July 1944 - 57th Bomb Wing

Transcription

12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: July 1944
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For my dad,
Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (deceased)
“Lil Butch”
John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing
321st Bombardment Group
History: July 1944
The following is a compilation of the 321st Bomb Group’s Headquarters and individual
Squadron War Diaries. They have been transcribed word for word, from the Squadron
Histories provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Air
Force Base Alabama. At the end of each Squadron’s daily entry, the individuals cited in
the entry are identified by full name, rank and duty, in alphabetical order. The day’s
entry begins with the Tactical Operations Statement, from the United States Army Air
Forces (USAAF) Chronology, for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). The
history also includes mission reports, mission crew rosters, Missing Air Crew Reports
(MACR), personal mission logs, journals, and diaries made available by various sources.
Invitation
Anyone who has documentation pertaining to the 321st Bomb Group or its members, and
would like to have it included in this history, is welcome to participate. Copies of:
photos (official or personal); orders (promotion, decoration, travel, etc.); Mission
Reports; Missing Air Crew Reports; personal diaries, logs, journals, etc; other
documentation; or information that will help identify hi-lited individuals will be greatly
appreciated, as one of my goals is to correctly identify every man and plane assigned to
the 321st Bomb Group.
My only interest in this project is to honor those who served by perpetuating their story,
and making it available for future generations, particularly the families and friends of
our Great Heroes. If you are interested in helping, or if I may be of assistance in finding
information about your 321st BG Hero, please contact me at: [email protected]
Special Thanks to Very Special Folks
Agostino Alberti: Professor - historian (Soncino, Italy)
Michele Becchi: aviation history - archaeologist (Reggio Emilia, Italy)
Jack Brellenthin, great nephew of: Harold Ray Brellenthin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Cecile Burandt, daughter of: Charles Lawson “Chuck” Burandt, Capt, pilot, 446th BS
Sally Brown, daughter of: Barnard H. Seegmiller, Sgt, armament, 445th BS
Dave Charville, grandson of: Leighton Daniel “Danny” Charville, 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Barbara Connolly, daughter of: Edward Charles “Salvo” Ennis, T/Sgt, radar-radiogunner, 447th BS
1Lt Robert S. Crouse: pilot, 379BS
Ralph “Monguse” Gimenez: Software Architect, IL2-FB Skinner
Bob Haney, son of: Vincent M. Haney, M/Sgt, flight engineer, 341st BG
Ed Haney, cousin of: Gale Monroe Dickson, Capt, pilot, 446th BS
Special Thanks to Very Special Folks (continued)
Jim Hawkins, son of: Frank B. “Pancho” Hawkins, 2Lt, pilot, 381st BS
John Hughes, son of: John Jerome “Jack” Hughes, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS
Patti Johnson: genealogist, proofer, and family friend of: James Raymond Orechia,
T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS
Don Kaiser, son of: Quentin C. Kaiser, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 489th BS
John Lanza, nephew of: William A. Lanza, Sgt, gunner, 446th BS
Stephanie Lile, daughter of: Keith B. Lile, S/Sgt, gunner, 445th BS
st
1 Lt Joseph A. Malec: bombardier, 448th BS and friend of: Vernon Curtis Dossey, Capt,
pilot, 448th BS
Vince Mango, son of: Vincent A. “Vince” Mango, S/Sgt, aerial gunner, 447th BS
John J. McCarthy: Sgt, engineer-gunner, bombardier, 447th BS
Lorraine McRae, daughter of: James Arrington McRae, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS
T/Sgt Rocco F. “Rocky” Milano & daughter Peggy Chatham: Crew Chief of Peg O' My
Heart, Lil Butch, and Haulin' Ass, 446th BS
Bob Ritger, nephew of: Frederic Charles Ritger, 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS
Irving J. Schaffer: T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer, 448th BS
1st Lt Frederick H. Smith: pilot, 447th BS
Marsha Gurnee Suszan, daughter of: Clarence E. “Shine” Gurnee, S/Sgt, gunner,
448thBS
Dominique Taddei: author, U.S.S. Corsica (Corsica)
S/Sgt George B. Underwood: gunner, 381st BS
David Waldrip, nephew of: Robert Laseter Waldrip, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 447th BS
Vinny J. White, son of: Joseph P. White, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 381st BS
S/Sgt, Harry (NMI) Yoa: engineer-gunner, 445th BS
Crew lists
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
CL
O
Aircraft information - serial #, name, etc
Pilot
Co-pilot
Navigator
Bombardier
Engineer-gunner
Radio-gunner
Gunner
Photographer
Cannon Loader (on B-25G)
Observer
Sometimes used
Bomb/Nav Bombardier-Navigator
BN Bombardier-Navigator
EG Engineer-gunner
RG Radio-gunner
TG Turret gunner
AG Aerial gunner
PH Photographer
AP Aerial photographer
CC Crew Chief
Acronyms & Abbreviations
A/C: Aircraft
A/D: Aerodrome
AE: Aerial Engineer
A/F: Air Field, also Anti-Flak
AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery)
abs: absent
AGL: Above Ground Level
ALO: Allied Liaison Officer
ALW: Alive and Well
AMGOT: Allied Military Government for
Occupied Territories
A.R.C.: American Red Cross
ASC: Air Support Command
ASN: Army Serial Number (personnel)
Assg: Assigned
ASV: Anti-Surface Vessel (radar)
ATA: Actual Time of Arrival
ATC: Air Transportation Command
ATS: Air Transport Service - also Army
Telegraph Service
Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb)
BC: Bomber Command
BIC: Bruised in Crash
Bmb: Bombardier
Bn: Battalion
B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory
BSM: Bomb System Maintenance
CA: Heavy Cruiser
CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited
C.B.I.: China-Burma-India Theater
C/D: Coastal Defense
CE: Circular Error
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Chaff (US term): Radar countermeasure:
tiny strips of aluminum, metalized glass
fiber, or plastic. See Window
CL: Cannon Loader
CO: Commanding Officer
CG: Commanding General
CP: Command Post
M/G: Machine Gun
MIA: Missing In Action
M/T: Motor Transport (Truck)
MTB: Motor Torpedo Boat
M/V: Military Vessel, Maritime Vessel
M/Y: Marshalling Yards
MC: Maintenance Crew
NARA: National Archives and Records
Administration
NASAF: Northwest African Strategic Air
Force
NATC - Northwest African Training
Command
NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of
Operations USA
Nav: Navigator
N.B.S.: National Bureau of Standards
NC: Nurse Corps.
NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer
Nickels: propaganda Leaflets
(NMI): No Middle Initial
NOK: Next Of Kin
NRO: National Reconnaissance Office
OAF: Occupation Air Forces
OD: Officer of the day, also Olive Drab
OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster
OTU: Operational Training Unit
PAX: Passengers
PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator
POE: Point of Embarkation
POW: Prisoner of War (also PW)
PRO-Kit: Individual Chemical
Prophylactic packet
PW: Prisoner of War (also POW)
PWB: Psychological Warfare Branch
PX: Post Exchange
QBB: Base of cloud
QDM: Course to steer
QM: Quarter Master
R/B: Road Bridge
RC: Red Cross
CQ: Charge of Quarters
C/S: Call Sign
CWS: Chemical Warfare Service
D/H: Direct Hit
DD: Destroyer
DED: Declared Dead - no body or remains
found
Demo: Demolition
DL: Dead List
DNB: Died Non-Battle / Died Not-Battle
DOW: Died Of Wounds.
DOWRIA: Died of Wounds Received in
Action
DS: Detached Service
E/A: Enemy Aircraft
E/F: Enemy Fighter
EM or E/M: Enlisted Men
ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival
ETIR: Estimated Time In Route
EUS: Evacuated to the United States
E/V: Enemy Vessel
F Boat: Flying Boat
F/L: Formation Leader - also Flight Leader
FO or F/O: Flying Officer
FOD: Finding Of Death
Frag: Fragmentation
F.S.: Flight Section
GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK)
GO: General Order
GP: General Purpose/Gun Position
GTC: General Time Convention (railroad)
HE: High Explosive
IAS: Indicated Air Speed
I & E: Information & Education
I.F.F.: Identification, Friend or Foe
(i. o.): Initials Only (initial is the name)
IP: Initial Point
KNB: Killed Not Battle
KIA: Killed In Action
L/A: Landing Area
LC: Landing Craft
L/G: Landing Ground
Lox: Liquid Oxygen
L/S: Landing Strip
R/J: Road Junction
R/Y: Railroad Yards
Repl: Replacement
RMC: Returned to Military Control
RON: Remain OverNight
RR/B: Railroad Bridge
RR/J: Railroad Junction
RR: Railroad
RTD: Returned To Duty
R/V: Rendezvous
S-1: Administration
S-2: Intelligence
S-3: Operations
S-4: Supply
SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing
SD: Special Duty
S/E: Single Engine (plane)
S.E.: Special Equipment (Shoran)
S/F: Siebel Ferry
sk: sick
S/M: Submarine
SO: Special Order
SOI: Standard Operating Instructions?
S/P: Sea Plane
Sq: Squadron
Sqdn: Squadron
SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action
T/A: Target Area
T/C: Troop Concentration
T/E: Twin Engine (plane)
TAC: Theater Allied Command
TBF: Tactical Bomber Force
TD: Temporary Duty
TDY: Temporary Duty
TLC: Tactical Landing Craft
TO: Take-Off (time), also Technical
Order, and Transportation Officer
T/O: Table of Organization
TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target
Trfd: Transferred
TWX: Teletypewriter Message
u/i: Unidentified, also unit of issue
UNRRA: United Nations Relief and
Rehabilitation Administration
L/V: Large Vehicle
LST: Landing Ship Tank
Ltr: Letter
LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action
MACR: Missing Air Crew Report
MATS: Military Air Transport Service
Very Pistol or Verey Pistol: Flare gun
VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding
Officer
WC: Water closet
W.O.: Warrant Officer
WIA: Wounded In Action
Window (British term): Radar
countermeasure: tiny strips of aluminum,
metalized glass fiber, or plastic. See Chaff
WP: White Phosphorus (bombs)
WT, W/T: Watch Tower
XC: Cross Country
ZI: Zone of Interior (U.S.A.)
Saturday, 1 July 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, light and medium bombers hit fuel dumps, rail bridges,
viaducts, and docks in NC Italy; fighter-bombers concentrate on road and rail bridges
behind the battle area, destroy several fighters in combat over Reggio Emilia Airfield,
and hit guns S of Carsoli; and a detachment of the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance
Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), begins operating from Follonica
with F-5s. During Jul, the detachments of the 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63rd Fighter
Wing, operating from Ghisonaccia and Borgo, Corsica with Beaufighters, return to base
at Alghero, Sardinia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Two missions against the Ronta Viaducts—one a piperoo;
one a stinkeroo. The 448th knocked out the west one while the 447th had difficulty in
identifying the east viaduct and scattered their bombs quite a bit as a result.
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
0820 Maj. Cann.
Received by Neumann (Robert H., Maj, pilot).
Primary target O.K.
1300 GOR
Received by Storkel (Frank A., Pvt, operations).
Asked for permission to fire 10 Rds. 40 M/M at 1900 tonite.
ACTION:
O.K. They are to call us 15 min. before they start. We are to Call
GOR if we have flights out.
Payne, Lawrence J., 1Lt, pilot
1705 447th Ops.
Received by LJP (ODO)
Night flying from 2200 to 2400.
009 (43-4009 “Double-O-Nine”) Banks (Herbert J., 1Lt, pilot) & Kibler (William
E., 2Lt, pilot).
718 (43-27718) Manz (Wayne A., 1Lt, pilot) & Gillis (John R., 2Lt, pilot).
751 (43-27751 “MMR”) Cloward (Glannin A., Capt, pilot) & Christian (Calvin
B., 2Lt, pilot).
040 (43-4040 “Fearless Fosdick”) Manley (Ward E., 2Lt, pilot) & Neiman
(William E., 2Lt, pilot).
029 (43-4029 “Mike Hunt”) Bastin (Melville R., 2Lt, pilot) & Nall (John G., 2Lt,
pilot).
473 (43-27473 “Paper Doll”) Nettles (Forrest T., 2Lt, pilot) & Grimse (Ralph T.,
2Lt, pilot).
1730 Maj. Stout (57th Ftr. Received by LJP. (ODO)
Rendezvous with Fighters this morning. (Temple, Arcade).
ACTION:
Maj. Larson (Harold W., Maj, navigator) notified.
Saturday, 1 July 1944 (continued)
1845 Maj. Cann.
Received by LJP. (ODO)
Asked about time and number of planes scheduled for night flying.
ACTION: Maj. Cameron (William D., Jr., Maj, pilot) notified.
1945 Tower
077 (43-4077 Ann’s Little Boy Val” - later 446th ship “Stormy Weather”) is in
from X-C.
2000 448th Ops.
Received by LJP. (ODO)
Night flying from 2400 to 0200.
715 (43-27715), 051 (43-4051), 508 (43-27508), 706 (43-27706 “Silver Belle”),
726 (43-27726), 027 (43-4027).
2035 447th Ops.
Received by LJP.
Lt. J. J. Thomas (John J., 1Lt, pilot) to Rome (Rest Camp).
2123 Toohey
Received by MLO.
Informed MLO that plane 968 (41-29968, 445th BS) (P-X’d from
Capodichino for 1830 landing) did not arrive.
2200 Tower
Received by LJP.
A/C 715 (43-27715) returned from Borgo.
2215 Cann.
Received by Cameron (William D., Jr., Maj, pilot).
Call signs: Hitch-hike, Kilo, Jackpot
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 415/mission 415) Group Mission # 415:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------321st BG Mission No 415 Date: 1 Jul 44
No A/C completing mission: 19
Squadrons: 445- 1
446- 0
447-18
448- 0
Target: Ronta E. Viaduct.
Time OFF: 1012
T.O.T.: 1144
Time Down: 1300
(Final Report not available)
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 1
447-0
448- 17
Target: Ronta W. Viaduct.
Time OFF: 1012
T.O.T.: 1144
Time Down: 1320
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied one spare for the mission which bombed
the east viaduct at Ronda, Italy. Six ships did some night flying early this morning.
During the day, 9 more ships went up on a mock mission and there were 4 transition
flights. A number of the combat crews and several ground personnel went to the rest
camp at Capri today. Several of the bombardiers spent some time on the bomb trainer in
the morning and afternoon. There is a rigorous training schedule in effect these days.
“Buck” Sergeant’s new mail shack was completed today and is a decided improvement
over the old, hot tent. It is screened in, is cool and has a slit for the mailing of enlisted
men and officer’s mail. More night flying late tonight.
Sergeant, William A. "Buck", Sgt, mail clerk
445th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 415/mission 415) Group Mission # 415:
Squadron Mission 296
TARGET: Ronta E. Viaduct.
A/C No. 43-27545 “Maggie” (lead
spare)
P Jeffery, James C., 2Lt
CP Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 2Lt
N Sides, Harry F., 2Lt
B Rehrig, Earl E., 2Lt
E Marinucci, Andrew J., Sgt
R Gonzales, Alfred R., T/Sgt
G Zimmer, Henry G., Sgt
F None
(445th BS did not participate)
446th BS War Diary: Regular squadron duties.
TARGET: Ronta W. Viaduct, Italy
DATE: 1 July 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb.
446th Planes: 1
Lt. Armstrong led the formation. Target difficult to identify. Crews report viaduct well
hit with concentration on N approach and tunnel entrance. Some bombs S cut tracks.
Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate.
Armstrong, Donald R., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
A/C No. 43-27696 “Baby Blue Eyes”
(lead spare)
P Ritger, Frederic Charles, 1Lt
CP Gittings, Raymond W., 2Lt
N Chapman, John E., 2Lt
B Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt
E Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt
R Mitchell, John J., T/Sgt
G Heery, Philip M., Sgt
F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot)
Pilot: Peterson
A/C B-25J-1-NC: 43-4052 “Lil Butch”
Mission: Test Hop
Flying Time: 1:30 (94th mission in MTO)
Peterson, Frederick I., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 1Lt, bombardier:
“Nothing to do all day today. Read. Tried to sleep but it was too hot. Rec’d a letter
from Jim Bradley – answered it. Hung around club most of the evening. Scheduled to fly
with Hawkes tomorrow on a mission.”
Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Six of our ships practiced night landing. Usual squadron duties.
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 415/mission 415) Group Mission # 415: 18
of our ships participated in a raid on Ronta E Viaduct, Q-935934, with Lt. Wiginton,
leading the mission. One concentration on northeast end approach to target with bridge
to the north hit in three places. Bombs across tracks near or on bridge to west of target.
Bombing accuracy 73 %; Mission efficiency 50 %.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-4040 “Fearless Fosdick”
Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt
Wiechert, Stanley J., 2Lt
None
Noe, Paul H., Jr., 2Lt
Mercea, George (NMI), Sgt
Gaydos, John P., T/Sgt
May, Frederick J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27492 “Reddie Teddie”
Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt
Brown, Grover C., Jr., 2Lt
Olsen, Svend P., 1Lt
Jones, Claude F., 1Lt
Gillies, Robert H., S/Sgt
Mathews, William E., S/Sgt
Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”,
S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt
Robinson, Lester W., 2Lt
None
Mulholland, Robert W., 2Lt
Quintenz, Robert P., Sgt
Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt
Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27542 “Superstitious
Aloysius”
Krafka, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
Cunningham, Robert T., 2Lt
None
Nelson, George B., 2Lt
Clyne, Everett H., Sgt
Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”,
S/Sgt
Jaskowski, John (NMI) “Jack”, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet Mrs.
Runyon)
Runyon, Leroy C., 2Lt
Heitman, William F., 2Lt
None
Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt
O’Neil, James R., Sgt
Keefe, John A., S/Sgt
Flowers, Frank J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4079 “Little David”
Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt
Wigmore, William H., 2Lt
None
Melamed, Meyer G., 2Lt
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Torrey, Francis S., S/Sgt
Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-3522 “Hunky Dorey”
Cloward, Glannin A., Capt
Neiman, William E., 2Lt
None
James, Robert M., 2Lt
Freeman, Millard C., Sgt
See, Russell K., S/Sgt
Connolly, Paul B., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27520 “Amorous Anne”
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 2Lt
None
Rosenbledt, James M., 2Lt
Applegarth, Smith B., Sgt
LaFountain, Ned F., S/Sgt
Blalock, Joe T., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27476 “Lovely Lady”
(previously “Shoo-Shoo Baby!”)
Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt
Remmel, Earl Howard “The Fox”, 2Lt
Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt
Webb, James A., 2Lt
Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt
Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt
Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4029 “Mike Hunt”
Magne, Henry J. “Joe”, 2Lt
Ramey, Gordon A. “Gordy”, 2Lt
None
Vieser, Walter N., 2Lt
Smith, William L., Sgt
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt
Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27779
Martin, William H., Jr., 1Lt
Wood, Richard J., 2Lt
None
Gould, Joe W., F/O
Mabbutt, William T., Sgt
Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt
Abbondanza, Anthony J., Sgt
Burns, Harry B., Pvt
A/C No. 43-27636
P Grimse, Ralph T., 2Lt
CP Johnson, Eric A., 2Lt
N None
B Huffman, William C., 1Lt
E Scarberry, Harold W., Sgt
R McFarland, John F., S/Sgt
G Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27498 “Ave Maria”
P Wakeley, Charles G., III, 2Lt
CP Monger, Samuel A. “Sam”, Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Stanley, Edward J., 2Lt
E Tollefson, Walter F. K., S/Sgt
R Bilski, Walter J., T/Sgt
G Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27506 “Rebel Devil”
P Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 1Lt
CP Rice, Ernest C., 2Lt
N None
B Mesna, Leeland A. “Lee”, 2Lt
E Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt
R Reynolds, Frank J., T/Sgt
G Fowler, Harold E., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27701
Kibler, William E. “Kib”, 2Lt
Jensen, Hubert P. J., 2Lt
None
Watson, James M., 2Lt
Dimondstein, Herbert (NMI), Sgt
Balling, Robert J., S/Sgt
Corkill, John (NMI), S/Sgt
Holmes, Ora E., Jr., PFC
A/C No. 43-27718
Gillis, John R., 2Lt
Walker, Marion E., 2Lt
None
Altman, Irving L., 2lt
Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr., Sgt
Free, Paul L., S/Sgt
Rose, Clifford A., Sgt
Shand, Arthur T., PFC
A/C No. 43-27785
Manley, Ward E., 2Lt
Wallace, Edwin E., 2Lt
None
Niedelman, Hyman (NMI), 2Lt
Morrissey, Raphael E., S/Sgt
Pierce, William H., S/Sgt
Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-3403 “Incendiary Blonde”
Mims, Nathan (NMI), 1Lt
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
Spilko, Harold (NMI), 2Lt
Ifshin, Isidore (NMI) “Sonny”, Sgt
Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt
Bauder, Harold R., Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “40th
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed Ronta east viaduct, nice bombing, flak on crossing
bomb line.”
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 1Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
Mission 282 (416): At 10:12 18 planes off to bomb Ronta W Viaduct and dropped 59 x
1000 bombs at 11:55 from 10,500 feet. Nine bombs were salvoed and four bombs
returned, all planes down at 13:20. Two runs were made on the target because of
difficulty of identification and crews report hits on viaduct, N approach and tunnel
entrance. Heavy, moderate and fairly accurate flak. 2 planes were holed, one plane was
hit by flak just before target but was reported safe at Rome. Weather: Cavu over target.
A/C No. 43-27648 “Sweetie”
Armstrong, Donald R., 1Lt
Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt
Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 2Lt
Bond, Edward N., 1Lt
Bergstrom, Donald P., Sgt
Jacobson, Fred (NMI), T/Sgt
Congdon, Harry W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27706 “Silver Belle”
P Bard, John A., 2Lt
CP Frazier, Leland R., 2Lt
N None
B Greene, Louis P., 1Lt
E Veeck, Richard W., Sgt
R Blackard, James R. “Jim”, S/Sgt
G DeGeorge, Herman (NMI), Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27530 “Twin Engine
Sadie”
P McCabe, Norman Michael, 1Lt
CP Reedy, Walter W., 2Lt
N None
B Kiska, George P., 2Lt
E Gager, Joseph R., S/Sgt
R Wilkinson, Robert M., T/Sgt
G Bowman, Wilmer E., Sgt
F Sommer, Robert F., Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27528
Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt
Goff, Melvin Franklin, 2Lt
Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt
Mallin, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt
Bell, Flavious J., S/Sgt
Poteet, Edward J., S/Sgt
Carrick, Kenneth M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27791
Cottle, Robert J., 1Lt
Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt
None
Bearden, James E., 2Lt
Clark, Raymond S., Sgt
Holtzendorf, Henry (NMI), S/Sgt
Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4067 “The Big Swing”
Howard, Charles E., 1Lt
Moyer, Emerson C., 2Lt
None
Judy, Philip R., 2Lt
Kershaw, Raymond T., S/Sgt
Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt
Neuman, Robert A., S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27652 “Out of Bounds”
Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 1Lt
Riley, Robert L., 2Lt
None
Kukorowski, Albert A., 1Lt
Ernst, David L., S/Sgt
Walker, Jack L., S/Sgt
Crow, Roscoe J., PFC
None
A/C No. 43-4037 “Cherry Fizz”
Warren, William F., 2Lt
Holcombe, Dewey R., 2Lt
None
McCue, William M., Jr., 1Lt
Hochron, Manuel (NMI), Sgt
Corrigan, James F., Jr., S/Sgt
Magyar, Steven J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
Blackwell, Robert G., 1Lt
Tilton, Harvey S., 2Lt
None
Maginn, Thomas A., 2Lt
Pineda, Nico M., Sgt
Hallman, Robert L., S/Sgt
Irvine, Josef F., Sgt
Edwards, Clarence C., T/Sgt
A/C No. 43-4076 (returned early)
Grady, John R., 2Lt
McKay, Donald I., 2Lt
None
Schlenk, Henry O., 2Lt
Donaud, Earl J., Sgt
Kielich, Henry J., S/Sgt
Montoro, John A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27726
Dalbey, Roy R., 1Lt
Stevens, Ray B., 2Lt
None
Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt
Tracy, William G., Sgt
Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, T/Sgt
Slafkes, Milton M., S/Sgt
Dembrowski, Henry J., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27668
Verkruysse, Emile D., 1Lt
Winstead, Hungh J., 2Lt
None
Luckhaupt, Robert W., 2Lt
Weyeneth, Carl H., Sgt
Bixler, Frederick F., S/Sgt
Hersh, Bertram (NMI), Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27631
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
Carrington, Charles C., 2Lt
None
McKinley, Robert H., 2Lt
Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt
Doughty, Paul V., S/Sgt
Knauss, Charles F., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27523
Mitchell, Robert E., 2Lt
Anderson, Douglas R., 2Lt
None
Martin, James M., Jr., 2Lt
Grim, Robert E., S/Sgt
Hassenbein, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt
Mitchell, William C., Sgt
Benton, Thomas H., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27720 (single engine
landing at Rome)
P Shear, Meyer (NMI), 2Lt
CP Tetlow, John S., 2Lt
N None
B Shaw, Charles W., 2Lt
E Haack, Cecil J., S/Sgt
R Goldstein, George (NMI), S/Sgt
G Wald, Douglas A., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27538 “Down But Not
Out”
P Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt
CP Kruse, Milford E., 2Lt
N Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt
B Comfort, Edward P., 2Lt
E Jackson, Jewel D., PFC
R Clark, Gwyn E., T/Sgt
G Holt, Charles M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27715
Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 1Lt
Rosenau, Gustave D., 2Lt
Hickey, William O., 1Lt
Malec, Joseph A., 1Lt
Sullivan, James G., PFC
Campbell, James R., S/Sgt
Trigler, Louis E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27481
Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt
Leonard, Lee V., 2Lt
None
McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 1Lt
Carter, Eugene F., Sgt
Fry, Tom M., S/Sgt
White, E. T., Sgt
Bishop, William (NMI) “Bill”, Sgt
Sunday, 2 July 1944
In Italy, medium and light bombers continue to pound enemy
communication lines N of the battle area (mainly along and N of the Pisa-Florence line)
and hit several fuel dumps with good results; fighter-bombers are active against motor
transport and bridges immediately N of the battleline; and 111th Tactical Reconnaissance
Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from Voltone to Follonica with F-6s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Two devastating raids today against fuel dumps in the
Ravenna area. Using 100 pounders for the first time we laid such a pattern that later
reconnaissance showed all installations and buildings either severely damaged or
destroyed.
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
0830 Sec. Controller
Received by Neumann (Robert H., Maj, pilot).
968 (42-39968, 445th BS) was not scheduled to depart Capodichino yesterday-signals must have been crossed up.
0835 Tipton.
Set Mission back one hour.
ACTION: Sqs notified
0930 Tipton.
Call sign of Spits covering A/D is “Pluto”.
P/R Flight to Rome, Foggia, Bari--0830 T.O. 3 July 1944: (not 321st BG)
P. 1st Lt. H. E. SAMPSON.
CP. 2nd Lt. J. W. MATTHEWS.
E. Sgt. H. J. LONDORFF.
X. Capt. M. T. HOLLOWAY.
X. Capt. P. W. Manley.
X. 1st Lt. J. W. DILLON (WING)
X. 2nd Lt. J. W. WAKELEY.
3 men from 845th request ride to Italy on above craft.
2125 Borgo MLO Received by AJD.
Requested hours scheduled for nite flying.
ACTION: 2200 to 0200
2230 447th Ops.
Received by AJD.
Wanted to know briefing times.
ACTION: Informed
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 2 July 1944 (continued)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 417/mission 417) Group Mission # 417:
Squadrons: 445- 19
446- 0
447-0
448- 0
Target: Fuel Dump near Ravenna.
Time OFF: 1045
T.O.T.: 1140
Time Down: 1415
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 18
447-0
448- 1
Target: Fuel Dump near Ravenna.
Time OFF: 1045
T.O.T.: 1140
Time Down: 1440
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 18 aircraft to bomb the fuel dump near
Ravenna, Italy. Carrying an extra load of bombs, the bombardiers had difficulty in
getting rid of their bombs and a number of “tumblers” fell short of the target.
Nevertheless, there was a good coverage achieved and 5 to 7 fires were reported. Capt.
Wilson and his crew of “Cairo Commandos” returned from their trip to Egypt with a
good supply of liquor. There was a flight to swing the compass today.
Wilson, Victor H., Capt, pilot
TARGET: Fuel Dump near Ravenna.
A/C No. 43-27742 “Vicious Vera”
(later “Winnie Mae”)
P Register, Percy D., Maj, Commander
N Casaburi, Robert Roland, 1Lt
B Simpkins, Everett L., 1Lt
E Poirier, Andre (NMI), Sgt
R DeLaune, William P., S/Sgt
G Miller, Robert Ryal, Sgt
F Plott, John M., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-4008 “Spirit of St Louis”
Cormier, Emery O., 1Lt
Martin, John W., 2Lt
None
Conover, Donald C., 2Lt
Walther, Henry W., Sgt
Giorgio, John B., S/Sgt
Hafner, Duane H., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-3535 “Rum Runner”
P Schweda, George J., 1Lt
CP Eatherly, Joseph A., 2Lt
B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt
E Swingholm, Raymond J., S/Sgt
R Carney, Robert J., S/Sgt
G Bellendir, John C., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27741 “Modern Design”
A/C No. 43-27714 “Blonde Beauty”
Smith, Alfred B., 1Lt
Glasford, Loren G., 2Lt
None
Gifford, Robert H., 2Lt
Bertling, Gerald M., Sgt
Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt
Jacobs, Harry E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27716 “Shit House
Mouse”
Fischer, Franklyn R., 1Lt
Baker, Thomas J., 2Lt
CP Dyer, Robert H., 2Lt
None
N None
Klein, Robert J., 2Lt
Hope, Amos (NMI), Sgt
E Mark, Lincoln W., Sgt
Gray, John H., S/Sgt
Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27519 (picture of Hula-girl
A/C No. 43-27698 “Peggy Lou”
- no name/lettering)
Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 1Lt
P McLain, Damon I., Capt
Morgan, John A., 2Lt
CP Weld, Willis R., 2Lt
Fisher,
Sigmund
M.,
1Lt
None
N
Hagerman, Millard W., 2Lt
B Galindo, Daniel (NMI), 2Lt
Freiler, Walter C., Sgt
E DeRose, Louis A., S/Sgt
McDonald, Thomas E., S/Sgt
R O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt
Bates, Leonard H., Sgt
G Harris, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27740
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 1Lt
P Dickerson, Samuel M., Capt
Frank, Robert R., 2Lt
CP Daggett, Allen L. “Jerry”, 2Lt
None
N None
Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt
B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt
Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., S/Sgt
E Malloy, Edward J., S/Sgt
Leach, Earl V., S/Sgt
R Wells, Robert J., T/Sgt
Arcuri, John (NMI), Sgt
G Kramer, Henry P., S/Sgt
None
F Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
P Groose, William R. “Bud”, 1Lt
CP Duggan, Raymond E., F/O
N Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt
B Robson, Herbert E., 2Lt
E Leith, Douglas L., S/Sgt
R Scott, Aurelias M., T/Sgt
G Jones, Harvey J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
P Moore, Henry D., 2Lt
CP Boucher, Arthur Paul, F/O
N None
B Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
E Isbell, Everett N., S/Sgt
R Wells, Joy E., T/Sgt
G McClary, Louis E., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
Gunder, William H., 1Lt
McLaughlin, Elwood F., Jr., 2Lt
None
Barton, Samuel V., 2Lt
Hickey, William R., S/Sgt
Davis, Olin (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Bricen, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27502 “What’s Cookin’?”
(later “Pretty Kitty Blue Eyes”)
P Hammar, Robert L., 1Lt
CP Shenk, Stanley R., 2Lt
N None
B Baldwin, Harold O., 2Lt
E Dowd, Stephen J., Sgt
R Sauer, Carlton F., S/Sgt
G Decker, Robert J., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27545 “Maggie”
Place, Winston R., 1Lt
Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt
None
Krause, Richard E. “Dick”, 2Lt
Smith, William A., Jr., Sgt
Stephens, Robert T., S/Sgt
Whelan, Edward J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27534 (standing lady)
Hadsell, Donald M., 1Lt
Moore, William H., Jr., 2Lt
None
Palmer, Richard W., 2Lt
Kofmehl, James J., Sgt
Rockett, James J., S/Sgt
Walburn, John A., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27769 “Miss Fancy
Pants”
Swanson, Harry A., 1Lt
Elliott, James R., Jr., 2Lt
None
Reddy, John E., S/Sgt
Cummings, Walter T., Sgt
Hall, Warren Francis, T/Sgt
Weaver, Dale W., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27792 “Cuddle Bunny”
Wolfe, Robert A., 1Lt
Collins, Daniel P., 2Lt
None
Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 2Lt
Yoa, Harry (NMI), Sgt
Parlette, Oliver C., S/Sgt
Jannetta, Floridi D. “Floyd”, Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: An 18 plane mission is flown. Lt. Burandt returns from rest camp
at Rome while Lt. Franklin goes to Rome for a vacation.
Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt, pilot
Franklin, Arthur E., 2Lt, bombardier/Navigator
TARGET: Fuel Dump near Ravenna, Italy
DATE: 2 July 1944
Type of Bombs: 100 lb. Demo.
446th Planes: 18
Captain Cooper led the formation. Many reports of the target being well covered, with
several fires being started and two explosions after the formation had left the area. Due
to B-10 shackles and extra bombs, difficulty was experienced in getting rid of bombs in
some cases.
A/C No. 43-4052 “Lil Butch”
P Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt
CP Peterson, Frederick I., 1Lt
N None
B Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt
E Kreider, John L., Sgt
R McKearin, William Jerome, S/Sgt
G Bender, Thomas J., Pvt
F None
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs C”
P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt
CP Ligon, Walton M., 2Lt
N Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 1Lt
E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, S/Sgt
R Brugioni, Dino A., S/Sgt
G Larson, Ralph L., Sgt
F None
Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt
Nagel, Charles E., 2Lt
None
McRae, James Arrington, 1Lt
Leonard, Malcolm B., S/Sgt
McCarty, Lyle (NMI), S/Sgt
Bruner, Edward (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27480
Hively, Harold Henry, 2Lt
Pietrowski, Stanley J., 2Lt
None
Forsberg, Robert A., 2Lt
Lundtoft, Hans G., Sgt
Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt
Slezak, Alex E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27678 “Lemmon Lu”
P Cooper, Paul T., Capt , Commander
CP Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt
N Dunn, Thomas B., 2Lt
B Mayo, Jack D., 1Lt
E Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt
R Miles, Walter J., Jr., T/Sgt
G Nemet, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27496 “PRINCESS
PAOLA II” (later PRINCESS)
P Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt
CP Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt
N None
B Sitts, Lonnie C., 2Lt
E Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC
R Bove, Anthony P., T/Sgt
G Brown, Ronald M., Sgt
A/C No. 43-4020 “Bourbon Baby”
Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt
White, Frank B., 2Lt
None
Kiernan, Noble J., 2Lt
Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Maddox, Everett R., T/Sgt
Zeman, Harold W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27732 “LEYDALE”
Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 1Lt
Grove, Russell V., 2Lt
None
Gilligan, John W., 2Lt
Aderholt, William J., Jr., Sgt
Poorman, William H., S/Sgt
Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr. “Ben”,
S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-4097 “Tiny?” (later
A/C No. 43-3989 “My Georgia Peach”
(on co-pilot side - “The Leading Lady”,
Darlene)
previously “Miss Dallas”)
Gibbons, George H., 2Lt
P Sampson, Allan T., 1Lt
Wozniak, Stanley E., 2Lt
CP Matthews, John Walker, Jr., 2Lt
None
N None
Finney, Preston N., S/Sgt
B Farber, Joseph L., 2Lt
Stapleton, Carl B., Sgt
E McArdle, John R., Pvt
Cohen, Irwin (NMI), S/Sgt
R Mygrant, Robert F., S/Sgt
Wiacek, Emil J., Sgt
G Thornton, Lotus Moody, Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-4074 (picture of seated
A/C No. 42-64549
lady - no name/lettering)
Taylor, Jason G., 2Lt
P Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt
Trosky, Chester J., 2Lt
CP Reilly, John A., 2Lt
None
N None
Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt
B Derringer, Albert J., F/O
Petrella, Luigi C., Sgt
E Helgert, Claude George, Sgt
Bundy, Garland A., S/Sgt
R Fellmer, Carl M., S/Sgt
Bryan, Dwight L., Sgt
G Wlodyka, Andrew J., Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27501 “Sweet Sue Kathy
Jeanne” (unnamed to Nov 44. In 45
“Kathy Jeanne” dropped)
Goff,
Leroy
Robert, Jr., 1Lt
P
CP Higgins, Howard A., 2Lt
N None
B Johnson, Henry W., 1Lt
E Henry, Scott G., Sgt
R Holder, Paul F., S/Sgt
G Lowitz, Orville W., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4021 “The Little
Admiral” (later Lady Jane)
P Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt
CP Schmid, Kenneth L., 2Lt
N None
B Clausen, Lawrence A., 2Lt
E Britton, William W., Jr., S/Sgt
G Beets, Frank T., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
P Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt
CP Goodrich, John W., 2Lt
N None
B Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
E Bober, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
R Green, Salem M., T/Sgt
G Schultheis, Thomas R., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27503 “Miss Arabella”
Fontaine, Eugene A., Jr., 2Lt
Gittings, Raymond W., 2Lt
None
Pettit, Robert H., 2Lt
Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt
Nagy, Julius L., S/Sgt
Heery, Philip M., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27497 “Barbara”
Smith, Randell Leroy, 1Lt
Rackley, Donald D., 2Lt
None
Hogman, Frans H., F/O
Smetana, Frank C., Jr., Sgt
Rousos, Milton P., S/Sgt
Leeper, Kenneth E., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart”
Wojcik, Walter (NMI), 2Lt
Born, Walter E., Jr., 2Lt
None
Ricke, Richard O., S/Sgt
Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt
DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt
Mittman, Milton M., Cpl
None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 54, Pilot)
Co-Pilot: Peterson A/C B-25J-1-NC: 43-4052 “Lil Butch”
Target: Fuel Dump near Ravenna, Italy.
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 1Lt, bombardier (mission 50)
“Pre-briefed @ 0820, then on 1 hr. standby.
Pre-briefed 0820
T.O. 1045
Pilot: Hawkes
CoPilot: Nagel
Ship # 696 (Baby Blue Eyes) (43-27697)
Alt, 11,500’
Bombs: 20 –100 # Demos
Position: 2-3-1
Target: Oil Dump 3 mi. NE of Ravenna (44° 26’ N - 12° 15’ E).
Over target @ 1240, no flak or fighters. Only 15 bombs released ok, had to kick 5 out
over the water.
Burandt got back from Rest Camp in Rome, really enjoyed himself. Rec’d 2
letters from DF; 1 from Dot Clark. Went into Solenzara to pick up laundry. Covered Slit
trench.
Flying time: 03:45 hrs.”
Hawkes, Leon R., Capt, pilot
Nagel, Charles E., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men are on DS at Cairo,
Egypt: 1st Lt. Wayne R. Martin; T/Sgt. Clint R. Collins. Morning report: Officers-93;
Enlisted Men -328. 2nd Lt. John G. Nall was promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. per SO 16712th AAF. Today’s training consisted of practice bombing and local transition.
Collins, Clint R., S/Sgt, gunner
Martin, Wayne R., 1Lt, bombardier
Nall, John G., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 417/mission 417) Group Mission # 417: One
of our ships flew as a spare with the 445th in a raid on Fuel Dumps near Ravenna at M599399. The target was well covered, with most bombs starting south and east of road,
walked through to the canal. One plane not getting rid of bombs at target dropped on
small boats in Cattolica Harbor leaving one burning. Bombing accuracy 90 %; Mission
efficiency 70 %.
A/C No. 43-4029 “Mike Hunt” (lead
spare)
P Magne, Henry J. “Joe”, 1Lt
CP Ramey, Gordon A. “Gordy”, 2Lt
N Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 1Lt
B Vieser, Walter N., 2Lt
E Engels, Robert W., Sgt
R Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt
G Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt
F None
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27648 (lead spare)
Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt
Comfort, Edward P., 2Lt
Clark, Gwyn E., T/Sgt
Holt, Charles M., S/Sgt
None
Monday, 3 July 1944
In Italy, B-26s and A-20s pound enemy fuel dumps while B-25s hit
bridges, tunnels, and viaducts at Pietrasanta, Canneto sull'Oglio and Saviano, and fuel
storage tanks in the Pontelagoscuro area; fighter-bombers blast motor transport and
bridges in the battle area as the US Fifth Army begins a drive on Leghorn; vehicle park,
ammunition dump, and a barge are also hit.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Although higher headquarters wanted us to knock out some
viaducts north of Florence, weather wouldn’t permit it. However, the two 19 plane
formations knocked out the Pietrasanta bridges as an alternate.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 1
447-0
448- 18
Target: Saviano RR Viaduct – Bombed alt. Rd Bridge at Pietrasanta.
Time OFF: 0838
T.O.T.: 0950
Time Down: 1046
Squadrons: 445- 1
446- 0
447-18
448- 0
Target: Fabricaccio RR Viaduct – Bombed alt. Pietrasanta Bridge.
Time OFF: 0827
T.O.T.: 0950
Time Down: 1110
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent 1 spare with the formation which bombed the
railroad bridge at Pietrasanta, Italy. Good results were achieved. There was another rigid
training schedule in effect today. Some of the bombardiers spent time on the bomb
trainer in the morning and afternoon; there was formation flying; some test hops; some
transition flights; and some ships went to the bombing range. Lt. Richardson and Sgt.
Butler, pilot and gunner respectively, appeared before the Medical Board at 17th General
Hospital. There was plenty of liquor flowing at both clubs tonight.
Butler, Russell J., Sgt, gunner
Richardson, John S., 2Lt, pilot
Monday, 3 July 1944 (continued)
TARGET: Fabricaccio RR Viaduct – Bombed alt. Pietrasanta Bridge.
(later “Winnie Mae”) (lead spare)
N None
E Smith, William F., Sgt
G Valley, Arnold E., Sgt
F None
446th BS War Diary: The Cairo boys return from Egypt: Captain Warren, Lts. Church,
Jordan and Mottley, EM’s Bufkin, Kane, Perkins, Burrow.
Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Burrow, Isom F., Sgt, gunner
Church, Edwin A., 1Lt, pilot
Jordan, Henry L., 1Lt, pilot
Kane, Ronald J., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Mottley, John F., 1Lt, bombardier
Perkins, Lawrence W., Sgt, engineering
Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical officer
TARGET: Road Bridge at Pietrasanta, Italy
DATE: 3 July 1944
446th Planes: 1
th
Lt. Dossey, 448 Sqdn. led the formation, Road bridge reported hit also road junction N
of bridge. Concentration of bombs over to W of target. Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly
accurate, no fighters.
Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
(lead spare)
P Hively, Harold Henry, 2Lt
CP Taylor, Richard E., F/O
R Nagy, Julius L., S/Sgt
G Slezak, Alex E., Sgt
F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (Pilot)
Mission: unspecified.
“Club bartender tonite. Nothing scheduled today. On bomb-trainer, 1445-1700.
Attended the club bar from 1700-2230, fairly busy. On a mission tomorrow.”
447th BS War Diary: Capt. John M. Hamilton is at rest camp, Rome, Italy. The
following enlisted men have been promoted: Sgt. Michael P. Freisen, to the grad of staff
sergeant. Cpl. John J. Konicki, to the grade of sergeant. 1st Lieutenant Sherman E.
Anderson, returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy. Today’s training consisted of practice
bombing and local transition.
Anderson, Sherman E., 1Lt, bombardier
Freisen, Michael P., S/Sgt, supply
Hamilton, John M. “Doc”, Capt, Medical Officer
Konicki, John J., Sgt, ordnance
of our ships participated in a raid on Pietrasanta Railroad Bridge, with Lt. Murray,
leading the mission. Good concentration of bombs in target area – hitting northeast end
of bridge. A few bombs short to southeast. Bombing accuracy – 51 %; Mission
efficiency – 40 %.
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet
Mrs. Runyon)
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
MacNeil, Joseph W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4077 Ann’s Little Boy
Val”(later 446th ship “Stormy
Weather”)
Murray, Richard E., 1Lt
Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt
Huffman, William C., 1Lt
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Toole, John F., S/Sgt
Fowler, Harold E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
P Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt
CP Robinson, Lester W., 2Lt
N None
B Mulholland, Robert W., 2Lt
E Quintenz, Robert P., Sgt
R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), T/Sgt
G Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
Aloysius”
P Krafka, Edward (NMI), 2Lt
N None
B Nelson, George B., 2Lt
E Clyne, Everett H., Sgt
R Alpino, Joseph D., S/Sgt
G Jaskowski, John (NMI) “Jack”, Sgt
F None
CP Monger, Samuel A. “Sam”, Jr., 2Lt
None
Mesna, Leeland A. “Lee”, 2Lt
Tollefson, Walter F. K., S/Sgt
Bilski, Walter J., T/Sgt
Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27785
P Manley, Ward E., 2Lt
CP Wallace, Edwin E., 2Lt
N None
B Niedelman, Hyman (NMI), 2Lt
E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt
R Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt
G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Webb, James, A., 2Lt
Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27701
None
Watson, James N., 2Lt
None
Muzinich, Anthony L. “Tony”, 2Lt
Cameron, William D. “Bill”, Jr., Maj,
HQ 321st BG
Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt
Cowart, Eugene C., S/Sgt
Miller, Dale G., Sgt
None
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
A/C No. 43-3403 “Incendiary
Blonde”
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27718
None
Altman, Irving L., 2Lt
A/C No. 43-27636
Grimse, Ralph T., 2Lt
None
Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt
McFarland, John F., S/Sgt
Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt
None
None
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
Schnaars, George D., S/Sgt
None
None
Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
A/C No. 43-27779
Woods, Richard J., 2Lt
None
Gould, Joe W., F/O
None
Nall, John G., 2Lt
Johnson, Eric A., 2Lt
None
Stanley, Edward J., 2Lt
Scarberry, Harold W., Sgt
S/Sgt
Mitchell, Rennie (NMI), S/Sgt
None
Mission 283 (419): At 08:38 19 planes off to bomb Saviano viaduct but due to clouds at
primary the alternate target of Pietrasanta B was bombed. 15 planes dropped 59x1000
bombs at 10:08 from 10,000 feet. Four planes did not pick up target and failed to bomb.
All returned at 10:46. Heavy, moderate, fairly accurate flak holed one plane. Spits
escorted. The R/B was well hit, also hits on tracks 200 yds NW of target. Weather:
3/10th Cumulus at primary, CAVU at alternate.
A/C No. 43-27715
Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt
Parham, James E., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
P Blackwell, Robert G., 1Lt
CP Carrington, Charles C., 2Lt
N None
B Judy, Philip R., 2Lt
E Pineda, Nico M., Sgt
R Hallman, Robert L., S/Sgt
G Irvine, Josef F., PFC
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Frazier, Leland R., 2Lt
None
Sommer, Robert F., Sgt
A/C No. 43-4027
Connor, John C., Jr., 2Lt
Farris, Stephen C., 2Lt
Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
Congdon, Harry W., Sgt
None
None
Kiska, George P., 2Lt
None
Sadie”
McCabe, Norman Michael, 1Lt
Reedy, Walter W., 2Lt
None
Gager, Joseph R., S/Sgt
Wilkinson, Robert M., T/Sgt
Bowman, Wilmer E., Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27528
None
None
A/C No. 43-4068 “The Dutchess”
Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 1Lt
Gladwill, James G., 2Lt
None
Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27668
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
Bearden, James, E., 2Lt
None
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt
None
Young, Robert B., 2Lt
A/C No. 43-27481
Greene, Louis P., 1Lt
Perillo, Anthony L., S/Sgt
DeGeorge, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4051
Bard, John A., 2Lt
None
Rippel, Nat (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27523
None
Roberts, Charles J., Sgt
Fry, Tom M., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27631
Kruse, Milford E., 1Lt
None
Blasingame, Emory J., Sgt
Hutchinson, James (NMI), Sgt
None
P Warren, William F., 2Lt
CP Winstead, Hungh J., 2Lt
N None
B Maginn, Thomas A., 2Lt
E Veeck, Richard W., Sgt
G Montoro, John A., S/Sgt
F None
P Rogers, Henry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
CP Rosenau, Gustave D., 2Lt
N None
B Martin, James M., Jr., 2Lt
E Donaud, Earl J., Sgt
R Campbell, James R., S/Sgt
G Grim, Robert E., S/Sgt
F White, E. T., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27791
None
Blackard, James R. “Jim”, S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27726
Dalbey, Roy R., 1Lt
Quartuccio, Anthony P., 1Lt
Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt
None
Tuesday, 4 July 1944
In Italy, weather cancels light and medium bomber operations;
fighter-bomber operations are greatly reduced but attacks are made on bridges, rail lines,
roads, and guns in and N of the battle area as US Fifth Army elements clear parts of
Rosignano, overrun Mount Vitalba and area to its E, and push into Casole d'Elsa; and the
522nd, 523rd and 524th Fighter Squadrons, 27th Fighter Group, move from Ciampino to
Voltone with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: After briefing—stood down---weather.
445th BS War Diary: The squadron had 18 crews alerted for a mission but it was
cancelled. It was a very quiet 4th of July. The clubs opened up in the afternoon and there
was a goodly supply of liquor for all. A number of the engineer gunners were given
instructions on proper pre-flight and inspections of a B-25 aircraft. There were two PDI
flights while Lt. Hatcher flew a cross-country to Ajaccio.
Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament:
07/04/44:
“This Independence Day has been most inappropriately observed of any I
can remember. After a strenuous night of bomb loading, I slept considerably this
forenoon. The weather was warm and uncomfortable, putting me in a rather petulant,
sour mood. After dinner several of us went to our usual hole for a swim. I enjoyed it
very much and returned feeling much better. The club was opened at two o’clock and by
the time we returned much boisterousness in the squadron had resulted. It’s quite
different from our “4ths” on horseback when I was a kid.”
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lieutenants Dickerson and Ritger go on DS.
Regular duties. A small mail.
Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, bombardier
Ritger, Frederic Charles, 1Lt, pilot
“Went to pre-briefing @ 0650, mission cancelled due to weather. Spent the a.m. writing
to D.F. and Mary Mooney. Went swimming this afternoon – good. Rec’d letter from
Alice. Meeting all combat crews @ 1915, “Escape Procedure”. Doc Warren repaid
$100.00 he borrowed. Wrote Alice. Rec’d a letter from Eddy – answered. Strong wind
blowing all day.
Tuesday, 4 July 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. Usual squadron duties.
Today’s training consisted of one ship flying PDI runs for one hour and nine ships flying
a practice formation.
Wednesday, 5 July 1944
In Italy, B-25s bomb Villafranca di Verona marshalling yard, Aulla
railroad bridge, and Ostiglia fuel dumps while A-20s blast a supply dump and rail lines;
fighter-bombers hit tracks, bridges, roads, and other targets in the battle area as the US
Fifth Army continues fierce fighting around Rosignano.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: One mission today took off late—about 1300 hours.
However, they picked up the target and photos showed 90% of the bombs in the target
area with the bridge blanketed with bombs.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 18
447-0
448- 1
Target: Aulla N. RR Bridge
Time OFF: 1751
T.O.T.: 1907
Time Down: 2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Once again 18 crews were scheduled for the mission which was
cancelled. There were two PDI flights made while two of the bombardiers spent one-half
hour each on the bombsight rate machine. Sgt. Henrich, one of the older gunners, left for
the States on rotation today. In the evening, Captain Smith gave an excellent sex lecture
at the enlisted men’s club. The amiable “Doc”, very familiar with all Army phrasing,
gave the lecture in a very straight-forward and frank manner. The men were very
satisfied with the lecture.
Henrich, James G., Sgt, gunner
Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon
446th BS War Diary: Another 18 plane mission is flown.
446th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 421/mission
TARGET: Aulla N. RR Bridge, Italy
Captain Cooper led the formation. Fine concentration
heaviest concentration on S end of bridge and approaches.
and tracks to N and some through center. Fires started in
Few bursts of flak.
421) Group Mission # 421:
DATE: 5 July 1944
446th Planes: 18
reported in target area, with
Other bombs fell across N end
buildings just to SE of bridge.
Wednesday, 5 July 1944 (continued)
P Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt
CP Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt
N None
None
P Goff, Leroy Robert, Jr., 1Lt
N None
F None
P Cooper, Paul T., Capt, Commander
CP Smith, Richard H., Col, 321st BG
Commander
B Mayo, Jack D., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 42-64549
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt
None
Davis, Virgil F., Sgt
Holder, Paul F., S/Sgt
S/Sgt
None
None
Freeman, Cecil O., S/Sgt
None
None
Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt
None
Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt
Reilly, John A., 2Lt
None
Derringer, Albert J., F/O
Helgert, Claude George, Sgt
Fellmer, Carl M., S/Sgt
Wlodyka, Andrew J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27660 “Shooting Bull”
P Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 1Lt
N None
E Bender, Vernon I., Sgt
R Crozer, Robert L., S/Sgt
G Cifuni, Robert J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27699 “Jessie” (later name
dropped from nose art)
N None
B Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt
E Zelnick, John J., Sgt
G Glendening, George F., Jr., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27745
P Church, Edwin Adem, 1Lt
CP Nagel, Charles E., 2Lt
N None
B Lippy, Harvey W., 2Lt
R Maddox, Everett R., T/Sgt
G Zeman, Harold W., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs C”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Cassidy, Warren J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27480
Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt
None
Finney, Preston N., Sgt
Britton, William W., Jr., S/Sgt
Mitchell, John J., T/Sgt
Beets, Frank T., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27747 “Spider’s Frolic
Pad”
Goodrich, John W., 2Lt
Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt
Born, Walter E., Jr., S/Sgt
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
Bober, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
Green, Salem M., T/Sgt
Schultheis, Thomas R., S/Sgt
None
Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt
Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt
None
Sitts, Lonnie C., 2Lt
Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC
Brown, Ronald M., Sgt
None
P Smith, Randell Leroy, 1Lt
CP Rackley, Donald D., 2Lt
N None
E Smetana, Frank C., Jr., Sgt
R Rousos, Milton P., S/Sgt
G Leeper, Kenneth E., Sgt
F None
Higgins, Howard A., 2Lt
None
None
Co-Pilot: Sacker
Target: Aulla N. RR Bridge, Italy.
Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt, pilot
“Mission standby. Around club reading.
Pre-briefed 1630
T.O. 1751
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: Gibbons
Ship # 503 (43-27503 “Miss Arabella”)
Alt. 10,800
Bombs: 8-500 # Demos
Position: 2-2-1
Target: Road & RR bridge 2 mi. North of Aulla (44° 13’ N - 09° 57½’ E). Over target
@ 1910, no fighters or flak. Excellent concentration of bombs.
Rec’d 2 letters from Alice, 1 – Grandma.
Gibbons, George H., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: No mission scheduled for today. Today’s training consisted of
three planes with full crews taking off at 04:00 for a practice mission of nine planes in the
afternoon. Usual squadron duties. With the 42nd Engineers giving out with that
inimitable American jive, a delicious buffet lunch and the bar doing a rushing business.
We again chalked up another successful social gathering for the 447th enlisted men club.
Greene,
William A., 1Lt
P
CP Riley, Robert L., 2Lt
N Hickey, William O., 1Lt
B Quartuccio, Anthony P., 1Lt
E Blasingame, Emery J., S/Sgt
R Kielich, Henry J., S/Sgt
G Hutchinson, James (NMI), Sgt
F None
Thursday, 6 July 1944
In Italy, A-20s hit an ammunition ship at La Spezia during the night
of 5/6 Jul and continue attacks on fuel supplies during the day; medium bombers again
hit communication, concentrating on bridges N of the battleline, and attack enemy
warehouses and HQ; fighter-bombers hit rail lines (with especially good results between
Viareggio and Massa Lombarda) and damage several bridges just N of the battle area as
the US Fifth Army continues clearing Rosignano and takes Castellina Marittima and
Mount Vaso.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Four missions today including one of the nickeling variety to
Pistoia and Lucca. Two flights of 19 aircraft each hit two sections of the Todi
Headquarters and Dump. Good coverage in the north section but practically no bombs in
the south section.
Heavy, intense flak was expected from the Vado Viaduct which 19 aircraft attacked today
and nothing happened to change those expectations. All 19 planes were holed—one pilot
killed.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 1
447-18
448- 0
Target: Vado Viaduct
Time OFF: 0818
T.O.T.: 0942
Time Down: 1040
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 1
447-0
448- 18
Target: Todi Hdqs & Dump.
Time OFF: 0908
T.O.T.: 1043
Time Down: 1150
Squadrons: 445- 17
446- 1
447-0
448- 0
Target: Todi Hdqs & Dump.
Time OFF: 0920
T.O.T.: 1043
Time Down: 1155
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 6 July 1944 (continued)
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 4
447-0
448- 0
Target: Pistoia and Lucca (Nickels)
Time OFF: 1605
T.O.T.: 1709 - 1717 Time Down: 1820
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 18 aircraft for the mission today but 1 did
not take off due to a malfunction. They bombed the Todi Headquarters and fuel dump in
Italy with a bombing accuracy of 53 per cent. It was the squadron’s 300 combat mission.
Lt Fischer took a crew over to Naples and from there to Catania, Sicily.
Fischer, Franklyn R., 1Lt, pilot
TARGET: Todi Organization H.Q. at Poretta Terni.
Type of Bombs: 128 x 500 lb bombs drpd (8 returned in 631)
900 rds of ammunition expended.
Pants”
P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 1Lt Lyons, Lawrence L., 1Lt
CP Spencer, Charles F., 2Lt
None
N Sharp, Kenneth R., Capt
B Maughan, George W., 1Lt
E Knight, Arnold K., S/Sgt
R Stone, Donald R., T/Sgt
G McGinley, Joseph B., S/Sgt
None
F None
P Wolfe, Robert A., 1Lt
CP Glasford, Loren G., 2Lt
N None
E Mark, Lincoln W., Sgt
R Davis, Olin (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt
G Bricen, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
F None
Mouse”
CP Payne, Lawrence J., 2Lt
N None
B Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt
G McClary, Louis E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27740
Dickerson, Samuel M., Capt
Daggett, Allen L. “Jerry”, 2Lt
None
Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt
Malloy, Edward J., S/Sgt
Wells, Robert J., T/Sgt
Kramer, Henry P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
P Swanson, Harry A., 1Lt
N None
B Barton, Samuel V., 2Lt
E Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
Groose, William R. “Bud”, 1Lt
Duggan, Raymond F., F/O
Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt
Robson, Herbert E., 2Lt
Leith, Douglas L., S/Sgt
Scott, Aurelias M., T/Sgt
Jones, Harvey J., Sgt
None
None
None
Hammar, Robert L., 1Lt
Shenk, Stanley R., 2Lt
None
Baldwin, Harold O., 2Lt
Dowd, Stephen J., Sgt
Sauer, Carlton F., S/Sgt
Decker, Robert J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Brule, Gordon J., S/Sgt
Hickey, William R., S/Sgt
Doswell, Richard (NMI), S/Sgt
None
CP Eatherly, Joseph R., 2Lt
R Pate, Harris B., Jr., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
None
Rockett, James J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi
Gambler II”
Jeffery, James C., 2Lt
P Cormier, Emery O., 1Lt
Dyer, Robert H., 2Lt
CP Martin, John W., 2Lt
None
N None
Rehrig, Earl E., 2Lt
B Conover, Donald C., 2Lt
E Walther, Henry W., Sgt
R Giorgio, John B., S/Sgt
Zimmer, Henry G., Sgt
G Hafner, Duane H., Sgt
None
F None
Hardman, Albert F. “Al”, Jr., 1Lt
P Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 1Lt
CP Morgan, John A., 2Lt
None
N None
Hagerman,
Millard
W.,
2Lt
B
E Freiler, Walter C., Sgt
R McDonald, Thomas E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509 (did not take off –
engine trouble) (only pilot listed – likely
crew is)
None
N Napple, Francis L., 2Lt
Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), T/Sgt
Jacobs, Harry E., Cpl
None
F None
446th BS War Diary: Two missions are flown with a small mail call in the afternoon.
TARGET: Vado Viaduct, Italy
DATE: 6 July 1944
446th Planes: 1
th
Lt. Muzinich, 447 Sqdn. led the formation. Splendid concentration in target area, with
most bombs observed towards S end of bridge. Bridge reported out in two places before
bombing. Another span knocked out by this formation. Pilot Nall killed, seven
wounded. “Window” used. Flak was heavy, intense and accurate. Nineteen planes
holed.
Muzinich, Anthony L. “Tony”, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Nall, John G., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Pad”
P Fontaine, Eugene A., Jr., 2Lt
B Gilligan, John W., 2Lt
E Kane, Ronald J., Sgt
R Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., T/Sgt
G Burrow, Isom F., Cpl
F None
TARGET: Todi HQ and Dump, Italy
DATE: 6 July 1944
446th Planes: 1
Lt. Furey, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. Few scattered hits in target area. Possible hits
on buildings in SE corner of area. Flak was heavy, intense, fairly accurate. Seven planes
holed.
Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
B Hogman, Frans H., F/O
F None
TARGET: Todi HQ and Dump, Italy
DATE: 6 July 1944
446th Planes: 1
th
Lt. Russell, 445 Sqdn. led the formation. Majority of bombs in target area with
concentration in S section. One concentration reported W of tracks in town covering a
road junction there. Flak was heavy, moderate and fairly accurate to inaccurate. No
fighters.
Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
R Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt
F None
TARGET: Pistoia and Lucia, Italy
DATE: 6 July 1944
Type of Bombs: Front Post Pamphlets.
446th Planes: 4
Lt. Sampson led the formation. Pamphlets successfully dropped. Six bursts of flak, no
fighters.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt
None
Casper, Henry G., Sgt
None
Goff, Leroy Robert, Jr., 1Lt
None
Henry, Scott G., Sgt
S/Sgt
None
N Robertson, Charles W., 1Lt
G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27745
Church, Edwin Adem, 1Lt
Peterson, Frederick I., 2Lt
None
Nemet, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt
Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, S/Sgt
Miles, Walter J., Jr., T/Sgt
None
Co-Pilot: White
Target: Pistoia and Lucia, Italy
White, Frank B., 2Lt, pilot
“Practice bombing mission with Burandt. 5 bombs, CE-109. Reading all afternoon.
Meeting in Officer’s Club @ 1900, few boys got promoted, air medals given out. Rec’d
my first Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal. Rec’d 2 letters from Ma. To show, Danny Kaye
“Up in Arms” – Excellent.
447th BS War Diary: The following combat officers and combat enlisted men received
wounds while participating in today’s raid on Vado Viaduct: 1st Lt. Claude F. Jones; 2nd
Lt. William H. Wigmore; 2nd Lt. Paul H. Noe Jr.; 2nd Lt. Robert M. James; 2nd Lt. Edward
J. Stanley, 2nd Lt. Harold N. Lindell; 2nd Lt. James N. Watson; Staff Sergeant Robert W.
Koecher; Staff Sergeant Robert R. Vineski. 2nd Lt. John G. Nall, pilot; was killed in
action while participating in the Vado Viaduct raid. The following enlisted men were
assigned to this squadron per SO 105-321st Bombardment Group Headquarters: Sergeant
Homer Leffler; Private David Budowsky; Private Warren E. Evans; Private Naseem J.
Haik; Private Haskell R. Oden; Private Jack Kantrowitz; Private Edward J. Drabinski;
Private First Class Giuseppe Congelosi; Private Jack B. Luck. Today’s training consisted
of local transitions.
Budowsky, David (NMI), Pvt, communications
Congelosi, Giuseppe (NMI), PFC, transportation
Drabinski, Edward J., Pvt, transportation
Evans, Warren E., Pvt, transportation
Haik, Naseem J., Pvt, duty soldier
James, Robert M., 2Lt, bombardier
Jones, Claude F., 1Lt, bombardier
Kantrowitz, Jack (NMI), Pvt, transportation
Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Leffler, Homer (NMI), Sgt, mess
Lindell, Harold N., 2Lt, navigator
Luck, Jack B., Pvt, communications
Muzinich, Anthony L. “Tony”, 2Lt, pilot
Noe, Paul H., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier
Oden, Haskell R., Pvt, transportation
Stanley, Edward J., 2Lt, bombardier
Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Watson, James N., 2Lt, bombardier
Wigmore, William H., 2Lt, pilot
of our ships participated in a raid on Vado Viaduct, L-814290, with Lt. Muzinich, leading
the mission. A splendid concentration of bombs in target area in spite of heavy flak, with
most bombs towards south end of bridge. The bridge was cut in two places before our
bombing. Another span was knocked out by our formation. All eighteen of our ships
were holed by flak. Bombing accuracy – 41 %; Mission efficiency – 34 %.
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
Cassidy, Charles F., Jr., Col, HQ 321st
BG
Lindell, Harold N., 1lt
N None
R Orloff, Stanley (NMI), T/Sgt
G Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt
None
None
F
A/C No. 43-4060 “Cover Girl”
P Martin, William H., Jr., 1Lt
CP Woods, Richard J., 2Lt
None
N None
B Gould, Joe W., F/O
E Mabbutt, William T., Sgt
R Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt
G Abbondanza, Anthony J., Sgt
None
F None
P Nall, John G., 2Lt
None
N None
Watson, James N., 2Lt
B Stanley, Edward J., 2Lt
Engels, Robert W., Sgt
R Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”,
S/Sgt
G Mitchell, Rennie (NMI), 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
Wakeley, Charles G., III, 2Lt
Willis, Richard L., 2Lt
None
Veid, Joseph (NMI), Cpl
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
Aloysius”
Burns, Robert J., 2Lt
None
None
Monger, Samuel A. “Sam”, Jr., 2Lt
Jensen, Herbert P. J., 2Lt
None
Mango, Vincent A. “Vince”, Sgt
None
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
Mercea, George (NMI), S/Sgt
None
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
None
Partee, Watson L., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4009 “Double-O-Nine”
Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 1Lt
Anderson, Sherman E., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27718
None
None
Rice, Ernest C., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27473 “Paper Doll”
P Grimse, Ralph T., 2Lt
CP Cunningham, Robert T., 2Lt
N None
B Rosenbledt, James M., 2Lt
E Baldridge, Grant W., S/Sgt
G Harriman, Elmon P., Sgt
F
A/C No. 43-27785
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-27701
None
Not listed – likely Balling, Robert J.,
S/Sgt
Weather”)
None
Mathews, William E., T/Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Mango, Vincent A. "Vince", Sgt, aerial gunner (Mission 26)
“Target: Vado Viaduct Bologna Flak: HIA 12 min Combat: 2:20 Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: Spits
Plane # 79 (43-4079 “Little David)
Crew: P-Lt Monger
CP-Lt Jensen B-Lt Mesna E-Sgt Smith R-Sgt Fiocca G-Sgt Mango
Lt Nall KIA. Lt Watson & Lt Stanly both seriously wounded and hospitalized. Lt James,
Lt Lindell, Lt Wigmore, Lt Noe, SSG Vineski & SSG Koecher were wounded lightly but
not hospitalized. All aircraft holed. Four making single engine landings. Splendid
concentrations in target area despite heavy flak w/most bombs on S end of Bridge.
Bridge reported out in 2 places.”
Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt, radio-gunner James, Robert M., 2Lt, bombardier
Jensen, Herbert P. J., 2Lt, pilot
Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Lindell, Harold N., 1lt, navigator
Mesna, Leeland A. “Lee”, 2Lt, bombardier
Monger, Samuel A. “Sam”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Smith, William L., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Mission 284 (423): At 09:20 18 planes off to bomb Todi Organization RR/sheds at
Poretta Terme and dropped 136 x 500 bombs at 10:41 from 11,000 feet. 8 bombs were
not dropped because panel lights failed to work. All planes returned at 11:55. Area
cover by Spits. Crews report majority of bombs in target area, concentration in S section,
other bombs fell W of tracks in town covering the R/J. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate flak
from IP and from batteries S of target. Some reports of brown colored puffs but no
planes holed. Weather: CAVU at target.
A/C No. 43-27715
None
CP Tilton, Harvey S., 2Lt
N None
B Young, Robert B., 2Lt
E Bell, Flavious J., S/Sgt
R Doughty, Paul V., S/Sgt
G Trigler, Louis E., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Out”
None
Clark, Gwyn E., T/Sgt
None
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Blasingame, Emory J., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27726
Shear, Meyer (NMI), 2Lt
None
Shaw, Charles W., 2Lt
Haack, Cecil J., Sgt
Goldstein, George (NMI), S/Sgt
Wald, Douglas A., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27528
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
None
DeGeorge, Herman (NMI), Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4027
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
White, Joseph John, Sgt
Groome, Daingerfield M., S/Sgt
None
Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27508
None
None
A/C No. 43-4076
Myers, Harold C. “Casey”, 1Lt
McCue, William M., Jr., 1lt
Rippel, Nat (NMI), S/Sgt
Veeck, Richard W., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27631
None
None
A/C No. 43-4051
P Olson, Orin E., 1Lt
N Bond, Edward N., 1Lt
B Schlenk, Henry O., 2Lt
E Sullivan, James G., PFC
R Fry, Tom M., S/Sgt
F None
P Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 1Lt
CP Stevens, Ray B., 2Lt
N None
E Ernst, David L., S/Sgt
R Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, T/Sgt
G Slafkes, Milton M., S/Sgt
F Sommer, Robert F., S/Sgt
Sadie”
P Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
CP McKay, Donald I., 2Lt
N None
B Malec, Joseph A., 1Lt
E Grim, Robert E., S/Sgt
G Carrick, Kenneth M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27481
Tetlow, John S., 2Lt
None
White, E. T., S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
Friday, 7 July 1944
In Italy, during the night of 6/7 Jul A-20s bomb La Spezia harbor and
motor transport in the area, and resume an attack on fuel supplies during the day; B-26s
and B-25s score direct hits on railway bridges at Reggio Emilia, and over the Fratta River
and possible hits on the Santa Maria di Mugnano bridge and 2 other bridges in the area;
they also hit Collecchio fuel dump, causing many fires and explosions; fighter-bombers
attack Ferrara Airfield, the town of Empoli, and rail lines, bridges, fuel and ammunition
dumps, motor transport, and numerous other targets in the battle area as US Fifth Army
forces complete the clearing of Rosignano; and a detachment of the 346th Fighter
Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, based at Pomigliano begins operating from Piombino
with P-39s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Two missions today against the Sasso and Fratta bridges.
The Fratta bridge was knocked out with a devastating pattern; while on the Sasso one the
terrain made it tough to pick up and as a result it was missed entirely. Nine planes were
holed in the later raid.
Squadrons: 445-18
446- 0
447-0
448-1
Target: Sasso RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0930
T.O.T.: 1044
Time Down: 1147
Squadrons: 445-0
446- 18
447-1
448-0
Target: Fratta RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0950
T.O.T.: 1103
Time Down: 1201
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron furnished 18 aircraft to bomb the Sasso railroad
bridge, Italy. Due to an intense flak barrage, the bridge was not hit according to plan.
Sgt. Lincoln W. Mark, and engineer-gunner, was killed by flak on the mission. Sgt.
Mark, a quiet Chinese lad, was liked and respected by the men. A number of the combat
crews went to the rest camps at Rome and Capri. Lt. Fischer and crew returned from
Catania today. Captains Strenger, Wilson and a crew went on a sea search for a missing
aircraft this afternoon. An oil slick and debris was sighted but there was no trace of the
plane.
Friday, 7 July 1944 (continued)
Strenger, Marshall C., Capt, pilot
Mark, Lincoln W., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Wilson, Victor H., Capt, pilot, Operations Officer
TARGET: RR Bridge 10 mile south of Bologna, Italy
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
Register, Percy D., Maj, Commander
Boucher, Arthur Paul, F/O
Fisher, Sigmund M., 1Lt
Simpkins, Everett L., 1Lt
Poirier, Andre (NMI), Sgt
Miller, Robert Ryal, Sgt
None
P Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 1Lt
N None
B Hagerman, Millard W., 2Lt
E Freiler, Walter C., Sgt
R McDonald, Thomas E., S/Sgt
F None
P Gunder, William H., 1Lt
CP McLaughlin, Elwood F., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Brule, Gordon J., 2Lt
E Hickey, William R., S/Sgt
G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt
F None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
Mark, Lincoln W., Sgt
None
None
Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt
Stone, Donald R., T/Sgt
Plott, John M., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27509
None
Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt
Carney, Robert J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27553
None
Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
None
Pants”
P Lyons, Lawrence L., 1Lt
CP Elliott, James R., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Reddy, John E., S/Sgt
E Cummings, Walter T., Sgt
R Hall, Warren Francis, T/Sgt
G Weaver, Dale W., Cpl
F None
P Hammar, Robert L., 1Lt
N None
R Sauer, Carlton F., S/Sgt
G Decker, Robert J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27740
N Conover, Donald C., 2Lt
B Monk, William (NMI), 1Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
McLain, Damon I., Capt
Weld, Willis R., 2Lt
Sides, Harry F., 2Lt
Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt
DeRose, Louis A., S/Sgt
O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt
Harris, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt
None
Mouse”
Moore, Henry D., 2Lt
Payne, Lawrence J., 2Lt
None
Isbell, Everett N., S/Sgt
Kavan, Lester D., S/Sgt
McClary, Louis E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27733 “Porky’s Baby”
None
Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl
Gambler II”
Duggan, Raymond E., F/O
None
None
P Swanson, Harry A., 1Lt
N None
B Jones, Harvey J., Sgt
E Hawkins, Vernon L., S/Sgt
R Kneisel, Charles W., S/Sgt
F None
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Regular duties.
TARGET: Fratta RR Bridge, Italy
DATE: 7 July 1944
446th Planes: 18
Lt. Jordan led the formation. Excellent coverage of target area with concentration on N
end and N approach of bridge. No flak, no fighters.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Kreider, John L., Sgt
McKearin, William Jerome, S/Sgt
Bender, Thomas J., Pvt
None
Darlene)
Ligon, Walter M., 2Lt
None
S/Sgt
None
Goff,
Leroy
Robert, Jr., 1Lt
P
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs C”
P Jordan, Henry L., 1Lt
CP Born, Walter E., Jr., 2lt
N Franklin, Arthur E., 1Lt
B Mottley, John F., 1Lt
G Burrow, Isom F., Cpl
F None
None
Leary, Gwynn M., Sgt
None
N None
E Lundtoft, Hans G., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Clausen, Lawrence A., 2Lt
None
Schmid, Kenneth L., 2Lt
None
None
Hipson, Robert Graham, 1Lt
Taylor, Richard E., F/O
None
Zelnick, John J., Sgt
Harrison, Hoyt V., S/Sgt
Glendening, George F., Jr., Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
Sweedler, Max (NMI), T/Sgt
None
P Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt
N Kiernan, Noble J., 1Lt
B Chapman, John E., 1Lt
E Leonard, Malcolm B., S/Sgt
G Bruner, Edward (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27745
None
Crozer, Robert L., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
N None
B Leith, William V., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27480
Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt
None
Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt
Bove, Anthony P., T/Sgt
None
Ivankovig, Paul J., 2Lt
None
Lippy, Harvey W., 2Lt
Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt
None
None
None
None
None
Target: Fratta RR Bridge, Italy.
Flying Time: 2:40 (101st mission in MTO)
“Pre-briefed 0820
T.O. 0950
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: Ligon
Ship # 097 (43-4097 “Tiny?” - later “Darlene”) Alt. 10,800
Bombs: 4-1000 #
Demos Position: 1-2-1
Target: RR Bridge 5 mi. N.E. of Ostia (44° 35’ N - 09° 56’ E).
Over target 1103, no fighters or flak. Excellent concentration on bridge.
Signed payroll. Shaved & showered. Rec’d letter from Billy. Wrote Ma,
Grandma, D.F.
Ligon, Walton M., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Captain John M. Hamilton has returned from rest camp, Rome,
Italy. 1st Lt. Svend P. Olsen is on DS at Laredo, Texas, (Flexible Gunnery School) per
orders of July 3rd. The following officers and enlisted men have been assigned to this
squadron per SO 106—57th Wing: 2nd Lt. Robert J. Burns, pilot; 2nd Lt. Richard L.
Willis, co-pilot; Staff Sergeant Gaston G. Poulin, radio-gunner; Corporal Andrew C.
Dubbs, engineer-gunner; Corporal George T. Lejman, armorer-gunner. The following
combat officers have been promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant per orders dated July
2nd: 2nd Lt. Melville R. Bastin; 2nd Lt. Ralph T. Grimse; 2nd Lt. William F. Heitman; 2nd
Lt. Edward Krafka; 2nd Lt. Henry J. Magne; 2nd Lt. Wayne A. Manz; 2nd Lt. Anthony L.
Muzinich; 2nd Lt. James M. Rosenbledt; 2nd Lt Wayne T. Rye, Jr.; 2nd Lt. Marvin L.
Spruill; 2nd Lt. James A. Webb. All combat officers were briefed on, “Escape” at the
officers club at 1845 hours by Captain Robert W. Manly. The combat enlisted men were
also briefed by Captain Robert W. Manly, at their club at 1915 hours. Today’s training
consisted of a six plane formation.
Bastin, Melville R., 1Lt, pilot
Burns, Robert J., 2nd Lt, pilot
Dubbs, Andrew C., Cpl, engineer-gunner
Grimse, Ralph T., 1Lt, pilot
Hamilton, John M. “Doc”, Capt, Medical Officer
Heitman, William F., 1Lt, pilot
Krafka, Edward (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
Lejman, George T., Cpl, armorer-gunner
Magne, Henry J. “Joe”, 1Lt, pilot
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt, pilot
Olsen, Svend P., 1Lt, navigator
Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Rosenbledt, James M., 1Lt, bombardier
Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier
Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt, bombardier
Webb, James A., 1Lt, bombardier
Willis, Richard L., 2Lt, pilot
of our ships flew as spare with the 446th in a raid on Fratta Railroad bridge, - P-775608.
Excellent coverage of target area with concentration on north and west approach of
bridge. The bombs of one element were short of target area. Bombing accuracy -66 %;
Mission efficiency – 84 %.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 43-27791
P Riener, William F., 1Lt
N None
B Bearden, James E., 2Lt
E Hochron, Manuel (NMI), Sgt
R Walker, Jack L., S/Sgt
G Magyar, Steven J., Sgt
F None
In Italy, during the night of 7/8 Jul A-20s bomb areas in or near
Empoli, Agliana, and Lucca, and hit fuel dumps the following day; medium bombers
pound marshalling yards at Novi Ligure, Piacenza, Mantua, and Ferrara and tracks near
Parma; fighter-bombers again blast railroads, roads, and bridges N of battleline, which is
advancing N from above Cecina toward Leghorn; the 17th and 35th Troop Carrier
Squadrons, 64th Troop Carrier Group, move from Comiso, Sicily to Ciampino with C47s; and the detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing [attached
to 6505th Fighter Control Area (Provisional)] moves from Tre Cancello Landing Strip to
Tarquinia with Beaufighters (squadron is based at Pomigliano).
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
One 24 aircraft effort this date--against the southwest choke point of Mantua M/Y.
Pictures showed the choke point well hit as well as numerous units of rolling stock and
road overpass.
Squadrons: 445-0
446- 0
447-12
448-12
Target: Mantua SW Choke Point.
Time OFF: 0927
T.O.T.: 1056
Time Down: 1210
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: There was no operational mission scheduled today but an
extensive training schedule was in effect. Early this morning, 6 ships flew practice
assembly. 12 ships flew on a mock mission but did not drop any bombs due to an
overcast. There were 3 cross-country flights made. There were two mail calls today and
the men were delighted. Supper was not held until 6:15 P.M. The menu was fresh
lobsters, meat loaf, fresh plums, fresh tomatoes, potato salad, etc. Some USO girls ate at
the enlisted men’s club and gave a show later at the theater.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Corporal Dudley is promoted to Sergeant. Lts.
Vivas, Sitts and Sacker, plus EM’s Bove and Jacob go to Capri, while Lts. McRae and
Jaksic and EM’s Maddox, Magnuson, Jupin and Holland go to Rome for a rest.
Bove, Anthony P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Dudley, Jasper E., Sgt, ordnance
Holland, Ernest F., Sgt, ordnance
Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC, engineer-gunner
Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt, bombardier
Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Maddox, Everett R., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Magnuson, Paul E., Sgt, engineering
McRae, James Arrington, 1Lt, bombardier Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt, pilot
Sitts, Lonnie C., 1Lt, bombardier
Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt, pilot
“Notified at breakfast that I was to be on my way to Rest Camp at Rome. Left from 57th
Wing (310th Field). Arr. Rome @ 10:30, staying at Regina Hotel. Sightseeing all
afternoon, Rome is really pretty. Wakeley & I met 2 I-T gals, supper, etc. Dry Run.
Hotel a mad-house. (S.O. # 107, 321st BG, 7-7-44, Par. # 6).
Wakeley, Charles G., III, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
447th BS War Diary: 13 of our ships participated in a raid on Mantua SW Choke Point,
with Lt. Murray, leading our squadron. Bombs started just south of highway overpass
and walked through choke point. Other bombs just short and east and thru M/Y – others
over to NW. Large explosions resulting in flames and smoke in SW part of M/Y.
Bombing accuracy – 54 %; Mission efficiency – 49 %. The following officers and
enlisted men are at rest camp, Capri: 2nd Lt. William H. Wigmore; Staff Sergeant
William H. Burke; Staff Sergeant Robert R. Vineski; Sergeant Robert W. Engels. The
following officers and enlisted men are at rest camp, Rome, Italy: Captain Eugene R.
Hermann; T/Sgt. Harry Nalesnik; T/Sgt. Albert V. Hanley; Sergeant Frank H. Bradbury;
Corporal Peter P. Michelau.
Bradbury, Frank H., Sgt, engineering
Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Engels, Robert W., Sgt, gunner
Hanley, Albert V., T/Sgt, transportation
Hermann, Eugene R., Capt, engineering
Michelau, Peter P., Cpl, communications
Murray, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot
Nalesnik, Harry (NMI), T/Sgt, engineering
None
None
P Runyon, Leroy C., 2Lt
CP Heitman, William F., 2Lt
N None
B James, Robert M., 2Lt
E O’Neil, James R., Sgt
G Flowers, Frank J., Sgt
F Shand, Arthur T., PFC
A/C No. 43-27779
P Martin, William H., Jr., 1Lt
N None
R Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27785
N None
E Applegarth, Smith B., Sgt
R Alpino, Joseph D., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Weather”)
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
None
Blonde”
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
None
None
None
None
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), Sgt
None
Aloysius”
P Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt
CP Walker, Marion E., 2Lt
N None
B Melamed, Meyer G., 2Lt
E Not listed –likely Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt
R Torrey, Francis S., S/Sgt
G Bowman, John (NMI) “Red”, Sgt
F Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
A/C No. 43-27718
P Bastin, Melville R., 1Lt
N None
B Noe, Paul H., Jr., 2Lt
E Mercea, George (NMI), Sgt
R Gaydos, John P., T/Sgt
G May, Frederick J., Sgt
F Burns, Harry P., Pvt
(lead spare – did not fill in due to
mechanical trouble)
P Kibler, William E. “Kib”, 2Lt
CP Brown, Grover C., Jr., 2lt
N None
E Dimondstein, Herbert (NMI), Sgt
R Balling, Robert J., S/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27701
None
Reynolds, Frank J., T/Sgt
Mission 285 (428): At 09:27 24 planes off to bomb Mantua M/Y S choke point and 20
planes dropped 80 x 1000 bombs at 10:56 from 10,000 feet and all returned at 12:10. 12
bombs were dropped due to tumbling of element leader’s gyro. 4 bombs not dropped due
to Bombardier’s error. No flak, 12 Spits escort. Crews report that bombs started just S of
highway overpass and walked through choke point. Other bombs fell in M/Y, there was
a large explosion with flames and smoke to 1000 feet from SW part of M/Y. One ME109 chased by escort, 2 other ME-109’s seen. Weather: CAVU.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27715
Grady, John R., 2Lt
Bergstrom, Donald P., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
None
None
(returned early – flying time 1:00 hr.)
None
Bearden, James E., 2lt
Fry, Tom M., S/Sgt
None
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27528
None
Bell, Flavious J., Sgt
Sommer, Robert F., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-4027
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27726
None
White, E. T., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27791
P Tilton, Harvey S., 2Lt
N None
E Tracy, William G., Sgt
R Corrigan, James F., Jr., S/Sgt
G Mitchell, William C., Sgt
F None
P Leonard, Lee V., 2Lt
N None
B McKinley, Robert H., 2Lt
E Blasingame, Emory J., S/Sgt
R Kielich, Henry J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27523 (wing spare)
N None
B Luckhaupt, Robert W., 2Lt
E Kershaw, Raymond T., S/Sgt
R Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27631
None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
None
Sunday, 9 July 1944
In Italy, weather greatly curtails operations; fighter-bombers attack
rail lines between Empoli and Montelupo Fiorentino with good results; other targets
include roads, bridges and gun positions; and the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th
Fighter Wing (attached to 87th Fighter Wing), moves from Valtone to Solonzara, Corsica
with Beaufighters.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Mission---weather.
445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled today and unsatisfactory weather
prevented any training flights. Some of the bombardiers spent some time on the
bombsight rate machine. Due to the shortage of bombardiers, several of the gunners are
being “checked out” on their duties as wing bombardiers. There was a good attendance
at church services this morning. Some packages arrived today but little mail. A wooden
shack complete with screens replaced the small O.D. and C.Q. tent. Roast beef was
served for supper. An active sports program took place in the evening with the men
participating in baseball, basketball, volleyball and horseshoes.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lt. Hodges is made a 1st Lieut.
Hodges, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot
“Up and ate breakfast, walked around town sightseeing, met I-T have a supper date.
Slept awhile after dinner, then to Red Cross. Took a carriage ride. Date for supper
never showed up. Had a lot of fun with LaBella. Jeemey no good – presto. To bed
early.”
LaBella, Dante (NMI) "GI Joe", T/Sgt, radio-gunner, bombardier, 448th BS
447th BS War Diary: Today’s training consisted of local transition. Usual squadron
duties. Morning report: Officers – 92; Enlisted Men – 341.
Monday, 10 July 1944
In Italy, medium bombers successfully hit marshalling yards, railroad
bridges, and viaducts in NC Italy; weather restricts fighter-bombers and fighters but
several targets are hit, including airfield at Modena and scattered gun positions, rail lines,
and roads; HQ 27th Fighter Group and 522nd and 523rd Fighter Squadrons move from
Voltone to Serragia, Corsica with P-47s; and HQ 64th Troop Carrier Group and 16th and
18th Troop Carrier Squadrons move from Comiso, Sicily to Ciampino with C-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Weather prevented the primary bridge at Acquasanta and
Boccaccio from being bombed so the formation attacked the alternates at Recco and
Bogliasco. Crews reported both objectives well knocked out but pictures showed that the
446th had whacked the Sori RR bridge instead of the Bogliasco one. A striking similarity
in surround features accounted for the error.
Squadrons: 445-18
446- 0
447-1
448-0
Target: Boccaccio RR Bridge – Bombed alt. Recco Rail Viaduct.
Time OFF: 0935
T.O.T.: 1121
Time Down: 1205
Squadrons: 445-0
446- 17
447-0
448-1
Target: Acquasanta RR Viaduct – Bombed alt. Bogliasco Viaduct.
Time OFF: 0935
T.O.T.: 1121
Time Down: 1205
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 18 aircraft for the group which bombed the
rail viaduct at Recco, Italy with a bombing accuracy of 100 per cent. There were 3 crosscountry flights made and some of the bombardiers were checked out on the bombsight
rate machine. Lt. Jackson, Assistant Intelligence Officer, gave a lecture on escape
procedure to the combat crews. A large detailed map of the entire Pacific area was put up
in the intelligence office. Some mail and packages arrived today. Beer was served in the
evening. The movie for tonight was “Tampico” with Lynn Bari and Edward G.
Robinson. Severe wind which whipped clouds of dust into the crowd detracted from the
enjoyment of a good movie.
Jackson, James O., 2Lt, intelligence
TARGET: Recco Rail Viaduct
P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 1Lt
B Yepez, Oscar W., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 2Lt
None
Marinucci, Andrew J., Sgt
Kneisel, Charles W., S/Sgt
Valley, Arnold E., Sgt
None
Place,
Winston R., 1Lt
P
CP Moore, William H., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Krause, Richard E. “Dick”, 2Lt
E Smith, William A., Jr., Sgt
R Stephens, Robert T., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27740
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Eatherly, Joseph A., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27519 (picture of Hulagirl - no name/lettering)
Brule, Gordon J., 2Lt
DeRose, Louis A., S/Sgt
O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt
Harris, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt
None
Spencer, Charles F., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27502 “What’s
Cookin’?” (later “Pretty Kitty Blue
Eyes”)
None
None
Mouse”
P Fischer, Franklyn R., 1Lt
CP Baker, Thomas J., 2Lt
None
Pants”
CP Elliott, James R., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Reddy, John E., S/Sgt
R Gonzales, Alfred R., Sgt
G Weaver, Dale W., Cpl
F None
CP Dyer, Robert H., 2Lt
N Fisher, Sigmund M., 1Lt
E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt
R Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
N None
G Doswell, Richard (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
Wagner, Gerald W., 1Lt
Cassidy, Charles F., Jr., Lt Col, HQ
321st BG
Napple, Francis L., 2Lt
Galindo, Daniel (NMI), 2Lt
Bellendir, John C., Sgt
Pate, Harris B., Jr., S/Sgt
Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
None
Miller, Robert Ryal, Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
Smith, William F., Sgt
None
TARGET: Bogliasco Viaduct, Italy (Alt)
DATE: 10 July 1944
446th Planes: 17
Lt. Jordan led the formation. Bad weather led to bombing of alternate. Good
concentration reported, heaviest at E end of viaduct with some bombs over, on center and
short. Flak was heavy, scant and inaccurate.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Darlene)
Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
Wotkowicz, Frank J., 1Lt
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
Sampson, Allan T., 1Lt
Matthews, John Walker, Jr., 2Lt
None
Farber, Joseph L., 1Lt
McArdle, John R., Pvt
Brugioni, Dino A., S/Sgt
None
Pad”
None
Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
None
None
Harrison, Hoyt V., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27480
None
None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
None
None
None
N None
F None
N None
F None
P Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt
CP Pietrowski, Stanley J., 2Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Leith, William V., 2Lt
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs C”
Jordan, Henry L., 1Lt
Ligon, Walton M., 2Lt
Dunn, Thomas B., 1Lt
Mayo, Jack D., 1Lt
Kane, Ronald J., Sgt
Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., T/Sgt
Burrow, Isom F., Cpl
None
A/C No. 43-27745 (returned early –
engine cut out)
None
Mexal, Gus J., 1Lt
Thornton, Lotus Moody, Sgt
None
Target: Acquasanta RR Viaduct – Bombed alt. Bogliasco Viaduct.
Flying Time: 3:00 (102nd mission in MTO)
“Up early, ate chow, walked thru town, then to Vatican City. St. Peter’s Church
magnificent, never saw anything to compare with it. Beautiful, gorgeous immense, etc.
At 1230 was to present at an audience before the Pope, gave a short speech. Shook
hands, and kissed his ring. Very imposing, feel very small and humble before him. Spoke
in French & English. To Red Cross, cake & coffee. At 1730, went to Opera, saw La
Traviata, very good. Believe Toscanini there (check).”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest
camp, Capri: Capt. W.H. Whitton; 1st Lt. M.L. Spruill; 1st Lt. J.F. McGill; 1st Lt. I.E.
Dean; T/Sgt. A.W. Chatters; Staff Sergeant C.M. Richards. Today’s training consisted of
a 10 ship formation practice and local transition.
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt, pilot
Chatters Aubrey W., T/Sgt, gunner
McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant
Richards, Charles M., S/Sgt, turret-gunner
Whitton, Walter H., Jr., Capt, armament
of our ships participated as a spare with the 445th squadron. Due to cloud layers while
approaching the primary target, Boccaccio Rail Bridge, the alternate, Recco Rail Viaduct
P-135422, was bombed. Fine concentration in target area with majority of bombs
starting at center of viaduct and going west. Other hits in east and on approach with a
few short in water. Bombing accuracy – 96 %; Mission efficiency – 22 %.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 43-4037 “Cherry Fizz” (lead
spare)
P Greene, William A., 1Lt
CP Anderson, Douglas R., 2Lt
N None
B Farris, Stephen C., 2Lt
F None
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 72nd
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO (attached to Seventh Army), arrives at Santa Maria, Italy
from Oran, Algeria with L-5s (first mission is in Aug 44).
In Italy, weather again hampers operations; medium bombers attack a
marshalling yard at Alessandria, hit an approach to a railroad bridge at Chiavari, and
score near misses on other bridges; fighter-bombers hit an airfield at Rimini and attack
fuel dumps, rail lines, gun positions, bridges, and targets of opportunity N of the
battleline as the US Fifth Army engages in hard fighting in the Pastina and Laiatico area;
the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves
from Viterbo to Borgo, Corsica with F-5s; and the 526th Fighter Squadron, 86th Fighter
Group, moves from Orbetello to Poretta, Corsica with P-47s.
52 aircraft took off today to bomb the Alessandria M/Y an immense concentration of
tracks and rolling stock 40 miles east of Turin. Surprisingly no flak or fighters were
encountered and the target was well hit—especially the east choke point which was
smothered by the last flight of nine planes. A large number of box-cars were derailed and
destroyed.
Squadrons: 445-3
446- 17
447-17
448-16
Target: Alessandria M/Yds.
Time OFF: 0823
T.O.T.: 1008
Time Down: 1115
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 3 spares for the mission which attacked the
Alessandria marshalling yards, Italy. Another day of extensive training. Six ships flew
practice assembly, four more went out on the bombing range, there were 3 transitions
flights and one to swing the compass. The personnel tent has been replaced with a
screened-in wooden shack. Sgt. Stanford, the carpenter, is the one responsible for the
excellent buildings around the area. Some mail arrived today. Roast beef was served for
supper. A number of the men are finally getting wooden floors.
Stanford, Hirman P., Sgt, Carpenter
TARGET: Alessandria M/Y, Italy.
(flew with 447th Squadron)
P Daggett, Allen L. “Jerry”, 2Lt
CP Ottinger, Warren F., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27519 (picture of Hulagirl - no name/lettering) (flew with 448th
Squadron)
N Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 2Lt
F None
(flew with 446th Squadron)
None
Gonzales, Alfred R., T/Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: Sergeants Holtzclaw and Langan are reported to be POW.
Holtzclaw, James R., S/Sgt, gunner
Langan, Charles H., Sgt, gunner
TARGET: Alessandria M/Y, Italy.
DATE: 11 July 1944
Type of Bombs: 500 lb. and 1000 lb.
446th Planes: 17
Captain Cooper led the Formation. Three concentrations of bombs reported. One at N
choke point and at E end of RR bridge, another starting at engine sheds center of M/Y
and across tracks into N central part of town, the third short and across choke point
around highway overpass. Other bombs were scattered about. Several fires and one
explosion observed in M/Y. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Wojcik returned early.
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs C” (returned
early – accidental salvo of bombs)
P Wojcik, Walter (NMI), 2Lt
N None
B Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt
E Davis, Virgil F., Sgt
R McCarty, Lyle (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
P Gibbons, George H., 2Lt
CP Wozniak, Stanley E., 2Lt
N None
G Borrow, Isom F., Cpl
F Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical
(observer)
Cooper, Paul T., Capt, Commander
Franklin, Arthur E., 2Lt
Mottley, John F., 1Lt
Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt
S/Sgt
F None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
None
Hogman, Frans H., 2Lt
Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27499
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt
None
Goff,
Leroy
Robert, Jr., 1Lt
P
N None
R McFarland, Charles W., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27480
Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 1Lt
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
DeAngelo, Ralph J., Sgt
Larson, Ralph L., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27745
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Briles, Connolly O., 2Lt
None
Ricke, Richard O., Sgt
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
None
A/C No. 43-27747
N None
R Heery, Philip M., Sgt
G Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt
F None
None
None
Co-Pilot: unknown A/C B-25D
Flying Time: 3:10 (103rd mission in MTO)
“Up early – ate chow, then packed prior to leaving. Took bus out to Littorio A.P., Left
for Corsica. Landed 1130, back to camp. Got PX rations. Rec’d letters from Louise, M.
Mooney, H.Y. Maguire, and Billy. Wrote Ma, H.Y.M., Louise, Alice.
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest
camp, Rome, Italy: Capt. E.R. Hermann; T/Sgt. Harry Nalesnik; T/Sgt. A.V. Hanley;
Sgt. F.H. Bradbury; Cpl. Peter P. Michelau. Captain Robert W. Manly has been
appointed squadron voting officer. The following officers and enlisted men have
departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: Captain Robert W. Manly; 1st Lt. John J. Thomas;
S/Sgt. Edward H. Jampsa; S/Sgt. Harold E. Fowler; Sgt. David Jaffe; Pfc. John C.
Jablonsky.
Bradbury, Frank H., Sgt, engineering
Fowler, Harold E., S/Sgt, gunner
Hanley, Albert V., T/Sgt, transportation
Hermann, Eugene R., Capt, engineering
Jablonsky, John C., PFC, engineering
Jaffe, David (NMI), Sgt, communications
Jampsa, Edward H., S/Sgt, armament
Michelau, Peter P., Cpl, communications
Nalesnik, Harry (NMI), T/Sgt, engineering
Thomas, John J., 1Lt, pilot
of our ships participated in a raid on Alessandria, M/Ys, with Lt. Murray, leading the
mission. Three concentration of bombs, one at North Choke Point, and at East end of
Railroad Bridge. Another starting at engine sheds in center of M/Ys and across tracks
into north central part of town. The third was short and across east choke point around
highway overpass.
A/C No. 43-27718
P Gillis, John R., 2Lt
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-4069 “Ruptured Duck”
None
None
CP Willis, Richard L., 2Lt
N None
E Tollefson, Walter F., K., S/Sgt
F None
N None
G Fowler, Harold E., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, Commander
Cameron, William D. “Bill”, Jr., Maj,
HQ 321st BG
Thomas, Robert E., 1Lt
Windler, John H., 1Lt
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
None
(returned early)
Ramey, Gordon A. “Gordy”, 2lt
None
Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt
Dubbs, Andrew C., Cpl
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-28082 “Traveling
Comedy” (later “Modern Maiden”)
P Monger, Samuel A. “Sam”, Jr., 2Lt
CP Wiechert, Stanley J., 2Lt
N None
E Smith, William L., Sgt
G MacNeil, Joseph W., S/Sgt
F Burns, Harry B., Pvt
A/C No. 43-27636
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27785
N None
E Partee, Watson L., Sgt
R Chatters, Aubrey W., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
None
None
Aloysius”
None
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
Weather”)
Wood, Richard J., 2Lt
None
Gould, Joe W., F/O
Mabbutt, William T., S/Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet
Mrs. Runyon)
N None
R Keefe, John A., S/Sgt
F None
Blonde”
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
None
Mission 286 (431): At 08:23 52 planes off to bomb Alessandria M/Y and 46 dropped
318 x 500 and 24 x 1000 bombs at 10:08 from 10,000 feet. 3 planes did not drop because
of Bombardier’s error, 3 other planes returned bombs because of malfunction of bomb
sight. No flak was fired at formation and all planes down at 11:15. Crews report one
concentration of bombs on N choke point and E end of RR/B. Another string started at
Center of M/Y and across tracks into N central part of town, another pattern fell short and
across E choke point and highway overpass. Hits were observed along W side of M/Y in
maintenance yard and in engine sheds. Some bombs fell in town and explosions and fires
were seen. Weather: CAVU over target.
A/C No. 43-27715
P Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 1Lt
CP Greene, William A., 1Lt
N Duncan, George F., 1Lt
E Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt
R Parham, James E., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27631
P Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt
CP Goff, Melvin Franklin, 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27528
None
McCue, William M., Jr., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
None
A/C No. 43-4076
CP Norris, Grafton R., 2Lt
N None
B Kukorowski, Albert A., 1Lt
G Irvine, Josef F., PFC
F None
(returned early – flying time: 1:55 hrs.)
P Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
CP Tilton, Harvey S., 2Lt
N None
G Crow, Roscoe J., PFC
F None
P Howard, Charles E., 1Lt
N None
B Burday, Harry (NMI), 1Lt
G Clark, Raymond S., S/Sgt
F None
P Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
CP Moyer, Emerson C., 2Lt
N None
E Roberts, Charles J., Sgt
F Groome, Daingerfield M., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27726
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt
Knudtson, Orville Fred, S/Sgt, 9th
Combat Camera
Sadie”
None
Wilkinson, Robert M., S/Sgt
Bowman, William E., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27523
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-28081
N None
E Grim, Robert E., S/Sgt
R Holtzendorf, Henry (NMI), S/Sgt
G Knauss, Charles F., Sgt
A/C No. 43-4051
CP Leonard, Lee V., 2Lt
N Bond, Edward N., 1Lt
G Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27481
P Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt
Commander
N Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 2Lt
B McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 1Lt
E Bergstrom, Donald P., Sgt
G Haack, Cecil J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27791
None
None
A/C No. 43-27805 “Desirable”
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
None
White, E. T., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27648 “Sweetie” (returned
early – flying time 1:10)
Riener, William F., 1Lt
None
None
In Italy, A-20s bomb scattered motor transport in the FlorenceLeghorn area during the night of 11/12 Jul; medium bombers begin Operation
MALLORY MAJOR against road and rail bridges over the Po River during the day; A20s continue attacking ammunition supplies; fighter-bombers hit barges and small boats
on the Arno River and attack roads, ammunition dumps, gun positions, tracks, vehicles,
and a number of other targets in that general area N of the battleline; HQ 86th Fighter
Group and the 525th and 527th Fighter Squadrons move from Orbetello to Poretta, Corsica
with P-47s; and the 86th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group
(Light), moves from Ombrone Airfield to Poretta, Corsica with A-20s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The long awaited offensive against the Po Valley bridges
begins today.
The target for our 38 planes---Ostiglia Road and RR Bridge. The crews and pictures
indicate an excellent concentration on the bridge but no spans down.
Squadrons: 445-18
446- 1
447-1
448-18
Target: Ostiglia R. & RR Bridges.
Time OFF: 0840
T.O.T.: 1020
Time Down: 1127
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Lt. Joseph W. Manske was appointed Squadron Engineering
Officer. There were four cross country flights today. Several officers from the squadron
attended a party for Major Larson, formerly a navigator for this squadron. In the course
of the night’s proceedings, Capt. Nickerson upset the dope by throwing Capt. Strenger in
a wrestling match.
Larson, Harold W., Maj, navigator
Manske, Joseph W., 2Lt, Engineering
Nickerson, James E., Capt, intelligence
Strenger, Marshall C., Capt, pilot
Squadron Mission: 304
TARGET: Ostiglia R. & RR Bridges.
The squadron sent out 18 aircraft to join the formation which bombed the Ostiglia road
and railroad bridge, Italy with a bombing accuracy of 100 per cent.
Gambler II”
P Wagner, Gerald W., 1Lt
CP Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt
N Sharp, Kenneth R., Capt
E York, Rufus (NMI), S/Sgt
R Kintly, James E., T/Sgt
G Jacobs, Harry E., Cpl
F None
P Dyer, Robert H., 2Lt
F None
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27740
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Smith, Raymond (NMI), 1Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Jones, Harvey J., S/Sgt
Arcuri, John M., Sgt
None
None
Mouse”
None
Hope, Amos (NMI), S/Sgt
Bellendir, John C., S/Sgt
None
N None
R Kavan, Lester D., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
P McLaughlin, Elwood F., Jr., 2Lt
CP Gunder, William H., 1Lt
N None
B Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt
E Doswell, Richard (NMI), S/Sgt
G Swingholm, Raymond J., T/Sgt
F None
CP Payne, Lawrence J., 2Lt
N None
E Bertling, Gerald M., Sgt
G McClary, Louis E., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
Woody, Louie M., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27502 “What’s
Eyes”)
None
None
None
None
None
Smith, William A., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
McDonald, Thomas E., Sgt
None
Pants”
Lyons, Lawrence L., 1Lt
None
None
446th BS War Diary: Regular routine. A small mail call.
TARGET: Ostiglia Rd. and RR Bridge, Italy
DATE: 12 July 1944
446th Planes: 1
th
Lt. Furey, 448 Sqdn. led the formation. Heaviest concentration of bombs reported on
SW end and approach to target, with several reports of strings across center and a few to
NE end and approach. Several direct hits on target. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate.
One plane holed no fighters.
Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt, pilot, 448 BS
Pad” (lead spare)
E Bender, Vernon I., S/Sgt
R Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt
F None
“Not scheduled. Took laundry into Solenzara. Reading “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” –
very good. Tired, sacked most of the afternoon. Rec’d letters from Alice, J. McInerney,
Pa, Ma. Wrote Pa, Mac.”
447th BS War Diary: Cpl. James T. McGinty has been relieved of assignment and
transferred to Personnel Center No.6, for transshipment to the United States. Today’s
training consisted of a test hop.
McGinty, James T., Jr., Cpl, Chemical Warfare Service
of our ships participated in a raid on Ostiglia Road and Railroad Bridge, F-745114 as
spare with the 448th squadron. Heavy concentration of bombs on SW end and approach
to target with several strings across center and a few on NE end and approach. Several
direct hits and a few bombs in town area both to NW and SW. Bombing accuracy – 76
%; Mission efficiency – 76 %.
(previously “Shoo-Shoo Baby!”) (spare
- completed mission)
P Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
CP Jensen, Hubert P. J., 2Lt
N Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt
B Spruill, Marvin L., 1Lt
E Partee, Watson L., Sgt
R Alpino, Joseph D., S/Sgt
G Mango, Vincent A. “Vince”, Sgt
F None
“Target: Ostiglia RR Br.
Flak: HIS
Combat: 2:45
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 476 (43-27476 “Lovely Lady” - previously “Shoo-Shoo
Baby!”)
Crew: P-Lt. Dean, CP-Lt Jensen, B-Lt Spruill, N- Lt Lindell, E-Sgt Partee, R-SSG Alpino,
G-Sgt Mango
Heaviest concentration of bombs reported on SW end and approach to target w/several
strings across center and on NE end.”
Alpino, Joseph D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Jensen, Hubert P. J., 2Lt, pilot
Partee, Watson L., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Mission 287 (432): At 08:40 38 planes off to bomb Ostiglia R and RR/B and 34 dropped
136 x 1000 SAP bombs at 10:27 from 10,000 feet. Four planes did not drop due to
Bombardier’s error. All planes returned at 11:27. Heavy, scant and inaccurate flak, no
planes holed. Crews report strings of bombs across SW portion of bridge and approach,
fotos show direct hit on N end of bridge and good concentration on S with probable hits.
Smoke pots were used to obscure the target. Weather: CAVU at target.
P Howard, Charles E., 1Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27508
P Kruse, Milford E., 2Lt
N None
B Mallin, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt
G Groome, Daingerfield, M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
None
A/C No. 43-27631
N None
B Shaw, Charles W., 2Lt
E Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
R Hassenbein, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt
G Congdon, Harry W., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
Connor, John C., 2Lt
None
DeGeorge, Harman (NMI), Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4051
None
None
Sadie”
None
A/C No. 43-27523
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-4027
None
None
A/C No. 43-27791
Barbour, Marshall H. “Red”, 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-28081
Bard, John A., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27715
None
A/C No. 43-27726
None
Fry, Tom M., S/Sgt
White, E. T., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27528
None
None
A/C No. 43-27481
Grady, John R., 2Lt
Duncan, George F., 1Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt
Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt
None
Out”
Clark, Raymond S., S/Sgt
None
In Italy, medium bombers again bomb bridges in the Po River Valley;
A-20s hit an ammunition plant; and fighter-bombers attack targets, mainly railroads, in
areas N of the Arno River in advance of the battlefront. On Corsica, HQ 87th Fighter
Wing moves from Vescovato to Furiani; and the 524th Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter
Group, moves from Voltone, Italy to Serragia with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: 100 pounders against bridges wasn’t too extraordinary
considering that our targets were the pontoon bridges at Sermide and Ficarola and the
“lightweights” were expected to finish them off. The Sermide bridge was well hit
severing the bridge in two places but the Ficarola one still stands after today’s onslaught.
25 aircraft again scored direct hits on the Ostiglia Road and RR Bridge on the
afternoon mission this date. However, the bridge is still standing.
Squadrons: 445- 1
446- 0
447- 15
448- 3
Target: Sermide Pontoon Rd Bridge.
Time OFF: 0838
T.O.T.: 1020
Time Down: 1122
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 17
447- 0
448- 1
Target: Ficarolo Pontoon Rd Bridge.
Time OFF: 0847
T.O.T.: 1020
Time Down: 1139
Squadrons: 445- 12
446- 0
447- 0
448- 13
Target: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 1700
T.O.T.: 1840
Time Down: 1837
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied one plane for the first mission which
attacked the Sermide Pontoon Bridge, Italy. In the second mission, 13 planes from the
squadron joined the formation which hit the Ostiglia road and railroad bridge, Italy with a
bombing accuracy of 72 per cent. Four ships went to the bombing range, there were 2
transition flights and one cross-country. Some of the bombardiers spent some more time
on the bombsight rate machine. Mail continues to come in very slowly and many of the
men are complaining.
TARGET: Sermide Pontoon Rd Bridge.
N None
F None
TARGET: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge.
P Register, Percy D., Maj, Commander
N Smith, Raymond (NMI), 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
Hawkins, Vernon L., 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
Mouse”
None
None
(returned early)
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
Gunder, William H., 1Lt
None
Wells, Joy E., T/Sgt
None
None
None
None
None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
446th BS War Diary: A large number of our ships go on a mission at 0830 hours but
poor visibility obscures the target.
TARGET: Ficarolo Pontoon Road Bridge, Italy
DATE: 13 July 1944
Type of Bombs: Double load of 100 lb. Demo.
446th Planes: 17
Lt. Jordan led the formation. Strings across both approaches with possible direct hits on
SW and SE ends of bridge. Some bombs in town SW of bridge. One direct hit in center
of bridge, and several E of center. No flak, no fighters. Lt. Hively returned early.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
McRae, James A., 1lt
S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My
Heart”
None
Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 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
None
None
None
Farber, Joseph L., 1Lt
Mygrant, Robert F., S/Sgt
Napoliello, Felix (NMI), S/Sgt
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27480
None
Kaufman, Sanders S., S/Sgt
None
Pad”
None
Bender, Vernon I., S/Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
None
Goff,
Leroy
Robert, Jr., 1Lt
P
N None
F None
P Pietrowski, Stanley J., 2Lt
N None
F None
P Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 1Lt
CP Grove, Russell V., 2Lt
N None
E Aderholt, William J., Jr., Sgt
R Poorman, William H., S/Sgt
G Leary, Gwynn M., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Ricke, Richard O., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs C”
Mayo, Jack D., 1Lt
Bufkin, Francis P., T/Sgt
None
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
None
None
None
(returned early – windshield broken by
cartridge falling from gun of ship ahead
of him)
None
None
Co-Pilot: unknown A/C B-25C
“Pre-briefed 0715
T.O. 0845
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: Wozniak
Ship # 678 (43-27678 “Lemmon Lu”)
Alt. 12,250
Bombs: 20-100 # Demos
Position: 2-1-1
Target: Pontoon Rd. bridge (1050’ x 20’) @ Ficarolo (44° 57’ N - 11° 26’ E). Over
target @ 1019, no fighters or flak. Lot of tumbler bombs.
Rec’d UCFC letter. Combat hrs. to date – 160:05 hrs. Wrote Ma.
Wozniak, Stanley E., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted have departed for rest camp,
Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. William H. Martin; Staff Sergeant Jordon L. Bushnell; Staff Sergeant
Robert W. Koecher; Staff Sergeant Arthur Schwartz; Technical Sergeant Roy J. Dodds.
Today’s training consisted of a test hop logging one hour.
Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt, gunner
Dodds, Roy J., T/Sgt, mess
Martin, William H., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
of our ships participated in a raid on the Sermide Pontoon Bridge, F-869065, with Lt.
Murray leading the mission. One concentration north of center of bridge which severed it
in several places. Another concentration south and west of target on land and in water –
some over to east. Bombing accuracy – 70 %; Mission efficiency – 70 %.
Blonde”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
None
Weather”)
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Fowler, Harold E., Sgt
None
N None
G Richards, Charles M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27785
None
Chatters, Aubrey W., T/Sgt
N None
F None
P Bastin, Melville R., 1Lt
CP Burns, Robert J., 2Lt
N None
E Mercea, George (NMI), S/Sgt
R Gaydos, John P., T/Sgt
G May, Frederick J., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
None
Martin, Wayne R., 1Lt
None
Aloysius”
None
None
None
None
None
N None
R Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt
G Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
F None
N None
E Byrn, Ernest E., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27718
P Gillis, John R., 2Lt
N None
B Spilko, Harold (NMI), 1Lt
E Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr., Sgt
R Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt
G Rose, Clifford A., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27779
None
None
A/C No. 43-27636
None
None
Mission 288 (433): At 08:38 19 planes off to bomb Sermide pontoon R/B. They
dropped 380 x 100 bombs at 10:18 from 10,000 feet, all returned at 11:22. No flak, no
E/A. Crews report concentration of bombs N of center of bridge severed it several
places. Gap of 150 to 200 feet seen. Smoke pots were in operation over large areas.
Weather: CAVU.
A/C No. 43-4051
P Kruse, Milford E., 2Lt
N None
F White, E. T., T/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27481
P Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt
CP Connor, John C., Jr., 2Lt
N McKinley, Robert H., 2Lt
B Bond, Edward N., 1Lt
E Perillo, Anthony L., S/Sgt
R Doughty, Paul V., S/Sgt
F None
None
Bell, Flavius J., S/Sgt
None
Bard,
John A., 2Lt
P
CP Riley, Robert L., 2Lt
E Haack, Cecil J., Sgt
R Goldstein, George (NMI), S/Sgt
G Wald, Douglas A., Sgt
F None
Mission 289 (435): At 17:00 25 planes off to bomb Ostiglia RR/B and dropped 140 x
1000 SAP bombs at 18:37 from 10,000 feet and all returned at 19:48. Heavy, scant and
inaccurate flak, no planes holed. Formation bombed thru ineffective smoke screens but
crews report good concentration on center of bridge with two or three direct hits
observed. Bombs cut SW approach. Empty life raft seen 15 miles N of Bastia. Weather:
CAVU at target.
N None
E Weyeneth, Carl H., Sgt
R Bixler, Frederick F., S/Sgt
G Hersh, Bertram (NMI), Sgt
F Benton, Thomas H., Sgt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27631
P McKay, Donald I., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27523
P Anderson, Douglas R., 2Lt
N None
E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt
G Bishop, William (NMI) “Bill”, S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27791
None
None
Sadie”
None
None
A/C No. 43-43-27668
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
None
None
Carrington, James F., Jr., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27726
P Shear, Meyer (NMI), 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
P Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt
Commander
E Bell, Flavius J., S/Sgt
R Poteet, Edward J., S/Sgt
F None
P Armstrong, Donald R., 1Lt
CP Bell, Albert R., Maj, Commander
B Bond, Edward N., 1Lt
E Bergstrom, Donald P., S/Sgt
R Jacobson, Fred (NMI), T/Sgt
F None
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-28081
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 57th
BW
None
A/C No. 43-4027
Olson, Orin E., 1Lt
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
None
Friday, 14 July 1944
In Italy, medium bombers concentrate on Po River Valley bridges;
600 feet (183 m) (2 center spans) of the Taglio di Po road bridge and 1 span of the
Piacenza rail bridge are destroyed, and damaging hits are scored on the Corbola road and
railroad bridges; fighter-bombers again hit gun positions and lines of communication in
and N of the battle areas while light bombers attack supplies; HQ XII Fighter Command
moves from Algiers, Algeria to Caserta; HQ 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)
and 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Viterbo and Alghero,
Sardinia respectively to Borgo, Corsica with F-5s; and the detachment of the 12th
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)
moves from Follonica to Cecina with F-5s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The Mallory Plan—to knock out the Po Valley bridges—is in
full swing. We took care of another one by knocking two spans out of the Taglio Road
Bridge—the bridge closest to the delta of the Po. Our other mission to Borgoforte was
abortive due to weather.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 13
447- 13
448- 0
Target: Borgoforte RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0946
T.O.T.: 1120
Time Down: 1207
Squadrons: 445- 13
446- 0
447- 0
448- 13
Target: Taglio Rd Bridges.
Time OFF: 0926
T.O.T.: 1120
Time Down: 1220
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron furnished 13 planes to bomb the Taglio road bridge,
Italy with a bombing accuracy of 75 per cent. A second mission was scheduled but the
“stand down” order came in early afternoon. Sgt. Fitzgerald, veteran bombardier, left the
squadron for furlough in the States. There were two test flights and one cross-country
flight made. A plane went to Rome taking men for the rest camp there. It was a very hot
day today. An RAF band put on an excellent show for the men at night. It was
thoroughly enjoyed by one and all who rather anticipated an ordinary show.
Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt, bombardier-gunner
TARGET: Taglio Road Bridge (55 miles NE of Bologna), Italy.
A/C No. 43-27740
A/C No. 4 3-27680 “Stuff”
P Wagner, Gerald W., 1Lt
Commander
None
N Napple, Francis L., 2Lt
E York, Rufus (NMI), S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27519 (picture of HulaA/C No. 43-27545 “Maggie”
girl - no name/lettering)
CP Boucher, Arthur Paul, F/O
None
N None
McGinley,
Joseph
B.,
S/Sgt
G
None
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
None
None
F None
None
N None
None
F None
P Hadsell, Donald M., 1Lt
N None
E Kofmehl, James J., Sgt
R Rockett, James J., S/Sgt
G Walburn, John A., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
None
P Cormier, Emery O., 1Lt
CP Martin, John W., 2Lt
N None
B Knight, Arnold K., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
(lead spare)
None
None
Mouse”
None
Weaver, Dale W., Sgt
None
446th BS War Diary: The squadron has two big promotions on this date. The
commanding officer, Captain Paul T. Cooper, is made Major. Also, to be a major is
Captain Javornisky, one of the original ground officers of the 446th.
Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander
Javornisky, John (NMI), Jr., Maj, Executive
TARGET: Borgoforte RR Bridge, Italy
DATE: 14 July 1944
446th Planes: 13
Captain Kerr led the formation. Turned back due to 10/10 overcast. Flak was heavy,
scant inaccurate.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
S/Sgt
None
None
Bender, Vernon I., Sgt
McFarland, Charles W., S/Sgt
None
None
None
Kerr, John C., Capt
Franklin, Arthur E., 1Lt
None
None
Wiacek, Emil J., S/Sgt
None
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My
Heart”
None
None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
None
N None
G Napoliello, Felix (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
Gallagher, Andrew R., F/O
None
None
P Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 1Lt
CP Born, Walter B., Jr., 2Lt
N None
B Pettit, Robert H., 2Lt
E DeAngelo, Ralph J., Sgt
R Kaufman, Sanders S., S/Sgt
F None
G
F
None
None
Pad”
Chapman, John E., 1Lt
Finney, Preston N., Sgt (error – likely
Heery, Philip M., Sgt)
Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt
None
“Pre-briefed 0810
T.O. 0945
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: R.E. Taylor
Ship # 501 (43-27501 “Sweet Sue Kathy Jeanne” - unnamed to Nov 44. In 45 “Kathy
Jeanne” dropped)
Alt. 10,500’ Bombs: 4-1000 # Demos
Position: 1-3-1
Target: RR bridge @ Borgoforte (45° 04’ N - 10° 45’ E). Target completely covered by
clouds, no bombs dropped. Light, inacc. flak.
Sacked all afternoon. RAF Gang Show put on a show, excellent and very funny.
Very early mission tomorrow a.m.
Taylor, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: 13 of our ships participated in a raid on Borgoforte RR Bridge, (F445113) with Lt. Banks leading the mission, but due to an overcast of 10/10 at L-2080,
the mission was not completed. The following officers and enlisted men have returned
from rest camp, Rome, Italy: Captain Robert W. Manly; 1st Lt. John J. Thomas; S/Sgt.
Edward H. Jampsa; S/Sgt. Harold E. Fowler; Sgt. David Jaffe; PFC. John C. Jablonsky.
The following officers and enlisted men have returned from DS. Cairo, Egypt: 1st Lt.
Robert E. Thomas; 1st Lt. Wayne R. Martin; S/Sgt. Clint R., Collins; T/Sgt. Robert W.
Harman.
Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt, pilot
Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Jablonsky, John C., PFC, engineering
Jaffe, David (NMI), Sgt, communications
Jampsa, Edward H., S/Sgt, armament
Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence Martin, Wayne R., 1Lt, bombardier
Thomas, Robert E., 1Lt, navigator
of our ships participated in a raid on Borgoforte RR Bridge, (F-445113) with Lt. Banks
leading the mission, but due to an overcast of 10/10 at L-2080, the mission was not
completed.
Blonde”
P Neiman, William E., 2Lt
CP Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
N None
E Ifshin, Isidore (NMI) “Sonny”, Sgt
R Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt
G Bauder, Harold R., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27779
N None
F Holmes, Ora E., Jr., PFC
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt
None
None
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Anderson, Lt (observer)
None
Orloff, Sidney (NMI), T/Sgt
Richards, Claude M., S/Sgt
None
N None
R Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, Sgt
N Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 1Lt
R MacNeil, Joseph W., S/Sgt
G Corkill, John (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
N None
B Martin, Wayne R., 1Lt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Weather”)
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
Alpino, Joseph D., S/Sgt
None
Remmel, Earl Howard “The Fox” 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27785
None
A/C No. 43-27718
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27636
None
None
“Target: Borgoforte RR BR Flak: HIS
Combat: 2:40
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 77 (43-4077 “Ann’s Little Boy Val” - later “Stormy
Weather”)
Crew: P-Lt. Dean, CP-Lt Jensen, B-Lt Spruill, N- Lt Rye, E-Sgt Partee,
R-SSG Alpino, G-Sgt Mango
Target covered by 9/10ths cumulus clouds”
Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
Mission 290 (437): At 09:26 26 planes off to bomb Taglio R/B and dropped 100 x 1000
bombs at 11:20 from 10,500 feet. One plane returned bombs because of switch
malfunction. All returned at 13:20. Heavy, moderate, accurate flak from Rimini holed 5
planes. Fotos show two center spans knocked out by excellent concentration. Weather:
2/10th Cumulus at target.
P Furey, Frank M. “Mickey”, 1Lt
CP Blackwell, Robert G., 1Lt
E Perillo, Anthony L., S/Sgt
G Groome, Daingerfield M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4027
Olson, Orin E., 1Lt
None
Fry, Tom M., S/Sgt
None
P Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
N None
F None
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27715
P Mitchell, Robert E., 2Lt
N None
R Wilkinson, Robert M., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27668
P Stevens, Ray B., 2Lt
N None
F White, E. T., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27631
None
None
Sadie”
None
None
None
Bell, Flavious, J., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27791
None
None
A/C No. 43-27481
P Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 1Lt
CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt
N None
B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt
E Carter, Eugene F., Sgt
G Bishop, William (NMI) “Bill”, Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27508
P Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27726
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
None
None
In Italy, the medium bomber campaign against Po River Valley
bridges (Operation MALLORY MAJOR) reaches a successful conclusion (though the
interdiction program against the bridges is subsequently continued on an expanded scale)
as most of the rail and road bridges in the target area are destroyed or severely damaged
by previous attacks and raids which struck bridges at Bozzolo, Desenzano de Garda,
Cremona, Borgoforte, Ostiglia, Polesella, Sermide, Ferrara, Aulla, Filattiera, Ficarolo,
and Chiavari and the marshalling yard at Villafranca di Verona; fighter-bombers attack
road bridges N of the battleline and hit gun positions, roads, motor transport, and other
targets, while supporting ground forces slowly advancing N along a line extending E
from the coast below Leghorn; the 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd
Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Voltone to Follonica with F-5s (a
detachment is operating from Cecina); the 84th, 85th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons
(Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), move from Ombrone Airfield to Poretta
Airfield, Corsica with A-20s; and the 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group, moves
from Castro to Corsica with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Four more missions in the Mallory Plan totaled 87 sorties this
date. The Ostiglia Bridge was again hit—twice; flak reported for the first time in that
area holed 35 planes including those attacking and hitting the Borgoforte and Sermide
bridges. One flight could not clear the clouds going into Ostiglia for the afternoon
mission so they turned around and smothered the Chiavari Rail Bridge—alternate target.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEADQUARTERS
57th BOMBARDMENT WING
APO 650
15 July 1944.
SUBJECT: Congratulatory Message.
TO:
Commanding Officer, 310th Bombardment Group.
321st Bombardment Group.
340th Bombardment Group.
313th Signal Company Wing.
Hq & Hq Squadron, 57th Bomb Wing.
9th Combat Camera Unit.
The following is a paraphrase of a message from the Secretary of War:
“BOTH AIR FORCES OF THIS THEATER OF OPERATIONS HAVE
DISPLAYED THE HIGHEST TYPE OF A FIGHTING SPIRIT AND
DETERMINATION. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE ALLIED COUNTIES ARE WELL
ON THE ROAD OF VICTORY. THE DANGER YOU FACE AND YOUR
CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN BY THOSE ON THE HOME
FRONT. THE SUPPORT THAT THE GROUND ARMIES HAVE RECEIVED FROM
THE SUPERB WORK OF THE TACTICAL AIR FORCE IS ALREADY A MATTER
OF HISTORY. YOUR EFFORTS GIVE A SUPREME CONFIDENCE TO US AT
HOME FOR A VICTORIOUS COMPLETION. CURTAILING AXIS POWER IN
HUNGARY, ROMANIA AND AUSTRIA BY THE STRATEGIC FORCES HAS
CAUSED A UNION BETWEEN THE RUSSION ARMY AND ALLIED FORCES.
MY PERSONAL THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS. I WISH YOU GOD-SPEED
AND GOOD-LUCK IN COMPLETING YOUR TASK AND WE WILL GIVE YOU
EVERY SUPPORT. IT WAS MY DESIRE TO PERSONALLY VISIT ALL
OFFICERS AND MEN. CONVEYING THE GRATUTUDE AND APPRECIATION
WE IN AMERICA HAVE FOR YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WITH DEEP
REGRET I FIND IT NECESSARY TO LEAVE BEFORE COMPLETION OF MY
TOUR OF YOUR AIR FORCE.”
By command of Brigadier General KNAPP:
J. A. McCOUBREY,
Major, Air Corps,
Actg Asst Adj Gen.
A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY:
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt, A.C.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 11
447- 13
448- 0
Target: Borgoforte RR Bridge
Time OFF: 0718
T.O.T.: 0851
Time Down: 1010
Squadrons: 445- 18
446- 1
447- 0
448- 0
Target: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0732
T.O.T.: 0906
Time Down: 1040
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 0
447- 1
448- 14
Target: Sermide Pontoon Rd Bridge.
Time OFF: 0751
T.O.T.: 0916
Time Down: 1045
Squadrons: 445- 7
446- 6
447- 6
448- 6
Target: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge – bombed alt. Chiavari Rd Bridge
Time OFF: 1711
T.O.T.: 1900
Time Down: 2010
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed today. They included 3 bottles of
Piel’s beer which, needless to say, were enjoyed by one and all. The men enjoyed a very
good movie tonight, “True to Life” with Dick Powell and Mary Martin.
TARGET: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge.
In the first mission, the squadron sent 18 aircraft into the formation which attacked the
Ostiglia road and rail bridge, Italy, bombing it with an accuracy of 75 per cent.
Gambler II”
P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt
CP Wilson, Victor H., Capt
N
B
E
R
G
F
Sharp, Kenneth R., Capt
Kintly, James E., T/Sgt
McGinley, Joseph B., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
Cameron, William D. “Bill”, Jr., Maj
Cassidy, Charles F., Jr., Lt Col, HQ
321st BG
None
None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
N None
R Gonzalez, Alfred R., T/Sgt
N None
F None
B Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27740
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
None
Pants”
None
Doherty, Charles S., Sgt
None
Mouse”
None
Miller, Robert Ryle, Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
None
None
None
Knight, Arnold K., S/Sgt
None
None
York, Rufus (NMI), S/Sgt
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
None
None
None
None
None
TARGET: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge – bombed alt. Chiavari Rd Bridge
In the second mission, 7 planes were sent from the squadron on the mission sent to attack
the same target this time with a bombing accuracy of 58-%.
Napple, Francis L., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27740
N None
G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
N None
B York, Rufus (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Jones, Harvey J., S/Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
None
446th BS War Diary: More travelers go to Rome. Two missions are flown. Lt. Kinney
goes to the states.
Kinney, John H., 2Lt, navigator
446h BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 438/mission 438) Group Mission # 438:
TARGET: Borgoforte RR Bridge, Italy
DATE: 15 July 1944
446th Planes: 11
Lt. Jordan led the formation. Concentration of bombs in target area. Strings seen
through N and S ends of bridge as well as center. Other bombs to S of center. Flak was
heavy, moderate and inaccurate. Twelve planes holed, one crewman injured. No
fighters. Lt. Burandt and Lt. Hipson returned early.
“Kathy Jeanne” dropped) (returned
early)
P Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt Ivankovig, Paul J., 2Lt
None
N None
B McRae, James Arrington, 1Lt
E Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt
G Boatright, Benjamin (NMI) “Ben”, Jr.,
S/Sgt
None
F None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
N None
None
F None
A/C No. 43-3989 “My Georgia Peach” A/C No. 43-27696 “Baby Blue Eyes”
N None
Mayo, Jack D., 1Lt
None
F None
None
None
N None
F None
Pad”
F None
A/C No. 43-27480
CP Born, Walter E., Jr., 2Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
dropped from nose art) (returned early)
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My
Heart”
None
Lowitz, Orville W., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
None
TARGET: Ostiglia Road and RR Bridge, Italy
DATE: 15 July 1944
446th Planes: 1
Lt. Hatcher led the formation. Good concentration of bombs across center of bridge.
Direct hits reported on middle span. Some bombs to E approach and in town S of bridge.
Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate.
Hatcher, James T., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS
Admiral” (later Lady Jane) (lead spare
with 445th)
E Britton, William J., Jr., S/Sgt
F None
DATE: 15 July 1944
446th Planes: 6
Lt. Hawkes led the formation. Some bombs short S of SW approach, some in center of
bridge, some over N of NE approach. Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate to
accurate. Lt. Mickel did not take-off.
P Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt
R Sweedler, Max (NMI), T/Sgt
G Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr. “Ben”,
S/Sgt
F None
Pad”
None
Johnson, Henry W., 1Lt
None
None
None
P Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt
B Kiernan, Noble J., 1Lt
E Leonard, Malcolm B., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27497 “Barbara” (failed
to take off due to engine trouble) (only
pilot listed – likely crew: )
P Mickel, Allan T., 1Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Vannah, Harold P., Jr., F/O
None
None
None
Mission: Test Hop
Mission: Test Hop
“Up at 0400, pre-briefed @ 0450, T.O. @ 0715, target RR bridge @ Borgoforte. Last
flight on assembly, had to return to field. Sacked all afternoon. Rec’d 3 letters from
Alice. Wrote Alice. To show – very good.
447th BS War Diary: Usual squadron duties.
of our ships participated in a raid on Borgoforte Rail Bridge, with Lt. Banks, leading the
squadron. Good concentration of bombs in target area. String thru north and south ends
of bridge. Other bombs to south of bridge. Bombing accuracy- 100 %; Mission
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27718
None
None
None
Richards, Charles M., S/Sgt
None
N None
E Byrn, Ernest E., S/Sgt
F Burns, Harry B., Pvt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
Fowler, Harold E., Sgt
None
Weather”)
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Alpino Joseph D., S/Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27779
N None
R Balling, Robert J., Sgt
P Cloward, Glannin A., Capt
N Lindell, Harold N., 1Lt
B Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt
E Freeman, Millard C., Sgt
R See, Russell K., S/Sgt
G Connolly, Paul B., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27785
None
None
A/C No. 43-27636
P Rice, Ernest C., 2Lt
N None
R Mathews, William E., T/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Collins, Clint R., S/Sgt
None
None
Blonde”
None
Gould, Joe W., F/O
O’Neill, Joseph W., Sgt
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
None
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 439/mission 439) Group Mission # 439: 447th
BS did not participate)
of our ships flew as a spare with the 448th squadron in a raid on the Sermide Pontoon
Bridge. A concentration of bombs hit the north approach and south end and approach.
Some bombs to east in water. Bombing accuracy – 88 %; Mission efficiency – 84 %.
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet
Mrs. Runyon) (lead spare)
P Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
CP Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 2Lt
N Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 1Lt
R LaFountain, Ned F., S/Sgt
G Blalock, Joe T., S/Sgt
F None
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 441/mission 441) Group Mission # 441: Six
of our ships participated in a raid on the Chiavari RR Bridge, (P-283356). With Lt.
Muzinich, leading the Squadron. Good concentration of bombs on west end and west
approach. One Cluster over and cutting road north of target and west of road bridge.
Bombing accuracy 100%; Mission efficiency – 100 %.
A/C No. 43-27701
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Aloysius”
None
Weather”)
None
None
P Jensen, Robert P. J., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27636
None
None
“Target: Borgoforte RR BR Flak: HMA Combat: 2:50
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: P-47s
Plane # 77 (43-4077 “Ann’s Little Boy Val” - later “Stormy
Weather”)
Crew: P-Lt. Dean, CP-Lt Jensen, B-Lt Spruill, E-Sgt Partee, R-SSG
Alpino, G-Sgt Mango
Concentration of bombs in target area. Strings seen through N & S ends of bridge as well
as center. Other bombs to S of bridge. Received flak from 3 areas other than target.
Received 1st OLC to AM”
Mission 291 (440): At 07:51 15 planes off to bomb Sermide R/B and dropped 84 x 1000
SAP bombs at 09:20 from 10,000 feet. One plane did not drop due to mechanical failure.
Heavy, moderate, accurate flak all along route from IP. 12 planes holed and one crew
member injured. Good concentration of bombs in target area with possible hits on S end
of bridge and on N and S approaches, smoke pots again seen. Crews reported seeing two
gaps of 100 feet each in target before bombing. Weather: CAVU at target.
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27791 (returned early – no
credit)
P Barbour, Marshall H. “Red”, 1Lt
N None
F None
None
Fry, Tom M., S/Sgt
None
Sadie”
P McCabe, Norman Michael, 1Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-4076
Dalbey, Roy R., 1Lt
None
Johnson, Roy C., Sgt
None
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
None
None
early – no credit)
None
Zinkand, William T., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-4051
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-4027
None
None
credit)
None
None
None
credit)
None
A/C No. 43-27508
None
None
A/C No. 43-27631
None
None
A/C No. 43-27523
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27726
None
None
A/C No. 43-28081
N None
B Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt
A/C No. 43-27715
Farwell, Harold S., Capt
None
Mission 292 (441): At 17:11 25 planes off to bomb Ostiglia RR/B. Formation became
separated due to clouds enroute and 13 planes dropped 49 x 1000 bombs at primary at
18:55 from 11,000 feet and returned at 19:45. 12 planes dropped 48 x 1000 bombs on
alternate target of Chiavari RR/B at 19:00 hours from 11,000 feet. Heavy, moderate,
fairly accurate flak at primary, no flak at alternate, chaff used. Good results on center of
primary with several direct hits scored. Concentration on W end and approach of
alternate with direct hits observed. Road N of target hit. Weather: Scattered Cumulus.
P Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
N None
F None
P Mitchell, Robert E., 2Lt
N None
A/C No. 43-27791
None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
None
A/C No. 43-27481
N None
B Bearden, James E., 2Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27523
Burday, Harry (NMI), 1Lt
None
Sunday, 16 July 1944
In Italy, medium bombers hit bridges in the Po River Valley at
Peschiera del Garda, Mantua, Torre Beretti, Piacenza, Casale Monferrato, and Bressana
Bottarone; fighter-bombers hit railroads and a bridge just N of the battleline as US Fifth
Army forces take territory SE of Leghorn and push to within sight of the Arno River
Valley; British Eighth Army elements take Arezzo and thrust through to the Arno River.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Away from the Po Valley—two formations of 19 aircraft
attacked the Rail bridges at Mantua and Peschiera. Good concentration in both target
areas got the east approach at Peschiera and western end at Mantua.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEADQUARTERS
th
57 BOMBARDMENT WING
APO 650, US Army,
16 July 1944.
SUBJECT: Congratulations.
TO:
Commanding Officer, 310th Bomb Group.
321st Bomb Group.
340th Bomb Group.
Hq & Hq Sq, 57th Bomb Wing
313th Signal Company Wing.
12th Weather Squadron.
Ninth Combat Camera Unit.
The following paraphrased message is forwarded for your information:
“GENERAL EISENHOWER SENDS MESSAGE TO GENERAL EAKER WHO
DIRECTS IT TO BE PASSED TO ALL RANKS. YOUR RECENT OPERATIONS
HAVE BEEN OF INESTIMABLE VALUE HERE. TO YOU AND ALL SERVING
UNDER YOU I EXTEND MY GRATFUL APPRECIATION AND
CONGRATULATIONS. BEST WISHES AND GOOD LUCK.”
J. A. McCoubrey
Major, Air Corps,
Actg Asst Adj Gen.
A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt, A.C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEADQUARTERS
th
57 BOMBARDMENT WING
APO 650, US Army,
16 July 1944.
SUBJECT: Congratulatory Message.
TO:
Commanding Officer, 310th Bomb Group, APO 650, US Army.
Commanding Officer, 321st Bomb Group, APO 650, US Army.
1. The following message from the Commander of the Twelfth Air Force
paraphrased for your information.
(Note: PD = period; CMA= comma; RPT = repeat)
“THE MALLORY MAJOR OPERATION YOU WERE ORDERED TO
COMMENCE ON ONE TWO JULY CMA HAVE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED NO
LESS THAN TWENTY TWO BRIDGES OVER THE PO RIVER CMA IN JUST
OVER SEVEN TWO HOURS CMA BY YOUR WING PD IN THE HISTORY OF AIR
WARFARE I REGARD THIS FEAT AS BEING OUTSTANDING PD TO YOUR
STAFF CMA AIRCREWS AND GROUND PERSONNEL WILL YOU KINDLY
ACCEPT AND CONVEY MY SINCERE APPRECIATION AND ADMIRATION OF
THEIR SKILL CMA ENTHUSIASM AND EFFICIENY PD ON THE PROGRESS OF
THE CAMPAIGN IN THIS THEATRE CMA YOUR EFFORTS WILL HAVE FAR
REACHING EFFECTS PD”
2. In addition to the thirteen PO River Bridges destroyed or made
unserviceable during this period by the B-25’s of the 57th Bomb Wing, nine other targets
vital to the enemy armed forces were successfully attacked as alternates due to effectual
smoke screens on primary targets during this time. I wish to add my congratulations to
all members of this Wing for the splendid cooperation and excellent performance in
successfully completing the operation MALLORY MAJOR in record time.
ROBERT D. KNAPP,
Brigadier General, U. S. A.,
Commanding.
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt, A.C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 8
447- 10
448- 0
Target: Peschiera R.R. Bridge at F-420548
Time OFF: 0836
T.O.T.: 1027
Time Down: 1140
Squadrons: 445- 9
446- 0
447- 0
448- 10
Target: Mantua SE R.R. Bridge at F-493222.
Time OFF: 0825
T.O.T.: 1040
Time Down: 1210
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron sent 9 aircraft on the mission which attacked the
Mantua southeast railroad bridge with a bombing accuracy of 80 per cent. Some of the
combat crews were sent to the rest camp at the Isle of Capri. There were 3 local flights
and two cross-country trips made. Some of the bombardiers sharpened their eyes on the
bomb trainer while another one spent some time on the bombsight rate machine. Lt.
Fischer, a pilot, was named as Assistant Mess Officer.
TARGET: Mantua Rail Bridge.
B Finkhouse, Lloyd L., 2Lt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
N None
G Miller, Robert Ryle, Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
None
N None
B Palmer, Richard W., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
Swingholm, Raymond J., S/Sgt
Mouse”
None
None
A/C No. 43-27502 “What’s
Eyes”)
None
None
446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown. A small amount of mail is called.
TARGET: Peschiera RR Bridge, Italy.
DATE: 16 July 1944
446th Planes: 8
th
Lt. Wiginton, 447 Sqdn. led the formation. Embankment at E approach and the E half
of bridge hit with good concentration. Both reported cut. No flak, no fighters. Lt.
Burandt did not take-off.
Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
PAOLA II” (later PRINCESS) (did not
take off – hydraulic trouble. Ship
grounded after pre-flight)
N None
R Brugioni, Dino H., S/Sgt
S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27490 “Mrs C”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Ottem, Earl R., 1Lt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
Lorentson, Edward H., S/Sgt
None
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
Bober, John M., Jr., S/Sgt
Cifuni, Robert J., Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27480
None
None
N None
B Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt
E Zelnick, John J., Sgt
R DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt
G Glendening, George F., Jr., Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
“Up @ 0600, pre-briefed @ 0625, ship was out of commission so did not go on a
mission. Sacked all a.m., reading in the afternoon. Got a jeep after supper, took laundry
into Solenzara, then took a ride. Enjoying. To bed early, on a mission tomorrow. Wrote
Alice.”
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have departed for rest
Camp, Capri: 1st Lt. H.J. Magne; 1st Lt. J. R. Gillies; Sgt. Clifford A. Rose; Sgt. L.E.
Sheppard. Morning report: Officers – 92; Enlisted Men- 339. With a final score of 4 to
3 our baseball team lost the game with the 409 Bty Co. A. Today’s training consisted of
local transition.
Gillis, John R., 1Lt, pilot
Rose, Clifford A., Sgt, gunner
Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr., Sgt, gunner
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 442/mission 442) Group Mission # 442: Ten
of our ships participated in a raid on the Peschiera RR Bridge, with Lt. Wiginton leading
the squadron. The embankment at east approach and the east half of the bridge hit with
good concentration – bridge and embankment cut. Bombing accuracy- 100 %; Mission
Blonde”
N None
F
None
A/C No. 43-27779
N None
E Morrissey, Raphael E., S/Sgt
R Pierce, William H., S/Sgt
F None
N None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
N None
S/Sgt
None
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
None
None
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
Jensen, Robert P. J., 2Lt
None
Partee, Watson, L., Sgt
None
Grant, James H., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet
Mrs. Runyon)
N None
R Poulin, Gaston G., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4029 “Mike Hunt” (lead
spare)
None
“Target: Peschiera RR Br Flak: None Combat: 3:05
Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 40 (43-4040 “Fearless Fosdick”) Crew: P-Lt. Dean,
CP-Lt Jensen, B-Lt Spruill, E-Sgt Partee, R-SSG Alpino, G-Sgt Mango, F-PFC Holmes
The embankments E approach & E half of bridge hit w/good concentration. Bridge
reported out.”
Holmes, Ora E., Jr., PFC, photographer
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “41st
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed Peschiera R.R. bridge, nice bombing & nice navigation
by Lt. Thomas, no opposition.”
Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt, navigator
Mission 293 (443): At 08:25 19 planes off to bomb Mantua RR/B and dropped 74 x
1000 bombs at 10:40 from 11,000 feet. Two bombs were returned due to malfunction.
Heavy, scant inaccurate flak from Ostiglia. All planes returned at 12:10. Fotos show all
bombs in target area, bridge well hit in center and W portion, smoke pots again used.
Weather: CAVU at target.
Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt
Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt
None
P Holcombe, Dewey R., 2Lt
CP Gladwill, James G., 2Lt
N None
B Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt
F None
P Grady, John R., 2Lt
N None
E Roberts, Clarence J., Sgt
F None
P Anderson, Douglas R., 2Lt
N None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Out”
None
A/C No. 43-27508
None
None
A/C No. 43-4051
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27481
P Matthews, Thomas W., 1Lt
N None
B Mallin, Theodore (NMI), 2Lt
F Sommer, Robert F., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27791
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
None
In Italy, medium bombers concentrate on Po River Valley bridges,
hitting road and rail bridges and viaducts at or near Alessandria, Ostiglia, Bogliasco,
Borgoforte, Moline, Imperia, Asti, Mollere, and Casale Monferrato; fighter-bombers
continue to hit targets N of the battle area, concentrating on bridges and rail lines, while
US Fifth Army elements take Luciana, and reach the Arno River Valley, but make little
progress toward Leghorn; British Eighth Army forces pursue the enemy toward Florence.
25 aircraft bombed the Bogliasco Viaduct as an alternate to the Ostiglia bridge which was
clouded in. Bomb strike photos showed a 45’ section taken out of the center and the west
end caved in.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 13
447- 12
448- 0
Target: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge – bombed alt. Bogliasco RR Viaduct.
Time OFF: 0921
T.O.T.: 1110
Time Down: 1245
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: There was no mission scheduled for today and it was this
squadron’s day for training. Six ships practiced assembly, six more ships made practice
formation flights and three ships went to the bombing range. There were 4 cross-country
flights made. Some of the bombardiers practiced on the bombsight rate machine. Six of
the enlisted gunners received promotions. Two flying officers returned from the Capri
rest camp.
446th BS War Diary: A mission bombs vital railroad bridge in northern Italy. Lt.
Dulaney is assigned to the squadron as assistant Engineering Officer.
Dulaney, Fred H., 2Lt, engineering
TARGET: Bogliasco RR Viaduct, Italy (Alt)
DATE: 17 July 1944
446th Planes: 13
Major Cooper led the formation. First six planes of second flight concentrated bombs in
center of bridge. Second six brought bombs back. First flight bombs hit to E and N of
target. Three aircraft first flight brought bombs back. Flak was heavy, scant and out of
range.
None
S/Sgt
F None
P Cooper, Paul T., Maj, Commander
F None
Chudars,
James E. “Jim”, 1Lt
P
CP Gallagher, Andrew R., F/O
N None
F None
N None
B Finney, Preston N., S/Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
Mygrant, Robert F., S/Sgt
None
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27480
None
None
P Ivankovig, Paul J., 2Lt
CP Rackley, Donald D., 2Lt
N None
E Davis, Virgil F., Sgt
R Cohen, Irwin (NMI), S/Sgt
G Wiacek, Emil J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27745
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My
Heart”
None
None
None
None
“Pre-briefed 0800
T.O. 0920
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: Wozniak
Ship # 696 (43-27696 “Baby Blue Eyes”)
Alt. 10,800’ Bombs: 4-1000 # Demos
Position: 1-2-1
Target: 1) RR Bridge @ Ostiglia (45° 04’ N - 11° 08’ E).
2) Viaduct @ Bogliasco Pieve (8 mi. E of Genoa) (44° 23’ N - 09° 04’ E).
Over primary @ 1109, target covered by haze & low clouds. No bombs dropped, used
windows, no flak seen. Made 2 passes @ alternate, bombs away @ 1207.
Rec’d letter from Mr. Nye. To show “Old Acquaintance” – very good.
Wozniak, Stanley E., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. John Windler, promoted to the rank of Captain, per SO. 196
Hq. Natusa. F/O Joe W. Gould, promoted to the rank of 2nd Lt., per letter from 12th AAF.
The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp, Rome, Italy: Capt. G.A.
Cloward; 2nd Lt. R.M. James; S/Sgt. F.X. Burke; Sgt. F.J. Corbo; Cpl. W.J. Meehan; Pvt.
J.B. Shields. The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest camp, Rome,
Italy: 1st Lt. W.H. Martin; T/Sgt R.J. Dodds; S/Sgt. J.L. Bushnell; S/Sgt. R.W. Koecher;
S/Sgt. A. Schwartz. Today’s training consisted of local transition and practice bombing.
Burke, Francis X., S/Sgt, supply
Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt, gunner
Cloward, Glannin A., Capt, pilot
Corbo, Fred J., Sgt, transportation
Dodds, Roy J., T/Sgt, mess
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
Meehan, William J., Cpl, armament
Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Shields, James B., Pvt, radio-gunner
Windler, John H., Capt, bombardier
of our ships participated in a raid on the alternate target for the day, Bogliasco RR
Viaduct, P-075443, with Lt. Alger leading the squadron. Good concentration of bombs
in target area scoring several direct hits. Weather conditions prevent attack on primary.
Ostiglia RR and Road Bridge F-745114. Bombing accuracy-100 %; Mission efficiency50 %.
A/C No. 43-27779
None
None
A/C No. 43-27636
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Ford, Leonard W., Sgt
Grant, James H., S/Sgt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27701 (early return)
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27718
None
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
Weather”)
N None
R Balling, Robert J., Sgt
CP Brown, Grover C., Jr., 2Lt
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
None
Aloysius”
None
None
(lead spare)
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
None
Blonde”
P Mims, Nathan (NMI), 1Lt
N None
G Bauder, Harold R., Sgt
F None
“Target: Bogliasco RR Viaduct (Genoa) Flak: HIS Combat: 3:20 Bombs: 1,000 lbs
Escorts: None
Plane # 009 (43-4009)
Crew: P-Lt. Dean, CP-Lt Jensen,
N-Lindell, B-Lt Spruill, E-Sgt Partee, R-SSG Alpino, G-Sgt Mango
Bridge hit and 60' knocked out. Also hits to E & N of target. Primary target, Ostiglia RR
bridge covered by 9/10ths cumulus clouds.”
In Italy, A-20s bomb a road junction S of Campi and Sarzana and
attack the La Spezia area during the night of 17/18 Jul; during the day bad weather
cancels medium bomber missions; fighter-bombers, operating on a reduced scale, hit
several bridges, roads, rail lines, and other communication targets and guns N of and in
the battle area as US Fifth Army forces reach Leghorn.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission—weather.
445th BS War Diary: There was a stand by at 1430 today but the mission was cancelled
right after noon chow. As soon as the mission is scheduled, the combat crews invariably
take off for the beach and the mountains for swimming. A truck is provided for them
every day. Five of the enlisted combat crews were sent to the Sates on permanent
rotation. Two test flights were made, 3 planes did some formation flying and there were
two cross-country flights made. More of the bombardiers spent some time on the bomb
trainer and the rate machine. This is a daily occurrence these days and the bombardiers
are getting plenty of practice.
07/18/44: 22:00 hours
“Things are slow. We have been bombing bridges in the Po Valley for the past
month preparatory to the mounting offensive against Hitler’s Gothic line. The weather is
getting very warm. Day before yesterday, Rucker and I went up toward Bastia and saw
some of my Lowry Field buddies; Coupe, Doyle, Creelman and Cunningham. They are
just the same and quite disgusted with Armament. Corsica has become the Britain of the
Mediterranean with all the personnel and equipment that is being deployed here. There
must be another invasion in the plan. I expect August to be the big month of the war.”
Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lts. Hawkes, Chudars, Mayo and EM’s Moore,
Sweedler, Heery and McArdle go to Cairo.
Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot
Heery, Philip M., Sgt, gunner
Mayo, Jack D., 1Lt, bombardier
McArdle, Harry E., T/Sgt, gunner
Moore, Howard M., Sgt, engineering or Moore, Roy E., Sgt, engineering
Sweedler, Max (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Mission: Test Hop.
Mission: Test Hop
“Hawkes & Chudars to Cairo for 10 days rest. Bomb trainer, 1445-1800. Nothing
doing all. On a nickeling mission tomorrow a.m. Wrote Billy, started a letter to Mary
Mooney, will finish tomorrow.”
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. T/Sgt. Arthur R.
Kammerlohr, was transferred to headquarters, 321st Bombardment Group per SO. # 113
dated July 17th. Today’s training consisted of practice bombing mission to Sardinia and
local transition.
Kammerlohr, Arthur R., T/Sgt, personnel
In Italy, weather again restricts medium bomber operations, but in the
late afternoon B-26s hit bridges at Piacenza and Ostiglia; B-25s bomb a bridge at
Sassuolo; fighter-bombers are limited to a few railroad targets as the US Fifth Army takes
Leghorn and moves N; HQ 64th Fighter Wing moves from Orbetello to Santa Maria di
Capua; and HQ 324th Fighter Group and the 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons move
from Montalto di Castro to Corsica with P-47s. The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter
Group, moves from Corsica to Sardinia with P-39s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: One accredited mission today—4 aircraft nickelled in the
Genoa area. Another mission was abortive due to weather before they left friendly
territory—Ostiglia Bridge.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: MEMORANDUM:
19 July 1944---26 A/C took off to bomb Ostiglia Rd., & RR Bridge at 1556 hours.
Formation turned back at 1708 hours at Piombino due to 10/10s cloud cover up to
16,000 feet. Visibility—very poor.
Landed at 1745 hours—all bombs returned.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 2
447- 2
448- 0
Target: Genoa Area (Nickeling).
Time OFF: 1403
T.O.T.: 1500
Time Down: 1620
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 19 aircraft for the mission which was
incomplete due to weather conditions. There was another stand by at 1400 but the
weather remained unsatisfactory and the mission was cancelled. Six bombardiers spent
one-half hour each on the rate machine. There was practice formation flying, transition
flights and several cross-country flights. The men are taking good advantage of the
basketball and volley ball courts. After playing vigorously at each sport, most of the men
usually proceed to the shower in the area to clean up. The situation is ideal except when
the water supply is exhausted.
07/21/44:
“There is much talk about camp today on the subject of the abortive
attempt to assassinate Hitler. Weather windy, cloudy, warm. For several days we have
been trying to knock out a bridge across the Po River without success. I may start flying
soon.”
TARGET: Genoa Area, Italy
DATE: 19 July 1944
Type of Bombs: Pamphlets.
446th Planes: 2
Lt. Burandt led the formation. Pamphlets dropped as briefed. Flak was moderate to
intense, fairly accurate.
S/Sgt
F None
None
None
Mission: Test Hop
“Had breakfast @ 0600, T.O. for Rome @ 0720, land @ 0850. Loaded leaflets in ship
for nickeling mission. Lve. Rome @ 1000, land at base @ 1115.
Pre-briefed 1300
T.O. 1400
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: Reilly
Ship # 496 (PRINCESS PAOLA II) (43-27496) Nickeling mission Position: 1-1-1
Target: Genoa. Over target @ 1505, rec’d hvy., intense & acc. Flak on coast.
To show “What A Woman” – good. Rec’d a package, candy & tobacco from Ma.
Flying time: 02:45 hrs. & 02:30 hrs.”
Reilly, John A., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have been relieved of
assignment and transferred on rotation to Personnel Center No.6, for transshipment to the
United States, per letter from the 12th AAF: T/Sgt. Robert W. Harman; S/Sgt. J.H. Grant;
S/Sgt. C.R. Collins; Today’s training consisted of practice bombing.
Grant, James H., S/Sgt, gunner
Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 445/mission 445) Group Mission # 445: Two
of our planes participated in a successful nickeling mission over the Genoa Area.
(wing spare)
N None
F None
(wing spare)
None
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): The XII Air Force
Training and Replacement Command is disbanded in Algeria.
In Italy, medium bombers continue to pound Po River Valley bridges
in or near Ostiglia, Parma, Mantua, Ferrara, and Alessandria; fighter-bombers again hit
targets N of the battle area, concentrating on rail lines and destroying or damaging a large
number of railroad cars as US Fifth Army forces push to a point SE of Pisa.
The flights in this 36 plane mission to the Ostiglia Bridge split up in their results; the first
flight bombed and missed the primary; the second flight brought their bombs back; the 3rd
flight bombed and demolished the rail bridge at Parma which was their alternate target.
Squadrons: 445- 13
446- 0
447- 10
448- 13
Target: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge – alt. Parma E. RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 1652
T.O.T.: 1845
Time Down: 2010
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 13 aircraft to bomb the Ostiglia road and
railroad bridge, Italy. This target was not hit well, but the alternate target – the Parma
railroad bridge was well hit. Capt. McLain from this squadron led the mission.
“Mississippi Gambler II”, one of the squadron’s oldest ships, crash-landed at Foggia but
no one was seriously injured. Old 434 (43-32434) was crewed by Sgt. LeMaster and one
of its engines had already broken a group record for number of combat hours and was
headed for a wing record when its career ended. More combat crews went to the Rome
rest camp. There was more of the extensive training program today.
LeMaster, James W., Sgt, engineering
McLain, Damon I., Capt, pilot
TARGET: Ostiglia Rd & RR Bridge – alt. Parma E. RR Bridge.
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
None
B Voelker, Joseph M., 1Lt
Kintly, James E., T/Sgt
None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27740
Schweda, George J., 1Lt
None
McGinley, Joseph B., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
None
Rossi, Sam J., T/Sgt
None
Simpkins, Everett L., 1Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
None
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
None
None
None
None
P Place, Winston R., 1Lt
N None
E Smith, William A., Jr., S/Sgt
R Stephens, Robert T., T/Sgt
G Whelan, Edward J., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-3535 “Rum Runner” (lead
spare)
N None
G Weaver, Dale W., S/Sgt
F None
None
None
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lts. Dickson and Phillips return from the states
while Sgt. Dieden and Corporal Bass leave for home.
Bass, John D., Cpl, operations
Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt, pilot
Dieden, Clarence R., Sgt, engineering
Phillips, Lowell G., 1Lt, navigator
Mission: Test Hop
“Not scheduled for anything today. Reading “Last Time I Saw Paris” – pretty good. To
Solenzara and got laundry. Showered and shaved. Rec’d letters from Ma, Billy & Alice.
Wrote Ma, Billy, Alice.”
447th BS War Diary: The following enlisted men have been relieved of assignment and
transferred to Personnel Center No. 6 for transshipment to the United States per letter
from the 12th AAF: T/Sgt. S. J. Samuels; Cpl. J. P. Biel: The following officers and
enlisted men have departed for rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. J. H. Windler; S/Sgt. Andrew
Pelak; S/Sgt. N. F. LaFountain; S/Sgt J. F. Toole; Sgt. T. J. Condon. Sgt. G. W. Currey,
Pvt. W. A. Caston are on DS at headquarters-321st Bombardment Group. The following
officers are on DS Foggia Italy: 1st Lt. W. H. Martin; 1st Lt J. J. Thomas; 2nd Lt. E. R.
Haynes; 2nd Lt. N. J. Lundmark. A congratulatory message, for the excellent bombing
results on the last four mission, was extended to this squadron by Captain T. C. Bounds,
Command Officer.
Biel, John P., Cpl, armament
Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot, Commander
Caston, William A., Sr., Pvt, communications
Condon, Thomas J., Sgt, transportation
Currey, George W., Sgt, communications
Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt, pilot
LaFountain, Ned F., S/Sgt, gunner
Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Samuels, Sam J., T/Sgt, ordnance
Toole, John F., S/Sgt, gunner
of our ships participated in a raid on, Parma East RR Bridge, L-176821 with Lt. Murray
leading the squadron. Good concentration of bombs in target area- bridge well hit.
Bombing accuracy – 90 %; Mission efficiency- 75 %.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
S/Sgt
None
Weather”)
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet Mrs.
Runyon)
N None
B Dawson, Roy C., Sgt
R Keefe, John A., S/Sgt
F None
(early return)
N None
E Dobbs, William R., Cpl
F None
Aloysius”
P Remmel, Earl Howard “The Fox”, 2Lt
CP Washburn, Guy M. “Pappy”, 2Lt
N None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
G
F
None
(early return)
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Partee, Watson L., S/Sgt
None
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
A/C No. 43-27701
None
Webb, James A., 1Lt
None
S/Sgt
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27636
None
None
Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 1Lt
None
Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “42nd
mission, flew with Lt. Bastin, flew as bombardier & bombed Parma R.R. bridge, nice
bombing, flak 3 times.”
Bastin, Melville R., 1Lt, pilot
Mission 294 (446): at 16:52 36 planes off to bomb Ostiglia RR/B and 12 planes dropped
48 x 1000 bombs on primary target at 18:48 from 10,500 feet. Bridge was not hit,
possible hits on N approach. 12 planes did not drop due to failure to identify target thru
clouds. 12 planes dropped 40 x 1000 bombs on alternate target of Parma E RR/bridge
direct hits were scored and all planes returned at 20:10. Heavy, intense, accurate flak
from primary, 8 planes holed. Weather: Haze with 3/10th cover.
A/C No. 43-27715
None
Montoro, John A., S/Sgt (error: likely
Knauss, Charles F., Sgt)
F None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
None
None
None
Kershaw, Raymond T., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27508
CP Riener, William F., 1Lt
N None
G Irvine, Josef F., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27668
N None
E Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt
G Congdon, Harry W., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4076
N None
B Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt
F Edwards, Clarence C., T/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27528
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
None
None
None
White, E. T., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27791
None
None
Out”
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-4051
CP Anderson, Douglas R., 2Lt
N None
E Clark, Raymond S., S/Sgt
F None
In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber operations; A-20s hit a
supply dump while fighter-bombers attack rail and road bridges in the Po Valley and hit
rail lines N of the battleline which is pushing into the Arno River Valley SE of Pisa; and
the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, XII Tactical Air Command, moves from
Follonica to Borgo, Corsica with F-6s (a detachment moves to Santa Maria).
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission—weather.
445th BS War Diary: The squadron had 13 crews standing by for the mission which was
finally cancelled just before noon chow. There were three transition flights made, two
test hops and three cross-country flights. Sgts. Woogerd and Irving returned to the
squadron today. They were the first combat crew members to return to the squadron
from the 30 day furlough to the States. Both boys were well quizzed on the conditions
back home. They enjoyed their stay of course but both stated that they were glad to be
back in the “old” outfit after sampling some of the rules set down by the “PX soldiers”
back in the training camps.
Irving, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner
Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt, radio gunner
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lt. Hodges goes on DS to XII Air Force.
Hodges, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (Co-pilot)
Pilot: unknown
Douglas C-47Skytrain
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 1Lt, pilot (Co-pilot)
Pilot: unknown
A/C Cessna UC-78 Bobcat
“Overcast today, nothing scheduled as yet. To PX for rations. Rate machine 1500-1600.
Rec’d letter from Alice. Air raid alert. Around club all evening listening to the radio.”
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. The following officers and
enlisted men have returned from rest camp, Capri: 2nd Lt. W.H. Wigmore; S/Sgt. W.H.
Burke; S/Sgt. R.R. Vineski; Sgt. R.W. Engels; The following officers and enlisted men
have returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy: Capt. G.A. Cloward; 2nd Lt. R.M. James;
S/Sgt. F.X. Burke; Sgt. F.J. Corbo; Cpl. W.J. Meehan; Pvt. J.B. Shields. A social
gathering took place this evening at the E/M club. Sandwiches were served and the bar
did a rushing business. Music for the occasion was furnished by, “Doc” Smith, and his
boys. Today’s training consisted of a local test hop.
Burke, Francis X., S/Sgt, supply
Burke, William H., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
Cloward, Glannin A., Capt, pilot
Corbo, Fred J., Sgt, transportation
Engels, Robert W., Sgt, gunner
Meehan, William J., Cpl, armament
Shields, James B., Pvt, radio-gunner
Smith, William C. "Doc", Capt, surgeon, 445th BS
In Italy, weather again curtails operations; during night and day
operations A-20s carry out armed reconnaissance of the Lucca, Florence, Genoa, and
Milan areas, bombing scattered motor transport, and attack munitions factory; B-25s
bomb bridges at Ronco Scrivia and Cogoli; fighter-bombers hit roads, railroads, bridges,
gun positions, trains, and vehicles in and N of the battle area, and strafe aircraft at
Bergamo Airfield.
Weather prevented accurate bombing of the primary target at Acquasanta and one flight
bombed the alternate at Cogoleto RR Viaduct. Crews and photos indicated good
concentration with bridge knocked out.
Squadrons: 445- 9
446- 0
447- 0
448- 10
Target: Acquasanta RR Viaduct – Alt. RR & Rd Bridge E. of Cogoleto.
Time OFF: 1700
T.O.T.: 1830
Time Down: 1940
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: There was no combat mission today. Lt. Groh returned to the
squadron today on crutches. He was the pilot who brought a badly crippled B-25 back to
friendly territory to allow his crew to bail out safely. He also bailed out last and received
a fractured leg, his plane crashing in Ghisonaccia. He is expected to return to the zone of
the interior soon. Luxury rations were distributed today including 3 bottles of beer. Six
of the flying officers were promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Some mail arrived today. The
movie “Destination Tokyo” was enjoyed by all at night but strong winds which swept up
huge clouds of dust detracted somewhat from the show.
Groh, Sheldon R., 2Lt, pilot
TARGET: Cogoleto Road and Railroad Bridges, Italy.
A/C No. 43-27740
None
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
F None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Pants”
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
None
Mouse”
None
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora” (lead spare
- returned early)
None
None
None
None
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Sergeant Napoliello gets his orders to return to the
states. Second Lieutenants Fontaine, Forsberg, Gibbons, Hively, Hughes, Sacker and
Wojcik are made 1st Lieutenants.
Fontaine, Eugene A., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
Forsberg, Robert A., 1Lt, bombardier
Gibbons, George H., 1Lt, pilot
Hively, Harold Henry, 1Lt, pilot
Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 1Lt, bombardier
Napoliello, Felix (NMI), Sgt, gunner
Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 1Lt, pilot
Wojcik, Walter (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
“Nothing scheduled today. Played cribbage with Lewis. Rate machine 1430-1500.
Officers meeting @ 1755 – Promotions. Went on ODO @ 1700, took Jaksic’s place who
was sick. Ate at group. Got very little sleep, too much noise. Wrote Ma and Alice.”
Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. 2nd Lt. E.R. Haynes and 2nd
Lt. J.N. Watson, appointed to 1st Lt. per SO # 184, 12th AAF. A baseball game with the
final score 5 to 3 in favor of the 57th Wing, was played this evening at our field. The
following officers have been promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. per SO # 179, 12th AAF.: 2nd
C.B. Christian; 2nd Lt. W.E. Kibler; 2nd Lt. H.N. Lindell; 2nd Lt. W.E. Manley; 2nd Lt. N.J.
Lundmark; 2nd Lt. E. J. Stanley. Six of our planes flew a practice mission formation and
local transition.
Christian, Calvin B., 1Lt, pilot
Kibler, William E. “Kib”, 1Lt, pilot
Manley, Ward E., 1Lt, pilot
Mission 295 (447): At 17:00 19 planes off to bomb Acquasanta RR/B but clouds
interfered with bomb run at primary and therefore target was not bombed. 7 planes
dropped 28 x 1000 bombs on alternate of Cogoli RR/B. 12 planes did not bomb due to
Bombardier’s error. All returned at 19:40. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate flak from Genoa
holed 3 ships. Crews report good concentration on alternate target with strings across
center and W approach. Some bursts on E section of bridge. Weather: CAVU at
alternate, turbulent winds at 8,000 feet.
P Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 1Lt
CP Riener, William F., 1Lt
F None
A/C No. 43-27508
N None
F None
Dalbey, Roy R., 1Lt
None
Burday, Harry (NMI), 1Lt
A/C No. 43-4076
None
None
P McKay, Donald I., 2Lt
CP Grady, John R., 2Lt
N None
E Weyeneth, Carl H., Sgt
F None
CP Farwell, Harold S., Capt
N None
Out”
E Hochron, Manuel (NMI), Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-28081
None
None
None
Benton, Thomas H., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27528
None
In Italy, A-20s bomb and strafe motor transport in the Po River
Valley during the night of 22/23 Jul; B-25s and B-26s hit bridges and bridge approaches
in the Valley, at or near Antoniassi, Acqui, Molare, Ferrara, Ostiglia, Borgoforte, and
Cervo; fighter-bombers, operating in small numbers, hit communication lines between
the battle area (along the Pisa-Florence line) and the Po River Valley; and the 415th Night
Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing (attached to the 87th Fighter Wing), based at
Solonzara, Corsica with Beaufighters, sends a detachment to operate from Piombino.
Despite heavy intense accurate flak at the target area which holed all 19 aircraft the
Ostiglia Road and RR Bridge was well hit with concentration at both ends. Nine crew
members were wounded.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 10
447- 9
448- 0
Target: Ostiglia Road & R. R. Bridge.
Time OFF: 0825
T.O.T.: 1010
Time Down: 1130
Squadrons: 445- 1
446- 0
447- 0
448- 0
Target: Weather Recce Mission.
Time OFF: 0825
T.O.T.: 1010
Time Down: 1130
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The strong wings abated today for which all personnel were
thankful. The squadron did not fly a mission today although one ship went on a weather
reconnaissance mission in the Spezia area. There was to be an inspection by a Major
General today but he did not appear. He was reported to be from Washington and the
area was policed up in very good fashion. More mail arrived today and there was a big
night in the club tonight.
TARGET: Weather Recon.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
446th BS War Diary: July 23 and 24: Lt. Brickner rejoins the squadron from Italy.
Regular duties.
Brickner, Walter H., 2Lt, pilot
DATE: 23 July 1944
Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. GP
446th Planes: 10
Major Cooper led the formation. Excellent concentration in target area, particularly on
both ends of the bridge. One string went through center. Some bombs were W of bridge.
Flak was heavy, intense and accurate, tracking type. 18 planes holed, 9 crewmen
wounded. F/O Vannah was hit in arm by flak. No fighters. Lt. Mickel landed at Borgo
with bad engine and flat tire.
Darlene)
CP Cooper, Paul T., Maj, Commander
S/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27745
CP Briles, Connolly O., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27477 “Boots”
N None
E Cassidy, Warren J., Sgt
F None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 42-64549
None
None
None
Riche, Richard O., S/Sgt
None
None
None
Goff, Leroy Robert, Jr., 1Lt
Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
Wotkowicz, Frank J., 1Lt
Henry, Scott G., Sgt
Lowitz, Orville W., S/Sgt
None
“On a mission today. Col. Smith had a meeting of all officers @ 0630. Funny. No
breakfast.
Pre-briefed 0700
T.O. 0820
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: Maj. Cooper
Ship # 097 (43-4097 “Tiny?” - later “Darlene”) Alt 11,500’ Bombs: 4-1000 # Demos
Position: 1-1-1
Target: Ostiglia RR Bridge (45° 03’ N - 11° 08’ E).
Over target @ 1006, Rec’d hvy., int., and acc. Flak, 20-30 holes. Good concentration on
bridge. 84% accuracy on today’s mission.
Went swimming with Burandt and Lewis. Tent inspection tomorrow @ 0830 by
Maj. Cooper, cleaned then all evening. Bmbdr. Position on missions as follows: Wing
16, Element 34, Flight 7 = 57.
Cooper, Paul T., Maj, pilot, Commander
Lewis, Vernon, 1Lt, pilot
Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men departed for rest camp,
Rome, Italy: 1st Lt. E. Krafka; 1st Lt. W. A. Manz; S/Sgt. P. L. Free; S/Sgt. R. Mitchell.
The following officers and enlisted men returned from rest Camp, Rome, Italy: Capt. J.
H. Windler; S/Sgt. A. Pelak; S/Sgt. N. F. LaFountain; S/Sgt. J. F. Toole; Sgt. T. J.
Condon. The following officers and enlisted men are on DS 12th Air Force to attend a
special school for advanced combat training: 1st Lt. W. C. Huffman; 1st Lt W. F.
Heitman; 1st Lt. R. E. Murray; T/Sgt. W. J. Bilski; T/Sgt. R. J. Valeri; S/Sgt. H. E.
Fowler; Sgt. R. C. Dawson. The following officers and enlisted men received wounds
while participating on the Ostiglia Bridge Raid: 1st Lt. S. E. Anderson; 2nd Lt. P. H. Noe
(SWA); 2nd Lt. S. J. Wiechert, (SWA); 1st Lt. W. E. Neiman,(LWA); 1st Lt. M. K.
Matthewson, (LWA); 1st Lt. H. J. Banks, (LWA); 2nd Lt. R. J. Woods, (LWA); 2nd Lt. R.
T. Cunningham, (LWA); T/Sgt. L. G. Hubert, (LWA). Morning report: Officers- 92,
Enlisted Men – 333.
Anderson, Sherman E., 1Lt, bombardier
Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt, pilot
Bilski, Walter J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Condon, Thomas J., Sgt, transportation
Cunningham, Robert T., 2Lt, pilot
Dawson, Rob C., Sgt, engineer-gunner
Free, Paul L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Hubert Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Huffman, William C., 1Lt, bombardier
LaFountain, Ned F., S/Sgt, gunner
Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 1Lt, navigator
Toole, John F., S/Sgt, gunner
Wiechert, Stanley J., 2Lt, pilot
Woods, Richard J., 2Lt, pilot
Mitchell, Rennie (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
Neiman, William E., 2Lt, pilot
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Valeri, Ramo J., T/Sgt, engineering
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 448/mission 448) Group Mission # 448: 9 of
our ships participated in a raid on Ostiglia Road and RR Bridge, F-745114, with Lt.
Banks leading the squadron. Excellent concentration of bombs in target area particularly
on both ends of bridge with one string thru center of bridge. Some bombs west of bridge
in water. Due to heavy, intense and accurate flak all of our ships were holed, and eight
officers and one enlisted man received wounds. Bombing accuracy-83 %; Mission
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
P Jensen, Hubert P. J., 2Lt
N None
E Quintenz, Robert P., S/Sgt
G Burke, William H., Jr., Sgt
None
F None
None
N None
R Veid, Joseph (NMI), Sgt
G Fiocca, Theodore Aurelio, S/Sgt
None
(early return)
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
N None
E Dubbs, Andrew C., Cpl
S/Sgt
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
None
N Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 1Lt
B Altman, Irving L., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27751 “MMR” (Meet
Mrs. Runyon)
None
None
A/C No. 43-27779
None
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: The 121st
Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, arrives at Pomigliano, Italy from Telergma, Algeria with
L-4s and L-5s.
In Italy, medium bombers attack bridges at Chivasso, Peschiera del
Garda, Imperia, and Ronco Scrivia, and viaduct at Ovada; A-20s hit ammunition supplies
while fighter-bombers attack rail lines in the Po River Valley, destroying and damaging
numerous railway cars, as the US Fifth Army begins regrouping along the Arno River.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Major General Junius P. Jones, the Air Inspector, and
entourage thoroughly canvassed the Group this date.
Jones, Junius Wallace, Major General, Air Inspector
17 of our planes smothered the Peschiera RR bridge. Both approaches appeared out.
Squadrons: 445- 9
446- 0
447- 0
448- 8
Target: Peschiera RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0750
T.O.T.: 0930
Time Down: 1045
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: The squadron supplied 9 planes on the mission sent to attack the
railroad bridge at Peschiera, Italy. The bombing accuracy was 78 per cent. Jane, the Red
Cross girl, served doughnuts and coffee in the squadron area this morning. There was
another day of extensive training for the combat crews. A high-ranking officer from the
Inspector General’s office made an inspection of the squadron today. The men were
served spaghetti for supper, the movie “Adventures of Mark Twain” struck a responsive
chord in all the men.
TARGET: Peschiera rail bridge, Italy.
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt
Sharp, Kenneth R., Capt
None
Mouse”
None
None
N None
R Weaver, Dale W., S/Sgt
G Riley, William J., Jr., Cpl
F None
(returned early)
CP Register, Percy D., Maj, Commander
E Cavanaugh, Thomas J., Jr., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
None
Rossi, Sam J., S/Sgt
Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27534 (standing lady) (lead
spare – filled in third element)
N None
R Rockett, James J., Sgt
G Jacobs, Harry E., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27572 “Babs”
None
None
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
None
Pants”
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
None
None
Plott, John M., Sgt
07/24/44
“On the morning of the 22nd I arose early and after a light breakfast,
strolled up to the Operations tent where I learned Capt. Wilson was taking a plane to
Foggia to investigate the crash of #434 (42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler II”. I obtained
his permission to go. We miscalculated a little, and the first land we saw after leaving
Corsica was the volcanic island of Stromboli, off the coast of Sicily. From that bearing
we flew up the west coast to Paestum and then over the mountains to Foggia. It took us
nearly three hours to make the trip. Foggia was extremely dusty and miserable. Planes
were even grounded on account of the dust. We gathered up some chutes and flak suits
from the wrecked ship (I can hardly believe everyone came out of the wreck alive) and
attended some other business before going to town. My plans were to get in touch with
Chaplain Rick’s and obtain from him the names of some boys on Corsica with the idea of
arranging services over here. I could not locate him however, nor did I see any of the
boys I knew. I desired very much to stay for the conference they are having there on the
24th, but could not, as our plane was returning on the 23rd.
Wilson, Victor H., Jr., Capt, pilot, operations officer
We stayed that night at the Red Cross. In the evening we saw a show and an
Italian stage unit featuring a thirteen year-old girl whom they acclaim as the Deanna
Durbin of Italy. She sang Italian song marvelously, particularly Ava Maria, but did not
do so well with popular American songs.
We took off at 12 noon on the 23rd for Corsica. We flew high over the mountains,
as there were many clouds, and made our approach to the coast at the mouth of the
Garigliano River. We then dropped down and flew up the coast inspecting the battlescarred towns and villages. Just before reaching Anzio we passed over the large section
of farmland inundated by the Germans. For several minutes we cruised over the main
sector of the 5th Army beachhead. There is hardly a place large enough to stand that is
not shell-pocked. It must have been hell. From Anzio we went to the Holy City and
looked it over. I was impressed by its cleanly appearance and size. I saw the Coliseum
but could not make out the Vatican. I am eager to go there. Then we headed again
toward the sea and in an hour were touching down our wheels on Corsica. My future
rests in the decision of Sgt. Lash who does not want to let me out of Armament so I can
go on combat.”
Lash, Wayne H., Sgt, armament
446th BS War Diary: July 23 and 24: No Missions. Lt. Brickner rejoins the squadron
from Italy. Regular duties.
Brickner, Walter H., 2Lt, pilot
“Total Combat time to date: 180:05 hrs. Rate machine 0900-1100. Inspection by Maj.
Gen. Jones. Lewis on X-C to Catania, Burandt to Naples. Read “Suds in Your Eye” –
good. Sacked all afternoon. To show, “Adventures of Mark Twain” – excellent.”
Lewis, Vernon, 1Lt, pilot
Jones, Junius Wallace, Major General, Air Inspector
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. At a league game with the
213 Searchlight Co., our squadron team won with a final score of 4 to 2. The following
officers have been relieved of assignment to this squadron and transferred to Personnel
Center No.6. for transshipment to the United States: 1st Lt. W.H. Martin; 1st Lt E.R.
Haynes; 1st Lt. J.J. Thomas; 1st Lt. N.J. Lundmark. 1st Lt. O.L. Schnoebelen is on DS at
the 57th Wing. At a meeting held at 1845 at the officers club, all combat officers were
briefed by Capt. Robert W. Manly, on Escape in France.
Schnoebelen, Orval L., 1Lt, pilot
Mission 296 (449): At 07:50 20 planes off to bomb Peschiera RR/B and 17 dropped 64 x
1000 bombs at 09:35 from 9,500 feet, all returned at 10:45. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate
flak along route, no ships holed. Fotos show excellent concentration with direct hits on
both ends of bridge. RR/bridge E of Parma was out. Weather: Thin overcast.
(returned early – no credit)
P Moyer, Emerson C., 2Lt
CP Warren, William F., 2Lt
N None
G Magyar, Steven J., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27791
None
None
A/C No. 43-4076
P Leonard, Lee V., 2Lt
N None
F None
P Grady, John R., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27726
None
Out”
CP Gladwill, James G., 2Lt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27528
None
None
None
early – no credit)
Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt
None
A/C No. 43-28081
Bard, John A., 2Lt
None
In Italy, A-20s hit a storage dump and rail lines while medium
bombers pound bridges in NW Italy at Borgo San Dalmazzo, Fossano, Albenga, Casale
Monferrato, Cervo, Legnago, Rovigo, and Chivasso; fighter-bombers continue to attack
communications in the Po River Valley, hitting numerous targets and completely
destroying a railroad bridge at Crema.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No-non mission information)
20 aircraft were dispatched to destroy the twin railroad bridges at Legnago. Recce photos
taken immediately after the raid showed one span out of the northerly bridge and the
southerly bridge completely impassible. 4 attacking ME-109’s were driven off by the
escort of P-47’s
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 10
447- 10
448- 0
Target: Legnago RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0847
T.O.T.: 1030
Time Down: 1155
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: There was no mission scheduled for today but the combat crews
didn’t get any rest. An extensive training program included 4 ships to the bombing
range, 4 transition flights, 4 ships swinging the compass, and 2 check flights. Eight pilots
from the squadron spent 1 hour each at the new link trainer down at group headquarters.
Some of the bombardiers spent some more time on the rate machine. Word was received
that Lt. Russell, piloting 195 (43-4195) on the Cairo cross-country flight, was forced to
call for an engine change at Alexandria.
Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt, pilot
446th BS War Diary: Ten plane mission is flown.
TARGET: Legnago RR Bridge, Italy.
DATE: 25 July 1944
446th Planes: 10
Lt. Wiginton, 447th led the formation. Good concentration on both bridges and
approaches. N and S bridges received direct hits. Reports that one span of N bridge
knocked down. Four ME-109s attempted to attack near Capri but were driven off by
escort. Flak was heavy, scant, inaccurate.
Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS
N None
F None
P Kerr, John C., Capt
G Cooper, Paul T., Maj, Commander
F None
A/C No. 43-27745
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
None
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
Aderholt, William J., Jr., S/Sgt
None
None
None
Pad”
N None
S/Sgt
F None
N None
F None
None
None
None
Smith, Salem M., S/Sgt
None
“Not scheduled on a mission today. Reading all a.m. Got a short haircut, what a weird
sight I’m today. The Head. Sacked awhile after dinner. Hung around club all nite,
listening to radio, playing cards with Gus Mexal. Rec’d a letter from MJ Carney.”
Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt, bombardier
447th BS War Diary: The 447th Barber Shop officially opened today in a small tent next
to the mail tent. The following officers and enlisted men have returned from rest camp,
Capri: 1st Lt. H.J. Magne; 1st Lt. J.R. Gillis; Sgt. C.A. Rose; Sgt. L.E. Sheppard. T/Sgt.
A.R. Hasler has returned to the squadron from the United States, where he attended his
fathers 100th birthday. At a meeting held at 1845 at the enlisted mens club all combat
enlisted men were briefed by Capt. Manly, on Escape in France. With a final score of 9
to 1, we chalked up another victory for the 447th Baseball Club against the 409th AA Co.
Gillis, John R., 1Lt, pilot
Hasler, Arthur R., T/Sgt, engineering
Rose, Clifford A., Sgt, gunner
Sheppard, Luther Edgar “L.E.”, Jr., Sgt, gunner
Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt, pilot
of our ships participated in a raid on, Legnago RR Bridge, F-893257, with Lt. Wiginton
leading the squadron. Good concentration on bridge with direct hits on east bound and
west bound tracks. Bombing accuracy- 100 %; Mission efficiency – 100 %.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
None
N None
G Lejman, George T., Cpl
F None
A/C No. 43-27701
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27785
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Windler, John H., Capt,
S/Sgt
None
None
Pelak, Andrew (NMI), Sgt
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
None
None
None
(lead spare)
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Aloysius”
None
None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, S/Sgt, gunner: “43rd
mission, flew with Wigs, bombed Legnago R.R. bridge, good bombing, flak from Tarra, 4
fighters jumped us, no damage.”
In Italy, during the night of 25/26 Jul A-20s bomb roads and motor
transport in the Vado Ligure area and hit fuel supplies during following day; B-25s and
B-26s hit bridges in N Italy at Ronco Scrivia, Vado, Asti, Ostiglia, Carasco, Verona, and
Poggio Renatico; fighter-bombers attack road and rail bridges in N Italy at several points,
strafe and bomb many gun positions, destroy or damage 20+ aircraft at Valence Airfield,
and hit numerous targets of opportunity.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: A disastrous mission today with very little damage done.
The target was the Verona RR Bridge which was known to be heavily defended. 2 A/C
were shot down at the target. One crash landed at base and 14 others holed out of a total
of 19 A/C that took off. Lt. Albert A. Kukorowski, bombardier of the 448th was killed.
The N approach of the bridge was well hit but the other bombs were scattered.
Two other missions this date – one to the Carasco wiped the road bridge off the
terrain, the other was a nickeller to the Florence area dropping pamphlets giving
instructions to the citizens there in regard to their conduct with the Germans; and soon
the Americans.
Squadrons: 445- 9
446- 0
447- 0
448- 10
Target: Verona RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0855
T.O.T.: 1045
Time Down: 1210
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 10
447- 9
448- 0
Target: Carasco Rd Bridge.
Time OFF: 0942
T.O.T.: 1100
Time Down: 1200
Squadrons: 445- 1
446- 1
447- 1
448- 1
Target: Nickeling over Florence area.
Time OFF: 1358
T.O.T.: 1455
Time Down: 1540
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
445th BS War Diary: The squadron joined the group in hitting a rail target in Italy
which turned out to be an extremely “hot” mission. There were a number of casualties
and another squadron lost two planes. This squadron came through unscathed. The
ordnance held a small arms inspection for all squadron personnel. With the advent of the
new Hellcat, Wildcat, Seafire and other naval aircraft, the squadron personnel is being
“checked out” on their identification. The mail situation continues to be “below par”.
Roast beef was enjoyed for supper. The squadron orchestra left for Rome today to put on
some shows for some outfits in that vicinity.
TARGET: Verona Rail Bridge, Italy
CP Register, Percy D., Maj, Commander
G Miller, Robert Ryle, Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
Dyer,
Robert H., 2Lt
P
N None
A/C No. 43-27740
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt
Pants”
None
Weaver, Dale W., S/Sgt
None
Duggan, Raymond E., 2Lt
None
Parlette, Oliver C., T/Sgt
None
Mouse”
None
Kramer, Henry P., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
Smith, William A., Jr., S/Sgt
Stephens, Robert T., T/Sgt
Whelan, Edward J., S/Sgt
None
N None
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
TARGET: Nickeling over Florence area.
A/C No. 43-27553 “Evora”
P Frank, Robert R., 2Lt
N None
B Gifford, Robert H., 2Lt (Bomb/Nav)
F None
TARGET: Carasco Road Bridge, Italy
DATE: 26 July 1944
446th Planes: 10
Lt. LeClair led the formation. Target area was well covered with greatest concentration
around S end and approach. Several reports of direct hits on target, with a few bombs in
town to the S and to the N and E of target. No flak, no fighters.
Darlene)
CP LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt
R Harrison, Hoyt V., T/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27745
N None
E Shettleworth, William E., Sgt
F None
CP Gibbons, George H., 1Lt
N None
F None
None
None
None
Bender, Thomas J., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27480
None
None
None
Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt
None
Pad”
N None
B Finney, Preston N., S/Sgt
E Cassidy, Warren J., Sgt
G Haxby, William H., Jr., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
Chapman, John E., 1Lt
None
TARGET: Florence Area, Italy
DATE: 26 July 1944
Type of Bombs: “Front Post” Pamphlets.
446th Planes: 1
Lt. Ovard led the formation. Pamphlets dropped as briefed.
Ovard, Glen S., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
N None
F None
“Group Alert Officer – cancelled, took Jaksic’s place on the 22nd.
Pre-briefed 0820
T.O. 0940
Pilot: Burandt
CoPilot: LeClair
Ship # 097 (43-4097 “Tiny?” - later “Darlene”) Alt 10,500’ Bombs: 4-1000 # Demos
Position: 1-1-1
Target: RR Bridge @ T. Sturla (44° 21’ N - 09° 21’ E).
Over target @ 1101, no fighters or flak, excellent concentration of bombs.
Had watermelon today, good. Capt. Birmingham dropped in, as funny as ever.
To show “4 Jills in A Jeep” – lousy.
Birmingham, George G., Jr., Capt, pilot, 487th BS
LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: The following enlisted men are at rest camp, Rome, Italy: S/Sgt.
N.E. Lilly; S/Sgt. C.T. Pitts; S/Sgt. A.L. Simberg; Sgt. R.C. Stokes.
Lilley, Newton E., Sgt, armament
Pitts, Carl T., S/Sgt, communication
Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Stokes, Robert C., Sgt, gunner
447th BS Mission Summary (Ops Order 453/mission 453) Group Mission # 453: 9 of
our ships participated in a raid on the Carasco Road Bridge, P-292400, with Lt.
Muzinich, leading the squadron. Target area well covered with direct hits on bridge.
South end and approach to bridge also hit. Bombing accuracy-100 %; Mission
Efficiency- 100 %.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
A/C No. 43-27636
Webb, James A., 1Lt
None
N None
F None
(returned early)
N None
N None
B Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
E Dubbs, Andrew C., Cpl
S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27718
None
A/C No. 43-4079 “Little David” (lead
spare)
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
of our ships participated in a successful nickeling mission in the Florence area.
Monger,
Samuel A. “Sam”, Jr., 2Lt
P
CP Remmel, Earl Howard “The Fox”, 2Lt
N None
F None
Mission 297 (452): At 08:55 19 planes off to bomb Verona W RR/B, 15 planes dropped
56 x 1000 bombs at 10:45 from 10,500 feet. 2 planes returned bombs as lead Bombardier
Lt. Kukorowski was killed by a direct burst of flak before reaching target. Fotos show
that target was missed. Planes returned at 12:10. Heavy, intense, very accurate flak from
IP to after break-away shot down two planes and holed 14. One plane Lt. Brown, Pilot;
Lt. Frasier, Co-Pilot; Lt. Maginn, Bombardier; Sergeants: Tracy, Engineer; Corrigan,
Radio; and Mitchell, Gunner; was seen to be hit in one engine and appeared to be going
down under control, shortly afterwards the bombs were salvoed and the ship fell into a
spin and crashed to the ground. No chutes were observed. The other plane was hit in the
left engine and the propeller knocked off. It too was seen to be leaving the target under
control, no further information has been obtained but it is believed that the plane could
have made a safe landing. The crew was Lts: Olson, Goff, Quartuccio; Sgts: Sullivan,
Holtzendorf, Montoro and Benton. Lt. Armstrong and Sgt. Crow were seriously
wounded by flak. 14 planes were holed. Weather: CAVU.
Armstrong, Donald R., 1Lt, pilot
Crow, Roscoe J., Sgt, gunner
Kukorowski, Albert A., 1Lt, bombardier
A/C No. 43-27631 (MACR-7065 - shot
down over target)
P Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt
N None
G Mitchell, William C., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-4051 (MACR-7064 - shot
down over target)
Olson, Orin E., 1Lt
None
Sullivan, James G., S/Sgt
Holtzendorf, Henry (NMI), T/Sgt
Benton, Thomas H., S/Sgt
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27715
Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-4076
None
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-4027
Congdon, Harry W., Sgt
None
Gladwill, James G., 2lt
None
None
A/C No. 43-27668
None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27528
None
448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 7064:
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-4051 (MACR-7064 - shot down over target)
Olson, Orin E., 1Lt - KIA
Goff, Melvin Franklin, 2Lt - MIA, POW,
None
Quartuccio, Anthony P., 1Lt - MIA, POW,
Sullivan, James G., S/Sgt - KIA
Holtzendorf, Henry (NMI), T/Sgt - KIA
Montoro, John A., S/Sgt - MIA, POW,
Benton, Thomas H., S/Sgt - KIA
Individual Casualty Questionnaire: Montoro, John A., S/Sgt, gunner, 448th BS
German intelligence officer told me that he was in the cockpit dead. However, I
do not think that this is true because the airplane hit the ground and started to burn, and in
approx. 3 min. the bombs exploded 4 1000lb G.P. bombs. I saw the plane hit the ground
and start to burn. I do not believe that anyone got that close to the burning and exploding
plane.
It is my belief that he was in the plane, when it hit the ground.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Individual Casualty Questionnaire: Goff, Melvin Franklin, 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
At the command of the pilot the bombardier and gunner bailed out through the
navigators hatch and I followed. I saw no parachutes at all or anyone else leave the plane
after I bailed out. It is my belief that I was last to leave.
The aircraft hit the ground approx. 200 yds north of where I hit. This was along
the eastern Bank of Lake Garda, West of Verona.
Pilot, Radio gunner, Photographer, & Tail Gunner: These men were never seen or
heard of by the remainder of the Crew.
The last member I saw was the pilot Lt. Olson. He seemed to be O.K. and after
the bombardier and gunner left he told me to go.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 7065:
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
A/C No. 43-27631 (MACR-7065 - shot down over target)
Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD
Frazier, Leland R., 2Lt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD
None
Maginn, Thomas A., 2Lt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD
Tracy, William G., Sgt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD
Corrigan, James F., Jr., S/Sgt - MIA, evaded enemy, RTD 14 Oct 44
Mitchell, William C., S/Sgt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD
None
Eyewitness Account: Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt, navigator, 448th BS
448th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF
321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF
26 July1944
As we were going down the bomb run, I saw Lieutenant Brown’s ship hit
underneath the left engine. Immediately it started smoking and the ship peeled off to the
right. We dropped, then broke hard left -- made a long 180°, then as we were passing
over the lake I picked up Lieutenant Brown’s ship again at the south-east corner of the
lake at about 7000 feet. He dropped his bombs, which hit about three miles from the
south-east corner of the lake.
He now looked under control and flew on a course to intercept us. About two
minutes later and about thirty miles south of Lake Garda, his plane peeled up and off to
the right and spiraled to the ground.
The gunners and myself saw no chutes as the plane crashed, however, it is very
possible that we couldn’t see them at that distance.
WALTER C. FEELEY, JR.,
1st Lieut., Air Corps,
Navigator.
(Attachment -- MAC Report,
Brown, Wyndham E. III (O) and
crew, dated 26 July 1944.)
Incl. 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eyewitness Account: Corrigan, James F., Jr., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 448th BS
14 October 1944
Aircraft was hit in left wing at 10,000 feet: Source saw petrol pouring from left
tank. Source bailed at 8,000 feet and observed four other chutes while descending.
Corrigan was told by local eyewitnesses that a total of five chutes were observed and the
aircraft crashed: they further stated that one person was dead and one of the personnel
had been captured. Before the mishap, Source spoke to Pilot and Co-pilot; Mitchell,
turret gunner, was seated in the section of the aircraft hit by the flak, and may have been
injured.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission 298 (454): At 13:58 4 planes off to drop “Front Posts” over the Florence area,
all returned without incident at 15:40.
A/C No. 43-28081
P Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt
N Bongiovanni, Michael (NMI), 2lt
B Schlenk, Henry O., 2Lt
E Rippel, Nat (NMI), S/Sgt
G Slafkes, Milton M., S/Sgt
F None
In Italy, A-20s fly patrols on the night of 26/27 Jul over the Po River
Valley, bombing lights and vehicles at Piacenza, Modena, and Verona; both medium and
fighter-bombers concentrate on bridges in the Po River Valley and NW Italy throughout
the day; numerous hits are scored on bridges and other targets, including parked aircraft,
guns, and railroads.
36 A/C to the Borgoforte Rail Bridge finally knocked a span down putting the bride out
of commission.
Squadrons: 445- 12
446- 13
447- 12
448- 0
Target: Borgoforte RR Bridge – Alt. Acquasanta RR Bridge.
Time OFF: 0817
T.O.T.: 1000
Time Down: 1117
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: Lt. Thompson came back a bit disgusted after today’s mission
after he had burned out one of his engines, necessitating an engine change. Lt. Bruce
Lowery has been relieved of his assignment as Armament Officer and is on his way to the
States. He has been relieved by Lt. Standard. Capt. Wilson gave a one-hour lecture to all
combat crews on the operation and use of the emergency radio set. Once again the
bombardiers were active on the bombsight rate machine and the bomb trainer. Two ships
went to the bombing range while two cross-country flights were made. At noon today, an
order was posted on the bulletin board that all squadron personnel would wear firearms
with them at all times until “further notice”. No reasons were given for the order and
there was much speculation.
Lowery, Bruce (NMI), 2Lt, armament
Standard, Lt, armament
Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
Wilson, Victor H., Capt, pilot
TARGET: Borgoforte RR Bridge.
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
Register, Percy D., Maj
None
A/C No. 43-27748 “Mama!”
None
Schweda, George J., 1Lt
Smith, Raymond (NMI), 1Lt
Werner, Samuel (NMI), 1Lt
Swingholm, Raymond J., S/Sgt
Pate, Harris B., Jr., S/Sgt
Bellendir, John C., Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27899 “Flo”
None
Decker, Robert J., S/Sgt
A/C No. 43-27680 “Stuff”
None
None
None
Emery, Ben D., 2Lt
None
None
Rockett, James J., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-3631 “FAN - IT”
None
None
A/C No. 43-27769 “Miss Fancy Pants”
CP Frank, Robert R., 2Lt
N None
B Doherty, Charles S., Sgt
F None
P Place, Winston R., 1Lt
N None
E Smith, William A., Jr., S/Sgt
R Stephens, Robert T., T/Sgt
F None
(returned early – engine trouble)
P Thompson, Henry C., Jr., 2Lt
N None
G Lemke, Leslie J., Sgt
F None
None
Parlette, Oliver C., T/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27509
None
None
TARGET: RR Bridge, Borgoforte, Italy
DATE: 27 July 1944
446th Planes: 12
Lt. Alger led the formation. Target area well covered. Concentrations of bombs across N
end and approach and across S approach. Several strings through center. Flak was
heavy, scant, inaccurate, no fighters.
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS
Burandt,
Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 1Lt
P
R Freeman, Cecil O., S/Sgt
G Lowitz, Orville W., Sgt
F None
Pad”
N None
G Haxby, William H., Jr., Cpl
F None
P Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 1Lt
CP Gallagher, Andrew R., F/O
N None
E Aderholt, William J., Jr., Sgt
R Poorman, William H., S/Sgt
G Leary, Gwynn M., Sgt
F None
A/C No. 42-64549
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
None
Ottem, Earl R., 2Lt
None
None
None
dropped from nose art) (did not take-off
– engine trouble)
None
Cassidy, Warren J., Sgt
None
N None
G Brown, Ronald M., T/Sgt
F None
None
None
A/C No. 43-27745
P Wozniak, Stanley E., 2Lt
CP Gibbons, George H., 1Lt
N None
B Forsberg, Robert A., 1Lt
E Shettleworth, William E., Sgt
R Wilking, Robert L., Cpl
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Doyle, John D., 2Lt
None
None
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My
Heart”
None
Noel, Paul R., 2Lt
None
“Not on a mission today, so far anyway. Had 100% accuracy & efficiency on yesterdays
target. Boys went to Borgoforte, no flak. Small arms inspection today. Group order that
will all carry guns in the area, also placing a guard on each plane (?). Took laundry into
Solenzara. Sacked. Package from MJC. Put 60 bombs on my jacket. Wrote Alice &
MJC.”
447th BS War Diary: Usual squadron duties. Orders were received from 321st
Bombardment Group Headquarters that all men be armed and that a guard be posted on
each plane until further notice – lasting only one day. Today’s training consisted of local
test hops.
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
of our ships participated in a raid on the Borgoforte RR Bridge, with Lt. Alger leading the
squadron. Excellent concentration of bombs across north end and both approaches.
Several strings thru center. Bombing accuracy – 100 %; Mission efficiency – 100 %.
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
(returned early)
None
None
None
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
None
None
A/C No. 43-27730 “Katie”
None
None
Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt
Webb, James A., 1Lt
Ford, Leonard W., S/Sgt
Lejman, George T., Cpl
None
Manz, Wayne A., 1Lt
None
None
Holmes, Ora E., Jr., Sgt
A/C No. 43-27701
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
A/C No. 43-27785
CP Runyon, Leroy C., 2lt
N None
E Gillies, Robert H., S/Sgt
F None
P Krafka, Edward (NMI), 1Lt
N Thomas, Robert E., 1Lt
B Altman, Irving L., 2Lt
E Clyne, Everett H., Sgt
G Jaskowski, John (NMI) “Jack”, Sgt
F None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Blonde”
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
None
None
None
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): AAF, MTO: In Italy, the
72nd Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, based at Santa Maria, sends a flight to operate from
Caserta with L-5s.
In Italy, A-20s bomb scattered lights and vehicles in the Po River
Valley during the night of 27/28 Jul; and during the day light, medium, and fighterbombers hit targets in the Po River Valley, concentrating on bridges. Some fighterbombers attack motor transport in the Rhone River Valley in France.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission – weather.
445th BS War Diary: There was a “stand down” order and no mission was flown today.
The combat crews attended two movies today, one on aircraft identification and the other
on escape procedure. There was another day of rigid training in effect with Bombardiers
on the rate machine and bomb trainer, transition, practice formation flying, PDI training,
practice bombing, swinging of the compass and several cross-country flights. This date
will be remembered as the infamous date when a low-flying B-25 dispersed a horse race
in progress at a race track at Cairo. Reports are not quite clear as yet what with “Scrap
Iron” Lt. Russell and Lt. Lubomir (Cross-country) Shyshka – both notorious buzzers – in
the vicinity of the crime. Sgt. Logan, S-2 section chief, points an accusing finger at Lt.
Shyshka who vehemently denies the charge. Lt. Russell only laughed. He was in a bar at
the time of the flight. The order to wear firearms was rescinded today.
Russell, Lawrence Lee "Scrap Iron", 2Lt, pilot
Shyshka, Lubomir P. "Cross Country", 2Lt, pilot
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. A small mail call in the afternoon.
“No mission today. Lecture on Aircraft Ident. @ 1000. All Bmbdr’s to line @ 1430,
lecture on releases (A Glorified RTV). Freddy Northrup made Captain today. Lecture &
movie to all combat crews at Group @ 1900, on “Ditching”. Chudars & Hawkes
returned from Cairo. Had a case of Cokes with them. Bull session.”
Hawkes, Leon R., Capt, pilot
Northrup, Frederick W., Capt, armament
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. The following officers and
enlisted men have departed for rest camp, Capri: 1st Lt. Forrest T. Nettles; 1st Lt. William
E. Kibler; 2nd Lt. Eric A. Johnson; 2nd Lt. William E. Neiman; Sgt. Vincent A. Mango;
Sgt. Dale C. Miller. The following officers and enlisted men returned to the squadron
after being on DS – 12th AAF. 1st Lt. William E. Huffman; 1st Lt. William F. Heitman;
T/Sgt. Ramo J. Valeri; S/Sgt. Harold E. Fowler. The following officers and enlisted men
have returned from rest camp, Rome Italy: 1st Lt. Edward Krafka; 1st Lt. Wayne A.
Manz; Sgt. Harold W. Scarberry; S/Sgt. Paul L. Free; S/Sgt. Rennie Mitchell. A class on
aircraft recognition was held at 321st Bombardment Group Headquarters. Captain R.W.
Manly gave a short lecture on Escape in France. Today’s training consisted of local
transition.
Free, Paul L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Huffman, William C., 1Lt, bombardier
Johnson, Eric A., 2Lt, pilot
Kibler, William E. “Kib”, 1Lt, pilot
Mango, Vincent A. “Vince”, Sgt, aerial gunner
Miller, Dale C., Sgt, gunner
Mitchell, Rennie (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner
Nettles, Forrest Truett, 1Lt, pilot
Neiman, William E., 2Lt, pilot
Scarberry, Harold W., Sgt, gunner
Valeri, Ramo J., T/Sgt, engineering
In Italy, weather cancels medium bomber operations; fighterbombers, operating on a reduced scale, hit buildings at Diano Marina and bridges, rail
lines, airfields, and vehicles in N Italy.
445th BS War Diary: There was a stand down for this squadron on today’s mission.
The usual extensive training program was in effect again today with the accent on
practice bombing and practice assembly. There were also quite a few cross-country
flights made today. Lts. Russell, Shyshka and crew returned from their extended tour of
Cairo and all points east and west. Lt. Ireland replaced Lt. Standard as Squadron
Armament officer. Luxury rations were distributed today. Civilian pictures were taken
of all combat crews. They will be carried by the crews at all times. A large number of
packages arrived today. Pork chops was on the menu for supper.
Ireland, Kenneth E., 2Lt, armament
Russell, Lawrence Lee "Scrap Iron", 2Lt, pilot
Shyshka, Lubomir P. "Cross Country", 2Lt, pilot
Standard, Lt, armament
07/29/44:
“My morale has been rather high the last several days for no reason in
particular. Before that it was very low. I guess I just reached the nadir of hypochondria
and there had to be a change. Yesterday Coupe came down from the 27th Fighter Group
and spent the night with me. We saw a baseball game, in which Rucker was the star and
a natural, and a midnight show. Also yesterday we finished building a very excellent
floor and siding for our tent. It is the best we have ever had. This morning Herman, the
remarkable dog that has been with us ever since Africa, was struck by a car and had to
be shot. Poor old Herman! We had begun to believe he was indestructible and
unloosable. There is very little activity other than training. It is very clear they are
cooking up a big push, which I expect to break in a week or so. I believe the month of
August will be the most decisive month of the war.”
“Herman Berman the German”, belonged to Barnes, Warren H. “Bobo”, engineering
Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Sgts. Bober and Schreiner are assigned to 57th
Wing.
Bober, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
“Nothing scheduled for today, weather poor. Went to PX with Chudars for rations.
Sacked. Showered & shaved. Rec’d letter from Grandma & Alice, pkg. from MJC. Got
a surprise at supper, CLB met Jim Horvath in Rome, took him back with him. Had a
great time, same old Jim, stayed overnite.”
Horvath, James (NMI) “Jim”, 37th BS, 17th BG (M - B-26)
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. Private Norman C.
Bulfinch, and Private Frank H. Dorrel, have been promoted to the rank of private first
class, per Squadron Order # 30. Sgt. Henry A. Lasek received head injuries by falling off
a moving truck. Usual squadron duties.
Bulfinch, Norman C., PFC, intelligence
Dorrel, Frank H., PFC, intelligence
Lasek, Henry A., Sgt, decontamination
In Italy, during the night of 29/30 Jul A-20s bomb Savona and
surrounding areas; overcast in the W Po River Valley causes some medium bomber
aborts but several bridges at Ovada, Bistagno, Cherasco, and Ferrara are successfully
attacked; fighter-bombers attack road and rail bridges in N Italy, hit shipping between
Savona and Ventimiglia, silence 8 flak guns at the Ferrara bridge, and hit several
transportation targets of opportunity.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Mission to Canneto Rail Bridge abortive due to weather.
Nickellers again dropped on Florence.
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 5
447- 0
448- 0
Target: Nickeling—Florence Area.
Time OFF: 0903
T.O.T.: 0958
Time Down: 1050
Squadrons: 445- 0
446- 0
447- 10
448- 10
Target: Canneto R.R. Bridge at F-147237, Alternate—Sori Rd Bridge at P-104434
Time OFF: 1637
T.O.T.: 1810
Time Down: 1925
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------445th BS War Diary: There was no mission scheduled for the squadron today. 12 ships
from the squadron participated in practice formation flying. 3 other ships went to the
practice bombing range while another plane was sent up to swing the compass. There
were also 3 cross-country flights made. Some replacement personnel arrived today. Lt.
Jackson, Asst. S-2 Officer, gave an escape procedure lecture to all the combat crews
today. Some of the bombardiers spent some more time on both the bomb trainer and rate
machine while some pilots were on the link trainer. The men noticed with some interest
the scheduled appearance of S/Sgt. Joe Louis in “about 4 days”.
Jackson, James O., 2Lt, intelligence
Barrow, Joseph Louis “Joe Louis”, SSgt, Boxer, Special Service
446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown to the Florence area.
TARGET: Florence Area, Italy
DATE: 30 July 1944
Type of Bombs: Pamphlets.
446th Planes: 5
Lt. Vivas led the formation. Pamphlets dropped as briefed. No flak, no fighters.
CP Doyle, John D., 2Lt
F None
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27480
CP Born, Walter E., Jr., 2Lt
N None
F None
A/C No. 43-27745
Church, Edwin Adem, 1Lt
None
Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt
Crozer, Robert L., T/Sgt
Cifuni, Robert J., S/Sgt
None
None
None
“No mission today. Rate machine 1430-1500. With Horvath all, lot of fun, left @ 1530,
got a ride back to Sardinia. Had an argument at dinnertime with the Doc about rotation.
Still don’t know from nothing. Rec’d 2 letters from Alice. Wrote Grandma, Alice.”
Horvath, James (NMI) “Jim”, 37th BS, 17th BG (M - B-26)
447th BS War Diary: Cpl. Donald E. Bailey has been reduced to the grade of private per
Group Headquarters SO 122. The following officers and enlisted men have departed for
rest camp, Rome, Italy: 2nd Lt. Irving L. Altman; S/Sgt. Peter D. Pusvaskis; Sgt. Charles
A. Munstein; Cpl. Ernest E. Fischinger; Pvt. Horace E. Drew. The following enlisted
men have returned from rest camp, Rome, Italy: Sgt. Newton E. Lilley; S/Sgt. Alvin L.
Simberg; S/Sgt. Carl T. Pitts; Sgt. Robert C. Stokes. 1st Lt. George G. VenJohn has been
assigned to this squadron per the 445th Squadron Order No. 122. 1st Lt. VenJohn has
been appointed assistant S-2 officer. 1st Lt. James N. Watson has been relieved of
assignment and transferred to Det. of Pat. 35th Station Hospital, SO 74.
Altman, Irving L., 2Lt, bombardier
Bailey, Donald E., Pvt, transportation
Drew, Horace E., Pvt, turret gunner
Fischinger, Ernest E., Cpl, engineering
Lilley, Newton E., Sgt, armament
Munstein, Charles Allen, Sgt, engineering
Pitts, Carl T., S/Sgt, communication
Pusvaskis, Peter D., S/Sgt, communications
Simberg, Alvin L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner
Stokes, Robert C., Sgt, gunner
VenJohn, George G., 1Lt, intelligence
of our ships took off to raid the Canneto RR Bridge, but due to complete overcast the
formation returned all bombs to the base.
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
None
Gould, Joe W., 2Lt
S/Sgt
Aloysius”
None
None
A/C No. 43-27718
None
None
None
Simms, Cleo W., Cpl
None
None
A/C No. 43-27636
None
Abbondanza, Anthony J., S/Sgt
None
Dean, Ivan E., 1Lt
None
Hall, Earl W., 2Lt
None
Mission 299 (457): At 16:37 19 planes off to bomb Canneto RR/B. Due to complete
over-cast at primary and alternate the formation returned all bombs to base at 19:25
hours. No flak. Weather: Complete over-cast.
CP Holcombe, Dewey R., 2Lt
E Rippel, Nat (NMI), S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27523
P Verkruysse, Emile D., 1Lt
CP Mitchell, Robert E., 2Lt
N None
E Weyeneth, Carl H., S/Sgt
F None
A/C No. 43-27528 (ship did not take-off
due to engine trouble) (crew not listed)
P
CP
N None
B
E
R
G
F None
A/C No. 43-27726
None
Shaw, Charles W., Sgt
Wald, Douglas A., S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27791
None
Kielich, Henry J., T/Sgt
Hutchinson, James (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27720
Amo, Leo W., 1Lt
None
Roberts, Charles J., S/Sgt
DeGeorge, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt
None
A/C No. 43-27481
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Grady, John R., 2Lt
None
None
P
CP
N
B
E
R
G
F
Rogers, Henry (NMI), Jr., 1Lt
Donaud, Earl J., S/Sgt
None
Sadie”
None
Irvine, Josef F., S/Sgt
White, E. T., S/Sgt
Out”
Bard, John A., 2Lt
None
Dilts, Robert E., T/Sgt
Knauss, Charles F., S/Sgt
In Italy, weather grounds medium bombers; fighter-bombers hit
several bridges in the W Po River Valley while fighters strafe airfields with good results;
the fighter-bombers also destroy around 50 railroad cars and damage numerous others.
445th BS War Diary: There was no mission scheduled for today. Six ships practiced
assembly in the air, 3 ships did some formation flying, several transition flights were
made, a test hop was flown and several cross-country flights were made. Lt. Wagner
returned from Cairo today. The squadron personnel were paid today after noon chow.
Preparations are now under way to put on a stage show celebrating the second
anniversary of the activation of the group.
Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lt. Jack Locke joins us as assistant S-2 officer.
Locke, Jacob (NMI) "Jack", 2Lt, intelligence
“No mission today, poor weather. Cleaned up tent. Read ‘Chad Hama’ – good. Got
paid. Sacked, shaved & showered. Sqdn. had 2nd Anniversary Party, - not bad.”
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. The following enlisted men
have been reduced to the rank of private: S/Sgt. Harry M. Glass; Cpl. Richard N.
Helwig; Cpl. Arnold W. Vollbrecht; Sgt. Leonard B. Heiman. Private Henry M. Glass
has been promoted to the rank of corporal. The following enlisted men have been
promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant, per SO. 165 Headquarters, 12th AAF, dated
June 30, 1944: S/Sgt. Joseph D. Alpino; S/Sgt. Edward S. Korzeniowski; S/Sgt. Paul L.
Free; S/Sgt. Joseph J. Parisi; S/Sgt. William H. Pierce. The following enlisted men have
been promoted to the grade of Staff Sergeant, per SO 165 Headquarters, 12 th AAF, dated
June 30, 1944: Sgt. Michael A. Andryscak; Sgt. Robert W. Engels; Sgt. Everett H.
Clyne; Sgt. Clifford A. Rose; Sgt. Frederick J. Tarra. The following enlisted men have
been promoted to the grade of Sergeant per SO 165 Headquarters, 12th AAF dated June
30, 1944: Cpl. Dominick Giaratana; Cpl. Thomas J. McKinney; Cpl. Cornelius J.
Sexton; Cpl. Jarrold S. Oransky; Cpl. Clyde Murphy, Jr.; Cpl. Cleo W. Simms; PFC
Arthur T. Shand; PFC. Harry B. Burns. A large percentage of the personnel of this
squadron have shown an interest in voting by State Absentee Ballot. Usual squadron
duties.
Alpino, Joseph P., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Andryscak, Michael A., S/Sgt, gunner
Burns, Harry B., Sgt, photographer
Clyne, Everett H., S/Sgt, armament-gunner
Engels, Robert W., S/Sgt, gunner
Free, Paul L., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Giaratana, Dominick (NMI), Sgt, mess
Glass, Henry M., Cpl, personnel
Glass, Harry Martin, Pvt, turret gunner
Helwig, Richard N., Pvt, engineering
McKinney, Thomas J., Sgt, armament
Oransky, Jarrold S., Sgt, communications
Pierce, William H., T/Sgt, radio-gunner
Sexton, Cornelius J., Sgt, operations
Simms, Cleo W., Sgt, gunner
Vollbrecht, Arnold W., Pvt, engineering
Heiman, Leonard B., Pvt, transportation
Korzeniowski, Edward S., T/Sgt, gunner
Murphy, Clyde C., Jr., Sgt, engineering
Parisi, Joseph J., T/Sgt, photographer
Rose, Clifford A., S/Sgt, gunner
Shand, Arthur T., Sgt, photographer
Tarra, Frederick J., S/Sgt, gunner
July 1944
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for July 1944
STRENGTH (as of July 31, 1944)
OFFICERS: 26
ENLISTED MEN: 57
July was a “middlin” month both as to number and importance of targets. Fortythree missions were flown as compared to fifty-three of last month. The highlight of the
month was the execution of the Mallory-Plan---the plan devised by the Mediterranean
Allied Tactical Air Force whereby the two medium bombardment wings in this theater
were to destroy the 23 bridges along the Po Valley from Piacenza to the mouth of the
river. Four days was the limit imposed because of the defenses which were inevitable
and prohibitive after that time. Twenty-one of the 23 bridges were completely destroyed
in those four days and the 321st Bomb Group played an important role in this “bridge
busting” plan. The last two bridges were destroyed later in the month in spite of the
heavy, intense anti-aircraft fire thrown up by Jerry. Two of our planes were lost over the
target during the month and both were shot down at Verona on July 26th. Every other
plane was holed in the formation on that date.
July was also the first month this year in which no direct army ground support
missions were flown. However, indications pointed to more such activity during the
month of August judging from rumors, reports and observations pouring into the Group
regarding probable invasion plans.
Something new has been added to the station complement here at our Corsican
airdrome when we found ourselves host to two night-fighter squadrons. That in itself is
nothing unusual but what was out of the ordinary was the fact that one of those squadrons
consisted of land-based Navy Hell-cats—the first that have ever operated in this area.
With the addition of a link-trainer our Group training program became accelerated
to a further degree. Also, with the many new Navy planes in the area, an aircraft
recognition course was instituted and attended by all combat crew members. This
training in addition to the numerous transition and bomb-run flights being made, as well
as the bombardier trainer going every day. As evidence of our improved bombing we can
point with a certain amount of pride to our average for the month which led the other
Groups in Win---78.19% against pin-point objectives.
July 1944 (continued)
THE RAID OF THE MONTH
July, 1944
This month the Group Intelligence Officer, Major Malcolm D. Haven, selects the
one raid that from photo coverage and interpretation, and relative importance, has bee
outstanding during the month. Once again the selector yields to perfect, 100% precision
bombing.
This month’s selection:
Borgoforte Rail Bridge
Attacked: 15 Jul 44
NUMBER OF PLANES OVER TARGET: 24
RESULTS: (First phase interpretation)
A heavy concentration of bombs fell across the North end of the bridge. However
later photos did not show any direct hits. Near hits were probably scored, damaging and
weakening the under-structure. Two elements from the second flight fell across the
bridge dissecting the bridge into three sections. Hits were probably scored from these
patterns.
FLAK: Formation received heavy, moderate, accurate flak from the Italian coast at
landfall and heavy, moderate, accurate flak from the target area. A total of 12 planes
were hit – one crew member injured.
SITUATION: The destruction of the Borgoforte Bridge was not an isolated target as far
as disruption of the Axis communication is concerned. During this period the 57th Wing
(of which this Group is a member) and the 42nd Wing (B-26’s) were actively engaged in
the Mallory Plan which was to knock out the 23 bridges along the Po River Valley. This
Group’s participation in the Plans’ fulfillment added materially in the strangulation of the
Hun communication system. We flew 12 separate missions against five of those bridges
and had an average bombing accuracy of 76% against generally stiff opposition.
HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH AIR FORCE
A. P. O. 650
GENERAL ORDERS)
:
NUMBER
95)
18 July 1944.
CITATION OF UNIT
Under the provisions of Circular 333, War Department, 1943, and Circular 26,
North African Theater of Operations, 6 March 1944, the 321st Bombardment Group (M)
is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy.
The 321st Bombardment Group (M) is cited for outstanding performance of duty
in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations on 8 October
1943. When the Allied invasion of the Italian mainland and simultaneous operations in
the Aegean Sean dangerously exposed our extended supply lines to enemy air action
from Luftwaffe units stationed in the Balkans, the 321st Bombardment Group, then in
Africa, was ordered to occupy bases in southern Italy and immediately attack and
neutralize the hostile Balkan airfields. On 8 October 1943, a formation of forty-eight B25’s, refueled by hand from five-gallon cans and serviced only with such equipment as
could be transported by air from Africa, flew from Grottaglia, Italy, in a raid on the
heavily defended Eleusis Airdrome near Athens, Greece. As the formation approached
the target, a swarm of hostile fighters attacked, drawing off the escort and permitting
more than thirty enemy interceptors to engage the bombers unmolested. Distinguishing
themselves in the ensuing battle by extraordinary heroism and answering determination
in the face of desperate assaults by enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire so intense that
twenty-six B-25’s were damaged and two were shot down into the sea, the bomber
combat teams worked in perfect coordination to complete their mission. As the gunners
kept up a withering fire that destroyed eight enemy fighters and disabled four others, the
pilots resolutely maintained a compact and level formation, enabling their bombardiers to
cover the assigned areas with a devastating pattern of fragmentation bombs which
destroyed many dispersed aircraft and started a number of fires. During the critical days
which followed, despite almost insurmountable difficulties which kept comparable units
inoperative during a part of this period, the 321st Group continued uninterrupted and
extremely effective bombing operations against vital enemy objectives, reducing the
original Balkan strength of the German XIth Air Force from 300 aircraft to 114, and
lending invaluable support to the morale of the Yugoslav Partisan resistance. The
gallantry, esprit de corps, and outstanding proficiency in combat displayed by the
personnel of the 321st Bombardment Group have reflected the highest credit upon
themselves and the Military Service of the United States.
By command of Brigadier General WEBSTER:
JOHN W. MONAHAN,
Colonel, A. C.,
Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL:
WILLIAM W. DICK,
Colonel, A. G. D.,
Adjutant General.
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt, Air Corps,
Ass’t S-2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HEADQUARTERS, TWELFTH AIR FORCE (Adv)
APO 650 US ARMY
31 July 1944.
335
SUBJECT:
Commendation.
TO:
Commanding General, 57th Bomb Wing, APO 650, US Army.
1. The following message has been received from General Arnold: “The
maintaining of operations in support of ground operations against enemy installations by
all units of the Twelfth Air Force from 17 July to 26 July, inclusive, is most encouraging
and gratifying. The teamwork between the combat crews, maintenance crews and service
units is notable by the results attained. For the display of such splendid efforts please
convey my heartiest congratulations to all members of your Command.
2. The Commanding General desires to add his congratulations and appreciation
to all members of your command for their splendid efforts which are so worthy of this
fine commendation by your Chief.
By command of Major General CANNON:
EDWARD J. CULLETON,
Major, A. G. D.,
Ass’t. Adjutant General.
335
1st Ind.
G/GRC/jw
th
HEADQUARTERS, 57 BOMBARDMENT WING, APO 650, US ARMY, 3 August
1944.
TO:
Commanding Officer, 321st Bomb Group, APO 560, US Army.
For your information:
/s/ G. R. Crofton
/t/ G. R. CROFTON,
Lt Colonel, AGD,
Adjutant General.
A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY:
S. P. NEPRASH,
Capt, Air Corps,
Ass’t S-2 Officer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THE 321st EFFORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN
A HISTORICAL SUMMARY
After the Italian capitulation and the Allied invasion of Italy in September, 1943,
The Balkan countries, particularly Greece, were watched closely for their development as
a center for German air bases. Because of their close proximity to our Adriatic shipping
lanes and to the Dodecanese Islands in possession of British troops, strong German Air
Force units in the Balkans would constitute an ominous threat to the Allied effort in the
Mediterranean area.
Air Intelligence Weekly Summary No. 45, Headquarters, Northwest African Air
Forces A-2 Section, reported in late September as follows: “Photo reconnaissance this
week showed activity on several airfields in the Balkans. Most of the aircraft present
were Italian although there were some German.” One week later an entirely different
picture appeared in summary number 46 of the same headquarters which showed that the
major portion of the German Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater had been shifted
from Northern Italy and Southern France to the Balkans. The Germans had transferred a
force of 300 planes.
As an immediate step toward meeting the threat of this formidable force of enemy
aircraft it was essential that Allied bombers be brought over to newly acquired bases in
Southern Italy to exert their full striking power against the German bases in the Balkans.
The 321st Bomb Group, along with other medium bomb groups, was given the orders to
proceed immediately from its base in Africa to a base in Southern Italy. And to be
prepared upon arrival at the new base to carry out attacks without delay on enemy
airdromes in the Balkans. The 321st bomb Group was the first to complete successfully
the transfer of its full striking power to the Italian mainland and on 4 October 1943, the
day after the planes reached their new base of Grottaglie Airdrome, began a series of
attacks on the enemy’s Balkan bases which dealt a severe blow to his airforce. From 4
October 1943 through 18 November 1943, German aircraft were destroyed on the ground
by the Group’s attacks and many of his airfields were kept in unserviceable condition.
These first attacks launched by the 321st served to reduce in great measure the offensive
activities of the German Air Force and the Group’s efforts, supplemented by heavy
bomber and other medium bomber attacks, put the enemy’s Balkan air force entirely on
the defensive by mid-November.
The primary objective of the 321st Bomb Group at the beginning of operations
from an Italian base on 4 October 1943 was to counter the offensive power of the German
Air Force in the Balkans but when this had been effectively accomplished, the group was
assigned to aid the Partisans fighting in Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece.
Up until this time all resistance by Partisans in these countries had been more on
the nature of sabotage and there had been few organized forces of resistance. Attempts
were being made constantly by Partisan leaders to secure more recruits and form strong
organizations which could effectively engage the German troops occupying their
countries in actual combat. The 321st was the first organized unit to take part in the
Partisan’s campaign for liberation and aside from the material aid given in destroying the
objectives it had been requested to attack by the Partisans, the missions carried out by the
group were of inestimable value in bringing added strength to the Partisan’s will to resist.
Reports from underground sources told of enormous increases in enlistments and of the
extraordinary stimulus to morale when our bombers were seen flying towards their
objectives.
Shortly afterwards the Partisans had formed strong armies and were openly
resisting the German Forces in armed conflict. In a large measure the air support
provided by the 321st Bomb Group was responsible for this successful organized uprising
which has tied up numerous German divisions in the Balkans. The total value of this
contribution to Allied Victory over the German Armies would be impossible to estimate.
The high point of this phase and one of the last blows which the 321st delivered on behalf
of the Allied cause in this direction before turning its destructive force on Italian targets
was its raid on Sofia Marshalling Yards. This mission more than any other focused the
attention of the United Nations on the fact that the Allied Military leaders were not losing
sight of the importance of the Balkans in their attack on the “Fortress of Europe” and
must have been viewed with more than passing interest by our Russian ally.
MALCOLM D. HAVEN,
Major, Air Corps,
INTELLIGENCE OFFICER.
7 July 1944
AIR INTELLIGENCE CONTACT UNIT
AAF REDISTRIBUTION STATION #1
SUPPLIMENT TO SPECIAL REPORT ON MORALE OF OUTGOING
COMBAT CREWS
1. The more interviews we obtained with outgoing combat crews on their attitude
toward the 30-day “vacation” plan at home and thence back to battle, the more it becomes
convincingly evident that either the program or the combat morale of American fliers
must go by the board.
2. Since the completion of the main report on this critically important morale
factor amongst American airmen, an additional 25 enlisted personnel were interviewed.
Their feelings were found to be, in anything, even more vigorously, and in some cases
bitterly opposed to the 30-day plan than those of any who had previously been
interrogated.
3. Interviewees were all crew members of heavy and medium bombers of the
Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. They were unanimous in the view 25 missions for heavies
and 40 missions for mediums should qualify combat crews to come home for at least six
months. These men asserted, with strong conviction, that they would be more than
willing to complete as many missions as they could possibly fly if the “pinch were on.”
But, they point out, there are now in England many more crews than there are planes.
Replacements are so plentiful, they allege, that they are becoming boresome and to
everybody else because there is nothing for them to do but “dry rot”.
4. The average number of missions flown by each heavy and medium bomber
crew per month is six, according to the most lately interviewed group. They said,
however that the “joker” in this deal was the fact those six missions might be flown in a
week or eight days. The pay-off was extreme physical and mental fatigue and the jackpot amounted to three weeks of “sweating it out.” There was total agreement that combat
crews should be allowed to finish a given and specific number of missions as rapidly as
their own individual physiques can stand the pace; then to return to the United States on a
regular rotation policy.
5. One of the chief complaints against the 30-day plan by this group was that it
was placed on a “take it or leave it basis”, sort of a back-side-to version of the “if they
haven’t got bread, let them eat cake” view. In the case of the medium bomber crews,
they were totally ignored in the matter and merely handed orders sending them home for
30 days. In the case of everybody, it was alleged, to refuse the 30-day plan, or ask to be
grounded because of it, meant latrine duty or worse.
6. Men wounded in action and subsequently grounded and assigned to the most
menial ground tasks should, in the opinion of all, be sent home and utilized as instructors,
or at least given a more dignified recognition for their services than digging outdoor
lavatories. Many of these men, it was said, are given no hope of returning now, in the
near or distant future or ever. They feel they are given a one-way ticket when they reembark for foreign duty.
7. Despite all the foregoing, there was a genuine desire and determination to
pursue the war to the bitter end if necessary, but there were characteristic reservations
concerning the rapidly becoming—wealthier home front’s desire to see an early
conclusion of the war. This view among all combat crews passing through this station
seems to have taken root while the men were visiting their homes and to have crystallized
upon arriving at Atlantic City in the midst of teeming thousands of well-heeled
vacationers. They remember that in some of their outfits, 75 per cent of the original
personnel have enjoyed the luxuries of a seaside resort for the last time.
445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for July 1944
HEADQUARTERS 321st Bomb Gp. (M)
APO 650
5 August 1944
SUBJECT: Historical Records
TO
: Command General, 57th Wing, APO 650.
1. Outline History of the 445th Squadron for the period July1st to July 31st.
a. Present Designation: 445th Sq., 321st Group, 57th Wing, 12th Command.
b. Changes in organization.
1. 1st Lt. Joseph W. Manske appointed Squadron Engineering Officer
2. 1st Lt. Bruce (NMI) Lowery appointed Armament Officer to replace Capt.
Stanton W. Johnson who was sent to the United States on DS.
3. 2nd Lt. Kenneth E. Ireland appointed Acting Armament Officer to replace Lt.
Lowery who was transferred to the United States on DS.
c. Strength commissioned and enlisted.
1. Month of July1944.
(a) 443 at beginning.
(b) 5 net decrease.
(c) 438 at end
d. Stations.
1. Solenzara Air Field.
e. Movements.
1. None
f. Operations:
1. During the Month of July the Squadron participated in 208 Sorties and 22
Missions.
g. Command Officers in important missions.
1. On July 2, the squadron commander participated in the missions which attacked
the fuel dump near Ravenna, Italy. Using an extra load of 100 lb. bombs for the
first time, excellent results were achieved in the target area.
The squadron
commander also participated in an effective attack on a bridge near Sasso, Italy.
On July 13, he participated in an attack on the road and railroad bridge at
Ostiglia, Italy. Good coverage was reported on the target area and the mission
was officially credited with 72 per cent bombing accuracy.
h. Losses in action.
1. On July 7, Sergeant Lincoln W. Mark, engineer-gunner in the squadron, was
killed by flak on the attack on the Sasso railroad bridge, Italy
i. During the month of July, the following men received the Distinguished Flying
Cross: 1st Lt. Leon F. Hatcher (pilot), 1st Lt. Frank P. Walsh (bombardier), 1st Lt Daniel
(NMI) Galindo (bombardier), 2nd Lt. Sheldon R. Groh (pilot), 2nd Lt. Charles F. Spencer
(pilot), 2nd Lt. Henry C. Thompson (pilot), Technical Sergeant James E. Kintly (radiogunner). The following officer received the Silver Star: 2nd Lt. Gerald W. Wagner
(pilot). In addition, there were 61 awards of the Air Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
awarded.
For the Commanding Officer:
JAMES O. JACKSON,
1st Lt., Air Corps,
Squadron Historian.
446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF
321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF
1 August 1944
446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR JULY 1944
A. Original Unit
1. 446th Bomb Sqdn (M), 321st Bomb Gp (M) AAF
2. Organized August 1, 1942
3. Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C.
4. Activated at Barksdale Field, La. June 23, 1942
5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement
centers.
B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted:
1. 1 July 1944
90 Officers,
2. Net Increase
5 Officers
3. Net Decrease
None
4. 30 July1944
95 Officers,
321 Enlisted Men
17 Enlisted Men
None
338 Enlisted Men
D. Commanding Officer in important engagements
1. Engagements:
Ravenna, Italy
Bogliasco, Italy
Aulla, Italy
Ostiglia, Italy
Alessandria, Italy
2. Capt. Paul T. Cooper (pilot)
E. Losses in action: None
F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in
action:
1. The D.F.C. was awarded to:
1st Lt Allan T. Sampson (pilot)
1st Lt. Frank P. Vivas (pilot)
S/Sgt. Robert F. Mygrant (gunner)
2nd Lt. Frank B. White (pilot)
S/Sgt Felix (NMI) Napoliello (gunner)
2. Awards of Air Medals on following page:
G. Campaigns: Complete data in attached mission summaries.
2. Air Medals were awarded the following:
1st Lt John L. Farber (bombardier)
1st Lt Arthur E. Franklin (bombardier)
2nd Lt Frederick I. Peterson (pilot)
2nd Lt Donald D. Rackley (pilot)
2nd Lt Chester J. Trosky (pilot)
1st Lt Alfred E. Vancil (pilot)
2nd Lt John R. Sacker (pilot)
2nd Lt Connally O. Briles (pilot)
1st Lt Thomas B. Dunn (navigator)
1st Lt John (NMI) “Jack” Fitzgerald (pilot)
1st Lt LeRoy R. Goff (pilot)
1st Lt Leon R. Hawkes (pilot)
1st Lt Robert G. Hipson (pilot)
2nd Lt Harold H. Hively (pilot)
1st Lt George K. Hollingsworth (pilot)
2nd Lt Paul J. Ivankovig (pilot)
1st Lt Henry W. Johnson (bombardier)
1st Lt Henry L. Jordan (pilot)
2nd Lt Estel A. Mayfield (pilot)
1st Lt Gus J. Mexal (bombardier)
1st Lt Alan T. Mickel (pilot)
1st Lt Lonnie C. Sitts (bombardier)
1st Lt Randall L. Smith (pilot)
S/Sgt Robert L. Crozer (radio-gunner)
S/Sgt Sanders S. Kaufman (gunner)
S/Sgt Charles W. McFarland (gunner)
S/Sgt Richard O. Ricke (gunner)
Sgt Scott G. Henry (gunner)
Sgt Roland M. Brown (gunner)
Pfc Elmer A. Jacob (engineer-gunner)
T/Sgt Anthony P. Bove (radio-gunner)
T/Sgt Francis P. Bufkin (radio-gunner)
S/Sgt Henry G. Casper (gunner)
T/Sgt Hoyt V. Harrison (radio-gunner)
S/Sgt John (NMI) Jupin (engineer-gunner)
S/Sgt Cephus M. Smith (engineer-gunner)
T/Sgt Max (NMI) Sweedler (radio-gunner)
S/Sgt John (NMI) Bober (engineer-gunner)
Sgt Ronald J. Kane (engineer-gunner)
Sgt Ralph L. Larson (gunner)
S/Sgt Malcolm B. Leonard (gunner)
S/Sgt Michael (NMI) Nemet (gunner)
S/Sgt Lester B. Schreiner (engineer-gunner)
Sgt Frank C. Smetana (gunner)
Sgt John J. Zelnick (engineer-gunner)
S/Sgt Harold W. Zeman (gunner)
Cpl Isom F. Burrow (gunner)
Cpl Milton M. Mittman (gunner)
447TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M)
321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M)
APO 65
SUBJECT: Historical Records.
TO
: Commanding General, 57th Bombardment Wing.
Attention: Historian.
1. Outline History of the 447th Bombardment Squadron for the period 1 July to 31 July
1944.
a. 447th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st bombardment Group (M).
(1) 447th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), 57th
Bombardment Wing, 12th Air Force.
(2) Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, South Carolina.
(3) 23 June 1942
(4) G.O. 145, Hq. 11 AF, 23 June 1942
(5) Transferred from other units and Selective Service.
b. Changes in Organization.
(1) Changes in destination. No Change
(2) Echelons or units.
(a) Transferred
2 E/M transferred to 35th Station Hospital
2 Officers transferred, Brooks Field, Texas.
4 Officers; 7 E/M transferred Personnel Center # 6; rotation to United
States.
1 E/M transferred to Brooks Field, Texas
1 E/M transferred Hq, 321st Bombardment Group
1 Officer transferred Det. of Patients, 35th Station Hospital.
(b) on TD or DS.
2 Officers; 2 E/M; DS, Cairo, Egypt.
1 Officer; DS, Laredo, Texas.
1 E/M; DS; 341st Service Squadron.
4 Officers, DS; Foggia, Italy.
3 Officer, 4 E/M; DS, 12th Air Force.
13 Officers, 25 E/M; DS, rest camp, Rome, Italy.
7 Officer, 7 E/M, DS, rest camp, Capri.
(c) No Change.
(3) No Change
(4) No Change
(5) No Change
c. Strength, Commission and enlisted.
(1) Month of July 1944.
(a) Beginning: 92 Officers; 341 Enlisted Men
(b) No Change or no increase.
(c) Officers no decrease; Enlisted Men- 9.
(d) At end: 92 Officers, 332 Enlisted Men.
d. Stations.
(1) Solenzara Air Field
(a) May 3, 1944
(b) Still at the same station.
e. Movement of units or echelons.
(1) No movements during July, 1944.
f. Campaign.
(1) Italian
(2) From July 1st to present.
g. Operations.
(1) Mediterranean (Corsica)
(2) Objective Bombing
(3) 24 missions, 208 sorties
(4) Results of the most important missions.
(a) Mission: Vado Viaduct; Ostiglia Road and RR Bridge; Carasco Road Bridge.
1. Vado Viaduct was important because the viaduct was the open route on the
main line between Bologna and Florence. Over Ostiglia, was shuttled
supplies and reinforcements for the German troops. Carasco Road Bridge,
this bridge was used as a key supply and communication line by the
German Forces.
2. Vado Viaduct, good concentration of bombs on bridge destroying span.
On the Ostiglia Road and RR Bridge, good concentration of bombs on the
target and especially both ends and also string thru center, span destroyed,
rendering bridge impassible. Carasco Road Bridge, was a complete
success because direct hits on center of bridge. Bombing accuracy-100 %.
Mission efficiency-100 %
3. These missions with their successes, disrupted the German supply lines,
thus enabling the Allied Armies to keep their steady advance to the north.
4. All photographs showed excellent results on these missions.
5. Because of our excellent bombings the Germans were unable to repel our
drives, or launch and sustain counter attacks.
(5) The unit was subjected to heavy, accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy
fighters during the entire month.
h. Captain Thomas C. Bounds, lead the group on 11 July, on the Alessandria M/Ys.
i. Losses in action
(1) Vado Viaduct, 6 July 1944
(a) Second Lieutenant John G. Nall (pilot)
(b) 1st Lt. Claude F. Jones (bombardier)
2nd Lt. William H. Wigmore (pilot)
2nd Lt. Edward J. Stanly (bombardier)
2nd Lt. Harold H. Lindell (navigator)
2nd Lt. James N. Watson (bombardier)
S/Sgt Robert W. Koecher (engineer-gunner)
S/Sgt. Robert R. Vineski (radio-gunner)
Ostiglia Road Bridge
1st Lt. S.E. Anderson
(SWA) (Sherman E., bombardier)
nd
2 Lt. P.W. Noe
(SWA) (Paul H., Jr., bombardier)
2nd Lt. S.J. Wiechert
(SWA) (Stanley J., pilot)
st
1 Lt. W.E. Neiman
(LWA) (William E., pilot)
1st Lt. M.K. Matthewson (LWA) (Merton K., Jr., Jr., navigator)
1st Lt. H.J. Banks
(LWA) (Herbert J., pilot)
nd
2 Lt. R.J. Woods
(LWA) (Richard J., pilot)
T/Sgt. Leo G. Hubert
(LWA) (radio-gunner)
(c) Missing. None
(d) Taken prisoner. None
j. Personnel who have distinguished themselves in action.
(1) The following number of men received, Air Medals, 12th Air Force, General
Order # 107, 26 July 1944; total of 6; 34 men received the Air Medal, General Order #
107, 12th Air Force, 26 July 1944, raid on Vallecorsa. 2 Men received the Air Medal,
G.O. # 104; 25 July 1944, 12th A.F. 1Man received the First Cluster, G.O. 104, 12th A.F.
1 Man received the D.F.C. G.O. # 103, 12th A.F.; in a raid on Vado Viaduct, Italy. 1 man
received D.F.C. General Order # 91, 12th A.F.; raid on Vallecorsa, Italy.
k. No pictures submitted.
2. Inclosed are War Diary, 447th Bombardment Squadron, for the period 1 July to 31
July: Special Account for the month of July1944; Squadron Statistics for the month of
July1944.
For the Commanding Officer:
3 Incl:
Incl – 1 War Diary.
Incl – 2 Special Account (none in July)
Incl – 3 Squadron Statistics
Missions Flown: 24
Bombs dropped (weight): 676,500
Planes lost: None
Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None
SALVATORE P. CASARELLA, Jr.,
1st. Lt., Air Corps,
Historian.
Sorties Flown: 208
Nickels dropped (packages): 24
Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None
448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for July 1944:
July 1 – 7 – 44: Squadron strength as of 1 July 1944, 101 Officers and 345 Enlisted
Men. No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. Six missions
were flown during the month over Northern Italian Communication Lines. Lieutenant
Gilbert, Ordnance Officer promoted to First Lieutenant. Sergeants: Gilpatrick and
Mauder transferred to the U.S.A. Officers and Enlisted Men of the squadron began to go
to Rest Camps on the Isle of Capri, Rome, Naples and Catania. Several of the ground
personnel went to Rest Camp on the Island of Corsica but reported that the weather was
very cool and life very dull. Food continued to be good and a new projector added much
to the enjoyment of the local movies. Beer made its first appearance on the PX rations.
Gilbert, Ralph W., 1Lt, ordnance
Gilpatrick, Jack H., Sgt, gunner
Mauder, Charles J., Sgt, gunner
July 8 – 15 – 44: Captain Farwell assigned and joined during this period. No Enlisted
Men assigned or joined during this period. Sergeants: Robertshaw, Everhart, Robert,
Carr and Hajny, Wolf and France transferred to the U.S.A. Lieutenants: Lyons, McRee,
VanRaam and PFC Hinton on DS to the U.S.A. for 30 days. Continuing the assault on
bridges in the Po Valley the Squadron flew seven missions during this period and scored
excellent results. Officers and Enlisted Men continued to depart and return from the
numerous rest camps. Several members of the squadron left for 10 days in Cairo and
vicinity. The period was exceptionally quiet as the routine work continued to occupy the
squadron personnel’s time. Excellent weather prevailed and everyone took full
advantage of the excellent swimming facilities on the island. Very few men visited the
surrounding towns on their day off as the best facilities were close at hand.
Carr, Randal C., Cpl, gunner
Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt, gunner
Farwell, Harold S., Capt, pilot
France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt, gunner
Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), Sgt, gunner
Hinton, Zane R., PFC, engineer-gunner
Lyons, John B., 1Lt, pilot
McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt, bombardier
Robert, Maurice L., Sgt, gunner
Robertshaw, David F., Sgt, gunner
VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt, pilot
Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt, gunner
July 16 – 22 – 44: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period.
Lieutenant Blume transferred to the 9th Combat Camera Unit. Sergeants: Coleman,
Dean, Thompson, Bennett, Chosta, Kepford, Luton, Neuman, Sharpsteen, Jackson, Rifkin
and Scheffmeyer transferred to the U.S.A. Lieutenants: Ovard and Shear promoted to
First Lieutenant during this period. Sergeant Penhale returned to the squadron after 30
days furlough in the U.S.A. Three missions were flown during the week as a layer of
Cumulus clouds hung over Northern Italy during most of the period. Night flying was
inaugurated and the roar of airplane engines brought memories of those nights long ago
in Columbia and Walterboro. During this time several Hell Cats manned by Navy crews
began operations from this field and the squadron had the opportunity of entertaining 28
Naval Enlisted Men.
Bennett, Ross F., Sgt, gunner
Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt, gunner
Dean, Wilmer J., Sgt, gunner
Kepford, Francis R., Sgt, gunner
Neuman, Robert A., Sgt, gunner
Penhale, Walter B., Sgt, radio-gunner
Scheffmeyer, John T., Sgt, cook
Shear, Meyer (NMI), 1Lt, pilot
Blume, Wilbur T., 2Lt, bombardier
Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt, gunner
Jackson, Jewel D., Sgt, gunner
Luton, Howard W., Sgt, tail-gunner
Ovard, Glen S., 1Lt, pilot
Rifkin, Harry J., Sgt, transportation
Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt, gunner
Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., Sgt, gunner
July 23 – 31 – 44: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined until the last day of
the month when Sergeants: Hembrey, Morefield, Popovich and Corporal Berman were
assigned from the 57 Wing. The squadron strength 31 July 1944, 93 Officers and 321
Enlisted Men. As the month drew towards the end the squadron hoped to complete it
without loss but on July 26 the squadron suffered its worst disaster of its two years of
existence. While on a mission over Verona, Italy, one bombardier was killed two planes
shot down and one Pilot and gunner seriously wounded. The lost men were Lt.
Kukorowski, killed; Lt. Armstrong and Sgt. Crow seriously wounded. Lts. Brown,
Frasier, Maginn, Olson, Goff, Quartuccio and Sgts: Tracy, Corrigan, Mitchell, Sullivan,
Holtzendorf, Montoro and Benton were shot down over the target. The month drew to a
close without further incident. Men continued to enjoy the benefits of the several rest
camps. The squadron was well settled in its home where it had remained for the longest
period in its history, over three months.
Benton, Thomas H., S/Sgt, gunner
Berman, Samuel (NMI), Cpl, gunner
Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt, pilot
Corrigan, James F., Jr., Sgt, radio-gunner Crow, Roscoe J., Sgt, gunner
Frazier, Leland R., Lt, pilot
Goff, Melvin Franklin, 2Lt, pilot
Hembrey, Jesse T., Sgt, cook
Holtzendorf, Henry (NMI), T/Sgt, gunner
Maginn, Thomas A., 2Lt, bombardier
Mitchell, William C., Sgt, gunner
Montoro, John A., S/Sgt, gunner
Morefield, James Carl, S/Sgt, gunner
Olson, Orin E., 1Lt, pilot
Popovich, Chris (NMI), Sgt, gunner
Quartuccio, Anthony P., 1Lt, bombardier
Sullivan, James G., S/Sgt, gunner
Tracy, William G., Sgt, engineer-gunner
As the squadron began its duties for the month of July everyone, realizing that
their stay on the island was to be of greater duration than they had ever experienced
before, began to make major improvements on their living quarters. Tents were built up
with the abundant lumber supply and in many cases floors were also laid. With the
beautiful weather continuing and clouds over Italy hampering operations the camp in
many respects took on the appearance of a summer resort. Swimming was a daily
pastime for all personnel and good food, well prepared left only the absence of feminine
companionship the sole fly in the ointment. Although heat was very noticeable during
the days the nights were cool and the older members sighed happily as they recalled the
Sirocco Winds of Souk el Arba, Africa.
The Fourth of July was observed not in the “Good Old Fashioned Way”, but by
showering bombs on enemy installations in Northern, Italy. In accordance with the
operational plans of the Strategic Command the 448th did its part in cutting and smashing
railroad and road bridges over the Po River during the early part of the month. The
squadron scored four 100% missions during this period and received many
Commendations from Allied Headquarters on their excellent work.
In the entertainment field little occurred of note, however in the middle of the
month a new projector was secured which made the movies more enjoyable. Now only
the generator, lack of gasoline or malfunction of the operator caused breakdowns. Every
night found goodly representation of the 448th attending the shows which for most part
were of very recent vintage. The Clubs continued to function with iced drinks being
served nightly, but the initial attraction waned as soon as the novelty wore off, however
several evenings were spent listening to the strains of the 845 Engineer’s Band. One
U.S.O. show visited the area during the month.
Early in the month there began a new policy in the squadron and all personnel
found themselves going to Rest Camps at Rome, Capri, Catania, Cairo and a mountain
resort on the Island of Corsica. Reports from all of these places were to the effect that
Rome was by far the best of the lot as it offered more entertainment and had been least
touched by the war. In all places the living facilities were excellent but with the
exception of Catania, Sicily, food was not as good as that prepared in the squadron’s own
kitchens. Transportation to these various places was accomplished by airplane. The
planes continued to make weekly visits to Catania in the search of fresh fruits, eggs and
vegetables, this in conjunction with the daily fresh meat ration provided excellent menu.
PX rations continued to improve and the long awaited ration of BEER appeared much to
the satisfaction of everyone. Cokes ceased to be included but candy was increase 4 or 6
bars per week.
Late in the month a squadron of “Hell Cats” joined the Group to work in
conjunction with Beaufighters on night patrol. Twenty-eight of the Navy Enlisted
personnel were assigned for rations and quarters.
The policy of rotation to the U.S.A. continued and two men of the Ground
Echelon were returned to the U.S.A. Several combat men also returned after completing
their tour of duty. The successes on the Russian and French Fronts continued to hearten
those left behind and many pools were organized as to the duration of the war. The most
optimistic chose September, while even the pessimism ceded that Germany would
surrender before Christmas. The nine o’clock news bulletin published by S-2 was
eagerly awaited each morning.
As the month drew towards its close it appeared that for the first time in many
months the 448th would escape unscathed by casualties, but on July 26 this hope was
shattered when two planes failed to return and one Bombardier was killed and a Pilot and
Gunner were seriously wounded, while on a mission over Verona, Italy. Just before the
target while in an intense concentration of enemy antiaircraft fire Lieutenant Brown’s
plane was hit in the left engine and left the formation under control. He glided down for
a few thousand feet, then salvoed his bombs and for some unknown reason immediately
started into a spin from which he never recovered. The plane was seen to crash but no
chutes were observed at any time during the descent. Lieutenant Olson’s plane was also
hit by the same burst of flak and his propeller was knocked off. He too appeared to be
under control and started back towards the coast, when last observed he was headed
towards the sea slowly losing altitude but under complete control. A radio call believed
to be from Lieutenant Olson announced the he was trying to make the coast. No further
word has been received from either plane. Lieutenant Kukorowski, was killed when the
plane in which he was riding received a direct burst of flak in the nose and death was
instantaneous. Lieutenant Armstrong, who was the Flight Leader received a flak wound
in the leg which later proved to be serious but promised to heal without after effects.
Sergeant Crow had two fingers shot off on the same ship. The entire squadron was
greatly saddened by the loss of these men. Many awards were recommended during the
month and expectations were high that they would soon be received. Late in the month
news was received that the Group had been awarded a Presidential Citation for its
excellent work during the month of October 1944, over the Balkans.
Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt, pilot
Crow, Roscoe J., Sgt, gunner
Olson, Orin E., 1Lt, pilot
An innovation which for the most part was not appreciated by a majority of the
squadron was set up in the squadron area. A large Public Address System effectively
removed the oft repeated excuse of not having heard the whistle for formation. Corporal
McCall initiated a morning sunshine hour to awaken all personnel but the many
comments received, soon cause to cease and desist. Colonel Smith even made a few
choice remarks on the subject. On the whole the month passed very quietly and except
for the missions flown 448th seemed to be in one of the quiet backwaters of the main
stream of the war. However the capture of the Island of Elba early in the month and
regular visits by “Foto Freddie”, served to show the enemy had not completely forgotten
the existence of this strategic Island. With growing infrequency the call to take shelter in
“Fox Holes” came during the moonlit nights.
McCall, Robert V., Cpl, personnel Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

July 1944 - 57th Bomb Wing

Transcription

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