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Post by limburger59 on May 15, 2023 19:05:00 GMT -8
to post 26 JAN 24 To unlock 28 JAN 24 Turn in AAR's no later than 10 FEB 24 Next mission to post 9 FEB 24
MISSION DATE: 15 March 44 MISSION # 14TARGET: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet Mission Brief: Historical notes from this day from the 450th: ...The Group did not make rendezvous with other bomber or fighter groups because of weather conditions and lack of visibility... Fighters: For 20 to 30 minutes in the Trieste area, 20 to 30 ME-109's plus 9 FW-190's and 6 to 8 JU-88's attacked aggressively, employing principally the following tactics: groups of 4 to 5 came in from 4-5 o'clock low, making runs over the formation and returning for frontal attacks. Elements of three came in on wing ships from 3 and 9 o'clock, firing rockets and fused 20mm cannon shells. Other attacks in column across the formation by 10 to 12 single engine enemy aircraft were made from 10 to 4 o'clock. Individual enemy aircraft occasionally came in from all angles pressing attacks to 100 yards... Intense, accurate, heavy flak received...Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 79th SQDN |
| MID | 80th SQDN |
| LOW | 78th SQDN | LEAD: | Pride of the Badgers
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| LEAD: | The Cat's Meow
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| LEAD: | Bama Beauty
| TAIL: | Six Nights in Telergma
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| TAIL: | Double Bomb |
| TAIL: | Stupid Dragon |
WEATHER:
Takeoff: Poor Target: Poor Landing: Poor GAZETTEERZone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds/None | Poor | 3 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds/None | Poor
| 4 Adriatic Sea
| X | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
| 5 Adriatic / Yugo | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
| 6 Yugoslavia | 0 | 50% Clouds/Heavy | Poor | 7 Yugoslavia | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
| 8 Yugoslavia | -2 | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
| 9 Austria | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light |
| TARGET ZONE 10 Austria FLAK: Outbound: Heavy x3 Inbound: Medium x2 | -2 | 50% Clouds/Moderate Target: Mostly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually
| Poor
| 9 Austria | -2 | 100% Clouds/Light
| Poor
| 8 Yugoslavia | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
| 7 Yugoslavia | X | 100% Clouds/None | Poor | 6 Yugoslavia | -2 | 100% Clouds/Light | Poor
| 5 Yugo / Adriatic | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
| 4 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds/None | Poor
| 3 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
| 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Poor
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Emergency Airfield: None Shot Down: Over Water (if you didn't drown): Zone 4 or greater: you are captured Zones 2 to 3: you are rescued by the Royal Navy Over Land: Austria = POW Yugoslavia = roll 1d6 for each surviving Crew member: 1 Missing in Action (MIA) in the rugged snow covered mountains and never heard from again. 2-3 Captured by a German Patrol = POW. 4-6 Escaped aided by Partisans = Two options: 1) Historical Option: When you return to Italy, your wounds will be treated, you will be debriefed and you will be sent back to the US. You know too much about the partisan locations, resources and operations. 2) Game Option: Roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to the 509th. Calendar since last Mission:11 March 44 Mission 13 Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities 12 March 44 Non-Operational Day 13 March 44 Non-Operational Day - classroom training 14 March 44 Non-Operational Day - classroom training 15 March 44 Mission 14 Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Jan 25, 2024 14:52:45 GMT -8
80th BS Position Chart 014 Steyr
LEAD - The Cat's Meow TAIL - Double Bomb
DELOZIER
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Post by crushedhat on Jan 25, 2024 19:31:00 GMT -8
For the 78th, for Mission 14 Lead: Bama Beauty (rhreiss) Tail: Stupid Dragon (jasta6) assuming successful completion of mission 13, otherwise Black Maria (kageyone) Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron (OOC - if assigned Lead or Tail, please submit your mission early incase someone else needs to take over those positions.)
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Post by superbee on Jan 27, 2024 6:09:19 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron - Mission Formation Assignments
Mission #14: Steyr, Austria (ball bearing factory)
Lead bomber: Pride of the Badgers
tail end Charlie: Six Nights in Telergma
The 79th is the high squadron this mission.
Good luck !
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jasta6
78th Bomber Squadron
Spring is here and summer is close behind... It is Cruise Season!
Posts: 277
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Post by jasta6 on Jan 27, 2024 7:02:17 GMT -8
For the 78th, for Mission 14 Lead: Bama Beauty (rhreiss) Tail: Stupid Dragon (jasta6) assuming successful completion of mission 13, otherwise Black Maria (kageyone) Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron (OOC - if assigned Lead or Tail, please submit your mission early incase someone else needs to take over those positions.) crushedhat, Stupid Dragon will have the tail!
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Post by andy254 on Jan 27, 2024 13:28:40 GMT -8
“Another long one in miserable weather,” Maj Harlan Beech begins the S2 portion of the mission briefing. “At least the lousy weather will interfere with Jerry as much as it does you, small consolation that it may be. There shouldn’t be any Luftwaffe action until you cross into Yugoslavia. And, of course, once you are over Austria. Intelligence indicates the heaviest concentration of enemy fighters will be near Rijeka on the outbound leg.” SSgt Dewbury taps the big wall map to indicate the location. ‘Initial resistance over Austria will be light, growing more intense as you near the target, and then dropping off again on your way home. Interestingly, the resistance near Rijeka inbound isn’t expected to be near as heavy as on the way to the target.”
“This target is important to the Nazi war machine and there will be heavy flak on target ingress, only easing up moderately on target egress.”
“As I’ve already mentioned, Metro is promising lousy weather all the way there and back.”
“P-38s of the 14th FG will be our escort. While they’ll be with you all the way, the same weather that’s expected to hamper the Luftwaffe will degrade their effectiveness as well.”
“There are no emergency airfields near the route. If you run into trouble near Giulia, the RN will be on Lifeguard duty. Further out, you can try for Yugoslavia and hope you fall into the hands of the Partisans. If you do, don’t give them cause to suspect you,” Beech warns. “But don’t give them anything more than you need to either. My enemy’s enemy isn’t always my best friend.”
“As always, should you end up in German hands remember the Fighting Man’s Code requires you to resist as well as the situation allows. The Geneva Conventions only require you to provide name, rank, serial number.” With that, Maj Beech turns the briefing over to the S3, Maj Stockwell.
"Steyr is one of Upper Austria's major industrial cities, part of the Reichswerke Hermann Göring, a huge conglomerate that focuses on mining and metals. Ball bearings are just part of the RHG's output, but they are vital components in all manner of war machines. I'm sure in Pittsburgh there will be large plants making ball bearings to go into our war machines, our aircraft engines included.
"Ingress takes you approximately NNW up the Adriatic." SSgt Dewbury pointed to the different parts of the route at the appropriate points. "Due to being completely overcast, you will have to work with your equipment. At a certain point, which is just across the coast of Croatia, you make a course change to approximately due North. Expect heavy aerial resistance at this point. There is a chance it is the Ustaše airforce, but it may as well be the Luftwaffe as they will be flying the same planes.
"The new leg takes you through Croatia, Slovenia and across the border into Austria, now part of Greater Germany. Although mountainous, the peaks are not as high as they were on the mission to Regensburg. If you have to lose altitude, you should be able to get across them.
"Aerial resistance is not as heavy over the target zone but it should still give you a challenge. Your main enemy in the TZ here will be a wall of flak. Visibility is improved but only by about 50%.
"The Egress follows a parallel course. You will first fly through a thinner wall of flak as you leave the TZ. Once you get out of the TZ, resistance should be patchy but light. Keep on your toes as the P-38s cannot be everywhere. However, poor visibility works both ways as Maj Beech said. You cannot easily see your enemy, but they cannot easily see you.
"I look forward to seeing you back this afternoon," said Stockwell. He concluded with "Good luck, and I wish I was up there with you."
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Post by medic1 on Jan 28, 2024 6:42:55 GMT -8
B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Low/Middle Mission Date: 15 March 44 Mission Number: 014 Missions This Bomber: 3 Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers | 3 | 2 | .5 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | LW | R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Dan Larmer | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | SW/IH | SWG Sgt Sam Taylor | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | LW | Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp | 3 | 0 | 1.5 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 20% B-24 Damage: 26 Hits
Superficial x 9 (18) Nose x 1 -control cables, rudder control (10) Flight Deck x 2 -top turret MGs inop & gunner LW (22) -oxygen controls hit to Pilot, CP, R/O & Engineer, N/E (20) Port Wing x 3 -superficial x 2 (4) -brake out (25) Bomb Bay x 4 -superficial x 2 (4) -N/E (5) -rafts destroyed (10) Waist x 4 - SW MG inop (10) -BT heat out (10) -PW MG inop (10) -PWG SW, SWG LW (7) Tail x 3 -superficial (2) -port rudder, N/E (5) -heat out (10) -oxygen control N/E (5)Peckham Points: 167 Repair Time: 4 days Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+1 mod) Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Bf-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | G-50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 20 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Confirmed Claims: 3 Sgt Larry Sharp 1.5 x Fw-190 Sgt Dan Larmer 1 x Fw-190 Sgt Mark Harrison .5 x 190 Casualties: 3 S/Sgt Bart Dillon LW – torn vastus muscle RTD 22 March 44 Sgt Sam Taylor LW – lips cut & lung teeth missing RTD 12 April 44 Sgt Dan Larmer SW/IH - broken rib & inflamed Award/ Promotions Requests: 3 PH S/Sgt Bart Dillon PH Sgt Sam Taylor PH Sgt Dan Larmer Stress Points this Mission: 4 2nd Lt Hank McAlister S/Sgt Bart Dillon Sgt Sam Taylor Sgt Dan Larmer
After Action Report (using QOTS): The weather was absolutely dismal from the moment we woke up. Lashing rain on takeoff caused us some anxious moments as a fully loaded B-24 is difficult enough to get off the ground without the weather fighting you, but we were able to lift off and form up.
We'd only been over the Yugoslavian Coast for a few minutes when five109 appeared in the skies and make a beeline for us. A little friend tangled with a German Ace cutting down the odds slightly. A green pilot at 9 low came out on the short end with Harrison in the ball turret, but his claim would later be denied. The rest of the encounter had nothing to show for it from either side.
Things were quite for a couple of hundred miles until we just passed over the Yugoslavian border where we were engaged by three 410, one an Ace and one a green pilot with a veteran thrown into the mix. Again, we got lucky with the ace as a P-38 dropped down to entertain him. Engineer Dillon damaged the veteran at 12 level but after that all we did was exchange ammunition.
Another hundred miles or so a green pilot in a 190 followed by an ace in a 410 that dove on us. In the waist, Larmer took care of the green kid as his fire snapped a wing and the 190 cork screwed crazily down into the clouds. The cagey ace came in at an angle that we couldn't train a gun on him and he put three into us. One struck in the bomb bay but thankfully didn't detonate the payload. He came around again at 3 low where Harrison was able to track him and pump some accurate fire into him throwing off the aces aim. The last we were able to see of him he was smoking heavily and had dropped in the clouds and couldn't be confirmed.
At the IP we were met by two waves of Goring's Goons with three 190 in the first wave led by an ace. Sharp got into a shooting match with the German Ace and came out on top as his tracers shattered the canopy and raked the wings setting him on fire. Harrison damaged one at 4:30 who returned fire and struck us once then swung around for another run that didn't achieve anything.
The remaining Kraut at three level hit control cables in the nose which hampered the use of the rudder. He came in again at 6 low where Harrison and Sharp both got their licks in and took him out.
In the second wave a lone 109 tried to come in at 12:00 high but suffered a Lightning strike on the way. The heavy flak was brutal and cleared away the fighters, somehow we were able to sail through it without any damage. Despite the flak and the poor weather doing its combined best to hamper Vickers, he was still able to place about 20% of his bombs on target.
INBOUND
The flak wasn't as severe as we turned away, but it was bad enough. Again, we were able to make our way through it without any damage, but two waves of butcher birds circled and waited beyond it. For some reason, the first wave merely watched us as if trying to make up their mind if we were the best target, or maybe they were a gaggle of green pilots who had been ordered to merely observe and not engage. Whatever the reason, they left us alone.
The second wave consisted of two 88. One came in at 4:30 high and struck us twice, in the wing and the bomb bay. He came around again at 7:30 and evaded our fire while pumping three more into us, two in the tail which hit the port rudder and a strike on the tail oxygen system which continued to function. He returned one more time at 1:30 and hit us another four times, the worst being in the flight deck where he managed to hit everyone's oxygen controls. But like his hit in the tail, it failed to destroy the controls and all were still able to breathe normally.
The climbing 88 struck us three times knocking out the port waist and top turret MGs and wounding Dillon in the leg while destroyed our life rafts for good measure. Making a second run from three low he added to his damage destroying the brakes for the port main landing gear (a fact we only discovered on landing) and damaging the heating controls for the ball turret. Feeling pretty good about himself he returned once more at 3 low were Harrison heavily damaged an engine and he dropped away into the clouds for what would become his third denied claim of the mission.
Out of the target zone we came under further attack by four 190, an ace and a green pilot were obvious in the group. A timely arrival by an escort started an ariel dance with the Ace. In the tail, Sharp damaged one at 6 low while the green pilot scored three on us, one destroying the port waist MG. The rookie pilot tried his luck again from 6 H where Sharp’s fire tore him up blowing his prop and spinner off and he dropped away (denied at interrogation) but not before his return fire wounded both waist gunner’s.
With his turret out and despite his wounded leg, Dillon made his way to the waist and reported that Larmer was in a bad way and unconscious while Taylor was awake but had a terrible cut to his mouth and bleeding profusely with several missing teeth. Harrison reported about how cold it was becoming in the ball turret without heat and I ordered him out into the waist to help Dillon make Larmer and Taylor comfortable. He argued with me and said that he would tough it out at stay at his post. I threatened him with a court marshal for refusing a direct order. We had three wounded and I didn’t want a fourth. With three guns out I didn’t want to leave formation for Harrison to stay and man his turret. I figured one less gun but in the safety of the formation was better than being on our own.
It turned out to be the right call as we were soon over the sea and away from roving fighters. Once the formation was circling over Giulia we fired three red flare and one yellow. When our priority order had been established, we landed in order onto the rain-soaked field. It was now that we discovered our port brake shot away, and without rudder controls Mac and I fought the aircraft as we careened down the runway to finally end in a ground loop and successfully shut down the engines.
After interrogation I visited Larmer, Taylor and Dillon in the hospital. Dillon is in better shape of the three having torn muscles in his leg and will only be lost to us for about a week.
Taylor’s face is heavily bandaged. He’s going to have some ugly scars and needs much dental work while being on the sidelines until mid April. When I informed him of his three claims being denied he mumbled about how he couldn’t catch a break, then the plucky Tennessean talked about joining us in the pub where he’ll have an IV system to drink his beer.
Larmer’s war is over and he’ll be shipped back home where he’ll receive the best of care to aid in his recovery. We were a beat-up aircraft and crew. We had faced an inordinate number of German aces, eight in all, but we made it home. I’ll be checking the spare pool later, but I’ve tagged a big kid from Ohio, Phil Merrick to replace Larmer.
S/Sgt Decker estimates that his ground crew should have Delayed Action ready to fly in four days.
1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Jan 28, 2024 7:07:07 GMT -8
Mission date:15 March 44 Target: Steyr, Austria - Werzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Mission/Bomber: 14/9 B-17G The Cat's Meow 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force Formation: Middle Squadron Position: Lead
Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards Pilot: 1LT Walter Kowalski (9) (-) AM, PH, posthumous Co-Pilot: 2LT John Moran (9) (-) AM, PH, posthumous Bombardier: 2LT Edward Roberts (9) (0) AM, PH, posthumous Navigator: 2LT Mark Cohen (9) (1) AM (0.5) PH, posthumous Engineer: SSG Jason Rodman (9) (1.83) AM, PH, posthumous Radio Operator: SGT Louis Franz (4) (0) PH, posthumous Ball Gunner: SGT Kenneth Lewis (9) (0.66) AM, PH, posthumous Port Waist Gun: SGT Luigi Roselli (9) (0) PH, AM, PH, posthumous Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Angel Ramirez (9) (0) PH, AM, PH, posthumous Tail Gun: SGT Lee Kinnison (9) (0.66) PH, AM, PH, posthumous Additional: MAJ Russell Shapiro (26), DFC, PH, posthumous, AM (5)
Bombing: Did not bomb
Damage: Aircraft destroyed
Casualties: Entire crew KIA
Awards: Entire crew - PH, posthumous
Intelligence report: The Cat's Meow was leading the mission when it was observed to take a severe flak hit over the target just before bomb's away. A major detonation was observed resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. No parachutes were observed.
15th Air Force JAG summary: Based on the testimony of Sergeant Stephen Ross, crew chief of The Cat's Meow, some time around 0100, 15 March 1944, Major Russell Shapiro was observed entering The Cat's Meow and strapping himself into the co-pilot seat. The sergeant did not feel it was appropriate for him to say anything to the major. On the arrival of the crew at 0420, 15 March 1944, he reported the same to the aircraft commander, First Lieutenant Walter Kowalski. Kowalski told the sergeant that he would take responsibility for the major's presence on the aircraft. The sergeant further reported that after the crew boarded the aircraft and sealed up, no one was observed to have left the aircraft. It is thus concluded that despite a standing order to the contrary, Major Shapiro was aboard the aircraft when it was destroyed over Steyr, Austria. This office recommends that no further action is warranted and this case is closed.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Jan 28, 2024 10:33:53 GMT -8
MISSION 014 STEYR 14 March 1944 80th BS, 509th BG B-17F-110BO 42-30616 "Miss Holly"
CREW Captain FRANK DELOZIER - Pilot - Missions: 12 | Claims: | Awards: AMx2 2nd Lt Sam Circus - Co-Pilot - Missions: 1 | Claims: | Awards: AMx2, PH 2nd Lt RICHARD "Woody" WOOD - Bombardier - Missions: 12 | Claims: 0.5 | Awards: AMx2 2nd Lt HAMPTON "Hamp" RAWLINGS - Navigator - Missions: 12 | Claims: | Awards: AMx2 T/Sgt SAMUEL "Sammy B" BATEMAN - Engineer - Missions: 12 | Claims: 1 | Awards: AMx2 S/Sgt JOSE "Loco" AZZUCO - Radio Op - Missions: 12 | Claims: | Awards: AMx2 Sgt EMILIO "Emmy" CANTOLO - Ball Gunner - Missions: 12 | Claims: 4 | Awards: AMx2 Sgt HAL CARTER - Port Waist - Missions: 12 | Claims: 1 | Awards: AMx2 Sgt HERBERT "H.R." RAYMOND - Starb Waist - Missions: 12 | Claims: 0.5 | Awards: AMx2 Sgt CHARLES "Eddy" EDWARDS III - Tail Gunner - Missions: 12 | Claims: 3 | Awards: AMx2
BOMBING DNB (abort) CLAIMS NONE CASUALTIES NONE AWARDS/PROMOTIONS NONE
ENEMY AIRCRAFT 1x Me110 Ro 1x Me210 Ro 4x FW190, 1xDAM 6x TOTAL E/A
DAMAGE 5x Superficial: 5pp Bombsight out: 10pp Bombbay doors out: 10pp pilot Oxygen out: 10pp TOTAL 35pp
AAR
A short day with the mission aborted, but the action was hot and heavy when we crossed
the Yugoslav coastline. Waves of enemy aircraft were seen in the sky. Two Romanians
in a 110 and 210 got through the nearly-nonexistent escort screen, but their gunnery missed.
Then four 190s attacked. We took a couple superficial hits in the radio room and tail. We were then pounced upon from 6:00 high, and his cannon fire ripped us from nose to tail, with
the worst damage coming from the nose, where the Norden bombsight was rendered INOP by a shell straight through it. Bombardier reported that had he been perched over the sight when it was hit, the shell would gone straight through his head.
Another shell burst through the waist just ahead of the ball turret and knocked out the bomb bay doors circuitry. My oxygen supply was also knocked out at this time.
I decided to abort the mission and peeling off from the formation, we descended to Angels 10 and headed back to Giulia. Had a scare with some fighters, but they didn't notice us at the lower altitude. We couldn't tell what kind of aircraft they were. Landing at Giulia was nominal.
DELOZIER
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Post by medic1 on Jan 28, 2024 10:39:02 GMT -8
B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823 Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin MarksSquadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air ForceFormation/Position: Low/MiddleMission Date: 15 March 44 Mission Number: 014Missions This Bomber: 14Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
Crew/Position/Rank | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress Points | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | LW | Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy | 14 | 5 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado | 14 | 10 | .5 | 2 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside | 14 | 2 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro | 14 | 7.5 | 3 | 1 | RTD | PSW Sgt Noreno Costa | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Mark Riley | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit | 14 | 6 | 1.5 | 0 | LW |
Bomb Run: OnOn Target: 50%B-17 Damage: 11 Hits Superficial x 1 (1) Cockpit x 1 -co-pilot LW (2) Port Wing x 2 -#1 engine, superficial (20) -landing gear inop (25) Starboard Wing x 1 -aileron inop (10) Bomb Bay x 2 -superficial (1) -rafts destroyed (10) Tail x 4 -superficial (1) -port elevator inop (10) -starboard elevator inop (10) -TG LW (2) Special: -damage from landing (80) Peckham Points: 179Repair Time: 5 days Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)Landing: Safe at GiuliaE/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Bf-109 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Bf-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 17 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | IAR-80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 20 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Confirmed Claims: 5 S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 2 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-109 Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x Bf-109, .5 x Fw-190 S/Sgt Curt Mercado .5 x Fw-190 Casualties: 2 2nd Lt Ted Masini LW, severed finger – RTD 5 April 44 Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit LW, leg cut - treated and RTD Stress Points after mission: 3 2nd Lt Ted Masini 2nd Lt Craig Kellici T/Sgt Bruce Woodside Award/ Promotions Requests: 2 PH 2nd Lt Ted Masini PH Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit PH 2nd Lt Ted Masini AM (1st Award) 2nd Lt Craig Kellici AM (1st Award) S/Sgt Noreno Costa
After Action Report
I couldn't help but note that Italy looked like any other place I’ve been when it's raining like this, ugly. The skies looked ugly, the runway looked ugly and so did the mission, a long one into Austria. We took off without any issues and formed up and headed out. We were more than halfway towards the target when four 190 attacked us. Kellici in the nose put some accurate fire into one at 12 level and it seemingly fell out of control, but this claim would be denied later. Woodside in the radio rooms spray fired at another at 4:30 high, the pilot breaking off without firing a shot. Some 200 miles later another four190 appeared. A German Ace was coming in at 9 level when a P-38 appeared forcing the 190 turning to meet him. Kellici opened up on another at 12 low and seemingly had a victory to make up for the one that he would lose later, but this one too would be denied at interrogation. Konstanero hit the wing tanks of another, which exploded into a bright fireball. The remaining fighter at 6 high came in where tracers from both Talking Spirit and Mercado's guns were seem to rake the fighter along its nose and wings, the 190 catching fire and rolled onto its back dropping in flames. In the next zone we were assaulted by three190 and our gunners opened up with Kellici again damaging one at 12 low and Konstanero bagging his second of the mission at 4:30, the pilot managing to bail out safely. At the IP there were plenty of fighters swarming around and we endured two waves of them. In the first, three 190 with another denied claim to Kellici, and another was denied to Kostanero as well. In the second wave we faced off against three109, one an ace. Woodside spray fired at the ace coming in at 6 high but his MG jammed. The ace put a superficial hit into us and came back at 4:30 where he put another round into the bomb bay which thankfully didn't detonate our bombs. The ace tried one more time from 4:30 and hit the tail with no real damage done. A 109 at 12 high destroyed the tail port elevator and wounded Talking Spirit in the leg, something that he described as a scratch. He returned again at 6:00 and was damaged by Mercado but pressed his attack regardless and rendered the right tail elevator useless and destroying the rafts in the bomb bay. He tried one more attack which was unsuccessful and then all fighters cleared off as a heavy carpet of flak filled the sky. The flak removed most of the starboard wing aileron, struck the number one engine, but didn’t cause any noticeable problem and hit in the the port wheel well that would come into play later. Despite the weather and the knocking around from the flak, Kellici, who had been showing a remarkable aim throughout the mission continued to be unfazed and dropped for 50%.
INBOUND
Coming out of the flak field after the turn our only opposition was a 109 at 12 high, which was damaged by Mercado. The 109 in return put one in the cockpit wounding co-pilot Mancini, severing the ring finger of his right hand. The 109 circled to come in at six level where Talking Spirit sent a stream of lead into the engine causing it to catch fire and drop out of control into the clouds. Just before we left the Yugoslavian coast, we faced off with another two 109 where Konstonaro shot down his third confirmed fighter of the mission. The other 109 was shot down as well, but the claim would be denied later to none other than our dead-eye bombardier Kellici. The guy would have been an ace if they had credited him, but we all know what he did. The rest of the way back was uneventful until we reached the field. We dropped flares to signal our damage and as were lining up the runway found that our port landing gear wouldn't drop. We aborted the landing and circled as I sent Mercado to operate the hand crank. After he had reported that he couldn't get the gear to budge, I ordered crash positions. We came in with one wheel down. As our speed dropped so did the left wing which sent a shower of sparks down the runway, the wingtip collapsing on impact with the tarmac. Wee ground to a halt and became surrounded by ambulances and fire engines. Our mission was complete. Masini is going to miss some time due to his injured hand, Talking Spirit suffered a cut to his leg but has been cleared for flight Duty. The Vixen needs some work. Chief Yates says that the ground crew will work like beavers to get her ready to fly, but it’ll still take about five days.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Post by campsawyer on Jan 28, 2024 12:41:00 GMT -8
B-17F Double Bomb (B-17F-100BO 42-30333) Pilot: 1st Lt Paul Flores Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Low/Low (Tail end Charlie) Mission Date: 15 Mar 44 Mission Number: 18 Missions This Bomber: 14 Base: Guilia, Italy Target: Ball Bearing Plant, Steyr AustriaCrew | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Paul Flores | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Sanders | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Thompson | 12 | 0 | .5 | 1 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cox | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Engineer S/SGT King | 11 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 0 | RTD | Radioman T/Sgt Ramirez | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Roberts | 14 | 1.5 | 0 | 1 | RTD | PWG Sgt Scott | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | SWG Sgt Brown
| 12 | .5 | .5 | 1 | RTD | Tail Gunner S/Sgt Thomas | 11 | 2 | 3 | 1 | RTD |
Bomb Run: Off On Target: 2% B-17 Damage: Superficial Wing hitsx2, Faulty Bomb Release Peckham Points: 2, Repair Time: Overnight repair Crew Chief: SSGT Steve Taylor, dedicated Landing: Safe E/A | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | FW-190 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | ME-109 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | ME-110 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
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Confirmed Claims: SSGT King 1.5 ME109, SSGT Thomas 3 ME109, LT Thompson .5 ME109, SSGT Brown .5 ME109 Casualties: None Award/ Promotions Requests: Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal for Gunnery to SSGT Thomas for 3 credited ME109s as well as damaging 4 other ME109s in his tail gunner position while Double Bomb was in the tail end Charlie position. Air Medal for Gunnery to all gunners on Double Bomb for keep 19 German fighters from making any appreciable damage to the plane. After Action Report OutboundAfter the briefing, we went back and checked the weather maps, but it was all bad news heavy clouds to the target and back. Being the trailing plane this was going to be quite a challenge, I mentioned to LT Saunders. We'll to to stress to SGT's Roberts and Thomas to keep a keen eye and call out anything as any fighters are going to be on us quick. We road out to the plane and the other SGT's were out there already. "Not a good day for a plane ride" SGT King said. A nervous laugh by all before the crew briefing under the wing. SSGT Taylor started and said the the plane was in good shape and should have no issues, TSGT King asked a few questions on the engines, but we were comfortable with his skills, so that would not be a big worry. LT Cox mentioned that weather not going to be good for the mission, at that point I jumped in and made about to the gunners to be alert and ready. After we formed up, we will go through call out drills as well as check guns and all supporting equipment. After that we, made it into our positioned and we readied for takeoff. There was a little delay with the rain picking up and the rough muddy runway. But we did get off and formed up. At that point we went through the guns and equipment and all looked good, so we started our call out drills while LT Saunders flew and LT Cox navigated us to sty with the formation. After twenty minutes, I felt we were ready and took control to give Saunders a break. No encounters over the Adriatic as I don't think that the German fighters could see us even if they were next to us. Clouds started to thin a little and we could see the ground so we knew we crossed into Yugoslavia. Just then SGT King called out fighter approaching 1030. Looking over quickly I saw two ME109's and SGT Thomas in the rear called out 6 o'clock low and Lt Thompson 12 o'clock level. Quickly the gunners found their targets as they came in. PW SGT Scott opened first hitting the 109 wing that ripped off the wing as BT SGT Roberts shredded its tail. The second 1030 ME109 took damage from the LC but continued it's pass, but missed. In the 12 o'clock position both NG LT Thompson and TT SGT King hit the 109 in the cockpit and the fuel tank. We heard an explosion after it passed. As this happened we heard SGT Thomas say he hit the 6 o'clock 109. No sooner than they attacked, but a second wave of three ME109's came in from the 12 and 6 positions. TT SGT King and NG LT Thompson took the 12 level and King hit the 109s fueled tank, for a second time. He burst into flames in from and I had to pull hard to the right to miss the wreckage. RC LT Cox and RW SGT Brown opened on the second 109, with Browns .50 cal finding 109's wing and clipping it throwing it out of control. TG SGT Thomas and BT SGT Roberts teamed up on the 6 low 109 wrecking its wing. Three more down, but the fighting was awful close to Double Bomb with the heavy clouds, the fighters were right on top of us. A third wave had FW190's coming at us from 1030 and 3 o'clock as well as a ME109 from 6 low again. TT SGT King and LC LT Cox took on the 1030 190 but he got through but was took close for a hit. He came round again and SGT King fired and hit the cockpit and it immediately fly off. The second FW190 was hit by RW SGT Brown, but missed by BT SGT Roberts. The 190's fire missed as well and he flew away. The last ME109 we heard TG SGT Thomas yell out I got him and we saw he 109 nose down with a shattered propeller. I believe the Germans had had enough of our .50 cal ammo. The clouds came back and it was hard flying as we were on constant watch after the last attack. We wondered where our fighter cover was, but the clouds were so thick we could not see them and they could not see us, so we were on our own. Luckily no more German fighter appeared until we were over Steyr. Three FW190's and a ME109 came up to attack us. Two at the 12 o'clock position that TT SGT King and NG LT Thompson had to fight off. Both damaged the fighters but one score superficial hits on the port wing. The third FW190 came at 3 low so RW SGT Brown and BT SGT Roberts teamed up to damage its wing an propeller causing its fire to miss us. Once again in the tail SGT Thomas had to deal with a ME109, but he called out that he hit fuselage and SGT Roberts confirmed for another kill for him. One of the FW190's made a second pass at the tail and SGT Thomas was in action again, this time damaging the FW190 enough to cause it's fire to miss. After that we lined up for the run the best we could LT Cox and Thompson worked to get us inline with the others in the formation but the heavy overcast made it very hard. We heard that the lead plane could see the target and we were good to bomb. The IP and run length were good, but the clouds would make it tough as well as the flak that was forming up in front of us. Heavy flak started but they were just doing a blanket barrage due to the weather and we had some near misses but were good. We heard and explosion just above us and he lead plane, Cat's Meow, was hit we heard over the radio. We could see some debris as we moved up and could tell there was no survivors. The next plane took over but I told LT Thompson to take his own bearings for the run. He had a tough time with the overcast but eventually said he could line it up and I gave the plane over to him. Flak continued but it was comfortably missing us. LT Thompson was ready with the drop and he dropped but nothing happened, not lift from the release of the bombs. He triggered again two more times and finally the bombs left the plane. This caused us to be very far off course and we could barely see the results, maybe a couple hit. But I hope all of the planes before us hit with their bombs. InboundWe proceed to turn and head back the same way we came as the flak started up again. Same pattern, blanket barrage, but this missed us. We discover the source of our problem with the bombs the release wiring had be shorted out and we were lucky it worked at all, but that would have to wait as more German fighters were on us. A single FW190 and three ME109's from the 12 and 6 positions. Two 109's went after out tail and TG SGT Thomas and BT SGT Thomas took them on damaging both and forcing them to miss us with there fire. TT SGT King and NG LT Thompson took on the FW190 damaging its wing and it missed as well. A third 109 dove on us and RR SGT Ramirez fired a burst at him but missed as he fired and missed too, then flew off. Continuing our trip home as another wave of two 109's attacked. But a lone P-38 came to our add and jumped the one approaching on the port side. This left a 6 o'clock low that TG SGT Thomas and BT SGT Roberts had to deal with. They were able to damage it enough to force it to miss and flew off. That was the last of the German fighters for this mission. The rest of the ride back to Italy was uneventful and we landed without any problem. I would like to make a special note for the gunnery efforts of the crew of Double Bomb. Facing 19 fighters damaging and destroying 18 of them before they could fire, resulted in very minor damage to the plane. Regards, 1st LT Paul Flores, Pilot, 80th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Jan 28, 2024 14:32:28 GMT -8
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 14 Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #9)Crew Commander: 2LT George McQuinn Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Lead TARGET: Ball Bearing Plant Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Prior Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 2LT | George McQuinn | 13 | AM+ |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | Howard Mills | 9 | AM |
| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Johnny Marcum | 13 | AM+ | .25 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | Pat Tobin | 13 | AM+ | .25 | RFD
| Engineer | S/SGT | Sam Harshane | 10 | AM, PH | 4.33 | RFD | Radio/ RW | S/SGT | John Whitehead | 13 | AM+ | 1 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bill Trotter | 13 | AM+, PH | 2.16 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Harry Kimberlin | 13 | AM+ | 1.5 | RFD
| Nose Gunner | SGT | Tommy Thompson | 8 | AM | 4.58 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Dave Short | 13 | AM+ | 1.16 | RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) skill +1 13th mission Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50% Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight repair and maintenance. Bomber Damage: L Wing-no effect 5 R Wing- no effect 5 L elevator inop 10 Waist – no effect 5 2x Superficial Damage 4 Bomb Bay 5 Tail L rudder 1 Hit 10 Peckham Points: 44 Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 16
| Me109 | Fw190 | Me110 | Me210 | Me410
| Re2005 | TOTAL | Escort Intercept |
| 1 | | | | | 1 | Undamaged | 3 | 3 | | | | | 6 | Damaged
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| 2 | 1 |
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| 3 | Probable/Denied
| 1 | | 2 | | | | 3 | Destroyed | 1 | 2 | | | | | 3 |
Casualties: none Claims: Me109 S/SGT Harshaney Approved - Full Credit Awarded Me110 SGT Trotter Denied Me110 SGT Trotter Denied Fw190 SGT Trotter & T/SGT Whitehead Shared - 1/3 Victory Credit Awarded Me109 S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Thompson Denied Fw190 SGT Trotter & T/SGT Whitehead Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded Awards: S/SGT Harshaney AM for 10 missions and recommended for DFC for reaching Ace status
AAR
OUTBOUND We were the squadron lead for this mission and after all the mechanical issues on the last mission we did a through walk thru prior to the mission. We were able to get airborne without incident and quickly found the assembly plan. Once the rest of the squadron formed up and we joined the group formation and headed towards the target. As we passed over the coast of Croatia the expected resistant materialized. We were jumped by a pair of Fw190s with a Me109 kicker. While we did not see much of our escorts on this mission, a couple of them appear and picked off a Fw190, the only time they stopped a fighter attacking us this mission. While we hit the second it raked us, doing multiple hits for no effect, taking out the left elevator, and sending the pucker factor sky high with a hit to the bomb bay with things pinging off the bombs. With reduced visibility the Me110 tried a reattack but with the poor visibility missed as did our gunners. The Me109 pressed its attack and S/SGT Harshaney took its left wing off with no chute observed. After that the rest of the flight to the target area was uneventful.
TARGET AREA Once in the target area it took Goering’s boys a little while to find us but then came at us hard. A trio of Me110s attacked with a Me109 on their heels. Sgt Short dinged the one at our six and it missed us breaking off that attack. The second attacked in the vertical climb and Sgt Trotter tok the Left wing off, a chute was observed. With a Me110 and a Me109 at our 12 we missed both, the Me109 missed us but the 110 did some damage. When it tried for a reattack, Sgt Trotter was able to get his guns around and turned it into a fireball. They were followed by a Fw190 at our 3 and a Me109 at our 12. SGT Trotter & T/SGT Whitehead shot up the Fw190 with no chute observed as it lost power and fell out of the sky. S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Thompson turned the Me109 into a fireball. As we started the bomb run at the IP, we discovered the ailerons were out, after we got back it was determined to be an instrument failure; not battle damage. On the bomb run we were rocked by the heavy flak doing superficial damage as well as hits to our right wing and left rudder. Despite this 2LT Marcum was on-target assessed as 50% effective. As we were reforming at the RP three Fw190s and a Me109 attacked. SGT Trotter & T/SGT Whitehead shattered the cockpit of the one at our 3. The other three all attacked at our 12. SGT Thompson did some damage to one of Fw190s which then missed us. With more targets than gunners we missed the other two, fortunately both of them also missed us. They were followed by a pair of Fw190s and a Me109 which were on us so quickly neither side could get off an accurate shot. As we were departing the target area bombs were dropped on the formation from above, while we were rocked by the blast there was no apparent damage.
INBOUND Nothing to report for the flight back to base. We managed a smooth landing despite the damage to the control surfaces. T/SGT Patrick says Bama Beauty will be ready after overnight repair and maintenance. While half our claims were denied, S/SGT Harshaney’s were approved or shared giving him Ace status. .
1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding B-24J Bama Beauty 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by kkirch22 on Jan 28, 2024 15:25:14 GMT -8
DEBRIEF AND AAR FOR ANGRY ARI, B17G:
Aircraft Commander: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch. Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group. High Squadron - Middle. MISSION DATE: March 15, 1944. MISSION NUMBER: 14 (This bomber: 1). TARGET: Steyr, Austria – Ball Bearing Plant. Repairs and Maintanence: NO MECHANICAL FAILURE ROLLS THIS MISSION
Crew: (Prior missions) - [Prior kills] - {Stress Points} Pilot: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch (0) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Andrew Walker (0) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Joe McChesney (0) [0] {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. Richard "Dick" Roden (0) [0] {1} Engineer: T/Sgt. Roy Schultz (0) [0] {0} Radio Operator: Sgt. Eli Stone (0) [0] {1} Ball Gunner: Sgt. Lais Laifeng (0) [0] {0} Port Waist: Sgt. Tom Settler (0) [0] {0} Starboard Waist: Sgt. Matthew Gabriels (0) [0] {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ned Green (0) [0] {0} Bomb Run: ON, 40%.
Casualties: Eli Stone SW, 8 Weeks.
Crew Chief: Sgt. Geoff Culver (0) (The Rookie).
Damage: 3 Hits. 1x Starboard Wing Superficial, 1x Rudder, 1x Radioroom SW crewman.
Peckham Points: 11, Overnight Repair.
Landing: Safe
Claims: N/A
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart for Sgt. Eli Stone.
In Hospital: Sgt. Eli Stone (0) [0] {1}. Return to duty 15 MAY 1944.
AFTER ACTION REPORT NARRATIVE: (Using QotS and Beery's Module.)
Our crew chief did a bang up job getting the bird ready for it's first mission, and she was smooth as butter for start up and take off. Formed up without incident and proceeded towards the target. Uneventful flight over the Adriatic until we crossed over into Yugoslavia, where we encountered some enemy fighters just inside the coast in Zone 6. Luckily an uneventful attack, with the enemy missing on their passes and one of them being damaged by Sgt. Gabriels in the Stbd Waist. We encountered another group of enemy fighters later on in zone 8, however these were chased off by defensive fire within the formation and we were able to continue to the target unhindered. Inbound to the target we encountered no enemy fighter resistance and only medium flak, none of which hit our aircraft.
The bomb run went surprisingly well considering our experience and the poor weather, with nearly half our bombs hitting the target. Will need to buy Joe a beer! After the bomb run we caught some nasty heavy flak and a few rounds punched into the aircraft, causing some light damage to our rudder and starboard wing. Worst of all was a piece that nicked our Radioman, Stone. It was a nasty wound to his abdomen but luckily he was able to stop the bleeding and insisted the rest of the crew remain at their stations and not worry about him for the flight home. Thankfully the trip back to Italy was even more uneventful than the trip to Austria. Despite lacking a radioman and the poor weather over the airbase, we were able to set the bomber down safely and get Stone off to the medical tent.
It was a tense few hours after the mission waiting to hear how his surgery went but it sounds like he pulled through alright, and will be in the Hospital here on base for about 2 months. Thankfully it sounds like he'll be able to return to the squadron, but in the meantime I have a new radioman to track down...
- 2nd Lt. Kyle Kirch, 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bomb Group.
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Jan 29, 2024 1:44:51 GMT -8
After-Action ReportB-24J-1-CF-42-64086 – “Black Shadow”78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
Commander: 1st Lt. M. Armstead Mission Date: 15 March 1944 Mission Number: 14 Mission of this bomber: 2 Formation: Low Position: Middle Target: Steyr, Austria Target Type: Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Bomb Run: On Target - 20% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Mitch Armstead | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. John Webb
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. John Griffis
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Charles Rutherford | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | S/Sgt Colin Jones | 2 | 0 | .5 |
| RTD | 0 | Nose Gunner | Sgt Dennis Lindsay | 2 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Erik Sinnott
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 | Port WG/Radio Op. | S/Sgt Lee Hanson
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Fred Campbell
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt James Rivera
| 2 | 1 | 1.5 |
| RTD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgt John Ziegler (Average Joe) - 2 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | Me-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
Claims:
- S/Sgt J. Rivera: 1 Me-109 claimed - full credit awarded - Sgt D. Lindsay: 1 Me-109 claimed - half credit awarded - Sgt D. Lindsay: 1 Me-109 claimed - full credit awarded Damage:
- Superficial x5: 10 Peckham Points: 10pts - overnight maintenance Casualties: --Awards: -- AAR (flown with TFT)Giulia Airbase: Hard take off in mud and rain. The assembly was laborious due to poor visibility, but it took place without incident. Zone 2-5 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 6 Outbound: Few escort fighters in tow. Many clouds and low visibility reveal German fighters only when they are almost on us. A first wave of Me-109 came out of the clouds in front of us. The first fighter to arrive was immediately shot down, while the second passed without us seeing it, but fortunately it did not hit us and disappeared again into the gray sky. The third fighter managed to hit us causing only a few holes in the sheet metal and after a tight turn it returned to attack us, but it was damaged and preferred to abandon. After this a lone Fw-190 performed a vertical dive, avoided our shot and scored some shots that fortunately did not hit vital instrouments and crew. On second pass scored hits on us again, but just some superficial damage and disappeared on our left side. Suddenly, loud roars and shock waves shook the ship but caused no damage. Probably some of the bombs were dropped from above by a bomber. A lone Me-109 from 6H was destroyed by tail gunner. Zone 7-8 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 9 Outbound: A Me-109 from 12Lv was hit and destroyed as soon as it appeared in front of us from 12Level. Zone 10 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No Jerrys attacked us but we encountered a strong barrage of flak as we approached the objective, some shrapnel hit us, scratching the paint and causing some holes in the nacelle. The strong jolts of artillery shells and the poor visibility of the target made the launch more difficult, although we managed to plant some bombs on the factory. After the bombardment the flak seemed to be less powerful and accurate, probably they had felt the blow inflicted on them. Some rockets exploded nearby but caused no damage. Zone 9-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: Land safely in a mud pool. ------------------------------------------------- Mitch Armstead, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding Commanding B-24J: Black Shadow B-24J-1-CF-42-64086 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
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wouter
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 14
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Post by wouter on Jan 29, 2024 6:18:44 GMT -8
B-17F Six Nights in Telergma Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: High Aircraft Position: #1, Tail End Charlie Mission Date: 15 March 1944
Mission Number: 14 This Aircraft: 4 Target: Steyr, Ball Bearings Plant
Crew Position: Rank / Name - Missions (Kills) / Awards
Pilot: 1LT James 'Jim' Waggoner - 4 Co-Pilot: 2nd LT Alf Pelka - 4 Bombadier: 2nd LT Jerome McLaughlin - 4 / Purple Heart Navigator: 2nd LT Irvin R. Lifson - 4 Engineer: S/SGT John M. Graves - 4 (1 Kill) Radio Operator: SGT George Powell - 4 (1 Kill) Ball Gunner: SGT Samuel Kozemchok - 2 Port Waist: SGT James J. Woods - 4 Starboard Waist: SGT Ernest Philips - 4 / Purple Heart Tail Gunner: SGT Floyd F. Daugherty - 4 (4 Kills)
Bomb Run: Off target, 0% Landing: Safe Casualties: None Peckham Points: Overnight repairs
Enemy Aircraft Type Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded ME109 12 / 1 /7 / 5 claim / 1 Awarded ME110 2 / 0 / 1 / 1 claim / 0 Awarded FW 190 3 / 1 / 2 / 0 claim / 0 Awarded
Claims Position / Claimed / Awarded Engineer / 1 / 1 Awarded Radio Operator / 1 / 0 Awarded Tail Gunner / 4 Claimed / 0 Awarded (!)
Awards Bombadier: 2nd LT Jerome McLaughlin: Purple Heart Starboard Waist: SGT Ernest Philips: Purple Heart
AFTER ACTION REPORT Using TfT, Mandatory rules + optional rules 'Limburger Variant Mech Failures' and Ilmarainen 'More Detailed Bomb Run Procedures'
Just arrived yesterday, back from emergency repairs on Calvi so we missed school. Kozemchok and Philips muttered us being TEC was some kind of revenge by the squadron commander on us for failing to reach Toulon. Turns out our new Ball gunner is somewhat of a superstitious guy (Can you blame him with our history of ball gunners? That turret is an airborne coffin). When the engine started rough, he spooked everyone by saying he had "a very bad feeling about all this". The engine smoothed out, but admittedly with being TEC, we were all on edge. Upon reaching target, we were met by swarm after swarm of ME109's and when the heavy flak hit us, Philips' heat suit broke down and our bombardier arm got torn. Pretty sure Kozemchok must have thought it was the end of the ride. Bad visibility and heavy flak, our wounded bombardier hastily dropped bombs, but probably without much success. We quickly turned around for what turned out to be a rather smooth trip back home. All in all our tail gunner claimed 4 kills, "being Tail End was good for exercise" he said. The board denied hem each one though. Philips, in pain of his frostbite feet, should be fine soon as will McLaughlin's arm. Both recieved Purple Hearts.
Submitted by
1Lt James Waggoner B-17F Six Nights in Telergma
79th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF, USAAF
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GaryK
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 236
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Post by GaryK on Jan 29, 2024 12:58:55 GMT -8
After Action report: (using TfT) (Optional rules: Crew-chief effects; Crew Stress; Jasta 6 German Pilot Quality; Peckham’s Random Event Variant Table; Axis Aircraft 1942-45).
Another quick turnaround between missions. A day off, then two in the classroom before the mission board revealed another trip north. Thankfully, not as far as the previous one, but a ball-bearing factory is going to be a high-value target, so I’m betting it gets hot as we get close.
Perez seems to be enjoying his training work with new gunners, as there have been no more outbursts, and his drinking has returned to normal consumption. My worry now is Ozzy, who (while he tries to hide it) has developed a tremor in his right hand – noticeable when he smokes and drinks. Worth keeping an eye on.
Mission: Filthy weather on take-off didn’t affect us, and we were right on course for the Group’s formation when we broke through the cloud cover.
Things were quiet for a long time, hotting up as we approached the Yugoslavian coast at Rijeka. A C.205 from the remains of the RNA took up position below and behind us, while a FW190 dived down from directly above. The latter’s speed meant that Ward and Perez both missed, but so did the Jerry.
Both Ozzy and Hughes hit the Italian to our rear, and this resulted in the starboard wing separating, causing a dive from which the pilot did not escape.
Things were quiet until the run-in to the target, when we were bounced by two FW190s. No sign of any escorts, so they had a clear run at us. They split and came in from 1030 low and 130 high. Perez nailed the higher one, but not fatally. However, he did enough to make the Jerry miss, and the 190 continued down and away from us.
His friend was less lucky, first being hit by Haley from the left waist, then followed up by Ozzy from the ball turret, who must have hit a fuel tank, as the FW disintegrated in a ball of fire.
Just prior to the final turn on to the target, a load of bombs fell past us, but none hit.
The heavy concentration of flak around the target hit us twice, causing a loud, “Shit!” over the com from Long. A couple of seconds later, Brooks reported that Long had a nasty cut on his forehead, bur no other damage. He said that he would stick a field dressing on it so Long could take us in to the target.
Long, to his credit, managed to drop on target, but was unsure how effective it had been.
As we turned for home, flak hit us again, but only put another set of holes in the nose plexiglass.
Two unlucky Ju88s joined us shortly after that, one low off our starboard bow, the other directly off the starboard side. Ozzy quickly dealt with the low one, and Perez was not far behind against the other. Both planes spiralled downwards, but chutes only appeared from one of them.
A more dangerous group appeared – three FW190s. One was ahead and above us, one directly behind, and the third at our altitude off our starboard bow. Perez nicked the one ahead of us, resulting in him missing us and bugging out for home. Hughes’ cheers signalled that he had dealt with the one behind us. The last one was met by a fusillade of fire from the ball and chin turrets, along with the right cheek and waist positions. While all bar Long, on the chin turret, managed to hit the Jerry, the consensus was that it was Stafford that got the vital hit that as it flew down our starboard side.
The trip home was a lot quieter, with no more action on the way. Our landing, despite the weather, went well, with no hidden faults induced by the flak.
We had shot red and yellow flares on approach, and despite protestations from Long, the medics decided to take him to the base hospital, just to check for concussion.The gunners did well out of their harvest, with Perez and Stafford getting full credit for a Ju88 and FW190, along with Hughes getting a half credit for another FW and the C.205. Ozzy and Haley missed out, but the latter was somewhat mollified by the award of an oak leaf cluster to his Air Medal for completing ten missions.
I filled out the paperwork for Long’s Purple Heart, thankful that it was for a ‘scratch’ rather than a fatality.
Overall, a great result after a very dangerous mission. Our gunners were outstanding on this trip, and made up in skill for the absence of a decent escort. I feel that we did get lucky with the flak hits, which could have been a lot more serious. However, I have learned to look on the bright side after missions like this. I’m certain that there will be some ahead of us where our luck runs out.
1Lt Franco Vorelli, Pilot Commanding B-17G-50BO-42-102379 "In Like Flynn" 79th (H) BS, 509th (H) BG For a full mission history of "In Like Flynn", "Blitz Buggy", plus my three aircraft in the previous war, please see my (GarySK) post in the Tarmac forum.
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Post by limburger59 on Jan 29, 2024 13:41:36 GMT -8
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Jan 29, 2024 14:06:32 GMT -8
Mission 013 TOULON 11 March 1944 80th BS, 509th BG B-17G-20BO-42-31564 "Mississippi Queen"
CREW 1LT Leslie "Cap" West - Pilot - Missions: 6 | Claims: | Awards: AM 2LT N.D. "Brains" Smart - Co-Pilot - Missions: 6 Claims: Awards: AM 2LT Robert "Frenchie" Orleans - Bombardier - Missions: 6 Claims: Awards: AM 2LT Ben "Benny" Weinstein - Navigator - Missions: 6 Claims: Awards: AM S/Sgt David "Sparks" Krieger - Radio Op - Missions: 6 Claims: 0.5 Awards: AM M/Sgt Felix "Pappy" Pappalardi - Engineer - Missions: 6 Claims: Awards: AM S/Sgt John "J.B." Brodsky - Ball Gunner - Missions: 6 Claims: Awards: AM Sgt Jay "New Guy" Piper - Port Waist Gunner - Missions: 5 Claims: 0.5 Awards: AM Sgt Bill "Billy" Ruhlmann - Starboard Waist Gunner - Missions: 6 Claims: Awards: AM Sgt Ned "Tex" Pepper - Tail Gunner - Missions: 6 Claims: Awards: AM
BOMBING - ON 40%
CLAIMS none
CASUALTIES none
AWARDS/PROMOTIONS Sgt Jay Piper, Air Medal (5th mission)
ENEMY AIRCRAFT NONE
DAMAGE - 10x PP
AAR
What a mission - no enemy aircraft, no flak, and on target with 40%! We could use a few more like that. The only real excitement was in the target zone when during systems check just before bombing, the interphones went out. Felix Pappalardi, the engineer, couldn't repair them. Then rockets were lobbed at us from somewhere aft. They missed us and did not continue. Landing was nominal.
2LT Les West
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Post by limburger59 on Jan 29, 2024 16:07:27 GMT -8
B-17F: SCREWBALL EXPRESS Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Squadron - Middle MISSION DATE: 15 March 44 MISSION # 14 TARGET: Steyr, Austria
Mission Aborted - No Mission Credit for Crew
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Steven Kearney (7) AM Co-Pilot: 2LT Cody Marsh (2) Navigator: 2LT Rodney Towsley (6) Bombardier: 2LT Daniel Coloosa (3) DFC Engineer/TT: S/SGT Sterling Nelson (1) [1] Radio Op: S/SGT Zander Berger (4) Ball Turret: SGT Wallace Wells (3) Right Waist: SGT Charles Howell Left Waist: SGT Ralph Taylor (8) [1] AM PH Tail Gunner: SGT Tony Marshall (6) AM
Bomb Run: DNB
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: Electrical Suit Heating System Shorted Out - discovered in Zone 2 (10)
Peckham Points: 10
Disposition: Safe back at base
Attackers: 0
Award/Promotion Requests: None
AFTER ACTION REPORT - Flying Beery variant for QOTS + jasta6's GAF charts:
Spare crew assigned to a Spare Bomber
As we passed 10,000 feet, it was discovered that the Electrical Suit Heating System was on the fritz throughout the bomber. The mission was aborted and we returned to base.
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Post by limburger59 on Jan 29, 2024 16:34:27 GMT -8
B-17F: A BIT O' HONEY Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group High Squadron - Middle MISSION DATE: 15 March 44 MISSION # 14 TARGET: Steyr, Austria
Bomber Lost due to a Flak BIP in the Pilot Compartment
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT John Devine (6) AM KIA Co-Pilot: 2LT Francis Wall (3) KIA Navigator: 2LT Jonathan Swofford (5) [.33] KIA Bombardier: 2LT Rodger Dorfmann (5) POW Engineer/TT: S/SGT William Bolton (2) KIA 1x 190 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT David Bauver (5) POW Ball Turret: SGT Orville Douglas (2) KIA Right Waist: SGT William Hodges (2) KIA Left Waist: SGT Nicholas Hartman (4) KIA Tail Gunner: SGT Kenneth Patrick (3) KIA
Bomb Run: DNB
Casualties: Eight dead - Two POW
B-17 Damage: Superficial x2 (2) Flak BIP in Pilot Compartment (total)
Peckham Points: total
Disposition: Shot Down over Steyr
Attackers: 3 3x FW-190: 1 destroyed
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart (posthumous): 1LT John Devine, 2LT Francis Wall, 2LT Jonathan Swofford, S/SGT William Bolton, SGT Orville Douglas, SGT William Hodges, SGT Nicholas Hartman, SGT Kenneth Patrick
AFTER ACTION REPORT - Flying Beery variant for QOTS + jasta6's GAF charts:
Spare crew assigned to a Spare Bomber
The Tail Gunner of the B-17 in front of Bit O' Honey watched in horror as what must have been a shell from a large German Flak gun burst in the Pilot Compartment of the B-17. The nose, detached from the stricken bomber, tumbled forward, barely missing the Tail bomber of the Middle Squadron; while the Top Turret popped straight up. The rest of Bit O' Honey stalled and began a slow spiral through the clouds.
Addendum: Miraculously, two crewmen escaped. The Radio Operator got out with barely enough room to pull his ripcord. The Bombardier deployed his parachute too early, suffering anoxia on the way down resulting in a bad landing and head injuries. 2LT Dorfmann spent four weeks in an Austrian hospital before being moved to a Luft Stalag in Germany.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jan 29, 2024 17:22:17 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Badgers (14) Crew Commander: Captain WW Robinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Lead
Mission Date: 15 March 44 Mission #: 14 Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: Capt. WW Robinson (14) {0} SS, AM: 2, PH Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. GS Hoyt (5) {0} AM, PH: 2 Bombardier: 2nd Lt. AN Robinson (2) {1} Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Sloat (14) {1} AM: 2, PH: 4 Engineer: MSgt. A Bissett (14) {4} AM: 2 Ball Gunner: Sgt. E Dean (14) {5} DFC, AM: 2 Radio Oper.: Sgt. I Cooper (13) {1} AM, PH: 4 Pt Waist G: Sgt. E Parker (3) {1} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. G Rosenbloom (1) {0} Temp Tail Gunner: Sgt. W Towney (13) {8} AM, PH: 3
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Pilot O2, Copilot O2, Rudder, Tail Wheel, Bomb Controls, Starboard Aileron, Superficial Damage (78 Peckham Points)
Casualties: W Sloat: LW – 1 day in hospital W Towney: SW – 14 days in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (5:109, 3:190, 1:110) Damaged: (9:109, 2:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 1:110) Sloat: 110
Special Note: G Hoyt: AM W Sloat: PH W Towney: PH
Mission Description: Filed by Captain WW Robinson, pilot commanding
Hoyt, Sloat, and I came back from the briefing and announced the crew that we were flying lead. “Didn’t we fly lead last time?” grumbled Towney who didn’t relish the idea of everyone else flying so close to his tail. “No, we took over lead last time. It doesn’t count. And smile. You know that the Colonel always had a bottle of good stuff waiting for his lead planes.”
We took off without incident and the squadron lined up nicely behind us.
It was cloudy all the way to the target and back. Luckily this kept the Germans away. It also made it hard for the escorts to keep an eye on us.
In Zone 6 we were hit by a 109 and a trio of 190s. They shot up the plane an seriously wounded Towney. I moved him up the waist to rest and put Parker back at the tail turret. We were hit again in Zone 7 by a 110 and a trio of 109s. Sloat got the 110 and one of the 109s nicked him.
Robinson reported not being able to spot the target at all and dropped the bombs using his and Sloat’s best guess. We believe we missed the target entirely.
We turned for home and a few 109 and a 110 chased us away from the target.
The rest of the trip home was quiet and we landed without incident. Sloat will be fine on a day’s rest and Towney will be back in a couple of weeks.
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Jan 30, 2024 5:01:48 GMT -8
After-Action ReportB-17F-100BO 42-30399 – “Irascible Girl”79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
Commander: 1st Lt. H. Simmons Mission Date: 15 March 1944 Mission Number: 14 Mission of this bomber: 14 Formation: High Position: Middle Target: Steyr, Austria Target Type: Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Bomb Run: On Target - 40% Rolled "12" during Crew Chief check: 1 Lady Luck Smile gained and not used in this missionCREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Henry Simmons | 14 | 0 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Jason Ponder
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Arthur Bowers
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Edwin Leblanc | 6 | .33 | 1.83 | AM | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Tim Burkey | 14 | .5 | 6.5 | AM+ / DFC | RTD | 0 | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Paul Stewart | 14 | 0 | 0 | AM+ / PH+ | RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Matthew Whalen
| 14 | .33 | 4.16 | AM+ | RTD
| 0 | Port WG | Sgt George Buck
| 14 | 0 | 2 | AM+ | RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | S/Sgt Harvey McGinty
| 14 | .33 | .33 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | S/Sgt Mark Withley
| 8 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Richard Weiner (the Dedicated) - 14 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Me-109 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Me-210/Me-410 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 7 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Claims:
- 2nd Lt. E. Leblanc: 1 Fw-190 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded - Sgt M. Whalen: 1 Fw-190 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded - S/Sgt H. McGinty: 1 Fw-190 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded - T/Sgt T. Burkey: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded - 2nd Lt. A. Bowers: 1 Me-109 claimed - no credit awarded Damage:
- Superficial x3: 3 - Both Ailerons inop: 20 - Right Wing root n/e: 5 Peckham Points: 28pts - overnight repairing Casualties:--Awards:--Promotions:--AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Poor weather. Take off and assembly in rain and wind is not the best beginning of a mission, anyway both went well. Zone 2-9 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 10 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): First wave of Fw-190 approached us: the first in vertical dive disappeared into the clouds after an uneffective attack; The second fighter avoided our shots and hit us superficially in the nacelle and right wing but without serious damage, on his second pass was crushed by the heavy fire of three of our gunners. Then a Fw-190 from 3Low was damaged and preferred to walk away. Heavy flak observed in target area but no damage reported. Bomb run was smooth and successful. Turning to return home, the flak returned to singing: some shrapnel damaged the aileron controls making them unusable. After the bombing the Jerrys seemed very angry about the damage we had inflicted on their factory: we were attacked by a pair of Fw-190s, one intercepted by the escort, the second crashed uncontrolled after the pilot was probably seriously injured. Two Me-109s were then attached to us: the first fired a few bursts but moved away as soon as he saw that we were returning fire. The second was shot down without having time to shoot at us. Zone 9-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: The landing with the failed ailerons and bad weather on the runway was challenging, but we managed to touch the ground and bring the plane to a halt without causing any damage. -------------------------------------------------
Henry Simmons, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding Commanding B-17F: Irascible Girl B-17F-100BO 42-30399 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Jan 30, 2024 14:37:08 GMT -8
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 14 Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant B-17F All In (Mission #14)Crew Commander: 1LT George Gill Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle TARGET: Submarine Repair Facilities Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George Gill | 14 | AM+, PH |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | 2LT Don Heffner | 3 |
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| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Louis “Buck” Newsom | 14 | AM+
| 3.16 | KIA | Navigator | 2LT | 2LT Myril Hoag | 14 | AM+
| 1.5 | LW-1 day | Engineer | S/SGT | Roy Hughes | 3 |
| .5 | RFD | Radio Operator | S/SGT | Vern Kennedy | 14 | AM+
| 1 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | SGT Russ Van Atta | 14 | AM+
| .5 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Julius “Moose” Solters | 14 | AM+
| .5 | RFD
| Right Waist | SGT | Jim Walkup | 6 | AM | .66 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ewald "Ernie" Pyle | 1 |
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| RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (Dedicated) 14th mission skill 2 Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures. Bomb Percentage: on-target, 28% Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after overnight maintenance and repairs. Bomber Damage: #3 Engine Out Fire damage Bomb Bay no effect Bomb Bay fuel tank self seal 2LT Newsom KIA 2LT Hoag LW Peckham Points: 77 Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 5 | Me109 | Me110 | Fw190 | Ju88C-6 | Me210 | G55; | TOTAL | Escort Intercept |
| |
| | | |
| Undamaged |
| | 1 | | | | 1 | Damaged |
| | 3 | | | | 3 | Probable/Denied
| | | | | | | | Destroyed |
| | 1 | | | | 1 |
Casualties: 2LT Newsom KIA 2LT Hoag LW – 1 day recovery Claims: Fw190 S/SGT Hughes Approved - Full Credit Awarded Awards: 2LT Newsom PH 2LT Hoag PH AAR Our new tail gunner Sgt. Ewald Pyle is only had a couple of days to get settled in, and the crew has decided that he will go by Ernie. He is still getting used to the idea, we’ll see how that goes. OUTBOUND We were able to take off smoothly despite the poor weather and sloppy conditions on the ground. Climbing through the clouds and fog we were able to successfully join up with the formation although the whole process took longer than usual. Once the full formation had assembled, we had an uneventful flight to the target area. TARGET AREA Once in the target area, we were attacked by a pair of FW 190s, one at 1030 the other at 130. Our gunners managed to ding both of them apparently doing enough damage to cause them to miss and break off the attack. As we started our target run from the IP a flak burst shook the plane but did no damage. However while Buck was on target the accuracy was assessed at only 28%. The flight continued on the way to the RP, and once again one burst close enough to give us a good shaking without doing any damage. As the formation regrouped at the RP and FW 190 appeared at our 12 out of the clouds. Buck barely had time to get a shot off dinging him, it was just enough to get to the fighter to miss. INBOUND The flight back was quiet until we approached the Croatian coast. We were jumped by a pair of FW 190s both at our 12. Roy in the top turret took the wing off of one. Buck managed to hit the other but it riddled us. Shots hit the nose severing Buck’s leg and causing lacerations to Myril’s face, hitting the Bombay, the wing fuel tanks which self sealed, and setting engine number three on fire. Roy managed to get the fire out quickly but we lost number three engine. After that the flight back was quiet while the crew tended to Buck and Myril’s wounds. Arriving back at base we fired flares for serious wounded and landed safely. Myril needed a few stitches and will be ready to fly the next mission, unfortunately Buck lost too much blood and didn’t make it. This is going to be a tough letter to write. T/SGT Johnson says the All In will be ready after overnight maintenance and repairs. 1LT George Gill, Pilot Commanding B-17F All In 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jan 30, 2024 19:04:48 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Annie Oakley (1) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Van Dorn Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Lead
Mission Date: 15 March 44 Mission #: 14 Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. J Van Dorn (14) {0} AM: 2, PH Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. E Dickinson (1) {0} Bombardier 2nd Lt. CW Barnes (1) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Schreiner (1) {0} Engineer: MSgt. C Lambkin (1) {0} Ball Gunner: Sgt. D Miller (1) {1} Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Arlin (1) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. A Charles (7) {1} AM, PH: 2 Stbd Waist G: Sgt. G Hitchcock (2) {1} Tail Gunner: Sgt. C Boughton (1) {0}
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Rudder, Port Tailplane Root, Bombardier Heat, Starboard Wing Root, Superficial Damage (79 Peckham Points)
Casualties: A Charles: LW – 1 day in hospital CW Barnes: FB – 1 day in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (4:109, 2:190, 0:110) 88: 2 Damaged: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110) 88: 1 D Miller: 88 A Charles: 109
Special Note: A Charles: PH
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. J Van Dorn, pilot commanding
Hitchcock, Charles, and I were joined by seven new men this week. At our first crew meeting the first order of business was to name our new B-17G. Dick Miller, the new ball gunner suggested “Annie Oakley” because Little Miss Sure Shot herself would surely inspire them to shot down many Luftwaffe fighters. The crew agreed and we had a very respectable likeness of Ms. Oakley painted on the side of the nose.
We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation. Outbound over Zone 6 a pair of 190s appears. We did not look much like Ms. Oakley in front of them. Fortunately, neither did they.
We were greeted in Austria by a pair of Ju 88s. Miller shot on of them down.
They were followed over the target by a trio of 109s. Charles got one of them before one of his friends hit Charles.
The flak over the target was very heavy and the plane took significant damage. Between the flak and the clouds Barnes never saw the target and we turned for home.
We saw a single 109 all the way home. The bombardier’s heat got knocked out so Barnes came home a little blue. Both he and Charles will be fine in a day or two.
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Post by toddrcpa on Jan 30, 2024 19:49:46 GMT -8
B-17 G: Rajun CajunPilot: 1LT Tobias "Tobee" Garon Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force, USAAF Squadron/Formation Position: High Mission/Plane: 2/2 Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Mission Date: March 11th, 1944 Position | Rank | Name | Decorations | Missions to date | Previous kills | Mission Kills | Status
| Pilot | 1st Lt | Tobias "Tobee" Garon |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt | Victor Anderson |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Bombardier | 2nd Lt | Howard Forbes |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Navigator | 2nd Lt | Samuel Alexander |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Flight Engineer | S/SGT | Arnold Holmes |
| 2 | 1 |
| FFD | Radio | SGT | Louis Ball |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Ball Gunner | SGT | Homer Sheets |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Port Waist | SGT | Anthony Green |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Starboard Waist | SGT | James Hall |
| 2 |
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| FFD | Tail Gunner | SGT | Anthony Carnes |
| 2 | 1 |
| FFD |
Bomb Run: ON TARGETOn Target: 30% B-17 DamageIntercom system knocked out Peckham Points = 10 Repair Time = Overnight Landing – SafeE/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Messerschmitt Bf-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Messerschmitt Bf-110 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Focke-Wulf FW-190 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Totals | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
Kill ClaimsNone Casualties & Injuries – None Award Recommendations & EntitlementsNone AARTFT After getting one mission under our belt and a couple of days of rest and classroom instruction, it was back to work. Lucky for me we had a mission because a 1st Lieutenant named Minderbinder kept trying to sell me shares in something he called a syndicate. More on that later. IngressOur squadron was assigned the “High” position. Take-off was smooth and we formed up with no problems. Zone 6We have experienced the terror of bombs being dropped on our formation. To say it disrupted the formation is an understatement. After that, we were attacked by 4 fighters in 2 waves. The first way consisted of 3 Fw-190’s attacking from the front quarters and dead ahead. The escorts drove away the 190 coming in at 12 o’clock high. Right waist gunner Hall scored a damaging hit on the 190 coming in at 1:30 high. Both remaining 190’s missed on their pass and bugged out. The 190 at the 1:30 high position pass so close to the ship that I thought he was going to collide with us. Right after this a Bf-109 made one pass from 6 ‘o’clock high and bugged out. Zone 9The squadron was attacked by a few fighters, but they were driven off before any came close to our ship. Target zoneThe flak was heavy as we made our bomb run but not hits to our ship. We made our bomb run scoring and estimated 30% of the bombs on target. Moderate flak as we egressed from the target, but again no hits on the ship. We had 1 Fw-190 try to make a head-on pass at us, but the escorts drove it off. EgressZone 9We were jumped by Bf-110 that made two passes at us. On the second pass, flight engineer Holmes scored a hit, driving off the fighter. Zone 8Gremlins have struck the plane! For some unknown reason, the intercom system has gone out. The engineer attempted to fix it but was unsuccessful. Zone 7Another Gremlin has struck. The flaps seemed to go out, luckily the engineer was able to bang on the panel and get them to work again. Zone 6 1 Bf-109 snooped our ship and was driven off by our escort. LandingLanded without incident.
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Post by kageyone on Jan 30, 2024 23:51:42 GMT -8
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Post by kageyone on Jan 31, 2024 23:47:34 GMT -8
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Post by caodwolf on Feb 1, 2024 15:57:24 GMT -8
B-24J: PLEASANT SURPRISE Pilot: 1Lt. R. Solsky Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron Mission Date: 15-March-1944 Mission No.: 14 Mission this Bomber:2 Target for Today: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenwerk Ball Bearing Plant Squadron Position: Low Result: Abort - DNB As we were approaching the Yugoslavian coast a FW-190 ripped apart engine #1. We had to shut her down and abort the mission.
It just wasn't a lone '190 that attacked us but a gaggle of ME-109's and FW-190's. Damage did mount and we shot down two of them, one a passing shot by our Tail Turret gunner.
On the inbound back to base we joined up with a B-17 who also had to abort with the loss of an engine. Together we kept the German hordes at bay and both of us made it back to base.
Over and out....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | R. Solsky | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | F. Pienta | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | C. Steinwedel | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | M. Wagner | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | TSgt | J. Visentin | 2 | 1 | 1 | --- | OK | Radio Op | TSgt | R. Surovick | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Chin Turret | Sgt | B. Mentz | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | B. Gillis | 2 | --- | --- | --- | KIA | Ball Turret | Sgt | B. Unger | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | T. Croker | 4 | 1 | 2 | PH | OK-LW |
Sgt. T cROKER - rtd 22-mARCH-1944
None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | ME-109 | 7 | --- | 4 | 2 | 1 1 | FW-190 | 12 | --- | 5 | 6 | 1 1 | ME-110 | 1 | --- | 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 20 | --- | 10 | 8 | 2 2 |
Two day repair
-Stbd wing root hit -(1) MKIA -(1) LW -Radio knocked out -#1 Engine hit>fire>extinguished>out -rudder hit -#1 engine hit again -Co-Pilot ox out -Stbd Waist gun - jam
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Post by kageyone on Feb 1, 2024 23:37:18 GMT -8
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Feb 2, 2024 8:20:05 GMT -8
After-Action ReportCash and Carrie (B-17F-20BO-41-24536)Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Commander: 1st Lt. H. "Keg" Taplyn Mission Date: 15 March 1944 Mission Number: 14 Mission of this bomber: 3 Formation: Middle Position: Middle Target: Steyr, Austria Target Type: Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Bomb Run: On Target - 50% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Harvey "Keg" Taplyn | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. William "Bill" Potter
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Edwin "Vegas" O'Brien
| 7 | 0.83 | 1.83 | AM/PH | LW | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Dennis "Guppy" Sutton | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | S/Sgt Edward "Judge" Justice | 4 | .0.83 | 1.83 |
| RTD | 0 | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Glen "Lester" Peck | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Hudson "Talis" Rush
| 2 | 2 | 3 |
| RTD
| 0 | Port WG | Sgt Sidney "Sid" Beck
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Nathan "Wits" Herskowitz
| 3 | 1 | 1 |
| RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Robert "Bobby" Curry
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 |
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 2 | Me-109 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Me-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 17 | 0 | 8 | 4 |
Claims:
- S/Sgt E. "Judge" Justice: 1 Me-109 claimed - half credit awarded - S/Sgt E. "Judge" Justice: 1 Fw-190 claimed - no credit awarded - S/Sgt E. "Judge" Justice: 1 Fw-190 claimed - no credit awarded - S/Sgt E. "Judge" Justice: 1 Fw-190 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded - 2nd Lt. E. "Vegas" O'Brien: 1 Me-109 claimed - half credit awarded - 2nd Lt. E. "Vegas" O'Brien: 1 Fw-190 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded - Sgt Hudson "Talis" Rush: 1 Me-109 claimed - full credit awarded - Sgt R. "Bobby" Curry: 1 Fw-190 claimed - no credit awarded Damage: CAT/E after landing Peckham Points: too much to repair Casualties:
- 2nd Lt. E. "Vegas" O'Brien: LW torn gluteus muscle - 1 week in hospital RTD on 23 March 1944 Awards:PH: 2nd Lt. E. "Vegas" O'Brien AAR (flown with TFT)Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly ok even if the weather was terrible. Zone 2-5 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 6 Outbound: We were attacked by 4 Me-109s. One slipped away after a passage without damage on either side. Two others preferred to run away after being damaged. The latter managed to get past our barrage and hit us, causing some minor damage and grazing the 2nd Lt. O'Brien in the right buttock. On the second pass, however, it was knocked down. Zone 7-8 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 9 Outbound: Attacked by a lone Fw-190, which was hit and had its entire tail section destroyed. We didn't see any chutes leaving the crashing plane. Zone 10 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Attacked by a Fw-190 from 12 high that was hit to the fuselage. Probably the pilot was kia or seriously wounded because the plane went down uncontrolled. Heavy Flak to protect the target caused just some superficial damage. Bomb run was perfect and we saw our bombs exploding directly into factory area. Medium flak on egress: some shrapnels hit our left wing with no effect. We were attacked by a flock of 4 Me-109s: three of them escaped unharmed while the last was shot down by Sgt. Herskowitz. A second wave of Fw-190 attacked us from three sides: we managed to shoot down the two coming from the front, while those on the sides managed to hit us causing a lot of damage. On the second pass, one of them was shot down and the other escaped. Zone 9 Inbound: Due to the damage to the O2 system in the pilot compartment, we reported the need to abandon the formation and we descended to 10,000 feet. Zone 8-7 Inbound: Nothing to report. Zone 6 Inbound: Attacked by a couple of Fw-190. The first one to approach was shot down while the second hit us, causing minor damage. On its second pass, it was damaged so much that it escaped into the clouds Zone 5-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: Due to the numerous damages received, especially to the control of the rudder, which was completely out of order, the landing was quite hard also due to the mud and poor visibility. We hit the ground too abruptly and after two bounces the landing gear broke and the plane tilted to the right. We suffered severe damage to the right wing and engines as well as the nacelle. Fortunately, the crew was not injured, but the aircraft was considered CAT-E and used to recover spare parts. ------------------------------------------------- 1st Lt. H. "Keg" Taplyn
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