. Hall; 1st Lt Walter N. Vieser; 1st Lt. Stanley J.
Wiechert; S/Sgt. John A. Keefe; S/Sgt. L.E. Sheppard; T/Sgt. Francis S. Torrey; Sgt.
Robert F. Buzby; Sgt. Paul B. Connolly; Sgt. Edward J. Dwila; Sgt. Andrew R. Richards;
Cpl. Norman C. Bulfinch. The following officers and enlisted men are on DS, Cairo,
Egypt: Capt. Eugene E. Stocking; 1st Lt. Gerald E. Fisher; 1st Lt. Edward Krafka; 1st Lt.
Ivan E. Dean; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Speer; S/Sgt. Herbert Dimondstein; T/Sgt. Andrew Pelak;
T/Sgt. John F. McFarland; S/Sgt. Everett H. Clyne; Sgt. George F. Murray. Today’s
training consisted of local transition and practice bombing.
Buzby, Robert F., Sgt, armament
Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt, armament-gunner Connolly, Paul B., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Dimondstein, Herbert (NMI),S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Dwila, Edward J., Sgt, engineering
Keefe, John A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
McFarland, John F., T/Sgt, gunner
Murray, George F., Sgt, engineering
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Richard, Andrew R., Sgt, engineering
Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Torrey, Francis S., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt, bombardier
Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot
Twelve of our ships participated in a raid on the Padua North RR Bridge (G-350530)
with Lt. Murray leading our squadron. All bombs fell within the target area. The
heaviest concentration covered the center and north ends of the bridge and scored several
direct hits. Mission efficiency 91.6 %; Bombing accuracy 95.6 %.
A/C No. 43-27636
None
Cowart, Eugene C., T/Sgt
None
N None
B Bardy, Edmund E., Jr., 2Lt
G Veid, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
(flight leader)
Murray, Richard E., 1Lt
Dawson, Roy C., S/Sgt
Toole, John F., S/Sgt
Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, S/Sgt
None
None
Mango, Vincent A. “Vince”, S/Sgt
None
Brown, Grover C., Jr., 1Lt
None
None
S/Sgt
Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt
May, Frederick J., S/Sgt
None
None
Aloysius”
None
Hiller, Frederick J., 2Lt
Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt
Maslyar, Michael M., Sgt
Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt
None
None
None
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
Scarberry, Harold W., 2Lt
Hagan, Richard E., Cpl
None
None
(Lead spare - returned - did not fill in on
mission)
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27718
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
“Target: Padova N RR Br (Venice)
Flak: None
Combat: 3:10
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 029 (43-4029 “Mike Hunt”)
Crew: P-Lt Magne CP-Lt Christian B-Lt Mulholland E-SSG Partee R-TSG Alpino G
SSG Mango
All bombs in target area. Best concentration from center to N end of bridge. Direct hits
seen.”
Christian, Calvin B., 1Lt, pilot
Magne, Henry J. “Joe”, 1Lt, pilot
mission, flew with Lt. Brown as bombardier, nice bombing at Padua R.R. bridge, second
flight caught flak.”
Brown, Grover C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Mission 358 (565): At 0749 12 planes off to bomb Padua East RR Bridge, Italy. 448 th
Bombardment Squadron was the only participant in this attack dropping 47x1000 bombs;
1x1000 returned because of malfunction, from 10,600/11,000 feet. Bridge believed cut
by a number of direct hits. Moderate, fairly accurate, heavy from Rovigo area. 5 planes
holed. Weather: 7/10 altocumulus, visibility unlimited.
A/C No. 43-27805 “Desirable” (flight
leader)
CP Moyer, Emerson C., 1Lt
E Roberts, Charles J., S/Sgt
R Blackard, James R. “Jim”, T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-28081
Bard, John A., 1Lt
Cook, Don W., 2Lt
None
Bass, Bernard G., 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
None
Merrill, B. L., Capt, 9th Combat
Camera?
A/C No. 43-27668
None
Gage, Robert L., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27726
Congdon, Harry W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
None
None
None
None
None
Doughty, Paul F., T/Sgt
None
Grady, John R., 1Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-4076
Stevens, Ray B., 1Lt
None
Poteet, Edward J., Sgt
Donaud, Earl J., S/Sgt
None
P Holcombe, Dewey R., 1Lt
CP Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt
N None
B Luckhaupt, Robert W., 1Lt
E Wright, Melvin M., Cpl
R LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, S/Sgt
G Edwards, Jesse R., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 43-27481
None
Mardeuse, Alfred K., S/Sgt
None
Mission 359 (566): At 08:08 30 planes off to bomb Legnago RR Bridge, Italy. Three (3)
planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the last element of the
second flight. The formation dropped 120x1000# GP .1 & .01 from 10,500/11,000 feet.
Excellent concentration on target with several direct hits. No flak. Weather: 7/10
altocumulus with visibility unlimited.
A/C No. 43-27791
Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt
None
Qualls, Thomas B., S/Sgt
Seward, Richard F., Sgt
Out”
P Annear, Warren Raymond, Capt
CP Cherry, Raymond (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
N Freund, John F., 2Lt
G Enderle, Melvin J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Sadie”
None
None
“Light in tent awoke me at 5:10AM. Did not hear CQ blow whistle. Briefing at 6:00AM.
Fresh toast, syrup, coffee. Carrying 1000 lb GP's. Lead ship last element. Target is at
Padua, Northern Italy. Railroad bridge. 3/10 coverage at field. Lt Grady, pilot (067).
Takeoff 8:53AM. One minute before reaching IP, beaucoup flak. Evasive action. Over
target 9:29AM. 100% hit. Returned same route and caught more flak. Right wing ship
dropped out. Landed 11:45AM. Five flak holes in our ship. Flew as radiophotographer. Using K-8A. Reported beaucoup ground activity over enemy territory
(Convoys, barges, industry). Hash paddies, tomato sauce, mashed potatoes, canned corn,
bread, butter, water. Winterizing tents. 2 x 4's form framework. Wooden floors. Tar
paper and chicken wire form walls. Floor 12" off ground. Making company streets. Sides
are 6' high. Still taking showers outside. Read "Outcasts of Poker Flat", Bret Harte.
Issued air mattress. No mail. Fair weather. American whiskey at club. Steve came over.
Joe Creighton, Wesley Kheen, Mike Green, Louey Dunbar and I drank beer at their tent.
Retired at 9:30 PM”
Creighton, Joe, 389th BS, 340th BG
Dunbar, Louis C. "Louey", Cpl, radio-gunner, communications
Grady, John R., 1Lt, pilot
Greene, Michael J., Sgt, engineering
Wojnolowicz, Stephen J. "Wowly", Sgt, ordnance, 445th BS
In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber and A-20 operations;
fighter-bombers support ground forces, bombing and strafing strongpoints, troop
concentrations, and frontline communications targets as the US Fifth Army pushes
through N Apennines; HQ 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and the 5th
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Borgo, Corsica to Rosia and
Malignano respectively with F-5s; HQ 57th Fighter Group and the 64th and 65th Fighter
Squadrons move from Ombrone Airfield to Grosseto with P-47s; the detachment of the
12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance),
operating from Malignano with F-5s returns to base at Florence/Peretola.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Both missions today were disappointingly abortive as the
formations got almost up to the target as the weather closed in preventing bombing.
Ponte di Piave RR Bridge, Italy
Campolongo Railway Bridge, Italy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: There was no combat mission today. The mail situation has
reached a new low and the men are just about as low in morale. Very good
improvements have been made on the mess hall of the enlisted men. New tables have
been installed while the porches are being cemented and a fireplace being erected inside
through the work of a French mason hired for the job. Since there was no activity this
afternoon, the Mitchell-Aires practiced all afternoon in the Officers club. Chicken was
enjoyed by all at the supper meal.
A/C No. 43-27740
Dickerson,
Samuel M., Capt
P
CP McMahon, Bernard J. “Mac”, Jr., 2Lt
N Sides, Harry F., 1Lt
G Jannetta, Floridi D. “Floyd”, S/Sgt
F None
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
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
None
Emery, Ben D., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
Reed, Donald C., 1Lt
None
Smith, William A., S/Sgt
None
Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
Robson, Herbert E., 1Lt
Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt
Arcuri, John (NMI), S/Sgt
None
None
None
Couch, Thomas (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
None
Walburn, John A., S/Sgt
None
Lewis, Max E., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
Abrams, Samuel (NMI) “Sam”, Cpl
446th BS War Diary: Regular duties.
TARGET: Ponte di Piave RR Bridge, Italy
DATE: 24 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 9
Lt. Burandt led the formation. Did not bomb due to cloud cover. No flak. Lts.
Pietrowski and Wallace returned early. Spares.
Darlene)
B Clausen, Lawrence A., 1Lt
F None
Ass II”
CP Perlman Jacob L., F/O
N None
F None
CP Carlson, Lowell A., 2Lt
R Fellmer, Carl M., T/Sgt
F None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Pad”
Wojcik, Walter (NMI), 1lt
None
Aderholt, William J., JR., S/Sgt
None
lady - no name/lettering) (Spare returned early - did not fill in)
P Wallace, Robert D., 1Lt
N None
B Pettit, Robert H., 2Lt
E Cassidy, Warren J., Sgt
R Luitjens, Harvey J., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
dropped from nose art) (Spare - returned
early - did not fill in)
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot)
Pilot: unknown
B-25C
Mission: Test Hop
“To Repple Depot, then back out to town. Picked up laundry and cleaning after an hours
wait. To RC, coffee, ice cream, etc. Hung around there all afternoon, lot of fun with RC
girl. After supper, to show ‘Shine on Harvest Moon’ – good. After supper, in apartment,
the I’ty landlady told me all her troubles. C’est La Guerre.”
447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. William H. Burke Jr.; S/Sgt. Jordan L. Bushnell were
relieved of assignment and transferred on rotation to Replacement Depot N. 9, for
transshipment to the United States, per orders Hq. 12AF Sept. 20. Training today
consisted of local transition. Morning report, Officers 92; Enlisted Men 342.
Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt, gunner
of our ships participated in a raid on Campolongo Railway Bridge, with Captain
Wiginton leading our squadron, but due to cloud coverage no bombs were dropped.
A/C No. 43-3403 “Incendiary
Blonde”
N None
B Dawson, Roy C., S/Sgt
E Byrn, Ernest E., S/Sgt
R MacNeil, Joseph W., T/Sgt
F
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt
Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt
None
Webb, James A., 1Lt
S/Sgt
None
Aloysius”
None
Darrell, Franklin Lloyd J., 2Lt
Simberg, Alvin L., T/Sgt
Smith, Kenneth C., Sgt
None
Runyon)
N None
E O’Neil, James R., S/Sgt
R Carlson, Carl M., T/Sgt
G Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt
F None
P Willis, Richard L., 1Lt
N None
R Netzel, Carl F., Cpl
G May, Frederick J., S/Sgt
F None
CP Christian, Calvin B., 1Lt
N None
R See, Russell K., T/Sgt
F Burns, Harry B., Sgt
None
Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, S/Sgt
None
None
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed Campolongo R.R. Bridge, nice bombing, no
opposition.”
Mission 360 (568): At 08:48 18 planes off to bomb Campolongo Railway Bridge, Italy.
Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated in the position as lead
squadron for the flight. The formation dropped no bombs due to clouds and overcast.
Abortive due to weather. No flak. Visibility 5/10 miles in haze.
A/C No. 43-27528
Out”
None
G Enderle, Melvin J., Cpl
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27481
A/C No. 43-27668
P Moyer, Emerson C., 1Lt
Stromberg, Clark K., 2Lt
CP Smith, Milford A., 2Lt
None
N None
E Langley, Edmund P., Jr., Cpl
R LaBella, Dante (NMI) “GI Joe”, S/Sgt
G Congdon,
None
F Merrill, B. L., Capt, 9th Combat
Camera?
A/C No. 43-4076
None
N None
B Judy, Philip R., 1Lt
Wright, Melvin M., Cpl
E Qualls, Thomas B., S/Sgt
R Walker, Jack L., T/Sgt
G Hawthorne, Ralph C., S/Sgt
None
F None
Sadie
P Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt
CP Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt
None
N None
B Martin, James M., Jr., 1Lt
E Pineda, Nico M., S/Sgt
Bowman, William W., S/Sgt
G Markiewicz, Edward B., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27523
R Bass, Bernard G., S/Sgt
G Justice, Conway J., Jr., Cpl
F None
“James called me at 6:30AM. Not on today's mission. Partly cloudy. Pancakes, stewed
apricots, wheatena, marmalade, coffee. Washed sun-tans. Read "The Last Will",
Williston Fish, "The Duke and Dauphin Come Aboard," Mark Twain. Worked with detail
assembling duplex building to house S-2, operations and orderly room. Spoke with
Major Knievel. Fred Jacobson returned from Rome. Boiled chicken, creamed peas,
canned tomatoes, coffee, bread and butter. Filled out PR form at S-2. Picked up air
mattress at tech supply. Mission was at SW of Venice. 10/10 sky prevented bombing.
Hot dogs, tomato sauce, navy beans, diced beets, bread, butter, coffee. Ned Heilich came
down. Had a beer, liquor and food party at Mike Kocsis' tent. (Ned Creighton, Adams,
Lynn, Jesse, George, Ned and yours truly (2 beers and 1 shot). Commenced Gene
Fowler's "Good Night Sweet Prince". Retired 9:30PM.”
Adams, Edward T., Pvt, cook or Adams, William M., Pvt, engineering
Creighton, Joe, 389th BS? 340th BG
Edwards, Jesse R., Cpl, gunner, photographer
Jacobson, Fred (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Knievel, Arthur W., Maj, executive
Lind, Ragnar G. "Jeffery Lynn", 1Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
In Italy, medium bombers and A-20s cancel operations due to bad
weather; fighter-bombers hit barracks areas, railroads, roads, and transportation in or near
Bologna, Bozzolo, Parma, Castelfranco Veneto, and Canneto sull'Oglio, and in the
immediate battle areas as the US Fifth Army meets strong opposition, especially in the
vicinity of Monte Bastione, and near Torre Poggioli, Monte Gamberaldi, and Monte
Castelnuovo; the 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, moves from Ombrone to
Grosseto with P-47s.
In France, the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing,
moves from Le Vallon to Longvic with Beaufighters.
445th BS War Diary: Fifteen crews were scheduled for the mission today but it was
cancelled. Poor weather conditions forced Operations Officer Capt. Hatcher from
carrying out his training flights. High winds whipped dust throughout the area this
afternoon making it mighty unpleasant for the men. The men in the area continue to
winterize their tents while the cementing of the mess hall continues. No mail today and
still the men are moaning. Meat loaf was served for supper. The evening was very cool.
Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., Capt, pilot
09/25/44:
“Today we had our first real autumn weather. A stiff wind blew down
from the mountains, grounding all planes and causing one to crack up when landing. At
sundown the sky cleared and the wind died. There is a three-quarter moon and the air is
sharp. We have the sides of the tent down. This evening we had no loading so I went
with Rucker and Louie to see a USO show and movie. The USO unit was fair and the
movie machine broke down. I was reminded of the night we went to a football game in
Walterboro. This afternoon Rucker and I worked on a Plexiglas skylight for our tent. We
cut it down from a Beau Fighter canopy. Still no mail.”
Bell, Louis E. "Louie", Sgt, armament
446th BS War Diary: Four flying men are made Captains: Burandt, Dickson, Hawkes
and Mayo. Second Lieutenant Goodrich is promoted to First Lieut.
Burandt, Charles Lawson "Chuck", Capt, pilot
Dickson, Gale Monroe, Capt, pilot
Goodrich, John W., 1Lt, pilot
Hawkes, Leon R., Capt, pilot
Mayo, Jack D., Capt, bombardier
Pilot: unknown
B-25C
Mission: Test Hop
“Raining very hard, but got back to Repple Depot fairly dry. Nothing new as yet.
Meeting @ 0930, changing of money, etc. Into town, got a money order. Hung around
RC. Meet Charlie O’Riordon, had supper with him, spent most of the evening in a bull
session.”
447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. The
following officers were promoted to the grade of Captain: 1st Lt. Joe L. Beal, SO 240
Hq. 12AF 17 Sept. 1st Lt. Wayne R. Martin; 1st Lt. Marvin L. Speer; 1st Lt. Robert E.
Thomas, per SO. 245 Hq. 22 Sept. Lt. William E. Levine has departed for rest camp,
Rome, Italy. Today’s training consisted of local transition.
Beal, Joe L., Capt, Adjutant
Martin, Wayne R., Capt, bombardier
Speer, Marvin L, Capt, pilot
Thomas, Robert E., Capt, navigator
“Hot sun beating against tent awoke me at 7:05AM. Stand by on mission. Pancakes,
marmalade, coffee. Very windy morning. All the Italian KP's left the island September
23rd. This was a directive issued by General Eaker. Too much friction between French
and Italians. (I personally prefer the Italians). Stand-down on mission. Jim Ratcliffe
and I went to the "villa" near Solenzara. Bought watermelons and tomatoes. Two
watermelons the size of grapefruit and eleven tomatoes (80 francs). Attended USO show
unit 265. "Hum and Drum" (Max Seides, Boston, Mass.) Ray Kretair, Amsterdam, NY.
Remembered me from back home. Had quite a session. Still doing imitations. Max
Seides knows Phil Saltzman well. Capt Marshall (flight surgeon) drove the boys back to
the 446th officer's area. Clear and cold night. Retired 11:00PM.”
Marshall, Ulysses, S. "Doc", Capt, medical
Ratcliffe, James E., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, bombardier
In Italy during the night of 25/26 Sep A-20s bomb targets of
opportunity in the Po Valley; throughout the day B-25s and B-26s pound rail and road
bridges in the E and NW parts of the Po Valley while fighter-bombers and fighters of the
XII Fighter Command attack road nets, rails, motor transport, and supply points at many
locations in the valley.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Out in full force to hit some more bridges the Group again
laid good concentrations on 3 rail bridges --- the Sesto-Calende, the Ponte di Piave, and
the Campolongo bridges. The Piave bridge was the only one that had spans knocked
down. 5 A/C nickeling mission also flew this date.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 569/mission569) Group Mission # 569:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 569
SQUADRONS:
445-5
446-4
447-5
448-4
TARGET: Sesto-Calende Combination RD. & Rail Br. J-824954.
TIME OFF: 0728
T.O.T.: 0915
TIME DOWN: 1040
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 72x1000# .1 & .01
ROUTE: Base to D-2858, O-4122, O-2651, J-3308, J-5239, J-5292, J-5696 (IP), target,
left turn to D-8102, J-5696 & retraced route home.
WEATHER: CAVU throughout.
FLAK: Scant, inaccurate, heavy, out of range from Casale Monferrato.
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Concentration of bombs on both north & south approaches with a few
strings across center of bridge. 5/6 direct hits reported. Several reports of
bridge heavily damaged but all spans left standing. Turbulent air made
accurate bombing difficult.
OBSERVATIONS: 30 RR cars in M/Y at Sesto Calende. 7 RR cars, stationary, on high
bridge on SW outskirts of Asti. Heavy road traffic moving SE
near Alba, O-2866 and south from Vercelli. 13 large flat square
buildings at J-6187. 4 medium M/V freighters just off Arona O7701. Large M/V at Loano O-4222. 6 small M/V at Pietra Lig
harbor (O-4424), stationary.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Collins & Muzinich.
NO. OF SORTIES: 18
PHOTOS TAKEN.
ROBERT W. MANLY,
Capt., Air Corps,
Gp. S-2 Officer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 570
SQUADRONS:
445-9
446-9
447-0
448-0
TARGET: Ponte di Piave Railroad Br. G-798813.
TIME OFF: 1203
T.O.T.: 1417 & 1422
TIME DOWN: 1605
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 72x1000# .1 & .01 fusing
PLANES HOLED: None.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
ROUTE: Base to E-5454, S-1643, N-0191, H-0162 (IP), target, RT to H-0162 and
retraced route home.
WEATHER: CAVU throughout.
FLAK: None.
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Both approaches and E. end of bridge were well hit. Several strings across
middle of bridge. Because of intervalometer malfunction 1st box of 6
made a second run and report a gap in center of bridge from bombing of
rest of formation.
OBSERVATIONS: Ground: RR BR. at G-8573 was down. No repairs visible.
Diversion in operation for M/T several hundred yards S. of target
bridges. Trenches dug along N. bank of Piave River from Grisolia
to S. Dona di Piave.
Naval: Two groups of barges--8 & 14--in Piave river at S. Dona di
Piave. Two small boats or barges leaving inlet to Venice, at G7847 and 6/8 small M/V’s in Venice lagoon near inlet. Dredge in
river near target. One large freighter at G-7552. Several small
barges anchored at Noventa di Piave with activity indicated by
truck tracks on roads up to the barges. Two barges at G-7847 and
two barges at G-9561.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lt. Hawkes and Capt. Dickerson.
NO. OF SORTIES: 18
PHOTOS TAKEN.
ROBERT W. MANLY,
Capt., Air Corps,
Gp. S-2 Officer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 571
SQUADRONS:
445-0
446-0
447-9
448-9
TARGET: Campolongo Railroad Br. G-486393.
TIME OFF: 1213
T.O.T.: 1415
TIME DOWN: 1600
AXIS OF ATTACK: 318° HEIGHT: 11//11,500 ft.
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 36x1000# -- .1 & .01 on briefed
target
PLANES HOLED: None.
28x1000# -- .1 & .01 on u/i bridge
north of target.
ESCORT: Area Cover.
8x1000# -- .1 & .01 returned.
(element leader failed
WEATHER: CAVU
to pick up target).
ROUTE: Base to E-5454, S-1643, N-0191, G-6919 (IP), target, feint left, RT to G-6919
and reciprocal route to base
FLAK: Heavy, scant to moderate, inaccurate, on breakaway just SE of target.
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Hits on center, north section, and both approaches. One report bridge
down in north section.
Seven A/C failed to identify target and dropped on u/i bridge one-third of
a mile NW of target, hitting in vicinity of N. approach.
OBSERVATIONS: 4/6 barges near mouth of Brenta River.
2 fairly large boats, grey, 2 stacks, pointed bows, at breakwater
approx. G-6743 at 1428 hours.
Medium M/V or naval vessel and 6/7 barges in Chioggia Harbor.
At 1412 hours---one large vessel near Porto Marghera (G-6354).
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lt. Swanson & Capt. Murray.
NO. OF SORTIES: 18
PHOTOS TAKEN.
RAGNAR G. LIND,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
Ass’t. S-2 Officer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG MISSION No: 572 (Nickeling) DATE: 26 Sep 44 NO. A/C: 5
SQUADRONS:
445-2
446-1
447-2
448-0
TARGET: Fusignano (M-3944); Conselice (M-2548); S. Nicolo Ferry (M-2971).
TIME OFF: 1324
T.O.T.: ---TIME DOWN: 1635
AXIS OF ATTACK: ----- HEIGHT: 14,000 ft.
PLANES LOST: None
BOMBS DROPPED: 15 bombs #1; 15 bombs #2;
50 bombs #3; 10 bombs returned
PLANES HOLED: 3.
because mission not completed.
ESCORT: ----
ROUTE: Base to S-0643, S-2797, M-6558, M-4043, M-2045, M-2070, M-6558 & home
WEATHER: CAVU throughout
FLAK: Moderate to intense, accurate, heavy, from Molinella M-1562, Mezzolara M0758, Malalbergo M-0474, Consandolo M-2366.
ENEMY AIR: None.
CLAIMS: None
RESULTS: Targets #1m #2, & #3 successfully bombed. Targets #4 & #5 not dropped
on because flight turned back.
OBSERVATIONS: None.
FLIGHT LEADERS: Lt. Jeffery
NO. OF SORTIES: 5
PHOTOS TAKEN: None
ROBERT W. MANLY,
Capt., Air Corps,
Gp. S-2 Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Red Cross girls distributed doughnuts and coffee to the area
personnel this morning. Pork was served for supper as the mail situation remains poor.
“Cornzapoppin” made its bow to the public tonight playing to the Quartermaster outfit
with good success.
second mission went out to attack the Sesto Calende railroad bridge, Italy. Six ships
from the squadron participated and just to keep the string going, the bombardiers
achieved another 100 per cent bombing accuracy. It was the squadron’s 5th straight
perfect mission.
A/C No. 43-27741“Val” (previously
“Modern Design”) (flight leader)
P Collins, Daniel P., 1Lt
B Baldwin, Harold O., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
Sycylo, Theodore W., Cpl
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27742 “Winnie Mae’
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
None listed
None
A/C No. 43-27509
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Larkin, Francis C. “Charley”, Sgt
Freiler Walter C., Sgt
None
None
Jacobs, Harry E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 44-28722 “Spirit of
Portchester”
None
Goodhart, Jacob C. “Jack”, S/Sgt
Hope, Amos (NMI), S/Sgt
None
squadron participated in two missions today. Nine aircraft joined the group in the first
mission to attack the Ponte di Piave railroad bridge, Italy and the red hot 445th
bombardiers made it another 100 per cent mission.
P Dickerson, Samuel M., Capt
CP Reed, Donald C., 1Lt
N Sides, Harry F., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
P Weld, Wills R., 1Lt
CP Shenk, Stanley R., 1Lt
N None
E Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt
R Giorgio, John B., T/Sgt
G Arcuri, John (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
Lewis, Max E., 2Lt
None
None
N None
B Weiner, Irving B., 2Lt
R Engleman, Bud (NMI), Sgt
F Abrams, Samuel (NMI) “Sam”, Cpl
N Mitchell, Robert F., 1Lt
E Taylor, Marion R., Cpl
F None
P Baker, Thomas J., 1Lt
CP Cox, Harold L., 2Lt
N None
B Beck, Robert B. “Bob”, 2Lt
E Swingholm, Raymond J., S/Sgt
R Otterness, William B., Cpl
G Hafner, Duane H., Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
Walburn, John A., S/Sgt
None
445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 572/mission 572) Group Mission # 572: Lt.
Jeffery led the formation. Targets #1, #2, #3 successfully “Bombed”. Targets #4 and #5
not “Bombed.” (Crew list missing)
(flight leader)
Jeffery, James C., 2Lt
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
446th BS War Diary: September 26, 27, 28: “Winterizing” of our tents begins and
winter weather brings memories of last year, rain and cold, stoves and midnight snacks
by a warm fire.
TARGET: Sesto/Calende Rd & RR Bridge, Italy
DATE: 26 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 3
Lt. Collins led the formation. Concentrations of bombs on both N and S approaches with
a few strings across center of bridge. Several reports of bridge heavily damaged but all
spans left standing. Turbulent air made bombing accurate difficult. Flak was scant,
heavy, inaccurate and out of range. Lt. Ivankovig did not take off because of radio
trouble.
Collins, Daniel P., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
P Dickson, Gale Monroe, Capt
F None
Wojcik, Walter (NMI) 1Lt
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Darlene) (Lead spare - did not take-off radio malfunction) (only pilot and ship
identified - crew unknown)
None
None
TARGET: Ponte di Piave Railroad Bridge, Italy
DATE: 26 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo.
446th Planes: 9
Lt. Hawkes led the formation. Both approaches and E end of bridge were well hit.
Several strings across middle of bridge. First box of six forced to make second run. No
flak.
Ass II” (flight leader)
P Hawkes, Leon R., Capt
F None
CP Panning, Robert F., 2Lt
N None
G Glendening, George F., Jr., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
None
None
None
P White, Frank B., 1LT
N None
R Koos, Walter V., S/Sgt
G South, William R., S/Sgt
F None
P Pietrowski, Stanley J., 1Lt
G Leeper, Kenneth E., Sgt
F None
Wallace, Robert D., 1Lt
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
None
Pad” (Wing spare - did not fill in)
P Peterson, Frederick I., 1Lt
N None
B Gilligan, John W., 2Lt
E McArdle, John R., S/Sgt
R Brown, Dennis H., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
None
A/C No. 43-4021 The Little Admiral”
(later Lady Jane) (Lead spare - did not
fill in)
Matthews, John Walker, Jr., 1Lt
None
Luitjens, Harvey J., Cpl
None
TARGET: Fusignano, Conselice, S Nicolo Ferry, Italy
DATE: 26 Sep 1944
Type of Bombs: Propaganda Leaflets.
446th Planes: 1
Lt. Jeffery led the formation. Targets #1, #2, #3 successfully “Bombed”. Targets #4 and
#5 not “Bombed.” Flak was moderate to intense, accurate, heavy. (Crew list missing)
Jeffery, James C., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (Pilot/Co-Pilot)
Pilot/Co-Pilot: unknown
B-25J
Flying Time: 2:20 (Pilot 1:10 – Co-Pilot 1:10) (136th mission in MTO)
“Back to Repple Depot. Nothing doing, hung around awhile, then back to Naples.
Coffee, etc. @ RC. Saw some training films. Lot of fun with RC information girl.
Showered. Ate @ transient mess, met the boys and back to camp with them. Cold, nearly
froze.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest
camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. Earl W. Hall; 1st Lt. Walter N. Vieser; 1st Lt. Stanley J.
Wiechert; S/Sgt. John A. Keefe; S/Sgt. L.E. Sheppard; T/Sgt. Francis S. Torrey; Sgt.
Robert F. Buzby; S/Sgt. Paul D. Connolly; Sgt. Edward J. Dwila; Sgt. Andrew R.
Richards; Cpl. Norman C. Bulfinch. The following named enlisted men have been
reclassified to 612: Sgt. Earl W. Dulaney; Sgt. Jack J. Harris; Sgt. Charles J. Hopp; Cpl.
James W. Sims. Today’s training consisted of local transition.
Buzby, Robert F., Sgt, armament
Connolly, Paul B., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Dulaney, Earl W., Sgt, gunner
Dwila, Edward J., Sgt, engineering
Harris, Jack J., Sgt, armament
Hopp, Charles J., Sgt, gunner
Keefe, John A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Richard, Andrew R., Sgt, engineering
Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Sims, James W., Cpl, gunner
Torrey, Francis S., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Vieser, Walter N., 1Lt, bombardier
Wiechert, Stanley J., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 569/mission 569) Group Mission # 569: Five
of our ships participated in a raid on the Sesto-Calende RR Bridge J-824954 with Lt.
Muzinich leading the squadron. Excellent concentration with several direct hits on center
and both approaches. Several holes were observed after bombing. Mission efficiency,
100 %; Bombing accuracy, 100 %. (Crew list missing)
A/C No. 1 (only pilot identified -ship
and crew unknown) (flight leader)
P Muzinich, Anthony L. “Tony” 1Lt
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
diary
None
Mango, Vincent A. "Vince”, S/Sgt
None
None
None
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 571/mission 571) Group Mission # 571: On
the second mission of the day, nine of our ships participated in a raid on the Campolongo
RR Bridge (G-486393) with Lt. Murray leading our squadron. Good concentration on
center, north section and both approaches. Mission efficiency 100 %; Bombing accuracy
100 %.
Brown, Lyle N., 2Lt
None
Mercea, George (NMI), 1Lt
None
Aloysius”
P Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 1Lt
N None
B Gillies, Robert H., S/Sgt
G Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, S/Sgt
F None
P Johnson, Eric A., 1Lt
N None
R Netzel, Carl F., Cpl
G May, Frederick J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27473 “Paper Doll” (flight
leader)
Murray, Richard E., Capt
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
None
None
Darrell, Franklin Lloyd Jr., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
Brice, David W., 2Lt
None
Citarelli, James E., Sgt
Sims, James W., Cpl
None
Runyon)
CP Murchland, Robert Keith, 2Lt
N None
E O’Neil, James R., S/Sgt
R Carlson, Carl M., T/Sgt
G Flowers, Frank J., S/Sgt
F None
CP Buechner, Helmut K., 2Lt
N None
B Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”,
S/Sgt
E Byrn, Ernst E., S/Sgt
R MacNeil, Joseph W., T/Sgt
F None
None
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 572/mission 572) Group Mission # 572: On
the third mission of the day, two of our ships participated in a successful Nickeling
Mission. One of our planes was holed by flak. (Crew list missing)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
mission, flew with Lt. Brown as bombardier, bombed Campolongo R.R. Bridge, nice
bombing, some flak.”
Brown, Grover C., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
“Target: Sesto - Calendo Road & RR Br
Flak: HIS
Combat: 3:10
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 009 (43-4009 “Double-O-Nine”)
Crew: P-Lt Cunningham SP-Lt Appenzeller B-SSG Miller E-SSG Baldridge R-Sgt
Fiocca G-SSG Mango
Concentration of bombs on both N & S approaches w/a few strings across center. 5/6
direct hits reported. Bridge heavily damaged but spans left standing. Turbulent air made
bombing difficult.”
Appenzeller, Richard D., 2Lt, pilot
Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Cunningham, Robert T. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt, radio-gunner
Miller, Dale G., S/Sgt, bombardier
Mission 361 (569): At 07:28 18 planes off to bomb Sesto-Calendo combination Rd. and
RR Bridge, Italy. Four (4) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying
as the last element of the flight. The formation dropped 72x1000# .1 & .01 from
10,500/11,000 feet. Good concentration with a few strings across center of bridge.
Turbulent air made bombing difficult. Scant, inaccurate, heavy, out of range flak.
Weather: CAVU.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Kielich, Henry J., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27523
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Donaud, Earl J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27668(Wing spare - filled
in)
Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt
None
Bixler, Frederick P., T/Sgt
None
Mission 362 (571): At 12:13 18 planes off to bomb Campolongo Railroad Bridge, Italy.
Nine (9) planes of the 448th Bombardment Squadron participated flying as the lead
squadron of the flight. The formation dropped 36x1000# bombs on briefed target.
28x1000 on u/i Bridge One-third of a mile NW of target. Observations: 4 barges near
mouth of Brenta River. Heavy, scant to moderate flak. No planes holed. Weather:
CAVU.
N McKinley, Robert H., 1Lt
G Congdon, Harry W., S/Sgt
F None
P Kirk, Theodore (NMI) “Ted”, 1Lt
CP Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt
N None
B Martin, James M., JR., 1Lt
E Goethals, Camiel A., Cpl
R Herod, James E. “Jim”, Cpl
G Sharp, Samuel I., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27528
CP Stromberg, Carl K., 2Lt
N None
R Brusa, Robert P., S/Sgt
F None
Grady, John R., 1Lt
Cook, Don W., 2Lt
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27481
None
None
A/C No. 43-27508
Carrington, Charles C., 1Lt
None
Bond, Edward N. 1Lt
Poteet, Edward J., T/Sgt
None
P Hales, Ermine L., Capt
N Freund, John F., 2Lt
E Bell, Flavious J., S/Sgt
G Carrick, Kenneth M., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Sadie”
None
Edwards, Clarence C., T/Sgt
None
“Awoke 7:05AM. Not on today's mission. Hot and sunny AM. Powdered egg pancakes,
wheatena, bread marmalade, coffee. Went to 446th. Met the USO troupe. Ned Piurek,
Leonard Roznicki, Mike and yours truly. Took picture with the troupe. Read. Meat loaf,
creamed peas, mashed potatoes, chocolate cake, bread, butter, water. Nickeling mission
for this PM canceled. George Huha's day off. Lack of something to do and a place to go
makes a man irritable. George and I repaired voice control of PA system. Pork chops,
peas, mashed potatoes, cocoa, bread, butter. Attended "Shine on Harvest Moon". Ideal
for the movie as there was a full harvest moon. Nelson kept nine eggs from the Catania
shipment. Brought us two oranges. Retired 10:00PM.”
Piurek, Ned J., Cpl, ordnance
In Italy, during the night of 26/27 Sep A-20s bomb motor transport in
the Po Valley; during the day bad weather cancels medium bomber operations and
restricts the XII Fighter Command; yet fighter-bombers effectively support the US Fifth
Army, especially on Monte Oggioli, blasting defensive positions, troop concentrations,
roads, and motor transport, and cutting rail lines between Parma and Piacenza.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No missions – weather.
Major Larson, Group Navigation Officer, left Group on permanent rotation basis.
He was the last of the original flying personnel.
445th BS War Diary: Fifteen crews were scheduled for the mission which was cancelled
due to bad weather. Following a successful opening night last night, the cast of the
variety show “Cornzapoppin” and the “Mitchell-Aires” are making preparations to leave
for Naples tomorrow where they will put their show on for the benefit of audiences in
that area for five days.
09/27/44:
“Today we worked on the tent. Rucker and George built a door while
Louie and I installed the skylight. It’s pretty hard to do very much without tools and
material, but one can always help some and at the same time kill a little time. The
squadron has gone all out for winterization. Two hundred tons of cement was obtained
and is being used for floors in tents and the mess hall. Stoves are our next problem. We
have a new energizer and the radio is playing beautifully. I hope it can be available
through the long winter. Still no mail.”
Bell, Louis E. "Louie", Sgt, armament
Cavalenes, George P., S/Sgt, armament
by a warm fire.
Pilot: unknown
B-25J
Mission: Test Hop
“Listened to band concert in the stadium. Bumming a ride to town difficult. Coffee, etc.
@ R.C. To San Carlos theatre, got a ticket for afternoon performance of ‘Tosca’. To
opera @ 1420, very fine. Supper @ transient mess, back to camp with the boys.”
447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled due to weather conditions. The following
officers were promoted to the grade of 1st Lt. per SO 245, Hq. 12th AF 22 Sept. 2nd Lt.
Edward Gates; 2nd Lt. Wendell E. Marchant. Private Dan Ochs was promoted to the
grade of Corporal 25 Sept. The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest
camp, Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. John R. Gillis; 2nd Lt. Joe W. Gould; T/Sgt. Aubrey W.
Chatters; T/Sgt. William H. Pierce; S/Sgt. Robert W. Engels; S/Sgt. Vincent A. Mango.
Major Marshall C. Strenger returned form rest camp, Rome Italy. Corporal Charles H.
Rankin is relieved of assignment and transferred on rotation to Replacement Depot No. 7
for transshipment to the United States, on orders 12th AF Hq. 24 Sept. Training today
consisted of local transition.
Gillis, John R., 1Lt, pilot
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
Mango, Vincent A., S/Sgt, aerial gunner
Marchant, Wendell E., 1Lt, pilot
Ochs, Dan (NMI), Jr., Cpl, gunner
Rankin, Charles H., Cpl, medical
“CQ blowing whistle awoke me at 6:30AM. Not on mission. Cloudy morning.
Pineapple pancakes, tomato juice, marmalade, coffee. Wilkinson (radio) somewhat
shaky today. I am to replace him on today's mission. Briefing 7:50AM. Standby until
12:00PM. Showering outside is becoming quite chilly. Evenings are fine for sleeping.
There are never any games of vice in our tent. One can sleep most any time as no one
disturbs you. James Royce brought in a couple dozen oranges this morning. Blackard
and I played cribbage. Stew, rice, fresh tomatoes and peppers, bread, butter, iced tea.
Mike Kocsis infected thumbs slowly healing. Captain Marshall (flight surgeon) is not too
well thought of by the boys. Doesn't pay any attention. I pray to God that someday it
shall be my good fortune to write what I see on men's faces and my own. Stand-down of
today's mission. Called on Lt Carl Fisher, but was out. Gene Stanley and I went for a 3hour walk. Watched a group of mother pigs and their sucklings. Blackberries are no
longer present. The grapes have been picked as well as the figs and peaches. Huge wine
casks in the cellar are being filled. Hash, navy beans, canned tomatoes, onions,
cucumbers, fruit salad, bread, apple jelly, coffee. Dark at 7:00PM. Very chilly. Ike,
Kuhn, Leo returned from Rome. Met Angelo Surrino former football player at Temple
University. Played with Dave Smukler. Angelo was in stockade for 6 months for
breaking a soldier's nose, jaw and eliminating teeth. Was a PT instructor at Miami
Beach, Fla. Retired 9:00PM.”
Fisher, Carl D., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Iseldyke, LeRoy J. “Ike”, Sgt, gunner, personnel, 1st Sgt
Kuhn, James W., Sgt, engineering
Marshall, Ulysses, S. "Doc", Capt, medical
Royce, James R., T/Sgt, communications
In Italy, weather grounds A-20s and medium bombers; fighterbombers, operating on a reduced scale bomb Bologna and hit roads and rail lines at 4
locations.
445th BS War Diary: Fifteen crews were standing by for the combat mission but poor
weather cancelled all aerial activities. The entire personnel of the variety show
“Cornzapoppin” were scheduled to leave by aircraft today but they too had to wait
another day due to weather. Publicity pictures were taken of the cast and the orchestra
members out on the line. There were some transition flights made today and one ship
went to the bombing range. Again there was no mail and the men are gradually settling
into a bitter, resigned shell of disgust.
by a warm fire.
“Ate breakfast. Started to rain, so back to bed. Up @ 1100, then into Naples with Red
Barbour. Ate @ transient mess. Hung around Red Cross all afternoon. Supper, then
back to camp.”
447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. Cpl.
Dan Ochs was reclassified from 911 to 612. Lt. William E. Levine has returned from rest
camp, Rome, Italy. Today’s training consisted of local transition.
Ochs, Dan (NMI)., Cpl, gunner
“Awoke 7:25AM. Bright sun, slight wind. Awoke during the night to listen to a howling
wind. Standby until 12:00PM on mission. Creamed corned beef hash on bread, oatmeal,
orange juice, coffee, apple jelly. Washed clothes. Read "Fifty Grand" by Ernest
Hemingway. Winter preparations are continuing but rumors are circulating of our
departing. It's the longest the 321st has stayed in one spot. The boys are becoming
restless. For the past several weeks I have been smoking a pipe. Cigarettes are slowly
falling out of my life. Taylor, Stanley and myself rode on Taylor's motorcycle to the line
to take pictures of the pin-up girls painted on the ship. Met Crisp coming back. Four
rode back on motorcycle. Took my first try at driving the cycle. Sudden change in
weather. Very cold. Pork chop, roast beef which I did not get any of, peas, mashed
potatoes, fresh beets and onions, apple sauce, bread, marmalade, coffee. Bull session in
tent. Played cribbage and casino with Blackard, Huha. Slight rain. Typical fall sky.
Heavy dark billowing clouds. Damp, cold, penetrating wind.”
Crisp, Glenn S., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
In Italy, A-20s and medium bombers are again grounded by weather;
fighter-bombers, hampered by weather, fly 52 sorties in the afternoon, cutting rail lines
leading S from Milan.
445th BS War Diary: Mission was again cancelled due to weather but the cast of
“Cornzapoppin” and the “Mitchell-Aires” managed to slip through the bad weather to
Naples today and the start of their entertainment tour. Capt. Griffing, Group Weather
Officer, gave a weather lecture to all pilots in the squadron at the Officers club. There
was a meeting for all bombardiers this afternoon at which time map reading and target
identification were discussed. An Officer and three enlisted combat men arrived today as
replacements. 2nd Lts Glasford, Hagerman, WH Moore, Payne and Spencer all put on the
silver bar of a 1st Lieutenant today.
Hagerman, Millard W., 1Lt, bombardier
Glasford, Loren G., 1Lt, pilot
Griffing, George W., Capt, Weather Officer
Moore, William H., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Payne, Lawrence J., 1Lt, pilot
Spencer, Charles F., 1Lt, pilot
09/29/44:
“Yesterday and today I enjoyed one of those rare occasions in the life of a
soldier that make campaigning temporarily tolerable. Beasley, Inman and I took a jeep
to Ghisoni to visit our friends whom we had not seen since we went to Ajaccio three
months ago. On the way up the canyon, fresh washed by the rain and very beautiful, we
stopped long enough to gather a few wild figs which were deliciously sweet. Our friends
were very glad to see us; Mama, Pop, Josephine and Antoinette. They prepared a
wonderful meal of soup, tomatoes, fresh trout and veal steaks. It was the best meal I have
had for months. Josephine had on a new dress and a little makeup, applied as only
French girls can apply it, and she looked real nice. While waiting for supper I took a
walk alone. Down over the highway ledge in a terraced garden I saw some flowers.
When I had descended to the spot I found several huge bushes of beautiful dahlias of
various colors. One of these, a pink one, I took home to Josephine. She was delighted
and proudly pinned it on her dress.
On my tour I also visited the village power plant which consisted of a single small
dynamo driven by a wood burning steam engine. When there is sufficient water, about
nine months of the year, a turbine drives the dynamo. I had a good talk with the operator
who spoke some English. In the more rarefied atmosphere and between clean white
sheets, we slept wonderfully. Following a light breakfast we all sat around the kitchen (it
was raining and cold enough for a fire) talking and singing songs. Josephine and
Antoinette tried patiently to teach Jack and me the French words to Lili Marlene. We
helped peel spuds for a sumptuous noon meal of tomatoes, potatoes, roast veal and boiled
tongue. Pop enthusiastically urged us to have some of his wine which we did. The
French institution of a light table wine with all meals lends its contribution to the
enjoyment of eating. I almost favor it for people who use as much sense with it as they
do. We arrived back in the dreariness of camp about two o’clock, very happy for having
gone. We are still fussing about the tent and have it pretty nice now. Received my ballot
and will vote tomorrow, I guess for FDR.”
Beasley, John B. "Jack", Jr., Sgt, armament
446th BS War Diary: The Cairo trippers are back after a swell trip in spite of an engine
change.
“Meeting of all officers @ 0800, same old baloney. Raining very hard. Into town with
Red Barbour. Snack @ RC. Dinner @ Transient Mess. Met Hively, Grove, Hogman
from the 446th. Saw few shorts, snack @ R.C. Walked around town with Smith. Supper
back to Repple Depot. A Limey band concert – good.”
Grove, Russell V., 1Lt, pilot
Hogman, Frans H., 1Lt, bombardier
Hively, Harold Henry, 1Lt, pilot
Smith, Randell L., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was cancelled due to weather conditions. Usual
squadron duties were the order of the day.
“CQ blowing whistle at 6:50AM. Moderate rain. No briefing time for mission.
Pancakes, stewed apricots, oatmeal, bread, apple jelly, coffee. Helped John clean up
club. Vino, cognac, brandy, gin, anisette, vermouth comprise our liquor stock. Most of it
comes from Catania, Sicily. The beer usually comes from Tripoli. Every so often a plane
is dispatched to pick up supplies. Glasses are made from liquor and beer bottles cut
down. This process is done by merely filling the bottle with hot oil until the desired depth
of glass. Gently tap and you have your glass. As a rule it leaves a smooth edge. The oil
cannot be used again. Standby on today's mission. Played cribbage, stud and draw
poker. George Huha pulled last shift guard. Briefing at 12:50PM. Corned beef hash,
navy beans, fried onions, sliced onion, fruit salad, bread, tea, peanut butter. Helped
Nelson repair roof on club. Still taking outdoor showers. Getting colder. Inconsistent
showers. Meat loaf, gravy, navy beans, string beans (sour) chocolate pudding, bread,
peanut butter, coffee. No movie this evening. Met Benchowski, Aloysius, Royce at the
club bar. Had three drinks of Marsala wine. Very cold night. Almost a full moon.
Retired 9:00PM.”
Benchowski, John H., T/Sgt, engineering, crew chief
Royce, James R., T/Sgt, communications
Zurek, Aloysius F., Sgt, ordnance
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 72nd
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), moves from Vesoul to
Epinal, France with L-5s.
In Italy, B-25s bomb road and railroad bridges in the Po Valley at
Piacenza, Voghera, Sesto Calende, Lonate Pozzolo, Galliate, Cittadella, Borgoforte, and
Tortona; B-26s hit fuel dumps at Cremona, and bridges at Padua, Turbigo, and San
Nazzaro; XII Fighter Command fighters hit motor transport, rail lines, roads, bridges, and
rolling stock in the Po Valley; HQ 62nd Troop Carrier Group moves from Galera Airfield
to Malignano Airfield.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The Voghera and Piacenza RR bridges received the impact of
our bombs this date and two more excellent missions were recorded. Two more well
battered structures were added to our long list of destroyed bridges this month.
Voghera Rail Bridge in Italy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Piacenza N. Rail Bridge in Italy.
Nickeling mission to Ravenna, Faenza, Lugo, Argenta, Budrio, Castel S. Pietro in Italy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent out 13 ships today in separate flights to help
bomb the Piacenza railroad bridge, Italy. The first 10 ships achieved 96.2 per cent
bombing accuracy and the last 3 ships carried the colors of the 445th out with a blaze of
glory and another 100 per cent bombing accuracy. By latest wing figures, the group
broke a 12th Air Force bombing record when they achieved 90.4 per cent bombing
accuracy for the month of September. The 445th paced the group to its record-breaking
exhibition of precision bombing by hanging up a brilliant average bombing accuracy of
92.4 per cent for the month. Credit goes first to the bombardiers themselves who actually
went out and achieved this remarkable mark. But credit must certainly go to Capt.
Yepez, the Bombing Officer and Major Bounds, the Commanding Officer, both of whom
labored tirelessly to keep the bombing performance of the squadron right up on top. Two
Officer and 2 enlisted combat crew men arrived in the squadron today.
Bounds, Thomas C., Maj, pilot, Commander
Yepez, Oscar W., Capt, bombardier/navigator
(Crew list missing)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
(Crew list missing)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Chudars and Ems Bove, Brugioni, Nemet get orders to leave
for the states. Also receiving his orders is Lieut. Vivas. Promotions are posted for Staff
Sergeant Crozer, Sergeants Beets, Bryan and Glendening, Corporals D. Brown and
Haxby. Each moved up one grade.
Beets, Frank T., S/Sgt, gunner
Bove, Anthony P, T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Brown, Dennis H., Sgt, gunner
Brugioni, Dino A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer
Bryan, Dwight L., S/Sgt, gunner
Crozer, Robert L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Glendening, George F., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Haxby, William H., Jr., Sgt, gunner
Nemet, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt, pilot
TARGET: Piacenza N. Rail Bridge, Italy
DATE: 30 Sep 1944
446th Planes: 15
Lt. Collins led the formation. Excellent concentration on bridge. S approach covered.
Red flashes observed, believed to have been ammunition or fuel fires. Flak was heavy,
scant to moderate, inaccurate. One plane holed. (Crew list missing)
Collins, Daniel P., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Nagle, Charles P., 2Lt
P
CP
N None
B
E
R Luitjens Harvey J., Cpl
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
TARGET: Ravenna, Faenza, Lugo, Argenta, Budrio,
DATE: 30 Sep 1944
Castel S. Pietro, Italy.
Type of Bombs: Propaganda Leaflets.
446th Planes: 1
Lt. Dyer led the formation. Mission accomplished. (Crew list missing)
Dyer, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
A/C No. 1 unidentified 448th ship &
crew
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
Mission: Test Hop
446th BS: War Diary of: Luitjens, Harvey J., Cpl, radio-gunner: (mission 2)
“No. 2) Piacenza R.R. Bridge. 4x1000 - P-47 Escort. Had a lot of flak - 448 ship on
Nickeling mission. Lt. Nagle”
Nagle, Charles P., 2Lt, pilot
“Raining hard again, seems that every a.m. about 8, it begins to rain. Consistent so far.
Muster of all officers @ 0800, the usual tent roster again. In to town with Red Barbour,
ate @ RC Snack Bar. Met Charlie Burandt @ RC, now a Captain. Kidding around with
the RC Girl (Mary Kuhn of Indiana). Supper @ transient mess. Back to Camp, met Jim
Chudars. Lewis, Hollingsworth, Wotkowicz, & Mottley left for home this a.m.”
Barbour, Marshall H. "Red", 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Burandt, Charles Lawson "Chuck", Capt, pilot
Mottley, John F., 1Lt, bombardier
Wotkowicz, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: The squadron flew three missions today. The first mission had
Nine planes which attacked the Piocenza North Railroad Bridge. The second, with three
planes, attacked the Voghera Railroad Bridge. The third mission consisting of two planes
flew a successful Nickeling Mission. All planes returned safely from all three of the
missions. Thus is concluded another month in the eventful history of the squadron.
(Crew list missing)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
(Crew list missing)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
(Crew list missing)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “61st
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed Voghera R.R. Bridge, poor bombing, no opposition..”
Mission 363 (573): At 12:36 18 planes off to bomb Voghera Rail Bridge in Italy. Nine
the first flight. The formation dropped 140x500 .1 & .01 GP bombs from 11,500/12,000
feet. Returned 4 x 500 due to malfunction. Bridge covered by good concentration with
several direct hits reported. Observations: 4 medium freighters beached near Chiavari.
No flak encountered. Weather: CAVU. (Crew list missing)
Out” plane & partial crew identified in
Schaffer war diary
Mitchell, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F Schaffer, Irving J., S/Sgt
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
Mission 364 (574): At 12:40 36 planes off to bomb Piacenza N. Rail Bridge in Italy. Six
the last flight. The formation dropped 127x1000 GP .1 & .01 from 11/12,000 feet.
12x1000 returned due to a malfunction and 5 x 1000 salvoed over water due to a
malfunction. Escort: P-47’s in coordinated strafing of gun positions at target. Excellent
concentration on Bridge from island to south bank. A series of red flashes were seenbelieved to have been ammo. or oil fires. Heavy, scant to moderate, and heavy moderate,
inaccurate on breakaway; one plane holed. Weather: CAVU. (Crew list missing)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
None
None
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
None
None
Mission 365 (575) (Nickeling): At 14:31 six (6) planes off to bomb Ravenna, Faenza,
Lugo, Argenta, Budrio, Castel S. Pietro in Italy. The formation dropped 107 Leaflets
Bombs containing “Front Post”. One plane from the 448th Bombardment Squadron
participated. The leaflets were dropped from 14,000 feet. Mission accomplished in the
face of heavy moderate to intense flak. One plane failed to return. Presumed to have
landed in Italy. Weather: Clear at target; return route haze.
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
“Awoke 7:25AM. Brief for mission at 11:35AM. French toast, whole-wheat cereal,
stewed prunes and apricots, coffee. As a rule I shave every morning. Cloudy, slightly
warmer. Assisted Lewis Dunbar (telephone maintenance) in putting up a new line to
Captain Marrich’s tent. Carry 500 lb GP. Target is a RR bridge at Voghera. Wear long
johns and sheepskin boots. Lt Mitchell pilot (43-27538 “Down But Not Out”). Take off
12:35PM. Over target 1400. 100% hit. Very rough upstairs. Feeling a bit nauseated.
Carry K-8A camera. Should have good photos. Spotted traffic and beached barges on
way home over enemy territory. Landed 1510. Just about to toss my cookies. Landing
saved me. Paid 6000 francs, as this is the day. Windy, clear skies. Noon chow - Vienna
sausage, tarter sauce, navy beans, fruit salad, bread, butter, coffee. On guard from 6 to
10PM. Cloudless, full moon, typical fall evening. Mike, George, Wesley, Lynn, Blackard
and yours truly fried
eggs and bacon on a double burner gas stove in the tent. Also made tea. Retired
12:00AM.”
Dunbar, Louis C. "Louey", Cpl, radio-gunner, communications
Lind, Ragnar G. "Jeffery Lynn", 1Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
Marrich, Martin K., Capt, adjutant
Mitchell, Robert E., 1Lt, pilot
September 1944
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for September 1944:
STRENGTH: (As of 30 September 1944) OFFICERS: 27
ENLISTED MEN: 64
In addition to our regular assignments to knock out bridges in Northern Italy,
much of the Group effort was directed toward paving the way for the Italian Allied
Armies in their break through of the vaunted Nazi Gothic Line. The areas north of
Florence and around Rimini received our particular attention, and for many days the Hun
was sprayed with deadly frag bombs and pounded with 500 pounders which undoubtedly
forced them to retreat. The destruction and damaging of their lines of supplies and
communications by the Group in the Po Valley area still further added to the
demoralization of the Tedeschi.
To our already long list of achievements was added another and perhaps the
greatest of them all -- during the month of September an all time high mark for accuracy
in pinpoint objective bombing for the war was set by the 321st Bomb Group when we
maintained an average of placing 9 out of every 10 bombs dropped in the target area over
the period covering 49 separate attacks. Our targets were bridges, command posts, gun
positions, and ammo and gas dumps. With “bridge busting” and allied arts dissolved into
a fine definite process, our stalwart combat crews did things with the bomb-sight that
even Carl Norden himself could hardly deem possible. It seemed almost incredible, but
day after day the bomb-fall plots would be completed and invariably provide ample
evidence that our bombs were always concentrated directly on the target -- yet that is
exactly what happened and is still happening. It seems as though the boys just can’t miss
anymore. Since March, when Colonel Smith took over the command of the Group which
was averaging 35% in their bombing accuracy, the following record speaks for itself:
APRIL:
MAY:
JUNE:
JULY:
AUGUST:
SEPTEMBER:
52%
63%
74%
78%
82%
90.4%
27 Missions
50 Missions
54 Missions
45 Missions
69 Missions
49 Missions
September 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for September 1944
HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Gp. (M)
APO 650
15 October 1944
SUBJECT: Historical Records
TO
: Command General, 57th Wing, APO 650.
1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period Septermber1st to September 30th.
a. Present Designation: 445th Sq., 321st Group, 57th Wing, 12th Command.
b. Changes in organization.
1. None
c. Strength commissioned and enlisted.
1. Month of September1944.
(a) 442 at beginning.
(b) 4 net increase.
(c) 446 at end.
d. Stations.
1. Solenzara Air Field.
e. Movements.
1. None
f. Operations:
1. During the Month of September the Squadron participated in 220 Sorties and 26
Missions.
g. Command Officers in important missions.
1. Capt. Leon F. Hatcher, Jr., Operations Officer, in the lead ship of the formation
which attacked the Pavia east road bridge, Italy. This important bridge was destroyed
with 97.2 per cent bombing accuracy
h. Losses in action.
1. On September 18, the squadron participated in an attack on troop concentrations
northwest of Rimini, Italy. One B-25 was lost. It was B-25 Number 43-27792 piloted by
1st Lieutenant John S. Richardson. The remainder of the crew was 2nd Lt. Robert (NMI)
Corey, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Rudolph A. DiFulvio, bombardier; S/Sgt. Andrew J. Marinucci,
engineer-gunner; T/Sgt. Sam J. Rossi, radio operator-gunner; Sgt. Leslie J. Lemke,
armorer-gunner; Cpl. William J. Riley, Jr., photographer. The ship was reported to have
crashed into the sea with several parachutes reported
i. During the month of September, the following men received the Distinguished
Flying Cross: 1st Lt. Harold O. Baldwin (bombardier), 1st Lt. Daniel P. Collins (pilot), 1st
Lt. James R. Elliott, Jr. (pilot), 1st Lt. William H. Gunder (pilot), 1st Lt. Robert L.
Hammar (pilot), 1st Lt. Albert F. Hardman (pilot), Jr., 1st Lt. James C. Jeffery (pilot), 1st
Lt. Elwood F. McLaughlin, Jr. (pilot), 1st Lt. Winston R. Place (pilot), Maj. Percy D.
Register, Jr. (pilot), 1st Lt. Alfred B. Smith (pilot), Capt. Gerald W. Wagner (pilot), 1st Lt.
Robert A. Wolfe (pilot). Capt. Robert R. Casaburi (navigator) was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross with an oak leaf cluster. Awarded oak leaf clusters to their
Distinguished Flying Cross were 1st Lt. Emery O. Cormier (pilot) and Capt. Lubomir P.
(“Cross Country”) Shyshka (pilot). The award of the Bronze Star was made to
Technical Sergeant Melvin H. Mathewson (engineering). The award of the Legion of
Merit was presented to Technical Sergeant William H. Whittaker (engineering). In
addition, there were 170 awards of the oak leaf cluster to the Air Medal and 10 awards of
the Air Medal itself.
For the Commanding Officer:
1 Incl.
Incl (1) – War Diary
JAMES O. JACKSON,
Capt., Air Corps,
Squadron Historian.
446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF
321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF
1 October 1944
446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR September 1944
A. Original Unit
1. 446th Bomb Sqdn (M), 321st Bomb Gp (M) AAF
2. Organized August 1, 1942
3. Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C.
4. Activated at Barksdale Field, La. June 23, 1942
5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement
centers.
B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted:
1. 1 September 1944
105 Officers, 325 Enlisted Men
2. Net Increase
None
21 Enlisted Men
3. Net Decrease
4 Officers None
4. 30 September 1944
101 Officers, 346 Enlisted Men
D. Commanding Officer in important engagements
1. Engagements:
Feltre, Italy
Canneto, Italy
Rimini, Italy
2. Major Paul T. Cooper (pilot)
E. Losses in action:
1. None
F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in
action:
1. The D.F.C. was awarded to:
Major Paul T. Cooper (pilot), Captain John C. Kerr (pilot) and the following Lts.
Charles L. Burandt (pilot)
Keith R. Matzinger (pilot)
Arthur E. Franklin (bombardier/navigator) James A. McRae (bombardier)
George K. Hollingsworth (pilot)
Randall L. Smith (pilot)
Vernon (NMI) Lewis (pilot)
Jason G. Taylor (pilot)
Alfred E. Vancil (pilot)
John R. Sacker (pilot)
Lawrence A. Clausen (bombardier)
Eugene A. Fontaine (pilot)
Robert A. Forsberg (bombardier)
Harvey W. Lippy (bombardier)
Frank J. Wotkowicz (pilot)
2. The Bronze Star Medal was awarded to:
Charles F. Reeves, M/Sgt (armament)
Charles E. Schlott, S/Sgt (intelligence)
Ervin G. Dickey, T/Sgt (armament)
James (NMI) McMeeking, Sgt (transportation)
3. Awards of Air Medal on following page:
2nd Lt. Kenneth L. Schmid (pilot)
S/Sgt Edward (NMI) Bruner (gunner)
S/Sgt Irwin (NMI) Cohen (gunner)
Sgt Warren J. Cassidy (gunner)
S/Sgt George F. Glendening (gunner)
Sgt William E. Shettleworth (gunner)
S/Sgt Garland A. Bundy (gunner)
S/Sgt Vernon I. Bender (gunner)
Sgt Jean H. Foertsch (armament)
S/Sgt Luigi C. Petrella (gunner)
G. Campaigns: Complete data in attached mission summaries.
447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)
APO 65
SUBJECT: Historical Records.
TO
: Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing.
Attention: Historian.
1. Outline History of the 447th Bombardment Squadron for the period September 1 to
September 30, 1944.
a. 447th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st bombardment Group (M).
(1) 447th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th
Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force.
(2) Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, South Carolina.
(3) 23 June 1942
(4) G.O. 145, Hq. 11 AF, 23 June 1942
(5) Transferred from other units and Selective Service.
b. Changes in Organization.
(1) No Change
(2) Echelons or units.
(a) Transferred
13 officers; 17 E/M to Replacement Depot No.7
1 E/M trfd 35th Sta. Hosp.
1 officer trfd. To Hq. 12th AF.
1 officer; 1 EM, 40th Sta Hosp. Det of Patient.
1 officer trfd. To 321st Bombardment Group
1 officer trfd. To 445th Bombardment Squadron
2 M/M trfd to Replacement Depot No. 9.
(b) on DS or TD.
1 officer, 1 E/M on DS 320th Service Group.
7 officers 15 E/M on DS Cairo, Egypt.
1 E/M on DS Hq. 321st Bombardment Group
6 officers, 9 E/M on DS, rest camp Capri.
20 officers, 40 E/M on TD rest camp Rome, Italy.
(c) No Change.
(3) No change in commanding officers during the month
(4) No Change in staff officers during the month
(5) No Change
c. Strength, Commission and enlisted.
(1) Month of September 1944.
(a) At Beginning. 101 officers; 335 enlisted men
(b) Net increase.
6 enlisted men
(c) Net decrease.
4 officers
(d) At end:
97 officers; 341 enlisted men
d. Stations of units or echelons.
(1) Name of station
(a) Solenzara Air Field, Corsica.
May 3, 1944
(b) Still at the same station.
e. Movement of units or echelons.
(1) No movements during the month of September 1944.
f. Campaigns.
(1) Italian and Southern France
(2) From September 1 to present date.
g. Operations.
(1) Italian campaign.
(2) Objective Bombing
(3) 27 missions, 211 sorties
(4) Results of the most important missions.
(a) Rimini Gun and T/C Area.
1. The target was important because it was defending the barracks area and
also was one of the gun positions that was used to hinder the allies from
entering the town of Rimini.
2. The gun position was silenced
3. The success of the mission made the forward advance of the British 8th
Army possible
4. Aerial photographs showed direct hits on the target.
5. The Germans suffered the loss of an important strong point with the
success of this mission
(5) The unit was subjected to heavy, accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire during the
entire month.
h. During the month the commanding officers did not fly with our squadron.
i. Losses in action
(1) Mission.
(a) Killed. None.
(b) Wounded.
Lt. Fisher (Gerald, E., 1Lt, bombardier), Lt. Gates (Edward (NMI), 1Lt,
pilot), Capt. Alger (LeRoy (NMI), pilot), S/Sgt. Engels (Robert W., gunner),
S/Sgt Baldridge (Grant W., gunner) all (LWA). Crumpet troop concentration.
Corporal Hague (Curtis A., gunner) (SWA) on Gun area L-890462
(c) Missing. None
(d) Taken prisoner. None
j. During the month of September many awards have been earned and presented to the
combat personnel.
k. No pictures submitted.
2. Enclosed are War Diary, 447th Bombardment Squadron, for the period 1 September
1944 to 30 September 1944. No Special Accounts for the month; Squadron Statistics for
the month of September1944.
For the Commanding Officer:
3 Incl:
Incl – 1 War Diary.
Incl – 2 Special Account (none in September)
Incl – 3 Squadron Statistics
Missions Flown: 27
Bombs dropped (weight): 590,160 lbs.
Planes lost: None
Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None
SALVATORE P. CASARELLA, Jr.,
1st. Lt., Air Corps,
Historian.
Sorties Flown: 211
Nickels: 22 packages
Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None
448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for September 1944:
September 1 – 7 – 44: Squadron strength as of 1 September 1944, 105 Officers and 328
Enlisted Men. No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
Twenty-eight successful missions were flown during the month over northern Italy
severing enemy Communication and Supply Lines.
Per Special Order #150,
Headquarters, 321st Bombardment Group (M) dated 4 September 1944, Captain Damon I.
McLain, 445th Bombardment Squadron (M), is relieved from assignment and assigned to
the 448th Bombardment Squadron (M), and appointed Squadron Commanding Officer
replacing Major Albert Bell. Lieutenants: Annear, Greene, VanRaam, and Freeland
were promoted to Captain. Second Lieutenants Farris, McKinley, Riley, and Sowder
were promoted to First Lieutenants. Lieutenants McCabe on DS to the 12th TAC. Major
Asbury transferred to the United States. Officers and Enlisted Men continued to go to
Rest Camps on the Isle of Capri, Rome, Naples and Catania. Several of the ground
personnel went to Rest Camp on the Island of Corsica. Food continues to be good,
football made an early appearance, movies are enjoyed and beer is available on the P.X.
rations.
Annear, Warren Raymond, Capt, pilot
Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), Maj, pilot
Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, Commander
Farris, Stephen C., 1Lt, bombardier
Freeland, Levi Z., Jr, Capt, pilot
Greene, William A., Capt, pilot
McCabe, Norman M., 1Lt, pilot
McKinley, Robert H., 1Lt, bombardier
Riley, Robert L., 1Lt, pilot
Sowder, Tony R., 1Lt, pilot
VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), Capt, pilot
September 8 – 15 – 44: Second Lieutenants: Autrey, Smith, Bechtle, and Schweitzer
and Sergeants: Reves, Sharp, Herod, Goethals, Gage and Cpls: Langley, Woller,
Goodman, Ferguson, Cordo, Julio, and Pfc’s Weiss, Escobar, Sweeney, and Privates:
Petty, Dillon, Jungquist assigned and joined during this period. Enderle, Edwards and
Justice promoted to the rank of Corporal. Lieutenant Kuykendall DS to duty from Cairo,
Egypt. T/Sgt McEntee DS to duty from the United States and Lieutenant Dalby DS to
duty from Headquarters, 57th Bomb Wing. Lieutenants: Winstead and Grim transferred
to 57th Fighter Group. Captain Greene, and Lieutenants Howard, McCue, Simpkins and
Sergeants: Burr, Clark, Dilts, Ernest, Holt, Johnson, Kershaw, Slafkes, Wilkerson,
Brisco, and Penhale transferred to the United States. Continuing their assaults on bridges
in northern Italy, the Squadron flew eight missions during this period and scored
excellent results. Officers and Enlisted Men continued to depart and return from the
numerous Rest Camps. Several members of the Squadron left for ten (10) days in Cairo
and vicinity. The period was rather quiet as the routine work continued to occupy the
Squadron’s time and winterizing the tents engulfed the boys during their off-time.
Excellent weather prevailed and everyone took full advantage of the excellent shower
facilities and hikes into the near-by mountains were numerous.
Autrey, W. F. (i.o.), 2Lt, pilot
Bechtle, Robert M., 2Lt, pilot
Brisco, Albert S., Sgt, engineering
Burr, Harry C., Sgt, gunner
Clark, Gwyn E., Sgt, gunner
Cordo, Dominic J., Cpl, engineering
Dalby, Roy R., 2Lt, pilot
Dilts, Robert E., Sgt, gunner
Enderle, Melvin J., Cpl, gunner
Escobar, Catarino H., Pvt, cook
Gage, Robert L., Sgt, gunner
Goodman, John T., Cpl, gunner
Grim, 2Lt, pilot
Holt, Charles M., Sgt, gunner
Julio, Frank J., Cpl, engineering
Jungquist, Walter L., Pvt, engineering
Kershaw, Raymond T., Sgt, gunner
Langley, James C., Cpl, operations
McEntee, Peter M., T/Sgt, gunner
Petty, Wade H., Pvt, engineering
Schweitzer, Robert E., 2Lt, pilot
Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt, bombardier
Smith, Milford A., 2Lt, pilot
Weiss, Arthur A., PFC, BSM
Winstead, Hungh J., 2Lt, pilot
Dillon, Harry L., Pvt, engineering
Edwards, Jesse R., Cpl, photographer
Ernest, David L., Sgt, gunner
Ferguson, George A., Cpl, engineering
Goethals, Camiel A., Sgt, gunner
Greene, William A., Capt, pilot
Herod, James E. “Jim”, Sgt, radio-gunner
Howard, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot
Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Justice, Conway J., Jr., Cpl, gunner
Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 1Lt, pilot
McCue, William M., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier
Penhale, Walter B., Sgt, gunner
Reves, Louis E., Sgt, gunner
Sharp, Russell L., Jr., Sgt, gunner
Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt, gunner
Sweeney, George W., Pvt, engineering
Wilkerson, John J., Sgt, gunner
Woller, Henry B., Cpl, cook
September 16 – 22 – 44: The following Officers and Enlisted Men assigned and joined
during this period: Lieutenants:
Smith, Stromberg, Birkhead, Freund and Brink,
Sergeants: Williams, Mardeuse, Pealer, Sink, and Taylor, Corporals: Marks, and
Privates: DelGuergio, Sorrentino, and Uler. Lieutenants: Burday, Kuykendall, Dalbey,
McCabe, Riener, and Major Bell transferred to the United States. Sergeants: Schaffner,
McEntee, transferred to the United States. First Lieutenant Gladwell and First Lieutenant
Dalbey DS to Headquarters, 57th Bomb Wing. Lieutenants Armstrong, Hales, and Joyce
promoted to Captain during this period. Captain Farwell appointed Assistant Squadron
Operations Officer and Captain Hickey appointed Squadron Navigation Officer during
this period. Seven missions were flown during the period as the Group continued to dust
off vital enemy targets. Fall brought its crisp and invigorating air and the Squadron
continued to work and winterize.
Armstrong, Donald R., Capt, pilot
Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, Commander
Birkhead, Charles F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Brink, Richard E., 2Lt, bombardier
Burday, Harry (NMI), 1Lt, bombardier
Dalbey, Roy R., 1Lt, pilot
DelGuergio, Jerry S., Pvt, duty soldier
Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot
Freund, John F., 2Lt, bombardier
Gladwell, James G., 1Lt, pilot
Hales, Ermine L., Capt, pilot
Hickey, William O., Capt, navigator
Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, Capt, bombardier
Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 1Lt, pilot
Mardeuse, Alfred K., Sgt, gunner
McCabe, Norman M., 1Lt, pilot
McEntee, Peter M., T/Sgt, gunner
Pealer, Woodward D., Sgt, gunner
Riener, William F., 1Lt, pilot
Schaffner, Clarence D., Sgt, gunner
Sink, Dennis L., Sgt, medical
Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt, navigator
Sorrentino, Angelo M., Pvt, special service Stromberg, Carl K., 2Lt, pilot
Taylor, Allan J., Sgt, gunner
Uler, Eugene S., Pvt, engineering
Williams, Griffith E., Sgt, gunner
Marks, Thomas H., Cpl, cook or Marks, William, Cpl, transportation
September 23 – 30 – 44: Second Lieutenant Wyman assigned and joined during this
period. Lieutenant Hickey promoted to Captain and Second Lieutenant Luckhaupt
promoted to First Lieutenant. T/Sgt Connors promoted to M/Sgt also. The following
Officers and Enlisted Men DS to duty from Cairo, Egypt. Lieutenants: Bond,
Carrington, Dossey, Malec, and Rogers and Sergeants: Edwards, Lund, Davis. Groome
and Stegner returned to the United States. Off hours found the personnel, both Officers
and Enlisted Men working like beavers busily engaged in winterizing their tents. The
Squadron had a busy month flying twenty-eight (28) successful missions with only a few
light injuries to combat personnel. It enjoyed many 100% accuracy missions.
Bond, Edward N., 1Lt, bombardier
Carrington, Charles C., 1Lt, pilot
Connors, Roy W., M/Sgt, engineering
Davis, Jimmie L., Sgt, gunner
Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 1Lt, pilot
Edwards, Clarence C., S/Sgt, gunner
Groome, Daingerfield, M., Sgt, gunner
Hickey, William O., Capt, navigator
Luckhaupt, Robert W., 1Lt, bombardier
Lund, John L, Sgt, engineering
Malec, Joseph A., 1Lt, bombardier
Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Stegner, John E., Sgt, intelligence
Wyman, 2Lt, S-2, I&E Officer
The month of September found the 321st Bombardment Group (M), busily
engaged in operations against strategic enemy fortifications and lines of communication
in Northern Italy, dusting off vital targets in addition to carrying out close-support
missions for advancing ground forces. Road and Railroad bridges, gun positions and
ammunition dumps were hit with unerring accuracy and many 100% bombing accuracy
missions were scored for the month.
The month of September saw early fall weather creeping in and with it came a
terrific building boom as the squadron, working like beavers, prepared for the coming
winter. Football made an early appearance and basketball continued to occupy the boys.
Hikes into the luring nearby mountains and trips to the showers were ideal.
Many new faces were seen in the squadron as replacements for combat and
ground men continued to pour in and it was a common expression among the old men
“not to recognize” the many new faces. Captain D.I. McLain assumed the duties of
Commanding Officer, veteran of the original 321st Bombardment Group (M) and one of
its leading pilots, assumed his duties September 6, 1944. The combat and ground men
who were fortunate to be rotated to the good old U.S.A., departed with broad smiles
anxious for the return to their loved ones.
Rest camps at Rome, Isle of Capri and in the mountains on Corsica continue to
receive Officers and Enlisted Men of the 448th and they came back to camp refreshed and
enlightened with the beauties of Rome and Capri.
The Officer’s and Enlisted Men’s clubs continued to be the sport center of the
squadron highlighted with a diversity of recreation; mixed drinks and good foods
continued to be enjoyed by all.
The bombing accuracy of the 448th was highlighted on the 14th of September,
1944. During the powerful offensive of the ground forces to open the defense barriers
near Rimini in northern Italy, the 321st Bombardment Group was assigned the important
task of destroying the “Crumpet #2 Area A” troops and defense concentrations, a highly
important target in the path of our advancing forces. A forty-eight (48) plane formation
of B-25’s scored devastating hits and photographs show excellent results with 100% in
the target area. It was indeed a most successful mission as the ground forces advanced
rapidly to conquer the strategic city of Rimini.
The 448th Bombardment Squadron enjoyed a highly successful month completing
twenty-eight (28) successful missions with only a few minor casualties. Captain R.W.
Burks, Lt. Young, and Sergeant Brusa sustained very light injuries. While several
aircraft were holed, none received heavy damage.
Burks, Richard W., Capt, pilot
Brusa, Robert P., Cpl, gunner
Young, Robert B., 1Lt, bombardier
With the month closing, American and Allied forces continued their rapid
advances liberating all of France and are now well within Germany itself, breaking
through the “impregnable” Siegfried line. The situation on the northern Italian front
improves daily as our forces continue their advance in narrowing the noose that will soon
choke the war-makers.

September 1944 - 57th Bomb Wing

Transcription

Similar documents

here

Piotr Going Away

Vance Nolan Building - The GENE VANCE JR FOUNDATION

Front Page of May 26, 2008

most wanted... - Tulsa Police Department

Article Title: The Medals of Wounded Knee

S/Sgt Aladino Quiles Rivera

July 24, 2015 - Monroe County Sheriff`s Office

16-022890 (Unknown)

Trains and Troops Strasburg, PA On 1