|
Post by limburger59 on Feb 2, 2024 22:10:11 GMT -8
B-24D: SWEET ROUTINE Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group High Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 15 March 44 MISSION NBR. #14 TARGET: Steyr, Austria
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT William Hopkins (3) Evaded Co-Pilot: 2LT Lester Braun (3) POW Navigator: 2LT Brendan Patrick (4) [.5] LW - MIA Bombardier: 2LT Morris Petersen (3) POW Engineer/TT: S/SGT Joseph Viya (1) Evaded 1x 109 destroyed, ½ x 110 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Robert McAndrews (3) LW - POW Tunnel Gun: SGT Elmer Rosenburg (1) MIA Right Waist: SGT Salvatore Costa (2) LW - POW Left Waist: SGT Harold Palmer (2) SW+KIA ½ x 110 destroyed Tail Gunner: SGT Wesley Snipes (4) LW - Evaded
Bomb Run: On Target 30%
Casualties: Nobody is returning. 1 KIA, 4 POWs, 2 MIA, and 3 evaded capture and will probably be sent to Burma.
B-17 Damage: Superficial x5 (10) Light Wound x3 (6) Serious Wound x1 (5) KIA Wound x1 (10) Flight Deck Window x2 (15) Port empennage x1 (25) S. Wing Root x1 (25) S. Rudder x1 (10) SWG Heat out (10) Top Turret inop (20) Mechanical Failure: #1 Turbo Super-Charger (10) S. Inboard Fuel Tank FIRE (total)
Peckham Points: Total
Disposition: Down in Flames over Yugoslavia
Attackers: 18 9x FW-190: 1 Driven Off 7x Bf-109: 1 Destroyed, 2 Damaged, 1 Driven Off 2x Bf-110: 1 Destroyed
Total Enemy Aircraft: Kills = 2 Confirmed, Probables = 0, Damaged = 2, Driven Off by Escort = 2
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart (posthumous): SGT Harold Palmer Purple Heart: 2LT Brendan Patrick, S/SGT Robert McAndrews, SGT Salvatore Costa, SGT Wesley Snipes
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-B-24 variant + Jasta-6 GAF variant):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
OUTBOUND - Zone 6: Two 110s. One bandit down in flames, in exchange for a cracked windshield.
OUTBOUND - Zone 8: Two waves, totaling six E/A. Another bandit down in flames.
TARGET ZONE 10: Only the first wave paid attention to our B-24, and the Luftwaffe got revenge for the abuse they suffered on our outbound leg. Shell fragments ripped into the waist wounding both gunners – one seriously. The starboard wing root and port empennage were also rocked. Both Butcher Birds were untouched.
Then we were bracketed by Flak, which killed our already seriously wounded Port Waist Gunner, wounded our Navigator, and knocked out the heat for our Starboard Waist Gunner… who plugged into the now vacated rheostat from the PWG. In spite of our rude welcome to Austria, our Bombardier hit the target. INBOUND - Zone 9: Three 190s made a run at us and busted out the Flight Deck window. The wind blast was miserable, but the safety of the 509th’s combat box kept us at 20,000 feet.
INBOUND - Zone 6: Entering Zone 6 the #1 Turbo Super-charger went on the fritz. Turns out that 15 minutes later the mechanical failure was a moot point as five 109s converged on our B-24, and set the starboard wing on fire. All nine living crewmen bailed out into the clouds.
EPILOUGE: Yugoslavian Partisans picked up four of the crew, myself included. SGT Costa had suffered a severe chest injury when he landed in the unforgiving forest, so it was decided to leave him at a doctor’s office. I’ve learned that the Germans picked him up there and actually gave him good care in one of their hospitals for a month before sending him to Germany. Three other men (Braun, Petersen, and McAndrews) were captured by the Germans within 24-hours and immediately sent north. That leaves two men (Patrick and Rosenburg) unaccounted for, and feared lost in the snow covered mountains .
Viya, Snipes, and myself were finally smuggled out of Yugoslavia, arriving back at Foggia on 20 April 44. I understand that we will probably get sent to Burma, because if we were shot down again and captured the Germans would have an unhealthy interest in our knowledge of Partisan operations. We should learn soon from Captain Shea if we're heading east or staying with the 509th.
1LT William Hopkins
|
|
|
Post by kageyone on Feb 2, 2024 23:49:57 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by dwgarvin on Feb 3, 2024 6:12:57 GMT -8
Hi All. "Make it Rain" checking in. Missed mission 13 due to a bout of bad chow. I think the whole crew got sick after eating some bad chicken. Anyway, got up for mission 14, just number 2 for us. We were middle in the high squadron and had a relatively easy time with enemy fighters. In one wayve, we were attacked by 2 FW 190s. Sgt Kaplan in the Starboard Waist hit one of them on the way in, and it went down in flames! His first kill. The second FW 190 attacked, but failed to hit us. I guess the fire must have been too much for him. Later, we were hit by an ME 109 diving in on us from 6 o'clock high. Well, wouldn't you know it, but Landauer in the top turret hit him and it, too burst into flames. I have to hand it to those guys, great shooting. I just hope that they can keep it up! But our luck got short over the target. We were hit no less than seven times, some on the way in and some on the way out. Just before dropping the bombs, 2LT James reported that the plane seemed to stop responding to his minor corrections. Turns out our ailerons were eighty-sixed! No wonder his bombs missed the target. That and the weather sure didn't help! On the way back, we got peppered by more flak and we lost the tail and turret guns! The gunners were fine, but no more shooting from them! Thankfully no fighters decided on hitting us on the way back! Once we landed, we took scope of the damage. Some mechanic named Peckham said that he rated us pretty fortunate to only get "71 points, fellas!". I have no idea what that means, but some of the older fellas said he has a system. 100 or more "points" and it was a tough go. With 71, we weren't on a milk run, but he'd have us back up and running in a day. Time to hit the Officers' Club and have some beers. I think I need it after that run!
|
|
ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
|
Post by ChefEd on Feb 3, 2024 12:15:40 GMT -8
B-24J Next Objective B-24J-15-CF-42-99776 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: High Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 15 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 14 This Aircraft: 3 Target: Steyr, Austria, Ball Bearing Plant CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Alexis Vaillancourt | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Arlo Perot | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Callahan Quinn | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Cory McIntyre | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Abraham Leeker | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Rt Waist | T/Sgt Bruce Woodward | 2 | 1 | | RTD | 0 | NT / Rt Waist | Sgt Reese Giles | 2 | 0.5 | | RTD | 2 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Tristen Townsend | 2 | 1.5 | | RTD | 0 | Left Waist / NT | Sgt Brendan Burgess | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Finnley Griffith | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 2 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt King Solis | 11 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: DNBCasualties: None Damage: Prop Feathering Controls 10 Peckham Points: 10 Peckham Points, one ( 1 ) Day to Repair Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft: None Claims: None Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTFlying conditions were bad. There was no relief from the clouds, wind, and rain. As the Yugoslav coast came into view, gremlins struck. Prop feathering controls quit. Sgt Leeker came down from the top turret and began troubleshooting. He informed us that he could not find or repair the problem in flight. Not wishing to take an unnecessary risk once we encountered the enemy, I decided to abort. We dropped out of the formation and made the turn back to Giulia. Still over the Adriatic we dropped our payload and continued our flight home. Landing good, despite the conditions. Submitted by, 1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt, Pilot B-24J Next Objective 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
|
|
ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
|
Post by ChefEd on Feb 3, 2024 12:43:14 GMT -8
B-17F Wimpy B-17F-27BO-41-24585 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Middle Aircraft Position: Middle / Lead Mission Date: 15 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 14 This Aircraft: 14 Target: Steyr, Austria, Ball Bearing Plant CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Landry Velez | 14 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 4 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Santino Richards | 14 | 0 | AM+, PH | RTD | 5 | Navigator | 2nd Lt George Sheets | 11 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Roberto Ford | 14 | 1 | AM+ | RTD | 1 | Engineer | T/Sgt Finnegan Fields | 14 | 10.83 | AM++, DFC | RTD | 0 | Radio Op | Sgt Paul Nielson | 14 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 3 | Right Waist | Sgt Collin Cordell | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | T/4th Tobias Mace | 14 | 3 | AM+ | RTD | 3 | Left Waist | S/Sgt Tripp MacDougal | 14 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 3 | Tail Gunner | T/4th Kingsley Griffin | 14 | 4.5 | AM+ | RTD | 2 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 11 | | 0 | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %Casualties: None Damage: Superficial X2 2 #2 Engine Supercharger 25 Peckham Points: 27, Ready next day Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Bf-110 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Fw-190 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bf-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims:Position | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Top | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTEven with the long flight into Austria, we only encountered 8 enemy fighters. Two of those were driven off by our escorts, and we claimed one, which was denied. The remaining five all missed us, as we did most of them. Poor shooting, all around. Over the target we faced a trio of Bf110s. Escorts drove off one, Sgt Fields in the top turret, shot down one [later, credit denied], and one damaged by Sgt Mace, in the ball turret. Once clear of the enemy fighters, flak found us. They seemed to target our port wing. The flap was rendered useless, and #2 engine was set afire. We extinguished the fire and proceeded into our bomb run. Just ahead of us, Cat’s Meow, flying lead, disappeared in a great explosion and ball of flame. What was left could not be described as an airplane. Undeterred by the explosion, resulting turbulence, and rain of debris, Lt Ford succeeded in dropping 40% on target. Once passed the target we notified the flight that we would take over as lead. We were immediately set upon by a pair of enemy fighters. No damage dispensed by either side. Crossing out of Austria into Yugoslavia another pair of enemy fighters attacked. One was driven off by our aggressive little friends. Th remaining fighter and our gunners did little more than fire off salutes to each other. The rest of the flight home was quiet. Submitted by, 1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot B-17F Wimpy 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
|
|
|
Post by kozzackkelt on Feb 3, 2024 14:13:54 GMT -8
B-17G: MISS BURKE COUNTY (B-17G-664VK-43- 23001) Pilot: 2LT. John Osipoff Missions for this bomber: 3 Squadron: 80th Formation/Position: Middle Mission Date: 15 March 1944 Mission Number: 14 Target: Steyr, Austria / Zelzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. John Osipoff (3) {} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. R. Ransom Morrison (3) {} Bombardier: 2Lt. Michael McRae (3) {} [B%: 0-50-40-] Navigator: 2Lt. Will Vincil (3) {} Engineer: Sgt. Diego Santiago (3) {} [+++] 1xMe109 Radio Operator: Sgt. Byron Metcalf (3) {} Ball Turret: Sgt. Zander Holtman (3) {} P Waist Gunner: Sgt. Pete Iverness (3) {} SB Waist Gunner: Sgt. Vince Boyardee (3) {} Tail Gunner: Sgt. George Gainer (3) {}
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 40%
Enemy Aircraft Encountered: 6 0xFw190, 6xMe109, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xMe410
E/A Damaged: 0 E/A Probable: 1 E/A: Destroyed: 1 E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 2
Condition of B-17G ~ MISS BURKE COUNTY: Light Damages. 3xSuperficial hits from flak ( Report of maintenance crew chief Michael Coporatto ) Routine maintenance and inspections will be performed.
Mission AAR: Take off was on time and smooth in poor weather. MISS BURKE COUNTY formed up with squadron at middle level. Encounters with E/A over Yugoslavia. Sgt. Santiago shot down on attacking Me109. One attacking Me109 was quickly chased off by our fighter escort. We were not hit by enemy gunfire. On approach to target, hit from flak, but no serious damages or wounds. Lt. McRae hit target with estimated (based on photo evidence), 40% of our bombs. No flak close to us as we turned for home. Attacked by single E/A over Austrian/Yugoslav frontier. That attacking '109 was chased off by escort fighter. Landed safely. MISS BURKE COUNTY should be ready for next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Osipoff, 2LT, USAF Pilot- B-17G MISS BURKE COUNTY 80th BS / 509th BG Foggia, Italy
|
|
|
Post by caodwolf on Feb 4, 2024 8:23:34 GMT -8
B-17G: Old Shep Pilot: 1Lt. B. Pease Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 15-March-1944 Mission No.:14 Mission this Bomber: 1 Target for Today: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Squadron Position: Middle Result: On-Target: 20% This mission was one big shit-show: (2) KIA, (3) LW and numerous damage. After plunking in the Sea on our last sortie I nursed our stricken bomber back to base given our rubber rafts were all shot up.
The Germans hit us hard with several FW-190's and other fighters twice: once in route and all over the target zone.
Lost gun mounts and personnel casualties. Our newly acquired B-17G took the punishment and got us home. Bombs were dropped on target.
Our Engineer had to replace the Co-Pilot who was KIA and the Tail Gunner whose guns were knocked out manned the Top Turret.
Our B-17 needs at least (4) days repair. Some good news: S/Sgt G Burdash manning the Top Turret recorded his fifth confirmed kill making him an ACE.
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | B. Pease | 14 | --- | --- | AM, PH | OK-LW | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | D. Horton | 14 | --- | --- | AM, PH | KIA | Bombardier | 2Lt | J. Pate | 11 | 1/2 | 1/2 | AM, DFC, PH | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | E. Swan | 14 | --- | --- | AM,PH | KIA | Top Turret/Engineer | S/Sgt | G. Burdash | 14 | 1 1/2 | 5 1/2 | AM, ACE | OK | Radio Op | S/Sgt | K. Whitmore | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | C. Shoemaker | 3 | --- | --- | PH | OK-LW | Stbd Waist | Sgt | M. Comerota | 5 | --- | --- | AM, PH | OK-LW | Ball Turret | Sgt | M. Lesjack | 7 | 1 | 2 1/2 | AM | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | K. Taylor | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK |
2lt J Pate: RTD: 15-April 1Lt B Pease RTD: 29-March Sgt. B. Comerota RTD: 16-March Air Medal
Sgt. B Comerota S/Sgt G Burdash (Ace)
Purple Heart
2Lt E Swan 1Lt B Pease 2Lt D Horton Sgt B Comeota Sgt J Shoemaker
KIA 2Lt E Swan 2Lt. D Horton
ACE
S/Sgt G Burdash
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | FW-190 | 17 | 1 | 8 | 8 | --- | ME-109 | 2 | --- | --- | 2 | --- | ME-110 | 3 | --- | 2 | --- | 2 2 | ME-210 | 2 | --- | --- | 1 | 1 1 | ME-410 | 1 | --- | 1 | --- | --- | TOTALS | 25 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 3 3 |
(4) Day repair
-LW (3) -KIA (2) -Tail Turret gun jam -Port wing root -#3 Engine hit: JN/e -Tail turret gun knocked out -Stbd Wing root hit (2) -Control cable hit -Rafts destroyed -Tail plane hit: n/e -(13) Superficial hits -Norden Bombsight damaged
|
|
jasta6
78th Bomber Squadron
Spring is here and summer is close behind... It is Cruise Season!
Posts: 277
|
Post by jasta6 on Feb 4, 2024 15:18:04 GMT -8
-- Pg 1 --
B-24D "Stupid Dragon" Serial #: B-24D-145-CO 42-41210 Code: 06 Pilot: 1Lt. Moeses I. Horst Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th US Air Force, Castellucio Airfield Squadron Position: Low Formation Position: #18 (Tail End Charlie) Mission Date: 17th March 1944 Mission Number: 14 (Aircraft Mission #12) Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant POSITION/RANK/NAME
| # Missions | TOTAL CLAIMS | TODAY'S CLAIMS | Confirmed Claims | Crew Status | Notes: | Pilot 1Lt. Moeses I. Horst | 12 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM | Co-Pilot 2Lt. Slavisa J. Mackoff | 12 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM & 1xPH | Bombardier 2nd Lt. Richard D. Gustin | 8 | - | - | - | RTD | 1x AM & 1xPH | Navigator 2nd Lt. Gary Z. Scarbro | 12 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM
| Engineer (TT) T/Sgt. Ernestor L. Pasiak | 10 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM & 1xPH
| Radio Operator S/Sgt. Reny O. Scaccia | 12 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM
| Ball Gunner Sgt. Evan F. Wiman | 12 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM & 1xPH
| Port Waist Gunner Sgt. Rami N. Mihollen
| 6 | - | - | - | RTD
| 1x AM & 1xPH
| Starboard Waist Gnr. Sgt. Duncan C. Freeland | 12 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM & 2xPH
| Tail Gunner Sgt. Wilbern I. Perez | 12 | - | - | - | RTD | 2x AM & 1xDFC
| Crew Chief: S/Sgt. Alfred (Al) Falso [Ave. Joe]
| 14 | Hard Stand: | #26 |
|
|
|
* Mission Note: Completed twelve mission. Bomb Load: 5x 1000lbs AN-M65 General Purpose Bombs Bomb Run: on target, 20% in target zone. Crew Chief Report: S/Sgt. Alfred (Al) Falso [Ave. Joe] Hard Stand: #26 Pre Mission Repair status: (2D6=6; Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.) Post Mission Repairs & Crew Chief Experience roll: (2D6=3; Good Work on Aircraft repairs, 1.0 Experience Point)B-17 Damage: 0pts. No hits on Bomber. Mechanical Issues: No Events: Random Events: #64 Divine Intervention, Fuel fire spontaneously extinguishes (Peckham RE Charts) #55 Expert Attack, One enemy fighter has Experts' in next attacking wave (Peckham Variant) (Peckham RE Charts) Repair Time: One day for repairs, RTD March 16th 1944. Replacement Bomber: None Landing: Good E/A Encountered: 7 EA Claimed:Claims: | Aircraft: | Confirmation: | SW | Bf 109G | 1/3rd Credit Approved | Tail | Bf 109G | Denied - No Credit
| Ball / Tail | Bf 109G | Denied - No Credit
| Ball / Port Waist | Bf 110C | Full Credit Approved
| Top Turret / Port Waist | FW190D | Half Credit Approved
|
Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted
| Bf 109G | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bf 110C
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | FW 190D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Totals: | 8 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
P-38 Lightings Destroyed one Bf 110C near Rijeka. Luftwaffe Fighters: We saw two Ace German Pilot, as they had elaborate tail decoration. Casualties: None Recuperating:POSITION/RANK/NAME | # Missions
| TOTAL CLAIMS | TODAY'S CLAIMS | Confirmed Claims | Crew Status | Notes:
| None | - | - | - | - | - | -
|
Award/ Promotions Requests:T/Sgt. Ernestor L. Pasiak awarded a star to his Air Medal Replacements:
None After Action Report ( game system - TfT and various optional rules): "Getting used to these long missions, but not the enemy activity...”
-- Pg 2 -- Mission Debriefing
1st Lt Horst, 78th BS Pilot MISSION #12 (Groups 14) Date: March 15th, 1944 Target: Steyr, Austria - Ball Bearing Plant' Plane: B-24D-210 "Stupid Dragon" Position: Low Cell (#18) Altitude: 20,000feet 10x 500lbs AN-M64 Fragmentation Bombs Mission Report C04M14 -210
Zones 1-9 O/B: First two thirds of the flight outbound was quite. As we crossed the European coast about twenty or so enemy aircraft appeared. Mixed groups of Bf 109s, Bf 110s and Fockwolfs lined up to attack their respective groups. Being that we were wagging the squadrons tail, we had three fighters line up on us. Coming from both sides and the tail they swung in fast. Sgt Wiman and Sgt Milhollen teamed up to destroy the Bf 110 from the nine o'clock. Strikes were seen hitting around the cockpit and the post wing root. The Bf 110 was seen flopping on its back as plummeting into the channel around Vodice. The Bf 109 approaching from the starboard three o'clock level. TSgt Pasiak was late getting his guns around, but Sgt Freeland filled the engine area with .50 cal. The fighter was seen to smoke profusely and then burst into flames as it tried to disengage combat. The other Bf 109 was destroyed by the 49th fighter squadrons P-38. This wave was backed up by another wave of two FW 190's and a lone Bf 109. One Butcherbird was destroyed when TSgt Pasiak and Sgt Milhollen filled the 7:30 High ski with lead. The wings were seen folding up as the fighter tried to out maneuver the Bullitt steams. Lt Gustin winged the FW coming in from the twelve o'clock High. This must have disrupted his shot as the German missed us and dove out of the formation. That was the end of the attacks prior to the target. Target Zone 12 O/B: As we approached the IP there was a lot of enemy activity, but none of it came our way. ( ED Note: I rolled up a 16 [no attack], a 55 [no fighters] & a 66 [random Event]. Luck was with me today.) Flak was heavy and accurate of a heavy caliber. We took a shell in the cockpit that didn't explode (ED Note: This was rolled up as a BIP that I used my "Lady Luck Smiles" to re roll.) This was a harrowing experience to continue flying with a live shell just inches above your head for over two hours. There was also a near miss that did minor damage to the nose section. With all the commotion of this near disaster we were lucky to put any eggs in the target area, but managed placing 20% on target. One 1000lbs bomb was seen hitting an out building. Target Zone 12 I/B: Turning back for home the flak was less intense and less accurate. The " Stupid Dragon" didn't take anymore flak hit on the way out. We did encountered a wave of about five Bf 109s with two targeting our ship. The one from twelve level was missed by our gunners and he also missed us. The one from six low was destroyed by Sgt Wiman and Sgt Perez. Rounds were seen filling the cockpit till a fire broke out. This enemy fighter was witnessed tumbling to the ground. Zones 9-1 I/B: We didn't encounter any more attacks on the trip home. ( ED Note: At the coast we rolled up another RE, Expert Attack which wasn't activated during the rest of the mission.) Even with poor weather we place the "...Dragon" on the ground without incident. It was harry as we didn't know if that Flak shell would blow on touchdown. We pulled the bomber off the end of the runway to the left till the bomb squad hade time to defuse the shell. Hours later we were informed that the 88mm shell was missing its triggering fuse. There was a note inside the shell written in red lipstick, it simply said "Viva La France." Thank God for those forced into Labor! They have our back this time. 1st Lt. Moeses Horst
Pilot of, " Stupid Dragon" (B-24D-145-CO 42-41210) 78th BS, 509th BG(H), 15th USAAF. Foggia, Italy- Station 164 (Circle)
|
|
|
Post by drewshotsfan on Feb 5, 2024 3:38:34 GMT -8
THE TALKIN' TEXAN MISSION 2 (Group Mission 14 – Steyr, Austria)
B-24D: The Talkin’ Texan (B-24D-150-CO 42-41227) Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron (The Flying Boxcars), 509th Bombardment Group Low Squadron – Position 16 MISSION DATE: 15 March 44 MISSION NBR: 14 TARGET: Steyr, Austria – Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
CREW (Missions completed) [Claims] {Stress} <Other notes> Pilot: 1LT Benjamin C. CRISP (2) Co-Pilot: 2LT Martin M. JAWORSKI (2) Bombardier: 2LT Kenneth P. ALGER (2) [0-0-2] Navigator: 2LT Stephen S. SOMERS (2) [0-0-1] Engineer: S/SGT George E. EAGLE (2) [1-0-2] Radio Operator: T/SGT Randall J. PERDUE (2) Ball Gunner: SGT Joseph T. GUERRERO (2) [2-0-1] Port Waist: SGT Michael K. CAMARILLO (2) [0-0-1] Starboard Waist: SGT Richard M. THORN(2) [0-0-1] {1} Tail Gunner: SGT Clyde T. SHARP (2) [0-0-1]
BOMB RUN: 30% on target
LANDING: Safe
CASUALTIES: 2 S/Sgt Eagle – Light wound, torn deltoid muscle (left shoulder) Sgt Thorn – Serious wound in thorax, broken sternum and inflamed heart
DAMAGE (PECKHAM POINTS): TT guns inoperable (20) Engineer light wound (2) Intercom x2 (20) Superficial x5 (2 in waist) (10) Right Waist serious wound (5) Mechanical failure - #1 turbo-supercharger (25) Flak left wing self-seal fuel tank (25) Flak superficial x2 (4) Mechanical failure - #2 engine malfunction restarts to full operation (5)
TOTAL PECKHAM POINTS: 116 = Two days to repair
CREW CHIEF: SGT William HILL: Average. Starting skill points: 33, current skill points: 28
CLAIMS: Destroyed [2] 1 FW190: Ball Turret 1 Bf110: Right Waist (Engineer)
CLAIMS: Damaged [8] 1 FW190: Rear Turret 1 FW190: Right Cheek 1 FW190: Top Turret 1 FW190: Right Waist 2 FW190: Nose Gun 1 FW190: Ball Turret 1 FW190: Left Waist
Driven off by Fighter Escort: 3 Bf110, 3 FW190
CLAIMS EVALUATION BOARD DECISION: Approved Destroyed: 1 FW190: Ball Turret
Approved Damaged: 1 FW190: Rear Turret 1 FW190: Right Cheek 1 FW190: Top Turret 1 FW190: Right Waist 1 FW190: Nose Gun 1 FW190: Left Waist
Denied Destroyed: 1 Bf110: Right Waist (Engineer)
Denied Damaged: 1 FW190: Nose Gun 1 FW190: Ball Turret
MISSIONS COMPLETED: 2 MISSIONS ABORTED (NON-COMBAT): 0
Award/Promotion Requests: S/Sgt Eagle: Purple Heart Sgt Thorn: Purple Heart
In Hospital: 2 S/Sgt Eagle: RTD in 1 week Sgt Thorn: 5 weeks in hospital, then due to be shipped back to US
AFTER ACTION REPORT “The Talkin’ Texan’s” second mission, a flight across the Adriatic at 20,000’ to the ball bearing plant in Steyr, Upper Austria. Take off in poor weather and find station as position 16 in the low cell, and the 78th is the low squadron for today.
ZONE 6 NTR until just after crossing the coast of Yugoslavia, near Rijeka, in 50% cloud cover. P-38 escort from 14th FG nowhere to be seen when attacked by no less than five FW190s. One destroyed by the ball turret before it can attack, with flames pouring from its engine. It dived away out of control, no chute seen. Two driven off damaged, but the remaining two manage to get in some solid hits before breaking off. Top turret guns inoperative, Engineer lightly wounded in the shoulder and intercom system knocked out. Right waist gunner seriously wounded in the thorax, breaking his sternum and causing an inflamed heart. Radio operator gives first aid and the engineer takes over the right waist gun position. Pilot elects to continue the mission, as still in formation and right waist gunner’s injury is stabilised.
ZONE 9 After crossing into Austria one Bf110 is seen stalking the formation, but driven off by escorts.
ZONE 10 – Target zone Attacked by two waves of Luftwaffe aircraft. First wave comprising three Bf110s, second wave three FW190s. Two Bf110s driven off by escorts but the remaining twin-engine fighter makes one unsuccessful attack before coming around again. Destroyed by right waist (engineer), two chutes seen. P-38s manage to drive off one FW190 from the second wave. Remaining two aircraft make unsuccessful attacks and are driven off damaged by our gunners.
Medium flak over the target, which is mostly obscured by cloud. One flak hit which only causes superficial damage.
30% of bombs on target.
Soon after bomb release #1 engine suffers a turbo-supercharger failure, but we are able to stay in formation no free of bomb load.
Heavier, more accurate flak outbound from target. Two hits, in port wing (outboard fuel tank, self-seals) and bomb bay (superficial).
Attacked by four FW190s egressing target area. Two driven off by our fighters, two by our gunners.
Zone 6 #2 engine decides to suddenly lose power, but runs smoothly after a full restart. Gremlins!
Weather is poor over home field but the pilot still manages to set her down with a perfect landing back at Giulia.
|
|
tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
|
Post by tomt1999 on Feb 5, 2024 11:04:16 GMT -8
Batchelor's Bedlam 80th Squadron 014 Steyr
CREW
Pilot: Arnold "Arnie" Michael 1LT Co-Pilot: Ian "Old Spice" Narragon 2LT Navigator: Forrest "Candy Man" Sweet 2LT Bombardier: Steven "Stevie" Cox 2LT Engineer: Leonard "Leo" Madden S/SGT Radio Op: Theo "Morris Code" Morris S/SGT Ball Gunner: George "Bama" Adkins SGT Waist: Virgil "Verge" Goodman SGT Waist: Lowell "Low" Price SGT Tail: Bobby "Stubbs" Connolly SGT Bombing DNB Damage 0 Casualties none Claims 0
AAR
Pre-flight checks went well, but when we ran her up for takeoff, #3 engine was running real rough. After 30 seconds it quit altogether. Mission scrubbed - no credit.
Haul her away Captain Pierce!
1LT Arnold Michael
|
|
eddie
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 148
|
Post by eddie on Feb 6, 2024 20:50:20 GMT -8
Mission 14 AAR Mission Date: 15 March, 1944
Target: Steyr, Austria – Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
Submitted by: 1st Lt. Jake Williams, commanding Bomber SN: B17G-15VE-42-97484; "The Girl Next Door" 80th Bomb Sqdn., 509th (H) Bombardment Grp., 15th AF
Formation position: Middle Sqdn.
Pilot: 1st Lt. Jake Williams (Mission #3) Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Thomas Collins (Mission #3) Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Barney Healey (Mission: #2) Navigator: 2nd Lt. Michael Andrews (Mission #3) Engineer: TSgt. Stanislaw Ignatowski (Mission #3) Radio Operator: SSgt. Brett Davidson (Mission #3) Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt. Francis Spignatelli (Mission #3) Port Waist Gunner: Sgt. Bill Carson (Mission #3) Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt. Angus McDonald (Mission #3) Tail Gunner: Sgt. Mike Pope (Mission #3)
Bomb Run: On target, % HIT = On Target, 40%
Bomber Damage Sustained: Port Aileron Inop; Port Wing Flap Inop, multiple superficial hits. (Peckham points = 19)
Crew Casualties Sustained: SSgt. Brett Davidson, Radio Operator – Serious wound, Severe chest laceration and puncture wound (flak), will recover for next mission.
Enemy Aircraft Claims: 0
We took off without too much difficulty in spite of the poor weather. Navigator provided headings to the rally point, and we joined the rest of the 80th in the Middle Squadron, middle of the formation.
There were no fighters attacking us all the way to the target area although we did see a few in other parts of the formation.
Once in the target zone we encountered some fairly heavy flak and the ship took a few hits. Nothing too serious other than the Port side aileron being blown away. Our Radio Operator suffered a flak wound to the chest.
Our bombardier reported quite a bit of cloud cover over the target but was able to identify enough to release the bombs. He felt the bombing was fairly accurate although Bomb Damage Assessment flyovers will tell the true story. On egress from the target area, we again took some flak hits again minor other than one hit to the gearing of the port wing flap left it inoperative.
About 75 miles from the target a Bf-109 dove on us. Our Engineer attempted to hit him but reported no luck. The enemy fighter took a shot at us, missed, and dove out of sight into the cloud cover.
The remainder of the flight back to base was uneventful. No enemy even seen. The Port Waist Gunner, Sgt. Carson, tended to SSgt. Davidson’s wound as best he could. SSgt. Davidson was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The medics reported the wound, while deep, did not seem to cause too much damage and they did not think it would be too bad.
We landed in poor weather without incident.
I will submit SSgt. Davidson for a Purple Heart.
“The Girl Next Door” and crew will be operational for the next mission.
Respectfully submitted: 1st Lt. J. Williams, commanding SN: B17G-15VE-42-97484 80th Bomb Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group H, 15th AAF
|
|
|
Post by crushedhat on Feb 7, 2024 18:52:49 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 15 Mar 44 MISSION NBR. 14/This Bomber 14 TARGET: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: Low Squadron, Middle
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (14) [0] LC Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (14) [0] LC Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (14) [4 1/2] Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (13) [2 2/3] Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (14) [18 2/3] LC Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (14) [0] LC Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (14) [10 1/3] LC Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (14) [2 1/3] Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (8) [1/2] Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (14) [10 5/6] LC * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: None
Claims: Only credited kills reported here None
Bomb Run: DNB
B-24 Damage: #4 Engine Fire: Mechanical Failure (25+25, 1sr Ext+50, 2nd Ext), Suit Heat System Inop: Mechanical Failure (10) Peckham Points: 110 Peckham Points, AC ready 17 Mar 44.
Casualties: None
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: None
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: None
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT) “FIRE!” The shouted alarm roars out over the intercom. “#4 engine!” Sgt John Ringle warns the rest of the crew as Laid Back Lady begins the slow process of spiraling up to altitude.
“Whadda we do, Cap’n?” 2LT Elliott Peterson asks, knowing that his AC, Capt Paul Garfield doesn’t like the informality of being called, ‘Skipper.’
“Hope the automatic extinguishers work,” is Garfield’s steady reply. Fortunately, it does, though not until the second attempt.
“Guess we won’t be going on this one,” Garfield says, more than a hint of disappointment in his voice, knowing there is no way they can carry their bombs to the target and stay with the formation with an engine out. “We’re not leading this time.” Over the intercom he says, “Brace yourselves, everybody, We’re going to try landing with an engine out, a full bomb load, and uncooperative weather. “We’ll have to circle till the rest of the formation is up in the air,” Garfield tells his co-pilot.
Turns out the lousy weather over Guilia was the least of our worries. The #4 engine started acting up on takeoff and then, while circling to form up it burst into flames. While the automatic extinguishers worked, there were a few tense moments before that became clear. (OOC - Got through the second extinguisher roll, luckily it was ‘Fire Extinguished’ rather than ‘Spreads to Wing.’) With a full bomb load we wouldn’t be able to stay in formation. And, since we weren’t lead AC, I decided not to jettison them to stay with the Group. Not that there was anywhere we could jettison them over Giulia.
The decision being made, we circled well clear of the assembly area until the last plane was up in the air before trying to land. Landing was a bit tricky. With one engine out and a full bomb load, Lady was a bit sluggish and slow to respond to the controls. A situation made worse by the constant drizzle turning the tarmac into the perfect surface for hydroplaning. Still, we managed it. (OOC – modified 1 for the landing roll.) Turns out we would have had to abort anyway once we reached altitude. TSgt Mason says that the Suit Heat System was also on the fritz (OOC – Mechanical Failure rolled while waiting to land). Seems that the Gremlins, or more likely lax maintenance procedures, are more of a threat than the Luftwaffe.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
|
|
|
Post by Grondeaux on Feb 8, 2024 14:32:51 GMT -8
B-24J The Schmoo78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: High squadron, middle Mission Date: 15 March 1944 Mission #: 14 Aircraft Mission #: 5 Target: Ball bearing plant, Steryr, Austria Bomb loadout: 10 x M64 500 lb. GP bombs Crew at Mission StartPosition | Rank | Name | Missions | Credits | Stress | Awards | Notes | Pilot | 2LT
| Steven Canyon
| 4 |
| 0 |
|
| Copilot | 2LT
| Ryan Ballard
| 4 |
| 0 |
|
| Bombardier | 2LT | Paul Zeller
| 4 |
| 4 |
| | Navigator | 2LT | Gary Corrigan
| 4 |
| 0 |
| | Nose Turret Gunner | SSGT | Thomas Maher
| 4 | 0.5 | 1 |
|
| Flight Engineer | TSGT | Henry Cupp
| 0 |
| 0 |
|
| Ball Turret Gunner | SGT | Daniel Bailey
| 4 |
| 0 |
|
| Left Waist Gunner | SGT | Sven Olafsson | 4 |
| 0 |
|
| Right Waist Gunner | SSGT | Luigi Marconi
| 4 |
| 1 |
|
| Tail Turret Gunner | SGT | Julian Graves
| 4 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Replacement |
Crew Chief: SGT Montgomery Scott (25 skill points; roll every zone) Bomb Run: DNB; mission aborted. Casualties: SSGT Thomas Maher, skull grazed/brain inflammation (SW) SGT Daniel Bailey, skull grazed/brain inflammation (SW) Attackers: 5
| Spotted | Destroyed | Damaged | Driven off by Escort | ME-109 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | FW-190 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Claims: SGT Daniel Bailey: 1 x ME-190 SGT Sven Olafsson: 1 x ME-109 Credits: SGT Daniel Bailey: 1 x ME-109 Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal for completing five missions: SSGT Thomas Maher, 2LT Paul Zeller, 2LT Gary Corrigan, 2LT Steven Canyon, 2LT Ryan Ballard, SGT Daniel Bailey, SGT Sven Olafsson, SSGT Luigi Marconi, SGT Julian Graves 2LT Steven Canyon promoted to 1LT. In Hospital/Recovery: SSGT Thomas Maher, RTD 27 April SGT Daniel Bailey, RTD: 13 April Aircraft Damage: 59 Peckham points (Nose wheel, engine fire extinguisher system, 2 x serious wounds, 7 x superficial) AFTER ACTION REPORT – Using TFT (Variants used: TFT Axis Fighter Aircraft Add-on Module, Jasta 6’s Table 5-3 Placement Variant, Variant Tables for Take-Off and Mechanical Failure, Bruce Peckham’s German Fighter Pilots variant, Fuel Tank Fires, Seriously Wounded Bail Out, On the Subject of Bombs, my variation to Nolan Bryant’s Crew Chiefs, Combat Fatigue, Chris Riches’ Enhanced Fighter Attacks (Simple Version), Chris Riches’ Random Events table) The usual crummy weather. We have an uneventful take-off and squadron assembly. OutboundZones 2-5: Nothing to report. Zone 6: As advertised, the Jerries are up in force as we clear the Yugoslavian coast. A trio of ME-109s approach, and the Lightnings are nowhere to be seen. We drive them off, with one falling to the guns of Bailey and Olafsson. The German takes to his parachute. A pair of FW-190s attack next. One attacking from 3:00 high scores a hit on the nose before breaking off. Maher falls silent with a head wound. His pal misses us, then comes around for a second pass from 6 o'clock low and nails us again. Bailey takes a head wound. Zeller pulls an unconscious Maher from his turret and reports that he is breathing and not losing much blood. He also reports that it looks like the nose wheel took a hit. Marconi and Olafsson drag an unconscious Bailey from the ball. The report on his condition is similar. Both wounded gunners are patched up and moved to the radio room. With two seriously wounded crewman, I decide to abort. Zeller waits until we are back over the water before making a picture-perfect bomb run on the Adriatic. He then moves aft to the waist to keep Marconi company as he takes over the ball turret. Olaffson mans the nose turret. InboundZones 5-2: We make the trip home unmolested. Landing: We fire off flares and make an uneventful landing. An ambulance meets us as soon as we come to stop. The medics load Maher and Bailey onto to stretchers, then race off to the base hospital. When I check in with the medical staff, a CAPT Honeycutt tells me that both gunners should pull through but will be off flight status for at least a month. Only five missions into our tour and three of the crew are wounded and off flight status, and a fourth has been permanently grounded. I need a drink. Or two. 2LT Steven Canyon, Command Pilot B-24J The Schmoo 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
|
|
|
Post by wolverinetoddy on Feb 8, 2024 18:53:37 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Lady of Lansing (3) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. H Whiting Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 15 March 44 Mission #: 14 Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. H Whiting (14) {0} AM: 2 Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. I Ingersoll (1) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. A Edwards (5) {0} AM Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Patterson (8) {2} PH: 2 Engineer: MSgt. L Aldrich (14) {11} AM: 2, PH: 2, DFC Ball Gunner: Sgt. A Blake (14) {8} AM: 2, PH, DFC Radio Oper.: Sgt. A Casterline (14) {0} AM: 2, PH: 2 Pt Waist G: Sgt. A Eno (7) {0} AM Stbd Waist G: Sgt. W Hammond (9) {3} AM, PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. M Laffin (14) {10} AM: 2, PH: 2, DFC
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Crash landed (n/a Peckham Points)
Casualties: W Patterson: KIA A Casterline: KIA M Laffin: KIA L Aldrich: LW – overnight in hospital W Hammond: LW-overnight in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (6:109, 4:190, 3:110) Damaged: (2:109, 2:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (1:109, 1:190, 0:110) Aldrich: 190 Hammond: 109
Special Note: W Patterson: PH A Casterline: PH M Laffin: PH L Aldrich: PH W Hammond: PH A Edwards: AM
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. H Whiting
Lt. Morrow’s frostbite was not healing as quickly as the docs thought he would so they evacuated him to a better hospital back in England. This left me to command the Lady of Lansing and brought in Lt. Ingersoll from Pontiac to be our new co-pilot.
We took off without incident and settled into formation. The outbound flight was quiet until we Zone 8 where we were attacked by four FW 190s. Aldrich got one of them. They knocked out the intercom and wounded Paterson.
Over the target zone we were attacked by a single 109 that Hammond shot down.
The flak came at us hard causing significant damage to the plane and wounding Aldrich. Edwards was off target and we turned for home.
We were chased out of the target zone by five 109s. They shot up the plane, killed Patterson, Casterline, and Laffin, and wounded Hammond.
I moved Eno back to the tail turret and Hammond up to the check guns. Luckily, we didn’t see any fighters the rest of the way home.
We arrived back at base with a pretty shot up airplane. I made the decision to land the plane. We hit the runway hard and came back in the air. On the second touchdown the starboard gear snapped and we spun to the right and screeched to a halt. Luckily, no one else was hurt.
All in all a terrible first mission in command. I missed the target, lost three men, and crashed the plane.
|
|
|
Post by superbee on Feb 9, 2024 9:51:42 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary
Mission 14 March 15, 1944 Target: Steyr, Austria (ball bearing factory)
B17’s sortied: 13 (Invadin Maiden; Six Nights in Telergma, Angry Ari; In Like Flynn; Bit O’ Honey; Pride of the Badgers; Irascible Girl; All In; Annie Oakley; Ragun Cajun; Make it Rain; Cloud Rider; Johnny B Good )
B17’s bombing target: 10 (Invadin Maiden; Six Nights in Telergma, Angry Ari; In Like Flynn; Pride of the Badgers; Irascible Girl; All In: Annie Oakley; Rajun Cajun; Make it Rain)
Bombers aborting mission: Johnny B Good
Bombers lost: Bit O’ Honey (flak), Cloud Rider,
Lead bomber: Pride of the Badgers
Tail end Charlie: Six Nights in Telergma
Crewmen KIA: 2
Crewmen SW-IH: 0
Crewmen wounded and returning to action: 14
Crewmen MIA: 20
Bomb run avg: 21.8%
High bomb run: 50% (Invadin Maiden)
| encountered | intercepted by escorts
| destroyed
| FCA
| FBOA
| Me109's | 32
| 2
| 5
| 18
| 5
| FW 190's
| 47 | 4
| 8
| 12
| 6
| Me110's | 4 | 0
| 1
| 2
| 1
| Ju88's | 4 | 0
| 2
| 0
| 1
| C205's | 1 | 0
| 1
| 0
| 0
| totals | 84 | 6
| 17
| 32
| 13
|
In Like Flynn
Bomb run: 30% Purple Heart: 2Lt Ralph Long Air Medal (2nd award): S/Sgt Leo Haley
Invadin’ Maiden Bomb run: 50% Purple Heart: 2Lt Ted Masini, Sgt Charles Walking Spirit Air Medal: 2Lt Craig Kellici, Sgt Noreno Costa
Pride of the Badgers (sqdn lead plane) Bomb run: 0% Purple Heart: 2Lt W Sloat, Sgt W Towney Air Medal: 2Lt GS Hoyt
All In (returned to base on 3 engines) Bomb run: 28% Purple Heart: 2Lt Louis Newsom (posthumous), 2Lt Myril Hoag
Six Nights in Telergma (tail end charlie) Bomb run: 0% Purple Heart: 2Lt Jerome McLaughlin, Sgt Ernest Philips
Irascible Girl Bomb run: 40%
Angry Ari (first mission for plane and crew) Bomb run: 40% Purple Heart: Sgt Eli Stone
Bit O’Honey (group spare – shot down by flak over target – entire crew MIA) Bomb run: DNB
Annie Oakley (initial mission - new bomber) Bomb run: 0% Purple Heart: Sgt A Charles, 2Lt CW Barnes
Make it Rain (1st mission) Bomb run: 0%
Rajun Cajun Bomb run: 30%
Cloud Rider (shot down by EA prior to reaching target; entire crew MIA) Bomb run: DNB
Johnny B Good (first mission; forced by battle damage to abort mission prior to reaching target Bomb run: DNB Purple Heart: 1Lt Brad Johnson, Sgt Jacob Alverson
|
|
|
Post by andy254 on Feb 9, 2024 18:58:27 GMT -8
B-17 G - "Cloud Rider"
Pilot: 1LT John Greenaway
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force, USAAF
Squadron/Formation Position: Low/Middle
Mission/Plane: 14/4
Target: Steyr, Austria - Ball Bearing Plant Mission Date: March 15th, 1944
Position: Rank & Name + Decorations - (Missions to Date) [Previous Kills] - Claims; Crew Status; Notes Pilot: 1LT John GREENAWAY PH - (4) [-] KIA Co-Pilot: 2LT David PARKER - (4) [-] KIA Bombardier: 2LT Christopher NELSON PH - (4) [0] KIA Navigator: 2LT Edward PRIEST - (4) [0] KIA Engineer: MSGT Thomas DE KLERK DFC - (4) [5] KIA Radio Operator: SGT Nathan DRYLAKE - (4) [0] KIA Ball Gunner: SGT Elwood BROWN - (4) [1] KIA Waist Gunner, Port: SGT Herman GOLDBLUM - (4) [0] KIA Waist Gunner, Starboard: SGT Will SCHREIBER - (4) [0] KIA Tail Gunner: SGT Ira BELTING - (4) [1] KIA
Bomb Run: DID NOT BOMB On Target: --%
B-17 Damage Destroyed
Landing - DID NOT RETURN
E/A Type - Encountered - Destroyed, Probable, Damaged - Intercepted Messerschmitt Bf109G - 0 - 0, 0, 0 - 0 Messerschmitt Bf110G - 0 - 0, 0, 0 - 0 FockeWulf FW190D - 4 - 0, 1, 1 - 0
Kill Claims None
Casualties & Injuries - ALL CREW KILLED IN ACTION
Award Recommendations & Entitlements Purple Heart (posthumous) 1LT John Greenaway (OLC), 2LT David Parker, 2LT Christopher Nelson (OLC), 2LT Edward Priest, MGST Thomas De Klerk DFC, SGT Nathan Drylake, SGT Elwood Brown, SGT Herman Goldblum, 2LD Will Schreiber, SGT Ira Belting
After Action Report
From reports from other bomber crews, "Cloud Rider" had gremlin trouble with the ball turret not long after take-off. Manual control was retained. Until it had just crossed the border into Austria, its ingress had otherwise been uneventful. That is where four FW190s attacked. One took out the No.3 engine but moments later, a walking burst from the only other one successful in hitting "Cloud Rider" caught it in the bomb bay and detonated one or more of the bombs onboard.
|
|
Viscar
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 16
|
Post by Viscar on Feb 9, 2024 20:10:12 GMT -8
Pilot: 1LT John Alderman B-17: Georgia Peach B-17F Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 15 March 44 MISSION NBR:14 TARGET: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant Position | Name | Mission | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1LT John Alderman | 12 | 0 | 0 | AM, AM | RTD | CoPilot | 2LT John Honea | 12 | 0 | 0 | AM, AM | RTD | Bombardier | 2LT Ralph Steward | 12 | 0 | 1 | AM, AM | RTD | Navigator | 2LT Michael Artelli | 12 | 0 | 0 | AM, AM, PH | RTD | Engineer | S/SGT Michael Wynn | 12 | 0 | 1/2 | AM, AM | RTD | Radio Room | S/SGT John Swain | 3 | 0 | 1/3 |
| RTD | Ball Gunner | SGT Andy Brown | 12 | 0 | 5 3/4 | AM, AM, AM | RTD | Left Waist | Tony Ford | 12 | 0 | 1 | AM, AM | RTD | Right Waist | SGT Collin MacLeod | 3 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| RTD | Tail Gunner | SGT Dexter McConnell | 12 | 0 | 3 | AM, AM | RTD |
Bomb Run: On Target - 60% B-17 Damage: Left Cheek gun knocked out Top Turret Guns jammed - unable to repair in flight Casualties: N/A Peckham Points: 37 Claims: SGT Collin MacLeod - ME-109 - 1/2 credit Enemy Aircraft Type | Number | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Broke Off | ME-109 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Airbase: No issues on take off Outbound: Once over Yugoslavia we were attacked by fighters. 2 of them diving out of the sun. Escaped with minor damage. A couple of tense moments were enemy fire hit the bomb bay. 1 fighter shot down by Right Waist gunner. Target Area: Heavy FLAK over target. No fighters. Bombardier put bombs within 60% of target area. Inbound: 1 fighter attacked and damaged left cheek gun. Top Turret guns jammed and during repairs they broke until an armorer can repair them. Airbase: Landed safely. Mission completed.
|
|
mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
|
Post by mpgutis on Feb 10, 2024 9:26:21 GMT -8
80th BOMB SQUADRON Mission #14, Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant AAR
Where there usually was a buzz of chatter or at least a murmur of whispering, the room was dead silent. The XO, Captain Delozier, had a strained look on his face. Through no fault of his own, his aircraft was forced to abort on the ground. Due to the events in the air, he was, at least temporarily, the senior officer in the squadron. No one knew that Major Shapiro had been aboard The Cat's Meow when she explode3d over the target. They were, almost to a man, stunned when they learned the sad truth. Delozier held the briefing papers in his hand and seemed about to start when a new figure entered the room. He was dressed in pinks and greens with a fifty-mission crush to his cap and had gold oak leaf clusters. Delozier quickly called the room to attention. The new figure walked up to Delozier who saluted as the room jumped to attention. Once the salute was returned, he handed over the briefing papers.
The new man turned to the assembled group and said, "At ease, take your seats." He took a moment to scan the room. He was short, 5'6" tall, had dark hair shot through with gray. and bright blue eyes. He wore a Clark Gable-type mustache and was one would conventionally call handsome. The only jarring aspect was that a scar ran from his left eye down past his chin. It was clearly not a fresh wound but it was one that was recently healed. "Gentlemen, let me introduce myself. I'm Major Frederick Simmons. I've been assigned by Air Force as the new squadron commander of the 80th Squadron. For now, I'm just going to deliver the after-action report. In due time we'll become better acquainted.
"This was a rough mission. We lost one bomber over the target, one is Cat-E, and one crash-landed and is also Cat-E. Replacement crew and aircraft will be forthcoming and should be here before the next mission. You fellows did a good job overall with bombing and averaged over 38 percent of your bombs on target. Top of the squadron is Wongo II with 70% in the barrel followed by Georgia Peach at 60%. Gunners have done another good job with 21 claims, 11.67 were credited.
"Now, I want you to try and relax. I understand that things have been, let me say, less than ideal of late. That's going to change. As we get to know each other, I'm sure you'll feel more comfortable. For now? Do whatever you need to let go of the extra stress. I'm not going to blow smoke up your asses by telling you that the missions will be easy. That's not going to end until we win this war. But it's my goal to help eliminate the outside bull." He looked around the room, catching as many eyes as he could. "That's all I've got." The squadron shot to its feet as he advanced to the back.
----------------------------- STATISTICAL ADDENDUM
THE CAT'S MEOW Destroyed over target. Crew +1 - PH, posthumous
MISS HOLLY Aborted
DOUBLE BOMB Off target, 2% 7 EA claimed, 5.5 credited SSG Thomas - AM
GREAT EXPECTATIONS On target, 28% SSG Mike Dixon - AM
MISSISSIPPI QUEEN On target, 40%
SCREWBALL EXPRESS Aborted
SAN ANTONIO ROSE On target, 30% SGT Suki Nakamura - PH
WONGO II On target, 70% - Best in squadron 2 EA claimed, 0 credited 2LT Burt Lawson - AM 2LT Billy Kowalski - AM
CASH AND CARRIE - Cat-E On target, 50% 8 EA claimed, 2.67 credited 2LT Edwin O'Brien - PH
WIMPY On target, 40% 1 EA claimed, 0 credited
MISS BURKE COUNTY On target, 40% 1 EA claimed, 1 credited
OLD SHEP On target, 20% 1LT B. Pease - PH, posthumous 2LT D. Horton - PH, posthumous 2LT E. Swan - PH SGT B. Comerate - PH, AM SGT J. Shoemaker - PH SSG G. Burnish - DFC, AM
BACHELOR'S DREAM Aborted
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR On target, 40% SGT Brett Davidson - PH
LADY OF LANSING - Cat-E Off target, 0% 2LT W. Patterson - PH, posthumous 2LT A. Edwards - AM SGT A. Casterline - PH, posthumous SGT M. Laffin - PH, posthumous MSG L. Aldrich - PH SGT W. Hammond - PH
|
|
|
Post by blaird on Feb 10, 2024 18:07:32 GMT -8
B-17: Johnny B Good Commander: 1LT Squadron 79th Squadron MISSION DATE: 15 March 1944 MISSION NBR. 014 Formation/Position - Middle / Middle TARGET: Styer Austria - Ball Bearing Plant Flown with Queen of the SkiesPos | Rank | Name | Awards | Current Mission | Total Claims | Claims this mission | Status | Pilot | 1LT | Brad Johnson |
| 1 | N/A |
| SW | Co-Pilot | 2LT | John Campbell |
| 1 | N/A |
| RTD | Bombardier | 2LT | Eric Masterson |
| 1 | 0 |
| RTD | Navigator | 2LT | Leroy Rose |
| 1 | 0 |
| RTD | Engineer | S/SGT | William "Wild Bill" Jordan |
| 1 | 0 |
| RTD | Radio Operator | SGT | Jacob Alverson |
| 1 | 0 |
| SW | Ball Gunner | S/SGT | Joseph "Joey" Zaballa |
| 1 | 0 |
| RTD | PWG | SGT | Greg Sturn |
| 1 | 0 |
| RTD | SWG | SGT | Kevin Drake |
| 1 | 0 |
| RTD | Tail Gunner | SGT | Richard O'Connor |
| 1 | 0 |
| RTD |
Fighters Encountered
| Bf-109 | FW-190 | ME-110 | Undamaged | 3 | 0 | 0 | Fighter Cover | 0 | 0 | 0 | FCA -1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | FBOA -2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fighter Destroyed | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bomb RunDNB Casualties1LT Brad Johnson - SW-DOW SGT Jacob Alverson - SW-Will Recover DamageSuperficial x5 Starboard Cheek Guns Inoperable - Feed Tray destroyed Waist Oxygen Fire Waist Oxygen Out Tailplane x1 Peckham Points:
85 Landing:Safe at Awards:None Take OffNothing to Report Zone 2-5Nothing to Report Zone 6We had Four Bf-109's that came in after us. Masterson, Rose, Jordan, and Sturn all missed their shots, meanwhile SGT Drake hit the 109 coming in at 1:30 high. All four 109's came at us with their cannons blazing. We took hits from two of the four. Our Starboard Cheek guns took a hit, and we watched as the feet tray was blown apart. Meanwhile, LT Johnson took a hit, and was blinded, from the headwound. We took a superficial hit to the bomb bay, and a superficial hit to the airframe. Then the fighters came around for a second pass. Jordan, Alverson, and O'Connor all missed the 109 on our tail, meanwhile, the other 109 chose to came in on our starboard side, and the gun had been destroyed giving the 109 a free pass. The 109 at 1:30 level missed us, while the one on our tail hit the Johnny B Good. The fighter walked hits from our tail to the nose. We took superficial hits to the nose, pilot compartment, and bomb bay, SGT Alverson took a shell fragment in the chest, and we took a hit to the tailplane, but the most devastating hit, was the one to the waist oxygen supply which started a fire. We were able to quickly get the fire put out, but the waist was now without oxygen and our flight was done. We had one 109 come back at us for a third pass, LT Masterson and S/SGT Jordan both missed the fighter which missed us with its guns going dry. With no Oxygen in the waist we were going to be forced below 10,000 feet for the duration of the mission, so we turned for home. Zone 5-2S/SGT Jordan helped fly the Johnny B Good back to base, once we were over the Adriatic, we had LT Masterson drop the bombs into the Adriatic. After Landing The flight surgeon said that LT Johnson died during surgery. Alverson will recover, but is going to be in the hospital for six weeks Report Filed by, 1LT Brad Johnson, Johnny B Good, 80th Bombardment Squadron (H), Pilot Commanding Mission Flown with Limburger's Variant Tables for Take-Offs and Mechanical Failures Aircraft History
|
|
|
Post by caodwolf on Feb 11, 2024 7:30:55 GMT -8
78TH BOMB SQUADRON
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
MISSION 14- Steyr, Austria
As the CO Major Jopp and XO Captain Garfield enters the room the chatter subsides.
At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” … and everyone rises.
The Major heads towards the podium and gets one word out before he is interrupted by a late arrival, Lt R Solsky the pilot of the Pleasant Surprise. Clearly annoyed and looking at his watch the Major begins. “ Mr. Solsky, the briefing begins at 1800 prompt, not 1805. Next time be on time. “
A few notices the XO scribbling something in his little black book.
Continuing, “The Flying Boxcars sortied (12) B-24’s on today's mission to Steyr and a little under half had to abort mainly due to engine mechanical issues or battle damage. This is unacceptable and your XO is pressings our crew chiefs hard to get this under control. With that said, we delivered 29% on-target results with 18 1/3 credited fighter kills. Well done."
Pausing, "The Bama Beauty led the 78th with 50% on target and we lost the Sweet Routine, on loan from the bomber pool and the Black Maria who made it back to Foggia but crash landed. Ten chutes were spotted when the crew of the Sweet Routine bailed out."
Capt Garfield clears his throat.
“Ah, yes,” Maj Jopp acknowledges. “The XO has an announcement.”
Looking at a paper in his hand, the XO says, “The crews of Stupid Dragon, Bama Beauty, and Laid Back Lady all have 72 hour passes, effective 16-18 March. For those who’d like to get a change of scenery, there will be a C-47 headed to Tunis at 0600 tomorrow morning. With another returning from Tunis the evening of the 18th.” Folding the paper, Capt Garfield nods to Major Jopp as he steps back.
"Take a well earned break and don't have the XO or myself bail you out of the drunk tank" adds Major Jopp.
The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two begin to leave.
“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.
"Dismissed!"
Player | Bomber | % on Target | Damage | Kills | crushedhat | Laid Back Lady | DNB | 110 | --- | limburger59 | Sweet Routine (Spare) | 30% | LOST | --- | kageyone | Black Maria | DNB | LOST | --- | kageyone | Orange Crate | 30% | 20 | 4 | keltos | Black Shadow | 20% | 10 | 2 1/2 | medic1 | Delayed Action | 20% | 167 | 3 | jasta6 | Stupid Dragon | 20% | --- | 1 2/3 | grondeaux | The Schmoo | DNB | 59 | 1 | chefed | Next Objective | DNB | 10 | --- | caodwolfs | Pleasant Surprise | DNB | 141 | 2 | rhreiss | Bama Beauty | 50% | 44 | 1 2/3 | drewshotsfan | The Talkin' Texan | 30% | 116 | 1 | | Average Results | 29% | | 18 1/3 |
Bombers Lost
Black Maria Sweet Routine (spare)
Top Bombers
Bama Beauty 50%
Awards / Promotions
S/SGT Harshaney: AM S/SGT Harshaney: DFC T/Sgt. Ernestor L. Pasiak: AM Star
KIA
T/Sgt Jean Desjarnier 2nd Lt Vic Juarez 2nd Lt Billy Anderson 2nd Lt Lenard Bentley 1st Lt Aaron Wilkens
MIA
LT William Hopkins 2LT Lester Braun 2LT Brendan Patrick 2LT Morris Petersen S/SGT Joseph Viya S/SGT Robert McAndrews Tunnel Gun: SGT Elmer Rosenburg SGT Salvatore Costa SGT Harold Palmer SGT Wesley Snipes
Casualties
S/Sgt Bart Dillon: LW Sgt Sam Taylor: LW Sgt Dan Larmer: SW/IH Sgt T Croker: LW Sgt Evan Bayers: SW Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Fred Thomas Sgt Ellis Kramer: LW S/Sgt Eagle: LW Sgt Thorn: SW SGT Thomas Maher: SW SGT Daniel Bailey: SW
PURPLE HEART
S/Sgt Bart Dillon Sgt Sam Taylor Sgt Dan Larmer Sgt T Croker Sgt Evan Bayers 2nd Lt Fred Thomas Sgt Ellis Kramer S/Sgt Eagle Sgt Thorn SGT Thomas Maher SGT Daniel Bailey T/Sgt Jean Desjarnier 2nd Lt Vic Juarez 2nd Lt Billy Anderson 2nd Lt Lenard Bentley 1st Lt Aaron Wilkens
|
|
|
Post by rcastillo on Feb 19, 2024 9:49:13 GMT -8
B-17G Arkansas Traveler 79th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: High Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 15 March 1944 Mission #: 14 Aircraft Mission #: 3 Target: Ball Bearing Plant @ Steyr, Austria
Pilot - 1LT Philip Knapp (3) Co-Pilot - 2LT Billy Nichols (3) Bombardier - 2LT Clyde French (3) Navigator - 2LT Anthony Walters (3) Engineer - S/SGT Edward Conley (3) Radio Operator - S/SGT Jerry Jones (3) Ball Gunner SGT Jim Moss (3) Port Waist Gunner - SGT Jacob Jensen (3) Starboard Waist Gunner - SGT Wesley David (3) Tail Gunner - SGT Wallace Mcfarland (3)
Bomb Run: On target 20%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: Bombardier 1 x 190
Engineer/Top Turret 1x 110
Disposition - Aircraft safe at home base.
B-24J Witchcraft 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Low Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 15 March 1944 Mission #: 14 Aircraft Mission #: 4 Target: Ball Bearing Plant @ Steyr, Austria
Pilot - 1LT Dale Merritt (3) POW Co-Pilot - 2LT Jose Castillo (3) POW Bombardier - 2LT Herbert Cook (3) POW Navigator - 2LT Clinton James (3) POW Engineer - T/SGT Fred Knox (3) POW Radio Operator - T/SGT Eddie Calhoun (3) POW Ball Gunner - SGT Elmer Dorsey (3) POW Port Waist Gunner - SGT Alton Simon (3) KIA Starboard Waist Gunner - SGT Harry Harding (2) POW Tail Gunner - SGT Alex Conrad (3) POW
Bomb Run: DNB
Casualties: Port Waist Gunner - SW + Lw = KIA in the crash of the downed bomber
Enemy Aircraft Claims: None
Disposition - Shot down by FW-190 on the run into target.
|
|