321st Bombardment Group Squadron War Diaries

Transcription

12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: March 1943
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For my dad,
Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (retired)
“Lil Butch”
John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired)
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12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing (M)
321st Bombardment Group (M)
History: March 1943
The following is a compilation of the 321st Bomb Group’s Headquarters and individual
Squadron War Diaries. They have been transcribed word for word, from the Squadron
Histories provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Air
Force Base Alabama. At the end of each Squadron’s daily entry, the individuals cited in
the entry are identified by full name, rank and duty, in alphabetical order. The day’s
entry begins with the Tactical Operations Statement, from the United States Army Air
Forces (USAAF) Chronology, for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). The
history also includes mission reports, mission crew rosters, Missing Air Crew Reports
(MACR), personal mission logs, journals, and diaries made available by various sources.
Invitation
Anyone who has documentation pertaining to the 321st Bomb Group or its members, and
would like to have it included in this history, is welcome to participate. Copies of:
photos (official or personal); orders (promotion, decoration, travel, etc.); Mission
Reports; Missing Air Crew Reports; personal diaries, logs, journals, etc; other
documentation; or information that will help identify hi-lited individuals will be greatly
appreciated, as one of my goals is to correctly identify every man and plane assigned to
the 321st Bomb Group.
My only interest in this project is to honor those who served by perpetuating their story,
and making it available for future generations, particularly the families and friends of
our Great Heroes. If you are interested in helping, or if I may be of assistance in finding
information about your 321st BG Hero, please contact me at: [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.)
Monday, 1 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24s raid the harbor at Naples; 1 bombs Soverato while 2
others hit Staletti and Catanzaro as targets of opportunity. AA fire is accurate and several
B-24s are hit over Naples and Palmi.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): General
Carl Spaatz assumes command of the Twelfth Air Force in Algeria. Colonel Laurence P.
Hickey becomes acting commander of the XII Fighter Command until the arrival of
Brigadier General Elwood R. Quesada. Lieutenant General John K. Cannon takes
command of the Northwest African Training Command (NATC).
In Sardinia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping, also hitting railroad
yards and the town area, at Cagliari.
In Tunisia, B-25s and B-26s of the Northwest African Strategic Air
Force attack bridges and AA gun positions in the La Hencha area. Fighters escort
bombers and hit ground forces in the battle areas around Sidi Nsir and Bedja. B-25s of
the Northwest African Tactical Air Force bomb the Mateur area.
In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a freighter NE of Bizerte,
Tunisia. The 5 Bombardment Wing transfers from Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun,
Algeria while the 47th Bombardment Wing moves from Chateaudun, Algeria to El
Guerrah, Algeria. The 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group establishes HQ at
Tafaraoui, Algeria upon arrival from the U.S. The squadron is equipped with P-40s.
th
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: The air echelon took off at 10:00 (GTC) for Oujda and was forced
to return because of poor weather. The formation took off again at 13:00 (GTC) and
landed at Oujda at 15:45 (GTC).
446th BS War Diary: Check and repairs. Waiting to set up at a Base.
447th BS War Diary: The flight echelon prepared to take off today but weather
prevented it. The 445th and 446th did take off but had to come back. One of the 446th
planes nosed over when it landed and the left vertical tail surface from this unserviceable
plane was removed and used to replace the damaged one on Lt. Fineman’s plane. Usual
garrison duties for the ground echelon.
Fineman, Ernest, 1Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Tuesday, 2 March 1943
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s bomb shipping
and the harbor area at Palermo.
In Tunisia, B-26s attack bridges and flak positions at La Hencha.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force fighters hit troops, tanks, and motor transport S of
Mateur and NE of Bedja as the enemy renews an attack along the Mateur-Tabarka road
near Jefna. HQ 33rd Fighter Group and it's 58th, 59th and 60th Fighter Squadrons with P40s transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Flight Echelon Log submitted by Group Intelligence:
Took off at 1030 for Oujda, but returned at 1150 because of clouds in the pass. Flyingtime, one hour and twenty minutes. Lieut. Martin’s plane, 446th Squadron, nose-wheel
gave way on landing and his plane was damaged. There are 52 planes here. The 445 th
Squadron took off at 1340 for Oujda and the 446th Squadron took off at 1440. We had a
short in the bomb-sight and had to return. Took off at 1540, got as far as Meknes and
returned because of clouds over the mountains. Landed at Marrakech at 1800, for two
hours and twenty minutes flying time. The 446th Squadron also returned. Lieut.
Fineman’s damaged tail was repaired from Lieut. Martin’s plane.
Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Martin, John K., 2Lt, 446th BS
445th BS War Diary: There are a few B-26’s here and we heard that they had just come
back from the front with only nine ships left out of their group. The boys are wondering
just how rough this combat flying is.
446th BS War Diary: Check and repairs. Waiting to set up at a Base. Took off at 0935
hours, landing at 1206 hours at Oujda, which was the final base for the trip. TOTAL
FLYING TIME FROM FLORIDA TO MOROCCO: 52 hours 30 minutes.
447th BS War Diary: The flight echelon took off today from Marrakech on the next leg
of their flight. The next stop is Oujda, French Morocco. All planes landed safely. Col.
Robert Knapp flew to La Senia today and the ground echelon received its first news of
the flight echelon. Preparations were started for moving the ground echelon to Oujda to
join the flight echelon. Lt. McGill arranged to draw a few trucks and other vehicles but
only a small percentage of the number authorized by the T.O.
McGill, James F., 2Lt, Adjutant
Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
Tuesday, 2 March 1943 (continued)
448th BS War Diary of: Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 2Lt, pilot (plane # 41-2998): “2-26-43
to 3-2-43: We spent this time in Marrakech, quarters were hard to get so some of the
boys slept in their airplanes. Most of us stayed in town at hotels. Hotel Le Manounia
was taken over by the Army and used for an Officer’s Club. We spent most of our time
bargaining with the Arabs, sightseeing etc. There are two sections to the town Arab and
French. The field was only sixty days old.
On March 1 two squadrons tried to make it to Oujda, a field about 400 miles
northeast of Marrakech. They had to turn back because of weather in the pass through
the mountains. One plane upon landing broke its nose wheel; put the ship out of
commission. The 445th finally got through that afternoon. The next morning 446 7 – 8
got off and made it OK to Oujda. When we arrived we unloaded our planes and found
our quarters were poor. Had to sleep on the floors of a couple of barracks. We joined
with other squadrons for our meals.”
Wednesday, 3 March 1943
In Italy, B-24s dispatched against Naples fail to reach the primary
target. Several bomb the secondary target, Messina, while 3 bomb bridges at Bianco and
Siderno Marina.
In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber missions along the Mareth Line
as a probing attack against the British 51 Division positions near Mareth is driven back.
The German Afrika Korps issues a plan for a counterattack from the Mareth Line. The
83rd Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s
transfers from Castel Benito, Libya to El Assa, Libya. The 343rd Bombardment Squadron
(Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfers from Gamut, Libya to
Lete, Libya.
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping at Tunis and shipping
and a power plant at La Goulette harbor. Fighters and medium bombers of the Northwest
African Tactical Air Force hit ground forces in the areas around Bedja, Bou Arada, and
Mateur. Fighting around Bedja subsides but enemy forces take Sedjenane. HQ 319 th
Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th and 440th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) with B-26s are pulled out of combat for training and reorganization
and transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Oujda, French Morocco.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: We have started to strip our planes of this and that. Started
with the anti-icer tubing and tanks for the props and windshield. Also, the outlets, etc.,
for the oxygen system. We took the navigation equipment and racks out of the
navigator’s compartment. Most of us got paid while there. There are A-20s based here,
doing patrol duty on the Mediterranean Sea. A group of B-26s came in from the front
and we got some pointers from them. They were pretty well shot up. Hardzog, Isaacson,
Veum and Capt. Haven went to the front to the 310th base to catch on to a few things.
Things look pretty rosy for us, however, I’m expecting a little trouble because of
cockiness.
Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Haven, Malcolm D., Capt, S-2 Officer, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Veum, Ole E., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Wednesday, 3 March 1943 (continued)
Flight Echelon Log submitted by Group Intelligence: Left Marrakech at 0915
and arrived at Oujda 1155, for two hours and forty minutes flying-time. Weather was
cloudy, with moderately heavy ground haze that made it seem unlikely at first, that we
would be able to get through the pass beyond Fez. However, got through at 6,000 feet
and found clear weather on other side, with strong wind from South. The 447th and 448th
Squadrons, also arrived, making 53 planes. Col. Knapp flew to La Senia, Oran for
instructions and saw ground echelon, who had arrived the 21st of February. Apparently,
there is intention of giving our planes to another group and giving us further training.
445th BS War Diary: Colonel Knapp took one of our ships to Constantine and Algiers.
The crews spend their spare time frying eggs which they buy from the Arabs.
446th BS War Diary: Practice flights at Oujda.
447th BS War Diary: Practice bombing and gunnery missions flown by the flight
echelon. Usual garrison duties for ground echelon at La Senia.
Thursday, 4 March 1943
In Tunisia, P-40s fly top cover missions as the British Eighth Army
completes the concentration of troops and weapons in forward areas and awaits an attack
which seems imminent in view of German troop movements in the mountains W of
Medenine. The 344th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) with B-24s transfers from Kabrit, Egypt to Lete, Libya.
In the Mediterranean, B-25s and B-26s fly unsuccessful missions
against shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. B-17s attack a convoy NW of Bizerte,
Tunisia, claiming 4 vessels sunk.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Flight Echelon Log submitted by Group Intelligence: Col.
Knapp and Lt. Col. Olmsted, left at 0730 for Constantine.
Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Group Executive
447th BS War Diary: Formation flights continued practice missions for the flight
echelon at Oujda. Usual garrison duties for the ground echelon at La Senia.
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: “We just had word this morning
(March 4th) that we would move up toward the front in about two weeks. Two weeks is a
long time, however, and anything can happen---and in this outfit it usually does. I don’t
know why it is—but orders, rumors, etc. are always being changed, and I am about
convinced that it is all due to Col. Knapp. He, apparently, is bent on getting into the
thick of it. According to rumor we were supposed to do submarine patrol from here for a
while. Another rumor, more fantastic perhaps, had us slated to send up ships and crews
as replacements for the 310th, the B-25 outfit that preceded us at Walterboro. Some of us,
the rumors had it, would then go back to the States for more ships.
But Col. Knapp came back from Oran last night, and Capt. Sampson told us this
morning that we were headed up in two weeks or so. Roger!
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander
Thursday, 4 March 1943 (continued)
I was talking to a bombardier yesterday who has been here since November on
submarine patrol. His pilot is Lt. Turner, a student officer I knew at Randolph and
Ellington. He seemed amazed that our entire group got over here with the loss of only
one ship. His outfit lost several—wrecked and/or lost entirely. But it is understandable--they fly A-20’s and the one pilot has to fly all the way. They have no auto-pilot, and 6 to
9 hours hops are enough to pretty well tire one man. In B-25’s we swapped back and
forth between pilot and co-pilot, and so no one got too tired.
I think the longest flight, to me, was the first one from DeRidder to Florida, and it
was just six hours. Our ship was loaded tail heavy and kept mushing out at 150 or 160.
It was a fight for awhile to stay with the formation going 170. But as our gas load
lightened, the ship handled easier.
At the outset we moved all the crew possible to the front in our effort to weight
down the nose. Lt. Orr said the navigator’s compartment was a reasonable facsimile of
Grand Central Station. He said he reached in his pocket for a cigarette and stuck his
hand in someone’s mouth. He wasn’t sure whose.
Orr, Douglas Cameron, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
Sgt. Ennis, the radar operator, worked our set for a while and did fairly well with
it. He picked up a few ships before we sighted them. But the Florida coast was so low he
didn’t get it more than 15 or 20 miles out. Later on, he picked up Ascension at about 50
miles. Just how effective our set would be at submarine patrol is problematical.
Personally, I’m doubtful.
Ennis, Edward C., Sgt, radio-gunner, radar
Friday, 5 March 1943
In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber
Command, bomb the harbor at Naples during the night of 4/5 March. All operations by
the IX Bomber Command are suspended for 7 days so the crews can rest. The 66th
Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from Libya to Tunisia.
In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s
hit convoys NW of Bizerte, Tunisia while B-26s attack motor vessels between Tunisia
and Sicily. North-west African Tactical Air Force fighters and medium bombers hit the
Djedeida, Siki Nsir area, and ground forces in the Bedja-Mateur areas. HQ 14th Fighter
Group and it's 49th Fighter Squadron with P-38s are pulled out of combat and transferred
from Berteaux, Algeria to Mediuna, French Morocco. HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers
from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
445th BS War Diary: Captain Macfarlane flew to Constantine today. It rains almost
every day.
MacFarlane, William V., Capt, Executive
447th BS War Diary: Formation flights and continued practice missions for the flight
echelon at Oujda. Ground echelon given warning order to be prepared to move the
following day.
Saturday, 6 March 1943
In Tunisia, 35 planes strafe and bomb installations in the Mareth Line
as Rommel's expected attack in Tunisia takes place and is defeated. Four thrusts toward
Medenine are repulsed by the British, and the enemy retreats after nightfall, having lost
about 50 tanks.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Weather
cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber missions.
In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance along the battle line. HQ 47th
Bombardment Group (Light) transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert,
Algeria. HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Ain M’Lila, Algeria to
St-Donat, Algeria. The 92nd and 93rd Fighter Squadrons, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s
transfer from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
445th BS War Diary: Local gunnery training flights were carried out by four crews.
The ground echelon left Oran this morning for Oujda by train.
447th BS War Diary: Formation flights and continued practice missions for the flight
echelon at Oujda. Ground echelon spent the morning loading tents and other equipment
on a train which was at the station about two miles from our camp. Equipment and men
were shuttled by truck and by 1700 the train was loaded and ready to move. The distance
we were to travel was only 130 miles but the train stopped for an hour or more at each
little station and we had only begun the trip by midnight.
Sunday, 7 March 1943
In the Mediterranean, B-25s hit shipping between Tunisia and Sicily
while B-17s bomb a convoy in the Gulf of Tunis and shipping and the marshalling yard at
Souase, Tunisia. The 352nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) with B-17s transfers from
Ain M’Lila, Algeria to St-Donat, Algeria.
The 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th
st
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 321 Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's
arrive at Oujda, French Morocco from the U.S.
445th BS War Diary: Colonel Knapp went to Constantine again today. Eight crews
flew gunnery missions and training flights. The ground echelon reached Oujda and set
up the squadron area on the airfield. All the men were glad to be back together again.
446th BS War Diary: Practice flights at Oujda. Ground Echelon arrived at Oujda and
the entire Squadron was together.
447th BS War Diary: Continued training duties for the flight echelon. The ground
echelon made its way slowly by train toward Oujda. The country was mountainous and
very scenic but the conditions under which we were traveling not very favorable for
enjoying the scenery. We arrived at the station in Oujda in the middle of the afternoon.
Capt. Sampson met the ground echelon with trucks and all the personnel except those
needed to guard the equipment were transported to the airport about eight miles out of
Oujda. The enlisted men set up tents in the area where our planes were parked. The
officers were quartered in French barracks at the airport. It was a happy reunion for
members of both the flight and the ground echelon. All had made the trip overseas
safely.
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot
The 314th Fighter
th
Squadron, 324 Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya and is
attached to the 57th Fighter Group to gain experience. The 434th Bombardment Squadron
(Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfers from Castel Benito,
Libya to El Assa, Libya.
In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) B-17s and B-25s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily, claiming the
destruction or the heavy damage of several motor vessels.
In Tunisia, other B-17s hit shipping and marshalling yard at Sousse.
P-38s escort the bomb missions. Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) fly several reconnaissance and patrol missions along the Tunisian British First
Army battlefront while Western Desert Air Force P-40s and Spitfires hit the rear of
columns attacking Medenine from the west. The 2nd, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 52nd
Fighter Group with Spitfire Mk Vs transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains,
Algeria.
The 32nd, 353rd and 419th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 301st
Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's transfer from Ain M’Lila, Algeria to St-Donat,
Algeria.
445th BS War Diary: One of our ships and crew made a trip to Algiers and returned
today. The orderly room and mess tent was set up today. We are awaiting our equipment
to arrive from Oran.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Capt. Sampson and Lts. Brinkley, Seel and Manly flew to
Berteaux to observe how the 310th Bomb. Gp. (also equipped with B-25’s) conducted its
operations and intelligence in combat. Also to look over the base which we were to use
for future operations, Ain M’Lila. The rest of the flight echelon continued training
flights. Capt. Albert Bell arrived in Oujda today with his crew. He had been delayed at
Waller Field for an engine change and couldn’t take off with the rest of the squadron on
Feb. 18. The ground echelon spent the day getting settled down. A squadron mess was
set up.
Bell, Albert R., Capt, pilot, Commander
Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt, pilot
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", 2Lt, intelligence
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot
Seel, Peter B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): HQ 57th Fighter Group
and it's 65th Fighter Squadron with P-40's transfer from Libya to Tunisia
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Bad
weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) operations and restricts
other commands to reconnaissance, patrol, and transport missions. HQ 52nd Fighter
Group transfers from Telergma, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria. The 1st
Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing with B-24's, transfers from
St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey, French Morocco. The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th
Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Orleansville, Algeria.
445th BS War Diary: There were four local flights today. Major B.C. Cook, formerly
the operations officer for the group, was appointed squadron commander and Captain
Macfarlane who had been our squadron commander since the squadron was activated was
made personnel officer.
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander
MacFarlane, William V., Capt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. Passes were issued a percentage of the men
so they could go into the city of Oujda.
In Egypt, the flight echelon of the 340th Bombardment Group
(Medium) begins arriving. The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40's
transfers from Libya to Tunisia.
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb El Aouins Airfield and La Marsa landing
ground, destroying several parked airplanes and hit the town of Gafsa. Fighters escort the
B-17's and carry out numerous reconnaissance missions. The 93rd Fighter Squadron, 81st
Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from Berteaux, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
445th BS War Diary: Colonel Knapp went to Casablanca and back while seven other
ships and crews went on local training missions. The men are kept busy running the
Arabs away from the ships and out of the squadron area.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.
In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a convoy between Tunisia and
Sicily. B-25s in the area carry out no attacks on vessels.
In Tunisia, fighters escort medium bombers and attack guns, vehicles
and tanks in the Sedjenane, Jefna, and Bedja areas. HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 307th,
308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons with Spitfire Mk V's transfer from Kalaa Djerda,
Tunisia to Thelepte, Tunisia.
The 2nd Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th
Antisubmarine Wing with B-24's transfers from St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey,
French Morocco.
445th BS War Diary: No flights today due to bad weather. The men sat around in their
tents and fried eggs and swapped yarns about their flights across and their trip across on
the boat.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): HQ 79th Fighter Group
transfers from Libya to Tunisia.
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb the docks and marshalling yards at Sousse.
B-26s pound supply dumps and score near misses on bridges at Enfidaville, while B-25s
bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. Fighters escort the bombers and carry out
attacks on ground targets, destroying several vehicles in the Pichon area and south of
Pont-du-Fahs. RAF Wellingtons bomb the Tunis docks during the night of 12/13 March.
The 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th
Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Oujda, French Morocco to
Ain M’Lila, Algeria. The squadrons will enter combat on next Monday and Tuesday.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On March 11, 1943 we were told to pack up to fly to the front
and our permanent base by the 12th of March. We took off about noon and headed for
our new field at Ain M’Lila, Algeria, which is about 100 miles from the front. We found
the new field to be not far from the 310th and situated in a valley in the Atlas Mountains.
We spent the rest of today, pitching tents, unloading planes and doing routine work and
trying to settle down.
445th BS War Diary: Twelve ships left for our base at Ain M’Lila from which we will
operate in combat. The ground crew spent the day unloading our equipment in Oujda.
The crews here at Ain M’Lila spent the night in pup tents and in the planes. The night
was very raw and cold.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities. Air Echelon and part of Ground
Echelon left by plane for Ain M’Lila, Algeria.
447th BS War Diary: The flight echelon took off today for Ain M’Lila. Ground
personnel essential to operations were taken along with them. Usual garrison duties for
the remainder of the ground echelon.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): Lieutenant General
Lewis H. Brereton, Commanding General Ninth Air Force, directs that Headquarters
Desert Air Task Force be redesignated Advance Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, and that
the USAAF tactical units with the HQ be designated Desert Air Task Force (DATF).
In Italy, B-24s bomb Naples harbor through heavy clouds.
In Tunisia, 34 P-40s of the 57th Fighter Group fly top cover and
fighter sweep, and engage about 25 Bf 109 fighters in combat; we claim 4 destroyed; we
lose 4 including 3 pilots. The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group,
based at Nouvion, Algeria with C-47's, begins operating from bases in Egypt and
Palestine. The 85th, 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group with P-40's
transfer from Landing Ground 150, Libya to Causeway Landing Ground in Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): B-25s are
sent against shipping NE of Bizerte, Tunisia but fail to locate the target. Fighters hit
positions and movement in the Mareth Line area, and fly patrols and reconnaissance.
HQ XII Air Support Command transfers from Algeria to Tunisia. The 154th Observation
Squadron, 68th Observation Group with P-39's and P-51's transfers from Youks-les-Bains,
Algeria to Thelepte, Algeria. The 154th is an ex-Arkansas National Guard outfit.
445th BS War Diary: Two ships and crews went up on local flights at Ain M’Lila. The
one ship that was left back at Oujda was slow-timed. The field from which we are
operating is about a mile south of Ain M’Lila. Down in the valley and surrounded by tall
mountains. It was previously used by the B-17’s.
446th BS War Diary: Preparations to move remainder of Squadron.
447th BS War Diary: Flight echelon getting settled at new base. Usual garrison duties
for ground echelon.
In Italy, during the night of 13/14 Mar, RAF Liberators under the
operational control of the IX Bomber Command hit the harbor at Naples.
In Tunisia during the day, fighters fly cover and sweep over the battle
area. The 85 and 87th Fighter Squadrons of the 79th Fighter Group fly their first combat
mission when 12 P-40's escort 11 B-25's on a mission against the Mareth Line.
th
cancels all missions except Northwest African Tactical Air Force fighter reconnaissance
in the Enfidaville-Sfax area and between Tunisia and Sicily.
445th BS War Diary: The one ship that was left at Oujda arrived today. The town of
Ain M’Lila is inhabited mostly by Arabs and a few French.
447th BS War Diary: The mess officer and kitchen personnel along with the mess
equipment were flown to Ain M’Lila by transport today to set up messing facilities for
the flight echelon there. The ground echelon is messing with the 448th.
321st Bomb Group Headlines:
Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued)
In Tunisia, B-25s, escorted by P-40's of 79th
Fighter Group (the group's first operation in the theater), bomb Zarat. Fighters also fly
strafing and bombing raids against ground targets. The 81st and 82nd Bombardment
Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfer from
Berteaux, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria. These Ninth Air Force units are TDY to the
Northwest African Air Force. The 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P40's transfers from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26s,
with fighter escort, attack the landing pound at Mezzouna. B-25's follow with an attack
on the same target. Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fly
tactical reconnaissance over the battle area as the units of the US II Corps prepare to
attack east from the Gafsa area.
In the Mediterranean, B-17s, with fighter escort, hit shipping off
Northern Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: At 1340 on March 15, 1943, 12 B-25 planes took off to bomb
the landing ground at Mezzouna, Tunisia. We dropped 762 twenty-pound frag bombs at
1507 from an altitude of 3,500 feet. All 12 planes returned at 1620. The target was
covered by bomb bursts and hits were observed on and near 10 two-engine planes
believed to be JU-88s. After the first bursts, the field was obscured by dust, making
further observations difficult. One cluster of bombs fell directly on flak emplacements.
A large cloud of black smoke, apparently from burning oil, was observed above dust. P38s and enemy aircraft were seen dog-fighting in the distance. Flak was light and
accurate and three planes were hit. Flight leaders were Col. Knapp, Capt. Heinlen and
Capt. Henry H. Schwane.
Schwane, Henry H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 446th BS
Heinlen, Clayton H., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report # 1, 15 Mar 1943
1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1430
_12__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ landing ground at Mezzouna.
Time No. A/C Type A/C
Mission
Target
_None_ returned early. __12___ dropped 762 x 20lb frag bombs at 1507 from
No. A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
3500 ft.. __12__ returned at 1620.
Altitude No. A/C
Time
3. Target was covered by bomb bursts. Hits were observed on and near 10 two-engine
planes, believed to be JU-88’s. After first bursts the field was obscured by dust
making observation difficult. One cluster of bombs fell directly on flak emplacement.
A large cloud of black smoke, apparently oil was observed above dust.
4. Observation: Air – P-38’s dogfighting in distance
Marine – None.
Flak – light and accurate. Three planes hit.
5. Weather: To target – 5/10 to 7/10 on way out, broken at 4500 ft.
Target – 7/10 broken at 5000 ft.
6. Press data – none.
Flight leaders: Col. Robert D. Knapp
Capt. Clayton H., Heinlen
Capt. Henry H., Schwane.
Comment: Fighter escort excellent.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: Mission:
Group # 1, Squadron # 1, 3 Sorties: The first mission of the group took off today to
bomb the landing grounds at Mezzouna at 13:40 (GTC). Colonel Knapp led the
formation of twelve ships having 40 P-40’s for escort, four of which returned early. The
B-25’s dropped 762 x 20 lb. (216 x 20 by the 445th) fragmentation bombs from 6,000 ft.
at 15:07 (GTC). All ships returned safely at 16:20 (GTC). 450 rounds of ammunition
expended. The target was well covered with bursts and hits were observed on and near
10 twin engine aircraft, believed to e JU088’s. One cluster of bombs silenced a flak
position. Accurate light flak was encountered over the target. The escort was attacked
by two ME-109’s just east of El Guettar. One ME-109 claimed destroyed. Fifteen miles
south of the target the escort was again attacked by six ME-109’s and two MA-202’s.
One ME-109 and 1 MA-202 claimed destroyed. Eight of the other enemy ships were
seen but did not attack. Two P-40’s downed in friendly territory and one missing. It is
also occupied by group.
A/C No. 42-53373
P Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG
Commander
CP Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt
N None
B Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt
E Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt
R Eagan, Joseph E., M/Sgt
G Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”,
M/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie”
P Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt
CP Johnson, Richard S., 2Lt
N None
B Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt
E Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt
R Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt
G Campbell, Theodore W., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia”
Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt
Kelley, Edward T., 2Lt
Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt
None listed – likely the navigator
Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt
Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt
None
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: The
Squadron’s first mission, and also the first for the Group, led by Major Schwane. 3
planes from the Squadron. Frag bombs were used on the L/G north of Mezzouna and the
results were good. Heavy flak was encountered.
A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz”
P Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt
CP Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
N Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt
B None listed – likely the navigator
E Martin, William L., S/Sgt
R Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt
G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13197
Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt
Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt
None
Meehan, James M., 2Lt
McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt
Belser, Oscar L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship”
P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj,
Commander
CP Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt
N McCarter, Elmer H., Capt
B Cordes, Jacob H., Jr., 1Lt
E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt
G Reeves, Charles F., M/Sgt
F None
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 1)
“Ran first mission March 15th. Col. Knapp led it and there were only 18 in all. Jim went
as the Major’s wingman and I went as his co-pilot. Needless to say there was quite a bit
of excitement. Went on an airfield, Tebaga near Gabes, north of Mareth line. No one
lost, but it wasn’t too good bombing. We had a lot to learn they can’t teach you in
training. Formation over the target poor and wild peel off. Not much damage done. Not
so much flak, still the first time is one to remember. Flak was wild, but the first dose
looked vicious. No fighters jumped us. Thank God.”
Bradley, James L. "Jungle Jim", Jr., Capt, pilot
Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG Commander
Schwane, Henry H. "Hank", Lt Col, pilot, Commander
447th BS War Diary: The group had its first combat mission today but none of our
planes took part in it. Lts. Edward Perry and Walter Whitton, ordnance and armament
officers left Oujda for Ain M’Lila by transport.
Perry, Edward (NMI), 2Lt, ordnance
Whitton, Walter H., Jr., Capt, armament
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1:
(447th BS did not participate)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: Mission
one (1): At 13:40 twelve planes off to bomb L/G at Mezzouna. Dropped 762 x 20 frags.
at 15:07 from 3,500 feet. Target covered by bursts. Hits observed on or near 10 two
engine planes believe to be JU-88’s One cluster seen to fall on flak emplacement. 36 P40’s were escorts, slight heavy accurate flak, 3 planes hit with slight damage. Weather
3/10 cover.
A/C No. 41-13001
P Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander
CP Bowman, William W., 2Lt
N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt
B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt
E None listed – likely Ridgeway, Robert L.,
S/Sgt
R Egbom, Clarence H., S/Sgt
G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble”
P Culp, Merle H., 1Lt
CP Stewart, John C., 2Lt
N None
B Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt
E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt
R Watrous, Roger T., S/Sgt
G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13205
P Davies, Robert D., 2Lt
CP Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt
N None
B Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
E Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt
R Lottes, Richard O., Sgt
G Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt
F
None
A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe”
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt
None
Boland, Chester H., 2Lt
Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt
Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt
Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13163
Veum, Ole E., 1Lt
Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt
None
Holt, William E., 2Lt
Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt
Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt
Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13170
Stultz, Raymond B., 2Lt
Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt
None
Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt
Conners, Roy W., T/Sgt
Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt
None listed – likely Mahan, John J.,
S/Sgt
None
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament:
03/15/43
“In a pup tent on a plain six kilometers west of Oujda where American
parachutists captured an airport from the French November 7, 1942
Today marks the beginning of our second week at this encampment where we are
awaiting the necessary preparations before moving up to the fighting front in Tunisia.
The airplanes and combat crews have moved up already. Our journey here from Oran
was accomplished in 15 hours of night riding in a French train. Five of us were crowded
in the narrow passageway of the conventional French-European passenger coach with
indeed a minimum of space and an equal measure of discomfort. Most trying of all were
the constant visits to the toilet in our end of the car by other soldiers. Not only did this
disturb our rest, but after a couple of hours the stink became so strong that whenever the
closet door was opened we could barely tolerate the odor of urine. As long as we
traveled before nightfall we passed through beautiful, well-cultivated farmlands.
Occasionally the typically western sunset would be punctuated by the ridiculous
figure of a much undersized donkey carrying a proportionately oversized Arab on his
way across the green fields to gather in his flocks to the fold for the evening. (It is
strikingly picturesque to me that native inhabitants of this otherwise modern land still
herd their flocks of sheep, cattle and asses, and occasionally horses by day and gather
them into their fold at night. They also live in the brush corrals, so very much the same
as did their father Abraham so many centuries ago.)
Toward dusk we began our climb of the mountains over which we were to pass
during the night. Here the occupation of the natives passed through a gradual transition
to a single task of cultivating the grapevine. Even in that hilly country the vineyards
were amazingly well cultivated and laid out. In a small town in the foothills we stopped
to pick up our “helper” engine and as usual were immediately beset upon by a host of
native children who begged frantically for “cigarette, bon-bon and chocolate.” They
interspersed their raids on our scanty rations of sweets with such mischief as locking the
brakes on a car standing on the siding and hitching together cars that were intended to
be apart, until a French Gendarme, an Arab soldier of latter age and excellent humor,
dressed elaborately in red cloak, blue blousing breeches, rifle and saber, made sport of
pretending to throw rocks at them.
At a late hour, probably about eleven o’clock, after we had finished a meal of “C
rations,” and cocoa, which we made more palatable by patiently warming it over the
flame of a stub of candle, we settled ourselves for an hour of restful sleep. The train
stopped at a mountain station named Sidi Bel Abbes (headquarters of a famous Foreign
Legion). A light was flashed in our window and someone began making certain his
intention of entering by pushing vigorously on the door against which Whitey was
sleeping. As the “port” was forced open, my sleep-dulled brain finally became conscious
of the presence of an Arab, smelling foul of vino and garlic. At my exclaiming in a
definite tone, the French word for scram, “allie, allie,” he began hurriedly producing an
armband of a railroad official. It was soon made clear that he was, (or had been) an
employee of the line and intended on adding his presence to our already congested
situation for the purpose of traveling to Tlemcen, a city a fair size further down the line.
He was a bright boy and I took advantage of the fact that he knew some English, to
acquaint myself with French and Arabic languages. For the next two hours I thus was
entertained and to the profit that I learned several phrases of French and most of the
Arab numerals from 1 to 10. The next time the train stopped, our friend was discovered
by a French official and as he left our car I heard a great deal of loud talking. I did not
learn whether or not he was an imposter or if he reached Tlemcen via our train. It
occurred to me later that he might well have been an enemy agent and I wished we had
not been so free with information, though I am sure we said nothing that was not already
common knowledge.
White, Victor H. "Whitey", Cpl, ordnance
When we arose in the morning somewhat rested, we were traveling through
mountains in only one respect unlike those of certain parts of the Arizona Strip, that
being their complete void of shrubbery of any kind. In one place it appeared the natives
had made a viaduct for the purpose of carrying water to a small village where it was
used for culinary purposes or possibly irrigation. We saw also the peculiar briar shelters
of the typical nomad Arab who at night gathers his sheep, dogs and family under the one
small shelter, there to wear out the chill winter nights. About nine o’clock in the morning
we were allowed to dismount from the train at a small town, the name of which I have
forgotten. Here we bought oranges from the natives at two francs each ($.04) which
tasted very good to us. As the train was about to leave, five young French officers who
were stationed at a nearby camp boarded our car and rode with us the remaining
distance of 26 kilometers to Oujda. For me this was an opportunity and I took advantage
of it to observe the first truly French people I had come in contact with. To say the least,
my impression was a favorable one. These young men were very clean and alert and
displayed, to a commendable degree, the French faculty for gentle manners. One, an
Algerian Frenchman from Oran, spoke English quite well, and I learned from him that
the French in France were anxious for the Americans to bring them the necessary
implements of war with which to fight Germany.
The city of Oujda, as we passed through it from the station on GI trucks,
appeared very interesting. I hope to visit it this afternoon. It was good to reunite with
the part of our squadron that flew across from the states via South America and Africa
and swap tales of our experiences en route. In all they made a very successful trip,
losing only one plane out of approximately 60, and none of the men. On the whole we
have done little else than the necessary tasks of setting up a camp since coming here. I
was interested in observing the architecture of the French barracks and administration
buildings of which there are a few, which are used now as base headquarters. The long
wash room, the specially provided fountain for washing clothes, the squat down style
latrine and the French showers, along with general appearance of the post, remind me,
in a degree very realistic, of the French Foreign Legion outposts I have seen pictured in
such movies as “Morocco.”
The most outstanding event since our coming here, and without doubt one of the
strangest and most beautiful sights I have seen, occurred in the mid-forenoon three days
ago. As there is so much flying going on constantly, one is seldom conscious of the
approach of a plane or group of planes until they become identified as something
extraordinary. So it was with great surprise, when I turned casually around to observe
the source of much roaring, that I beheld parachutists in great numbers tumbling from a
score or more transports remarkably close and at extremely low altitude. In a matter of
minutes, almost seconds, some 500 troops had landed and the sky was clear of planes. It
was a perfect demonstration of the speed of modern warfare. All of the boys landed
safely, though I held my breath when one parachute delayed opening until its occupant
was a scarce thirty feet from the ground. I learned later that the battalion was a part of
the group that flew here from England November 7 to take over this and several other
airports.
I am about to go to chow. We are pretty well fed here at present, but for a time if
it had not been for our emergency “C rations” and such “K rations” as our friends in the
combat crew could supply, we would have gone hungry. Many of the boys here bought
oranges and eggs from the natives to supplement what we get at the mess tent and as
Sluggo Coburne expressed it the other day, “If it were not for the G damned natives we
would starve to death.” Some of the oranges are of a quality far in excellence to any I
have eaten in the States. The several slices of bread and butter and apricot jam I had at
the mess tent were equally as good as I used to piece on when I was a kid in grade
school.”
Coburne, "Sluggo", Sgt, armorer
L’Hotel de Vile in Oujda, Morocco – Occupied by the American Red Cross
La porte des tetes in Oujda, Morocco
Church at Oujda, Morocco
Boys’ school at Oujda, Morocco
In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber operations against enemy
positions as British ground forces prepare to conduct limited attacks as a preliminary to
the main assault against the Mareth Line.
In the Mediterranean, B-17s attack shipping between Tunisia and
Sicily, leaving 2 small vessels aflame. Weather prevents completion of other bomber
operations.
In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance and patrols but bad weather
hides enemy ground activity. The 346th and 348th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S.
The squadrons will fly their first mission on 31 March.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The second mission took place on March 16, 1943 when 18
B-25s took off at 1305 to bomb railway junctions at Ain Ghrasesia. No bombs were
dropped as it was not possible to reach the target due to weather conditions, and all
planes returned at 1515. Two ME-109s made feint at 1415, place unknown, but were
fired upon by one ship and they withdrew into the clouds. Flight leaders were Lieut. Col.
Charles T. Olmsted, Maj. Bailey C. Cook and Capt. Raymond D. Sampson.
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, Group Executive
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander, 447th BS
2. At 1305
_18__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Railway Junction Ain Ghrasesia.
Mission
Target
_None_ returned early. _None_ dropped ___none___ bombs at _____ from _______
No. A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Altitude
__18__ returned at 1515 to 1635.
No. A/C
Time
3. Unable to reach target due to weather. Two ME-109’s made feint at 1415, place
unknown, were fired on by one ship and withdrew into clouds.
4. Observation: Air – none.
Marine – none.
Flak – One gun, light flak at El Alem, fired several rounds.
5. Weather: To target – 8/10 – 6000 ft.
Near target – Covered 10/10.
Return – Covered 10/10, rain.
Flight leaders: Lt. Col. Charles T. Olmsted
Major Bailey C. Cook
Capt. Raymond D., Sampson
Observers: Col. Kellogg
Col. Crosthwaite
Eighteen (18) sorties flown.
Francis R., Pemberton,
Major, Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer
Group # 2, Squadron # 2, 6 Sorties: At 13:00 the group sent eighteen B-25’s on its
second mission. The target was the railroad junction at Ain Ghrasesia. Major Cook led
the formation. Forty-one P-38’s of the 82nd fighter group were escorts, two of which
returned early. The weather prevented completion of mission. All planes down safely at
18:40. Nine hundred rounds of ammunition expended to clear the guns.
A/C No. 41-13158
P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander
CP Cratin, William S., 1Lt
N Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt
B Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt
E Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt
R Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt
G Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt
F None
Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt
Butela, William F., 2Lt
Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt
Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt
Chereski, John J., T/Sgt
Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt
Crosthwaite, John C., Col, HQ 47th Wing
None
A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle”
P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt
CP Mamerow, George A., 2Lt
N None
B Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt
E Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt
R Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt
G Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger”
P Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt
CP Gunter, Macon A., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt
E Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt
R Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt
G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt
Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt
Martine, William E., S/Sgt
Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie”
Grau, Robert B., 1Lt
Bitner, William H., 2Lt
None
McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt
Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt
Wright, Warren D., Sgt
Boris, Michael (NMI), Sgt
None
447th BS War Diary: Lt. George Kamensky, tech. supply officer left Oujda for Ain
M’Lila today by transport with a group of our enlisted men. Lts. S. Neprash and D.
Chinnock left Oujda today for Ain M’Lila taking a convoy of motor vehicles.
Chinnock, Donald R., 2Lt, communication
Kamensky, George L., 1Lt, personal equipment
Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 2/mission 2) Group Mission # 2: Nine of
our planes took part in a mission today. It was the squadron’s first mission. The target
was a rail road junction near Ain Ghrasesia but because of bad weather the formation had
to turn back. This mission is referred to as the “ice mission” because of the extremely
bad weather. Ice formed on the wings of the planes and visibility was almost zero. All
our planes got back to the base safely and this in itself was considered very fortunate.
A/C No. 41-12961 “Spare Parts”
P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt
CP Jung, Roland W. “Wongy”, 2Lt
N None
B Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt
E Nelson, James E., S/Sgt
R Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt
G Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13171 “Trigger”
P Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt
CP
N
B
E
R
Ackley, James H., 2Lt
None
Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt
Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt
Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt
G
F
Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
Brinkley, Hamilton M., 1Lt
Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt
Hartis, John G., 2Lt
Coursen, William C., T/Sgt
Stanton, James E. “Jim”, T/Sgt
Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13176 “Alley Cat”
P Burns, John P. “Buster”, 1Lt
CP Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt
N None
B Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt
E Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt
R Byerly, Lee E., Sgt
G Woody, James A., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle”
Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 2Lt
McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt
None
Tate, Roy W., 2Lt
Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt
Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt
Tornio, Raymond A., Cpl
None
A/C No. 41-30002
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt,
Commander
Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt
Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
Smith, Douglas P., M/Sgt
None listed – likely Hilton, Maurice J.,
T/Sgt
DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon
Ball”
Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt
Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt
Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt
Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
Balsom, James P., T/Sgt
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff”
Bell, Albert R., Capt
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
None
Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt
Joseph , Edward R., S/Sgt
Henderson, James B., M/Sgt
Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle
II”
P Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt
CP Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt
N None
B Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt
E Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt
R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt
G Murphy, John F., S/Sgt
F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 21) (The reason Lt
Spikes assigned mission numbers out of numerical sequence is unknown)
TARGET: Kerwin RR yards
2:10 Plane 000
“Unable to reach target. Flew over enemy territory. Was our first mission which was
considered ½ sortie.”
two (2): At 13:05 18 planes off to bomb RR junction at Ain Ghrasesia. No bombs
dropped all planes returned at 16:35, bad weather, complete cloud cover over target, rain.
A/C No. 41-29776
Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt
Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt
Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt
Rohleder, Jack J., S/Sgt
Hilborne, Thomas G., Sgt
Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30001
P Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st
BG
CP Plumlee, Eldon A., 2Lt
N Boland, Chester H., 2Lt
E Cunningham, Burlin C., M/Sgt
R Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt
G Cobb, Dwight K., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd”
Urquhart, Donald A., 2Lt
Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt
Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt
Navigator filling both B & N positions
Potosky, John S., S/Sgt
Jakse, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt
None
In Tunisia, P-40s fly scramble and fighter-bomber operations as
British ground forces continue local operations in preparation for the assault on the
Mareth Line.
cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber (NASAF) operations. Tactical
fighters and light bombers fly numerous armed reconnaissance missions and sweeps over
Sedjenane, Cap Serrat, and the Sidi Nsir area and attack ground forces east of Gafsa in
preparation for the allied assault. The US II Corps opens an offensive to the east from the
Gafsa area after air and artillery preparation. Northwest African Coastal Air Force
(NACAF) aircraft continue coastal and sea patrols. The 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th
Fighter Group with P-38's transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Mediouna, French
Morocco.
445th BS War Diary: Low ceiling prevented any missions today.
447th BS War Diary: Bad weather kept the planes on the ground today at Ain M’Lila.
Lt. M. Holloway left Oujda today with another group of enlisted men by transport for Ain
M’Lila.
Holloway, McGlon T., 2Lt, intelligence
In Italy, B-24's, escorted by P-40's, bomb the harbor at Naples.
cancels operations of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) bombers.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters
fly sweeps and reconnaissance over the Sidi Nsir-Sedjenane-Medjez el Bab areas and
attack a railway station, other buildings, railroad sidings, and motor transport at Temara.
445th BS War Diary: Again the weather prevented any flights. The weather has been
very dreary and cold.
447th BS War Diary: Weather still bad at Ain M’Lila. Lt. Q. McDonald left Oujda
today with another group of enlisted men by transport for Ain M’Lila.
McDonald, Quentin H., 2Lt, intelligence
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): Colonel Uzal G. Ent
assumes command of the IX Bomber Command, replacing Colonel Hugo P Rush. Ent
AFB, Colorado was named for Col. Ent.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Landing
grounds are non-operational due to continued bad weather. Northwest African Strategic
Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) cancel
missions. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft fly routine patrols.
The Northwest African Troop Carrier Command (Provisional), consisting of the 51st
Troop Carrier Wing and its subordinate units, which are transferred from the XII Air
Force Service Command, is activated. Colonel Ray A. Dunn is acting Commanding
Officer.
445th BS War Diary: No flying today – poor weather. Today the ground echelon left
Oujda for Ain M’Lila via 40 and 8’s.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties at Ain M’Lila and Oujda.
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: “This town, Ain M’Lila
probably isn’t on any map you have, but its almost due south and 25 or 30 miles from
Constantine, Algeria. It isn’t much of a town—we are camped right on the edge of it with
our headquarters in an old granary. Our tents are to the west and our ships are parked
to the east of the highway running south out of town.
We are in a little valley that looks very much like some spots in West Texas.
Rocky mountains all around and not a tree in sight. Lt. Manly says we are on what once
was the bed of a lake; the dirt is black and rich and covered with grass. Dig 18 inches
down and you hit water.
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", 2Lt, intelligence
We’ve been here now a week today—got here on March 12—exactly one month
from the day we left DeRidder, and almost exactly nine months from June 13th! And one
month from the day I kissed you good-bye!
Up until now we’ve been pretty busy. It’s been rainy and cold, and our life in
these tents has been more or less miserable. Our ground forces have been arriving in
trickles by air transport from Oujda, taking more and more of the load off the flying
personnel.
Friday, 19 March 1943 (continued)
But we’ve had to get settled in these canvas huts, get our ships ready for combat,
and do the million little things it takes to set up our organization. We were ready for our
first raid two days after we landed. In fact that is when our first raid did take place.
Fifteen ships out of the Group---none out of our squadron, however—bombed an air field
and returned with only a few flak holes to show for their ride.
We have a flight scheduled for tomorrow, so I figured now would be the best time
to do a little writing---before I go out and get shot at. The mission for tomorrow is
another sea-sweep”
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Mareth area. AA is intense and all
medium bombers suffer hits. P-40's escort bombers and carry out fighter-bomber and top
cover operations as British ground troops open the assault on positions with infantry and
artillery. The British 30 Corps gains a bridgehead across the Oued Zigzaou.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) is formed under the Northwest African
Tactical Air Force with a small combined HQ which has under it the 47th Bombardment
Group (Light), the RAF 326 Wing, and air echelons of 2 squadrons of the 12th
Bombardment Group (Medium) which are attached for operational control. B-26's and B25's launch consecutive attacks against the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters fly
escort and carry out numerous reconnaissance missions as the British Eighth Army opens
an assault on the Mareth Line.
In the Mediterranean, B-25's bomb shipping between Tunisia and
Sicily. HQ XII Fighter Command transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Algiers, Algeria.
A detachment of the 59th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Group based at Berteaux, Algeria
with P-40's begins operating from Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On March 20, 1943, the third mission took off at 0954, with
15 B-25s on a sea search. They dropped 24 five-hundred pound demolition bombs at
1205, from 150 and 7,500 feet. Thirteen of our aircraft returned at 1345. One merchant
ship was hit near astern, set on fire and black smoke was seen coming out. A destroyer
was straddled by four near misses from 7,500 feet. Two FW-109s and one ME-109 and
one ME-110 were claimed as shot down. One pilot believes his bomb hit a second
merchant vessel, but one engine had been hit and he could see the result, although bomb
was dropped from 200 feet. One B-25 was hit in the right engine, which caught on fire.
The fire was extinguished, but the plane was then shot down by fighters and was seen to
land on water. Another B-25 was damaged by flak and fighters and crash-landed at
Bone. The formation was attacked by ME-109s, ME-110s, FW-190s and JU-88s.
Attacks were made from front, front quarter and tail. In attacks from rear, Mes would
dive and climb, then roll on back and attack from the side in a split S. Two convoys of
Seibel barges and 4 shops, respectively, were seen heading south at 12 knots. Two
submarines were sighted between the two convoys at 1135. Flak was light, intense and
accurate at lower levels. Around 7,000 feet, flak became accurate as to range, but
inaccurate as to deflection. Flight leaders were Col Knapp and Capt. Sampson.
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander, 447th BS
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
The fourth mission of 17 planes took off at 1330 on March 20, 1943 to bomb
Tebaga North Landing Ground. They dropped 1,224 twenty-pound frag bombs from an
altitude of 4,500 feet. All planes returned at 1620. Bombs were dropped on the target.
Several single-engine planes were hit and one twin-engine bomber was seen to explode
and burn on the field. Planes and revetments disappeared in dust and smoke.
Approximately 20 S/E planes and 10 or more twin-engine ships were seen dispersed in
revetments on the field. Four enemy fighters over the airdrome were observed to be
attacked by Spitfires. Flak was light and heavy over the target. The flight leaders were
Maj. Cook, Capt. Schwane and Lieut. Frank J. Griffith.
Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS
Griffith, Frank J. "Grif", 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Schwane, Henry H. "Hank", Capt, pilot, Commander, 446th BS
2. At 0954
_15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. _None_ returned early.
Mission No. A/C
___5___ dropped 24 500lb demolition bombs at 1205 from 150 and 7500 ft.
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Altitude
__13__ returned at 1345.
No. A/C
Time
3. One merchant ship was hit near stern, set on fire and black smoke seen coming out.
A destroyer was straddled by 4 near misses from 7500 ft. Two FW-190’s and one
ME-110 were claimed shot down. One pilot believes his bomb hit a second merchant
vessel, but one engine was hit and he could not see result, although bomb was
dropped from 200 ft. One B-25 was hit in right engine which caught on fire. Fire
was extinguished but plane was then shot down by fighters and seen to land on water.
One plane damaged by flak and fighters crash-landed at Bone.
4. Air: ME-109’s, ME-110’s, FW-120’s and JU-88’s attacked formation. Some attacks
were made from front, front quarter and from tail. In attacks from rear, ME’s would
dive and climb, then roll on back and attack from the side in a split S.
Marine: One convoy of 9 Siebel barges at 1122 at 37°35’N,(coordinate missing)
headed S at 12 knots. Another convoy of 4 ships at 1140 at 37°40’N, 11°12’E headed
S at 12 knots. Two subs between convoy were sighted at 1135.
Flak – Light flak intense and accurate at lower levels. Accurate as to range, but
inaccurate as to deflection around 7000 ft.
5. Weather: To target – few rainstorms and broken.
At target – clouds from 2500 ft. to 12000 ft.
Return – few rainstorms, improving.
Number of sorties flown this date – 15.
Flight leaders: Colonel Robert D., Knapp
Capt. Raymond D., Sampson
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4:
2. At 1330
_17__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Tebaga North LG.
Mission
Target
returned early. __17___ dropped 1224 20lb frag at 1450 from 4500 ft.
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Altitude
returned at 1620.
Time
_None_
No. A/C
__13__
No. A/C
3. Results: Bombs dropped on target. Several single engine planes were hit and one
twin engine bomber was seen to exploded and burn on the field. Planes and
revetments disappeared in dust and smoke. Approximately 50 S/E planes and 10 or
more twin engine ships seen dispersed in revetments on field.
4. Observations: Air: 4 enemy fighters over airdrome, attacked by Spitfires.
Naval: None.
Flak: Light and heavy flak noted over target. None elsewhere.
5. Weather: To target: Scattered clouds 7000 – 9000 ft. 5/10 average. Over target and
on route there and back.
6. Press data: None.
Flight leaders: Major Bailey C. Cook
Capt. Henry H., Schwane
Lieut. Frank J., Griffith
Major, Air Corps,
Group # 3, Squadron # 3, 8 Sorties: Colonel Knapp led fifteen B-25’s which took off at
09:50 to attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily Twenty-three P-38’s were escorts,
two of which returned early. At 12:05, 24 x 500 lb. (6 x 500 lb by the 445th). Lt.
Rudolph dropped the only bombs in our squadron. The demolition bombs were dropped
from 150 to 750 feet on four merchant vessels and two escort vessels. One merchant
vessel was set on fire. Near misses were scored on one escort vessel. Poor visibility
hindered the attack. Intense light flak was encountered over the target. One bomber in
the lower element had an engine shot out and was later attacked by three enemy aircraft
and crashed into the sea. The bombers were attacked by 25 ME-109’s, ME-110’s, FW 190’s and JU-88’s over the target. No claims were made. One gunner was killed and an
engineer wounded in another aircraft. One B-25 crash landed at Bone. Thirteen ships
returned at 14:45. 8,500 rounds of ammunition expended. In spite of the fact that this
was a good and rough mission, the boys are in good spirits and raring to go back.
A/C No. 41-13158
Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG
Commander
CP Cratin, William S., 1Lt
N Larson, Harold W., 2Lt
R Carson, Donald (NMI), S/Sgt
F Nichols, William C., Sgt
P
None
Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
Choka, Andrew J., S/Sgt
Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt
None
N None
Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt
Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13183
N Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt
R Boyd, Hugh A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt
CP O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt
N Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
B Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt
E Martine, William E., S/Sgt
R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt
F None
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie”
Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt
Olson, Walter N., 2Lt
Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt
None listed – likely Mais, Charles W.,
T/Sgt
Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt
Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt
Crumb, Lloyd P., 2Lt (observer)
Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt
Gunter, Macon A., Jr., 2Lt
None
Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt
Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt
Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt
Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt
None
McGee, William N., 2Lt
Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt
None
McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt
Pierce, Richard H., T/Sgt
Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt
Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt
None
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4: Group
mission # 4, Squadron # 2: Formation led by Major Schwane to a L/G north of Djebel
Tebaga. Frag bombs were dropped with excellent results.
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
Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt,
Commander
Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt
McCarter, Elmer H., Capt
Brown, John Roland, 2Lt
Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
Beach, Louis A., S/Sgt
Reeves, Charles F., M/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13008
Schmidt, Frederick C. “Fred”, 2Lt
Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt
None
Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt
Ludwig, Elvin C., Sgt
Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, Sgt
Freimuth, Andrew G., Cpl
None
A/C No. 41-13212
Stine, Donald A., 2Lt
Cox, James L., 2Lt
None
Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt
Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt
Trepple, John J., Pvt
Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
Garmon, James M. “Max”, 2Lt
Dains, Thomas E., 2Lt
None
Beyer, William J., 2Lt
Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt
Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, Pvt
Wray, Charles E., Sgt
None
Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt
Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt
None
Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt
Martin, William L., S/Sgt
Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt
Lovell, Curtis L., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13192
Porter, Jack Grafton, 2Lt
Browning, Eugene S. “Squif”, 2Lt
None
Marek, Joseph Rudolph, 2Lt
Lytle, Logan Lee, Sgt
Nicholson, John E., S/Sgt
Halko, John J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29760 “Honky Tonk”
Bailey, Harold Merle “Buzz”, 2Lt
Coffey, Noel Francis, 2Lt
None
Meehan, James M., 2Lt
Perkins, Lawrence W., S/Sgt
Shields, James A., Sgt
Sarver, Lawrence J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29771
VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt
Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt
None
Harris, Posey T., 2Lt
Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt
Hoffman, Louis E., T/Sgt
Haresign, James M., Sgt
None
447th BS War Diary: Our squadron participated in two missions today. Lt. R.
Richardson arrived at Ain M’Lila today. He was left behind at Borinquen Field Feb 16
for an engine change. S/Sgts. Perpich, Noble, Drogosch credited with one E/A each shot
down during sea sweep.
Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner
Perpich, Joseph G, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Richardson, Robert W. "Rich", 2Lt, pilot
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 3/mission 3) Group Mission # 3: The first
was a sea sweep. A convoy was sighted and attacked. During the attack two of our
planes were seriously crippled by flak, the one flown by Lt. Albert Duke and the one
flown by Lt. J.P. Burns. Then fighters attacked and Lt. Duke was shot down at sea. With
him were his CP, Lt. Ackley; Bombardier, Lt. Douglas Orr; and gunners, S/Sgts. Govoni,
Noble and Drogosch. Five enemy fighters attacked Lt. Burns’ ship. He was alone and
his turret gunner, S/Sgt Woody had been killed. Shortly afterwards his tail gun was shot
out leaving only his two waist guns to fight off the attackers. S/Sgt Woody had managed
to shoot down one of the fighters before they got him. The other gunners chased the rest
of the fighters away. Lt. Burns made a crash landing at Bone. There were over two
hundred bullet holes in his plane but he called in tonight and reported that all the crew
were safe except S/Sgt. Woody. With Lt. Burns were his CP, Lt. Cohagan; Bombardier,
Lt. Lingrel; and gunners, S/Sgts Woody, Perpich and Byerly. No word was received
from Lt. Duke’s crew today and they are assumed lost. Thus the squadron suffered its
first casualties of the war today.
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
Sampson,
Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt,
P
Commander
CP Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt
N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
E Smith, Douglas P., M/Sgt
R Hilton, Maurice J., T/Sgt
G DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13171 “Trigger” (shot
down)
P Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt
CP Ackley, James H., 2Lt
N None
B Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt
E Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt
R Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt
G Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt
F None
Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt
Jung, Roland W. “Wongy”, 2Lt
Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt
Nelson, James E., S/Sgt
Betmarik, Aleis (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13176 “Alley Cat” (crash
landed
Burns, John P. “Buster”, 2Lt
Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt
None
Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose” , 2Lt
Perpich, Joseph G, S/Sgt
Byerly, Lee E., S/Sgt
Woody, James A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge
Runner”
P Morton, William H. “Mort”, 1Lt
CP Morganti, Clyde J., 2Lt
N Black, Donald (NMI) “Blackie”, 2Lt
E O’Donnell, Vincent T., S/Sgt
R Fryer, John R., T/Sgt
G Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt
F None
P McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 2Lt
CP Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt
N Colby, John W., 2Lt
B Navigator filling both B & N positions
E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt
R Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt
G Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon
Ball”
Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt
Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 2Lt
None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4: The second
mission today was over the landing ground at Mezzouna. Only one of our planes
participated. All the planes on this mission returned safely.
A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated
Lady”
P DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt
CP Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt
N None
B Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt
E Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt
R None listed G Wilson, Leo W., Pvt
F None
447th BS Special Account: On March 20 the squadron took part in a sea sweep and it
was on this date that we suffered our first battle casualty. A convoy was sighted and
attacked. Flak from the ships damaged the planes flown by Lts. Albert Duke and J. P.
Burns. Then fighters attacked and Lt. Duke’s plane was shot down and crashed into the
sea at a point about fifty miles behind enemy lines. S/Sgt. Govoni, the tail gunner, was
killed before the crash but the rest of Lt. Duke’s crew managed to get into the life raft.
There were five of them: Lt. Duke, Lt. J. Howard Ackley, Lt. Douglas Orr, S/Sgt.
Francis Noble, and S/Sgt Robert C. Drogosch. They rowed to shore and made their way
back to friendly outposts after three days and nights behind enemy lines. Lt. Orr, Lt.
Ackley, S/Sgt. Noble, and S/Sgt. Drogosch later received the Purple Heart for injuries
received when the plane crashed. Lt. Burns had one engine shot out and was limping
toward home when five enemy fighters attacked him. By skillfully maneuvering his
plane so as to give his gunners full advantage he enabled them to drive the fighters off
and made a successful crash landing at the friendly base of Bone. The turret gunner,
S/Sgt. James A. Woody was killed by fire from the fighters. The rest of the crew escaped
without serious injury. They were: Lt. Burns, Lt. McKinley, Lt. B. Cohagan, Lt. Paul W.
Lingrel, S/Sgt. Joseph Perpich, S/Sgt. Lee Byerly. Lt. Burns received the Distinguished
Flying Cross for this action. S/Sgt. Joseph Perpich received the Purple Heart.
Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot
Burns, John P. “Buster”, 2Lt, pilot
Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt, bombardier
Perpich, Joseph G, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Byerly, Lee E., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Woody, James A., S/Sgt, turret-gunner
Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot
Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt, bombardier
Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: (although Lt Duke & Crew
didn’t return to the 447th until 27 Mar 43, this entry is placed here for continuity)
“…no one in the outfit is very fond of sea-sweeps! Too many ships have turned up either
missing or all shot to pieces. Burns and Duke, to begin with---and now several others I’d
rather not write about.
Burns brought his ship down in a crash landing at Bone==shot full of holes. We
have pictures of it now at headquarters and, believe me, it looks like a sieve. They
immeasurably increase my faith in the ability of the B-25 to fly under adverse battle
conditions.
…Duke went down at sea---and miraculously lived to tell about it. In fact, all but
one member of his crew (the engineer) escaped with minor injuries. This is what
happened according to Lt. James H. Ackley, the co-pilot, as best as I can gather.
They were flying No. 4 position of a flight of four ships and were flying it close.
Oil was leaking out of the right engine and going back over the wing. They had had a
little trouble with it during the attack, but it was working O.K. on the trip home.
But the oil on their wing was their ruin. Enemy fighters (ME-109’s—yellow nose
jobs, indicating Goering’s prize squadron) picked Duke’s ship as a possible cripple, and
concentrated their attack on them. They were doing O.K. in holding off their attackers,
Sgt. Noble, the turret gunner shot down one ME-109 and Sgt. Drogosch the radio
operator on the waist guns, shot down another. One Nazi, however, paid no attention
whatever to the fire power concentrated on him and came boring in spite of it. He did a
good job. His fire raked the ship from one end to the other---a 20 mm shell exploded in
the navigator’s compartment, tearing things up generally. But other than a few cuts on
their hands and faces, did no damage to Duke and Ackley. A string of 20mm shells hit
the right engine, going back across the wing towards the fuselage and the tail section.
That was the burst that did the dirty work. The engine caught fire and quit. The wheel
assembly came down out of the nacelle and hung there. The right wing flaps came down
and fell off. The right wing itself was badly shot up and weakened. The tail section was
riddled, and Sgt. Govoni, the engineer on the tail gun, was killed. He never knew what
hit him.
Drogosch, Robert C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Duke had no choice but to set it down---and that was a job! His ship just
wouldn’t fly, dropping fast. He tried to slow it down by closing the throttle, but it was
falling so fast it kept its speed. Nothing to do but hit and hang on…
They hit---and what a wallop it must have been. The ship broke into three pieces--the right wing came off and the fuselage broke just aft of the turret. The radio operator
had hold of the life raft release when they hit, and in falling, released the raft. Duke, for
some reason, had his safety belt off and bounced around in the cockpit doing various and
sundry damage to his ribs, head and hands. Ackley got a nice cut from his hair line down
over his forehead, but isn’t sure just where or when he got it. Doug Orr, the bombardier,
got out O.K. with minor scratches.
When they hit, Orr was back in the navigator’s compartment, and when the
forward motion of the ship ceased, water came gushing up in to it with such force that
Orr, Ackley, and Duke were washed out through the pilot’s escape hatch. They don’t
know who got out first, but Ackley claims they all went out together…
The radio operator got out safely with only slight bruises and scratches, but Sgt.
Noble was knocked unconscious in the crash. The ship sank in 20 to 25 seconds so there
was no time to try to reach him. However, as the ship went down Noble was revived by
the cold water and swam out the only hole he could see over the riddled body of Sgt.
Govoni.
Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
After he was clear of the ship, Ackley discovered himself in trouble. His
parachute harness was still fastened across his chest and he had inflated one side of his
Mae West life jacket. The inflated side, in expanding, had tightened the chute harness so
that he couldn’t unfasten it---and the heavy pack kept pulling him down in the water. It
was all he could do to hang on to the raft while the others unfastened his harness.
Finally free of it he crawled into the raft, and then, he said, he promptly got mad! While
it was on him and he couldn’t get it off, his chute pack dragged him under---but when he
got free, the damned thing began to float!
His little experience taught us never to inflate our Mae West under our chute
harness.
As the ship sank one ME-109 returned, circled low over them, and headed back
toward Tunisia. Taking stock of their situation, they decided they were about 10 or 15
miles off Cape Serrat----enemy territory! But it was land, and land being their main
interest, they began to paddle for it. They paddled with everything they had as fast as
they could---arriving on the mainland at about 1 or 2 in the morning---or after about 12
hours of paddling!
They landed in enemy territory and it took them 3½ days of walking to get back
inside our lines. They walked mostly in the hills---the coast was generally too rocky--and they found it easier to dodge enemy patrols by staying in wooded country. Duke was
the only one anywhere near seriously injured---the bouncing around in the cockpit when
they hit the water gave him a pretty good beating. He was in pain quite a bit of the time--going sort of out of his head at times. They gave him morphine on several occasions
until they ran out.
They had a time getting food, and most of the time they did without. Doug Orr
can speak a little French and succeeded in getting a little food from Arabs.
Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
They hired one Arab to guide them safely to the Allied lines, but after careful
checking on their compasses, decided he was taking them to an enemy outpost. They
thought they might kill him, but decided against it as it could easily rouse the Arabs
against them. To they gave him the slip.
They waded rivers, climbed hills and rock, and somehow got through to the
British. Somewhere along the line they met a Frenchman who had escaped the Nazis and
who knew the country pretty well. They all admit he was a big help—especially in
dealing with Arabs.
The British treated them royally---gave them new clothes, fed them well and often,
treated their injuries, and after a few days, sent them back to us.
Duke kept complaining of headaches and is now in a hospital somewhere. The
rest of them are in either Oran or Algiers for a rest cure.
Well I am now more or less a veteran! At least I’ve had my baptism of fire---and
came out a little the worse for it. But, considering what happened to a few of the ships
and crews and what we stumbled into and out of, we are probably the luckiest crew on
the line.
Our mission was a sea-sweep: north from here to the sea, then east to the area
between Tunisia and Sicily, and return (?) Fifteen ships made the run; nine were to
bomb any target encountered from 9,000 ft., and six were to bomb from low altitude,
which means 200 or 300 feet. The latter chore is definitely considered the most exciting
and, at the same time, the most fatal. I was in the lower formation…
Col. Knapp led the upper formation and Capt. Sampson led the lower. Col.
Olmsted was to have led the bottom bunch but was unable to start his engines. Seel,
Sammy and Burns were the first element and Fineman and I flew on Duke’s Wings to
make up the second.
Burns, John P., 2Lt, pilot
Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
Seel, Peter B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
According to plan the two formations were to stay together on the deck until a
target was sighted, then the upper nine were to climb to 9,000 ft. and bomb. The lower
flight was to circle out of range and, as soon as the bombs from above hit on or near the
target, close for their minimum altitude attack. The two formations then were to get for
home individually…but fast!
The idea is that the high altitude bombing will so upset and confuse the enemy
that the lower element can come in before they can collect their wits enough to do any
effective firing.
Such a plan, if carried out, is O.K. But there happened to be a thin cloud layer at
about 5,000 feet and the upper formation never bombed. We must have circled the
convoy for 15 or 20 minutes, waiting for the upper element to do something. They,
however, flew up and down and around and around. Finally, one ship dropped its bombs
at one of the two large transports in the convoy of five. The other three were naval escort
vessels and are to be avoided if possible on low level attacks. Too many guns!
By the time those bombs hit we had collected the small matter of three enemy
fighters. Our escort of P-38s were tangled with a bunch of them off to one side and
couldn’t see their way clear for a while to come chase the ones off our tail.
Sammy did a few evasive turns, but those boys hung on, pumping lead at us as
though they meant business. Glancing down out of the corner of my eye I could see their
20mm shells bursting just below us---and I just naturally snuggled back into the corner of
my armor plate. It certainly was consoling to reflect on the thickness of that stuff!
Either our gun fire or the P-38s that came in about then drove the Nazis away and
we weren’t bothered by them any more---that is, I wasn’t. Sammy had us at what he
considered a good spot to attack, so we turned into the convoy, heading for the larger
transport. We began to bounce around doing sharp evasive turns and climbs and dives.
Then Duke cut off to the right, evidently to attack another vessel.
Just as he turned and I banked to stay with him, all hell seemed to have a death
grip on my elevator controls If you have ever tried to hold the hind leg of a yearling calf,
you can have some idea of the job I had holding that control post! I thought for a second
that I was out of control and would have to hit the water. I started a turn to the left—
away from the target---and remember looking at the water and hoping---I suppose---to
find a dry spot. It didn’t look too inviting!
When he saw that we were not going to attack, Colby salvoed our bombs, and as
we pulled away a few P-38s circled us for a minute or two until we got fairly well away
and under an overcast we could use to hide in case of an attack. Then, suddenly, we
were alone---and we felt as if it had settled down to just us against the whole damned
universe!
Colby, John W., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
I didn’t know how badly we were hurt but, except for the terrific jerking in the
control column, the ship seemed to react to control more or less normally. Then someone
in the back said something on the interphone about the life raft and the left elevator. I
looked as far to the rear as I could out of my window and saw the life raft flapping gaily
on our elevator stabilizer!
About that time, I think, we saw land ahead and to the left of us. I headed for it,
hoping to be as near as possible if we had to go down. That turned out to be a mistake--not a bad one as it developed, but it had beautiful possibilities of being my last one! The
elevator controls still shook, but sometime during our run away the shaking had
diminished considerably. It was now more of a quiver and the ship was no longer so
difficult to control. It flew almost normally. I didn’t have time to wonder why or exactly
when it stopped, but I found out later that the turret gunner had manned a waist gun and
had shot the CO2 bottle that was beating hell out of the control surfaces. That one little
job saved me no end of worry and trouble and may even have saved the ship and our
lives. That shot took nerve---a miss just a couple of inches low our entire left elevator
and rudder may well have gone.
But the problem at the moment was the land we were approaching. Where in hell
are we? There was a lake just in-shore with ships of all sizes in it and a town on the far
right (west) side built on the slope of a hill. Colby looked his maps over for that lake and
that town. It wasn’t on the map where he thought it should have been. We were a mite
slow in figuring it out.
Suddenly big black bursts of smoke appeared on all sides---and close! Colby’s
eyes got as big as half-dollars and he yelled: ‘That’s Bizerte! Let’s get the hell out of
here!’
Colby, John W., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
His suggestion was the best he ever made and so I did some evasive action---mild
stuff, though, for fear of what might happen to the elevator. I still didn’t know how badly
it was damaged. At the moment it seemed to be flying O.K., and that was all that I was
interested in.
We headed west for a while, dodging around and through rain showers until we
got to Cape Rosa where we set our course for home. Several small groups of P-38s gave
us a few scares until we were able to identify them. Otherwise, we made it home without
incident.
Just as we came within sight of the field, Lalum called over the interphone from
the tail, “Sir your entire left elevator control surface is gone. Thought I’d tell you before
you landed.” He shouldn’t have said that! I had been scared enough for one day and
with that I got enough for a lifetime…
Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner
With the exception of a little extra pressure forward on the stick on our approach,
the ship landed normally. When I cut the switches, Nixon stuck his hand out to me and
whispered something like ‘Thank God!’ and grinned a grin that had his heart in it.
Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt, pilot,
It developed that besides the life raft on the tail, a 20mm shot had had caught the
elevator squarely and had knocked a hole in it almost as big as the surface itself.
Checking up, we could find no reason for the life raft to come out—the safety catch had
been wired down just the night before and, although the cover and latch were gone, we
could find no evidence of it’s have been shot.
Further investigation revealed that one gun on the turret had been bent. It, of
course, was useless during the flight. The tail gun, too, had been out of order although
both of them had checked out O.K. shortly after we took off. The trouble with the tail gun
was a faulty feed, but we have never figured out what bent the turret gun. If they were
pointed toward the port side when the life raft flew out, the right gun would have been
hit, but it was the left gun that was bent. That one will probably never be explained.
We landed just ahead of the main formation and when we found out what
happened to the rest of the boys, we began to realize how very lucky we had been! Duke
and Ackley had been shot down at sea on the way home, and no one knew how they had
fared. Burns had had to feather an engine right after the attack on the target and had
been considerably shot up by fighters on the way home. He had crash landed at Bone
with his engineer wounded and his gunner dead. His ship had been all shot to pieces.
Fineman’s ship had a jagged hole in one of the main braces in the bomb bay section and
had been shot up generally. Seel’s airplane had suffered generally, too. His hydraulic
system was cutup and they had to lower the wheels and flaps manually---never an easy
job. A flak shell had gone completely through his wing, inboard of the right engine,
going through a gas tank on the way. Capt. Sampson got one .30 caliber hole in his
wing—nothing more!
These men came back over almost the same route we did. They got hit by fighters,
and we, alone and crippled, didn’t. You explain it, if it isn’t luck, pure and simple!!!
Fineman, Ernest, 1Lt, pilot
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot
three (4): At 13:30 17 planes off to bomb L/G at Tebaga North. 1224 bombs dropped at
14:50 at 4,500 feet. All planes down 16:20. Approximately 40 to 50 S/E planes and 10
two engine planes were seen dispersed around field, some in revetments. Bombs dropped
among planes and several S/E planes left burning, one two engine plane seen to explode.
Slight heavy, inaccurate flak. Four enemy planes were attacked by Spitfires and did not
come in. Weather: Scattered clouds 5/10th at 7000 feet.
A/C No. 41-29770
Plumlee, Eldon A., 2Lt
P Culp, Merle H., 1Lt
DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt
CP Stewart, John C., 2Lt
N Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt
Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt
E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt
Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt
R Watrous, Roger T., Sgt
Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-13163
A/C No. 41-29765
Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt
P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 2Lt
McCurry, Milton L., 2Lt
CP Bruton, John E., 2Lt
Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt
N Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt
E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt
Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt
R Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt
Wallace, John R., S/Sgt
G White, George E., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-13205
A/C No. 41-29769
McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”,
2Lt
Campbell, John F., 2Lt
Mims, Joe Argailus, 2Lt
N Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt
Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt
R Lottes, Richard O., Sgt
McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-30001
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander, 445th
P Sinclair, Ervin W. Jr., 1Lt
BS
Bowman, William W., 2Lt
CP Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt
Ligarde Honore (NMI), 2Lt
N None
Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt
B Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt
Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt
E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt
Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt
R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt
Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt
G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt
None
F None
In Italy during the night of 20/21 March, B-24's attack the harbor and
surrounding area of Naples, hitting a vessel, the city area, and in the vicinity of the
railroad yards.
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb targets, including a highway, in the Gabes
area. They are escorted by almost 100 P-40's.
In Tunisia, during the night of 20/21 March, RAF Wellingtons bomb
the docks at Ferryville. On the morning of 21 Mar, B-17's, with P-38 escort, attack the
landing grounds at Djebel Tebaga, and Mezzouna. Elements of the US 1st Armored
Division push toward Maknassy, placing it under artillery fire in preparation for the
assault on the town. The 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group which
has been operating it's C-47's from Telergma, Algeria returns to its base at Blida, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The fifth mission of 17 planes took off at 1305 on March 21,
1943 to bomb the landing ground at Mezzouna. No bombs were dropped, as the target
was not reached due to bad weather and because the fighter-escort failed to show up.
Flight leaders were Capt. Clayton H. Heinlen and Lieut. Clayton Isaacson. Col.
Crosthwaite was an observer.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(No mission report)
OPERATIONS ORDER # 5, 21 Mar 1943
1. Order Number (Tel message): (1583) (A).
2. Target: Landing Ground, Djebel – Tebaga (N).
3. Number and Type aircraft sent (Squadron breakdown): 16, B-25’s.
(445 – 9) (447 – 6) (448 – 1)
4. Route out: Ain M’Lila to local, circling, awaiting escort which did not appear.
5. T.O.T. (on sweep this is I.P.): Target not reached – Weather and no escort.
6. Route back: Local to Ain M’Lila.
7. Number and type fighters (Friendly): Did not show up.
8. Bomb load: Maximum frag cluster.
9. Signal Instructions: None.
10. KNAPP.
CHARLES T. OLMSTED
Lt. Colonel, Air Corps,
Operations Officer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
2. At 1305
_17__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ L/G at Mezzouna N. _None_
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. _None_ dropped ___any___ bombs at __0_ from ___0__. __17__
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
Altitude No. A/C
returned at 1500.
Time
3. Returned because of weather and no escort.
4. None.
5. Increasing cloudiness towards target area at 6000 to 14000 ft.
6. None.
Flight leaders: Captain Clayton H., Heinlen
Lieut. Clayton Isaacson
Observer: Colonel Crosthwaite.
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON,
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Capt. MacFarlane was transferred to Hq. Lt. J.B. Fisher assigned
from Hq. On this date, the remainder of the ground crew left Oujda for Ain M’Lila.
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt, pilot
MacFarlane, William V., Capt, pilot, Personnel Officer
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX: Col.
Olmsted led today’s formation of 17 B-25’s (9 from the 445th) which took off at 13:05
hours to bomb Mezzouna with fragmentation bombs. The mission was incomplete due to
the weather conditions and failure of 24 P-38’s to rendezvous which was to be our escort.
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
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
Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt
Mamerow, George A., 2Lt
None
Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt
Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt
Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, S/Sgt
Ewald, Paul E., T/Sgt
None
Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt
None
None
None
None
Nebesnak, Edward R., S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
None
Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt
Matthews, Earl L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13158
Cratin, William S., 1Lt
Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt
Nichols, William C., M/Sgt
Bruyneel, Dennis A., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29772 “The Wolf”
Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt
Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt
Reasoner, Erie E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13183
N None
R Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt
F None
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX:
mission # 5, Squadron # 3: led by Lt. Griffith. The target was a L/G at Mezzouna, but
because of bad weather and lack of escort, the target was not reached.
Griffith,
Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt
P
CP Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt
N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
B Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt
E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
R Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt
G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12928 “Buzz Wagon”
P Bailey, Harold Merle “Buzz”, 1Lt
CP Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt
B Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt
E Mitchell, Edgar V. S/Sgt
R Haasch, George F., S/Sgt
G Grant, Ronald A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13212
Stine, Donald A., 1Lt
Cox, James L., 2Lt
None
Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt
Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt
Trepple, John J., Sgt
Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt
None
Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt
Carlisle, Howard L., 2Lt
Cosner, Oliver J. “Ollie”, 1Lt
Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt
Martin, William L., S/Sgt
Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt
Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13196 “Avenger”
Lovingood, Willard J. “Bill”, 1Lt
Cleary, Philip B., 2Lt
None
Cordes, Jacob H., Jr., 1Lt
Kralicek, Frank C., S/Sgt
Foley, Gerald M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13197
P Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt
CP Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt
N None
B Beyer, William J., 2Lt
E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
R Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt
G Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-29771
None
Haresign, James M., S/Sgt
None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX: The
squadron was scheduled to participate in a mission today and some of the planes did take
off. The weather closed in, however, and the planes turned back. The remainder of the
ground echelon at Oujda boarded a train today for Ain M’Lila.
A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble”
P Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt
CP Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt
N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
E Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
R Balsom, James P., T/Sgt
G Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30002
P Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt
CP Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt
N None
B Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt
E Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt
R Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
None
Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt
None
None
Tate, Roy W., 2Lt
None
Lady”
P DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt
N None
E Joseph, Edward R., S/Sgt
R Wilson, Leo W., Pvt
G Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind”
(spare) (only A/C and pilot identified –
likely crew is)
P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt
CP Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
N Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 2Lt
E Parker, Robert (NMI), S/Sgt
R Jondro, John M., Sgt
G Armstrong, Robert E., M/Sgt
F None
II”
Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt
Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt
None
Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt
Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt
O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt
Murphy, John F., S/Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 22)
TARGET: Mezzouna L/G
1:55 Plane 371
“Failed to reach target because of weather and no escort.”
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX:
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-29770
Olmsted, Charles T., Col, HQ 321st BG
Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt
Mims, Joe Argailus, 2Lt
None
four (6): At 12:40 17 planes off to bomb but when fighter escort failed to meet at
rendezvous point, mission returned after circling slight into enemy territory. Weather:
Very poor visibility.
Colby, Arthur R., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-13170
P Stultz, Raymond B., 1Lt
CP Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt
N Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt
E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt
R Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt
G Mahan, John J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye”
Moore,
Leland A., 1Lt
P
CP Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt
N Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt
E Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt
R Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt
G Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13163
P Veum, Ole E., 1Lt
CP Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
N Holt, William E., 2Lt
E Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt
R Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt
G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 441-29765
Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt
McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt
Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt
Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt
Wallace, John R., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29776
None
A/C No. 41-13205
Davies, Robert D., 1Lt
Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt
Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt
Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt
None
Jakse, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt
None
P
Culp, Merle H., 1Lt
Stewart, John C., 2Lt
Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt
Watrous, Roger T., Sgt
Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30001
E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt
R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt
F None
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-29770
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st
BG
Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt
Mims, Joseph A., 2Lt
None
In Italy, during the night of 21/22 Mar, RAF Liberators, under
operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb Naples.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Gabes area, bombing a road junction, motor
transport, and troop concentrations. P-40's fly 5 escort missions during the day. British
ground forces, after expanding the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead during 21/22 Mar, are
severely handicapped by heavy rain. The enemy counter-attacks and forces 50 Division
to give ground.
In the Atlantic, German submarine U-524, is sunk north of the
Canary Islands at 3O-15N 18-13W, by aircraft of 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy).
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
Wellingtons hit the landing ground near Sfax during the night of 21/22 March. Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous reconnaissance and patrol
missions while A-20's bomb Mezzouna and fighter-bombers hit motor transport and tanks
in the northern Tunisian battle area.
In the Mediterranean, B-26's on a sea sweep attack vessels near
Zembra Island.
In Sicily, B-17's bomb shipping in the harbor at Palermo.
445th BS War Diary: There is no mission today. We had eight ships to fly practice
formation flights. The weather continues to be very unpleasant.
446th BS War Diary: Balance of Squadron left Oujda for Ain M’Lila.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties at Ain M’Lila. Ground echelon enroute.
In Italy, B-24's bomb Messina, concentrating on the ferry slip.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Mareth area. P-40's fly fighter-bomber
operations and bomber escort over the battle area as the British 50 Division withdraws
from the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead under cover of artillery fire.
In Tunisia, during the night of 22/23 March, RAF Wellingtons hit El
Maou Airfield near Sfax. During the day, B-17's bomb shipping in Bizerte harbor.
Fighters fly reconnaissance and patrol, bomb and strafe trucks, tanks, and troops near Bir
Zallujah, hit tanks and trucks east of Mezzouna and Maknassy, and east of El Guettar,
where the enemy ground forces are making thrusts toward the town.
445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled for today. There were a couple
practice formation flights and 1 ship was slow timed. The Arabs have presented
themselves as quite a problem by helping themselves to such things which they call
“souvenirs” such as barracks bags and the men’s equipment.
446th BS War Diary: Squadron en route.
447th BS War Diary: Two mission were scheduled for today but had to be cancelled
because the weather.
In Italy, B-24's attack the ferry installations at Messina. Direct hits
are scored in the target area and adjacent railroad yards and naval oil and storage tanks
are set afire. Just before midnight, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX
Bomber Command, blast the docks at Messina.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit Zarat. P-40's fly an escort, armed
reconnaissance, and strafing mission. The British Eighth Army prepares to assault the
west flank of the Mareth Line.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's
hit shipping and the dock area at Ferryville. B-26's bomb the La Smala des Souassi
landing ground and B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga North landing ground. Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's and B-25's hit troop concentrations near El
Guettar (where the US 1st Infantry Division is under attack) and the landing ground at
Djebel Tebaga. Fighters escort bombers and strafe ground forces along the battleline. HQ
68th Observation Group and its 16th and 122nd Observation Squadrons transfer from
Oujda, French Morocco to Berrechid, French Morocco. The 16th and 122nd, with P-38's,
P-39's, P-40's and Spitfires, begin training fighter pilots.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The sixth mission took off at 1435 on March 24, 1943 with
15 planes to bomb Djebel Tebaga (N). They dropped 1,056 twenty-pound frag bombs
from 7,000 feet at 1554. Three planes were seen taking off in the path of bomb bursts.
Seven or eight planes were seen on the ground and in revetments on the south side of the
field. Flak positions were hit and strafed. Landing ground was well covered with bursts.
Flak was heavy and intense: the altitude correct, but somewhat behind. Flight leaders
were: Capt. Schwane, Lieut. Peter D. Taylor, Capt. Sampson and Lieut. Hamilton M.
Brinkley. Observers were Col. Crosthwaite, Maj Pinger and Maj. Pemberton. Fourteen
planes returned at 1710. One B-25 was struck by flak near the target and the tail was
blown off. Four parachutes were observed in the air. Casualties were Lieuts. Donald A.
Stine, Lieut. James L. Cox, Lieut. Ernest T. Brewster, Sgt. Howard H. Midkiff, Sgt. John
J. Trepple and Sgt. Thomas A. Lewis, all of the 446th Bombardment Squadron. Lieut.
Stine was later reported as being a prisoner of war of the German Army.
Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, Group Intelligence Officer
Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Group Surgeon
Crew of downed 446th BS ship:
Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
Cox, James L., 2Lt, pilot
Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt, turret gunner
Stine, Donald A., 2Lt, pilot
Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
th
Taylor, Peter D., 2Lt, pilot, 446 BS
Trepple, John J., Sgt, radio-gunner, radar
2. At 1435
_15__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ at Djebel Tebaga (N). _None_
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. __15___ dropped 1056 – 20 lb. fragmentation bombs at 1554 from
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
7000 ft. __14__ returned at 1710.
Altitude No. A/C
Time
3. Three (3) planes were seen taking off in path of bomb bursts. Seven (7) or eight (8)
planes were observed on ground and in revetments on south side of field. Flak
positions were hit and strafed. Landing ground was well covered by bursts. One (1)
B-25 was struck by flak near target, and tail blown off. Four (4) parachutes were
observed in air.
4. Air – Three (3) ME-109’s taking off from field.
Marine – None.
Flak – Heavy and intense. Altitude correct but somewhat behind.
5. Weather – To Target: Clear, high overcast at 14,000 ft.
Target: Same as above.
Return: Same as above.
6. Press data – None.
Flight leaders: Capt. Henry H. Schwane
Lieut. Peter D. Taylor
Capt. Raymond D. Sampson
Lieut. Hamilton M. Brinkley
Observer: Colonel Crosthwaite.
Major Pinger
Major Pemberton
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Again today the weather interfered with the mission.
mission # 6, Squadron # 4: Formation led by Major Schwane using 9 planes. Target was
L/G north of Djebel Tebaga. Frag bombs gave fair results but dearly paid for when plane
#41-13212 crashed over the target, a victim of heavy flak which hit in the radio
compartment. There were two definite casualties, and one probable. The crew was
composed of Lt. Stine, pilot; Lt Brewster, bombardier; Sgt. Trepple, radio operator;
S/Sgt. Lewis, turret gunner; and S/Sgt. Midkiff, engineer. Lts. Cox and Brewster, and
S/Sgt. Midkiff were probable casualties, while the others were all reported safe.
A/C No. 41-13212 (MACR-14577 shot
A/C No. 41-12947 “Arkansas
down over target by anti-aircraft fire)
Traveler”
Stine,
Donald
A.,
2Lt
Williams,
Wallace
(NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
P
2Lt
Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr. “Big Moe”,
CP Cox, James L., 2Lt
2Lt
None
N None
Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
B Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt
Travis, Edward J., S/Sgt
E Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt
Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt
R Trepple, John J., Sgt
G Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-13200
A/C No. 41-29764 “Montana Sheep
Herder”
P Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt
Boyd, Kenneth E., 2Lt
CP Coffey, Noel Francis, 2Lt
None
N None
B Meehan, James M., 2Lt
Misik, John (NMI), S/Sgt
E Perkins, Lawrence W., T/Sgt
Maguire, Joseph F., S/Sgt
R Shields, James A., Sgt
Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt
G Sarver, Lawrence J., S/Sgt
None
F None
P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt,
Commander
G Peters, Melvin E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13197
P Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt
CP Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt
N None
B Beyer, William J., 2Lt
E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
R Rubidoux, Louis Walter, S/Sgt
G Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt
F Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st
BG (observer)
A/C No. 41-29771
P VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt
CP Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt
N None
B Harris, Posey T., 2Lt
E Kniffin, George Kenneth, Pvt
R Hoffman, Louis E., T/Sgt
G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt
F None
Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt
Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt
None
Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt
Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
(observer)
Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt
None
Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt
Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt
Haasch, George F., Sgt
Grant, Ronald A., S/Sgt
None
446th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 14577: “Airplane No. 42-13212
was hit in the radio-compartment by heavy anti-aircraft fire over the target and was seen
to crash. In the interrogation by S-2 section it was reported that four (4) parachutes were
seen to open.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13212 (MACR-14577 shot down over target by anti-aircraft fire)
Stine, Donald A., 2Lt - MIA, POW, returned
Cox, James L., 2Lt - KIA
None
Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt - KIA
Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt - KIA
Trepple, John J., Sgt - MIA, POW, returned
Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt - KIA
None
Statements from INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE completed by S/Sgt John
J. Trepple:
“I am sorry that I will not be able to give you much information. I’ll try to
explain what happened so you can better understand the situation. We were flying in
formation and had just released our bombs. We were hit and as far as I know I was
immediately blown or fell from the ship. I was wounded in the eyes and was unable to
see at all until the next day. I could not obtain any information in regards to the rest of
the crew from the Germans. I did not know anything at all about any of the crew until
later (1 year) I learned that the pilot Lt. Donald A. Stine. Was alive and a P.O.W.
In April 1945 I met the pilot (Lt. Stine) in a camp in Germany. He too was blown
from the ship. He gave me some information on Lt. James L. Cox. Please see his
information sheet.”
“Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt: He did not have his parachute on at the time that we
were hit. The ship blew up as I was blown (or fell) from it. I was temporarily
blinded so I was not able to see if anyone else was blown out and able to open
chutes.
Brewster, Ernest I, 2nd Lt: Not much only things happened so fast that I doubt
that he was able to get out in time. My pilot said that he was injured. The pilot
told me that Lt. Cox was wounded and either dead or unconscious at the time that
Lt. Stine was blown from the ship.
Stine, Donald A., 2nd Lt: The pilot Lt. Stine bailed out through the escape hatch
above the pilot’s compartment. He suffered no injuries other than a sprained
ankle upon striking the ground.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Statements from INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE completed by 1st Lt.
Donald A. Stine:
“Sgt. Trepple, waste gunner - rad. Oper. Was blown out by explosion of A.A.
shell which blew fuselage completely in two just at spot where he was. I was thrown out
thru glass roof of cockpit.
I saw no others landing by parachute, but was dazed, and could have missed them.
Germans reported counting four chutes, but otherwise the bomb., Lt Brewster was in
nose, Co-pilot, Lt Cox in cockpit, turret gunner, Sgt Lewis, in turret, tail gunner, Sgt
Midkiff, in tail.
I have seen Sgt Trepple in Mooseberg, Germany, and on ship coming home, but
no others, since before last mission.
Our airplane was blown up by an A. A. shell, which battery commander who
captured me reported as a 150 mm. There was no chance for anyone to check anyone
else’s condition. I was dazed and the other known survivor was blinded.”
“Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt: His parachute was a snap-on type located near turret.
He was in tail section of ship, which was severed from the front section. I believe
he must have been killed.
Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt: Radio oper. Reported Sgt Midkiff had removed his
chute just before bomb run. He was in the severed rear section of fuselage. He
must have been killed.
Brewster, Ernest I, 2nd Lt: His chute, a snap-on type, was in Nav. Comp., and
he’d have had to go through crawlway to get it, which would have been almost
impossible, due to violence of spin.
Cox, James L., 2Lt: Germans on ground reported they had found him in
wreckage, and buried his body. They showed me his dog tag.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS Special Account: Today we lost our first plane in combat. In a raid on the
Tebaga North L/G, in southern Tunisia Lt. Stine’s plane was destroyed by flak. The crew
included Lt. Stine, pilot; Lt. Cox, co-pilot; Lt. Brewster, bombardier-navigator; S/Sgt.
Midkiff, engineer; S/Sgt. Lewis, turret gunner; and Sgt. Trepple, radio operator. Four
parachutes were seen to open. No word was heard of the crew until word came that Lt.
Stine was a prisoner of war. Nothing has been heard of any of the rest of the crew. The
following is an eye-witness account of the loss of that plane:
On March 24, 1943 the 321st Bombardment Group was briefed to bomb the
Tebaga North L/G. As we approached the target the formation spread out into bombing
formation. Lt. Stine was flying on Lt. Griffith’s wing in the element just to my left. We
had just dropped our bombs when I looked out to the left to observe the effect of the
intense flak. Just as my eyes fell on Lt. Stine’s plane it seemed to break into two pieces
aft of the turret. In the next second the forward piece nosed down and the aft section fell
backwards. We then made a bank to the right and the plane left my line of vision.
PETER D. TAYLOR
Captain, Air Corps.
Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
Cox, James L., 2Lt, pilot
Griffith, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot
Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt, turret gunner
Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt, pilot
Trepple, John J., Sgt, radio-gunner, radar
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot:
“Now we realize that this fight is no game, and it is ‘Them or us.” As missions came we
began to improve. There was a lot of dissension and argument in the Group, mostly
cause we were green. As I write this it actually seems comic those first weeks. We knew
so little. That is where I got the full meaning of Dad’s saying ‘good soldiers make
mistakes. There are no exceptions.’ We had bull sessions on combat for hours on end
and cussed everybody, even Col. Knapp. ‘Col. Bob and his flying circus.’ Except when I
flew, my thoughts were always at home. Brantwood, and what I was going to do when I
got home. Barbie and everything.
Well to get on. I had the ‘Traveler’ then and ‘Big Moe’ Morris as co-pilot, S/Sgt
Porter was my enlisted bombardier and plenty good. He is a qualified gunner,
bombardier, armament man and Norden sight instructor. McKibben was engineer;
Sheehan radioman. Had Mac and Zook back in the States. All in all it is a damn fine
crew.
McKibben, Walter D., Jr., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr. "Big Moe", 2Lt, pilot Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt, bombardier
Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt, gunner
Well, the rains came fast and the missions slow. Everything was getting in the
groove, but I had to turn back two or three times with guns out of order. Once, the
escape hatch blew off about 100 feet over the end of the runway.
Six of us lived in a pyramidal tent and it was a bit crowded. There were always
arguments, but we had fun anyway. That is til March 24th. That day we went at an
airfield near Sousse and Don Stine was knocked down. A lucky burst of flak right in the
fuselage. He is safe now in a German prison camp and his family hears from him. The
321st lost one of its best pilots and me, one of my best friends.”
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 7/mission 6) Group Mission # 6: Six of our
planes took part in a mission today. The target was the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga.
All of our planes returned safely.
II”
P Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt
CP Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt
N None
B Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt
E Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt
R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt
G Murphy, John F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
None
None
Lady”
P Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt,
Commander
N None
E Joseph, Edward R., S/Sgt
R Wilson, Leo W., Pvt
G Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt
F None
P Shapiro, Leonard L. “Shap”, 2Lt
CP Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt
N None
B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
E Murray, George F., S/Sgt
R Waldrip, Robert Laseter, T/Sgt
G Rider, Lawrence E. “Bus”, S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13007 “The Harp”
Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt
Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt
O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt
Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt
Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt
None
Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 2Lt
Parker, Robert B., S/Sgt
Fryer, John R., T/Sgt
Armstrong, Robert E., M/Sgt
None
TARGET: Tebaga L/G
2:35 Plane 371
“Flak very accurate for the altitude. One B-25 struck by flak. Tail blown off. 4
parachutes observed in the air.”
In Tunisia, B-25's, in the early daylight hours, bomb installations in
the Mareth area. P-40's attack motor transport, tanks, and communications targets in the
battle area. During the night of 25/26 Mar heavy, medium and light bombers blast forces
gathering in the El Hamma area.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's
bomb the docks and shipping at Sousse. B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga landing ground.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous patrols, sweeps,
and reconnaissance flights over the battle areas. Northwest African Tactical Bomber
Force (NATBF) bombers hit the Djebel Tebaga Airfield and motor transport west of Sfax
and Sousse during the night of 24/25 March). XII Air Support Command medium
bombers and fighters hit Djebel Tebaga Airfield, vehicles near Gabes, Mezzouna,
Maknassy, and at several other points in the battle area. The 416th Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's arrives at Navarin,
Algeria from the U.S. The squadron will fly its first mission on 31 Mar.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On March 25, 1943, the seventh mission of 15 planes took
off on a sea search at 0705. No bombs were dropped and the mission returned with all
planes at 11.30. Light flak was fired from a motor boat. Flight leaders were Lieut. Col.
Olmsted and Maj. Cook.
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, Group Executive
The eighth mission of 15 B-25s took off at 0935 on March 25, 1943 to bomb the
Landing Ground at Djebel Tebaga (N). They dropped 1,020 twenty-pound frag bombs
from 8,000 feet at 1115. All planes returned at 1230. The bomb pattern was seen
exploding over the entire landing ground. Excellent coverage was obtained. Blue smoke
was seen over the field and 10 single-engine planes were parked at the south end of the
field. A few larger ships were observed dispersed over the field. Flak was heavy and
intense, somewhat trailing. Planes were fired on 25 miles SE of Gafsa. Flight leaders
were Col. Robert D. Knapp and Capt. Heinlen. Col Kellogg was an observer on this
mission.
Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 448th BS
Kellogg, Col, HQ 57th BW
2. At 0705
Mission No. A/C
_None_ dropped ___any___ bombs. __15__ returned at 1710.
No. A/C
No. & Type
No. A/C
Time
3. None.
4. AIR: None.
MARINE: Motor boat at 0856 at 37°53’N, 11°45’E fired light flak.
FLAK: See marine.
5. To Target: CAVU, slight haze on water.
Target
: Same as above.
Return
: CAVU, slight haze.
Flight leaders: Lt. Colonel Charles T. Olmsted
Major Bailey C., Cook
Observer:
Major, Air Corps,
2. At 0935
_15__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ L/G at Djebel Tebaga N. _None_
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. __15__ dropped 1020 – 20 lb fragmentation bombs at 1115 from
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
8000 ft. __15__ returned at 1230.
Altitude No. A/C
Time
3. Pattern of bombs was seen exploding over entire landing ground. Excellent coverage
was obtained. Blue smoke was observed over field.
4. AIR: Ten (10) S/E planes were parked at south end of field. Also a few larger ships
dispersed around field.
MARINE: None.
FLAK: Heavy and intense, somewhat trailing. Mainly from N/E of field and from
grove on south side. Also fired few rounds from 34°8’N, 9°10’E, 6 or 8
guns just south of a small settlement. Also fired on 35 miles S/E of Gafsa.
5. To Target: Clear, slight haze in ground.
Target: Hazy and dusty.
Return: Hazy, high thin ceiling.
Number of sorties flown this date – 30 (Total for both missions)
Capt. Clayton H. Heinlen
Observer: Col. Kellogg (not on any crew list)
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Nicholson and S/Sgt. Reasoner were injured while cleaning
their guns in their ship when a ruptured round in the chamber kicked off the buffer plate.
Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt, gunner
Reasoner, Erie E., S/Sgt, transportation, gunner
Group # 7, Squadron # 4, 9 Sorties: 15 planes (9 of the 445th) took off at 07:30 for a sea
search led by Major Cook. There were 36 P-38’s of the 82nd for escort, of which 2
returned early. 1260 rounds of ammunition were used to clear the guns. No attacks were
made by the bombers. The only shipping seen were two small motor boats or barges at
09:15 which were strafed by the escort. The escort destroyed one HEE-115. One P-38
down (cause unknown). All of the bombers returned at 13:15.
P
CP
N
B
Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt
Chereski, John F., T/Sgt
None
Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 2Lt
Miller, Roy N., 2Lt
None
Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt
Katz, Paul F., T/Sgt
VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
None
Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt
Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13158
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander
Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 2Lt
E
R
G
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
A/C No. 41-13183
Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt
Johnson, Richard S., 2Lt
None
Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt
Lippincott, Spencer L., S/Sgt
Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt
Campbell, Theodore W., Sgt
None
Cracknell, Frank K., T/Sgt
Reasoner, Erie E., S/Sgt
None
None
Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt
None
None
None listed, likely Klunk, Edward F.,
S/Sgt
None
P Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt
CP Hughes, Clarke E., 2Lt
N None
B None listed – likely Rokotz, Peter (NMI),
Sgt
E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
R Curtis, Richard T., T/Sgt
G Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt
F None
Group # 8, Squadron # 6, 3 Sorties: The second mission for today was led by Col. Knapp
and the target was Djebel Tebaga (North) landing ground. The formation of 15 B-25’s (3
of the 445th) took off at 09:35 with 36 P-40’s of the 33rd Fighter Group and 24 Spitfires of
the 31st Fighter Group for escort. 1020 x 20 lb. (216 x 20 lb by the 445th) frag bombs
were dropped on the target from 8800 ft. at 11:15. All ships returned at 12:30. 10 enemy
aircraft were parked at the south end of the field. Several twin-engine aircraft were
dispersed elsewhere. The field was well covered with bombs, but the results were
obscured by dust. Intense heavy flak was encountered at the target and from 6 to 8 gun
emplacements south of a nearby town.
A/C No. 42-53373
Knapp,
Robert
Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG
P
Commander
B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt, 448th
BS
M/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-29767 “Flying Patch”
N None
R Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt
G Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt
F None
None
Martinez, Elmo J. “Moe”, M/Sgt
Garner, Argyle R., S/Sgt
None
mission # 8, Squadron # 5: Three planes led by Lt. Griffith. Frags were again used on
Djebel Tebaga. The mission was not completed because of weather.
Foley, Gerald M., S/Sgt
None
P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt
N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-29771
None
447th BS War Diary: Our squadron participated in two missions today. Word was
received today that Lt. Duke’s crew had survived the crash at sea. S/Sgt Govoni was
killed before the crash but the rest of the crew are in a British hospital. They managed to
get into life raft when the plane crashed and row ashore. They were behind enemy lines
and it took them three days to make their way to British outposts. It was very good news
to one and all in the squadron to hear that they are alright.
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/mission 7) Group Mission # 7: The first
was a sea sweep. Only one of our planes took part in it. Nothing was sighted and the
plane returned safely.
P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt
CP Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
E Parker, Robert B., S/Sgt
R Jondro, William G., Jr., Sgt
G Armstrong, Robert E., M/Sgt
F None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 9/mission 8) Group Mission # 8: The second
mission was the landing ground at Tebaga. Two of our planes took part in this raid. Both
returned safely.
P Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30002
P Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt
CP Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt
N None
B Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt
E Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt
R Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
None
Tate, Roy W., 2Lt
None
McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 2Lt
Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt
Colby, John W., 2Lt
Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt
Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt
Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt
None
TARGET: Sea Sweep
4:25 Plane 371
“Enemy torpedo boat sighted and strafed by P-38’s.”
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: “Well, I have safely lived
through my second raid on the enemy. It was duck soup!
At about 9:30 in the morning on this date seventeen ships took off loaded with
frag bombs intended for a landing field just northwest of Gabes. Fifteen of the seventeen
ships were scheduled to make the trip, and two were spares. I was one of the spares, and
the sixteenth ship off.
All the other ships were from the east side of the field and I was from the west
side---and so I had the entire west side of the runway to myself. So when the 15 ships
took off, I beat the other spare to the draw and got off ahead of him. I don’t know what
happened to him---I didn’t see him at any time after we left the ground so I don’t know if
he made the trip or not.
I climbed up above the formation and flew along above and to the right of them so
I could see any of them that might turn back. We must have counted those ships a dozen
times, and each time there were 15.
We checked our guns as we flew over a large, almost dry, salt lake and all
positions reported in O.K. We followed the formation a little past the lake and were
about to give up and turn back when the ship on Capt. Heinlen’s right wing gave a
landing signal and turned off to the right. A spot! I couldn’t see the other spare
anywhere, but took no chances of losing out to him. I heeled it over in a left diving turn
and pulled up fast and stuck there.
We must have flown that way about 10 minutes when Heinlen’s ship gave us a
landing signal and dropped away. The other wing ship apparently didn’t get it and
started to follow Heinlen down. I made a climbing turn to the left for quite a way out
then came back toward the formation wondering whether I should take the lead or not.
Heinlen, though, had apparently changed his mind and was pulling back into position--so I dropped a little and pulled back up on his wing.
We flew on to Thelepte where we circled the field twice and picked up an escort of
Spitfires---I don’t know how many, but there was a bunch of them.
Shortly after leaving Thelepte we passed over the lines and I saw a lot of smoke
and what appeared to be a battle in the hills. Immediately we got a little flak and started
climbing. The flak didn’t last long and we flew the rest of the way at about 10,000 ft. and
in the clear.
We must have missed our target because we made an almost 180° turn to the left
in light flak, and after a very few minutes dropped our bombs and made a diving turn to
the left heading northwest. Flak over the target was kinda thick---we got several holes.
One slug went up through our right wing, two just caught the back end of the right engine
nacelle---went through it and the fuselage just behind the right waist gun and into the
turret gunner’s left thigh. Just one piece got to him, though, and it went all the way
through---in and out about 4 inches apart. Another slug hit just ahead of the co-pilot’s
windshield and went down through the instruments damaging only one small unimportant
wire. Part of it was found among the instruments and part under my left rudder pedal.
Another small piece went through the fuselage about 18 inches ahead of the tail, causing
no damage.
The trip back was quiet and routine formation flying. Nixon went back over the
bomb bay to help dress Osowiecki’s wound and reported that he wasn’t badly hurt and
was busy eating sulfanilamide tablets---still in the turret. When I landed, I cleared the
runway to the east and stopped by the ambulance to let him out. Doc Pinger took charge
and cleaned and dressed his wound. They found the slug of flak buried in the wool of his
heavy flying pants. And now Osowiecki has the Purple Heart and a slug of flak for
souvenirs.
Of all the 15 ships, ours was shot up most---and as you can see---it wasn’t bad…”
Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt, pilot
Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt, gunner
Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, HQ 321st BG
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/mission 7) Group Mission # 7: Mission 5
(7): At 07:05 15 planes off on sea sweep. Returned at 11:30 no bombs dropped, no E/A
seen, no targets. F/L: Colonel Olmsted, Major Cook.
Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st
BG
CP Culp, Merle H., 1Lt
N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
B Stewart, John C., 2Lt
E None listed – likely Poynter, Robert A.,
S/Sgt
R Watrous, Roger T., Sgt
F None
P Moore, Leland A., 1Lt
CP Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt
N Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt
E Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt
R Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt
G Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt
F None
P
A/C No. 41-13205
None
A/C No. 41-13170
Stultz, Raymond B., 1Lt
Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt
Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt
Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt
Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt
Mahan, John J., S/Sgt
None
(8): At 09:35 15 planes off to bomb L/G at Djebel North. Dropped frags at 1115 from
8000 feet, all planes returned at 12:30. Intense heavy, inaccurate flak, target well covered
by pattern of bombs. F/L: Knapp and Heinlen.
Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander
A/C No. 41-30001
P Heinlen, Clayton M., Capt, Commander
F Silver, George A., III, Capt (observer)
A/C No. 41-29765
P Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt
CP McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt
E Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt
R Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt
G Wallace, John R., S/Sgt
F None
F None
A/C No. 41-29774
Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt
Buchenau, Harry T., 2Lt
Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt
Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt
Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29770
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Capt
Plumlee, Eldon A., 1Lt
None
In Tunisia, B-25's attack the Mareth area, dropping over 28.5 tons of
bombs during 2 strikes. P-40's fly fighter-bomber and strafing missions, destroying or
damaging over 50 military transport vehicles, tanks, and gun emplacements. Intense
ground fire downs several US fighters. Following the aerial bombardment, Allied ground
forces renew their assault on the Mareth Line.
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Grombalia area. Other B-25's and B-17's
of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fail to complete missions because
of weather. P-39's destroy several trucks in the Maknassy-Mezzouna area. Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light and medium bombers bomb a fuel
dump at Oudref, roads and a railway near Cekhira, docks at Sfax, and the airfield at
Djebel Tebaga. Fighters strafe vehicles during armored reconnaissance between Faid and
Gabes. The 347th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
with B-17's arrives at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadron will fly its first
mission on 31 Mar.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The ninth mission took off at 0825 on March 26, 1943, with
15 planes on a sea search. No bombs were dropped. One enemy plane, believed to be a
JU-88, was observed to be shot down by our escort and seen to hit the water. Flight
leaders were Col. Knapp and Lieut. Ole E. Veum.
Veum, Ole E., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Mission ten was a dry run with 15 planes taking off at 1245 on March 28 (actually
26 Mar – see mission report 10), 1943 to bomb Djebel Tebaga (N). All planes returned at
1530. Flight leaders were Capt. Sampson, Capt. Schwane, and Col. Crosthwaite was the
observer.
2. At 0825
Mission No. A/C
_None_ dropped any bombs. __15__ returned at 1150.
No. A/C
No. & Type No. A/C
Time
3. None.
4. AIR – One (1) enemy plane, believed to be JU-88, shot down by escort and seen to
hit water.
MARINE: None.
FLAK: None.
5. To Target: Hazy, high thin overcast, visibility 10-12 miles, wind 30 MPH from 145°.
Target: Hazy.
Return: Visibility slightly improving.
Number of sorties flown this date – 15
Lieut. Ole E. Veum
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report # 10, 26 Mar 1943 (mission on 26 Mar – report written/dated 28 Mar)
Mission flown on 26th.* * * * * * * * * * 28 March 1943
2. At 1245
_15__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ L/G at Djebel Tebaga N. _None_
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. _None_ dropped any bombs. __15__ returned at 1530.
No. A/C
No. & Type No. A/C
Time
3. Did not reach Target.
4. None.
5. On way out--high thin clouds--visibility 6 to 8 miles. Return--Haze increased as went
east.
6. None.
Number of sorties flown this date – 30 (Total for both missions)
Flight leaders: Capt. Sampson
Capt. Schwane
Observer—Col. Crosthwaite.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The ground crew arrived at Ain M’Lila today via 40 & 8. The trip
took them 7 days. During the tiring trip, the men lived mostly on C-rations and were
crowded into the small cars sometimes thirty deep. They made the most of it, sleeping in
shifts.
Group # 9, Squadron # 7, 9 Sorties: Col. Knapp led 15 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) carrying
500 lb. demolition bombs on a shipping sweep north of Bizerte escorted by 25 P-38’s of
the 82nd. No enemy shipping was seen. No bombs were dropped. 1260 rounds of
ammunition were fired to clear the guns. The weather was hazy with about 2 mile
visibility. 15 miles north of Ras Ben Sekka, 1 JU-88 reconnaissance was shot down by
the P-38’s. All planes returned safely at 11:50.
A/C No. 42-53373
Commander
M/Sgt
F None
P Grau, Robert B., 1Lt
CP Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt
N None
B McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt
E Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt
R Wright, Warren D., Sgt
G Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-53428 “The Wolf II”
P Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt
CP Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
N Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 2Lt
E Martinez, Elmo J. “Moe”, M/Sgt
R Garner, Argyle R., S/Sgt
G Bryant, James C., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13158
P Cratin, William S., 1Lt
CP Bitner, William H., 2Lt
N Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt
R Nichols, William C., T/Sgt
F None
P McGee, William N., 2Lt
CP Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt
N None
B McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt
E Pierce, Richard H., T/Sgt
R Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt
G Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
None
None
Miller, Roy N., 2Lt
None
Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt
VanHall, Ernest C., S/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: Squadron en route. The ground Echelon arrived.
mission 10, Squadron 6: Seven planes with frag bombs. Formation led by Major
Schwane. Target was Djebel Tebaga, but mission was not completed because of failure
to pick up the escort.
A/C No. 41-29771
P
CP Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt,
Commander
B Marek, Joseph Rudolph, 2Lt
G Reeves, Charles F., M/Sgt
F None
P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt
N Caldwell, Herman B., 1Lt
F Crosthwaite, John C., Col, HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
CP Carlisle, Howard L., 2Lt
E Kovis, Joseph C., S/Sgt
F None
P
A/C No. 41-12947 “Arkansas
Traveler”
Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr.,
2Lt
Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
Sheehan, William F., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29764 “Montana Sheep
Herder”
Boyd, Kenneth E., 2Lt
Misik, John (NMI), S/Sgt
Maguire, Joseph F., S/Sgt
Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt
None
Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt
Haasch, George F., Sgt
None
447th BS War Diary: The ground echelon arrived at Ain M’Lila today and once more all
the squadron is together.
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 11/mission 10) Group Mission # 10: Eight
of our planes took off to go on a scheduled mission but had to turn back because of bad
weather.
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt,
Commander
Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
N None
None
F None
A/C No. 41-30002
Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt
P Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 2Lt
Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt
CP McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt
None
N None
Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt
B Tate, Roy W., 2Lt
Galich,
Michael
M.,
S/Sgt
Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt
E
Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
R Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt
Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt
G Tornio, Raymond A., Cpl
None
F None
Lady”
P Burns, John P. “Buster”, 1Lt
CP Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt
None
N None
B Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt
E Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt
Betmarik, Aleis (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
R Byerly, Lee E., Sgt
G None listed – likely Woody, James A.,
S/Sgt
None
F None
P
Shapiro, Leonard L. “Shap”, 2Lt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt
Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt
O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt
Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt
Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge
Runner”
Morton, William H. “Mort”, 1Lt
Morganti, Clyde J., 2Lt
Black, Donald (NMI) “Blackie”, 1Lt
O’Donnell, Vincent T., S/Sgt
Fryer, John R., T/Sgt
DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt
None
(9): At 08:25 15 planes off on sea sweep, returned 1150. No bombs dropped. One plane
believed hit by convoy escort JU-88’s. No flak. Weather: Hazy. F/L: Knapp and
Veum.
Moore, Leland A., 1Lt
Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt
Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt
Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt
Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt
Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt
Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt
A/C No. 41-13170
P Stultz, Raymond B., 1Lt
N Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt
E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt
R Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt
G Mahan, John J., S/Sgt
F Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-13205
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV)
A/C No. 41-13163
P Veum, Ole E., 1Lt
CP Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt
N Holt, William E., 2Lt
E Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt
R Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt
G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
Culp, Merle H., 1Lt
Stewart, John C., 2Lt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
French, George W., Sgt
Watrous, Roger T., S/Sgt
Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt
None
attack machinegun installations NE of Maknassy and a train at Mezzouna, and hit Djebel
Naimia. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) fighters on patrol claim several
aircraft shot down. Weather prevents completion of an anti-shipping sweep by North
African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's.
445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled. The weather was unsatisfactory for
sea sweeps.
446th BS War Diary: Setting up a complete camp.
447th BS War Diary: Lt. Duke and crew, Lt. Ackley, Lt. Orr, S/Sgt. Noble and S/Sgt
Drogosch returned to the squadron today. They were all dressed in British uniforms
which had been given them at the hospital. All the men had received slight wounds when
the plane crashed but none were seriously hurt.
In Tunisia, P-40's launch a fighter-bomber attack against El Hamma,
which the enemy has held as an escape corridor through which troops have been
withdrawing during the night of 27/28 Mar.
In Tunisia, weather again prevents completion of Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25 shipping strike. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) fighters attack trucks south of Maknassy and near Gabes, hit gun positions and
tanks near Mezzouna, where fierce ground fighting is taking place, and fly patrols and
reconnaissance throughout the battle areas of Tunisia. Bombers hit roads, railroads, and
military transport in the Sousse and Sfax areas during the night of 28/29 Mar. HQ 51st
Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Algiers, Algeria to La Senia, Algeria. HQ 82nd Fighter
Group and its 95th and 97th Fighter Squadrons with P-38's transfer from Telergma,
Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The eleventh mission took off at 1015 on March 28, 1943
with 15 planes to bomb Mateur. No bombs were dropped and all planes returned at 1245.
The mission was cancelled at the rendezvous. Flight leaders were Col., Knapp, Maj.
Cook and Capt. Heinlen.
2. At 1015
_18__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Mateur. _None_ returned early.
Mission Target No. A/C
_None_ dropped ___any___ bombs. __18__ returned at 1245.
No. A/C
No. & Type
No. A/C
Time
3. Mission cancelled at rendezvous.
4. Observations: None
5. Weather en route: Low Haze in valleys, alto cumulus.
Sorties flown this date – 18
Maj. Bailey C. Cook.
Capt. Clayton H. Heinlen
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Mission: (No non-mission information)
# 11, Squadron # 8, 9 Sorties: 18 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) led by Col. Knapp took off at
10:15 to bomb troop and supply concentrations at Mateur. Returned because of poor
weather and failure to rendezvous with Spitfire escort. 1540 rounds of ammunition were
fired to clear the guns. Mission incomplete but credited with full amount of sorties.
P Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt
CP Hughes, Clarke E., 2Lt
N Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt
E Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt
R Peterson, Karl R., T/Sgt
G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt
F None
P Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 1Lt
CP Olson, Walter N., 2Lt
N None
B Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt
E Krause, Kenneth K., S/Sgt
R Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt
G Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt
F None
Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt
Rokotz, Peter (NMI), S/Sgt
None
Miller, Roy N., 2Lt
Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt
VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13183
N None
R Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-53373
Commander
G Nickens, Cletus P., Pvt
F None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
P O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt
CP Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt
N None
E Martine, William E., S/Sgt
R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt
F Cooper, Robert H., Pvt
A/C No. 41-13158
None
Kelley, Edward T., 2Lt
Littleton, Willis W., S/Sgt
Garner, Argyle R., S/Sgt
Bryant, James C., T/Sgt
None
447th BS War Diary: Lt. Charles Grantham arrived at Ain M’Lila today with his crew.
He had been left behind at Morrison Field Feb. 15 because one of the gas tanks in his
plane had a leak in it. He was delayed again at Zandery for an engine change from
March 1 to March 20. All of the squadron planes had now arrived safely to the combat
zone.
Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt, pilot
Mission 8 (11): At 10:15 18 planes off to bomb Mateur. Retuned at 12:45 no bombs
dropped mission cancelled. Weather: Low haze, poor visibility. F/L: Knapp, Cook and
Heinlen.
A/C No. 41-13205
N Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
R Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV)
F Rappaport, Louis (NMI), Sgt
A/C No. 41-29770
P Plumlee, Eldon A., 1Lt
CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt
N None
B Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt
E Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt
R Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt
G Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt
F Ellison, Travis E., Cpl
A/C No. 41-29765
P Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt
CP McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt
E Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt
R Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt
G Wallace, John R., S/Sgt
F None
Jakse, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt (ASV)
None
Moore, Leland A., 1Lt
Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt
None
McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt
Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt
Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt (ASV)
Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29774
None
Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
None
P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
N None
B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
R Orman, Virgin N., S/Sgt
F None
F None
A/C No. 41-30001
Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander
Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt
Brown, Robert H., 1Lt
None
In Tunisia, B-25's attack Sfax and El Maou area, scoring hits on
several parked aircraft. P-40's fly escort and fighter-bomber missions as British ground
forces pursue the enemy north through Gabes. The British Eighth Army completes the
occupation of the Mareth Line. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 486th,
487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's arrive at El Kabrit,
Egypt from the U.S. The group will fly its first mission on 6 Apr. The 315th Fighter
Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40's arrives at El Kabrit, Egypt from the U.S.
cancels all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) operations.
bomb and strafe a truck column south of Djebel Chemsi, a troop concentration near
Mezzouna, and vehicles at other points along the Tunisian battlefront. The 4th Troop
Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group with C-47's transfers from Casablanca,
French Morocco to Nouvion, Algeria. The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light) with A-20's transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to
Canrobert, Algeria. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39's transfers
from Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
445th BS War Diary: Poor weather conditions prevented the mission today. The
Squadron personnel have become quite optimistic about the end of the North African
campaign now that Gabes has been captured.
In Italy, 3 B-24's sent to bomb the Messina ferry slip are unable to
rendezvous because of bad weather; 1 B-24 bombs the Crotone chemical factory, hitting
the center of the factory area, warehouses, and rail facilities. RAF Liberators sent against
the same target return without bombing.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit the landing ground at Sfax, scoring direct hits
on 4 aircraft. P-40's fly escort missions. British ground forces make contact with the
enemy's new line along Oued el Akarit.
halts all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) missions except fighter
reconnaissance.
bomb the area northeast of Oued Zarga, attack tanks, trucks, and troops southeast of
Slourhin, at Djebel ben Kheir, at Djebel Chemsi, near El Ayacha and El Avoua, along the
El Guettar-Mahares road, and in the El Agahea area. A-20's bomb the La Fauconnerie
Airfield, hit troops at Djebel Chemsi, and bomb tanks and troops at Djebel Berda which
is being assaulted by the US 9th Infantry Division. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light)
and it's 85th and 86th Bombardment Squadron (Light) with A-20's transfer from
Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The twelfth mission took off at 1330 and 1400 on March 30,
1943 with 15 planes on a sea search. No bombs were dropped and all planes returned at
1530 because of weather conditions. The escort turned back also. Flight leaders were
Major Cook and Capt. Heinlein, with Maj. Pemberton in the position of observer.
2. At 1330 and 1400
_15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. _None_ returned
Time
No. A/C Type A/C
Mission No. A/C
early. _None_ dropped ___any____ bombs. __15__ returned at 1530 and 1600.
No. A/C
No. & Type
No. A/C
Time
3. Returned because of weather; Escort turned back.
4. None.
Tuesday, 30 March 1943(continued)
5. To coast--ceiling 4000 ft.
At coast--visibility Zero.
2 miles out--visibility 20 miles.
6. None.
Sorties flown this date--15
Flight leaders--Major Cook, Capt. Heinlen
Observer--Major Pemberton.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)
March 30, 1943
A-3 REPORT
First Mission of March 30, 1943
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Target: Sea Sweep.
Aircraft: No. Scheduled: 15; No. off: 16; No. returned early: None.
Take off: 1333 to 1400.
Route out: Ain M’Lila to Cape Rosa.
Assault: Target not reached.
Route Back: Cape Rosa to Ain M’Lila.
Return of mission: 16 returned at 1551 and 1558.
Bombs dropped: None.
Results of mission: No results.
Enemy Action: None observed.
Escort by: 18 P-38’s of 82nd Fighter Group. Rendezvous locally.
Own Aircraft Losses: None.
Enemy Aircraft Losses: None.
Sorties: None.
Remarks: Target not reached due to weather.
ROBERT D. KNAPP,
Colonel, Air Corps,
Commanding.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission: Group # 12, Squadron # 9, No Sorties: Major Cook led 15 B-25’s (9 of the
445th) on a sea sweep off the coast of Bizerte carrying 500 lb. demo bombs. Bad weather
forced the formation to return. No bombs were dropped. 1400 rounds of ammunition
were fired to clear the guns.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13183
Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt
None
Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt
Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt
Campbell, Theodore W., S/Sgt
None
Rokotz, Peter (NMI), Sgt
None
Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt
None
Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt
Choka, Andrew J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
None
None
A/C No. 41-13158
Morgan, Robert E., Sgt
Nichols, William C., T/Sgt
Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt
None
None
Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt
Krause, Kenneth K., S/Sgt
Crumb, Lloyd P., 2Lt (observer)
Kent, William S., 2Lt
None
Gallaher, Dewitt C., S/Sgt
Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt (ASV)
A/C No. 42-53373
Larson, Harold W., 2Lt
Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt
Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt
Eagan, Joseph E., M/Sgt
Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Hughes, Clark E., 2Lt
Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt
Pierce, William V., S/Sgt
None
9 (12): At 13:30 15 planes off on sea sweep. No bombs dropped, all planes back at
15:30. Escorts of P-38’s turned back, bad weather. F/L: Cook and Heinlen.
A/C No. 41-13205
McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”
P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
“Charlie”, 1Lt
None
N None
Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt
B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt
R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV)
F Rappaport, Louis (NMI), Sgt
A/C No. 41-13170
None
N None
B Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt
Ellison, Travis E., Cpl
F Lingenfelter, Richard L. S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30001
B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13163 (spare)
Veum, Ole E., 1Lt
Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt
None
None
Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st
BG (observer)
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb Sfax Airfield; bombs explode among 6
parked airplanes. P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter-bomber operations, during which
motor transport along the highway north of Gabes is hit. The 9th Fighter Wing is
inactivated at El Kabrit, Egypt.
In Sardinia, during the night of 30/31 Mar, RAF Wellingtons bomb
Decimomannu Airfield. During the day, B-17's hit Villacidro, Monserrato and
Decimomannu Airfields and Cagliari harbor.
In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit shipping off northeastern Tunisia.
The B-l7 and B-25 missions are escorted by P-38's. In Tunisia, Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, and light and medium bombers attack La
Fauconnerie Airfield, hit concentrations on the El Guettar-Gabes road (enemy positions
through which the US II Corps is trying to break), bomb transport in the Djebel Tabouna
area, attack roads in the Mezzouna-Mahares-Sfax-Sousse areas, hit trucks, halftracks, and
tanks south of Djebel Berda and in the Djebel Berrani area, bomb the Djebel Chemsi
Pass, strafe trucks on the Djebel Hadifa-Sidi Rouda road and in the Ofel-El Guettar area.
Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) aircraft hit the El Maou landing ground. The 97th
Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light) with A-20's transfers
from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The thirteenth mission which took off at 0730 on March 31,
1943 with 15 planes on a sea search, returned at 0900 because of bad weather. Flight
leaders were Maj. Cook and Capt. Heinlen.
At 1045 on March 31, 1943, the fourteenth mission of 14 planes took off on a sea
search. Six planes returned early. The other 8 planes dropped 47 five-hundred pound
bombs and returned at 1450. One large M/V was believed to be hit. Vision was
obscured by cloud layers, but a large gray circle was seen with tow destroyers heading
away in opposite directions. Tail-gunner of rear ship, believes the stern of one ship was
damaged. A near-miss claimed on a small freighter. All bombs fell among the convoy.
Four enemy aircraft were destroyed and one was probably destroyed. From the air, three
FW-109s, two ME-210s and six ME-109s were observed. A convoy of 6 ships, 2 of them
large M/Vs apparently over 10,000 tons, were headed towards Tunis. Flak was heavy,
inaccurate and trailing. Staff Sgt. W.L. Martin of Mt. Holly, N.C., engineer-gunner,
claimed one FW-190 as probably destroyed. Flight leaders were Col. Knapp, Capt.
Schwane and Capt. Bell.
Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, 447th BS
Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG Commander
Martin, William L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS
Schwane, Henry H. "Hank", Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 446th BS
The fifteenth mission took off at 1245 on March 31, 1943 with 15 planes on a sea
search. One plane returned early. Fourteen planes dropped 84 five-hundred pound
bombs. Twelve planes returned at 1705 and one landed at Bone. The lower element
claims that it broke a large M/V in two, carrying trucks and cars as a load. Two planes
hit a large M/V and left it burning and sinking. Two other planes hit a large M/V and left
it blazing. The upper element claims one M/V set on fire; two near misses; a string of
bombs across a large cargo and passenger boat; and a large M/V which burst into flames
after being hit amidships; and a large transport hit near the bow, after which it was seen
smoking heavily and down at the bow. The same ship was hit amidships by another
plane. The following combat claims were made: three ME-109s destroyed, one FW-190
destroyed, one ME-109 probably destroyed, three ME-109s damaged and one
unidentified fighter damaged. Two B-25s were lost from the lower element. From the
air, twenty enemy aircraft consisting of ME-109s, FW-190s and ME-210s were observed.
A four-motored bomber was attacked by our escort and the escort shot down an enemy
fighter. Marine observations consisted of a convoy of 4 destroyers, 1 transport, 4 barges,
1 Seibel Ferry, 1 escort vessel, 4 large M/Vs and one apparently damaged ship being
towed. At least three ships were flying balloons. Flak was heavy and intense at higher
altitudes. Machine-guns were used at lower altitudes. One FW-190 was calmed
destroyed by Staff Sgt. Goldburn Turner of 1906 Sixth Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa. One
ME-109 was claimed destroyed jointly by Technical Sgt. DeWitt C. Gallaher of 26
Bradford ST., Charleston, W.Va., Staff Sgt. Richard L. Lambert of 1611 Masignay St.,
New Orleans, La., and Staff Sgt. Ernest L. Whitmore of RFD #3, Marathon, N.Y. One
ME-109 was claimed-destroyed by Staff Sgt. Walter R. Brainard of Maudlow, Mont., and
one ME-109 was claimed jointly destroyed by Technical Sgt. Irving W. Knight of 990
Middle Drive, Indianapolis, Ind., and Staff Sgt. James E. Lawyer of 2114 Gent Ave.,
Indianapolis, Ind. Flight leaders were Maj. Cook and Lieut. Veum. The following
personnel from the 448th Bombardment Squadron were reported as missing in action as a
result of this mission: Lieut. Robert G. Hess, Lieut. Mert J. Welton, Lieut. Charles A.
McKinney, Lieut. John F. Campbell, Sgt. Herbert E. Rodgers, Sgt. Harold F. Cookman,
Sgt. Ralph V. Hines, Sgt. Walter J. McMurray, Sgt. Thomas S. Ratajczyk, Sgt. Boyd V.
Headings, Sgt. Lofton F. McGinnis, Sgt. Edward A. Kirol and Sgt. Richard O. Lottes.
445th BS Personnel:
Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt, gunner
Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt, turret gunner
Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt, gunner
448th BS Personnel:
Campbell, John F., 2Lt, pilot
Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt, pilot
Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt, gunner
Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt, radio-gunner
McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt, gunner
McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 1Lt, pilot
McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt, gunner
Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Veum, Ole E., 1Lt, pilot, 448 BS
Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt, gunner
Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot
2. At 0730
Mission No. A/C
_None_ dropped ___any____ bombs. __15__ returned at 0900.
No. A/C
No. & Type
No. A/C
Time
3. Returned because of weather; Escort turned back.
4. None.
5. Out – 5,000 ft. ceiling, scattered clouds, 6/10.
At coast – visibility Zero.
6. None.
Sorties flown this date--15
Flight leaders--Major Cook
Capt. Heinlen
Major, Air Corps,
2. At 1045
_14__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. ___6___ returned early.
Mission No. A/C
___8___ dropped _47x500__ bombs. ___8___ returned at 1450.
No. A/C
No. & Type
No. A/C
Time
3. One large M/V believed hit. Vision was obscured by cloud layers but a large gray
circle was seen with 2 destroyers heading away in opposite directions. Tail gunner of
rear ship believed stern of one ship damaged. A near miss claimed on small freighter.
All bombs fell among convoy. 4 E/A claimed and 1 probably destroyed.
4. Air
3 - FW 190’s
2 - ME-210’s
6 - ME-109’s yellow nose
Marine – Convoy of 6 ships, two of them large M/V apparently over 10,000 tons, at
37 Degrees 35’ N, 11 degrees 15’ E heading SW towards Tunis at 1255.
Clouds and E/A activity prevented observation of speed and heading in
degrees.
Flak – Heavy, inaccurate, trailing.
5. Enroute – low clouds and scattered showers.
Target – broken overcast at 3000 ft. vis. 10 mi.
Return – scattered showers.
6. S/Sgt. W. L. Martin, 14062117, Mt. Holly, N. C., Engineer and rear gunner claims
one FW-190 probably destroyed.
Flight leaders
Col. Knapp
Capt. Schwane
Capt. Bell
Number of sorties flown this date 23. (sum of missions 13 & 14, minus early returns)
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Intentionally placed with the mission, rather than date of letter)
321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)
April 1, 1943
A-3 REPORT
First Mission of March 31, 1943
1.
2.
3.
4.
Target: Convoy of six (6) Merchant vessels.
Aircraft: No. Scheduled: 15; No. off: 14; No. returned early: 6.
Take off: 1045 to 1054.
Route out: Scarecrow.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Assault: Quarter front at 5500 ft. 30 second bomb run at 240 MPH; off target in
diving turn at 300 MPH.
Route Back: 330° for 50 miles; 250° for 100 miles; then direct to Ain M’Lila.
Return of mission: 8 Airplanes at 1450.
Bombs dropped: 47 bombs dropped. None returned; None jettisoned. Fuses were
.025 and .1 second.
Results of mission: Area of convoy covered. One Merchant vessel believed hit
badly.
Enemy Action: Jumped by 11 fighters after leaving target. Fighters followed
Bombers to deck and stayed with Bombers for approximately 5
minutes.
Escort by: 24 P-38’s of the First Fighter Group. Rendezvous locally. (Only six
escort planes seen after leaving Bone. These followed formation at a
distance of about 5 or 6 miles. Escort not seen after target sighted until
after the attack. When en route to base they were again sighted to the left
rear.)
Own Aircraft Losses: None.
Enemy Aircraft Losses: 4 damaged; 1 probably destroyed.
Sorties: 9
Escorted by P-38’s.
Remarks: None.
ROBERT D. KNAPP,
Colonel, Air Corps,
Commanding.
2. At 1245
_15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. ___1___ returned early.
Mission No. A/C
___14__ dropped _84x500 lb bombs. __12___ returned at 1705. One landed at Bone.
No. A/C
No. & Type
No. A/C
Time
3. Met convoy; lower element claims:
(1) Broke large M/V in two, carrying trucks and cars.
(2) Two planes hit large M/V and left it burning and sinking.
(3) Two planes hit large M/V and left it blazing.
Upper element claims:
(1) One M/V on fire.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
2 near misses.
String of bombs across large cargo and passenger boat.
2 near misses.
Large M/V broke into flames after hit amidships.
Hit large transport by bow and observed it down at bow and smoking heavily.
Same ship hit amidships by another plane.
3 ME-109’s destroyed
1 FW-190 destroyed
1 ME-109 probably destroyed.
3 ME-109’s damaged.
1 unidentified fighter damaged.
Lost – two planes from lower element.
4. Air - 50 E/A ME-109’s, FW-190’s ME-210’s. 4 motored bomber being attacked by
escort. Escort shot down 1 E/A fighter.
Marine – Convoy at 37 Degrees 35’ N, 10 degrees 50’ E heading SW of 4 destroyers,
transport, 4 barges, 1 Siebel ferry, 1 escort vessel, 4 large M/V, 1 apparently
damaged ship being towed. At least 3 ships flying balloons.
Flak – Heavy, and intense at higher altitudes. Machine guns at lower altitude.
5. Enroute – scattered cumulus at 6000 ft., visibility 15 miles.
Target – scattered cumulus at 3000 ft.
Return – visibility decreasing over land.
6. 1 FW-190 claimed destroyed by Staff Sgt. Goldburn Turner, 37126149, 1906 6th
Ave., Council Bluff, Iowa.
1 ME-109 claimed jointly destroyed by Tech. Sgt. Dewitt C. Gallaher, ASN
15088188, 26 Bradford St., Charleston, W. Va. Staff Sgt. Richard L. Lambert, ASN
14079776, 1611 Masinny St. New Orleans, La., S/Sgt. Ernest L. Whitmore, ASN
32250758, R.F.D. #3, Marathon, N. Y.
1 ME-109 claimed destroyed by S/Sgt. Walter R. Brainard, ASN 19056162,
Maudlow, Montana.
1 ME-109 claimed jointly destroyed by Tech. Sgt. Irving W. Knight, ASN 15101578,
990 Middle Drive, Indianapolis, Ind. And Staff Sgt. James E. Lawyer, ASN
15085857, 2114 Gent Avenue, Indianapolis, Ind.
Flight leaders
Maj., Cook
Lt. Veum
Number of sorties flown this date 37. (Sum of all 3 missions)
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Intentionally placed with the mission, rather than date of letter)
321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)
April 1, 1943
A-3 REPORT
Second Mission of March 31, 1943
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Target: Sea Sweep.
Aircraft: No. Scheduled: 15; No. off: 15; No. returned early: 1 (Gun out).
Take off: 1245 to 1251.
Route out: Scarecrow (reversed, around course backward).
Assault: Quarter front at 8000 ft. 450 second bombing run at 230 mph; off target at
250 mph with dive to right in close formation.
Route Back: 270° for 5 min; 230° for 15 min; to Bone; To Ain M’Lila.
Return of mission: 11 Airplanes at 1705 hours. One landed safely at Bone.
Bombs dropped: 84 bombs dropped. None returned; None jettisoned. Fusing was
.025 and .1 for high element and 4 sec for low element.
Results of mission: Covered target area.
Enemy Action: Jumped by 50 enemy fighters while climbing to bombing altitude.
Enemy Fighters continued to attack until bomb release line, then left.
Escort by: 24 P-38’s of 82nd Fighter Group. Rendezvous locally. (Fighter escort not
seen after start of bombing run)
Own Aircraft Losses: Two. B-25C 41-13209 and B-25C 41-13205. One by flak
and 1455 hours - 37°35’N, 10°47’E; the other by fighters at
1512 hours - 37°48’N, 10°27E.
Enemy Aircraft Losses: 3 ME-109’s destroyed; 1 FW-190 destroyed; 1 ME-109
probably destroyed; 3 ME-109’s damaged; 1 unidentified
fighter damaged.
Sorties: 14
Escorted by P-38’s.
Remarks: None.
ROBERT D. KNAPP,
Colonel, Air Corps,
Commanding.
Mission: Group # 13, Squadron # 10, 8 Sorties: 9 ships flew a sea search this morning
led by Major Cook. They returned after an hour and 45 minutes because of bad weather.
No bombs were dropped and 1400 rounds of ammunition were used to clear the guns.
None
Filipowski, Milton R., S/Sgt
None
P Miller, Roy N., 2Lt
CP Butela, William F., 2Lt
N None
B Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
E Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt
R Katz, Paul F., T/Sgt
G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13158
Cook,
Bailey
C., Maj, Commander
P
CP Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt
N Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt
B McEnroe, Henry A.,2Lt
E Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt
R Chereski, John J., T/Sgt
G Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt
F None
P Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt
CP Kent, William S., 2Lt
N None
B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt
E Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt
R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt
F Hildebrand, Leslie A. “Hildie”, T/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Morgan, Robert E., 2Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 41-13183
Rokotz, Peter (NMI), Sgt
None
Another sea sweep this afternoon led by Major Cook with 25 P-38’s escorting. The
formation of 15 B-25’s (8 of the 445th) took off at 12:45. Major Cook led two formations
at 8000 ft. and Lt. Veum led one element at 100 ft, dropping 84 x 100 lb. (48 by 100 lb.
by the 445th) bombs at 14:52 on a convoy consisting of 4 large merchant vessels, one
transport, 4 barges, one Siebel Ferry, 4 destroyers, and 1 escort vessel. One merchant
vessel appeared to be in tow, one large merchant vessel sunk. One was left burning and
in a sinking condition. Two other ships were left in flames. The transport was hit twice
and appeared to be down at the bow. Barrage balloons were attached to three of the
ships. Intense, heavy flak was experienced from the convoy. The formation was
attacked by 50 enemy aircraft including ME-109’s, 210’s, FW-190’s, and at least 1 JU88. 30 to 50 ME 109’s attacked the formation. The B-25’s claimed 4 ME 109’s, and 1
unidentified plane shot down over the target. Two B-25’s of the low element were lost.
The fighter escort destroyed 1 JU-88 and 1 ME-109. One P-38 lost and another missing.
The right wing tip of Lt. Miller’s ship was blown off by 20 mm fire. The ships returned
at 17:05. Lt. Bonus landed in Bone because his engineer, S/Sgt. Krzyzanowski was
seriously injured in the chest by 20mm shell. S/Sgt. Brainard, who is Lt. Clinton’s
engineer, was wounded in the chest by a 30 cal. Bullet. Both Sgt. Krzyzanowski and St.
Brainard continued to man their guns in spite of their critical wounds and each shot down
an ME-109 approaching from the tails of their shops. Two other ME-109’s were claimed
today by our gunners.
High Element
None
A/C No. 41-13158
P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander
CP Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt
N Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt
B McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt
E Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt
R Chereski, John J., T/Sgt
G Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13183
Morgan, Robert E., Sgt
None
None
None
P Miller, Roy N., 2Lt
CP Butela, William F., 2Lt
N None
B Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
E Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt
R Gregory, John N., T/Sgt
G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
P Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt
CP Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt
N Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt
B Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, Sgt
E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
R Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt
G Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt
F None
Kayser, Robert B. Jr., 2Lt
Kent, William S., 2Lt
None
Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
Boyd, Ewell, V., S/Sgt
None
Filipowski, Milton R., S/Sgt
None
mission 14, Squadron 7: Six planes led by Col. Knapp with Major Schwane as co-pilot.
500 lb. bombs were used on a convoy and one merchant vessel was believed sunk.
CP Carlisle, Howard L., 2Lt
E Martin, William L., S/Sgt
F Wisnesky, Benjamin H., Pvt
Brooks, George C., Cpl
None
A/C No. 41-13008
Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt
Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt
Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt
Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
None
Commander
CP Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt,
Commander
G South, William R., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13197
Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt
Chappell, Howard L., 2Lt
Beyer, William J., 2Lt
McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
Pyle, Joseph W., S/Sgt
Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt
None
Sidlik, Theophil S., S/Sgt
Haasch, George F., Sgt (ASV)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 15/mission 14) Group Mission # 14: Five of
our planes took off to go on a sea sweep today. Three of them returned early; two
participated in the mission. A convoy was sighted and bombs dropped but no results
were observed. The first big batch of mail to catch up with us from the states arrived
today.
P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
CP Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt
E Parker, Robert B., S/Sgt
R Jondro, William G., Jr., Sgt
G Wilson, Leo W., Pvt
F None
None
Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt
Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt
None
II”
P Shapiro, Leonard L. “Shap”, 2Lt
N None
F None
P Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt
CP Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt
N Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt
E O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt
R Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt
G Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Bell, Albert R., Capt
None
None
A/C No. 41-30002
Lungren, Charles D., 1Lt
Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt
None
Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt
Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt
Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt
None
DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt
Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt
None
Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt
Joseph Edward R., S/Sgt
Hofstedt, John H., S/Sgt
Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt
None
Lady”
Burns, John P. “Buster”, 1Lt
None
Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt
Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt
Byerly, Lee E., Sgt
McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt
None
TARGET: Sea Sweep
4:05 Plane 371
“Sighted 10 or 12 enemy ships. Mission considered partially successful. Flight leader
Lt. Burns.”
10 (13): At 07:30 15 planes off on sea sweep. No bombs dropped, all planes back at
09:00. Escort of P-38’s turned back due to bad weather. F/L: Cook and Heinlen.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30001
Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander
Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt
Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 41-13205
1Lt
None
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt(ASV)
A/C No. 41-13163 (spare)
Veum, Ole E., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-13170
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt
Bruton, John E., 2Lt
None
Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt
Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt
Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt
Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt
Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt (ASV)
None
Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
Ellison, Travis E., Cpl
None
Potosky, John A., S/Sgt
None
11 (15): At 12:45 15 planes off to bomb on sea sweep, 14 dropped 84 x 500 bombs. 12
planes back at 17:05. One landed at Bone. Met convoy, lower element (48) claims M/V
broken in two, one M/V left sinking, one left burning. 4 E/A destroyed. About 50 E/A
attacked 2 B-25’s (Lts: Hess and McKinney) shot down. Intense, heavy accurate flak,
balloon barrage. Bombing was at 100-200 feet. Weather: Clear. F/L: Cook and Veum.
Low Element
A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” (MACRA/C No. 41-13205 (MACR-14578
14579 “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost to “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost to enemy
enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft”)
aircraft and anti-aircraft”)
P Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt
1Lt
None
None
N
B McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt
E Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt
R Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt
G Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt(ASV)
F None
A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt)
None
N None
Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
B Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt
None
F Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt (ASV)
A/C No. 41-13163
Veum, Ole E., 1Lt
P Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt
CP Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt
N None
B Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt
Potosky,
John
A.,
S/Sgt
E
R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
G Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-29776 (spare)
P Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt
CP Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt
N Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt
E Rohleder, Jack J., S/Sgt
R Hilborne, Thomas G., Sgt
G Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt
F None
448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 14578: 2nd Lt. Thaddeus D.
Garrett, 0-662444 saw crash. (MACR contains very little information)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13205 (MACR-14578 - “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost to enemy
aircraft and anti-aircraft”))
McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 1Lt - MIA, DED
Campbell, John F., 2Lt - MIA, DED
None
Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV) - MIA, DED
448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 14579: 2nd Lt. Thaddeus D.
Garrett, 0-662444 saw crash. (MACR contains very little information)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” (MACR-14579 “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost
to enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft”)
Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt - MIA, DED
Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt - MIA, DED
None
McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt - MIA, DED
None
March 1943
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: We all enjoyed a
good week-end at Marrakech, and on Monday, March 1st, took off twice, but each time
was turned back by bad weather ahead. As we had mountains to cross and cold to
combat with snow-capped mountains as an added hazard, the decision was to take no
unnecessary risks now that we were so close to our goal.
The 1st ship to come down after the second attempt was piloted by Lieut. Martin
and seemed to be doing all right, when it suddenly keeled over after a short run down the
runway. It was a breathtaking moment, but fortunately, no one was hurt.
Martin, John K. "Kirk", 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS
The next day, Tuesday March 2nd, we took off again, our ship taking to the air at
0935, and after a quiet flight of two and one-half hours, we set down at 1206 at Oujda,
Department of Oran, French Morocco, which was to be our base for a while. (FLYING
TIME: 2 Hrs-30 Mins) (TIME OF COMPLE FLIGHT, MORRISON FIELD TO
OUJDA: 52 Hrs-30 Mins).
Immediately upon landing, the rumor went around that our ships were to be used
for patrol duty over the Mediterranean and the pilots and other crew members hardly
were pleased at such a prospect. It proved to be no more than rumor, eventually, to the
complete satisfaction of our fight-desiring crews.
The ground echelon, after its voyage across the Atlantic and brief stops at Oran,
their debarkation point, at Sainte Barbe du Tlelat and at La Senia, joined the flight
echelon at Oujda on Sunday, March 7th. Their trip had been a rugged one and the boys
showed it; but once the group was together again as one entity, things progressed well in
most respects.
Several administrative changes took place on March 9, 1943. Maj. Bailey C.
Cook, group operations officer, was relieved of those duties and transferred to the 445th
Squadron and assumed command of that unit. Lieut. Col, Charles T. Olmsted, group
executive officer, was group operations officer and Maj. William A. Lowell, group
adjutant, became his successor. Mr. Ulmer, now Chief Warrant Officer, was appointed
group Adjutant in addition to his duties as Personnel officer.
Lowell, William A., Maj, Adjutant
Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Group Executive
Ulmer, Edgar F. "Tiger", CWO, Group Adjutant
Oujda was an interesting city and several of the men got passes, returning for the
most part with articles they intended to send home for souvenirs and gifts. The city was
much cleaner than most of those we had seen.
While at Oujda, a few members of other Air Corps units there, would come in and
ask for “Tiger”, who we later found out was none other than our group adjutant, CWO
Ulmer. There is nothing like a little travel to learn how the other half of the World lives
and the things what count as “conveniences”, or what have. But we will let Plane Talks,
a news roundup put out by the First Service Center; inform you (author anonymous)
about one of these so-called “conveniences”: THE LAUGHING WATERS OF
MOROCCO, or QUICK, JOE! MY MAE WEST.
Ulmer, Edgar F. "Tiger", CWO, Group Adjutant
March 1943 (continued)
My theme for today will be the North African toilets, known here and in England
as the W.C.’s. We also have a name for them, but it would never pass our old friend, the
censor. Their ingenious death-traps are unlike anything to be seen in America. There
wasn’t even one in evidence at the New York World’s Fair. Upon first glance at ye john,
it would appear that here is a shower without any faucets, a birdbath without any birds, a
forlorn hunk of tile or porcelain sans bowl, sans seat and sans bomb-sight. Just an
indentation in the floor approximately three inches deep, in which is a hole about four
inches in diameter, For some unknown reason, there is always a fearful gurgle emanating
from this abyss as though ole Johnny were threatening to disgorge his daily receipts at
any moment in the manner of Old Faithful. It’s a terrible scental hazard. Forward and on
either side of the hole, are two slight rises in the indentation. They are ridges and are for
proper positioning of the feet—vital factor in all operations. The revolutionary thing
about the W.C. is that every client is forced to squat, private, captain, colonel, merchant
and sultan. The common leveler! As the unwary victim becomes solidly entrenched and
he perhaps has gained enough confidence to whistle a few bars of Auld Lang Syne, then
– swoosh – a torrent of icy water cascades forth from twin pipes running down the rear
wall. The white waters gush over the client’s shoe tips and for a moment he resembles a
tight-rope walker as he struggles to raise his trousers and maintain his balance at the same
time. All this time, gusts of wind persist in banging the privy door on the client’s noggin
in a merry manner. No, we must have paper! The frantic rifling of pockets result in the
loss of a pencil, two cigarettes and a book of matches swallowed by the little hole. It is
now discovered that the synthetic enema has done away with the need for paper and a
hurried call is sent up for a towel. Finally, his clothes in violent disarray and his brow
moist with beads of sweat, the victim staggers out and heads for the mess-hall in search
of some cheese.
* --- *
The flight echelon was getting into shape to move to the front and give the Axis a
few surprises. The 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) is the first B-25 group to use
the modified B-25 in this theatre of operations. Master Sgt. Bruce Lowery of Group
Armament, has indicated below, those modifications which were made. The following
changes in armament equipment were made on B-25Cs and B-25Ds of the group’s
aircraft, prior to departure from the continental limits of the United States for combat
duty in the Middle-East theatre.
Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”, M/Sgt, armament, HQ 321st BG
a. The following parts were removed:
1. Lower turret.
2. Armor bulkhead between rear escape-hatch and upper turret.
3. N-6 sight from pilot’s cockpit.
4. Hydraulic conduits to all turrets removed from front bomb-bay bulkhead.
5. Heating system in rear of bomb-bay.
6. Plexi-glass covering from the extreme rear-end of fuselage.
7. B-2 bomb interval control and bombardiers’ control panel was moved back
from the nose of the ship to a position more protected by armor-plate
installed.
8. Colimeter-sight removed from upper-turret.
b. The following installations were made:
1. Two (2) large side-windows, one on each side.
2. Flexible caliber 50, M2 Machine Gun mounted in each side-window, to be
operated by radio operator.
3. Flexible caliber 50, M2 Machine Gun mounted in tail of airplane to be
operated by aerial engineer.
4. Armor plate installed on each side of tail-gunner’s position.
5. Ammunition can built in top of tail section, to hold 400 rounds of 50
caliber ammunition for use in defense of attack from rear at the same
altitude as ship’s flight.
6. Larsen feed chute connecting ammunition container with tail-gun.
7. Upper-turret equipped with foot-chargers.
8. Upper-turret equipped with M-6 Sight.
9. Upper-turret has complete armor plate in direction of turret-gunner’s
operations.
10. Each waist-gun has been mounted in armor plate shield of approximately
18 inches by 24 inches.
11. Waist-guns have ring and post-sights attached.
12. Upper-turrets have been revised to exclude the old colimeter sight-hole.
13. Waist-guns have approximately 400 rounds of ammunition for each gun.
14. Two Martin ammunition cans are provided for use by the waist-guns
mounted on either side of the plane.
15. Armor plate has been used to protect the pilot, co-pilot and bombardier
from overhead, forward and downward action.
16. M-3A Sight on pilot’s cowling for use in low-level bombing and as pilot’s
fixed gun-site.
The flight echelon left on March 12, 1943 for Ain M’Lila in Algeria. Various
maintenance men and advance ground echelon personnel left for Ain-M’Lila via air
transports and on March 21st, the remainder of the ground echelon left on 40 and 8 cars –
the Express Afrique sans horses. As usual, quarters were pretty cramped, but we all
managed somehow. The trip took us through some very beautiful and picturesque
country, which was compensation for any uncomfortable nights that were spent in
crowded quarters.
The trip took us through a number of cities and towns legendary for the places
they hold in history and fiction. A stop was made at Sidi-Bel-Abbes, a city famed as
being the headquarters of the Foreign Legion. We also stopped at Ste. Barbe Du Tlelat, a
former step of the ground echelon, better known to most of us as “Mud-hill”, the place
where we bivouacked our first few days in North Africa. An overnight stop was made at
Blida. Our next stop of any consequence was at Algiers, where we stayed for about four
hours. There were a number of interesting sights here to prevent ennui, such as the
beautiful blue Mediterranean, battleships and barrage balloons over the city. Many men
visited the Red Cross (French) Canteen for coffee, sandwiches and chocolate. We made
an overnight stop at El Guerrah, the location of the 47th Wing Headquarters, under whose
command the 321st Bombardment Group (M), operates. Our destination, Ain M’Lila,
Algeria, was reached at 1245, Friday, March 26, 1943.
The Air Echelon had been engaged in operations against the enemy for eleven
days when the Ground Echelon reached Ain M’Lila, the base from which operations were
being carried out. The Command Section, Squadron Intelligence and Operations
Sections were located in a huge granary about a mile from the line.
Here is a typical scene of our first overseas operational base at Ain M’Lila, Algeria, with
Arabs, cattle and sheep wandering through the camp-area continually. Group
Headquarters was situated in the huge, stone building at the left, a former granary.
HQ 321st BG Special Account: March 20, 1943, the third mission: Enemy
aircraft was shot down by Staff Sgt. Joseph C Perpich of Carson Lake, Minn., and Staff
Sgt. Robert C. Drogosch of Chicago, Ill., both of the 447th Bombardment Squadron (M).
Sergeant Perpich, tail-gunner, is credited with shooting down an ME-110. On the run to
the target, two ME-110s attacked, one from above to right and the other directly from the
rear. The one from the rear came within 100 to 150 yards from the tail of the ship,
apparently unaware that it was fortified with a tail gun. Sergeant Perpich fired about 75
rounds of ammunition directly into the enemy plane. He saw pieces of the ME-110 fly
into the air, and it started to burn and went out of control immediately. The kill was
verified by James A. Woody, the turret-gunner, who was later killed on this same
mission; but gave the confirmation on the interphone. Waist-gunner Staff Sgt. Robert C.
Drogosch told of the ME-110 coming in from above and behind. The turret-gunner
caused the enemy plane to pull out to the left and below the range of the turret-guns.
This exposed it to the fire of the waist-gunner, Drogosch, who estimated that he fired
about 50 rounds of ammunition into the plane. Lieut. Albert Duke, pilot, saw the enemy
aircraft hit the water. There were eight casualties on this mission. Staff Sgt. Harold F.
Govoni and Staff Sgt. James A. Woody were killed in action. Staff Sgts. Perpich,
Drogosch and Noble of the 447th Squadron were slightly wounded, as were Lieuts. Duke,
Ackley and Orr of the same squadron.
From 447th BS:
Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Woody, James A., S/Sgt, turret gunner
The thrilling escape of the members of his ship, which crashed into the sea, is
related in the Friday, April 8 issue of the Stars & Stripes, from which is quoted: “B-25
CREW HAS THRILLING ESCAPE AFTER SEA CRASH, surviving a crash –landing in
the Mediterranean, five members of a B-25 paddled ashore after 12 hours at sea and made
a thrilling escape through German lines to safety. It all started when they ran over a
convoy and were jumped by a flock of ME-110s. The Jerries crashed the bomber hard.
The right engine was shot out, the nacelle burnt out; the bomb-bay door was torn open
and there was a large hole in the right wing. TWO DOWNED. With the serious injuries
to his plane, the pilot, Lieut. Albert Duke of Baltimore, Md., told the crew to prepare for
an emergency landing in the Mediterranean. But not before Staff Sgt. Francis Noble of
Yonkers, NY, and Staff Sgt. Robert Drogosch of Chicago. Ill., had each destroyed a
Messerschmitt. The plane sank 32 seconds after it hit the water. In the plane besides the
pilot and gunners, were Lieut. Douglas Orr of Lakewood, Ohio, serving as bombardiernavigator; and Lieut. James Ackley of Pittsburgh, Pa., who was co-pilot. They had just
enough time to toss over a rubber life-raft, grab their jungle kits and whatever else they
could salvage, to aid them on land. The flyers decided to make for the mainland of
Tunisia, behind the German lines. They paddled until darkness fell and at midnight, they
reached out and felt land. MISSED DEATH: The ship-wrecked flyers holed up into the
tall brush and tried to keep warm. During the next three days and nights, they had close
calls. They passed only four kilometers from a known German position, and they could
hear intermittent firing. They met a French soldier who managed to lead them to a place
of shelter, where they obtained three solid hours of sleep by a hidden fire. Once, they
encountered a herd of goats and milked some of them. “Then we slept with them at night
to keep warm”, Sgt. Noble related. During the four days in the brush, they wore out the
low-cut shoes which they later cursed themselves for wearing. The crew finally made
contact with advance British patrols, got some shoes and were sent to a hospital for a
checkup. The British couldn’t believe that the men could have traveled all that distance
without encountering any Nazi patrols. In the four days spent in hostile territory, the only
food consumed were some emergency chocolate rations, plus a few eggs and a hunk of
bread they had bought from the Arabs”. End quote. Sergeant Noble, who occupied the
position of turret-gunner, is credited with shooting down an ME-110. He fired first burst
at the enemy aircraft, when it was 800 yards away. The Messerschmitt came in from
above and behind. When it was 600 yards away, he fired several long bursts into it, after
which it recovered a little and then crashed into the water to the right of the B-25. Sgt.
Noble estimates that he fired approximately 60 rounds at the enemy aircraft. The combat
claim was verified by the co-pilot, Lieut. Ackley and the navigator, Lieut. Orr.
From 447th BS:
445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: On March 1st, the
Squadron took off for Oujda and landed at 15:15 (GCT). It was here that the air echelon
was rejoined by the ground echelon for the first time since January 21 when the ground
echelon left for Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.
On March 3, some representatives of the Squadron left for Berteaux where the
th
310 Group was operating. The purpose of this trip was to get first-hand information
concerning the problems and work of a medium Group in the North African Theatre of
Operations. At that time, the 310th was engaging in sea sweeps sometimes making the
minimum altitude attack. This type of raid had proved the most costly. After the trial
and error method it had been found that land attacks under 7000 ft. were more costly than
they were worth.
On March 12, the air echelon left Oujda for Ain M’Lila taking off at 10:00 (GCT)
and landing at 13:00. All of the ground echelon did not arrive at Ain M’Lila until March
26.
This was the beginning of important days for the Squadron. On March 9, Capt.
MacFarlane had been relieved of his job as Squadron Commander and Major Cook,
formerly Group Operations Officer, took over the command. The change was welcomed
by practically the entire Squadron. Capt. MacFarlane had not experienced great success
in handling the men. There was a constant criticism and grumbling among the men.
Major Cook promptly made a study of all the problems of the Squadron, with the
assistance of Lt. Tipton, the Operations Officer, and took steps to see that some needed
changes were made.
MacFarlane, William V., Capt, pilot
Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", 1Lt, pilot
The base at Ain M’Lila was picturesque. It was laid out on a plateau about 2500
ft. high which was surrounded by a ring of mountain. The village of Ain M’Lila was a
typical Arab town with a few stores, an excellent Turkish bath, a couple of restaurants to
those resourceful enough to find them, and a large supply of dirt.
The Group took as its headquarters a large granary near the village. It was cold
and damp inside and there was little or no light except for that furnished by the
electricity. The other three squadrons first decided that they would stake out their areas
about two miles away from the headquarters near their respective aircraft dispersal areas.
The 445th decided that under circumstances it would be better to have their living area
next to the Group headquarters and accordingly pitched their tents. After the arrival of
Col. Knapp, it was decided that all of the Squadrons should have their living areas next to
the Group headquarters and that the 448th moved into the tents in the area which the 445th
had set up and our men went about the job of setting up a new area. Needless to say there
was a great deal of complaining and moaning. The 445th was given an area which was
the farthest from the granary building.
There was plenty of space in the building for all kinds of offices but there was a
great deal of difficulty in getting lumber, electric light fixtures and other necessary
material for setting up a workable office. However, Operations and Intelligence took
over one large corner and finally improvised a very satisfactory layout. Even a belly
stove was installed with a long stovepipe extending up through a little window high up
next to the roof.
The main part of the granary was used as an auditorium for moving pictures and
other shows which were held quite frequently. The men listened with pride and
enjoyment to some of the 445th boys who were especially talented including Lt. Kent and
Sgt. Knight, both of whom possessed a fine voice and who never failed to bring down the
house.
Ain M’Lila was the first operational base for the Squadron. March 15, 1943 will
be remembered as the first day on which the Squadron flew in combat.
At this time plans were just getting under way which were to unfold into the
drives which push the last Germans out of Africa. The principal help which was given by
the 321st Group was the destruction of airfields, aircraft and lines of communication and
supply.
The first target which was assigned to the Group was the Mezzouna Landing
ground in southern Tunisia. The men in the Squadron who started out on this mission
had never before flown in any combat mission. Indeed, no man in the entire formation
had had any combat experience. If the men of the Squadron waited with anxiety for the
combat crews to return from this, their first experience in war, needless to say the combat
crews themselves must have, as they say, really “sweated the affair out”. The stories
which had circulated as to the losses which had been sustained by even experienced units
certainly did not relieve the tension. However, they all came back and no person was
injured. Some of the planes made their first contact with the flak but without any serious
results; and the reports were that the landing ground was covered fairly well.
During this phase of the operations while most of the targets were in Tunisia or
the surrounding waters, the Squadron also participated in raids on targets in Sardinia,
Sicily and Pantelleria. This is not the place to set forth the factors concerning all the
missions in which the 445th participated. Reference will be made only to a few which
were led by the 445th. In these early days, Major Cook, Commanding Officer of the
Squadron, himself acted as the lead pilot in most of the cases where a 445th man acted in
this capacity.
On March 20, Major Cook led a raid on the Tebaga North landing ground.
Several single-engine planes were hit and one twin-engine bomber exploded and burned
on the field. As evidenced by the smoke and dust through the area where the planes and
revetments were located the target was well covered.
On March 31, Major Cook led a formation of 15 planes on a sea search. There
were two flights, an upper and a lower, Major Cook leading the upper. A large enemy
convoy was sighted consisting of four large merchant vessels, one transport, four barges,
one Siebel Ferry, four destroyers and one escort vessel. An effective defense was put up
both by anti-aircraft guns and attacking fighters. Sgt. Krzyzanowski was seriously
wounded. In spite of his wounds he stayed by his guns until he had shot down an ME109. Sgt. Brainard was also wounded in his chest and he too stayed by his guns until he
had shot down the attacking ME-109. Both men received a special citation for their
heroism from the Commanding Officer. Notwithstanding the intensity of the flak and
aggressive attacks by the enemy fighters, the upper element hit squarely the large
transport and as the formation left, it was observed to be going down by the bow. A large
merchant vessel was also hit and burst into flames. In addition, a string of bombs was
laid across a large cargo and passenger boat. Four enemy fighters (destroyed) and one
was probably destroyed by both the upper and lower flights.
Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt, gunner
445th BS 1 Aug 43 Annual Report: The 321st Bombardment Group commenced its
combat flights on March 15, 1943. At that time it will be recalled that the enemy held
most of Tunisia with its positions extending south well beyond Gabes, north to the
Mediterranean and to the east along a line running in the vicinity of Cape Serrat, Beja,
Medjez el Bab, Pont du Fahs and Gafsa. It may now be seen that the 321st Bombardment
Group went into action just about the time the big campaigns to drive the Axis from
Africa were opening up. The part which the Strategic Air Force was to play included
denying the use to the enemy of air bases and landing ground, destroying enemy aircraft
on the ground, cutting lines of commutation and supply, and destroying railroads and
shipping.
In line with the general plan the first combat mission assigned to the 321st
Bombardment Group was the Mezzouna landing ground in the southern part of Tunisia.
Colonel Robert D. Knapp, the Group Commander, personally led, and the 445th Squadron
participated, in this first mission.
JAMES E.
NICKERSON,
Captain, Air Corps,
Squadron Historian.
446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: None
447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: On March 2 we received
word that our flight echelon was then at Oujda, about 130 miles to the west. We were all
anxious to join them again.
On March 6 we boarded a train for Oujda. We had spent the day packing and
loading and the train pulled out about 7 P.M. The trip took twenty hours and we arrived
at the station in Oujda the afternoon of March 7. Our Commanding Officer, Capt.
Raymond D. Sampson, met us at the station with trucks and we were transported to the
air base which is about eight miles out of town. The squadron had a French building here
to live in, large enough to accommodate the officers. The enlisted men set up tents near
the area where the planes were dispersed.
On March 8 Captain Sampson flew to the front to look over the base which we
were to use when beginning combat operations. He was followed on March 12 by the
entire flight echelon. The squadron kitchen was flown up on March 14 to set up a mess
for the flight echelon and the ground echelon, remaining at Oujda, messed with the 448th
Bomb. Sq. Other elements of the ground echelon needed immediately so that the
squadron could go into combat operations were flown up by transport between March 14
and March 21. On March 21 the remainder of the ground echelon boarded a train for the
advanced air base located at Ain M’Lila, eastern Algeria.
The flight echelon of the squadron and a few members of the ground echelon
were at the advanced base at Ain M’Lila ready for their first mission early in March. The
Group ran its first bombing mission on March 15. The squadron participated in its first
mission the following day.
During these early days in combat the weather kept the planes on the ground
about three or four days out of the week. At Ain M’Lila all members of the squadron
lived in tents. There was a large stone granary which was occupied by group
headquarters and it was there that briefings and interrogations were held. The granary
also served as a movie and Special Services provided two films a week for us. The Red
Cross took over two dwelling houses in the village and converted one of them into a club
for the enlisted and another into a club for the officers. The village itself offered nothing
in the way of diversion and its main attraction was a large Roman bath which was taken
over for soldiers.
When the squadron arrived at Ain M’Lila the battle for Tunisia was going full
blast. The Axis troops were being pushed steadily toward Cape Bon, Tunis, and Bizerte.
The squadron was a part of the Strategic Air Force and most of its targets were strategic
ones. Many attacks were made on shipping to cut the axis supply line to Africa. Other
targets were airdrome, rail center, supply dumps, and troop concentrations. Several
commendations were received on the excellent bombing results achieved.
Squadron casualties were surprisingly small during the Tunisian campaign. Two
gunners were killed on the first sea sweep on March 20 and two planes were lost but the
rest of both crews survived. One of the planes was shot down at sea and the crew was
behind enemy lines three days after rowing ashore. They all retuned to the squadron.
Another plane was badly shot up and made a crash landing at the nearest friendly base.
The crew was safe but the plane could not be salvaged.
448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: By transport and by train
the Ground Echelon moved out of Oujda a few days later for Ain M’Lila. C-47
transports moved the most necessary equipment and personnel to the new base as quickly
as possible and on March 22 at 02:45 hours the Ground Echelon departed by train on
their 700 mile trip across the mountains of Africa. The accommodations consisted of
one-half of one Third Class coach for the Officers and seven 40 and 8 freight cars for the
Enlisted Men. Each man had enough of those delicious “C” rations for 8 days and his
two barracks bags. It was very crowded and not too comfortable however everyone made
the best of it.
The train ambled slowly through the country side and everyone had the
opportunity to see the beauties of North Africa. This, “Slow train through Arkansas”
politely stopped at every way-side stations to allow the engineer and fireman to imbibe in
the inevitable VINO and the soldiers sampled the many wares peddled by the Arabs. The
trip lasted five days and on March 25th the squadron was once more whole and ready for
action.
While the Ground Echelon was traveling to join the Flight Crews the latter had its
first taste of action against the enemy. On March 15 twelve planes, six of them from the
448, bombed Mezzouna A/D with very successful results and on March 16th the second
raid over Tebaga North A/D also struck a telling blow against the enemy’s air strength in
Tunisia.
With the arrival of all personnel the squadron proceeded to build its first semipermanent base. It was located on a level grassy plain just outside the village of Ain
M’Lila. The field was just across the road, but the 448th line was located about one and
one-half miles away on the other side of the airdrome. It became necessary to dispatch a
truck to and from the airplane parking area in order to bring the men in or out.
The bivouac area was located directly across from the large granary which was
being used as the Group Headquarters. As the squadron was within reach of enemy
bombers, the tents were dispersed in an irregular pattern and fox holes were dug. The
Mess was set up in tents and with the help of Lt. Brandt automatic heaters for wash lines
and coffee were built. Although the Mess was not too good at first it was a welcome
relief to the Flight Echelon who had been Messing with other organizations for some
time. The cooks became more skilled at their work and the Quartermaster Rations issued
became better and soon the squadron could boast of the best Mess in the Group.
Headquarters then asked and received permission from Captain Heinlen to Mess with the
448th.
Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot
Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander
As Ain M’Lila was situated at an altitude of 2,500 feet the chill winds of March
were very much in evidence and soon every tent had a stove pipe protruding from its top.
Wood was none too plentiful but with the usual army ingenuity heat was obtained.
Although all the natives said that the rainy season was over in February in Africa the
rains continued to pour down and hamper operations. The local population admitted the
weather was “unusual”.
At this time the Germans were more that holding their own at the Kasserine Pass
and the Air Force was urgently needed but wet fields and impenetrable overcast
effectually prevented take offs. The few missions possible for the 448th were aimed at
destroying the enemy’s communication system and airdromes. Despite the accurate
German flak the squadron came through with flying colors, with increasing accuracy
Bombardiers were laying their bombs on Marshalling Yards, Airdromes, Roads, Bridges
and other vital points.
At Ain M’Lila events continued at a normal pace. The men on the Line became
more accustomed to their jobs. Those who in the States saw little use for their talents
were now busily engaged fixing flak holes, repairing damage done by enemy fighters.
Lts: Wonnacott and Wallnau were kept scurrying to all points in Africa securing new
parts or getting old ones repaired. But all the while “Kept ‘em flying”.
Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering
Wallnau, Carl N., Jr., 2Lt, engineering
On March 31 on a low element sea sweep the first battle casualty of the squadron
occurred. 1st Lts: Hess, McKinney; 2nd Lts: Campbell, Welton; S/Sgts: Cookman,
Hines, Kirol, McGinnis, McMurray, Ratajczyk, Rodgers, Headings and Lottes were shot
down into the Mediterranean Sea by enemy fighters. The mission however did succeed
in sinking two enemy ships.
Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot
That evening on his return from a short trip to Batna, Lt. Plumlee met with a fatal
accident when a jeep in which he was riding overturned. The squadron was very quiet
that evening.
Plumlee, Eldon A., 2Lt, pilot
As the camp took on a more permanent appearance, electric lights with strict
black-out rules made their appearance. Entertainment in the way of motion pictures and
orchestra and local talent shows were almost nightly events. Days off were scheduled
and the men visited the nearby cities of Constantine and Batna and the Roman ruins at
Timgad. The town of Ain M’Lila offered much local color in the way of an Arab steam
bath which was soon converted to American use, a few fresh vegetables and fruits and
countless numbers of impoverished natives. Eggs became a regular item for the evening
snacks which were nightly occurrences in every tent. Everyone was becoming
accustomed to living in tents. With the steady stream of mail from the States morale
became exceedingly high. Sometimes the addition of the local French wine made it go
too high.
March 1 – 7 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
Usual squadron duties and detail labor for Le Senia Air Base performed. Passes granted
to all personnel to visit Oran. At 18:00 hours March 6, 1943, 4829 E departed La Senia
Army Air Base for Oujda, French Morocco, arriving Oujda, French Morocco, 12:00
hours, March 7, 1943. Weather good, Morale excellent, train very crowded. Upon
arrival Oujda squadron moved via truck to Oujda Air Base and assigned tent area.
Ground Echelon re-joined Flight Echelon March 7, 1943 at Oujda.
March 8– 14 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
2nd. Lieutenant Lichtward appointed 1st Lieutenant. Usual squadron duties, combat crews
given intense training for combat duty. Passes issued to all personnel to visit Oujda.
Numerous flights made to front to observe combat conditions.
Lichtward, Frederick W., 1Lt, intelligence
March 15 – 21 – 43: No Officer or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
Flight Echelon departed Oujda Air Base at 13:30 o’clock, March 12, 1943, for Ain
M’Lila, Algeria, arriving new station without incident. Usual squadron duties performed
by Ground Echelon in camp. Flight Echelon on active combat duty in Tunisian
Campaign, flying its first mission on March 15, 1943. (NOTE) See Combat Mission
Journal for complete details on all combat missions.
March 22 – 31- 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
At 02: 45 hours, March 22, 1943, the Ground Echelon departed Oujda via train for Ain
M’Lila, Algeria, arriving 13:45 hours, March 26, 1943. Accommodations on train very
poor, trip scenic and interesting, distance traveled 700 miles, morale: excellent.
Weather: good.
Tent area assigned to squadron. First semi-permanent camp set up. Sleeping and
Mess accommodations greatly improved. Squadron functioning well under combat
conditions. Blackout regulations enforced.
On March 31, 1943, while on low-element sea-sweep over Mediterranean Sea the
squadron suffered its first casualty in combat, 1st Lieutenant: Hess, McKinney; 2nd
Lieutenants: Campbell, Welton; S/Sgts: Cookman, Hines, Kirol, McGinnis, McMurray,
Ratajczyk, Rodgers, H.E., Headings and Lottes were officially listed as missing in action.
Next of kin notified.
Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot

321st Bombardment Group Squadron War Diaries

Transcription

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