321st Bombardment Group Squadron War Diaries

Transcription

12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: August 1943
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For my dad,
Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (deceased)
“Lil Butch”
John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired)
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12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing (M)
321st Bombardment Group (M)
History: August 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.)
Sunday, 1 August 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Rumania, 177 B-24's, of the IX Bomber Command (including B24's on loan from the Eighth Air Force) are dispatched to bomb oil refineries at Ploesti
and nearby Campina. The operation (TIDALWAVE) is costly, 54 planes and 532 airmen
are lost, but damage to the targets is severe. 5 Medal of Honors are awarded for this
mission.
In Sicily, 230+ P-40's, the largest Ninth Air Force total to date, attack
Adrano, the area near Randazzo, Messina, Milazzo, Taormina, and shipping in the Straits
of Messina.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): During
the night of 31 Jul/l Aug Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons
drop leaflets on Rome and Naples, Italy, and bomb Randazzo and Adrano, Sicily. During
the following day, B-17's bomb Capodichino Airfield, Italy, and B-25's hit Milazzo,
Sicily. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium
bombers hit Paterno, Randazzo, Adrano, Bronte, Santa Maria di Licondia, and motor
transport in the Orlando area. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF)
Beaufighters score hits on shipping between Sardinia and Italy. On the ground in Sicily,
US ground forces advance E along the coast, approach Troina further inland, and begin a
movement to flank defenses. The British, to the S, penetrate into Regalbuto. During the
month of August, the 3rd Air Defense Wing (64th Fighter Wing effective 7 Aug 43)
transfers from Licata to Gela, Sicily. HQ 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers
from Chateau-dun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia. The 2nd, 4th and 5th
Fighter Squadrons, 52nd Fighter Group transfer from La Sebala, Tunisia to Boccadifalco,
Sicily with Spitfires. The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from
Palermo to Termini, Sicily with Spitfires. The 429th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy),
2nd Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Ain M’Lila, Algeria to Massicault,
Tunisia with B-17's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: A celebration was given at Group Headquarters in honor of the
first anniversary of the activation of the 321st Bomb Group. Purple hearts were awarded
to Major Cook, Lt. McLeod, Lt. Shaw and Lt. Rudolph. This marks Lt. Rudolph’s
second award of the Purple Heart. T/Sgt. Eagan was also awarded the Purple Heart.
Later on this morning, Air Medals were presented to our combat crews by Major Cook in
a very informal ceremony. Chow today at noon was very good and plenty of beer was
available for all. Everybody having the day off, the men visited Tabarka, Ain Draham,
Beja, and Souk El Khemis.
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander
Eagan, Joseph E., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt, bombardier
Rudolph, Raymond L., 2Lt, pilot
Shaw, William H., 1Lt, pilot
Sunday, 1 August 1943 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: The Group celebrated its First Anniversary today. Everybody had
the day off and a meeting was held at Group Headquarters at which decorations were
awarded and General Carlyle Ridenour commended the Group on its accomplishments.
Ours was the first Group to have its training, come overseas, and complete 100 missions
in the first year of its existence.
Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, 47th Wing, Commander
446th BS Special Account: On August 1, 1943 the 446th Bombardment Squadron
celebrated their first anniversary at Souk-el-Arba. Although facilities were not good
enough by far to celebrate the occasion those in charge did the best they could and the
result was enjoyable.
The day started out with a Group formation at Group Headquarters where awards
were given out to those who had earned them. There were a number of men in the 446 th
who received them. It had been planned to enlist the services of Bob Hope and Company
for this meeting but at the time it was impossible to contact him.
Everyone was given the day off immediately after the formation and because of
this the Anniversary supper was served the night previous. Everything was purchased for
the meal that could possibly be obtained and with the large amount of beer that
accompanied it, the meal was quite a success.
All in all the day was a big success. With a year behind them which saw many
interesting events take place, which witnessed many head aches and much work, which
saw many great achievements by them, the 446th started on their second year resolved to
surpass anything they had yet accomplished. Woe is the enemy!
447th BS War Diary: A holiday for the entire group. We celebrated our first birthday
today. The Group and squadron have been activated just one year. There was a group
meeting this morning and Col. Knapp expressed his satisfaction for the accomplishments
achieved during our first year. General Ridenour also gave a little talk and congratulated
us on the fine work don in this theatre. The Purple Heart was awarded the men in the
group who have earned it. Five men in our squadron received the award from Col.
Knapp. They were: Capt. Manly, Lt. McCone, Lt. Tate, S/Sgt. Jensen and S/Sgt. R.E.
Murphy. The colonel also presented the squadron commanders with Air Medals and
clusters to be awarded the combat men in their respective squadrons. After the gathering
at group all the officers of our squadron went to the Bellevue Hotel located at Ain
Draham for dinner. Special arrangements had been made by Capt. Gale and Maj.
Sampson to take over the dining room for the occasion. We had steak and French fried
potatoes—all we could eat and champagne was available for those who wanted it at $16 a
bottle. The party was a big success. The enlisted men had a feast of their own at the
squadron area. They had fresh meat and free beer---and the day off to spend in any way
they liked. Maj. Sampson expressed his appreciation to both the enlisted men and the
officers for a job well done during the past year.
Gale, Myron, Maj, Executive
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence
McCone, Walter G. 2Lt, bombardier
Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt, gunner
Tate, Roy W., 2Lt, bombardier
Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander
Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
447th BS Special Account: The squadron celebrated its first birthday on this date. Col.
Knapp took the occasion to call all the squadrons together and express his appreciation
for the outstanding accomplishments of the squadrons in one short year. General
Ridenour, the Wing Commander, was also present and made a short speech in which he
said that no other Group in the Air Force in a year’s time had received as thorough a
training program and completed as many missions against the enemy as our Group had.
Up to that date our Squadron had participated in 78 of the Group’s 99 missions. During
the ceremony Purple Hearts were awarded the following men in this squadron: Capt.
Manly, Lt. McCone, Lt. Tate, S/Sgt. Jensen, and S/Sgt. R.E. Murphy. Air medals and
other awards were presented to the squadron commanders to be passed on to the men
who had earned them in their respective organizations. After the ceremonies free beer
and a gala feast was served the enlisted men. The officers took over the dining room in
one of the hotels in the mountains (Bellevue) and had a banquet. Steak and French fried
potatoes were the big items on the menu. Champagne was available for those who
wanted it. The holiday was enjoyed by one and all.
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence
McCone, Walter G. 2Lt, bombardier
Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt, gunner
Tate, Roy W., 2Lt, bombardier
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Monday, 2 August 1943
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): In Sicily, P-40's attack
shipping in the Straits of Messina and off Milazzo.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters,
and light and medium bombers hit trucks, a dump and road junction in NE Sicily, docks
and shipping at Milazzo, Messina and in the Reggio di Calabria, Italy area, and targets of
opportunity (mainly motor transport) from Barcellona S to Adrano. On the ground in
Sicily, US ground forces push slowly W while British troops gain control of Regalbuto
and fight indecisively in the streets of Centuripe. HQ 12th Bombardment Group
(Medium) and its 81st, 82nd, 83rd and 434th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B25's transfer from Hergla, Tunisia to Ponte Olivio, Sicily. HQ 31st Fighter Group
transfers from Agrigento to Termini, Sicily. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium)
and its 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Hergla, Tunisia
to Comiso, Sicily with B-25's. The 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group transfers
from Agrigento to Termini, Sicily with Spitfires.
445th BS War Diary: No mission today. One of our ships ferried some patients from
the base hospital to Constantine.
446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities.
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “It is already
the second of August and everything is still about the same. This valley is terrifically hot
in the summer months. I get so I have a headache almost daily in the hottest hours.
Don’t have ambition to do anything, but lie around; and drink gallons of water and wish
for missions.
Had one mission since I last wrote in these notes. It was over an airfield fifteen
miles from Rome. Dropped 6500 pounders on it and did a pretty good job. Flak was
pretty accurate and there were some fighters, but no one was hurt. Haven’t had a
mission since then. About three days ago Merle Bailey was killed on a test flight near
Ain M’Lila. He was the fellow from Bel Air I used to tell you about. Was always buzzing
everything when he flew. No one knows the cause of the accident. I flew the Group
surgeon there the next day and there was very little left after the crash. Pretty rough on
all of us. Buzz was very popular.
Bailey, Harold Merle "Buzz", 1Lt, pilot
Monday, 2 August 1943 (continued)
Heard on the radio today about the B-24 raid in Rumania. Those guys deserve
the highest praise. It must have been a wonderful piece of work. Raids like that and on
those dams in the Ruhr really take guts and skill. When the Air Corps does a job they
really do a fine one.
Since I write in this more frequently and can now keep up to date, I can remember
more details and tell you more of what we do. Yesterday was the first anniversary of the
forming of the 321st and we had a Group meeting . Lot of speeches and what not. Most
of us were hung over, there was a sqdn. party the night before and it was pretty drunk
out.
There were some figures given about the work of the Group and we’ve really done
quite a job.
1. The first and only Group to bring 50-odd planes from the States in one
formation without a loss of any kind.
2. First medium Group to bomb Italy
3. Ninety-nine Group missions to date.
4. 2,880 sorties from the Group. Average loss of .78 planes per mission. That
is remarkable for a medium bomb group.
5. 3000 tons of bombs dropped
6. 34 enemy planes knocked down
7. 50 enemy ships sunk or damaged. And out of those the 446th sank 22.
That makes the ole Squadron pretty sharp doesn’t it.
There were some figures on the first four months of our combat times. It is a
pretty damn good record and makes me proud to be in the outfit.
With all the replacements coming, some of the old boys will be leaving soon and I
should finish by the end of September. I hope to get home then. Most of us will finish
with fifty missions. It is a long rough grind and with forty to fifty you’ve really done a
fine job in my estimation. I don’t know if I’ve changed much since I left home, but I know
I’ve aged a lot. I’m a lot more nervous and jumpy than I’ve ever been. But a nice
vacation will come soon and we’ll all be happy again. (More soon).
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.
448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew):
“Prior comes back from hospital.”
Prior, Gordon M. "Gordie", 2Lt, pilot
Tuesday, 3 August 1943
In Sicily, B-25's bomb Adrano and its highway approaches; and 300+
P-40's, the largest Ninth Air Force total to date, attack harbors and shipping at Milazzo
and Messina, and give direct support to British ground forces in the Catania-Bronte area.
In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
bombers hit tactical targets; and fighters, light and medium bombers hit shipping in the
Straits of Messina and at Milazzo and attack Adrano and Biancavilla and gun
emplacements and bridges in the area. On the ground in Sicily, US forces continue E
along the N coast toward the Furiano River. At Troina, further inland, the enemy
continues firm resistance. HQ 82nd Fighter Group transfers from Souk-el-Arba, Algeria
to Grombalia, Tunisia. The 414th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment
Group (Heavy), transfers with B-17's from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-duFahs, Tunisia. The 486th and 487th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th
Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer with B-25's from Hergla, Tunisia to Comiso,
Sicily.
445th BS War Diary: The mission scheduled for today was cancelled. 20 combat crew
members left for rest camp at Ain Taya.
447th BS War Diary: Another move is in the offing. Maj. Sampson flew to our new
field today for an inspection. We are to move to Soliman which is about thirty miles
from Tunis.
Wednesday, 4 August 1943
In Sicily, P-40's attack shipping at Messina and support ground forces
at the N end of Mount Etna. On the ground in Sicily, US troops are halted by fierce
opposition at the Furiano River and at Troina.
In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's
bomb the submarine base at Naples; B-26's and B-25's hit the railroad bridge at
Cantanzaro and railroad at Paola. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) medium and light bombers, and fighters attack communications targets, gun
positions, and storage areas in the Milazzo-Adrano-Biancavilla and Bronte-RipostoFiumefreddo areas. A number of NATAF aircraft hit rail sidings on the toe of Italy and
attack shipping off Messina, Sicily. On the ground in Sicily, the British cross the Salso
River with 2 divisions, while other forces prepare to drive on Catania and others continue
toward Misterbianco. HQ 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 347th and 348th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from Navarin, Algeria to Oudna,
Tunisia. The 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadrons, 82nd Fighter Group, transfer from
Souk-el-Arba, Algeria to Grombalia, Tunisia with P-38's.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 100/mission 99) Group Mission # 100:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report # 100, 4 August 1943
1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).
2. At 0730
48___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Marina di Paolo marshalling yards
Time No. A/C Type A/C
Target
and bridge. One returned early. ___47__ dropped 276 x 500 lb. bombs with 1/10
Target
No. A/C
No & Type
And 45 second fusing from 7500/9000 ft. at 1015. __47__ returned at 1245.
Alt.
Time No A/C
Time
3. Coverage of target was poor, only a few hits being reported in M/Y and on tracks to
N & S of town. Bombs generally fell to N and wide of target.
4. Air---------One report of 3 E/A high, at 1 o’clock. Did not attack.
Marine----3 150 ft. M/V, possibly tankers, headed 350° at 39°59’N, 15°15’E at 1010.
3 E boats headed N off shore opposite Greco at 1013. 3 small M/V close
Wednesday, 4 August 1943 (continued)
to shore 10 miles N of Marina di Paolo. 1 large M/V off shore 10 miles S
of target. 15 objects in water, believed mines, at 39°30’N, 15°35’E.
Small empty rowboat seen at 38°25’N, 12°10’E.
Flak-------- None.
Ground----Long train headed S. at Fuscaldo. 15/20 cars 5 miles S of target. 40/60
cars at target.
5. Enroute----Low scattered scud at 1500 ft. at sea. Hazy, visibility 7 miles.
Target------Scattered high clouds. Hazy, visibility 5 miles.
Return------4/10 alto-cumulus at 12000. Hazy, visibility 12 miles.
6. None.
Route------ Left field at 4000 ft. at 0801 on heading 49° for 80 miles to Cape Ben
Sekka, reached at 0823. Hit deck there and headed 65° for 210 miles to
38°50’N, 13°10’E reached at 0929. Headed 74° for 45 miles to 39°05’N,
13°58’E reached at 0943. Started climb on same heading for 100 miles
and reached 39°52’N, 15°25’E at 10,000 ft. at 1010. Headed 130° for 22
miles to target and made bomb run at 7500 ft. Right turn and hit deck on
course 252° for home.
Flight leaders – Capts. Culp, Burns, Morton; Lts. Sinclair, Garmon, Taylor, Bonus,
Cratin.
Observers-General Ridenour, Colonel Kyle.
Number of sorties - 47
Photos taken.
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON,
Major, Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: It was very windy today and fairly hot. One of the men out on the
line caught an old deformed Arab stealing a couple of his barracks bags. The Arab was
brought into Intelligence and questioned by one of the enlisted men who speaks French.
He couldn’t get anything out of him so the Arab was turned over to the French civil
authorities.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 100/mission 99) Group Mission # 100: 48
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the marshalling yards and bridge at Marina di
Paolo. 72 x 500 lb. bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8000 ft. The coverage of the
target was very poor and only a very few hits were scored in the marshalling yards and on
the tracks north and south of the town. No flak was seen. Three enemy planes were seen
at 1’oclock above the formation but did not attack.
A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½
Judy”
P Cratin, William S., 1Lt
CP Young, William G., 2Lt
N Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt
Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt
Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt
Bruyneel, Dennis A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl”
P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt
CP Shaw, William H., 2Lt
N None
B McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt
E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt
R Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt
G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-29958
P Olson, Walter N., 1Lt
CP Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt
N None
B Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt
E Halpin, John J., Sgt
R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt
G Smith, James B., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle”
P Bitner, William H., 2Lt
CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt
N None
B Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt
E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
R Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt
G Quintin, Stanley J., Sgt
F None
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger”
McGee, William N., 1Lt
Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt
Kyle, R., Col, Northwest African
Strategic Air Force (observer)
McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt
Littleton, Willis W., S/Sgt
Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt
Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt
Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt
A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie”
Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt
Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt
None
Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt
McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt
Calvert, M. E., Sgt
Turner, Clyde R. “Bulldog”, Sgt
A/C No. 42-64575
Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt
Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt
Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt
McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt
Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt
Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt
Bryant, James C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64529
Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt
Mamerow, George A., 2Lt
Becker, Virgil C., 1Lt
Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt
Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt
Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt
Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
P O’Harra, Roderick E., 1Lt
CP Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
N Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt
B Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt
E Martine, William E., S/Sgt
R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-53373
P Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt
CP Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt
N None
B Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt
E Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt
R Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt
G Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt
F Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, HQ 47th
Wing Commander (observer)
A/C No. 42-53428 “The Wolf II”
Miller, Roy N., 1Lt
Butela, William F., 2Lt
None
Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt
Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt
Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt
O’Neill, Philip W., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie”
Hughes, Clark E., 2Lt
Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt
None
Morgan, Robert E., S/Sgt
Childress, W. H., S/Sgt
Winston, E. G., S/Sgt
Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt
Asmus, George D., Sgt
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament:
8/04/43:
“July 31st I took a flight to Oran and Algiers for the purpose of drawing
armament equipment from Air Corps supply base there. I enjoyed the trip very much.
The air was smooth and the day clear. The fertile valley that leads to Oran and the one
also leading to Algiers were indeed beautiful with the neat pattern of carefully laid out
vineyards and shining white country villas. The mass of planes on both of the airfields
was appalling and from all indications in the line of improvements, the Americans are
there to stay for no short time. Algiers is the busiest airport I have ever seen.
August 1st being the anniversary of the forming of the 321st Group, Col. Knapp
chose that day for a sort of celebration. He made awards of many medals at a short
program in the morning and dismissed everyone to go where we chose in the afternoon.
The Armament section took our own weapons carrier and went to the beach town of La
Cale. There my esteem of American standards of modesty took a shellacking when the lot
of us most unconcernedly removed our clothing, except shorts, in the unobstructed
nearness of twenty feet from feminine bathers of every age and class. They of necessity
performed the same flagrant breech of American standards of modesty without becoming
in the least abashed and the only thing to interrupt the naturalness of it were the crude
remarks and lustful staring of some GIs. I admire the French, particularly the women,
for their sane, unaffected handling of natural facts. Yesterday Rucker, Cavalenes and I
went to Ain Draham, probably for the last time, as we are moving up near Tunis soon.”
Cavalenes, George P., S/Sgt, armament
Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 100/mission 99) Group Mission # 100:
Group mission 100, Sqdn 78 composed of 12 planes led by Lt. Garmon. The target was
the MY and RR bridge at Marina di Paola, Italy. 500 lb bombs were dropped with poor
results. No flak, but three enemy fighters sighted which did not attack.
A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo”
Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt
McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt
Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt
Brown, Newton E., 2Lt
Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt
Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt
Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania
Polka”
P Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr.,
2Lt
CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt
N None
B DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt
E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt
R Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt
G Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt
F Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”,
M/Sgt, 445th BS
A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO Pee Wee”
P Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
CP Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt
N None
B Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt
E McKibben, Walter D., Jr., S/Sgt
R Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt
G Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas
Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No
Peekin’”)
Browning, Eugene S. “Squif”, 1Lt
Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt
None
Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt
Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt
Swenson, Stanley C., T/Sgt
Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of
St. Joe”
Garmon, James M. “Max”, 1Lt
Brooks, LeRoy O., 2Lt
Beyer, William J., 2Lt
Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt
Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt
Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt
Wray, Charles E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64551
VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt
Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt
Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt
Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt
Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt
Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt
Haresign, James M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot”
P Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt
CP Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt
N None
B Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt
E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, Sgt
R Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt
G Edwards, David R., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess”
P Porter, Jack Grafton, 1Lt
CP Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt
N None
B Pillman, Frank W., S/Sgt
E Lytle, Logan Lee, S/Sgt
R Nicholson, John E., T/Sgt
G Blick, Oliver L., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13197
P Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt
CP Cornell, Earl K., F/O
N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt
B Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
E StAntoine, James J., S/Sgt
R Sidlik, Theophil S., T/Sgt
G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty”
Brown, Aud W., 2Lt
Carr, Philip O., 2Lt
None
Pyle, Joseph W., T/Sgt
Smith, James A., S/Sgt
Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt
Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
Schmidt, Frederick C. “Fred”, 1Lt
Dains, Thomas E., 2Lt
Braucher, David C., 2Lt
Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt
Kovis, Joseph C., S/Sgt
Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt
Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-32416 “SUGAR LUMP”
Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt
Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt
None
Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt
Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt
Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
McNeil, Gabriel J., Cpl
Wisnesky, Benjamin H., S/Sgt
447th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
Eleven of our planes participated in a raid on Marino Di Paolo marshalling yards and
railroad bridge in Italy. Bombing results poor. All our planes returned safely.
A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind”
McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt
None listed – likely the navigator
Mercer, William R., S/Sgt
Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt
Alton, David D., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle
II”
P Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt
CP DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt
N None
B Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt
E Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt
R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt
G Murphy, John F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12925 “Huckelberry
Duck”
P Morganti, Clyde J., 2Lt
CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt
N Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt
B None listed – likely the navigator
E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt
R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt
G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon
Ball”
P Burns, John P. “Buster”, Capt
CP Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt
N Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt
B Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 1Lt
E Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt
R Byerly, Lee E., T/Sgt
G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt
F Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st
BG (observer)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated
Lady”
DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt
Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt
Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
Joseph, Edward R., S/Sgt
Hofstedt, John H., T/Sgt
Smith, Robert J., Pvt
None
A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff”
McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 2Lt
Sholund, John D., 2Lt
None
Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt
Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt
Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt
Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13007 “The Harp”
Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt
Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt
None
Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt
Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt
Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt
Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt
Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt
None
Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt
Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt
Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt
Werner, George P., Sgt
Christenson, Lars (NMI), Sr., Cpl
A/C No. 42-64695
P Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt
CP McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt
N None
B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt
E Henry, William R., S/Sgt
R Myers, William W., Sgt
G Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt
F Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 1Lt
Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt
None
Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt
Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt
Tornio, Raymond A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck”
Morton, William H. “Mort”, Capt
Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt
Black, Donald (NMI) “Blackie”, 1Lt
Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 1Lt
Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt
Fryer, John R., T/Sgt
DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30002 (regular—but
returned early because of oil leak in R.
engine)
Lungren, Charles D., 1Lt
Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt
None
Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt
Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt
Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 16)
“Marshalling yards and railroad bridges at Paola, Italy. No flak, no fighters. Of the 36
P-38s we were supposed to have for escort, we only got six. The rest couldn’t find us, I
guess.”
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 34)
“On August 4th the 321st went out on the 100th mission—my 34th. It was the worst job of
bombing we have ever done. Our target was the marshalling yards and railroad bridges
at Marino di Paolo on the northwest side of the toe of Italy. The “Remarks” section of
the mission report in Operations tells the story pretty well: “Coverage of target was
poor, only a few hits reported on marshalling yards and on tracks north and south of
town. Bombs generally fell to the north and wide of the target.”
That’s a nice way of saying we missed hell out of it. The truth is that bombs fell
all over the country---in fields, in the sea, and almost everywhere but on the target.
There is, however, a reason for the failure. Visibility was the worst we have ever
encountered, winds were nothing near what they were reported to be, and navigation was
poor---very poor!
We had two strikes on us from the start. The target was small, and 48 ships were
sent out to bomb it. That’s too many for a small target. A 48 ship formation is O.K. for a
big area like an airdrome or landing ground, but always difficult to handle even under
the best of conditions. I do not know what squadron had the lead flight, but Col. Charles
T. (The Brain) Olmsted was in the lead ship, and that is a handicap that only God and
Lady Luck can help overcome!
Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
Although I am not certain, it is believed by our squadron navigators that, besides
adverse weather conditions, the lead navigator had a bad compass to contend with.
We had 12 ships on the mission, led by Capt. Burns. I flew on Morton’s right
wing, leading our second flight of six. Mort did an unusually poor job, weaving and
rocking most of the time. But that was due to the poor visibility (no horizon) and erratic
flying by the lead ship.
Burns, John P., Capt, pilot
Morton, William H. "Mort", Capt, pilot
We were briefed to hit the coast north of the target, fly down the coast on our
bombing run, and then break to the west for home.
We hit the coast considerably farther north than anticipated and as a result our
bombardiers expected the target much sooner than it appeared. Visibility was about 5
miles in haze and that isn’t much at 9,000 ft. when we should have at least a 4 or 5 mile
bomb run.
Our flight of 12 was third, or next to last, and as we flew down the coast we could
see the lead flight ahead and off to our left when they should have been either directly
ahead or a little to our right. They were lost—hopelessly lost, and with the Brain along!
But spotting the target was difficult not only because of the haze but because there
were several little towns all along the coast with railroad yards that were all very
similar. The proper target could be identified only after close examination—hard to do
in haze.
The second flight of 12 apparently missed the target too. They went over it, but if
they saw it, it was too late to make a run on it.
We saw it and got set to make a short run, but the second six ships of the first
flight, now well off to our left, saw it too and made an almost right angle turn to go over
it. They were slightly ahead of us so arrived over the target a little in front of us, spoiling
our run completely. We dropped our bombs anyhow, figuring that anywhere they might
hit Italy they would do more harm than bringing them home.
I don’t know what happened that the last flight did not good, but there was
enough confusion ahead of them to upset anyone. They can’t be blamed for missing.
Max Garmon led the flight of six that left the first 12 to go over the target cutting
us out. Back on the ground Col. Olmsted gave him hell for leaving formation. He had
given him hell a few days before for not leaving when his lead ship’s sight had gone out!
Moral: You can’t be right with the Brain!!
Garmon, James M., Capt, pilot
Boyle, my bombardier, had been unable to open our doors over the target so,
after we passed Maritimo Island on the way back, I left formation, climbed to about 5,000
ft. and he salvoed our bombs. In the haze we almost lost the main formation, but
managed to get back O.K. But now our doors wouldn’t close. Lalum came up, however,
and together they got them shut.
Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier
On the way back Sholund, my co-pilot, pulled one I’ll never forget. Boyle had
come back and I was talking to him about dropping our bombs. Sholund was flying and I
was paying no particular attention to him when I happened to glance out the right side
and saw Burns’ flight in what looked like a dive. I glanced quickly at our airspeed and it
was 150. I hit the control column with all I had! Sholund had apparently been trying to
hear our conversation, forgot what he was doing, and absently pulled back on the stick! I
honestly believe if I hadn’t caught it we would have stalled out---and a stall at 200 feet
can mean only one thing: Disaster!
Burns, John P., Capt, pilot
Sholund, John D., 2Lt, pilot
I read Sholund the riot act when we got back….”
Mission 67 (100): At 0730 48 planes off to bomb Mariana di Paolo M/Y and bridge.
One returned early, 47 planes dropped 276 x 500 from 75/9000 feet at 1015. All planes
back at 1245. Coverage of target poor only few hits reported on M/Y bombs generally N
of target. Three E/A at 1 o’clock did not attack. Tankers and mines observed and
positions reported. No flak. Weather: Low scattered cloud at 1500. F/L: Culp and
Sinclair.
A/C No. 41-29967
Culp,
Merle
H., Capt
P
CP Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Capt,
Commander
N Boland, Chester H., 1Lt
B Reich, William John, 2Lt
E Poynter, Robert A., Pvt
R Egbom, Clarence W., Pvt
G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), Pvt
F Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st
BG (mission commander)
A/C No. 41-30548
P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt
N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt
B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
E Robb, Earl K., PFC
R Orman, Virgil N., PFC
G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, PFC
F None
A/C No. 42-64521
Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt
Joli, William H., 2Lt
None
Reid, Robert L., Sgt
Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt
House, Harry H., S/Sgt
Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt
Bell, Ernest C., 1Lt, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd”
Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt
Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt
Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 1Lt
Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt
Potosky, John S., PFC
Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt
Mintus, Frank J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye”
P Moore, Leland A., 1Lt
CP Biener, Martin B., 2Lt
N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt
B Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt
E Pitts, Lawrence P., PFC
R Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt
G Ryal, Clarence M., PFC
F None
A/C No. 42-64552
P Stewart, John C., 1Lt
CP Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
N None
B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt
E Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt
R Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt
G Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64655
P Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt
CP Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt
N None
B Colby, Arthur R., PFC
E Masteller, Harry M., PFC
R Papile, Frank M., PFC
G LaRue, Augustin A., PFC
F None
A/C No. 41-30327
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Davies, Robert D., 1Lt
Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt
Holt, William E., 2Lt
Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt
Smith, Harry V., PFC
Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt”
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt
Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt
Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt
Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., PFC
Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, PFC
White, George E., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64661
Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt
Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt
None
Cain, George S., S/Sgt
Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt
Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt
Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64514
Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt
Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt
Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt
Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
Ripple, William E. “Rip”, PFC
Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, PFC
Wallace, John R., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” (spare
- returned early)
Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
Bruton, John E., 1Lt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt
Porch, Dean O., PFC
Harding, John E., PFC
Uzailko, George (NMI), PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30352 (regular – but
returned early because of gas shortage)
P Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt
CP McEvoy, John C., 2Lt
N None
B Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt
E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt
R Moore, Gordon E., S/Sgt
G Deal, Herman L., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30343
P McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
CP Driver, William J., F/O
N None
B Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt
E Polinsky, Marvin J., PFC
R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt
G Silva, John P., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30326 (spare – returned
early)
Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt
Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt
None
StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt
Roberts, Harold L., PFC
Tanner, James T., S/Sgt
Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt
None
Thursday, 5 August 1943
In Sicily, B-25's bomb the town, roads, and road junctions of
Francavilla and shipping in the Straits of Messina.
In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and
light and medium bombers attack troops, roads, and gun positions at Adrano and Troina
and surrounding areas in support of Allied ground forces, hit motor transport behind
enemy lines in Sicily and on the toe of Italy, and sink or damage over 20 small vessels
and barges at Milazzo and in the Straits of Messina; and Northwest African Strategic Air
Force (NASAF) B-17's, operating in 2 forces, hit the docks and railroad yards at Messina.
B-25's bomb a switching station at Guspini, Sardinia, and P-40's, after escorting the B25's, attack and probably sink a U-boat off SW Sardinia. On the ground in Sicily, US
forces open an assault on the San Fratello ridge, and further inland gain positions
overlooking Troina. The enemy withdraws from the town during the night. The British 13
Corps overruns Paterno, Misterbianco, and Catania; the British 30 Corps continues
toward Adrano. HQ 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 379th, 380th, 381st and
428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer with B-25's from Dar el Koudia to
Menzel Temime, Tunisia. The 91st Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers with
P-39's from Sfax to Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia. The 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter
Group, transfers with Spitfires from Agrigento to Termini, Sicily. The 346th and 416th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfer from
Navarin, Algeria to Oudna, Tunisia with B-17's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On August 5 at 1240, 4 B-25Gs took off to attack the
Guspini Switching Yards. They scored two direct-hits on the target and noticed flames
and explosions a cloud of dust coming up from one building. One hit was made on substation adjacent to the target and one in the barracks area east of town and one hit in the
town itself. There was no enemy opposition and all planes safely set down at 1545.
Flight leaders were Lieut. Beeson, Lieut. Schwindle, Lieut. Keith and Lieut. Prior, with
Col. Taylor and Cap. Seel as observers. Photos were taken on the mission.
Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt, pilot, operations, 447th BS
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot, 448th BS
Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot, 447th BS
Taylor, Y. H. (i.o.), Col, Chief of Staff, HQ 47th Wing
Thursday, 5 August 1943 (continued)
321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/Mission 1):
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report # 1, 5 August 1943 (redesignated mission # 331 on 4 Jun 44)
2. At 1240
_4___ _B-25-Gs took off to attack Switching Stations at Guspini.
Target
_None_ returned early. _4___ fired 9 x 75 MM shells at 300 feet at 1425. _4___
No. A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
Alt.
Time No. A/C
Returned at 1545.
Time
3. Two direct hits made on Switching Station resulting in flames and explosion and
cloud of dust from building. One hit on sub-station adjacent to target, one in barracks
area to E. of town, and one hit in town.
4. Air--------- No E/A observed, No E/A seen on Pabillonis A/D.
Marine-----None.
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute----CAVU.
Target------CAVU.
Return------CAVU.
6. NONE.
Route------ Took off from field at 1240 on heading of 58° fro 63 miles to Mateur,
reached at 1300 at 3000 feet. Left at 1313 on heading 304° for 30 miles to
Cape Serrat, 37°15’N, 9°13’E, reached at 1321. Hit deck there and
headed 340° for 132 miles to 39°10’N, 8°00’E reached at 1406. Headed
15° for 56 miles to 39°40’N, 8°00’E reached at 1416. Headed 94° for 32
miles to 39°39’N, 8°43’E, reached at 1422. Headed 220° for 10 miles to
target reached at 1425. Fired from 300 feet. Right turn to heading 257°
and home.
Flight leaders--Lts. Beeson, Schwindle, Keith, Prior.
Observers-----Colonel Taylor, Capt. Seel.
Number of sorties – 4.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
447th BS B-25G A/C No. crew list not
available – likely plane and crew:
42-32489
Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt
Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt
Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt
Taylor, Y. H. (i.o.), Col, HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt
Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt
Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt
None listed - likely the engineer
42-32487 “Black Magic”
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O
Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt
None
None
Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt
Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt
Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt
42-64580
Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt
Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt
None
None
Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt
Keller, Richard S., S/Sgt
Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt,447th BS
42-64668
Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt
Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt
Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt
None
Nithman, Charles E., Cpl
Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt
Rowley, Lester T., Sgt
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Intentionally placed with the mission, rather than date of letter on 6 August 43)
HEADQUARTERS 47th WING
APO 520
6 August 1943
SUBJECT:
Report on First Combat Mission Performed by B-25G (75mm cannon)
aircraft.
TO
Commanding General, NASAF, AP) 520, THRU: Commanding General,
47th Wing.
:
1. On 5 August 1943 the undersigned led a flight of four (4) B-25G aircraft on
the first combat mission performed by such aircraft in this theater of operations.
2. The target selected was a large electric power switching station located near
GUSPINI, SARDINIA. Three power lines entered this station and it is believed that
these lines furnished power for a considerable area throughout southwest SARDINIA.
Maps, photographs, and plans for the attack were studied carefully for two days prior to
the attack. There were two large buildings in the target area.
3. Five (5) B-25G’s took off from SOOK EL ARBA at 1241 and picked up an
escort of 4 P-40’s of the 325th Fighter Group near MATEUR at 1315. The spare B-25G
returned after guns had been tested over the water leaving four airplanes to perform the
mission. The route out and approach to the target was made on the deck as indicated on
the attached overlay. Before reaching the target difficulty was experienced in identifying
roads north of the target area until the lead airplane pulled up to 300’ and located the
power line which led into the target from the north. A bend in the highway 4500 yards
north of the target had been selected as a reference point form range estimation but at the
time this point was reached the buildings in the target area could not be distinguished
from 300’ altitude. Evasive action consisting of alternate turns, right and left, had been
taken at all times since crossing the coast line. This action held the indicated airspeed
down to 210-220 MPH in spite of the use of considerable power. The formation was
column of two-ship elements with the wing man of the first element on the right of his
leader prepared for a break to the left at the target. The second element was about one
mile to the rear with the wing man on the left of his leader prepared for a break to the
right at the target. Both elements were to climb out through the mountains, using violent
evasive action, and assemble over the water as indicated on the overlay. After passing
the 4500 yard point referred to above the first building came into view at about 2000
yards. Both ships in the leading element fired very quickly. The gun in the lead airplane
had just fired and its shell did not quite have time to reach the building when the first shot
fired by Pilot Officer Keith, the wing man, was seen to strike squarely in the center of the
2 story building nearest the power line sending up a cloud of dust and black smoke. The
shell from the lead airplane struck the left side of the building immediately thereafter and
a ball of fire and electrical disturbance resembling flashes of lighting came out of the
building and after playing around the building area was observed to run out on the power
lines in all directions setting up flashes and sparks all along the line. After this the exact
location of hits made by the second shells fired could not be determined due to dust and
the fact that a pullout had to be made immediately. After turning off the target the
leading airplane fired its third shell into a nearby barracks area. This shell passed
between buildings and exploded on the ground. The second 2-shop element followed the
same firing procedure; each airplane fired two shells and at least one direct hit was
observed to be made on the building. The assembly was completed beyond the
mountains as planned and the return to the home base was made, without incident. HE
shells were use in the attack.
4. The P-40 escort maintained contact with the G’s throughout and provided both
high and low cover.
5. As a result of this mission the following comments are submitted:
a. A mission of this type requires an experienced commander in the
leading airplane not only for control and to maintain air discipline but also to insure that
the navigation to the target will not fail. Too many of our young crew members are
unable to recognize and follow landmarks on a map. The Commander will also be
required to render many snap decisions during the missions and he must have the
background of experience required to exercise good judgment.
b. Although the weather was clear and visibility good the large building
elected as the target could not be seen at a distance of more than 2500 yards while flying
low. This prevented taking advantage of the long range of the gun. Therefore this type
of attack in net suited to land targets and they will have to be made by higher altitude. In
this particular case it would have been better had the airplanes approached from over the
mountains and fired down into the valley.
c. The 75mm gun can be fired very rapidly and accurately against a target
of considerable size.
d. As a general rule water targets will have a great advantage over land
targets due to the better visibility conditions. Targets located on the coast line will come
under the same category as water targets.
e. This particular target apparently was well chosen since no opposition
was encountered.
f. The inexperienced crew members did not seem to realize the fact that
they could be attacked at any moment while over hostile territory. They had to be
constantly reminded to continue evasive action and keep a lookout for fighters.
Y. H. TAYLOR,
1 Incl:
Colonel, Air Corps,
Overlay (overlay not found with mission reports) Chief of Staff.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Preparations are being made for a move in the near future to a new
base near Soliman, approximately 18 miles south of Tunis and to the east.
“First mission, Sardinia. Score some hits.”
Friday, 6 August 1943
In Sicily, 60+ B-26's hit Bronte, Catania, and Randazzo and the area
N of the Adrano-Biancavilla road; 20+ others bomb road intersections in Adrano and
Bronte; and 100+ P-40's attack shipping and shore targets in the Messina area while 30
others attack shipping on the W coast.
In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's
bomb coastal roads near Messina; B-26's and B-25's hit a road junction SW of Badiazza
and railroad bridges N of Gesso; Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light
and medium bombers hit roads, junctions, and buildings in the Troina, Adrano,
Biancavilla, Tortorici, Bronte, Piranino, and Randazzo areas and the Bagnara, Italy area;
and fighter-bombers hit shipping from Vibo Valentia S to the Straits of Messina. On the
ground in Sicily, US troops are unable to cross the Furiano River as fierce resistance
continues. At Troina, troops push through the town and 1 mile (1.6 km) to the E before
opposition halts them. The British take Biancavilla, and Adrano falls as the enemy pulls
out during the night of 6/7 Aug. HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) and its 32nd,
353rd and 419th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) transfer with B-17's from St-Donat,
Algeria to Oudna, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On August 6, 1943 48 B-25s took off at 0920 to bomb the
road junction 1 mile northwest of Gesso, Sicily. They dropped 285 five-hundred pound
bombs and reported hits on the target and a railroad bridge. Some bombs landed on a
flak-position 200 yards north of the main road junction and it blew up. A P-38 was seen
to crash in the sea and one of our planes dropped a dinghy radio and the P-38 pilot was
seen swimming towards it. Our escort attacked an enemy fighter before we reached the
target. About 6 minutes before target-time, 12/15 objects struck the water about 400
yards west of the formation in a string about 200 yards long, but no enemy aircraft were
discernible. Off Northwest of Messina, a B-17 was seen spinning to the ground. The
following marine observations were reported: 1 small M/V anchored off shore of Alicudi
Island, 1 fishing vessel off east coast of Panarca Island, 1 small vessel in mid-channel
from Messina headed towards Italy, 2 medium M/V and 2 small M/Vs in Messina
Harbor, 25/30 fishing boats on shore at Spadafora San Martino and a flak-ship in Golfo di
Milazzo. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense and accurate from the target. It was
heavy, slight accurate from the flak barge in Golfo di Milazzo. Flight leaders were Capt.
Griffith, Capt. Culp, Capt. Isaacson, Lts. Garmon, Lieut. Fineman, Lieut. Richardson,
Lieut. Whiteford and Lieut. Cratin. Observers were Col. Kyle, Maj. Pinger, Maj.
Pemberton and Maj. Pendleton. Photos were taken.
Cratin, William S., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot, 448th BS
Friday, 6 August 1943 (continued)
Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Garmon, James M. "Max", 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Griffith, Frank J. "Grif", Capt, pilot, 446th BS
Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt, pilot, 448th BS
Kyle, R., Col, Northwest African Strategic Air Force
Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
Pendleton, J. W., Maj, HQ 47th Wing
Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Group Surgeon, HQ 321st BG
Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
2. At 0920
48___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb road junctions 1 mile NW of
Target
Gesso, Sicily. None returned early. 48___ dropped 285 x 500 lb. bombs with 1/10
Target
No. A/C
No & Type
and 45 second fusing from 7500/9000 ft. at 1159. __47__ returned at 1355.
Alt.
Time No A/C
Time
___1___ returned at 1510.
No. A/C
Time
3. Hits reported on main road junction W. of river, and on R.R. bridge. R.R. and coastal
road cut in number of places W. of river. R.R. bridge SW of Spadafora San Martino
reported hit. Some bombs fell over and into sea. Flak position 200 yards N of main
road junction blown up. P-38 crashed into sea at 38°20’N, 14°04’E. B-25 dropped
dinghy radio. Pilot seen swimming towards it.
4. Air---------One E/A before target attacked by escort. 8 minutes before target time, off
Cape Vaticano, 12/15 objects struck water 400 yds W of formation in
string about 200 yds. Long. No E/A seen above. Splashes did not seem
large enough for fighter belly tanks. One B-17 seen spinning to ground,
NW of Messina. One 4-engine plane, apparently without tail, on shore
just W of target.
Marine---- 1 small M/V anchored off W shore of Alicudi Island at 1145. One fishing
vessel off E coast of Panarca Island at 1147. No other shipping observed
around Lipari Islands. One small vessel in mid-channel from Messina
headed toward Italian shore at 1159. 2 medium M/V and 2 small V/V in
Messina harbor. 25/30 fishing boats on shore at Spadafora San Martino.
Flak ship in Golfo di Milazzo.
Flak--------Heavy, moderate to intense, accurate from target. Some from Messina
area. Heavy position reported on Cape Milazzo from open field at NE
projection of Cape. Heavy, slight, accurate from flak barge in Golfo di
Milazzo.
5. Enroute----Hazy, low scattered clouds, 4/10 coverage, Visibility 15 miles.
Target------Hazy, visibility 10 miles.
Return------Hazy, 3/10 coverage at 8000 ft.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Capts. Griffith, Culp, Isaacson; Lts. Garmon, Fineman, Richardson,
Whiteford, Cratin.
Observers-------Col. Kyle, Majors Pinger, Pendleton and Pemberton.
Photos taken.
Dinghy Seen at 38°20’N, 14°00’E.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: It is believed that we will move to our new location tomorrow
morning, depending, however, the weather and whether our ships and crews can be
spared. C-47’s and trucks are already busy transporting our equipment to Soliman.
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the road junction 1 mile northwest of Gesso in
Sicily. The escort was 36 P-38’s of the 82nd. 72 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were
dropped by the 445th from 8000 ft. It is reported on the main road junction west of the
river and railroad bridge—many hits. Railroad and coastal road were cut in a number of
places west of the river. Railroad bridge southwest of Spadafora San Martino was hit.
Some bombs fell over the target and into the sea. One flak position was knocked out.
One P-38 crashed into the sea. One of the bombers dropped a dinghy and the pilot was
seen swimming toward it. One enemy aircraft was attacked by the escort about 8 minutes
before the target was reached. The flak was heavy, moderate to intense and accurate
from the target. Flak from a barge near the coast was heavy, slight and accurate.
P McGee, William N., 1Lt
CP Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt
N None
B McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt
E Littleton, Willis W., S/Sgt
R Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt
G Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt
F Asmus, George D., Sgt
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
O’Harra, Roderick E., 1Lt
Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
None
Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt
Martine, William E., S/Sgt
Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt
None
P Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 1Lt
CP Ward, James M., 2Lt
B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt
E Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt
R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt
G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64529
Olson, Walter N., 1Lt
Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt
None
Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt
Halpin, John J., Sgt
Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt
Smith, James B., Sgt
Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st
BG (observer)
A/C No. 42-64575
P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt
CP Mamerow, George A., 2Lt
N Becker, Virgil C., 1Lt
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
Judy”
P Miller, Roy N., 1Lt
CP Butela, William F., 2Lt
N None
B Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt
E Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt
R Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt
G O’Neill, Phillip W., S/Sgt
F Pendleton, J. W., Maj, HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-53373
Bitner, William H., 2Lt
Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt
None
Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt
Quintin, Stanley J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi
Gambler II”
Cratin, William S., 1Lt
Young, William G., 2Lt
Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-25958
Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt
Shaw, William H., 2Lt
None
McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt
Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt
Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt
Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt
None
Walker, James O., Jr., 1Lt
Miller, Gail G., 2Lt
Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 2Lt
Kazich, Rudolph William, S/Sgt
Melhorn, Raymond W., S/Sgt
Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt
Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED”
Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt
Kaschenback, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt
None
Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt
McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
Calvert, M. E., Sgt
None
Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt
Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt
None
Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt
Chereski, John J., T/Sgt
None
Group mission 101, Sqdn 78 composed of 12 planes. Capt. Griffith led the Group to the
RR and road junctions at Badiazza, Sicily. 500 lb bombs were dropped on the main road
junction and RR bridge. Lt. Shepard was slightly injured on the face by flak. Sgt.
Edwards was also hit but not injured.
1Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady”
P Brown, Aud W., 2Lt
CP Carr, Philip O., 2Lt
N None
B Pyle, Joseph W., S/Sgt
E Smith, James A., S/Sgt
R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt
G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt
F None
Polka”
Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr.,
2Lt
Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt
None
DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt
Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt
Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt
Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt
None
Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt
Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt
None
Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt
Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, Sgt
Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt
Edwards, David R., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13192
CP Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt
N None
F Pinger, Robert R., Maj, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
Peekin’”)
P Browning, Eugene S. “Squif”, 1Lt
CP Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt
N None
B Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt
E Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt
R Swenson, Stanley C., T/Sgt
G Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt
F None
P Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt
CP Russell, Burton E., 2Lt
N None
B Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt
E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt
R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt
G Orr, William J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches”
P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt
CP Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st
BG Commander
N Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt
B Marek, Joseph Rudolph, 2Lt
E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
R Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt
G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz”
Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt
Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt
Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt
Pappas, William J., 2Lt
Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt
Shields, James A., T/Sgt
Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64551
None
A/C No. 41-13008
None
St. Joe”
None
A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” (spare)
McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
None
P Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt
CP Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt
N None
B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt
E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt
R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
G McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13197 (spare)
Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt
Cornell, Earl K., F/O
None
Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt
StAntoine, James J., S/Sgt
Sidlik, Theophil S., T/Sgt
Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt
None
Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad junction near Gesso, Sicily.
Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.
A/C No. 41-30002
None
A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl”
P McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt
CP Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
N None
B Tate, Roy W., 2Lt
E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt
R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt
G Alton, David D., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt
None
Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt
Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt
Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt
Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”
Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt
Ashley, Wilson S., 2Lt
None
Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt
McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt
Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt
Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt
Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Cpl
A/C No. 42-64695
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt
Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt
None
Mayben, Ernest P., Jr. 2Lt
Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt
Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt
Funk, Marvin J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-12961 “Spare Parts”
Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt
Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
Colby, John W., 2Lt
Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt
Nelson, James E., S/Sgt
Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt
Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon”
P Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt
CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt
N None
B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt
E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt
R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt
G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James”
P Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt
CP Anderson, Carl F., 2Lt
N Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt
B Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt
E O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt
R Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt
G Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Duck”
Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, 1Lt
Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 2Lt
McCone, Walter G., 2Lt
Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt
Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt
Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64598 “Sylvester the
Snarp”
Morganti, Clyde J., 2Lt
Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt
Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt
Early, Frank X., S/Sgt
None listed – likely Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt
Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt
None
Ackley, James H., 2Lt
Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt
Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt
Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt
Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt
Smith, Argyle H., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II”
Burns, John P. “Buster”, Capt
Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt
Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt
Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 1Lt
Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt
Byerly, Lee E., T/Sgt
McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 37)
TARGET: Gesso RR Junction
4:35 Plane 371
“P-38 crashed into sea. B-25 dropped radio. Pilot seen swimming toward it. Flak
position N of junction blown up.”
447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 13)
TARGET: RR Junction Gesso Sicily.
4:35 500 lbs
Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt,
Anderson, S/Sgt Draper
“RR and coastal road hit in number of places W of river. RR bridge SW of Spadafora
San Martino reported hit. One of escorting P-38’s crashed into the sea and one of our
planes dropped dinghy Radio. Pilot seen swimming toward it.”
“Two bridges & three road intersections about 10 miles NW of Messina. This raid was
to cut off any retreat by the Germans from Messina. Catania fell yesterday and an
evacuation of Sicily may be attempted soon. Forty-eight of us with thirty-six P-38s for
escort, made the trip. The flak was very accurate as to altitude but we all got through.
We had one hole in our ship (Helmet). One P-38 hit the water on the return trip.”
“On August 7th 36 ships of this group raided the Crotone air field on the bottom side of
the toe of Italy. It was a good job according to our operations report: “Bomb pattern
across South part of field, assigned area, reported excellent. All bombs fell in area with
bursts well bunched in center of field. Hits made among dispersed planes and in
revetments. Three planes seen to explode. Barracks and highway on west side of field
also hit.”
Major Pemberton tells us that our percentage of bomb hits was higher on this
raid than on any raid reported in this theater, including bombing by the heavies. We feel
very proud of it all because our squadron let it!
Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, intelligence
I flew on Morton’s right wing leading our flight of 12 ships which was the lead
flight of the 36 shop formation. Major Sampson rode with Mort as his co-pilot.
Except for a little flak as we came in over the coast in the vicinity of Pizzo, some
flak over the target, and some light stuff and tracers from a destroyer, our opposition was
negligible. No one suffered any damage other than a few minor holes. No one that I
know of was even touched in our flight.
The ride, all in all, was uneventful. Blackie did a good job of navigation and flew
his course as briefed and on time.
Black, Donald, 1Lt, navigator
As we came in over the coast we got a little flak, and Mort did some mild evasive
action that he kept up all the way across the toe to the gulf south of Crotone where we
straightened out, then turned northwest to go over the target in a long, straight bombing
run that is a bombardier’s dream.
As we approached our dropping point I could see Sampson motioning to Boyle to
open his doors. Apparently he had a little trouble with them, but got them open in plenty
of time. Then when it came time to drop the bombs, they wouldn’t go. He quickly
salvoed them and they hit in a bunch right smack on the field. When salvoed, bombs are
supposed to fall safe---they carry their arming wires and will not explode I felt unhappy
about it for a while, then decided that a bunch of unexploded bombs on the target was
bound to give someone down there a lot of anxiety and so might be just as well.
Turning away from the target, Sampson could look back and see the results. He
looked a long time---then looked up at me, smiled clasped his hands together over his
head and shook them. It looked like a good job.
We circled to the right out over the gulf then turned back to cross the toe and
come on home. The trip was uneventful and everyone felt good abut the job we had done.
Frazer was my co-pilot and did a darn good job. We had a little fun on the way
out and did a lot of laughing at Orr, Morton’s bombardier. As we left our coast on the
way out, we could see Orr resting calmly, leaning back and resting his arm on the fixed
machine gun. Suddenly Mort decided to check it out, and it let loose with a burst that
scared Orr nearly out of his skin! He jumped, threw his arm over his head, and looked
disgustedly at the gun. Then after he decided it wasn’t going to go off again, he settled
back into exactly the same position! We laughed and laughed.
Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 2Lt, pilot
Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 1Lt, bombardier
Later on when the pictures came in, I heard that our bombs had exploded when
they hit, which probably accounts for the “bursts well bunched in center of field.” Just
why they exploded is not fully understood.
For the only laugh I got in 35 missions, I credit Doug Orr. Laughter does
not exist on bombing missions. There is no humor in warfare.
Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 1Lt, bombardier
Mission 68 (101): At 0920 48 planes off to bomb R/J one mile NW of Gesso. 48
dropped 285 x 500 bombs from 75/9000 feet at 1159. All planes returned at 1355. Hits
reported on main R/J west of river and on RR bridge, RR and coastal road out in number
of places west of river. RR bridge SW of Spadafora San Marino reported hit. Some
bombs fell over into sea. Flak positions N of main road blown up. B-25 dropped dinghy
and pilot of P-38 seen swimming towards it. One E/A attacked by escort. One B-17 seen
spinning to ground NW of Messina. Intense, heavy accurate flak. Weather: Hazy. F/L:
Culp and Isaacson.
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. 41-30005 “The Duck”
Sinclair, Erwin W., Jr., 1Lt
DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt
Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt
Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
Robb, Earl K., PFC
Orman, Virgil N., PFC
Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, PFC
None
A/C No. 41-29967
Culp, Merle H., Capt
Boatwright, John S., 1Lt
Boland, Chester H., 1Lt
Reich, William John, 2Lt
Poynter, Robert A., Pvt
None listed – likely Watrous, Roger T.,
T/Sgt
Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), Pvt
None
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ
321st BG
None listed – likely Pudlo, Alexander A.,
S/Sgt
Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt
Paschel, John W., S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64661
None
Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64521
None
None
A/C No. 41-30326
None
None
A/C No. 41-30352
Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt
McEvoy, John C., 2Lt
None
Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt
Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt
Moore, Gordon E., S/Sgt
Deal, Herman L., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64552
Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt
King, James L., 2Lt
None
Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt
Ridgeway, Robert L., PFC
Egbom, Clarence W., PFC
Dellwo, Lawrence H., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64655
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30548
P Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt
CP Haskell, John D., 2Lt
N Holt, William E., 2Lt
B Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
E Rohleder, Jack J., PFC
R Hilborne, Thomas G., S/Sgt
G Vance, Paul S., PFC
F None
A/C No. 41-30343
McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
Driver, William J., F/O
None
Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt
Polinsky, Marvin J., PFC
Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt
Silva, John P., S/Sgt
Cook, Arnold J., M/Sgt, HQ 321st BG
A/C No. 42-64514
None
Porch, Dean O., PFC
None
Saturday, 7 August 1943
In Sicily, 150 B-25's attack Randazzo; and 140+ P-40's attack
shipping at Messina and in the Straits, and shipping and shore-supply stores along the NE
coast.
In Sicily throughout the day Northwest African Tactical Bomber
Force (NATBF) medium and light bombers pound Randazzo, the enemy's key
withdrawal point; Maletto is also bombed; P-40's and A-36's strafe and bomb small craft
between Sicily and mainland Italy, motor transport near Randazzo, a warehouse N of
Messina, dumps on the toe of Italy, and vehicles and communications targets in the Sant'
Agata di Militello, Bronte, Cesaro, Tortorici, Castiglione di Sicilia and Riposto areas. In
Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's in 2 forces hit the landing
ground at Crotone while B-26's bomb the railroad bridge at Marina di Cantanzaro and
highway bridge over the Angitola River. On the ground in Sicily, US forces improve
their positions on the N coast in the San Fratello region against heavy resistance. During
the night of 7/8 Aug, a small amphibious force lands on the coast 2 miles (3.2 km) E of
Sant' Agata di Militello, greatly aiding progress along the coast. Other forces begin a
drive on Randazzo. HQ 5th Bombardment Wing transfers from Chateaudun, Algeria to
Depienne, Tunisia. HQ 47th Bombardment Wing (Medium) transfers from Souk-el-Arba
to Hammamet, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On Aug. 7, 1943, 36 B-25s took off at 1025 to bomb the
Crotone Airdrome. One plane returned early, but the others dropped 180 five-hundred
pound and 28 three-hundred pound bombs. The bomb-pattern fell across the assigned
part of the field with excellent results. Almost all bombs fell in the area with bursts wellbunched in the center of the field. Hits were scored among dispersed planes, revetments,
the barracks and a highway west of the field. Three planes were seen to explode. Thirty
enemy aircraft were seen on the north side of the field, including 3 transports. Between
20 and 30 single-engine and twin-engine planes were parked around the hangars on the
west side of the field. Thirty-five single-engine and 1 twin-engine planes were sitting in
the west and northwest dispersal areas. In the southeast part of the field, there were 15
single-engine planes; in the southern part, 4 aircraft and on Vibo Valentia, 3 planes were
seen. Flak encountered was heavy, slight and inaccurate and did not start until the
formation left the target. There was light flak encountered from Crotone, Cape Colonne,
Cape Cimiti, east of San Constantino and from 2 ships in the harbor southwest of Pizzo.
There was also some 20 MM fire from Curinga. Marine observations included 2 TLCs
northwest of Cape Vaticano, 1 DD or light cruiser in the harbor southwest of Pizzo and 3
S/Fs in the Gulf of Eufemia. There was considerable ground activity with 250 railroad
cars at Marina di Catanzaro, 50 at Catanzaro, 60 about 5 miles west of Catanzaro, 35
Saturday, 7 August 1943 (continued)
about 10 miles southwest of Marina di Catanzaro. The marshalling yard west of Briatico
and the between Briatico and Pizzo and a double-track siding 1 mile northwest of
Lamezia were filled with cars. One mile northwest of Cape Suvero, 120 cars were
noticed and a convoy ½ mile long was parked under the trees on both sides of the road
south of Curinga. There were also 300 cars at Laregia. Weather over the target was
CAVU and enroute visibility was 10 miles. Flight leaders were Capt. Morton, Capt.
Burns, Lieut. Grau, Lieut. Sinclair and Lieut. Ford. Col. Kyle and Capt. Nickerson went
along as observers. Photos were taken.
At 1330, 4 B-25Gs took off on a sea-sweep in the Gulf of Eufemia. They fired 26
shells at 3 landing barges in Pizzo Harbor. Three direct-hits were scored, 2 in the stern
and 1 amidships. Eight hits were made on barges at the waterline. At 1642, 3 or 4
vessels headed north of Cape Vaticano were attacked with 13 shots and 2 hits were
scored on one ship. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Two enemy aircraft were
observed with escort at 1635. There was flak from barges and escort vessels in Pizzo
Harbor, but it was moderate, inaccurate and light. A hospital ship was observed north of
Messina Straits at 1550 and at 1635, 3 landing barges and a D/R were seen in Pizzo
Harbor. At 1642, 3 enemy vessels were seen going north off Vaticano. Weather was
hazy with scuds: over target, 5/10 overcast at 2000 feet and visibility was 10-12 miles.
Burns, John P. "Buster", Capt, pilot, 447th BS
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt, 448th BS
Grau, Robert B., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Morton, William H. "Mort", Capt, pilot, 447th BS
Nickerson, James E. "Nick", Capt, intelligence, 445th BS
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
1. B-25G
7-8-43
2. 1330 4BG took off on sea sweep in Gulf of Eufemia. None returned early & 4 shot
26 shells at 1635 to 1642 from 1000 to 1200 ft. 4 returned at 1815.
3. Bombing & strafing at 1635 – 3 landing barges attacked in Pizza Harbor. 3 direct hits
on barge, 2 in stern & 1 amidships. 8 hits on barges at waterline. Total 13 shot.
1642, 3 or 4 E/V’s going N off Vaticano attacked with 13 shots. 2 hits on second
E/V. No enemy a/c encountered by bombers.
4. Observations:
At 1635 1/2 enemy a/c observed with escort. 1 splash seen.
Flak – from Pizzo harbor barges & destroyer moderate, inaccurate light flak. 2 slight
inaccurate heavy. From E/V intense accurate light & slight inaccurate heavy.
Navel: 1 hospital ship 25 miles N Messina Straits at 1550. 1635 3 landing barge & 1
D/R in Pizzo harbor. 1642 3 E/V going N of Vaticano.
Tactics: attacks began at 5000 to 6500 yds ending at 1200 to 2000 yds. Indicated air
speed 220-240. Alt 1000 to 1200 only one gun jammed, others made 3/4
shots on each run. No proper target observed. P-38 seen smoking under
control off Vaticano. Raids good. No loses.
5. Hazy with scuds. Over target 5/10 overcast at 2000. Viz 10/12.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
447th BS B-25G A/C No. plane not
identified – likely 42-32489
Taylor, Y. H. (i.o.), Col, HQ 47th Wing
None
None listed
Edwards, James T., 2Lt
Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt
Lang, Robert B., 2Lt
None
Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt
Hughes, James C., S/Sgt
Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt
Gilluly, John W., 2Lt
Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt
Kresge, James G., 2Lt
None
Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt
Meinke, Ellsworth E., Sgt, 446th BS
Fish, Harold E., Sgt
McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt
Shaw, James A., 2Lt
Gere, William E., 2Lt
None
None listed
None listed
None listed
None listed
2. At 1025
36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Crotone A/D. 1 returned early.
Target
35___ dropped 180 X 500 lb and 28 X 300 lb. bombs with 1/10 and 45 second
No. A/C
No & Type
fusing from 7500/8500 ft. at 1305. __34__ returned at 1545. One landed at Bizerte.
Alt.
Time No A/C
Time
3. Bomb pattern across S part of field, assigned area, reported excellent. Almost all
bombs fell in area with bursts well bunched in center of field. Hits made among
dispersed planes and in revetments. 3 planes seen to explode. Barracks and highway
on W side of field also hit.
4. Air--------- 30 E/A on N side of field, including 3 transports. 20/30 S/E and T/E
around hangars on W side of field. 35 S/E and 1 T/E in W and NW
dispersal areas. 15 S/E in row on SE part of field. 4 E/A on field S. of
target. 3 E/A on Vibo Valentia.
Flak-------- Heavy, slight, inaccurate. Did not start until formation left target. Some
from Crotone area. About 20 bursts each from Cape Colonne and Cape
Cimiti. Light flak from road E of San Costantino. 2 ships in the harbor
SW of Pizzo and shore positions there fired inaccurate heavy. 20 mm fire
form Curinga.
Marine---- 2 TLC 3 miles NW of Cape Vaticano heading 225° at 15 knots at 1254. 1
DD or light cruiser in the harbor SW of Pizzo at 1254. 3 S/F in Gulf of
Eufemia at 1255.
Ground---- 250 R.R. cars at Marina di Catanzaro, 50 at Catanzaro, 60 five miles W of
Catanzaro, 35 ten miles SW of Marina di Catanzaro. M/Y W of Briatico
and M/Y between Briatico and Pizzo, and double track siding 1 mile NW
of Lamezia filled with cars. 120 cars 1 mile NW both sides of road S. of
Curinga. 300 cars at Laregia.
5. Enroute----Light scattered scud along coast. 2/10 cumulus at 6000 ft. over Italian
mainland. Slight haze. Visibility 10 miles.
Target------CAVU.
Return------2/10 cirro stratus at 20,000. Visibility unlimited.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Capts. Morton, Burns, Lts. Grau, Sinclair, Ford.
Observers-------Col. Kyle, Capt. Nickerson.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Packing for the move has been completed and the move has been
postponed till tomorrow. This evening the men in the Squadron loaded the trucks. The
men out on the line who worked in the Operations building rather hated to leave this old
Arab house that represented the Operations and Intelligence headquarters for the
Squadron. For it seemed to them to be something they had built themselves.
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb Crotone airdrome in Italy. One of our ships had
to return early. 30 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445 th from 8000 ft.
The bomb pattern on the target area was perfect. Three planes on the ground were seen
to explode, and barracks and highways on the west side of the field were also hit. No
enemy aircraft were sighted and the flak from the target was heavy, slight and inaccurate.
A little light flak was encountered along the coast, possibly from 20 mm guns.
Grau, Robert B., 1Lt
Jackson, John I., 2Lt
Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt
Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt
Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt
Wright, Warren D., S/Sgt
Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64529
N None
F None
B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, Sgt
E Lambert, Richard L., Sgt
R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt
G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt
F Nickerson, James E. “Nick”, Capt
(observer)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
Jones, Casey (NMI), 2Lt (observer)
A/C No. 42-64659
None
Boyette, Roy E., Sgt
None
None
None
P Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt
CP Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
N None
B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt
E Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt
R Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt
G Woronuk, John (NMI), Pvt
F None
A/C No. 42-53373
P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt
CP Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt
N None
B Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, S/Sgt
E Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt
R Eagan, Joseph E., T/Sgt
G Carleo, John J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-29958
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt
None
Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt
Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt
Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt
None
None
None
Judy” (returned early due to leaking
gasoline)
Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt
Larson, Harold W., 1Lt
Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt
Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt
Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: (No non mission information)
Group mission 102, Sqdn 79 composed of 1 plane flown by Lt. Kirk. 500 lb bombs were
dropped on Crotone A.D. Italy and the coverage was excellent. Three planes were seen
to explode on the ground, and barracks and the highway were also hit.
A/C No. 42-30551 “Pink Lady” (spare)
A/C No. 41-13197
Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt
Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt
Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt
N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt
Copper, Lester L., 2Lt
B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt
Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt
E Langan, Charles H., Sgt
Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt
Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt
None
F None
(spare)
P Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt
CP Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt
N None
B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt
E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt
R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
G McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt
F None
A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO Pee Wee” (spare)
1Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” (spare)
Brown, Aud W., 2Lt
None
None
Polka” (spare)
2Lt
None
None
447th BS War Diary: An advance detail left today by truck for our new base at Soliman.
Quite a bit of heavy equipment has been moved up already and more went in the trucks
today. All personal belongings are to be packed tonight and we are to be ready to move
by morning.
Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on Crotone airdrome in Italy. Bombing results
excellent….field rendered unserviceable. All our planes returned safely.
Lady”
P DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt
CP Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt
N None
B Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt
E Joseph, Edward R., S/Sgt
R Hofstedt, John H., T/Sgt
G Smith, Robert J., Pvt
F Bell, Albert R., Capt, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
N Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt
R Byerly, Lee E., T/Sgt
G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64695
N None
F None
P Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 1Lt
CP Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt
N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt
B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
E Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt
R Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt
G Tornio, Raymond A., Sgt
F None
P Morton, William H. “Mort”, Capt
CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj,
Commander
N Black, Donald (NMI) “Blackie”, 1Lt
B Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 1Lt
E Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt
R Fryer, John R., T/Sgt
G DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
Brinkley, Hamilton N., 1Lt
Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt
None
Harter, James E., S/Sgt
Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt
Stanton, James E. “Jim”, T/Sgt
Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt
None
None
Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt
None
None
None
II”
Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt
DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt
None
Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt
Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt
Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt
Murphy, John F., S/Sgt
None
Snarp”
F Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Cpl
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
Kyle, R., Col, NASAF (observer)
“Crotone airdrome in Southern Italy. Heavy, slight, inaccurate flak – Field was very
well covered. All ships got back to the base this time. P-38s.”
“Move to Solomon Sq. By bomber & C-47. Bivouac in olive grove.”
Mission 69 (102): At 1025 36 planes off to bomb Crotone A/D. 35 dropped 180 x 500
bombs and 28 x 300 bombs from 75/8500 feet at 1305. 34 returned at 1545, one landed
at Bizerte and one returned early. Bomb pattern crossed S part of field excellently. Hits
made among dispersed planes and in revetments. Three planes seen to explode Barracks
and highway W of field also hit. 100-115 E/A on field. Slight heavy and inaccurate flak.
Weather: CAVU. F/L: Ford and Sinclair.
A/C No. 42-64521
A/C No. 41-29967
P Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt
CP Joli, William H., 2Lt
None
N None
B Reid, Robert L., Sgt
E Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt
R House, Harry H., S/Sgt
G Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-30327
A/C No. 41-30343
P Davies, Robert D., 1Lt
CP Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt
None
N Holt, William E., 2Lt
B Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
E Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt
R Smith, Harry V., PFC
Silva, John R., S/Sgt
G Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
F None
A/C No. 41-30352
N None
F None
A/C No. 42-64655
N None
F None
A/C No. 42-64514
P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
CP Bruton, John E., 1Lt
N None
B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt
E Porch, Dean O., PFC
R Harding, John E., PFC
G Uzailko, George (NMI), PFC
M/Sgt, HQ 321st BG
A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
Robb, Earl K., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30548
None
Moore, Leland A., 1Lt
Biener, Martin B., 2Lt
Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt
Petrich, Raymond J., 2Lt
Ryal, Clarence M., PFC
Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt
Pitts, Lawrence P., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64661
Stewart, John C., 1Lt
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt
Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt
Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt
Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30326 (returned early due
to engine trouble)
Anderson, Andrew H., 2Lt
None
Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt
In Sicily, 90+ B-25's bomb the Randazzo area; 130+ P-40's hit
shipping at Messina and provide ground support in NE Sicily as US and British forces
push E and N, capturing Sant' Agata di Militello, Monte Camolato, and Bronte.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's hit highway and rail bridges at
Angitola, Italy, while P-38's strafe trains and other targets of opportunity SW of the town.
In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium bombers
pound Randazzo; fighters hit road targets N of Etna, shipping in the Straits of Messina
and cover ground forces at Sant' Agata di Militello. HQ 63rd Fighter Wing transfers from
Maison Blanche to Rerhaia, Algeria. HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) transfers
from Souk-el-Arba to Soliman, Tunisia. The 352nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy),
301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers with B-17's from St-Donat, Algeria to
Oudna, Tunisia. The 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, arrives at Algiers,
Algeria from England where it trained with Beaufighters. The 417th Night Fighter
Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, arrives at Tafaraoui, Algeria from England where it trained
with Beaufighters. The squadron flies its first combat mission today. The 445th, 447th and
448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer
with B-25's from Souk-el-Arba to Soliman, Tunisia.
445th BS War Diary: This morning the trucks and C-47’s took the remainder of our
equipment up to the new base. The personnel were ferried up in our ships. Lt. Czapski
was seriously injured this afternoon when he fell off a heavy duty Italian truck which the
Squadron uses to simplify transportation and was run over. The back wheel of the heavy
truck passed over Lt. Czapski’s chest. He was taken to the hospital in a critical condition.
Our Squadron area is situated about 1 mile from the dispersal area among the sand dunes
along the beach of the Gulf of Tunis. This set-up is much better than our last one as it is
all sand around the area rather than yellow dust. There is always a good breeze off the
Gulf and the good salt air will do everyone a world of good after spending two months in
that hellhole of Souk el Arba. When we arrived, the kitchen was in a Nissen hut and the
enlisted men’s mess tent had already been completed by the advanced parties.
Czapski, Bernard S., 2Lt, bombardier
447th BS War Diary: By military aircraft and four DC-3 transport planes the entire
squadron was moved bag and baggage to our new base at Soliman today. Our camp site
is an olive grove about two miles from the beach. The runway is about a half mile to the
North and our dispersal area is just this side of the runway. We have three Nissen huts
two of which will be used for the enlisted men’s mess and the other for the officer’s
mess. This new base has many advantages over our last one. It is near the beach so that
the men are able to go swimming every day,, it is cooler here, the city of Tunis is nearby
and our planes will have less distance to travel on missions.
“Moved from Souk el Arba to Tunis. Our tent area here is in an olive grove. We are just
a few hundred yards from the sea.”
“Go to Tunis. See Bob Hope & Francis Langford. Sam & Al with me, got back at
midnight.”
Harry, Elmer A. “Al”, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
In Sicily, B-25's hit Divieto and a nearby tunnel W of Spadafora San
Martino, and attack special points in the battle area of NE Sicily; P-40's hit shipping at
Messina, Milazzo, and Palmi.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb crossroads N of Messina, Sicily.
In Italy, B-25's hit Cantanzaro and Soverato River bridges, B-26's
attack Angitola River bridges, P-40's sweep over S Sardinia, and P-38's hit a lighthouse
and other targets of opportunity in S Italy. In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) bombers hit the Gesso road junction; fighters concentrate on highways
and junctions and also hit all sidings and gun positions in areas around Linguaglossa,
Floresta, Falcone, Patti, Orlando, Novara di Sicilia, and Milazzo. On the ground in
Sicily, US troops reach Torrenuovo, and, to the S, drive the enemy back to the Simeto
River between Cesaro and Randazzo. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) transfers
from Malta to Torrente Comunelli, Sicily. The 446th Bombardment Squadron (Medium),
321st Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers with B-25's from Souk-el-Arba to
Soliman, Tunisia.
445th BS War Diary: The orderly room and practically the entire Squadron is already
set up. The Operations building, which is in a Nissen hut, and the Officer’s mess hall are
still under construction. This field was formerly occupied during the North African
campaign by the Germans. There are several 88 mm anti-aircraft guns still as the
Germans left them. There are also many evidences that the Germans were heavily
bombed here as we can see wrecked fighters and bombers and bomb crates all over the
field. There is also a lot of equipment in one of the olive groves along the edge of the
landing field. Our transportation problem has been somewhat simplified due to the
German’s hurried evacuation of this area as there are numerous German jeeps,
automobiles, motorcycles and trucks to be used with only a few repairs needed.
446th BS War Diary: The Group moved by plane and convoy to Soliman.
447th BS War Diary: Everyone was busy today getting the new camp set up. The
officers began putting a cement floor in the Nissen hut they will use as a mess hall.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-25's attack Randazzo,
Sicily while P-40's bomb and strafe shipping on the SW coast of Italy and in the Straits of
Messina.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Brigadier
General Ray A Dunn takes command of the Northwest African Air Force Troop Carrier
Command (Provisional). In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-38's
bomb and strafe communications targets on the toe of Italy; and bridges at Angitola and
N of Locri are attacked. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) planes fly antishipping sweeps over coastal areas of NE Sicily and the Straits of Messina, carry out
armored reconnaissance over the battle areas and toe of Italy, and bomb Randazzo, Sicily.
On the ground in Sicily, US Seventh Army forces pursue the enemy to a point W of Naso
near the N coast. During the night of 10/11 Aug, the US 3rd Infantry Division makes an
amphibious landing on the coast, outflanking the enemy E of Capo d'Orlando. The US 9th
Infantry Division reaches a point N of Bronte. HQ Twelfth Air Force transfers from
Algeria to Tunisia. HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers from Monastir to Sidi Ahmed,
Tunisia. The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light),
transfers from Malta to Torrente Comunelli, Sicily with A-20's. The 342nd Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Chateaudun-duRhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia with B-17's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On Aug. 10th, 1943, 4 B-25Gs took off at 1455 on a seasweep towards the Gulf of Genoa. They fired 9 75 MM shells from 1,000 feet into the
town of San Teodore di Ovidle, west of Cape Comino. A building in the center of town
was hit and another north of town exploded when hit. Our spare aircraft crashed into the
sea, shortly after take-off. There was no enemy air activity and no flak. A S/F was seen
heading southeast about 5 miles east of Giglio at 1708. Enroute to the target, weather
was hazy, with visibility decreasing from 10 to 3 miles at the Italian coast. Flight leaders
were Lieut. Dorman, Lieut. Johnson, Lieut. Anderson and Lieut. Beavers. Observers
were Col. Taylor and Col. Kyle. Photos were taken.
Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Tuesday, 10 August 1943 (continued)
1. Gun Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (M).
2. At 1455
_4___ _B-25-Gs took off sea sweep towards Gulf of Genoa. None
Mission
returned early. _4___ fired 9 x 75 MM shells at 1,000 ft. at 1800. _4___
No. A/C
No. & Type
Alt.
Time No. A/C
returned at 1930.
Time
3. No shipping seen. Fired 9 shells into town of San Teodore di Ovidle, off Cape
Comino. Building hit N of town and explosion seen. One hit in center of town.
Other results not observed. 1 spare crashed into sea shortly after takeoff.
4. Air--------- None.
Marine-----1 S/F headed SE 5 miles E of Giglio at 1708.
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute----Scattered clouds at 1,000. Hazy, visibility decreasing from 10 to 3 miles
at Italian coast.
Target------Visibility 8 miles.
Return------Scattered clouds at 1,000 ft.
6. NONE.
Flight leaders--Lts. Dorman, Johnson, Anderson, Beavers.
Observers-----Cols. Taylor, Kyle.
Number of sorties – 4.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. crew list not
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie”
Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt
P Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, 446th BS
Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt
CP McIntyre, Johnson Y., 2Lt, 446th BS
None
N Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
B None
Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt
E Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt, 446th BS
th
Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
R Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, 446 BS
G Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt, 446th Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt
BS
CL None listed - likely the engineer
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
42-64531
Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt
Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt
None
Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt
Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt
Albright, Marvel E., S/Sgt
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64649
(spare – crashed at sea shortly after take
off)
Adamson, Elmo Lloyd, Jr., 2Lt, 446th BS
Wilbois, John Appanoose, 2Lt, 448th BS
Gere, William E. W., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
Kelly, Fred C., S/Sgt, 446th BS
Meinke, Ellsworth E., S/Sgt, 446th BS
Blachuta, Vincent J., Sgt, 447th BS
42-32501 “Eager Beaver”
Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt
Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt
None
Taylor, Y. H. (i.o.), Col, Chief of Staff,
HQ 47th Wing (observer)
MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt
Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt
Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt
446th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 6144:
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64649 (spare) (MACR-6144 - crashed at sea shortly
after take off)
P Adamson, Elmo Lloyd, Jr., 2Lt, 446th BS – KIA
CP Wilbois, John Appanoose, 2Lt, 448th BS – KIA
N Gere, William E. W., 2Lt, 447th BS – KIA
B None
E Kelly, Fred C., S/Sgt, 446th BS, 446th BS – KIA
R Meinke, Ellsworth E., S/Sgt, 446th BS – MIA, injured, rescued and returned to US
G Blachuta, Vincent J., Sgt, 447th BS – KIA
REMARKS: Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot, 447th BS
I certify that B-25 G # 42-64649 went down into the sea about fifty (50) to sixty
(60) miles North by N.W. of Cape Fortass on 10th August 1943.
PETER B. SEEL, JR.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eyewitness Account: MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS
About fifteen (15) minutes out over the Mediterranean, the ship which served as a
spare with Lt. Adamson as Pilot, went into a steep bank apparently starting back, he was
banked well over 60° and very low. His left wing tip dipped into water and he went in
very quickly. As the ship’s nose hit, something flew from the ship. I thought it was the
tail. Shortly after the ship disappeared, water boiled over the spot he went down.
Nothing was seen to float to the surface.
ALAN J. MACDOUGALL
S/Sgt, 32243720, T/G
on a ship in formation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------201 - Wilbois, John A. (O)
5th Ind.
AWKnfs
448th Bomb Sq (M), 321st Bomb Gp (M), APO # 650, U S Army, 31 May 1944
TO: CO, 321st Bomb Gp (M), APO # 650, U.S. Army.
1. Attached are statements from the Commanding Officer and an Observer of
plane crash concerning 2nd Lt. John A. Wilbois, 0-793624, former member of this
organization.
2. Information has been obtained that all crew members of Lt. Wilbois’s crew
were “Killed in Action” on 10 August 1943. Later it was found that S/Sgt. Ellsworth E.
Meinke, 32379246, Radio Gunner of this crew had survived but was seriously wounded.
The 446th Bombardment Squadron (M), AAF, 321st Bombardment Group (M), AAF,
received a request , dated 9 May 1944 for flying time, etc. on S/Sgt. Meinke, a patient,
from the Commanding Officer, Detachments of Patients, Army Air Force Convalescent
Center in Regional Station Hospital, Mitchell Field, New York. S/Sgt. Meinke’s next of
kin is: Mrs. Edna Meinke (Mother), 72 Domedion Street, Buffalo, New York.
3. Information contained herein and attached hereto is the complete information
consolidated from the organizations in the 321st Bombardment Group (M) and its
Headquarters.
For the Squadron Commander:
ARTHUR W. KNIEVEL,
Major, Air Corps,
Executive.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Lt. Czapski who was critically injured on August the 8th when he
was run over by a large truck has a 50-50 chance of recovering though it will probably
take some time and he will probably be sent back to the States.
Czapski, Bernard S., 2Lt, bombardier
446th BS War Diary: Setting up camp.
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “Since last I
wrote, a good deal has happened. Went on a mission about the 4th. It was to blast a
bridge and cut an important R.R. south of Naples. It was one of our poorest missions.
Bombs were scattered all over Italy, and little damage was done, I’m afraid. When
things start wrong, the whole mission is usually no good. The navigation, I think, was
what wrecked the detail. Those kind happen once in a while. Next mission was West of
Messina to hit a road junction that enemy reinforcements were using. Bombing could
have been better. Grif led the formation with Col. Knapp as co-pilot. He had trouble
with an engine and made it rough for us in the back. Grif in my estimation is one of the
best pilots there are anywhere. That made me 34 missions and about 125 hour combat
time.
Griffith, Frank J. "Grif", Capt, pilot
We have now moved the Group from Souk el Arba to Cape Bon peninsula on the
south shore of Tunis Bay. Very nice location. Tent area is about 2 miles from the beach
and can swim often. Two runways right near the beach and very long. Better field than
Souk el Arba and the weather is much nicer. No hot dry wind coming down the valley. It
is a nice cool sea breeze all the time. We are 20 miles from Tunis. All settled here now
and I hope the missions come fast. Sixteen more and I’ll be eligible to go home. That
doesn’t sound as if I am very eager about fighting, but its not that. When you get 30 or so
missions you’ve already done a lot and you’re not at top efficiency anymore. A guy
really deserves to go home with forty or fifty. George Tapper, a replacement who lives in
our tent now, brought a portable radio with him and we get American record programs
from Algiers, Sometimes, so we get along okay. Brings this up to date so I’ll write some
more later.”
Tapper, George C., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Lt. William Gere, one of the new “G” officers of our squadron
went down at sea today. He was flying in a B-25G of one of the other squadrons.
Officers and enlisted men continued work on their respective mess halls.
Gere, William E. W., 2Lt, navigator
In Sicily, 90+ B-25's bomb a bridge, roads, railway, and the city area
in and about Randazzo. About 170 P-40's hit Randazzo, shipping at Milazzo and
Messina, roads and trains near Messina, and troop movements and evacuations in NE
Sicily.
In Italy, the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) again
hits communications targets on the toe of Italy; B-17's hit the marshalling yard at Terni,
B-25's bomb the Angitola River bridges and B-26's and P-38's attack a bridge at
Cantanzaro. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighter-bombers support the
US Seventh Army's landing E of Orlando, Sicily by attacking troop concentrations, gun
positions, and communications lines leading to the area. On the ground in Sicily, US
Seventh Army forces take Naso and press closer to Randazzo. Medium bombers support
the British Eighth Army by raiding the Fiumefreddo and Randazzo areas. The 111th
Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Gela to
Termini, Sicily with P-51's. A detachment continues to operate from Gela until Sep 43.
The 341st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers
from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia with B-17's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On August 11, 1943, 24 B-25s took off to bomb Angitola
Railway and Highway Bridges. They dropped 135x500 lb bombs from 8000’ and
reported a number of hits on the highway bridge. The power line between the bridges
was hit. Flight leaders were Major Cook, Captains Isaacson, Stultz and Lt. Bonus. Lt.
Colonel Olmsted and Captain Vincent went along as observers.
Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS
Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Executive, HQ 321st BG
Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot, 448th BS
Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., Capt, Executive Officer, HQ 321st BG
2. At 0935
24___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Angitola Railway and Highway .
Mission
Target
Bridges. _None returned early. 24___ dropped 135 X 500 lb. bombs with 1/10
Target No. A/C
No. A/C
No & Type
and .01 fusing on target at 1130 hours, from 7500/8000. __24__ returned at 1320.
Alt.
No A/C
Time
_None_ lost, _None_ missing, ________None________.
No A/C
No A/C
No A/C at Friendly Field
3. Number of hits made on highway bridge. Bombs fell to N and E of RR bridge.
Power line between bridges hit.
4. Air--------- None.
Marine---- 2 vessels, believed destroyers were taking violent evasive action outside
Pizzo harbor at 12:27. In harbor were 3 SF’s and 4 medium M/V/ One
300 ft. M/V observed at 39°00’N, 16°00’E, headed S at 1140. 3 small
vessels along beach between Pizzo and Briatico.
Flak-------- 3 bursts of heavy inaccurate from target. Few bursts from Pizzo harbor
and M/V there.
Ground---- 50 RR cars at Lamezia M/Y. 80 cars on siding N of target, 20 cars at
Tropea.
5. Enroute----2/10 cumulus at 5000 ft. Hazy, visibility 10 miles.
Target------CAVU.
Return------3/10 cumulus at 6,000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Maj. Cook, Capts. Isaacson, Stultz, Lt. Bonus.
Observers-------Lt. Col. Olmsted, Capt. Vincent.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Today when a tent caught on fire Sgt. McNevin and Sgt. Killeen
were up by the mess tent. Someone hollered “Fire” which brought it to the attention of
McNevin and Killeen. Sgt. McNevin just stood there with his mouth open sensing what
was happening when Killeen slapped McNevin on the back and said, “Don’t just stand
there, you damn fool, that’s your tent”. But by the time McNevin came out of the fog
and was able to scurry to the burning tent, it was already burned to the ground. There
were two other men living in the tent – Pvt. Kangas and Sgt. Nickell. Sgt. Nickell was
able to salvage a couple of his shirts and a few personal belongings. Pvt. Kangas lost
everything. McNevin was able to salvage only his beloved dog tats. All the rest was
gone.
Kangas, Angelo J., Cpl, operations
Killeen, Frank P. “Jeep“, S/Sgt, operations
McNevin, John L., Jr., Sgt, intelligence
Nickell, John B., Sgt, medical
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb Angitola railway and highway bridges. 72 x
500 lb. bombs were dropped by the 445th from 7500 ft. The escort was 24 P-38’s from
the 82nd. The formation was led by Major Cook. Several hits were made on the highway
bridge. Bombs fell north and east of the railroad bridge. The power line between the two
bridges was hit. Three bursts of heavy, inaccurate flak were encountered at the target. A
few bursts of flak were seen along the coast on the way out.
P Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt
CP Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt
N Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st
B Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, S/Sgt
E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt
R Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt
G Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt
F Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., HQ 321st BG
(observer)
A/C No. 41-29958
P Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt
CP Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt
N Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt
B McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt
E Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt
R Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt
G Bryant, James C., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30354
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Kent, William S., 2Lt
Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt
None
Haney, T. J., Sgt
Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt
Nickens, Cletus P., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear”
(Bear - no lettering)
Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
None
Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt
Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt
Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt
Woronuk, John (NMI), Pvt
None
A/C No. 42-53373
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander
Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt
Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt
Eagan, Joseph E., T/Sgt
Carleo, John J., S/Sgt
Lord, Robert O., Jr., 1Lt (observer)
A/C No. 42-64675 (No art - "Poochie"
under bombardier's window)
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64659
None
Calvert, M. E. Sgt
Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt
None
P Kelley, Edward T., 1Lt
CP Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt
N None
B Nysson, John W., 2Lt
E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt
R McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt
G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
None
O’Neill, Phillip W., S/Sgt
Gambler II”
Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 1Lt
Ward, James M., 2Lt
Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt
Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt
Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt
Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt
Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64529
Kaschenback, Carl E. “Kasch, Jr., 2Lt
None
None
08/11/43:
“Our new camp is less than 200 yards from a sandy Mediterranean beach
and so far I have averaged two swims per day. I am glad to live by the sea as it makes
clearer the passion coast-dwellers have for their quasi-marine, life which heretofore as a
landlubber, I have not been able to understand. Our moving to this base was
accomplished almost entirely by air, using a ferry squadron of C-47s and our own
planes. Things were carried out more smoothly than on other occasions on account of
we were trusted to take care of ourselves without the meddling of officers. One puny
little 1st Lt. told me to “shut up” when I tried to reason with an other officer who thought
we were erecting our tent too near his. Convinced that we were in the right I rallied the
boys into helping put it up, confident the CO would sustain our action. In spite of our
neighbors warning against disregarding his order, our tent still stands. Right is still
might. The Stars and Stripes this week contains a clever poem about “Dirty Gertie from
Bizerte” and “Filthy Fannie from Tripani.” These two mythical characters are created
to be the bugaboo of passion crazed GIs who won’t contain themselves.”
(446th BS did not participate)
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” (spare)
Brinkley, Hamilton M., 1Lt
None
None
Snarp” (spare)
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
(spare)
None
Becker, Edward B., “Jalone”, 2Lt
Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt
None
(spare)
None
(spare)
Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2lt
None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 103/mission 102) Group Mission # 103: One
of our planes participated in a raid on railroad and highway bridges near Angitola, Italy.
Bombing results fair. The plane returned safely.
447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot: “Spares – no soap.”
448h BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 103/mission 102) Group Mission # 103:
Mission 70 (103): At 0955 24 planes off to bomb Angitola RR and highway bridges. 24
planes dropped 135 x 500 bombs at 1130 from 75/8000 feet. All returned at 1320.
Number of hits made on highway bridge. Bombs fell to N and E of RR bridge. Power
line between bridges hit. Slight, heavy inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Isaacson
and Stultz.
A/C No. 42-64661
Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt
Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt
None
Colby, Arthur R., PFC
Masteller, Harry M., PFC
None listed – likely Papile, Frank M.,
PFC
F None
A/C No. 41-30548
N Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 41-29967
P Stultz, Raymond B., Capt
CP Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt
N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
B Ellington, John H., Jr., 1Lt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
E
R
G
F
None listed – likely Rude, Norman J.,
S/Sgt
Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt
Woodin, Roy A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64519
Boland, Chester H. 1Lt
Poynter, Robert A., Pvt
Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt
None
None
Zeller, Michael C., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30327
Veum, Ole E., Capt
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt, HQ
321st BG
None listed – likely Pudlo, Alexander A.,
S/Sgt
Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64521
N None
B Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt
F None
P Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt
CP Fleming, George B., F/O
N None
B Moorman, Arthur L., PFC
E Lambert, Robert P., Sgt
R Vizzacco, Robert (NMI), Cpl
G Taylor, Harry F., PFC
F Hobert, Walter W., PFC
A/C No. 41-30355
P Bruton, John E., 1Lt
CP Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
N None
B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
F Silver, George A., III, Capt (observer)
A/C No. 42-64514
Bowman, William W., 2Lt
Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt
None
Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt
Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt
Hardy, Alexander A., Sgt
Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30326
None
None
In Sicily, 79 B-25's attack Falcone, Patti, Novara di Sicilia, and
Barcellona; P-40's bomb and strafe shipping at Messina.
attack landing grounds at Crotone, and B-26's hit Grazzanise Airfield; they claim 9
fighters shot down.
In Sicily, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's and
A-36's hit shipping along the NE coast and in the Straits of Messina, attack gun positions
and vehicles at Capo Calava and E of Randazzo, and hit a bridge at Taormina and roads
in the Maletto-Fiumefreddo areas; NATAF bombers attack Patti, Falcone, Barcellona,
and Nunziata. On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army continues to pursue the
enemy E along the N coast. Further inland, US forces gain a favorable position from
which to assault Randazzo, but the enemy withdraws during the night of 12/13 Aug,
precluding an attack. The British Eighth Army seizes Maletto and Riposto. The 85th and
97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfer from
Malta to Torrente Comunelli, Sicily with A-20's. The 340th Bombardment Squadron
(Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Chateaudun-du-Rhumel,
Algeria to Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia withB-17's
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On 12 August 1943 at 1115 hours, 24 B-25s took off to
bomb Crotona/Rositello L/G. 1500x20 lb frag bombs were dropped from 8500’. Bomb
pattern covered field thoroughly from SW to NE direction. Hits reported on 4 T/E and 5
S/E, and several near misses. Two explosions seen. Five columns of smoke observed as
formation left field. Twenty to thirty aircraft were well dispersed around perimeter of
field. Flight leaders were Captain Bates, Lts. Sinclair, Bradley, and Taylor.
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Capt, pilot, Commander, 448th BS
Bradley, James L. "Jungle Jim", Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS
2. At 1115
24___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Crotone/Rositello L/G.
Mission
Target
___3__ returned early. 21___ dropped 1500 X 20 lb. frag bombs on target at
No. A/C
No. A/C
No & Type
1325 hours from 7500/8500 ft. __21__ returned at 1525. _None_ lost,
Alt.
No A/C
Time No A/C
_none_ missing, _none__ at ___*_-----___.
No A/C
No A/C at Friendly Field
3. Bomb pattern covered field thoroughly from SW to NE direction. Hits reported on 4
T/E and 5 S/E, and several near misses. 2 explosions seen. 5 columns of smoke
observed as formation left field.
4. Air--------- 20 E/A were well dispersed around perimeter of field. Fighters on W half
and SE end of field and transports on E half of field. Some planes also
reported in area NW of target. 20/30 E/A on S part Crotone A/D. One
plane on beach near Pizzo, one on beach 8 miles W of Castella, one on
beach 3 miles N of Soverato.
Marine---- About 20 vessels in Pizzo harbor including one large and 3 medium. 3
small ships in Crotone harbor.
Flak-------- A few bursts of heavy inaccurate trailing from Crotone and Cape Colonne.
Ground---- 200 RR cars in Pizzo M/Y. 30 cars on siding S of Cutro. One report of
heavy M/T traffic on NS roads near Catanzaro.
5. Enroute and target – CAVU.
Return – 2/10 cumulus at 9,000 ft. Visibility unlimited.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Capt. Bates, Lts. Sinclair, Bradley, Taylor.
Observers – Lt. Malone.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Today the officer’s mess hall and the Operations building were
completed. There has been an addition to the chow line as we have had to adopt
Headquarters. Now instead of the chow line reaching half way across the area, it reaches
all the way across. Trucks are now available to take the Squadron personnel to Tunis on
their days off.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 104/mission 103) Group Mission # 104: The
mission today was to Crotone Rositello airdrome. We furnished the spares but they were
not able to fill in.
(spare)
P Walker, James O., Jr., 1Lt
CP Miller, Gail G., 2Lt
N Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 2Lt
B Kazich, Rudolph William, 2Lt
E Melhorn, Raymond W., S/Sgt
R Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt
G Boyette, Roy E., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” (spare)
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” (spare)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Matthews, Earl L., Pvt
None
A/C No. 42-29958 (spare)
None
Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, S/Sgt
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie” (spare)
None
Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt
Choka, Andrew J., T/Sgt
None
(spare)
Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt
None
Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt
None
Group mission 104, Sqdn 80 composed of 9 planes led by Lt. Bradley. Frag bombs were
dropped on Crotone/Rositello L/G, Italy. Coverage was excellent with nine planes hit on
the ground and several near misses. Fires were started and two explosions seen.
A/C No. 41-13008
CP Carr, Phillip O., 2Lt
N None
Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt
Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13208
Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 1Lt
Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt
None
Meehan, James M., 2Lt
Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt
McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt
Mitchell, John C., Sgt
Malone, Robert C., 1Lt (observer)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
St. Joe”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Peekin’”)
None
Hermanson, Ingwal J., S/Sgt
Meyers, Charles R., Jr., 438th BS, 319th
BG (observer)
A/C No. 41-13192
Porter, Jack Grafton, 1Lt
None
Pillman, Frank W., S/Sgt
Lytle, Logan Lee, S/Sgt
Nicholson, John E., T/Sgt
Blick, Oliver L., Sgt
None
Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, 1Lt
Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt
None
Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt
McKibben, Walter D., Jr., S/Sgt
Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt
Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” (regular –
returned early, did not catch up with
formation)
None
Grant, Ronald A., S/Sgt
Lindley, Francis H., Capt, HQ 82nd FG
(observer)
A/C No. 42-64551 (regular – returned
early, did not catch up with formation)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt
None
Polka” (regular – returned early, did not
catch up with formation)
2Lt
None
Benson, Henry E., S/Sgt
447th BS War Diary: Fourteen officers and fourteen men and four B-25Gs were
assigned to the squadron today. These planes with the cannon in the nose have been
operating a separate unit under the command of Capt. P. Seel. Higher headquarters has
decided to assign some of them to each squadron in the group. The officers had their first
meal in the new mess hall tonight.
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot
(447th BS did not participate)
Mission 71 (104): At 1115 24 planes off to bomb Crotone Rositello A/D. 21 dropped
1500 frags at 1325 from 75/8500 feet. 3 returned early and 21 returned at 1525. Bomb
pattern covered field thoroughly from SW to NE. Hits reported on four T/E and five S/E
and several near misses. Two explosions seen. Five columns of transports dispersed
around field and four on beach. Slight, heavy and inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU.
F/L: Bates and Sinclair.
A/C No. 42-64521
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Capt,
Commander
CP Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt
F None
P
None
Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30327
Barton, Thomas M., F/O
Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30352
None
Kessler, Charles J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64655
Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt
None
Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt
Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt
Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt
Ally, George B., S/Sgt
None
Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt
Robb, Earl K., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64552
King, James L., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64661
None
Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64519
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
None
Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., Capt
None
P McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt
CP Driver, William J., F/O
N None
B Hammerschmidt, Harry E., S/Sgt
E Polinsky, Marvin J., PFC
R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt
G Silva, John P., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30548
None
None
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 61 B-24's hit an aircraft
factory at Wiener-Neustadt in the first Ninth Air Force raid on Austria. 80+ B-25's hit
Piedimonte, Italy, Falcone, Sicily, and shipping at Messina, Sicily. 200+ P-40's attack
shipping and bridges along the SW Italian coast, hit shipping in the Straits of Messina,
and fly armored reconnaissance and fighter-bomber operations in NE Sicily. The 67th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), ceases operating
from Benina, Libya with B-24's and returns to its base at Shipdham, England.
bomb a marshalling yard at Lorenzi, and B-25's and B-26's hit a marshalling yard at
Littoria; other B-25's hit a vessel off Pizzo. P-40's fly a sweep over S Sardinia, strafing
small boats, a power station, and railroad junction. Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) light and medium bombers bomb Piedimonte, Italy, Falcone, Sicily, and
bridges N of Scaletta, Sicily. A-36's and fighters hit targets in NE Sicily, the Straits of
Messina and on the toe of Italy, including Gioia Tauro, Italy and in Sicily, the Barcellona
road junction E of Randazzo, the marshalling yard and trucks at Spadafora, trucks
between Taormina and Baracca, and barges, ferries, and small vessels in the Strait of
Messina. On the ground in Sicily, the US Seventh Army enters Randazzo without
opposition. Coastal forces continue E toward Patti. The 86th Bombardment Squadron
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Malta to Torrente Comunelli,
Sicily with A-20's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Two missions today 13 August 1943. Four B-25G’s firing
9x75mm shells at two 80 foot boats off Pizzo harbor scored direct hits on one boat, and
flames observed in center of section. One of our aircraft was hit by flak from DD made
controlled landing on water with right engine in flames and left wheel down. Flames
were extinguished by landing. Flight leader was F/O Peplinski.
The other mission was to Littorio M/Y and 36 B-25’s participated in the raid.
Strings of bombs fell through yards, causing explosion in center with flames and smoke
rising to 3000 feet. Some bombs fell into south part of yard, and some over into
buildings on Littorio A/D. The flak was heavy, moderate, inaccurate from target area,
west shore of Lake Bracciano and Vigna di Valle. Heavy, moderate accurate from
Viterbo. Four heavy 2 miles S. of Capranica. Flight leaders were Captains Griffith,
Morton, and Tipton.
Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot, 448th BS
Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot, 445th BS
2. At 0710
_4___ _B-25-Gs took off sea sweep towards Pizzo harbor. _None_
Mission
Target
No A/C
returned early. _3___ fired 9 x 75 MM shells at 2 80 foot boats at 0900 hours from
No. A/C
No. & Type
Time
300 feet. _3___ returned at 1100. _One__ lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at friendly
Alt.
No. A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
field
3. Hit made on one boat, and flames observed in center sections. One plane hit by flak
from DD made controlled landing on water with right engine in flames and left wheel
down. Landed 8 miles N. of Pizzo and 1 mile off shore. Flames went out after
landing.
4. Air--------- None.
Marine-----One DD behind hook of Pizzo harbor. On DD; stationery off Tropea at
0855. Two 80 ft. boats off Pizzo harbor with twin masts and not stacks.
3/5 S/F’s in N part Gulf of Eufemia.
Flak--------Heavy and light, intense, accurate from DD, which was not observed
because of sun until it opened fire. Light flak and M/G fire from two
boats attacked. Heavy, inaccurate from S/F’s in Gulf of Eufemia.
5. Enroute----3/10 at 1200 feet. Visibility unlimited.
Target------Broken cloud layers at 500 feet.
Return------3/10 at 1200, clearing.
6. None.
Flight leaders---F/O Peplinski.
Number of sorties --- 3
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
(spare**took off at 07:10 – landed at
08:00)
P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt
CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt
N Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS
B None
E None listed – likely Zittel, Howard L.,
S/Sgt
R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt
G Albright, Marvel E., S/Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32503
“Worry Bird” (hit by Flak - ditched at
sea)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
Grant, Robert James, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Friedrich, George Muzny, 2Lt, 446th BS
Bailey, Gordon Anderson, 2Lt, 446th BS
None
Currier, Arthur E., Sgt, 446th BS
McGuyer, William T., Sgt, 446th BS
G Mayo, Gordon I., Sgt, gunner, 446th BS
448th BS B-25G A/C No. only pilot
identified – likely plane and crew:
42-64668
Peplinski, James L., F/O
Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O
Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt
None
Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt
Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt
Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt
447th BS B-25G A/C No. (per MACR409, # 3 in formation, and P & CP
identified) remaining crew not identified
– likely plane and crew: 42-32488
Baxter, William T., 2Lt
Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt
Kresge, James G., 2Lt
None
Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt
Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”,
S/Sgt
Manning, Hillard J., Sgt
446th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 409: According to statements in
the Casualty Questionnaires, “We were set on fire at too low an altitude for anyone to
bail out.”, and the plane hit the water “about ¼ mile off shore in the harbor”. All made it
out of the plane and were captured, except Sgt Mayo: “He never came out of the plane,
which sank immediately upon hitting the water.”
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32503 “Worry Bird” ((MACR-409 - hit by Flak ditched at sea - 38°55’N, 16°10’E) (additional information from MACR 409)
P Grant, Robert James, 2Lt – Slightly injured, POW
CP Friedrich, George Muzny, 2Lt – Slightly injured, POW
N Bailey, Gordon Anderson, 2Lt – Slightly injured, POW
B None
E Currier, Arthur E., Sgt – Injured leg, POW
R McGuyer, William T., Sgt – Fractured ankle, POW
G Mayo, Gordon I., Sgt – KIA
Eyewitness Account: Baxter, William T., 2Lt, pilot, and Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, both of
the 445th BS
447th Bombardment Squadron (M)
321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF
20 August 1943
SUBJECT: Crash of B25-G.
TO
: Group Operations Officer, 321st Bombardment Group (M)
1. The crash at sea of Lieutenant GRANT in a B25-G type airplane was
witnessed by us as follows:
a. On Friday, 13 August 1943, our formation of four (4) aircraft attacked
PIZZO Harbor at approximately 0905 hours. We were flying aircraft number 3 in the
formation.
b. As we crossed the target, we saw the right engine of Lieutenant
GRANT’s aircraft burst into flames. The plane was under control at all times, and after
flying out of range of the enemy fire (for about one minute), Lieutenant GRANT (or his
co-pilot) made a normal water landing. His left landing gear was hanging down as he
touched the water, but it apparently did not hamper the landing. Upon landing, the plane
hit slightly, tail first, submerged, and then returned to the surface. It was still afloat when
we last saw the plane.
c. The approximate position of the landing is 16° 10’ east longitude, 38° 55’
north latitude.
WILLIAM T. BAXTER,
ROBERT P. DUNN,
2nd Lieut., Air Corps,
2nd Lieut., Air Corps.
Pilot.
Co-Pilot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. At 0900
36___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ north half of Littorio M/Y.
Mission
Target
_None_ returned early. 36___ dropped 210 X 500 lb. bombs with 1/10 and 45
No. A/C
No. A/C
No & Type
second fusing on target at 1154 hours from 8000/9000 ft. __36__ returned at 1350.
Alt.
No A/C
Time
_None_ lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at friendly field.
No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
3. Strings of bombs fell through yards, causing explosion in center with flames and
smoke rising to 3000 ft. Some bombs fell into S part of yard, and some over into
buildings on Littorio A/D. Observation difficult because of dust and smoke from
previous attack.
4. Air---------3 4-engine transports on deck leaving coast near Ostia, headed SE were
fired on by bombers. One fighter on deck headed NW near Montalto di
Castro. 3 JU-52’s going into Naples area. All at 1200. 8 large white
seaplanes and 10 small at Port Ercole. 8/10 S/P on Lake Orbetello. 30/40
light gray T/E on Marcigliana L/G. 12 transports in revetments on Littorio
A/D. One third had white band around fuselage. Number of E/A on
Viterbo. One report of airfield just S of Valentano.
Marine----1 freighter, 3 small E/V at 42°00’N, 11°15’E heading SE at 1115. Hospital
ship at 41°48’N, 11°08’E at 1110 heading SE. 1 large M/V 10 miles SE
Montecristo Island at 1115.
Flak-------- Heavy, moderate inaccurate from target area, W shore of Lake Bracciano
and Vigna di Valle. Heavy, moderate accurate from Viterbo. 4 heavy 2
miles S of Capranica.
5. Enroute -- Scattered scud at sea. 2/10 cumulus at 10,000 over Italian mainland.
Visibility unlimited.
Target --- CAVU except for dust and smoke.
Return --- CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Capts. Griffith, Morton, Tipton.
Observers – Major Pinger, Lt. Dobbins.
Number of sorties – 36
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: This evening Bob Hope, Frances Langford and three other U.S.O.
entertainers ate chow with us this evening. Bob Hope walked into the area and when he
saw our locations here among the sand dunes, along the Mediterranean, he remarked,
“What is this, Santa Monica?” Then he asked the stock question, “What’s for chow,
spam?” Later in the evening they gave a show at the Service Group over at Fondouk for
the benefit of our Group. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The chow this
evening was exceptionally good. It consisted of creamed chicken and ice cream. Even
the vegetables were seasoned and the dehydrated potatoes had butter in them.
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the northern half of the Littorio marshalling
yards near Rome. 72 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8500
ft. Strings of bombs fell through the yards causing explosions in the center of the yards
and sending smoke and flame 3000 ft. in the air. Some bombs fell into the south part of
the yard and some over into the buildings on the Littorio airdrome. The flak was heavy,
moderate and inaccurate from the target area. It was heavy, moderate and accurate at
Viterbo.
A/C No. 42-64659
None
O’Neill, Phillip W., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64529
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
Myers, Charles R., Jr., Capt, 438th BS,
319th BG (observer)
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. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and
Joy”
Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt
Kelley, Edward T., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64590
None
Nysson, John W., 2Lt
McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
Calvert, M. E., Sgt
None
Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
None
Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt
Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt
Woronuk, John (NMI), Pvt
None
None
Haney, T. J., Sgt
None
None
None
Miller, Gail G., 2Lt
Kazich, Rudolph William, 2Lt
None
Group mission 105, Sqdn 81 composed of 12 planes. Capt. Griffith led the Group to the
Littorio MY, Rome. The target was well covered by 500 lb bombs causing explosions in
the center with flames and smoke rising 3000 feet. Observation of the results was
difficult due to the smoke and dust from a previous attack.
Brown, Aud W., 2Lt
None
Pyle, Joseph W., S/Sgt
None
Polka”
2Lt
N None
F Benson, Harry E., S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30293
P Cosner, Oliver J. “Ollie”, 1Lt
CP Boyd, Kenneth E., 2Lt
N None
B Coe, George A., 1Lt
E Misik, John (NMI), S/Sgt
R Kreig, Thomas E., T/Sgt
G Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt
F Pinger, Robert R., HQ 321st BG
(observer)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
St. Joe”
Manning, Rodney Allen, S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 41-13208
None
None
A/C No. 42-64526
P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt
CP Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt
N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
B Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt
E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
R Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt
G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
Peekin’”)
N None
B Hermanson, Ingwal J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64551
P Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt
B Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt
E StAntoine, James J., S/Sgt
R Sidlik, Theophil S., T/Sgt
G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13200
None
None
None
A/C No. 41-13192
None
Dobbins, Daniel G., 1Lt, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
447th BS War Diary: Lt. William Gere, one of the new “G” officers of our squadron
went down at sea today. He was flying in a B-25G of one of the other squadrons. The
enlisted men had their first meal in their new mess hall at noon.
Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling yards at Rome, Italy.
Bombing results fair. All our planes returned safely.
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
None
None
CP Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt
N None
E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt
G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt
F None
P McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 2Lt
CP Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt
N Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt
B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt
E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt
R Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt
G Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64695
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Snarp”
Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30002
None
None
None
Ashley, Wilson S., 2Lt
Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt
None
Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt
McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt
Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt
Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt
None
II”
N None
B Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt
F None
P Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 1Lt
CP Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt
N None
B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt
E Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt
R Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt
G Tornio, Raymond A., Sgt
F None
None
Tate, Roy W., 2Lt
Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”,
M/Sgt
Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt
None
“Marshalling yards on N.W. side of Rome. Heavy flak for about ten minutes after we
crossed the coast until bombs away. One P-38 came back on single engine beneath us.
Saw big hospital ship off Italian coast. It must have been a big luxury liner before the
war. Just after coming off the target, we passed over three big transport planes. Some of
the gunners got a few shots but we were going too fast to do much damage.”
“On Friday, August 13th, we went out looking for trouble over the Littorio marshalling
yards on the outskirts of Rome. It was my 36th mission, and it was terrible.
I flew the number four ship behind Richardson who led our flight of 12. There
were again 48 ships after a small area. And when we got over the target we didn’t know
it although some of our bombs (from some ship in the formation) fell across the yards.
Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt, pilot
We hit the mainland a few miles north of Rome, where the mainland comes out in
a point to a little island just off shore. We flew inland to a large lake, then south to the
east of Rome where we turned to come over our target. Our break-away was to the right,
heading for the coast with all speed.
Flak bothered us almost all the way over land. Only a short stretch over the lake
and at our southwestern most point was free of flak. It was heavy stuff but scattered and
inaccurate, although some ships picked up a few holes.
Our bomb run was a mess. In the first place, the lead ship kept doing evasive
action when he should have straightened out for his run. That can probably be attributed
to the fact that he could see neither his target nor the city of Rome. It was nothing but a
big cloud of dust and smoke caused by the bombs of some previous raid, probably done
by B-17’s due to hit it 30 minutes ahead of us.
We were able to see our target only after we were right over it and then only
through clouds of dust. It was too late to try to hit the target, so our bombardiers
dropped, hoping to hit the airfield just beyond the railroad yards.
Off to the left of our target we could see an airfield that appeared to be on fire.
There was smoke of all kinds, but white smoke seemed to prevail. Leading us to think
that grass had been set afire or that smoke pots were on to conceal the field. There was
plenty of black smoke, too, so we are sure it had been hit.
Brinkley and Lungren flew on my wings and I gave them a darn good work-out
doing evasive action and staying with Rich on the way away from the target. Just as we
left the coast line two ME-109’s came up toward us, and Lalum and Osowiecki gave them
a short burst at long range. They didn’t close their attack, however, and we were no
longer bothered by them.
Brinkley, Wilton R., 1Lt, pilot
Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner
Lungren, Charles D., 1Lt, pilot
Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt, gunner
Back out over the sea, Nixon had to salvo his bombs, and when I saw his doors
come open, I moved out to the side. It’s a good thing I did for after his bombs fell, his
doors closed then opened again and a life vest or cushion of some kind fell out and came
straight back. No one stopped it, though!
Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot
The ride home was just long…
One P-38 flew merrily along with us on the way home, flying below us, over us,
and along side of us. He had one prop feathered, but seemed to have no trouble keeping
up. As a matter of fact, he could have flown rings around us even with just one engine!”
“The “Worry Bird” goes down in flames off coast of Italy. Lt. Grant, Currier, Mayo,
McGuyer, Bailey & Friedrich. Move to 448Sqdn, 321st GP.”
Currier, Arthur E., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS
Grant, Robert James, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Mayo, Gordon I., Sgt, gunner, 446thBS
McGuyer, William T., Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS
Friedrich, George Muzny, 2Lt, 446th BS
Bailey, Gordon Anderson, 2Lt, 446th BS
A/C No. 41-30327 (spare)
Moore,
Leland A., 1Lt
P
F None
A/C No. 42-64521 (spare)
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30352 (spare)
None
None
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 61 B-24's, on loan from
the Eighth Air Force, bomb the Bf 109 factory at Wiener-Neustadt, Austria. B-25's attack
road junctions and vehicle concentrations along the NE coast of Sicily and bomb a
crossroads N of Palmi, Italy. P-40's hit shipping in the Milazzo and Messina, Sicily areas
and along the Italian coast in the Palmi area.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) P-38's sweep the toe of Italy but find little
enemy movement. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, and medium
and light bombers hit a refueling depot at Nicola and near Gesso, Sicily, a road junction
N of Palmi, Italy, shipping in the straits and along the W coast of Italy N to Gioia, and
numerous targets of opportunity in NE Sicily and S Italy as the enemy continues an
orderly evacuation from Sicily to mainland Italy across the Straits of Messina. On the
ground in Sicily, US troops speed E along the coast to the Barcellona area and also
continue pursuit of the enemy E of Randazzo. The 340t, 341st and 342nd Bombardment
Squadrons (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfer from Pont-du-Fahs to
Depienne, Tunisia with B-17's.
08/14/43:
“Yesterday Bob Hope and Francis Langford, with two other players,
visited our Group. They came to the squadron mess and ate with the officers after which
we were all taken to Fondouk in trucks for a show. An army seems to require some sort
of entertainment to stimulate morale. Fondouk is a scene of a major battle of the North
African campaign and I was glad to visit it. Grapes are ripe and delicious in the many
nearby vineyards.
Pulled guard last night.
Watched a beautiful sunrise on the placid
Mediterranean. The weather is delightful along the seacoast, never hot, never cold.
Beautiful moonlight. Two days ago I flew over Cape Bon from one end to the other with
Lt. Bonus, an officer whom I admire. Rucker, Cavalenes and Bryant, who got in some
stick time, were also along.”
Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt, pilot
Bryant, James C., T/Sgt, gunner, groundcrew
Cavalenes, George P., S/Sgt, armament
Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament
“Charlie Nithman assigned as Engineer/gunner in Al Harry’s place.
Harry, Elmer A. “Al”, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Nithman, Charles E., Cpl, engineer-gunner
In Sicily, B-25's hit shipping along the beaches of Sant' Agata di
Militello; 180+ P-40's attack shipping at Messina and in the Straits of Messina. Enemy
forces withdrawing to mainland Italy are pounded severely by constant air attacks.
In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's and
B-26's bomb Sibari railroad junction and marshalling yard, and P-38's hit trains, troops,
radar, and Staletti railroad tracks and tunnel. P-40's attack a bivouac area near
Monserrato, Sardinia. On the ground in Sicily, US Seventh Army troops land on the
Sicilian N coast NW of Barcellona during the night of 15/16 Aug to block the enemy
withdrawal. The US 3rd Infantry Division heads along the N coast to Spadafora. British
Eighth Army troops complete a drive around Mount Etna as the Randazzo-Linguaglossa
road is closed. Linguaglossa and Taormina are taken. HQ 97th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) transfers from Pont-du-Fahs to Depienne, Tunisia. The 92nd Fighter Squadron,
81st Fighter Group, transfers from Warnier, Algeria to Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia with P-39's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Two missions again today 15 August 1943. 48 B-25’s
dropped 274x500 pound bombs on Sibari junction and marshalling yards. Both the
marshalling yard and junction were well covered. Large explosion accompanied by
pyrotechnics at N. end of yard, probably from hit on ammunition train. Two locomotives
and a number of cars hit. Track cut N. of target. Some bombs over and to west. There
was no opposition. Flight leaders were Lt. Richardson, Capts. Tipton and Griffith and
Culp.
The G’s scored near misses with their 75’s on small merchant vessel near Cape
Palinuro. Flight leader was Capt. Seel while General Ridenour went along as observer.
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot, 447th BS
2. At 0940
Time
_4___ _B-25-Gs took off sea sweep in the vicinity of Scalea.
No. A/C Type A/C
Mission
Target
_None_ returned early. _4___ fired 12 x 75 mm shells from 200/300 ft. At 1144
No A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
Alt.
hours. _4___ returned at 1345. _None_ lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at friendly
No. A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
field
3. 4 near misses, 1 in water at stern of small M/V 1 mile from shore at C. Palinuro,
which also was strafed at 1144.
4. Air--------- None.
Ground----None.
Marine-----2 barges and 1 small M/V stationary near shore at Infreschi Point at 1142.
1 small M/V at 1144, 1 mile S of C. Palinuro heading NW which turned
toward shore when attacked. 1 medium M/V heading N along shore at
Licosa Point at 1158.
Flak--------Slight and inaccurate light flak and machine gun fire from target and slight
light inaccurate flak from shore.
5. Enroute----Scattered cumulus at 10,000 ft. over water, which cleared towards Italian
coast. Visibility unlimited.
Target------CAVU with slight haze.
Return------CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Capt. Seel, Lt. Dorman
Observer
- General Ridenour
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
“Flying Caisson”
P Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt
CP McIntyre, Johnson Y., 2Lt
N None
B None
E
R
G
CL
Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt
Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt
Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
“Red Nosed Beckie”
Dorman, Edgar (NMI), 2Lt
Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt
Lang, Robert B., 2Lt, 447th BS
Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen HQ 47th
None listed
Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt
None listed
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
Beavers, James L., 2Lt, 446th BS
Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt, 446th BS
None
None
MacDougall, Alan J., 446th BS
Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic”
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, 447th BS
Beeson, Elwood H., 1Lt
Dresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS
None
Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt, 447th BS
Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt, 447th BS
Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt, 447th BS
2. At 1030
48___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Sibari Junction and M/Y.
Mission
Target
_None_ returned early. 48___ dropped 274 X 500 lb. bombs with 1/10 and 45
No. A/C
No. A/C
No & Type
second fusing on target at 1300 hours from 7000/8000 ft. __48__ returned at 1500.
Alt.
No A/C
Time
_None_ lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at friendly field.
No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
3. Marshalling yard and junction well covered. Large explosion accompanied by
pyrotechnics at N end of yard, probably from hit on ammunition train. 2 locomotives
and number of cars hit. Track cut N of target. Some bombs over and to W of target.
4. Air---------18 E/A on Praia a Mare A/D. 4 of them were 4 engine lined up by runway.
One plane and possible landing strip seen on beach S of Scalea.
Marine---- 4 Medium M/V heading 270° 5 miles N of Stromboli at 1200. 3 /V ½
mile off Amantea at 1230. 3 landing barges on beach at Scalea. 3
medium M/V stationary 4 miles W of Cape Scalea at 1320. Rectangular
yellow raft with one or two red stripes at 38°15’N, 13°50’E, at 1210.
Some floating mines at 38°40’N, 14°00’E at 1347.
Ground----One train about 30 cars going S 1 mile from target. 75 car train at Scalea
at 1318. 100 M/T heading S at Mormanno at 1315. 25/30 M/T going S on
main road 5 miles S of target.
Flak--------None.
5. Enroute -- Scattered scud at 2,000 ft. at sea, 5/10 at 8,000 over Italian Mainland.
Visibility unlimited.
Target --- 5/10 at 8,000. Clear over target.
Return --- CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Lt. Richardson, Capts. Tipton and Griffith and Culp.
Observers – Capt. Lindley.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The combat crews spend much of their time down at the adjacent
beach swimming in the cool waters of the Gulf of Tunis. It is to be added that if any
women happened to approach the beach, there would be slight embarrassment as the boys
seldom wear trunks when they go swimming.
ships (12 of the 445) took off to bomb Sibari junction and marshalling yards in Italy. 66
x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 7500 ft. The escort was 36
P-38’s of the 82nd Fighter Group. The marshalling yards and junction were well covered.
A large explosion accompanied by pyrotechnics was seen at the north end of the yards,
the probable result of a direct hit on an ammunition dump. Two locomotives and a
number of railroad cars were hit. No flak was encountered.
N None
F None
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st
BG (observer)
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
P O’Harra, Roderick E., 1Lt
CP Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt
B Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
E Martine, William E., S/Sgt
R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt
G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt
F None
B McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt
G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
None
P Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt
N None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia”
Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt
None
Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-53373
None
(observer)
A/C No. 41-30354
None
Haney, T. J., Sgt
None
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Joy”
None
Group mission 106, Sqdn 82 composed of 12 planes led by Capt. Griffith. 500 lb bombs
were dropped on the MY at Sibari, Italy. The MY and RR junction were well covered,
large explosions were seen, rolling stock was hit, and the RR line north of the town was
cut.
A/C No. 41-13197
Polka” (spare – did not complete
mission)
Martin, John K. Kirk., 1Lt
2Lt
N None
None
F None
A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” (spare –
did not complete mission)
None
N None
B Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt
E Langan, Charles H., Sgt
None
F None
Peekin’”)
Browning,
Eugene
S. “Squif”, 1Lt
P
N None
F None
CP Carr, Philip O., 2Lt
N None
F None
P
None
St. Joe”
P Garmon, James M. “Max”, 1Lt
CP Brooks, LeRoy O., 2Lt
N Beyer, William J., 2Lt
B Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt
E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt
R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt
G Wray, Charles E., S/Sgt
F None
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13200
Cosner, Oliver J. “Ollie”, 1Lt
Boyd, Kenneth E., 2Lt
None
Coe, George A., 1Lt
Misik, John (NMI), S/Sgt
Kreig, Thomas E., T/Sgt
Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
None
Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr.,
1Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64526
Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt
Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt
Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt
Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt
Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” (spare
– did not complete mission)
P Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt
CP McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt
B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt
E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt
R Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt
G Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13192
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-13008
Clark, Robert A., 2Lt
None
None
Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad junction near Sibari, Italy.
P McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 2Lt
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
CP Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt
N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt
B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt
E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt
R Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt
Alton, Alton D., S/Sgt
G Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt
None
F None
CP Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
BG Commander
Colby, John W., 2Lt
None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Tornio, Raymond A., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
BG (observer)
None
Wilson, Leo W., Pvt
O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt
Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt
None
A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You
Done Crapped Again”
P Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt
CP Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt
N None
B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt
E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt
R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt
G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Snarp”
None
Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
Balsom, James P., T/Sgt
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
None
Duck”
None
McCone, Walter G., 2Lt
Temple, A. R., S/Sgt
II”
None
None
A/C No. 42-64695
Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt
McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt
None
Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt
Henry, William R., S/Sgt
Myers, William W., Sgt
Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt
Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Cpl
TARGET: Sibari Junction and M/Y
4:35 500 lbs
Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McCone, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, Anderson,
S/Sgt Draper, S/Sgt Temple
“M/Y and Junction well covered. Large explosives accompanied by pyrotechnics at N
end of yards, probably from hit on ammunition train. Two locomotives and number of
cars hit. No flak.”
447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission20)
“Marshalling yards at Sibari, Italy. No flak – no fighters. Communications all over Italy
were hit in a coordinated attack today. We got a beautiful bombing run and very good
coverage. There were some ammunition cars in the yards that exploded sending
fireworks all over the place. This was our first flight as an element leader. P38s cover.”
“On August 15th 12 of our ships led a formation of 36 ships from this group on an attack
on the Sibari Junction and marshalling yards on the in-step of the boot of Italy. The map
shows no town there and the name Sibari does not appear. The nearest town is about 7
or 8 miles east of the target and is labeled Doria.
This was my 37th mission and it was a good one. Richardson led the flock and did
what I consider a very good job. Daume, his navigator, did a perfect job. We left here at
Soliman North at 10:30 on the dot; target time was to be 2½ hours later, or at 1300.
Bodine saw Richardson’s bombs fall and immediately glanced at his watch---it was 1300!
Oscar says it is just luck, and I guess a lot of it is, but the elements of good judgment and
good navigation have a lot to do with it.
I had Fallone with me as co-pilot, and we led the second element right behind and
under Richardson who had Col. Knapp for a co-pilot.
Fallone, Henry J. "Hank", 1Lt, pilot
Everything went off O.K. We started our climb in the Lipari Islands and had our
altitude by the time we reached the coast. We were to bomb from 7500 feet, but by the
time we reached our I.P. some cumulus clouds had forced us down to 7,000 ft.
It was odd-about those clouds. Our weatherman had told us the weather over the
target would be CAVU, and that we would encounter clouds at 8500 feet in the
mountains. Well, the clouds in the mountains were there as predicted, but at about 8200
feet, and they were so high and thick that we thought surely they would be over the
target. We were under a big, black cloud as we turned on to our run, and the air was
violently rough. But no sooner had we come out from under the cloud than the air
became perfectly smooth and, sure enough, our weather was CAVU.
In the rough air I had dropped considerably behind Rich and when we got on our
run I had to pour on the power to catch up. But I managed O.K. and was right in
position when he finished his corrections.
It was a perfect run---our bombs fell out right with his and we covered the target
well. We must have hit an ammunition train as all hell seemed to break loose when our
bombs hit. Lalum said there was a little dust and smoke and an immense burst of flame.
The official report calls it “pyrotechnics.”
Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner
We weaved our way back over land to the sea---encountering neither flak nor
fighters. Our formation wasn’t so good, though, they seemed to be strung out and spread
out all over the sky.
Col. Knapp called a critique and ate on most of the boys on account of their
formation, but was very well pleased with the bombing. Olmsted had to add his 2 cents
worth and so make an ass of himself---as usual.
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
(106): At 1050 48 planes off to bomb Sibari Junction and M/Y. Dropped 274 x 500 at
1300 from 7/800 feet. All planes returned at 1500. M/Y and Junction well covered, large
explosions accompanied by pyrotechnics at N end of yard, probably from hit on
ammunition train. The locomotives and number of cars destroyed, track cut N of target.
Weather: CAVU. F/L: Culp.
Moore,
Leland A., 1Lt
P
N None
Bookout, E. C., Capt (observer)
A/C No. 42-64521
N None
F None
G
F
A/C No. 42-64552
None
None listed – likely Papile, Frank M.,
PFC
LaRue, Augustin A., PFC
Silver, George A., III, Capt (observer)
A/C No. 41-30548
Boland, Chester H., 1Lt
Poynter, Robert W., Pvt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30355
Gouge, David J., 2Lt
None
Porch, Dean O., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30326
None
None
A/C No. 41-29967
Stultz, Raymond B., Capt
Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
Ellington, John H., Jr., 1Lt
Rudd, Norman J., PFC
None
None
A/C No. 42-64519
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
Hobert, Walter W., PFC
A/C No. 41-30352
None
Cook, Arnold J., M/Sgt, HQ 321st BG
None
Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt
Fleming, George B., F/O
None
Moorman, Arthur L., PFC
Lambert, Robert P., Sgt
Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Cpl
Taylor, Henry F., PFC
None
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 86 B-24's bomb the city
area and airfields at Foggia, Italy. In Sicily, 50+ B-25's hit landing craft concentrations
near Ganzirri and Messina, and 100+ P-40's hit shipping at Messina and in the Straits of
Messina, as the enemy continues the withdrawal of rear guard troop to mainland Italy.
Before midnight, US patrols enter Messina, which is under fire from the Italian coast.
In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) medium
bombers hit Staletti and a temporary bridge at Angitola. In Sicily, Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium bombers hit shipping in the Straits of
Messina and from N of Messina to Capo Pelaro. A-36's and P-40's concentrate on
communications targets on the toe of Italy, hitting trains, trucks, railroad yards, and
sidings at Nicastro, Lamezia, Amantea, and Sambiase. Also bombed are barges, ferries,
and small vessels off Messina, Sicily and in the Golfo di Sant' Eufemia, Italy.
445th BS War Diary: No mission today. A few training formations were flown and also
some dry runs. The living conditions up here are a hundred percent better than they were
at Souk el Arba but to date the chow is just as lousy as it every was. But we figure with
the conditions such as they are back in Oran, Algiers and Casablanca they need the fresh
meat worse than we do. That goes for the luxury rations too.
08/16/43:
“Last night an almost total eclipse of the moon. Saw a show, “You Can’t
Take It With You” at the briefing area and spent an hour on the beach alone afterward.
Prayed. Attended Chaplain’s services in the morning.”
447th BS War Diary: Capt. Seel flew to Bizerte today to take some parts for the
modifications being made on our new G planes there.
Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot
321st Bomb Group Headlines:
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): 200+ P-40's hit shipping
at Messina, Sicily, at Palmi and in the Gulf of Gioia, Italy.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): The
Sicilian campaign ends with the official entry of the US Seventh Army's 3d Infantry
Division into Messina at 1000 hours. The British force from Ali arrives shortly thereafter.
The fall of Sicily paves the way for the stepped-up air offensive against Italy.
In France, about 180 Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) B-17's attack Istres-Le-Tube Airfield and Salon-de-Provence Airfield. Around
100 medium bombers attack communications targets on the N part of the Italian toe,
hitting Battipaglia and Castrovillari with damaging effect; escorting P-38's strafe vehicles
in the area. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light bombers
pound shipping in the Straits of Messina and Gulf of Gioia, Italy, hit the rail center at
Lamezia, Italy, and harass enemy movement on the Italian toe. The 416th Night Fighter
Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Algiers to Bone, Algeria with Beaufighters.
The squadron will fly its first combat mission on 4 Sep.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On 17 August 1943, 36 B-25’s took off to bomb road and
railroad communication Systems in Castrovillari. The 211x500 pound bombs they
dropped scored direct hits on railroad in town. Line also cut on East and west. Highway
junction on west side well hit and all four roads into town cut. Target coverage reported
excellent. Two explosions and much smoke observed. Opposition none. Flight leaders
were Lts. Bonus, Garmon, and Sinclair.
2. At 1135
36___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Road and RR Communication
Mission
Target
Systems in Castrovillari. _None_ returned early. 36___ dropped 211 X 500 lb.
Target
No. A/C
No. A/C
No & Type
bombs with 1/10 and 45 second fusing on target at 1400 hours from 8500/9500 ft.
Alt.
__36__ returned at 1540. _None_ lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at friendly field.
No A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
3. Direct hits made on RR in town. Line also cut on E and W. Highway junction on W
side well hit and all four roads into town cut. Target coverage reported excellent. 2
explosions and much smoke observed.
4. Air---------3 transports on Scalea A/C.
Marine----1 small M/W off S. Lucido at 1345. 1 large M/V S of Scalea off mouth of
River Lao at 1408 heading S. 3 boats, possibly LC, and 2 E boats off
Scalea. One barge anchored in cove ½ mile SE of Cape Scalea. 4 barges
S of Scalea, stationary. All above at 1403. Dinghy at 37°30’N, 11°20’E at
1240
Ground----85 RR cars and piles of supplies at Paolo M/Y. 30/40 tank cars at junction
W of Doria. 10 M/T on road 2 miles N of Paolo heading N at 1345
Flak-------- None.
5. Enroute -- 3/10 stratus at 1500. 3/10 convective cumulus at 3500 ft. over mountains
in Italy.
Target and Return – CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Lts. Bonus, Garmon, Sinclair.
Observers – Lt. Col. Miller, Capt. Weld.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: This evening just after dark we had an alert. There must have
been quite a number of enemy aircraft attacking Bizerte for the raid lasted for over an
hour. We could see the enemy aircraft drop flares and then the flash of the bomb, then
the roar of the explosion itself. The ships in the harbor threw up a barrage of both heavy
and light flak. At times the whole Bizerte area looked like a red wall of tracers. Two
enemy aircraft were seen when they were hit by heavy flak and explode to come floating
down like a large ball of fire.
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb road and railroad communication systems in
Castrovillari, Italy. The formation was led by Lt. Bonus. 72 x 500 lb. demolition bombs
were dropped by the 445th from 8500 ft. The escort was 24 P-38’s of the 82nd Fighter
Group. Direct hits were made on the railroad from town east and west. The road
junction on the west side was well hit and all the four roads leading into the town were
hit. Two large explosions were seen. No flak or enemy fighters were seen.
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
Gambler II”
Kilmer, Reid Francis S/Sgt
None
None
Gallaher, DeWitt C., T/Sgt
None
Judy”
Miller, Roy N., 1Lt
None
Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt
VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 42-64575
Bell, Albert R., Capt, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
P Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt
N Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
B Morgan, Robert E., S/Sgt
E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt
R Winston, E. G., S/Sgt
G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt
F Asmus, George D., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64529
None
Bell, Ernest C., 1Lt, HQ 321st BG
(observer)
Joy”
None
446th BS War Diary: Today the first men of our Squadron finished fifty missions. Lts.
Beyer and Manning are due for a rest.
Beyer, William J., 2Lt, navigator
Garmon, James M., 2Lt, pilot
Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt, bombardier
Group mission 107, Sqdn 83 composed of 12 planes led by Lt. Garmon. 500 lb bombs
were dropped on the road and RR junction at Castrovillari, Italy. Direct hits were made
on the RR and town. All four roads into the town were cut. Target coverage was
excellent.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Davison, William R., 2Lt
None
None
Polka”
2Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Brown, Aud W., 2Lt
None
None
Peekin’”)
None
None
None
A/C No. 42-64526
None
Coe, George A., 1Lt
None
Chappell, Howard L., 1Lt
Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
Kaney, Oscar J., Jr., S/Sgt
Roulier, Edward T., Cpl
Skill, Donald H., Sgt
None
St. Joe”
None
A/C No. 41-13200
None
Mitchell, Edgar V., T/Sgt
Miller, G. M., Lt Col, 82nd FG (observer)
A/C No. 41-13008
McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt
Walsh, Thaddeus J., T/Sgt
A/C No. 41-13192
N None
F Weld, David (NMI), Capt, HQ 82nd FG
(observer)
A/C No. 42-64551
Green, Harry M., Sgt
None
446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar J., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 24)
“# 24 Aug 17, 1943
Time 4:30 Sqdn Mission # 83
Gr. Mission # 107
500# demo.
Castrovillari, Italy (Road & R.R.)
Formation Leader - Lt Bonus
Results - Direct hits on R.R. & town - two explosions & much smoke.
Remarks - No FLAK or fighters.
Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz”
Formation
3-3
P- Chappell, CP - Rigling, N- Springer, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G -Skill”
Chappell, Howard L., 1Lt, pilot
Kaney, Oscar J., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier
Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner
Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner
Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “Has been ten
days or so since I’ve written anything here. Had a mission over to the East Coast of Italy
to hit a R.R. junction. We were to bomb at 9,000 feet but a cloud layer forced us down to
7,500. Did a pretty good job though and set some fires going. Had to come out thru
mountain passes and valleys and you could see people in little towns standing in groups
watching us. No flak and no fighters o there wasn’t any excitement.
That night the Germans sent a pretty big formation over to Bizerte harbor and did
some bombing on shipping there. From 50 miles away we could flak and flares and big
flashes when bombs hit. The sky was red with tracers and they knocked down several of
the bombers. The next night the same thing happened.”
447th BS War Diary: Tonight we witnessed the bombing of Bizerte. We couldn’t see
the planes but we did see the terrific barrage of flak which was sent up to greet them.
Explosions of the bombs could be felt slightly. This is the first time for the squadron that
an enemy attack has been close enough to see---even from a distance. Sicily surrendered.
of our planes participated in a raid on a railroad junction near Castrovillari, Italy.
Bombing results good. The plane returned safely.
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” (spare)
P Brinkley, Hamilton M., 1Lt
CP Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt
N None
B Harter, James E., S/Sgt
E Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt
R Stanton, James E. “Jim”, T/Sgt
G Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
(spare)
None
Mission 73 (107): At 1155 36 planes off to bomb roads and RR system at Castrovillari.
Dropped 211 x 500 bombs at 1400 from 8/900 feet. All planes returned at 1540. Direct
hits made on RR and town. Line also out on E and W. Highway junction on W side well
covered and 4 roads in town cut. Two explosions and much smoke seen. Nine E/A
attacked escort but driven off. No flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Sinclair.
A/C No. 41-30355 (spare)
P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
CP Bruton, John E., 1Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30352
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64514
None
Hardy, Alexander A., Sgt
A/C No. 42-64655
None
Rude, Norman J., PFC
Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), PFC
A/C No. 41-30327
Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
Sinclair, Erwin W., Jr., 1Lt
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
Robb, Earl K., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64519
None
Gerber, Joseph H., Capt, 95th FS, 82nd
FG (observer)
A/C No. 42-64521
P Jacobson, Fred (NMI), 2Lt
N None
F None
None
Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), PFC
Temple, H. M., S/Sgt, HQ 321st BG
In Italy, P-40's attack motor transport between Scilla and Bagnara,
and bomb shipping off Scilla.
In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fighters and
medium bombers hit barracks and railroad at Gonnesa, sink a small vessel in the Golfo di
Sant' Eufemia and bomb and strafe a railway station, bridge, and tracks at Soverato,
bridges and a road junction at Angitola, and highway and road junction at Staletti.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) airplanes hit gun positions and road and
rail transport in S Italy.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today 18 August 1943 saw 36 B-25’s take off at 0955 hours
to bomb Angitola Railway and temporary highway bridges; and 4 B-25G’s take off at
1110 hours on sea sweep in vicinity of Gulf of Eufemia. The 36 plane formation dropped
216x500 pound bombs on their target with strings falling across north and south ends of
railway bridge, also several near misses. Hits also on line north and south of bridge.
Temporary highway bridge not hit, bombs falling over and to west. The flak was heavy,
moderate, accurate from railway bridge. Flight leaders for this formation were Capt.
Stultz, Lts. Garmon and Fineman.
The first target for the G’s was large LC on shore north of Fiumefreddo at 1310
hours, at least 3 hits were made at waterline, and several near misses. Second target was
a medium merchant vessel approximately 8 miles north of Pizzo at 1325 hours. At least
one shell hit made at water line. Ship was then skip bombed and broken in two. Flight
leader was Lt. Dorman and once again General Ridenour went along as observer.
Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
2. At 1110
_4___ _B-25-Gs took off on sea sweep in vicinity of Gulf of
Mission
Target
Eufemia. _None_ returned early. _4___ fired 67 x 75 mm HE and armor piercing
Target No A/C
No. A/C
No. & Type
shells and dropped 4 X 500 lb bombs with 4 second fusing at 1310 and 1325 hours
No. & Type
from 6,000 ft. to deck. _4___ returned at 1515. _None_ lost, _none_ missing,
Alt.
No. A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
_none_ at friendly field.
No A/C
3. First target was large LC on shore N of Fiumefreddo at 1310, at least 3 hits were
made at waterline, and several near misses. Second target was a medium M/V
approximately 8 miles N of Pizzo at 1325. At least one shell hit made at water line.
Ship was then skip bombed and broken in two.
4. Air--------- None.
Marine-----None.
Flak--------Light, moderate, from first target. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from top
of hill at Pizzo harbor. Heavy, slight, inaccurate from position between
2 RR bridges just S of Amantea.
5. CAVU for route.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Lt. Dorman
Observer
- General Ridenour
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587
“Red Nosed Beckie”
P Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt
CP Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt
N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, 448th BS
B Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen HQ 47th
E None
R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt
G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt
CL None listed
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579
“Flying Caisson”
Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt
Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt, 447th BS
McIntyre, Johnson Y., 2Lt (observer)
None listed
Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt
Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt
None listed
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
CL
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531
Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt
Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt
None
None
MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt
Albright, Marvel E., Sgt
448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487
“Black Magic” (spare)
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O
Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt
None
None
Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt
Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt
Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt
446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580
Nicholas, Jack (NMI), 448th BS
Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, 448th BS
None
None
Smith, Harold W., 448th BS
Keller, Richard S., S/Sgt, 448th BS
Senec, Joseph F., Jr., Sgt
2. At 0955
36___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Angitola Railway and temporary
Mission
Target
Highway Bridges. _None_ returned early. 36___ dropped 216 X 500 lb. bombs
Target
No. A/C
No. A/C
No & Type
bombs with 1/10 and .025 fusing on target at 1200 hours from 7500/8500 ft.
Alt.
__36__ returned at 1400. _None_ lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at friendly field.
No A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
3. Strings of bombs reported falling across N and S ends of railway bridge, also several
near misses. Hits also on line N and S of bridge. Temporary highway bridge not hit,
bombs falling over and to W.
4. Air---------One ME-110 on deck heading E off Pizzo at 1200.
Marine----3 landing barges on shore 3 miles NE of Pizzo. 1 large M/V 5 miles S of
Cape Suvero heading S at 1205. 3 small M/V 2 miles further S. 3 S/F and
3 landing barges in Pizzo harbor.
Ground----Lamezia M/Y had 80/100 cars in it. 30 cars in M/Y N of target. Trains at
Pizzo and Briatico. 2 landing strips reported 6 miles W of Curinga
between coast and road. No A/C on them. Some M/T at temporary
bridge. M/T on road N of Curinga., Factory and supply dump burning in
Pizzo.
Flak-------- Heavy, moderate, accurate from railway bridge. One battery at 38°49’N,
16°15’E, heavy, accurate. Light, inaccurate from Lamezia.
5. En route and target – CAVU with slight haze.
Return
– CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Capt. Stultz, Lts. Garmon and Fineman.
Observers
– Capt. Corning.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: No mission today. There was another alert on this evening and
the Germans made another attempt to sink Allied shipping in the port of Bizerte. The
attack tonight didn’t last as long as the one last night. There were not nearly as many
flares dropped and a heavy barrage was thrown up only for about three times.
(Bear - no lettering) (spare)
P Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt
CP Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt
N None
E McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt
G Calvert, M. E., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-53373 (Spare)
None
A/C No. 41-30387 (spare)
N None
B Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt
F None
Group mission 108, Sqdn 84 composed of 12 planes led by Lt. Garmon. 500 lb bombs
were dropped on the RR at Angitola, Italy. Target coverage was good with strings of
bombs across both ends of the RR. Lt. Williams landed with a flat tire.
Brown, Aud W., 2Lt
None
1Lt
N None
F Wisnesky, Benjamin H., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
St. Joe”
None
P Chappell, Howard L., 1Lt
CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt
N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 2Lt
B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt
E Kaney, Oscar J., Jr., S/Sgt
R Roulier, Edward T., Cpl
G Skill, David H., Sgt
F None
Polka”
2Lt
N None
F Benson, Henry E., S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30293
P Cosner, Oliver J. “Ollie”, 1Lt
CP Boyd, Kenneth E., 2Lt
N None
B Coe, George A., 1Lt
E Misik, John (NMI), S/Sgt
R Kreig, Thomas E., T/Sgt
G Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 41-13197
Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
None
A/C No. 41-13192
None
None
Peekin’”)
None
None
446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar J., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 25)
“# 25 Aug 18, 1943
Time 4:30 Sqdn Mission # 84
Gr. Mission # 108
500# demo.
Angitola R.R. Italy
Formation Leader - Capt Stultz
Results - Hits N. & S. ends of R.R. bridge.
Remarks - Flak heavy, moderate, accurate.
Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz”
Formation
3-1
P- Chappell, CP - Rigling, N- Springer, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G -Skill”
Chappell, Howard L., 1Lt, pilot
Kaney, Oscar J., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier
Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner
Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner
Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 37)
“Has been ten days or so since I’ve written anything here. Had a mission over to the
East Coast of Italy to hit a R.R. junction. We were to bomb at 9,000 feet but a cloud
layer forced us down to 7,500. Did a pretty good job though and set some fires going.
Had to come out thru mountain passes and valleys and you could see people in little
towns standing in groups watching us. No flak and no fighters o there wasn’t any
excitement.
That night the Germans sent a pretty big formation over to Bizerte harbor and did
some bombing on shipping there. From 50 miles away we could flak and flares and big
flashes when bombs hit. The sky was red with tracers and they knocked down several of
the bombers. The next night the same thing happened.”
Well, the 17th (actually 18th) was number 37 for me and it was one of those that
give me gray hairs. Like Cagliari and Villacidro except that this wasn’t a very hot target.
It was to the south of Naples for more bridges. About four and a half hour mission.
Intelligence said there wouldn’t be much flak. Anyway we made our climb from the deck
to 8,000 feet and had a good run and did pretty well, I think. We started the dive off the
target and hadn’t seen a burst of flak. Then one hit us. It wouldn’t have had to be much
closer to bring us down. It was the kind that you can smell the burnt powder. One piece
came up under Porter’s right arm and another by my left side that came out right at my
feet by the rudder pedals. Got just a little scratch on my leg. Another piece cut the lead
wires to the gear indicator and fuel gauges. Those instruments went out. The bomb bay
had five or six holes and a big piece clipped a cylinder in the right engine and sprayed oil
all over the right nacelle. We found out later that it also blew the tire. We had two hours
to go and that engine really ran rough. I was expecting to have to feather it but it wasn’t
doing badly. We got home and circled till the formation landed then came in. With the
right side in such bad shape, I was watching for a blown tire. Made a fast approach and
hit on the left wheel about 115 mph and eased on to the right one. It was flat all right
and it started to pull to the right. It wasn’t bad at all though. Gave it left rudder and
eased on the left brake till it stopped. That was the 37th mission and I hope I don’t have
any more as rough. We were the only ones in the formation to get hit, I think, just one
lucky hit.
Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt, bombardier
Carlisle is a good co-pilot and flies nice formation, but he completely lost his
head when that flak hit. I was disgusted more than anything. That is the closest he’s had
one, but he is not as steady as ‘Big Moe’ was.
Carlisle, Howard L., 2Lt, pilot
Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr. "Big Moe", 2Lt,
pilot
Mencher brought me a couple of editions of the Neward Post and George
Anderson’s picture was in one. I wish they would send me some of those new guys and
let me go home for awhile. I have lost 15 pounds since I’ve been over here and I’ve
never been in worse shape. Oh well, a few more months, I should be home by Christmas.
I wonder if, when we’re all reading this, will that wish have come true. We’ll see.
Anderson, Charles, 2Lt, navigator
Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
447th BS War Diary: One of our G planes took part in a sea sweep but nothing was
sighted. The plane returned safely.
Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on railroad and highway bridges near
Angitola, Italy. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.
None
Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt
Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt
Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt
None
N Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, S/Sgt
R Byerly, Leo E., T/Sgt
G DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Duck”
None
None
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
None
Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt
Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt
Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
None
Canning, John A., Capt (observer)
II”
None
Pemberton, Francis R., May, HQ 321st
BG (observer)
None
None
A/C No. 42-64695
None
Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt
Leon, Robert D., Cpl
Colby, John W., 2Lt
None
None
None
Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt
None
TARGET: Angitola RR and temporary bridge
4:05 Plane 371
“Bombs falling across N and S end of RR bridge. Several near misses. Highway bridge
not hit.”
TARGET: Angitola RR and temporary highway bridge
4:05 500 lbs
Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Orr, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, Anderson, S/Sgt
Draper
“Strings of bombs reported falling across N and S ends of RR bridge. Highway and
bridge not hit. Flak heavy, moderate and accurate.”
Mission 74 (108): At 0955 36 planes off to bomb Angitola RR and highway bridges.
Dropped 216 x 500 bombs at 1200 from 75/8500 feet. All returned at 1400. Bombs
reported falling across N and S ends of RR bridge also several near misses. Hits on RR
line, highway bridge not hit. One ME-109 seen but did not attack. Moderate, heavy,
inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Stultz.
A/C No. 41-29967
Stultz,
Raymond
B., Capt
P
CP Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt
B Ellington, John H., Jr., 1Lt
E Rude, Norman J., PFC
R Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt
G Woodin, Roy A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64552
P Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt
CP King, James L., 2Lt
N None
B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt
E Ridgeway, Robert L., PFC
R Egbom, Clarence W., PFC
G Dellwo, Lawrence H., PFC
F None
A/C No. 41-30327
Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30548
Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt
Gouge, David J., 2Lt
Rohleder, Jack J., PFC
Hilborne, Thomas G., S/Sgt
Vance, Paul S., PFC
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30352
None
None
Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt
Lyons, Paul E., PFC
None
None
Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”,
M/Sgt, HQ 321st BG
A/C No. 41-30343
None
None
A/C No. 42-64519
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 42-64655
None
Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64514
None
Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64521
None
None
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): About 70 B-24's bomb
the marshalling yard at Foggia, Italy. P-40's fly coastal reconnaissance over the toe of
Italy and bomb roads and buildings.
In Italy, 150+ Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B17's bomb the Foggia marshalling yard, while almost 100 medium bombers hit
marshalling yards at Sapri and Salerno; the bombers, and escorting P-38's claim 34
enemy planes shot down, against 8 losses; Northwest African Tactical Air Force
(NATAF) A-36's attack the Cantanzaro marshalling yard; P-40's on sweeps over the
Italian toe attack a train near Melito di Porto Salvo and strafe a small number of trucks.
The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping
Group, ceases operating from Gela/Ponte Olivo, Sicily with F-4's and returns to its base
at Ariana, Tunisia.
The 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light) transfer from Torrente Coumunelli to Gerbini, Sicily with
A-20's.
445th BS War Diary: No mission today. The crews and ground personnel took
advantage of this time off by laying around on the beach and taking passes to Tunis.
Today, half of the Nissen hut which was shared by Operations, Intelligence and Tek
Supply was loaded on a big trailer borrowed from the Service Group and transported to
the Squadron area intact. The reason for moving Operations and Intelligence up into the
area was to make it more convenient for the combat crews to visit these two departments.
08/19/43: Sunup, Thursday morning
“Tuesday Jerry bombed Bizerte harbor with 65 planes and again last night with
an unidentified number. We watched the fireworks. Yesterday I helped lay a metal road
through the sand. Day before was in Tunis. We are clean, cool and comfortable in our
tent with a mat floor (metal runway mat).”
446th BS War Diary: Major Schwane was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry.
Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander
446th BS Special Account:
On August 19, 1943 Major Henry H. Schwane,
Commanding Officer of the 446th Bombardment Squadron was awarded the Silver Star
for gallantry in Action. At this date this honor has been bestowed on only one other
officer in the 321st Bombardment Group.
Although the Major has led numerous Group formations which were highly
successful, two were specifically mentioned in the recommendation for the award. These
occurred on April 5, 1943 and May 6, 1943.
On the former date, despite heavy enemy fire, he skillfully led his formation in an
attack on twelve heavily escorted enemy vessels, resulting in the destruction of seven of
them while the balance were left damaged and scattered after being strafed.
The latter raid was made on four escorted Siebel Ferries when the Major again
ignored heavy anti-aircraft fire and led his formation to the attack. The tactics he
employed were costly to the enemy for one Siebel Ferry was completely destroyed while
two were severely damaged.
Major Schwane, whose home is in Indianola, Iowa, took over the command of the
th
446 on September 8, 1942.
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): P-40's strafe and bomb
shipping off the Italian toe and communications targets on land. Hits are scored on
bridges, railway yards, and railway cars.
In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's hit
the Capua and Aversa marshalling yards, while B-25's bomb the Benevento marshalling
yard, and P-40's attack the airfield at Monserrato, Sardinia; Northwest African Tactical
Air Force (NATAF) fighters hit road and railway at Gioia and trucks near Locri during
missions along the E and W coasts of the Italian toe. HQ 47th Bombardment Group
(Light) and its 84th and 85th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer with A-20's from
Torrente Comunelli to Gerbini, Sicily.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On 20 August 1943, 36 B-25’s took off at 1115 hours to
bomb Railroad Communications and Installations at Benevento, Italy. They dropped
216x500 pound bombs at 1333 hours. All except a few bombs fell in area giving
extremely good coverage of target. Strings fell through center and both ends of
marshalling yards, resulting in big sheet of flame and several explosions and clouds of
black smoke. Repair shop, rolling stock including tank cars hit. The two railroad
junctions and road junction well covered. Four enemy aircraft destroyed by escort one of
which exploded. Two of our escort were shot down. The formation ran into heavy air
opposition when 15/20 E/A attacked after crossing coast and were engaged by escort.
Two E/A 1000 feet below on bomb run. 4/5 E/A over target. Two E/A followed for 10
minutes after leaving coast and were driven off by escort. Seen unusual flashes from E/A
that looked like burst of flame followed by rocket. The flak was heavy, slight,
inaccurate. Flight leaders were Lts. Garmon, Cratin, and Capt. Morton. Observers were
Colonel Schintzline, Major Blake, Haw, Roth, and Captain Manly.
Blake, G., Maj, HQ 47th BW
Cratin, William S., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Haw, Marvin Tinsley, Maj, Medical Officer, HQ 82nd FG
Manly, Robert W. "Doc", Capt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG
Schintzline, Col, HQ 47th Wing
2. At 1115
36___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ RR communications and
Mission
Target
Installations at Benevento, Italy. _None_ returned early. 36___ dropped
Target
No. A/C
No. A/C
216 X 500 lb. bombs with 1/10 and 45 second fusing on target at 1333, from
No & Type
7500/9000 ft.__36__ returned at 1535. _None_ lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at
Alt.
No A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
No A/C
friendly field.
3. All except a few bombs fell in area giving extremely good coverage of target. Strings
fell through center and both ends of marshalling yards, resulting in big sheet of flame
and several explosions and clouds of black smoke. Repair shop, rolling stock
including tank cars hit. The two railroad junctions and road junction well covered.
Four E/A destroyed by escort, one of which exploded. Two escort shot down.
4. Air---------15/20 E/A attacked after crossing coast and were engaged by escort. Two
E/A 1000 feet below on bomb run. 4/5 E/A over target. Two E/A
followed for 10 minutes after leaving coast and were driven off by escort.
Seen unusual flashes from E/A-looked like burst of flame followed by
rocket.
Marine----One large vessel possibly cruiser or transport off Castellamare de Stabia.
Had net around it and 5 smaller vessels. Seen at 1318. Also one Seibel
Ferry and 18/20 small boats. 25/30 small boats Vico Equense. Two small
M/Vs between Capri and coast. Strafed by escort.
Ground----150 cars in M/Y at target. 75/100 cars in yards at Torre Annunziata.
Salerno M/Yds filled. Possible smoke screen seen from Naples. One
report of road between Castellamare and Gragnano being full of M/Ts.
Flak-------- One report of heavy slight inaccurate flak at target. Heavy slight
inaccurate from jetty at Castellamare, from Torre Annuziata and from
Avellino. Position sighted in arena at Torre Annuziata. Heavy slight
inaccurate from Salerno, Motori. Position observed on coast between
Torre Annuziata and Torre di Greco. Heavy, moderate, accurate as to
elevation off on deflection.
5. En route –3/10 scud at 10,000 feet. Slight haze, visibility 10 miles.
Target & Return – CAVU.
–
6. None.
Flight leaders – Lts. Garmon, Cratin, and Capt. Morton
Observers
– Colonel Schintzline, Major Blake, Haw, Roth and Capt. Manly.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The Operations building was completed today.
B-25’s (10 of the 445th) took off to bomb railroad communications and installations at
Benevento in Italy. 72 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8000
ft. The target area was well covered. Strings of bombs fell through the center and both
ends of the marshalling yards. Several explosions threw flame and black smoke high into
the air. The repair shop, tank cars and other rolling stock were hit. 15 to 20 enemy
aircraft attacked just after the formation crossed the coast. Four of them were shot down
by the escort and two of the escort were shot down. The enemy aircraft stayed below the
formation during the bomb run. Four or five enemy aircraft were over the formation at
the target. Two enemy aircraft followed the formation for 10 minutes after leaving the
target but were driven off by the escort after they had lobbed a couple rocket bombs into
the formation. The flak was slight, heavy, and inaccurate.
N None
E Kunis, Theodore C., T/Sgt
F None
Gambler II”
E Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt
R Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt
G Bruyneel, Dennis A., S/Sgt
N None
F None
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 41-30354
P Kent, William S., 2Lt
N None
B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt
E Haney, T. J., Sgt
R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt
G Nickens, Cletus P., Sgt
M/Sgt, HQ 321st BG
N None
B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt
E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
G O’Neill, Phillip W., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-53373
Laird, Ellsworth A., S/Sgt
None
None
Roth, John A., Maj, HQ 82nd FG
(observer)
Group mission 109, Sqdn 85 composed of 12 planes. Lt. Garmon led the Group to
installations at Benevento, Italy where 500 lb bombs were dropped. Coverage was
exceptionally good with repair shops, rolling shops, and tank cars were hit. Two road
and RR junctions were hit.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt
Russell, Burton E., 2Lt
None
Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt
Langan, Charles H., Sgt
Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt
Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt
None
Polka”
2Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-13192
None
Haw, Marvin Tinsley, Maj, HQ 82nd FG
(observer)
A/C No. 41-13208
None
A/C No. 42-64526
Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt
Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 41-13200
None
A/C No. 42-64551
None
Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt
Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt
None
None
Edwards, David R., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
None
Coe, George A., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship”
Tapper, George G., 2Lt
Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt
None
Brown, John Roland, 1Lt
Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt
Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt
South, William R., S/Sgt
Schintzius, W. C., HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt
Eleven of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling yards at Benevento, Italy.
None
Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt
Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt
Balsom, James P., S/Sgt
None
II”
N None
B Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt
F Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt
P Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt
CP Ashley, Wilson S., 2Lt
N None
B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt
E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt
R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt
G Christenson, Lars (NMI), Sr., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt
Anderson, Carl F., 2Lt
Daume, Oscar R., 1Lt
Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt
O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt
Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt
Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt
None
Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
None
Duck”
P Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, 2Lt
CP Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 2Lt
N None
E Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt
R Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt
G Draper, Ralph M., S/Sgt
F Manly, Robert W., “Horse”, Capt
(observer)
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
N None
F Blake, G., Maj, HQ 47th Wing (observer)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
None
None
Tornio, Raymond A., S/Sgt
Lady” (returned early – guns out)
None
None
TARGET: RR Communications and installations at Benevento, Italy
4:20 500 lbs
Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Lingrel, Capt Manly, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt,
“All except a few bombs fell in area giving extremely good coverage. Strings fell
through center and both ends of M/Y. Repair shops and rolling stock including tank cars
were hit. 4 E/A destroyed by escort. Flak heavy, moderate, inaccurate.”
Mission 75 (109): At 1115 36 planes off to bomb RR communications and installations
at Benevento. Dropped 216 x 500 bombs at 1333 from 75/9000 feet. All returned at
1535. All except few bombs fell in target area. Strings through center and ends of M/Y
resulting in sheet of flame and several explosions. Several repair shops and rolling stock
including tank cars hit. Two RR junctions and RJ well covered. Four E/A destroyed by
escort. E/A seen to be shooting rockets. Intense, heavy, prolonged accurate flak.
Weather: CAVU. 3 spares only for 448th.
None
None
A/C No. 41-30548
CP Gouge, David J., 2Lt
N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt
B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64519
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
None
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's attack a railroad
station, marshalling yard, and air depot at Cancello Arnone, Italy.
In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's and
B-17's bomb marshalling yards at Villa Literno and Aversa; the P-38 escort also attacks
Aversa; NASAF aircraft claim 20+ enemy fighters shot down; Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighter-bombers hit traffic on the Bovalino-Bagnara road.
HQ 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium) transfers to Ariana, Tunisia where groups are
assigned.
445th BS War Diary: There is no mission today. Lt. Fisher was grounded indefinitely
today for buzzing the 448th Squadron area and he will be on Airdrome duty until further
notified. This, however, doesn’t seem to excite him much.
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Lts. Chinnock, Bugbee, Nixon, Spikes, Cohagan, McDuff,
McGowan, Morganti and Allison received promotions from 2nd Lts. to 1st Lt.
Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, 1Lt, bombardier
Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot
Chinnock, Donald R., 1Lt, communication Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt, pilot
McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt, pilot McGowan, Francis E., 1Lt, pilot
Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt, pilot
Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot, operations
Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): All fighter and medium
bomber groups of the Ninth Air Force are transferred to the Twelfth Air Force, i.e.: 12 th
Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 81st, 82nd, 83rd and 434th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) at Gerbini, Sicily with B-25's, 57th Fighter Group and its 64th, 65th
and 66th Fighter Squadrons on Sicily with P-40's, 79th Fighter Group and its 85th, 86th and
87th Fighter Squadrons on Sicily with P-40's, 324th Fighter Group and its 314th, 315th and
316th Fighter Squadrons at El Haouaria, Tunisia with P-40's, and 340th Bombardment
Group (Medium) and its 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium)
at Comiso, Sicily with B-25's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's, with an escort of Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-36's, bomb the marshalling yard at Salerno, Italy; they
claim 26 enemy fighters destroyed. NATAF fighters on armored reconnaissance hit
motor transport S of the Locri-Gioia Tauro, Italy area and NE of Bagnara, Italy. HQ 12th
Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 81st, 82nd, 83rd and 434th Bombardment
Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Ponte Olivo to Gerbini, Sicily.
445th BS War Diary: No mission today. Some of the boys went to church this morning
and the rest of the day was spent on the beach and in Tunis. Lt. Humphrey is building a
motor boat in his spare time. The motor is one coming out of a German jeep. The
weather here is very pleasant as there is always a good, cool breeze off the Gulf of Tunis.
Humphrey, Malcolm R., 1Lt, supply
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's hit a marshalling
yard at Bari, Italy.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26's bomb the Battipaglia, Italy
marshalling yard. Fighter-bombers hit factory and barracks near Cagliari, Sardinia.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) P-40's and A-36's escort NASAF B-26's,
and Spitfires fly uneventful tactical reconnaissance over NE Sicily and the toe of Italy.
HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Kairouan, Tunisia to Sciacca, Sicily. The
93rd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Monastir to Sidi Ahmed,
Tunisia with P-39's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On 23 August 1943, at 1040 hours, 36 B-25’s took off to
bomb Battipaglia RR yards. They dropped 204x500 pound bombs hitting east and west
choke points of M/Y. Some strings fell through center of yard. Large explosion seen at
east side of yard. Warehouses hit and RR track cut west of target. Some bombs were
wide to west and some fell over into town. Flak opposition at the target was heavy,
moderate, accurate. At Monti Corvino, heavy, slight, inaccurate. Few bursts from
Magliano and from ridge SE of Albanella. Moderate, accurate from ridge NE of
Capaccio. Red bursts reported which may have been due to dark background. Seven
planes of center flight hit. Flight leaders: Lts. Richardson, Capts. Tipton and Isaacson.
Observers: Majors Garcia, Noveloff, Pendleton, Capt. Vincent.
Garcia, J. D., Maj, HQ 47th Wing
Noveloff, Maj, HQ 47th Wing
Pendleton, J. W., Maj, HQ 47th Wing
Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., Capt, Executive Officer, HQ 321st BG
2. At 1040
36___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Battipaglia RR yards. __2___
Mission
Target
No. A/C
returned early. 34___ dropped 204 X 500 lb. bombs with 1/10 and 45 second
No. A/C
No & Type
No. A/C
fusing on target at 1251, from 8000/9500 feet. __34__ returned at 1450. _None_
Time
Alt.
No A/C
Time No A/C
Monday, 23 August 1943 (continue)
lost, _none_ missing, _none_ at friendly field.
No A/C
No A/C
3. East and West choke points of M/Y hit. Some strings through center of yard. Large
explosion seen at east side of yard. Warehouses hit and RR track cut west of target.
Some bombs were wide to west and some fell over into town.
4. Air---------One transport at 4000 feet heading N at 1254 E. of Salerno. Five P-40’s
with red spinners and American markings joined formation after leaving
target, and followed to Ustica. Radio contact made after they approached
too closely. Six T/E E/A on Battipaglia A/D.
Marine----One small V/V at 40°33’N, 14°50’E. at 1256. Two small boats SW of
Salerno heading N. One medium M/V, coastal type, heading S. at
40°18’N, 15°08’E at 1235.
Flak-------- At target, heavy, moderate, accurate. At Monte Corvino, heavy, slight,
inaccurate. Few bursts from Magliano and from ridge SE of Albanella.
Moderate, accurate from ridge NE of Capaccio. Red bursts reported
which may have been due to dark background. Seven planes of center
flight hit.
Ground----Five strings of cars in M/Y. Stationary M/T convoy dispersed over two
miles on road S of Rutino. 25/30 M/T on road NW of Battipaglia. Small
M/T convoy stationary at Agropoli.
5. Enroute----Hazy, scattered clouds at 4000 feet, becoming 9/10 10 miles off Italian
Mainland -- 4/10 at 12,000 feet.
Target-----CAVU, Thunderheads to N.
Return-----Same as out.
6. None.
Flight leaders -- Lts. Richardson, Capts. Tipton and Isaacson.
Observers ------ Majors Garcia, Neveloff, Pendleton, Capt. Vincent.
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Today an interrogation tent was put up down by the Group
Intelligence building so that the crews when they return from the missions can sit down
and have their coffee and doughnuts and be interrogated all at once.
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb the marshalling yards at Battipaglia in Italy. 72
x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8500 ft. The east and west
choke points were hit. Some strings went through the center of the yards. A large
explosion was seen on the east side of the yards. Warehouses were hit and railroad tracks
were cut west of the target. Some of the bombs fell into the town. The flak at the target
was heavy, moderate and accurate. Heavy flak was encountered all along the route out.
A/C No. 42-64529
N None
F Pendleton, J. W., Maj, HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
A/C No. 41-29958
E Melhorn, Raymond W., S/Sgt
F None
Judy”
N None
G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64659
None
Pierce, William V., S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64508
None
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64590
P Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt
CP Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, 2Lt
N None
E McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt
G Calvert, M. E., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 42-53373
None
None
None
None
Peekin’”) (spare)
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-13192 (spare)
None
None
St. Joe” (spare)
CP Tapper, George G., 2Lt
B Pappas, William J., 2Lt
E Mercuri, Ralph W., T/Sgt
F None
Twelve of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling yards at Battipaglia, Italy.
Bombing results good. Lt. Fineman’s plane developed engine trouble just before
reaching the target but he was able to bring it back safely. The rest of the planes returned
safely also.
CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj,
Commander
F None
Lady”
P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt
CP Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
N Colby, John W., 2Lt
B Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt
E Nelson, James E., S/Sgt
R Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt
G Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
None
A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon
Ball”
None
Tate, Roy W., 2Lt
Noveloff, L. A., Maj, HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
N None
F Garcia, J. D., Maj, HQ 47th Wing
(observer)
N None
F None
P McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt
CP Gill, Paul W., 2Lt
N Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt
E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt
R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt
G Alton, David D., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 41-30002
None
None
Sholund, John D., 2Lt
None
Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., Capt, HQ 321st
BG
A/C No. 42-64695
Snarp”
Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt
None
TARGET: Battipaglia RR yards
4:10 500 lbs
Plane 210: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Tate, Major Neveloff, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt,
“E and W points of M/Y hit. Some strings through center of yard. Large explosions seen
on E side of yard. Flak heavy, moderate and accurate.”
“Marshalling yards at Battipaglia. Today the flak was really heavy and accurate. We
got a few hits just as we started on our bombing run. Before we reached our bombing
altitude, Fineman lost an engine so we were floating around alone doing our own evasive
action for awhile. Finally we tagged onto Grantham and bombed off of him. For escort
we had twenty-four A-36s.”
Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, 1Lt, pilot
Mission 76 (110): At 1040, 36 planes to bomb Battipaglia RR yards. 34 planes dropped
204 x 500 bombs at 1251 from 8/9500 feet. One returned early, 35 returned at 1450. N
and W choke points of M/Y hit. Some strings to center of yard caused large explosion in
yard. Warehouse hit and RR track cut W of target. Some bombs in town. Moderate,
heavy, accurate flak. 7 planes of center flight hit, no casualties. Weather: CAVU: F/L:
Isaacson.
A/C No. 42-64655
None
Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt
Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64661
CP Gouge, David J., 2Lt
B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30352
Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64519
None
Papile, Frank M., PFC
Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt
P Moore, Leland A., 1Lt
N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 1Lt
B Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 42-64521
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30326
P Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt
N None
B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt
E Roberts, Harold L., PFC
R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt
G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-29967
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 41-30343
None
Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 41-30355
None
Porch, Dean O., PFC
None
(returned early – turret out)
None
Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt
None
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry
In Italy, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighterbombers hit a railroad tunnel and cruiser offshore at Sibari, tracks and buildings at
Castrovillari, and the town area at Sibari; and Royal Air Force (RAF) Desert Air Force
airplanes strafe motor transport N of Reggio di Calabria and provide withdrawal cover
for the NATAF fighter-bombers. HQ 314th Troop Carrier Group transfers from
Kairouan, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily.
445th BS War Diary: No mission today. A little informal gathering of the combat crews
over by the officer’s mess this afternoon. Major Cook presented some of the crews with
their Air Medals. After the awards were made, a little program was put on with Lt.
Miller at the piano, Lt. McEnroe at the guitar, Captain Smith with the accordion and Cpl.
Katz played the violin. Lt. Kent who used to be a night club entertainer rendered a few
vocals for the boys. Lt. Kent has a very fine voice.
Katz, Paul F., Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer
Kent, William S., 2Lt, pilot
McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt, bombardier
Miller, Edward A., 2Lt, bombardier/Navigator
Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's bomb the
marshalling yard at Foggia, Italy. The 566th and 567th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been operating from Bengasi, Libya
with B-24's since Jul 43, return to their base at Hethel, England.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Around
135 B-17's and 140 P-38's attack satellite airfields at Foggia, Italy. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighter-bombers hit trucks S of Sinopoli, Italy. The 414th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers form Pontdu-Fahs to Depienne, Tunisia with B-17's.
445th BS War Diary: This evening the boys enjoyed themselves at the new service
men’s club on the field at an old French farmhouse. There was plenty of beer for
everyone and afterwards they saw “Honky Tonk” at a movie. This is the beginning of a
regular schedule of shows which will be given for the benefit of the men two nights a
week. There was no mission again today. Most all of the men are wearing a healthy tan
acquired while they are at the beach. This coat of tan is all they wear at the beach.
446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. Lts. Bradley, Garmon, Chappell,
and Taylor, having been checked out as element and formation leaders, were promoted to
Captain.
Bradley, James L., Jr., Capt, pilot
Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot
Garmon, James M., Capt, pilot
Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Capt. Richardson received notice of his promotion from 1st Lt.
Capt. J. Hamilton was assigned to the squadron today. He has been sent to replace our
squadron surgeon, Capt. J. Canning who has filed his application for flight surgeon
training. Capt. Canning is awaiting orders to report to the flight surgeon’s school at
Randolph Field, Texas.
Canning, John A., Capt, Medical Officer
Hamilton, John M., Capt, Medical Officer
Richardson, Robert W., 1Lt, pilot
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The 316th Troop Carrier
Group and its 36th, 37th, 44th and 45th Troop Carrier Squadrons with C-47's are transferred
to the Twelfth Air Force. The 328th, 329th, 330th, and 409th Bombardment Squadrons
(Heavy), 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been operating from Bengasi,
Libya since Jun 43 with B-24's, return to their base at Hardwick, England.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): The
Royal Air Force (RAF) Desert Air Force (DAF) is assigned to the Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF), along with US units of the Ninth Air Force which have
been an operational part of DAF and Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force
(NATBF). In Italy, 80+ Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's, with P38 escort bomb Capua Airfield; 100+ fighter-escorted medium bombers hit Grazzanise
Airfield and satellite field; P-40's bomb Carloforte on San Pietro Island and strafe the S
part of Sardinia; and NATAF medium and light bombers bomb targets on the toe of Italy,
including the railroad junction at Locri and gun positions at Reggio di Calabria and Villa
San Giovanni.
2. At 1125 36___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Grazzanise A/D installations and A/C
Mission
Target
Failed to make rendezvous with escort and turned back at 39°40’N, 12°35’E at 1304.
Time
__36___ returned at 1425.
No. A/C
Time
3. None.
4. None.
5. Enroute and return----1/10 to 2/10 at 4,000 feet. Visibility unlimited.
Target----Return-----
6. None.
Flight leaders --- Major Cook, Capt. Culp and Lt. Garmon.
Observers --------Capts. Lindley and Bell, Lt. Carroll, F/O Sudden.
Number of sorties--36
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) led by Major Cook took off to bomb the Grazzanise airdrome in
Italy. The bombers and the fighters failed to rendezvous so the bombers were forced to
return.
A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7”
P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander
None
N Larson, Harold W., 1Lt
None
F None
A/C No. 42-53373
None
N None
McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
Calvert, M. E., Sgt
st
None
F Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321 BG
(observer)
Gambler II”
None
F None
(observer)
A/C No. 41-30354
None
Haney, T. J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-29958 (returned early –
1145)
P Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt
B McEnroe, Harry A., 2Lt
F None
Joy”
P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt
CP Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt
B Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 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
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
Carroll, J. T., 1Lt, (observer)
Judy”
Miller, Roy N., 1Lt
None
Peterson, Karle E., T/Sgt
None
Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt
McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt
Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt
BG
A/C No. 41-13200
P Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt
Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt
CP Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt
None
B Pappas, William J., 2Lt
E Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt
R Shields, James A., T/Sgt
G Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt
Dobbins, Daniel G., 1Lt, HQ 321st BG
F None
A/C No. 41-30293
P
Clark, Robert A., 2Lt
None
Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13197
P Tapper, George G., 2Lt
CP Davison, William R., 2Lt
N None
B Green, Harry M., S/Sgt
E Smith, Wade E., Sgt
R Barber, Otis C., Sgt
G Helisek, Paul A., Sgt
F None
St. Joe”
N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt
F None
A/C No. 41-13192
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Polka”
2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-13208
Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt
None
None
Peekin’”)
None
None
A/C No. 42-64551
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt
None
1Lt
None
None
of our planes started on a mission but the formation turned back because of failure to
rendezvous with the escort.
Colby, John W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 41-30002 (spare)
P Lungren, Charles D., 1Lt
CP Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt
N None
E Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt
R Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
G Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Lady” (spare)
None
Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-30326
None
None
None
Pudlo, Alexander A., Sgt
Mauder, Charles J., Cpl
Griffin, Pink C., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64661
Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st
BG Commander
Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt
Vance, Paul S., PFC
None
None
Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-29967
Poynter, Robert A., PFC
Sudden, A., F/O, NASAF (observer)
A/C No. 41-30327
Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30355
None
Porch, Dean O., PFC
Robb, Earl K., PFC
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
A/C No. 41-30343
N None
P Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt
CP Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt
N None
B Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt
E Potosky, John S., PFC
R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt
G Zeller, Michael C., S/Sgt
F None
None
Lyons, Paul E., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64552
King, James L., 2Lt
None
None
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The 564th and 565th
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been
operating from Bengasi, Libya since Jul with B-24's, returns to their base at Hethel,
England.
bomb the Sulmona marshalling yard, and medium bombers hit the Benevento and Caserta
marshalling yards; nearly 150 P-38's escort the bombers. Northwest African Tactical Air
Force (NATAF) medium and light bombers and fighters attack targets in S Italy,
including Cantanzaro rail and road junction, guns near Reggio di Calabria, Sibari rail
junctions, Cetraro marshalling yard, barracks at Tarsia, train and repair shops at Paola,
and a barge at Diamante. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 486th, 487th,
488th and 498th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Comiso to Catania,
Sicily with B-25's. The 527th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group,
transfers from Gela to Barcelona, Sicily with A-36's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On 27 August 1943, 36 B-25’s took off at 1030 hours to
bomb Benevento M/Y and RR installations. They dropped 191x500 pound bombs at
1245 hours. Both NW and SE choke points of yard hit, with especially good coverage of
SE. Tracks cut to east and south of east junction. Strings of bombs fell through center of
yard. Explosion seen at east end. One ME-109 destroyed by bombers, observed by
escort to crash to ground. One E/A shot down in flames by escort. The group following
was five minutes early and crossed above and below formation. Air opposition saw 12
E/A fighters over target. Two ME-109’s below formation at target were attacked by
escort. Two ME-109’s above and behind did not attack. Three parachutes seen to open
10 minutes after leaving target. One pink P-38 seen attacking green P-38. Pink P-38
then attacked bomber and was driven off by tail gunner. One report of a barrage balloon
at Paternopoli. Flak was heavy, moderate, inaccurate at target. Few bursts, heavy,
moderate, trailing from NE of Campanella Point, and from Salerno area. Flight leaders
were Major Cook, Capt. Culp, and Lt. Garmon. S/Sgt Thomas P. Miles, ASN 13020489,
446th Bombardment Squadron received credit for one ME-109 destroyed.
Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS
Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt, gunner, 446th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 111/mission 110) Group Mission # 111A
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mission Report # 111A, 27 August 1943
1. 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF.
2. At 1030 36___ _B-25’s_ took off to _bomb_ Benevento M/Y & RR installations.
Mission
Target
__1___ returned early. _34___ dropped on target at 1245 191x500 lb. with 1/10
No. A/C
No. A/C
Time No & Type
And 45 second fusing from 8000/9000 ft. __33__ returned at 1445. _None_ lost,
Alt.
No A/C
Time No A/C
_none_ missing, __two_ at Palermo.
No A/C
No A/C
3. Both NW and SE choke points of yard hit, with especially good coverage of SE.
Tracks cut to E and S of E. junction. Strings of bombs fell through center of yard.
Explosion seen at E end.
1. One ME-109 destroyed by bombers, observed by escort to crash to ground.
2. One E/A shot down in flames by escort.
3. The group following was 5 minutes early and crossed above and below
formation.
4. Air---------12 S/E fighters over target. Two ME-109’s below formation at target were
attacked by escort. Two ME-109s above and behind did not attack. Three
parachutes seen to open 10 minutes after leaving target. One pink P-38
seen attacking green P-38. Pink P-38 then attacked bomber and was
driven off by tail gunner. One report of a barrage balloon at Paternopoli.
Marine----One cruiser and 15 small boats in Castellamare harbor. Two 300 ft. boats,
6/7 boats 60/70 feet long in Amalfi. 1 large M/V, two small in Salerno
harbor. 1 large three stack vessel and 6 small in Torre Annunziata.
Ground----Few M/T on road Salorno to Avellino and Salerno to Naples. Several
trains in Salerno M/Y. Three trains at Cava. 40 RR cars near Pratola.
40/50 cars in Sarno M/Y. 25 cars at Nocera.
Flak-------- At target, heavy, moderate, inaccurate. Few bursts, heavy moderate
trailing from NE of Campanella Point, and from Salerno area.
5. Enroute----3/10 to 4/10 at 3000 feet gradually clearing. Cumulus at 3000 ft. at Italian
coast.
Target-----CAVU.
Return-----CAVU.
a
6. One ME-109 destroyed by S/Sgt. Thomas P. Miles, ASN 14020489, 446th Bomb
Sqdn. Surrency, Ga.
Flight leaders -- Major Cook, Capt. Culp and Lt. Garmon.
Number of sorties -- 35
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 111/mission 110) Group Mission # 111A: 36
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) led by Major Cook took off to bomb the Benevento marshalling
yards in Italy. 66 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 8000 ft.
36 P-38’s of the 82nd were the escort. Both the northwest and southeast choke points of
the yards were hit with very good coverage on the southeast. The tracks were cut north
and south of the east junction. A string of bombs fell through the center of the yards. A
large explosion was seen at the east end. One ME-109 was shot down by the bombers
and one enemy aircraft was shot down in flames by the escort. Twelve enemy aircraft
were seen over the target. Two were seen below the formation at the target and were
attacked by the escort. One pink P-38 attacked a green P-38. Then the pink P-38
attacked one of our bombers but was driven off by the tail gunner. The flak at the target
was heavy, moderate and accurate. A few bursts were seen on the way out over the coast.
Gambler II”
P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander
N Larson, Harold W., 1Lt
F None
N None
F None
None
None
A/C No. 42-53373
None
McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
Calvert, M. E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-13207
F None
A/C No. 41-30354
P Kent, William S., 2Lt
N None
B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt
E Haney, T. J., Sgt
R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt
G Nickens, Cletus P., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-29958
McEnroe, Harry A., 2Lt
None
Joy”
P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt
CP Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt
B Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 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
None
None
Ward, James M., 2Lt
None
Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt
None
Judy”
Miller, Roy N., 1Lt
None
Peterson, Karle E., T/Sgt
Jones, Casey (NMI), 2Lt (observer)
Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt
McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt
Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt
BG
446th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Nicholson finished his 50th mission, the first enlisted man
to finish.
Nicholson, John E., T/Sgt, gunner
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 111/mission 110) Group Mission # 111A:
Group mission 111, Sqdn 86 composed of 10 planes led by Lt. Axson. The target was the
MY and RR junction at Benevento, Italy where 500 lb bombs were dropped. The
coverage was especially good, bombs going through the center of the yard. A peculiar
incident occurred when a pink P-38 attacked a green P-38 which was one of our escorting
formation. The pink one was driven off. Lt. Bettinger’s engine cut out on the approach
to the target and he was forced to land at Palermo, Sicily. S/Sgt. Thomas P. Miles
destroyed one ME-109 verified by the fighter escort.
A/C No. 41-13200
P
None
A/C No. 41-13192
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-13197
N None
E Smith, Wade E., Sgt
R Barber, Otis C., Sgt
G Helisek, Paul A., Sgt
F Dobbins, Daniel G., 1Lt, HQ 321st BG
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Polka” (damaged tail - landed at
Palermo)
2Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 41-13208 (returned at 1604)
Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt
None
St. Joe”
N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt
F None
(engine cut out at target – landed at
Palermo)
P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt
CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt
N None
E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt
R Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt
G Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64551 (returned at 1230 –
Guns & radio out)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30293
None
Peekin’”)
None
None
A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO Pee Wee” (returned at 1133 – fuel
trouble)
1Lt
None
None
446th BS Special Account: On today’s mission to Benevento, Italy to bomb the railroad
marshalling yards Lt. Bettinger’s plane developed mechanical difficulties and forced him
to land the plane at Palermo, Sicily. This trouble developed before the target was reached
and Lt. Bettinger took a big chance in continuing to the target. His own story of this
mission follows.
Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt, pilot
“On August 27, 1943 our Group bombed the railroad marshalling yards at
Benevento, Italy. I was flying plane #42-12963. The right engine of my plane started
leaking oil soon after we had started our climb. About two minutes after I had dropped
my bombs the whole right nacelle was covered with oil which caught fire. The engine
became very rough and started losing power, but as soon as I feathered the prop the fire
went out.
Lt. Hileman and Lt. Morris saw that I was in trouble and got on my wings to
protect me in case of attack by enemy fighters until we were safe out over the water at
3000 feet. Then Lt. Hileman took the lead.
Hileman, Donald L., 2Lt, pilot
Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Before reaching Palermo I could see the city was surrounded by mountains so I
climbed to 3500 feet since I did not know the exact location of the field or the
obstructions on the approach for a landing. I made a circle out over the water into my
good engine, and found that an approach could be made between two mountains on the
coast. I made my approach high reducing power and trimming the plane as much as
possible for power off flight, then I cut the power and landed.
We landed at Palermo, Sicily after one hour and thirty minutes and, on
examination it was found that the master rod had come loose from the piston and had
broken through the cylinder wall. The heat from the fire had been so intense that the
whole outer portion of the nacelle was buckled.”
Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt, pilot
HOWARD P. BETTINGER
2nd Lt., Air Corps.
Two of our planes participated in a raid on the marshalling yards at Benevento, Italy.
Bombing results good. Both planes returned safely.
(spare)
P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt
CP Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt
N Colby, John W., 2Lt
B Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt
E Nelson, James E., S/Sgt
R Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt
G Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt
F None
Lady” (spare – filled in)
None
None
A/C No. 41-30002 (spare – filled in)
P Lungren, Charles D., 1Lt
CP Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt
N None
E Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt
R Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
G Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt
F None
448th BS War Diary:
Mission 77 (111): At 1030, 36 planes off to bomb Benevento M/Y and RR installations.
34 dropped 191 x 500 at 1245 from 8/9000 feet. One B-25 caught fire and landed at
Palermo with accompanying ship. Other planes returned 1445. Both NW and SE choke
points hit especially good coverage at SE. Tracks out to E and S of E junction. Strings
of bombs through center of yards explosion at E end. 12 E/A over target and one ME109 destroyed by bomber, observed by escort to crash. One E/A shot down in flames by
escort. Moderate, heavy, inaccurate flak. Weather: CAVU: F/L: Culp.
A/C No. 41-30326
None
P Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt
CP Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt
E Pudlo, Alexander A., Sgt
R Mauder, Charles J., Cpl
G Griffin, Pink C., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 41-29967
Sudden, A., F/O, NASAF (observer)
A/C No. 41-30327
Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
None
A/C No. 42-64661
P Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st
BG Commander
CP Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt
B Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt
F None
P Bowman, William W., 2Lt
CP Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt
E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt
R Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt
G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30343
N None
(failed to get off)
N None
R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt
G Zeller, Michael C., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-30355
None
Porch, Dean O., PFC
Robb, Earl K., PFC
A/C No. 42-64655
None
None
None
Lyons, Paul E., PFC
Willhite, Theodore E., Maj, HQ 47th
Wing (observer)
A/C No. 42-64552
King, James L., 2Lt
None
None
bomb the marshalling yard at Terni; B-26's hit the Aversa marshalling yard and
Sparanise; and B-25's hit the Cancello Arnone marshalling yard. P-40's fly intruder
missions over Sardinia, bombing and strafing industry and town area. Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) light and medium bombers attack railroad facilities at
Lamezia and Catanzaro, Italy; fighter-bombers hit road and rail junctions, and
marshalling yards at Castrovillari, Cosenza, and Catanzaro, Italy.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On 28 August 1943, 46 B-25’s took off to bomb Cancello
M/Y, Stores Depot and Factory. They dropped 268x500 pound bombs with hits scored
on north end and center of M/Y, and on rolling stock, resulting in an explosion, and large
fire, and black smoke. Hits also reported on factory and stores depot. Large explosion
seen near M/Y. 8/10 coverage up to 11,000 feet made target difficult to see and many
bombs were over and short. One plane dropped bomb on road San Felice a Cancello.
Two B-25G’s skip bombed 4x300 pound bombs and fired 15x75MM shells at
Wurzburg on Ventolone Island at 1515 hours. Hits made and concrete wall around pole
seen crumbling. Station was also strafed. The escort engaged 15 E/A near Naples.
Flight leaders were Capts. Bates, Culp and Burns, Lt. Bradley.
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Capt, pilot, Commander, 448th BS
Bradley, James L. "Jungle Jim", Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Burns, John P. "Buster", Capt, pilot, 447th BS
1. 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF
2. At 1245
_46__ _B-25’s_ and __2___ _B-25G’s took off to _bomb_
No. A/C Type A/C
Mission
Cancello M/Y, stores depot and factory. _None_ returned early. 48___ dropped
Target
No. A/C
No. A/C
268x500 lb and 8 x 300 lb_ bombs with 1/10 and 45 second fusing on target at
No & Type
No & Type
No. A/C
1500 from 10,000/13,000 ft. __48__ returned at 1650. _None_ lost, _none_
Time
Alt.
No A/C
Time No A/C
No A/C
lost, missing, _none_ at friendly field.
No A/C
Two B-25G’s skip bombed 4x300 bombs and fired 15x57mm shells at Wurzburg on
Ventolone Island at 1515. Hits made and concrete wall around pole seen crumbling.
Station was also strafed.
3. Hits made on N end and center of M/Y, and on rolling stock, resulting in an
explosion, and large fire, and black smoke. Hits also reported on factory and stores
depot. Large explosion seen near M/Y. 8/10 coverage up to 11,000 feet made target
difficult to see and many bombs were short and over. One plane dropped bombs on
road San Felice a Cancello.
4. Air---------15 E/A fighters near Naples engaged by escort. One S/E at 3000 feet SE
of target did not attack. 20 large TE and 3 gliders at Naples/Pomigliano.
10/12 6 engine E/A and 20 S/E near S end of concrete runway.
Marine----Cruiser and 8 small vessels at Castellamare. 5 medium M/V at Pozzuoli. 2
medium M/V in Naples harbor. 1 small M/V leaving Salerno. 1 medium
and two small M/V off Amalfi.
Ground----70/100 RR cars at Villa Literno. Aversa M/Y filled with cars. 300 at San
Antimo. Some cars in M/Y E. of Alganova. M/Y at target filled with
cars. One large M/T convoy stationary at Aversa. One very large convoy
stationary heading SW extending through San Maria Capua Vetere.
Flak-------- Few heavy bursts from target trailing but accurate as to height. Heavy
slight inaccurate from Pomigliano. Heavy inaccurate trailing from
Maddaloni.
5. Enroute----CAVU until reaching Italian coast.
Target-----8/10 cumulo nimbus, up to 11,000 feet.
Return-----CAVU.
6. None.
Flight leaders – Capts. Bates, Culp and Burns, Lt. Bradley.
Observers ------ Majors Davis, Roth and Sherrard, F/O Sudden.
Number of sorties –
Photos taken.
Major, Air Corps,
B-25’s (12 of the 445th) took off to bomb Cancello marshalling yards and stores depot in
Italy. 36 x 500 lb. demolition bombs were dropped by the 445th from 11,000 ft. Hits
were made on the north center of the marshalling yard and on the rolling stock resulting
in an explosion and a large fire. Hits were also reported on the factory and stores depot.
A large explosion was seen near the marshalling yards. Bad visibility hampered good
bombing. 15 enemy fighters were engaged by our escort near Naples. One single-engine
aircraft over the target mad no attempt to attack. The flak over the target was heavy,
trailing but accurate as to altitude. Some flak encountered to and from the target.
P Grau, Robert B., 1Lt
CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt
N Sudden, A., F/O, HQ NASAF
B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt
E Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt
R Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt
G None listed – likely Boris, Michael
(NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-29958
E Melhorn, Raymond W., 2Lt
F None
N None
E Perry, Charles R., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64659
None
Pierce, William V., S/Sgt
A/C No. 41-30354
None
Haney, T. J., Sgt
Schuster, S. E. S/Sgt
None
None
Rose, J. W., S/Sgt
None
Judy” (spare)
N None
G O’Neill, Phillip W., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” (spare)
P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt
N Becker, Virgil C., 1Lt
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. 42-64590 (spare)
None
McKee, P. L., S/Sgt
Calvert, M. E., Sgt
None
Group mission 112, Sqdn 87 composed of 12 planes led by Lt. Bradley. 500 lb bombs
were dropped on the Cancello MY, Italy. Results were poor due to poor visibility.
However, hits were made on the north center of the MY, on rolling stock, and some on
the factory and stores depot. 15 enemy aircraft were engaged by the escort near Naples.
A/C No. 41-13208
A/C No. 41-13200
P Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 1Lt
N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt
B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt
E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt
R McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt
G Mitchell, John C., Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 41-13197
None
N None
Chamberlain, Con C., S/Sgt
E Helisek Paul A., Sgt
R Smith, Wade E., Sgt
G Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Peekin’”)
None
South, William R., S/Sgt
None
None
Brown, Aud W., 2Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot”
Pee Wee”
1Lt
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 42-64551
Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt
Russell, Burton E., 2Lt
None
None
Langan, Charles H., Sgt
Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt
None
447th BS War Diary: The two Gs attacked a radar station on the way out from the target
after having dropped six bombs each on the railroad yards with the other planes. They
dropped the remaining two bombs each on the radar station from low altitude and fired a
total of fifteen 75 mm shells into the station. The squadron received fifteen Italian
prisoners to perform duties in the area. They are classified as follows: 6 cooks, 3
laborers, 4 mechanics, 1 barber and 1 sergeant in charge. KP is the big job which these
prisoners will relieve the enlisted men of.
Twelve of our regular planes and two of the Gs participated in raids today. The regular
planes hit the railroad yards at Cancello, Italy with good bombing results.
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64582
P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt
CP Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG
N Kresge, James G., 2Lt
B None
Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt
Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”,
S/Sgt
G Fish, Harold E., Sgt
E
R
None
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU”
N None
G Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654
Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt
Olmsted, Charles T., Lt. Col, HQ 321st
Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt
Duck”
None
None
None
P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt
CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt
N None
B Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt
E Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt
R Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt
G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt
F Davis, E. P., 60th T. C. (observer)
Colby, John W., 2Lt
None
CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt
N None
E Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt
G Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt
F Christenson, Lars (NMI), Sr., Cpl
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-64695 (spare)
Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt
None
Henry, William R., S/Sgt
Myers, William W., Sgt
Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo”
None
Sherrard, Wright J., Maj, Troop Carrier
Commander (observer)
Lady”
None
None
None
Boyle, Joseph J., Jr., 2Lt
Roth, John A., Maj, HQ 82nd FG
(observer)
A/C No. 41-13007 “The Harp” (spare)
Navigator filling both B & N positions
None
TARGET: Cancello M/Y Stores Depot and Factory
4:05 Plane 371
“2 B-25 G’s skipped bombed. Mission successful. Flight leader Capt. Burns. No of fires
seen.”
TARGET: Cancello M/Y, Stores, Depot and Factories
4:05 500 lbs and 300 lbs.
Plane 925: Lt. Grantham, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Orr, S/Sgt Kramer, T/Sgt, Anderson, S/Sgt
Draper
“Target very well covered. 15 E/A near Naples engaged by escort. Flak heavy, slight,
and inaccurate.”
Mission 78 (112): At 1245, 46 planes and 2 G’s to bomb Cancello M/Y, stores, depots,
and factory. 48 dropped 260 x 500 and 8 x 500 bombs at 1500 from 10/13000 feet. All
returned at 1650. 2 B-25’s skipped bombed 4 x 300 bombs and fired 15 x 75mm shells at
THRUSBURG on Ventolone, Island at 1515. Hits made on N end and center of M/Y and
on rolling stock, resulting in an explosion and large fire. Hits also reported on factory
and storage depot. Large explosion seen near M/Y. 8/10th covered up to 11000 feet
made target difficult to see and many bombs were short and over. One plane dropped
bombs on road San Felice. 15 E/A near Naples engaged by escort. Convoys on ground.
Slight, heavy, accurate flak. Weather: 8/10 CUMULUS. F/L: Bates and Culp.
A/C No. 42-64519
N None
F Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt
A/C No. 42-64514
P Bowman, William W., 2Lt
CP Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt
E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt
R Hardy, Alexander A., Sgt
G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt
F None
None
Mauder, Charles J., Cpl
Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt
Pudlo, Alexander A., Sgt
None
A/C No. 41-30001
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 42-64661
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj
Vance, Paul S., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30343
None
A/C No. 41-30352
Clark, Paul I., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-64552
King, James L., 2Lt
None
None
None
Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64655
Haskell, John D., 2Lt
None
Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt
Ally, George B., S/Sgt
Robb, Earl K., PFC
None
A/C No. 41-30326
None
None
A/C No. 41-30355
P Bruton, John E., 1Lt
CP Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 41-30327
P Davies, Robert D., 1Lt
CP Barton, Thomas M., F/O
N None
B Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt
E Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt
R Smith, Harry V., PFC
G Yutzy, Eli N., PFC
F None
N None
R Zeller, Michael C., S/Sgt
G Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 41-29967
None
A/C No. 42-64521
None
In Italy, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's hit
the Orte marshalling yard, and B-26's bomb Torre Annunziata; Northwest African
Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters escort the NASAF bombers, hit a rail junction at
Bagnara, bridge and town of Angitola, gun positions in the Villa San Giovanni-Reggio di
Calabria areas, and a marshalling yard at Lamezia. HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers
from Goubrine, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from
Egypt to Tunisia. HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group transfers from El Djem, Tunisia to
Comiso, Sicily.
445th BS War Diary: No combat mission scheduled for this date. Lt. Sam Gregory was
assigned for duty with the Squadron. He became Squadron Adjutant with Lt. Gaffney
being the Executive Officer.
Gaffney, Charles, H., 1Lt, Executive Officer
Gregory, Samuel J., 1Lt, Adjutant
08/29/43:
“The day is windy and disagreeable. Sand is blowing in fine swirls under
the edge of the tent, making everything gritty and irritating. The clouds are swept
eastward by a high wind that has angered the sea to a foamy turmoil. Such are the
elements on the 28th anniversary of my advent upon the earth. I am not too happy, but I
am fully aware that I have much to be thankful for. Yesterday a group of Italian
prisoners were brought to our squadron to work in the kitchen. They presented a most
abject picture as they were marched to the mess, poorly dressed and carrying tin cans
and whatever else they could find to eat from. I wanted so much to give them mine, but I
knew I would not be allowed to do so. I was greatly cheered today to see that they had
been issued mess kits. They seem to be a fine bunch of boys and are glad to be with us.
They work steadily. All seem to be worried about their families in the cities our planes
are bombing every day. They are anxious for the Allies to occupy Italy so they can return
home. To write more would only be to complain for which one has no justification. If
things seem to go wrong the cause is within oneself. ‘No evil can befall a good man.’ I
return to reading Hamlet.”
447th BS War Diary: One of our bomb service trucks was in an accident tonight. Two
men were killed but none from our squadron. The truck overturned when it ran off the
road onto a soft shoulder.
In Italy, B-17's of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force
(NASAF) bomb Viterbo Airfield; B-25's hit the Civitavecchia marshalling yard; B-26's
bomb the Aversa marshalling yard. P-40's strafe a radar station at Pula, Sardinia. Also in
Italy, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) medium and light bombers attack
marshalling yards at Marina di Cantanzaro and Paola, and gun emplacements and
bivouac S of Reggio di Calabria; and A-36's bomb marshalling yards at Sapri and
Lamezia. HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group transfers from El Djem, Tunisia to Gela, Sicily.
445th BS War Diary: There was no mission again today. Lt. R.S. Lowman, James O.
Jackson, Norman Bsharah, James H. Evans, Stanton W. Johnson and John E. Kelly were
promoted to 1st Lts. As of August 21, 1943. The Italian prisoners of war assigned to this
unit have been doing an excellent job and seem eager to keep busy at all times.
Bsharah, Norman, 1Lt, bombardier
Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 1Lt, bombardier
Jackson, James Oliver, 1Lt, intelligence
Johnson, Stanton W., 1Lt, Armament Officer
Kelly, John E., 1Lt, Communication Officer Lowman, Robert S., 1Lt, intelligence
“Harry broken to Pvt. for going to Tunis without pass.”
Harry, Elmer A. "Al", Pvt, engineer-gunner
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): B-24's bomb the
marshalling yard at Pescara, Italy; they claim 9 enemy fighters destroyed. The 66th and
68th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), that have
been operating from Benina, Libya with B-24's since Jun, return to their base at
Shipdham, England.
In Italy, about 150 Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF)
B-17's blast the Pisa marshalling yard, doing a large amount of damage; Northwest
African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) medium and light bombers bomb the Cosenza
marshalling yard and road-railway junction in Cantanzaro during the morning, and in the
afternoon bomb the area around Cosenza when clouds prevent hitting specific targets;
fighter-bombers hit Sapri railroad and seaplane base; and during the night light bombers
hit the bivouac areas SE of Reggio di Calabria.
445th BS War Diary: Today there was some local gunnery training and practice
bombing runs using Norden sights.
446th BS War Diary: Regular combat zone activities. Lts. Beyer and Manning received
their orders to return to the United States. The first in the Squadron to go back after
finishing 50 missions.
Beyer, William J., 2Lt, navigator
Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt, bombardier
August 1943
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for August 1943: The first of August
was a big day for the 321st Bombardment Group. The group was on that day one year
old. The Group had come a long way in that year and had already dealt a number of
heavy blows to the enemy. The aerial bombardment of Sicily and Italy was one of the
deciding factors in convincing Italy that she might soon be wise to get out of the war.
Premier Mussolini had resigned and was replaced by Marshal Badoglio. The 321st
Bombardment Group played an important part in the bombardment of military objectives
on Italian soil. A program was held on this Sunday of August 1st, 1943, in the
headquarters area. General Ridenour, 47th Wing Commander, and Captain Lund,
Engineering Officer of the 47th Wing were guests at the festivities. Talks were given by
Colonel Knapp and other staff officers of the group in addition to a talk by General
Ridenour, guest on the program. Colonel Lowell presided as master of ceremonies and
very ably so, keeping the program from becoming too serious a matter. General
Ridenour commented on and praised highly the achievements of the 321st Bombardment
Group and the enviable records that they had attained. Col. Knapp also presented Purple
Hearts to the following named personnel who had been wounded in operational missions
against the enemy: Major Bailey C. Cook, Captain Robert W. Manley, 1st Lt Ralph L.
Axson Jr., 1st Lt. Vergil L. Seawell, 1st Lt. Charles M. VanArtsdalen, 2nd Lt. James M.
Meehan, 2nd Lt. Walter G. McCone, 2nd Lt. Jack P. McLeod, 2nd Lt. William H. Shaw,
2nd Lt. Roy W., Tate, T/Sgts. Joseph E. Eagan, James A. Shields, S/Sgts. Billy Dykes,
Ronald A. Grant, Aage E. Jensen, Curtis L. Lovell, Russell E. Murphy, Walter E., Porter,
T/Sgt. Woodrow H. Haley and Pvt. Michael A., Poranda. The program closed with the
singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and the rest of the day was declared a holiday.
On August 1, 1943, Col. Knapp addressed the entire Group
At Souk-El-Arba, Algeria in celebration of Anniversary Day.
August 1943 (continued)
Col. Knapp presents the 448th Squadron’s awards to its commanding officer, Capt. Bates.
Later promoted to Major, he was forced down and became a prisoner of war.
Fourteen of the new B-25 G’s landed at our field during the last week of July and
everyone was greatly excited over its unusual armament which included a 75 mm which
fired through the nose. The “G” Boys, as we learned to call them, spent the latter part of
July and the first few days of August in training and target practice with their new
weapon. Their first mission was run on the 5th of August 1943, to attack switching
stations at Guspini, Sardinia. Two direct hits were made with 75 mm shells on the
switching station resulting in flames and an explosion and a cloud of dust from adjoining
buildings. One hit was made on a sub-station adjacent to the target. One in the barracks
area to the east of town and one in the town itself.
36 of our regular B-25’s took off on the 7th of August 1943, to bomb Crotone
A/D. The bomb pattern across the southern part of the field, which was the assigned
area, was excellent. Almost all the bombs fell in this area with bursts well bunched in the
center of the field across the landing area and hits were made among dispersed planes and
in revetments. Three of the planes were seen to explode. The highway on the west side
of the field and the barracks in that vicinity also received direct hits.
On the 8th of August, we received word that we were to move once again to a base
from which we could attack the enemy at closer range. Our new base was Soliman North
situated about 15 miles South of Tunis and located just across the sand dunes, a few
hundred yards from the Mediterranean. It was a delightful relief to be away from the heat
and dust of Souk-El Arba and we all enjoyed excellent swimming in the cool sea during
our two months stay. An Enlisted men’s club was organized and housed in an Arab’s
farm buildings on the post and the officers conducted their social activities thru the 47th
Wing Officers Club in Tunis.
Black specks in the sky mark the return of our bomber formation to the base at Soliman
after a mission. The mountains in the background added to the scenic beauty at Soliman
Palms, sand dunes and the beautiful, blue Mediterranean with its white-sand beach was
the setting for operations at Soliman. The weather being what it was while we were here,
the clear, cool water and the beach offered an attraction which drew the personnel of the
group to it in droves.
The third mission of the B-25G’s took off from our new field on a sea sweep
towards the Gulf of Genoa on the 10th of August 1943. Nine 75 mm shells were fired at a
1000 foot altitude. As no shipping was seen the attack was made on the town of San
Teodore di Ovidle, west of Cape Comino. A building was hit north of the town and seen
to explode. One hit was made in the center of town and other results were not observed.
The one spare crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff.
On the 13th of August, 36 B-25’s took off on their 105th mission to bomb the north
half of Littorio Marshalling Yards. Strings of bombs fell through the yards causing an
explosion in the center of the yards and leaving flames and smoke rising to 3000 feet. A
few bombs fell in the southern part of the yard and some into the buildings on adjacent
Littorio A/D.
Four B-25G’s took off on the 18th of August on a sea sweep in the vicinity of the
Gulf of Eufemia. The four planes fired a total of 67 75mm shells and dropped 4-500lb
bombs. They had two targets that day. The first target was a large landing craft on the
shore North of Fiumefreddo on which they made at least 3 water line hits and several
near misses with their 75mm guns. The second target was a medium motor vessel
approximately 8 miles north of Pizzo on which at least 1 shell hit was made at the water
line. The ship was then skip-bombed and broken in two by the explosion.
The first of several missions which bombed Benevento, Italy was run on the 20th
of August and was our 109th mission. All except a few bombs fell in the target area
giving extremely good coverage of the target. Several strings fell through the center and
both ends of the marshalling yards resulting in a large sheet of flame and several
explosions causing clouds of black smoke. The two RR junctions and the road junction
were well covered and the repair shop and rolling stock, including tank cars, received
hits.
General Spaatz, General Doolittle, General Ridenour and Colonel Knapp
on the Field at Soliman.
The following awards of decorations were made during the month of August,
1943, to men of this group who distinguished themselves in combat:
Award of Silver Star.
HENRY H. SCHWANE, 0-374674, Major, Air Corps, United States Army.
(446th BS) For gallantry in action. On 5 April 1943, Major Schwane leading a formation
of B-25’s on an anti-shipping mission sighted an enemy convoy of approximately twelve
(12) ships and immediately attacked. Despite an intense and concentrated anti-aircraft
barrage, four (4) enemy vessels were destroyed and at least three (3) others severely
damaged. On 6 May 1943, on a sea sweep, Major Schwane led his formation over four
(4) Siebel Ferries and four (4) escort vessels, sinking one of the ferries and damaging two
(2) others. His untiring efforts to effect improvements on the B-25 type aircraft have
resulted in increasing the efficiency of its firing power and defensive armament. His
consistent record of outstanding performances in combat are directly attributed to his
dauntless courage and exceptional bravery and uphold the highest traditions of the Army
Air Forces. Residence at appointment: 305 W. Ashland Ave. Indianola, Iowa.
Awards of Soldiers Medal.
Under the provisions of AR-600-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority
contained in circular no. 80, Headquarters NATOUSA, 5 April 1943, the Soldiers Medal
is awarded the following named personnel, Air Corps, Army of the United States,
Residence and citation as indicated:
OLE E. VEUM, 0-790432, Captain, Air Corps, Army Air Forces. (448th BS)
For Heroism. On 23 April 1943, Captain Veum leading his flight successfully bombed
the marshalling yards at Mateur. Intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire damaged the right
engine, causing him to feather it. A tail flutter developed and the remaining engine
became overheated, due to excess strain. Exercising utmost professional skill, Captain
Veum landed his aircraft in the sea and then directed the crew to the life raft.
Discovering that the tail gunner was missing, Captain Veum, despite his bruised and
shaken condition, continued to dive into the water making all possible efforts to extricate
the imprisoned crew member. His efforts were continuous, until the aircraft sank, barely
allowing him time to clear himself. The heroism, gallantry and courage, displayed by
Captain Veum, have reflected great credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of
the United States. Residence at appointment: Appleton, Wisconsin.
Awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority
contained in Circular No. 126, Hq. NATOUSA, 2 July 1943, the following named
personnel, Air Corps, United States Army, residence and citation as indicated in the name
of the Commanding General, NATOUSA.
JOHN P. BURNS, 0-727849, Captain, Berkley, California. (447th BS) For
extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North African
Theater of Operations as pilot of B-25 type aircraft. While on a low-level bombing
mission against enemy shipping, 20 March 1943, Captain Burns’ plane received
numerous direct hits from enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire, putting one engine out of
commission and emptying all the gasoline out of one wing. With extraordinary coolness
and skill, Captain Burns passed over his target at mast level and regained formation.
After a rain storm forced Captain Burns from formation, his bomber was attacked by five
hostile aircraft. With the tail and top-turret guns disabled, he maneuvered his plane so
that his other gunners were able to destroy two enemy fighters and disperse the
remainder. Captain Burns then flew his crippled B-25 to the nearest friendly air base,
where made a successful crash-landing. His proficiency and resolute courage have
reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
RICHARD PIKE TIPTON, 0-660701, Captain, Blytheville, Ark. (445th BS) For
extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North African
Theatre of Operations as pilot of a B-25 type aircraft. On 30 April 1943, near Cape Bon,
although an enemy warship was travelling at high speed and employing violent evasive
action under a screen of unusually heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Captain Tipton,
by superb judgment, maneuvered his formation of 18 B-25’s aircraft over the vessel so
skillfully that six direct hits were scored, causing the warship to sink in a few minutes.
His cool and gallant action under fire, his outstanding, successful leadership, reflect great
credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
At a staff gathering in Aug 43, Col. Knapp presented Distinguished Flying Crosses to
Capt. Burns of the 447th Squadron, shown on his right, and to Capt. Tipton of the 445th
Squadron, shown on his left. Both officers are flight leaders and were decorated for their
outstanding work in leading combat missions.
ROY D. ADCOCK, 0-662851, 1st Lt., Bartlesville, Okla. (445th BS) For extraordinary
achievement while participating in aerial flight over El Djem landing ground on 4 April
1943, as pilot of B-25 type aircraft. While leading his box of six aircraft on the approach
to the target, Lt. Adcock’s plane was severely damaged by intense anti-aircraft fire. With
one engine feathered, he displayed outstanding fortitude on flying skill in maintaining
formation until his flight had accurately bombed the airdrome. As a result of his
determination to complete his mission at all costs, Lt. Adcock is missing in action and
was last seen as he crash landed in enemy territory. His high courage and selfless
devotion to duty have upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.
RAYMOND L. RUDOLPH, 0-790594, 1st Lt., Atlanta, Ga. (445th BS) For
extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the European and North
African Theatre of Operations as pilot of a B-25 type aircraft. On 25 April 1943, while
returning from a bombing attack on Seibel Ferries, heavy, intense and accurate flak was
encountered. Lt. Rudolph’s airplane was heavily hit, set on fire, and entire crew
wounded. Lt. Rudolph, although wounded in chest and neck, climbed back into the bomb
bay and succeeded in extinguishing fierce fire which enveloped the entire mid-section of
the aircraft and then proceeded to the rear of the airplane and administered first aid to his
badly wounded gunners, one of whom was unconscious, with great coolness, Lt. Rudolph
relieved his wounded co-pilot and piloted his burned and crippled plane back into the
formation and effected a successful crash-landing at his own base. By his courage, flying
skill, and determination in the face of great danger, he reflected credit upon himself and
the Army Air Forces.
Colonel Knapp presents Lt. Rudolph with the Distinguished Flying Cross
The 445th Squadron Mess at Soliman. It was here that the master plan for doing away
with a “chow line” developed. Instead of the men standing in line they reserve a place by
putting their mess kits in line, then sit down in the shade somewhere until the meal is
ready.
Bob Hope and troupe posed for this shot amidst the sand dunes at Soliman. Hope put on
a show at the 62nd Service Group Headquarters for the troops in this area and most of the
group personnel attended.
Tunis, about twenty-five miles from our base at Soliman was visited frequently by the
officers and men in the group. It is a typical French city adequately dotted with sidewalk
urinals.
445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for August 1943: On August 8, the
Squadron left Souk el Arba and moved to its new base near Soliman on the Gulf of Tunis
and approximately 20 miles from the city of Tunis. The activities of the Squadron from
this time forward are being considered a part of the Italian campaign in spite of the fact
that the whole of Sicily was not conquered until some days later, because the operations
which were carried on from this forward base were concerned more with the operations
which were to be conducted than with the closing chapters of the Sicilian campaign
which was fast being wound up.
All the men in the Squadron were very much pleased with the new base,
particularly the location which was given to the 445th Squadron. The living area was set
up almost on the Mediterranean shore where there was an excellent bathing beach. It was
only a short run into the large city of Tunis. Group headquarters were the briefing was
conducted was just over the hill. The weather was delightful and there was a cool breeze
most of the time in contrast to the hot, dusty winds that had been left behind in Souk el
Arba.
The enlisted men fashioned themselves a club in an old abandoned Arab
farmhouse. They cleaned it out well and installed ping-pong tables, radios, magazines
and other means of entertainment. They had movies shown just by the club and beer was
served on many occasions. Dances were also held in the yard of the club with music
furnished by records, and the women coming from the nearby towns of Hamman Lif and
Tunis.
The Officers for their part built a club down on the beach. One of the Italian
prisoners which were detailed to do work for the Squadron happened to be a mason. He
supervised the construction of a building with cement blocks. The inside was smoothed
out with cement and painted with a spray gun. Lt. James Fisher, an artist in civilian life,
painted murals on the walls which consisted mainly of female forms and caricatures of
men in the Squadron.
Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Lt. Norton Goodwin, with the aid of a blow torch, gave the bar and tables an
appearance of having been stained by a high class wood-finisher. From the front
windows the view looked out over the Mediterranean. In the afternoon, the beach
appeared like a summer resort, with a float and a diving board, one rowboat pulled up on
the shore, and numerous persons swimming. It should be added that it looked like a
beach resort with one notable exception and that was the absence of any bathing
costumes whatever.
Goodwin, Morton, 2Lt, pilot
A large American flag flew from a pole which was erected on the high sand dunes
near Major Cook’s tent. This was the only flag flying on the entire base and could be
seen a long distance away. Two Nissen huts were obtained from the British in Tunis, one
of which was used for a kitchen and the other for an Intelligence and Operations office on
the line. After a short period of trial it was found that transportation difficulties made it
inadvisable to have the Intelligence and Operations office so far from the living area.
Quite an engineering feat was accomplished when this Nissen hut was cut into two
sections, one of which was left on the line as an office for Tech Supply and the other of
which was raised and put on a huge trailer and moved up into the living area.
The musical talent of certain members of the Squadron was a great source of
enjoyment. The Squadron doctor, Captain Smith, was an all around musician. He played
a piano which was bought second hand, his accordion which he had brought from the
States, and almost anything else that looked like a musical instrument. Occasionally he
would do a Honolulu “hootchie-cootchie” dance or sing some witty ballads. Then there
was Lt. McEnroe with his guitar and Sgt. Katz with his violin and Lt. Kent with his
voice. There were some songs that Lt. McEnroe and Lt. McKeever sang with hilarious
approval which could not have been rendered in fastidious society.
Katz, Paul F., Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer Kent, William S., 2Lt, pilot
McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt, bombardier
McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt, bombardier
Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, Flight Surgeon
Things that will be remembered by the men about the base at Soliman are: the
little wooden shack constructed by Lt. Stanley K. Armstrong for his private living
quarters; the show in the northern sky the nights the Germans raided Bizerte; the day that
Lt. Humphrey and Lt. Armstrong went fishing in a small boat out in the Gulf of Tunis
and swam from 4 to 5 miles back with the aid of Mae Wests, after the motor gave out and
the boat started to drift toward sea; the day that Bob Hope and Frances Langford came to
the base and entertained and ate chow with the Officers; the jovial and willing Italian
who seemed very happy to be with the Squadron and anxious to help in every possible
way; the delicious ice cream which was obtained from time to time from Tunis; the
unforgettable day when the news came that Italy had surrendered; the bridge games
which became very popular at this base; the large and convenient vineyards round and
about the base from which plenty of grapes were obtained; the day that a tent containing
all the equipment and personal belongings of Sgt. McNevin, Sgt. Nickell and Pvt. Kangas
burned to the ground with the cause unknown; and the night the Officers played football
on the beach at about 2 o’clock in the morning after having imbibed altogether too much
to facilitate a successful forward pass or a graceful tackle.
Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt, pilot
Humphrey, Malcolm R., 1Lt, supply
Kangas, Angelo J., Pvt, operations
McNevin, John L., Jr., Sgt, intelligence
Nickell, John B., Sgt, medical
JAMES E. NICKERSON,
Captain, Air Corps,
Squadron Historian.
446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for August 1943: None
447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for August 1943: During the rest of July
and until August 17 when enemy resistance in Sicily ended the squadron continued to
participate in raids on important centers in Sicily, pausing only to celebrate its first
anniversary Aug. 1 and to move to a new base on Aug. 8.
On Aug. 7 preparations were made for moving again. The new base was located
at Soliman about twenty miles from Tunis on Cape Bon. An advance detail was sent to
the new location Aug. 7. On Aug. 8 the squadron began to move by military aircraft and
by transport. By nightfall the entire squadron had settled in its new location. The camp
site was an olive grove not more than a mile from the beach. The squadron had three
Nissen huts at the new base. Two were used for the enlisted men’s mess, one for the
officers’ mess. The mess was better than it had ever been. The mess halls were used as
clubs at night and beer, wine, and other drinks sold to the men who wanted them. The
issue of food improved as time went on and the men contributed when extras such as
fresh tomatoes, potatoes, etc. were wanted.
Four B-25Gs with crews, the first to come to the African theatre, were assigned to
the squadron in August. These planes went along with the regular ships on some
missions dropping their bombs with the rest of the formation. However, they were used
mostly for sea sweeps of their own working with the P.A.F. Coastal Command at
Protville.
During the latter part of August most of the group’s objectives were in Italy. The
squadron participated in the raid which was distinguished as the first ever made on the
mainland of Italy by medium bombers. The squadron also took part in the first raid ever
made on Rome. The object of most of the group’s raids over Italy was to knock out
communications. Most of the targets were railroad yards, road junctions, and bridges.
448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for August 1943: August 1st was a gala
occasion as the Group celebrated its first birthday. In the squadrons a delicious dinner
was served and then trucks were provided for all but a skeleton crew, to take the whole
squadron to Tabarka.
Awards of Air Medals, Oak Leaf Clusters and Purple Hearts were made by
Colonel Knapp. General Ridenour, who was present, made a short speech. Everyone
was pleased with the progress and achievements of the Group. Captain Bates made a
short speech to the squadron on its personal work.
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Capt, pilot, Commander
No sooner had the squadron returned to normal after its celebration, when the
long awaited move out of the heat, dust and “Sirocco” weather of Souk el Arba valley
became a fact, rather than a rumor. Soliman was the new site on the shores of the
Mediterranean, which as just twenty miles from Tunis. Who would ask for anything
more. As the men sweltered in the 110° to 120° temperature and vainly tried to keep the
dust from eyes, ears, etc, they dreamed of lying on the shores of the cool Mediterranean
after a hard days work.
But there was much to be done. An advance echelon was sent to prepare the new
site for the squadron. Equipment was packed and crated and yet all the while missions
against the railroad marshalling yards, communications, roads, factories and towns in
Sicily and Italy had to be carried out. The Strategic Air Force was doing its share in the
conquest of Sicily and the 321st was playing a major role in the terrific pounding.
Events proceeded smoothly in preparation for the move and much equipment was
moved to the new base in advance of the main move. But on August 6 came a great
handicap. Due to work being done on the main Soliman A/D, the 448th was to set up its
field at the small A/D just south of the main field. This necessitated moving all the
advance equipment to the new site and re-planning the layout of the whole area.
However the silver lining to this dark cloud was the fact that a much better camp site was
obtained.
On August 8, by aircraft and motor truck the squadron moved to the field known
as Soliman Number 2. It was an old A-20 field which had, previous to the fall of Tunis
been in German hand. There was still much German equipment lying about and
everyone was cautioned about “Booby Traps”.
In short order the bivouac area was set up. Orderly rows of pyramidal tents soon
were among the olive trees of the grove selected by Captain Bates as the most likely spot
for our camp. With the aid of the 21st Engineers, a road was cut from the area to the line,
a distance of about 1½ miles.
Bates, James P. "Jimmy", Capt, pilot
During the next two days all personnel were busy setting up the squadron
facilities and securing the most comfortable quarters possible for themselves. Through
the efforts of Captain Kneivel, two more Nissen huts were secured and made a welcome
addition to the one already being used for the kitchen.
Kneivel, Arthur W., Capt, executive
One hut was immediately used by the officers to set up a club and the other was
attached to the kitchen to be used as a mess hall. The kitchen floor was paved and whole
building effectively fly proofed. With the cooperation of the Enlisted Men the large tarp
was constructed and furnished with tables and chairs to be used as a Mess Hall. The
448th now had the finest mess facilities they had ever experienced overseas.
The rest of the area began to show improvements. The motor pool, set off to the
side of the tent area was convenient yet due to the prevailing winds no dust was noted.
All attention then turned to the “line” and under the direction of Lt. Wonnacott
and Company (Hayes, Wallnau, Stannard) the very satisfactory situation was… (Page 2
ends abruptly here)
Hayes, Elzie N., Jr., 2Lt, armament
Stannard, Lewis J., Jr., 2Lt, B.S.M., Adjutant
Wallnau, Carl N., Jr., 2Lt, engineering
Wonnacott, Robert C., 2Lt, engineering
(Page 3 begins)…Garrett, Stewart, Moore, Hardzog; S/Sgts: Hilborne, Yutzy,
Vance, Ryal completed their fifty mission this month and are awaiting further orders.
Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot
Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Hilborne, Thomas G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Moore, Leland A., 1Lt, pilot
Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt, gunner
Stewart, John C., 1Lt, pilot
Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt, gunner
Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt, gunner
Several officer and Enlisted Men enjoyed their stay at the Rest Camps and
returned to camp with stories of the comforts of the camps made the rest of the squadron
turn “Green with Envy”.
In an inspection by an officer from the Inspector General’s Office, the squadron
was found to be “right on the ball” and the squadron was complimented and in particular
was the Mess facilities highly complimented.
The P.X. which has been extremely meager for the greater part of the month
increased in quality and quantity towards the end of the month much to the satisfaction of
the squadron personnel and it did much to increase the morale of the men.
In the entertainment field the squadron fared very well, topped by a visit from
Jack Benny. The schedule included stage and variety shows as well as moving pictures.
Needless to say these shows satisfied our desires for entertainment. As usual Tunis was
the main center of attraction and most of the personnel found what there were looking
for, be it “Wine, Women or Song”. Along with the above recreation the serving of
“Beer” became a weekly affair.
After much consultation and deliberation the name “Bob Cats” was chosen as the
“Nom de Plum” of the 321st Bombardment Group (M).
The squadron continued its excellent health and accident record and except for a
few minor aches and pains no serious illness marred the well being of the personnel.
Captain “Doc” Silver was justly proud of the fact that not one malaria case has yet been
reported in the squadron. Even the GI’s abated.
Silver, George A., III, Capt, medical officer
Except for a slight wound in the hip suffered by Lt. Nicholas and every minor
scratch sustained by Lt. Mundell on his arm no accidents of any kind occurred during the
month.
Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt, bombardier
Nicholas, Jack (NMI), 2Lt, pilot
Several promotions were made during the month. First and foremost, Captain
Bates received his majority and Lts: Stannard and Marrich were appointed 1st
Lieutenants. Many Enlisted Men were promoted to T/Sgt and several minor promotions
went through and were confirmed.
Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot, Commander
Marrich, Martin K., 1Lt, adjutant
August 1 – 7 – 43: On August 1, 1943, the squadron observed its first anniversary. As
part of the program commemorating the first anniversary the squadron combat crew
members were awarded Military Decorations for action against the enemy, Colonel
Knapp, 321st Bomb Group (M), Commanding, awarded the decorations. Special services
were held at Group Headquarters for the event. A bountiful dinner was served by the
squadron Mess. (Note) see Mission Journal for complete names of all Combat Men who
received decorations. 1st/Sgt. Holguin relieved of his duties as 1st/Sgt. Sgt. Iseldyke
assumed duties of 1st/Sgt.
Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, Sgt, gunner
Iseldyke, LeRoy J., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt
August 8 – 14 – 43: At 08:00 hours August 8, 1943, the squadron departed Souk-el-Arba
via military aircraft and motor convoy for Soliman, Tunisia. Weather: Extremely hot.
Morale: Excellent. Squadron arrived Soliman, 12:00 hours, August 8, 1943, distance
traveled 125 miles. Tent area assigned in olive grove 3 miles from beach. Three Nissen
huts secured for area. Area established is the best in history of squadron. Trucks
provided for beach 3 miles away and regular truck transportation provided for trips to
Tunis on “Day Off”.
The following Officers were assigned and joined: 2nd Lieutenants: Block, Eaton,
Heller, Joyce, Nicholas, Prior, Schwindle, Wilbois, Winegar, Flight Officers: Corbin,
Keith, and Peplinsky. The following Enlisted Men were assigned and joined. S/Sgts:
Clement, Harry, Cobb, Colby, Keller, McNulty, Williams, Wright and Haberman. T/Sgt.
Rodgers transferred to 21st General Hospital. The squadron received four B-25g aircraft
and complete crews for same. Routine schedule carried on in camp. Missions
concentrated on transportation facilities in ITALY. Selected Crews sent to rest camps.
Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt, pilot
Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt, gunner
Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, gunner
Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O, pilot
Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, pilot
Haberman, Marvin A., S/Sgt, gunner
Harry, Elmer A. “Al”, S/Sgt, gunner
Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt, pilot
Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, navigator
Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot
Keller, Richard S., S/Sgt, gunner
McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt, gunner
Nicholas, Jack (NMI), 2Lt, pilot
Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot
Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, pilot
Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, pilot
Wilbois, John Appanoose, Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Williams, Griffith E., S/Sgt, gunner
Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt, pilot
Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, gunner
August 15 – 21 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
Missions continued on ITALY. Usual camp duties performed while in camp.
August 22 – 31- 43: No Officers assigned or joined this period. The following Enlisted
Men were assigned and joined. Sgts: Smith and Senec, Private 1cl Feagans. 1st
Lieutenant Bellah transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters, 12th Bomber Command.
Corporal Farmer transferred to 26th Station Hospital. 2nd Lieutenants: Marrich, Stannard
appointed 1st Lieutenants. Sgt. Reiser transferred Headquarters and Headquarters, 12th
Bomber Command. Missions continued over ITALT. Invasion of ITALY apparent in
near future. Usual squadron duties performed while in camp.
Bellah, Jesse S., 2Lt, ordnance
Farmer, Daniel J., Cpl, intelligence
Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC, gunner, photographer
Marrich, Martin K., 1Lt, adjutant
Reiser, Albert (NMI), Sgt, engineering
Senec, Joseph F., Jr., Sgt, gunner
Smith, Harold W., Sgt, gunner

321st Bombardment Group Squadron War Diaries

Transcription

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