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Post by limburger59 on May 20, 2023 16:15:52 GMT -8
to post 18 Aug 23 To unlock 20 Aug 23 Turn in AAR's no later than 2 Sept 23 Next mission to post 1 Sept 23
MISSION DATE: 15 Jan 44 MISSION # 3TARGET: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet Mission Brief: The ugly winter weather in Italy continues... Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 80th SQDN |
| MID | 78th SQDN |
| LOW | 79th SQDN | LEAD: | Double Bomb
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| LEAD: | Laid Back Lady |
| LEAD: | Slammin' Sally
| TAIL: | Spirit of 98 |
| TAIL: | Louisiana Belle
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| TAIL: | Irascible Girl
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WEATHER:
Takeoff: Poor Target: Poor Landing: Poor GAZETTEER Note: Italian Pilots fly out of bases in Northern Italy. You will only face German pilots today.Zone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Liberated Italy | X | 100% Clouds/None | Good | 3 Front Lines Italy | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light
| Good | 4 Occupied Italy | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light
| Fair | TARGET ZONE 5 Occupied Italy FLAK: Outbound: Light Inbound: None | 0 | 100% Clouds/Moderate Target: Mostly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually
| Fair | 4 Occupied Italy | -2 | 100% Clouds/None
| Fair | 3 Front Lines Italy | -1 | 100% Clouds/Light
| Good | 2 Liberated Italy | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Good |
Emergency Airfield: None Shot Down: Over Liberated Italy: returned to base in two days Over the Front Lines: Roll d6: 1-4 = rescued by the Brits, return to base in two days, 5-6 = POW German controlled Italy: roll 1d6: 1=rescued by Italian family, but cannot be returned until Allied advance reaches their farm in July. 2-6= Captured & POW. Calendar since Last Mission:
12 Jan 44 Mission 2 Pisa, Italy - Marshalling Yard 13 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day - classroom training 14 Jan 44 Mission Aborted enroute to Perugia, Italy due to Bad Weather 15 Jan 44 Mission 3 Perugia, Italy - Airdrome
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Post by crushedhat on Aug 18, 2023 13:51:03 GMT -8
For the 78th Lead: Laid Back Lady, (crushedhat) Tail: Louisiana Belle (rcastillo) Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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Sparhawk
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 332
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Post by Sparhawk on Aug 18, 2023 14:12:47 GMT -8
Gentlemen of the 80th Squadron,
Today we are off to Perugia right up the coast line.
Taking the lead will be 1LT Flores in the Double Bomb. The tailing bomber will be 1LT McGwire in Spirit of 98.
Fly well and keep an eye on your six.
Apologies
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Post by superbee on Aug 19, 2023 5:11:41 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron - Mission Formation Assignments
Mission #3: Pirugia, Italy
Lead bomber: Slammin' Sally
tail end Charlie: Irascible Girl
The 79th is the "low" squadron this mission.
Good luck !
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Post by andy254 on Aug 19, 2023 10:43:55 GMT -8
“A short hop,” Maj Harlan Beech starts out the S2 portion of the mission briefing. “But most of it over Nazi occupied Italy. You can expect to run into the Luftwaffe as you cross the front lines.” SSgt Dewbury indicates the location on the big wall map. “But, we’re expecting most of their attention will be focused on the ground game. The same can’t be said for once you hit the target. You should expect some stiff resistance as the Nazis defend their home airfield. Then, expect more target of opportunity attacks as you cross the front line coming home.”
“Flak will be light on target ingress. Due to continuing supply and ammunition shortages, there won’t be much once you’ve dropped your ordnance and are no longer an immediate threat.”
“Metro is promising light to persistent rain the entire mission, from here to the target, and back again.” Beech pauses as multiple groans fill the air.
“P-47s from the 325th will be your escort, though they may get diverted if they’re needed for the ground battle.” This time the groans turn into outright grumbles. Holding up his hands to silence the room, the S2 adds, “But they have instructions not to abandon you completely.”
“There aren’t any alternate airfields that are any closer than Giulia. So, if you run into trouble, try to make it home. If you go down near the front lines, try to land on the southern side of the action.” Maj Beech permits himself a small grin, but, as usual, his attempt at humor falls short. Straightening himself back up, the S2 continues, “And remember the Geneva Convention and Fighting Man’s Code should you fall into German hands.”
With that, the S2 turns over the podium to the S3, Maj Stockwell.
"Perugio is the site of a another Luftwaffe airdrome. This is located about 8 miles north of the city. By hitting this, we will be stopping their sorties over the front lines and making it harder for our 8th Army allies in making any headway", began Maj Bill Stockwell with the S3 portion.
"Apart from trying not to bomb this historic city, I can only stress what my predecessor has said", he said continuing. "The weather is lousy. At least you'll be encased in steel so you should only notice it when getting in and out. You are trained to factor in wet weather on take-off and landing so this should not be an issue. Hopefully, with bad cloud cover, this will not overly impact the accuracy of the bombardiers.
"Resistance is light, escort is good, flak is next to ineffectual. However, I am not going to say anything about milk. If you all follow your training, you should get back in one piece and put smiling faces on your ground crew. If you do have to go down, try to do it on our side of the lines. With the British, they are good at getting rid of any crisis just by having a strong pot of tea.
"Good luck, gentlemen, and if it wasn't raining, I wish I was going with you."
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Aug 20, 2023 7:49:32 GMT -8
Mission date: 15 Jan 44 Target: Perugia, Italy - Aerodrome Mission/Bomber: 3/1 B-17G Reign of Steel 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) Formation: High Squadron Position: Middle
Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards Pilot: 1LT Victor Lewis (1) (-) Co-Pilot: 2LT Ronald Mays (1) (-) Bombardier: 2LT Edward Reagan (1) (0) Navigator: 2LT Luke Reynolds (1) (0) Engineer: SSG Kenneth Arthur (1) (0) Radio Operator: SGT Ralph Gregory (1) (0) Ball Gunner: SGT Steven Leib (1) (0) Port Waist Gun: SGT Michael Antonelli (1) (0) Starboard Waist Gun: SGT William Diaz (1) (0) Tail Gun: SGT Francis Everson (1) (0)
Bombing: Off target, 7%
Damage: None
Casualties: None
EA: Encountered/Claimed/Killed Me-109 2 / 0 / 0 Ju-88 2 / 1 / 0
AAR using TfT
Being the New Kids on the block, I was afraid that our shiny new B-17G would be taken away from us and we'd be given the oldest, tiredest aircraft in the squadron. Much to my surprise, such was not the case. The squadron commander, Major Shapiro informed me that we would be keeping our airplane. I thanked him and did my best not to allow a grin show. The major seemed nice enough but there's something about him that seems so sad.
I thought that we'd be reporting to sunny Italy but the weather has been miserable and today was no different. The overcast was solid and rain and snow were spitting from the sky. I was deeply concerned about takeoff and assembly but, fortunately, both went without incident.
Zone 2: Nothing to report.
Zone 3: A Ju-88 low and an Me-109 high came at us at our 6:00 but the escort fighters took care of both. After that it seemed that Lady Luck was smiling at us.
Zone 4: Nothing to report.
Zone 5 (Target): A Ju-88 and Me-109 came at us in exactly the same way as the earlier attack. The Ball Turret claimed the Ju-88 as destroyed and the escort took care of the Me-109. Flak was light and inaccurate and missed us entirely, probably because of the solid clouds below us. Reagan said that he didn't get a glimpse of the target and was bombing on a guess. It's estimated that about 7% fell in the box.
Zones 5 (Outbound) - 2: Nothing to report.
Back at the field, conditions had not improved one bit. I was able to get the aircraft down and settled onto the runway without incident. So our first is in the books.
1LT Victor Lewis Aircraft Commander, Reign of Steel 80th Bombardment Squadron (H), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
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Post by campsawyer on Aug 20, 2023 9:08:41 GMT -8
B-17F Double Bomb (B-17F-100BO 42-30333) Pilot: 1st Lt Paul Flores Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: High/7 Mission Date: 15 Jan 44 Mission Number: 3Missions This Bomber: 3 Base: Guilia, Italy Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome Crew | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Paul Flores | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Sanders | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Thompson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cox | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer T/Sgt King | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Radioman T/Sgt Ramirez | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Roberts | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Scott | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Brown
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner S/Sgt Thomas | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: OFF On Target: 5% B-17 Damage: 0 Hits Peckham Points: Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Taylor, average Landing: Safe E/A | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | FW-190 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | ME-109 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Confirmed Claims: 1 Casualties: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 0 After Action Report OutboundAssign number 7 plane in the formation for the first time, I made sure that LT's Sanders, Thompson and Cox were aware we were number two if anything happened. Thompson and Cox are new to the plane, so Sanders and I made sure they were clear on the targets and navigation. Raining heavily at take-off but we did get a brief period of lighter rain that allow us a better window to take-off. All engines fired up and no mechanical issues during the pre-flight check. Lifting off we immediately went into the clouds and circled on the predefined pattern for form-up for the inbound leg. As we headed for the front lines we did get a bit of a break on the cloud cover and we could get a good land bearing to confirm our instruments. Continuing along course we did not encounter resistance, those Germans didn't want to fly in the rain as well. Moving into the area of Perugia, the cloud cover came back as well as our first German fighters. Only two started after us, a FW190 and ME109, but a P47 saw a chance to get himself a kill and jumped the FW190 and he ran from his attack. The ME109 continue to press his 12Low attack, both Thompson on the nose gun and King in the top turret opened fire on it. Both scored hits but the 109 pressed on, but missed us. As he passed we saw smoke starting from his tail and he dove down into the low clouds. Next we moved closer to the airdrome flak started to appear in the sky. The shots were random and missed us completely, so I turned over the plane to LT Cox for the bomb run. Clouds were heavy and tough to line up the target and watched Laid Back Lady for their drop. We released and started our turn for the leg back home. The gunners in the back looked for explosions on the ground but it was very hard to make them out. We will need to rely on the bomb assessment guys to figure this one out. InboundOnce we were lined back up for the return home, we encountered five more German fighters lining up for our nose and our sides. Another P47 was good enough to break up one of the attacks, but we had to do the rest. All that could jumped on one of the attacking fighters as they pressed in. We only damaged one, then had to brace for their fire. Luckily they all missed too and we were able to get into the clouds again and they broke off their attack. The rest of the journey was rainy but uneventful, landing safely. Plane was undamaged and read for the next mission. 1st Lt Paul Flores, Pilot, 80th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Aug 20, 2023 13:49:34 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Badgers (3)
Crew Commander: Captain WW Robinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 15 Jan 44 Mission #: 3 Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: Capt. WW Robinson (3) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. J Van Door (3) {0} PH Bombardier: 2nd Lt. C Lefler (3) {0} PH: 2, DFC Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Sloat (3) {0} PH Engineer: MSgt. A Bissett (3) {1} Ball Gunner: Sgt. E Dean (3) {0} Radio Oper.: Sgt. I Cooper (3) {0} PH Pt Waist G: Sgt. S Hatfield (3) {1} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. J Lewis (3) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. W Towney (2) {4} PH
Bomb Percentage: 30%
Bomber Disposition: Starboard Aileron, Intercom, Superficial Damage (26 Peckham Points)
Casualties: C Lefler: LW – treated and released W Sloat: LW – treated and released
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (2:109, 3:190, 0:110) 1:88 Damaged: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) S Hatfield: 88
Special Note: C Lefler: PH W Sloat: PH
Mission Description: Filed by Captain WW Robinson, pilot commanding
The weather this morning was dismal. VD looked up at the sleety mix coming down and grumbled: “If I wanted winter, I would have stayed in Wisconsin.”
The extra take off training the squadron has been doing really paid off in this poor weather and the squadron settled into formation quickly and without incident.
The outbound flight was quiet all the way to the target zone. We were greeted by a pair of 109s. We missed them and they missed us. Lefler caught just enough of a break in the cloud cover to see the target and dropped on target again. Flak was almost non-existent.
As we made out turn away from the target the squadron started to spread out a little. While I was ordering them to tighten back up some Germans got through. We are attacked by a trio of 190s. They knocked out the intercom and slightly wounded both Lefler and Sloat. Then a single Ju 88 attacked us from behind. Hatfield made him regret that.
The rest of the flight home the intercom being out made it eerily quiet.
After the last mission the ground crew was pleased to have minimal repair work to do. Sloat and Lefler were both treated and quickly released from the hospital.
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Post by limburger59 on Aug 20, 2023 20:08:28 GMT -8
B-17F PLEASANT SURPRISE Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group High Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 15 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. 003 TARGET: Perugia, Italy – Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Nate Sutherland (3) Co-Pilot: 2LT Ian Narragon (2) Navigator: 2LT Winchester Lee (3) Bombardier: 2LT Roman Dirigo (3) Engineer/TT: S/SGT Emile Putman (3) ½ x FW-190 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Brent Wickie (3) Ball Turret: SGT Keith Turgeon (3) Right Waist: SGT Bob Grehan (3) Left Waist: SGT Ralph Taylor (2) ½ x FW-190 destroyed Tail Gunner: SGT Tony Marshall (3)
Bomb Run: Off Target 0%
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: Mechanical Failure of Landing Gear, leading to a Belly Landing & CAT-E damage
Peckham Points: CAT-E
Disposition: Crash Landing at Giulia
Attackers: 3 2x Bf-109: 1 destroyed (denied) 1x FW-190: 1 destroyed (confirmed)
Award/Promotion Requests: None
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS - Beery):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
The Luftwaffe could not touch us, but the Gremlins did. The landing gear could not be lowered, and a belly landing exacerbated by a wind gust resulted in a CAT-E for Pleasant Surprise. The best thing about the day was that everyone walked away from the wreck with only bumps and bruises.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Aug 21, 2023 10:20:37 GMT -8
15th AF Mission 3 AARB-17 Junkyard DogPilot: 1st Lt William Binford Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Missions This Bomber: 3 Formation/Position: Middle Mission Date: 15 January 1944 Mission Number: 3 Mission Target: Perugia airfield Pilot 1st Lt William Binford KIA Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Casey Batson KIA Bombardier 2nd Lt Michael Gray KIANavigator 2nd Lt Thomas Tinney KIAEngineer S/Sgt Saul Rosenburg - POW Radio T/Sgt Jack Smith KIABall Gunner Sgt Donald Brooks KIAPort Waist Sgt Peter Wold KIAStarb Waist T/Sgt Lawrence Hobart POWTail Gunner Sgt Taki Papadopoulos KIA B-17 Damage: crashed 5/5 After Action Report (using QOTS): Report from nearby B-17 who observed the action: "Junkyard Dog" was jumped by two 109s after coming out of a cloud bank. One driven off by escort. It appeared that defensive fire from the aircraft damaged one 109 at 12:00 high, but it managed to squeeze off a few shots. We observed the nose plexiglass shatter on the "Dog", and it appeared that the Norden bombsite fell away from the aircraft. Simultaneously, we saw shards of sheet metal peel off the starboard wing near the outboard engine. A large fire broke out (must’ve been the fuel tank) enveloping the end of the wing and could not be extinguished before the wing broke off at the outboard engine. The aircraft began a wicked spin, heading straight down. We urged the guys to get out of there but only two chutes were observed ( adjutant notes: we later received word that Engineer Rosenburg and Starboard Waist gunner Hobart made it to the ground and were captured by the Germans - POWs). We did not see the aircraft impact the ground. Adjutant report Junkyard Dog crashed SE of Perugia in the environs of L’Aquila in the foothills of the nearby mountains NW of L'Aquila.
Condolence letters sent to families of:
William Binford Frankenmuth, Mich. Casey Batson Fort Deposit, Ala. Michael Gray La Union, New M. Thomas Tinney Yountville, Calif. Jack Smith Huber Heights, O. Donald Brooks Fairland, Md. Peter Wold Marion, Il. Taki Papadopoulos Bella Vista, Ark
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Post by medic1 on Aug 21, 2023 12:12:30 GMT -8
B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823 Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force Formation/Position: Low/Middle Mission Date: 12 Jan 44 Mission Number: 003 Missions This Bomber: 3 Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdome
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator Tom Cassidy | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Turret S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Barney Stackhouse | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 94% B-17 Damage: 0 Hits Repair Time: Routine Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Bf-110 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | G-50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
| He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | IAR-80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Confirmed Claims: 1S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-110Casualties: 0Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
After Action Report(using QOTS):The weather was miserable as we took off, and once we had broken through it and formed up the bad weather was constant all the way to the target. In zone 3 we saw some fighters massing for an attack but for some reason they didn’t engage.
The same happened in the following zone, fighters were seen but did not engage.
It wasn’t until the target zone that Goring’s Goons made a concentrated effort to take us out, although they started with a light resistance at first. A single 109 made an attempt but he was quickly shooed away by our escorts, and we weren’t bothered again with the exception of inaccurate flak.
Somehow Witkowski found the target through the clouds and made an exceptional drop of 94% on target!
INBOUND
After our turn, there wasn’t any flak to speak of and two 110s took advantage of that and roared into the attack. Nothing came of this as our gunners and the 110s did nothing but waste some ammo at each other.
No sooner had they left the scene when a second pair of 110s appeared. They in turn found that our P-47s weren’t hampered by AA fire either and one was quickly dispatched by our little friends, the other falling to some accurate fire from Kostanaro’s twin 50s. At 200 yards his tracers impacted the 110 on the port side engine and fuselage and it went into a steep dive in flames, the fighter raced for the ground.
A third wave appeared with three109. P-47s gave chase to two of them leaving a green pilot at 12 level. Mercado pumped lead into the green pilot’s fuselage and pieces were seen to fly off. He disappeared in the clouds, and while it was highly unlikely that he made it back to base this could only be recorded as an unconfirmed probable.
After that we weren’t bothered again and landed safely back at Giulia.
Except for the fighters it was pretty well a milk run for us with an excellent bombing result. The ground crew are happy as they have a reduced workload and don’t have to work through the night to have Invadin’ Maiden ready for the next one.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Viscar
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 16
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Post by Viscar on Aug 21, 2023 13:24:15 GMT -8
Pilot: 1LT John Alderman
B-17: Georgia Peach B-17F
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 15 Jan 1944
MISSION NBR: 3
TARGET: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome
Position Name Mission Kills Awards Status
Pilot 1LT John Alderman (1) 0 RTD
Copilot 2LT John Honea (1) 0 RTD
Bombardier 2LT Ralph Steward (1) 0 RTD
Navigator 2LT Michael Artelli (1) 0 RTD
Engineer S/SGT Michael Wynn (1) 0 RTD
Radio Room S/SGT Justin Lewis (1) 0 RTD
Ball Gunner SGT Andy Brown (1) 1 RTD
Port WG SGT Tony Ford (1) 0 RTD
STBD WG SGT Jeff Underwood (1) 0 RTD
Tail Gunner SGT Dexter McConnell (1) 0 RTD
Bomb Run:
On target - 30%
B-17 Damage:
Right Wing Inboard Fuel tank hit - Self Sealed, no leak
Casualties:
N/A
Peckham Points:
15
Landing:
Landed Safely
Claims:
SGT Brown - ME-109 Approved
Enemy Aircraft
Type No. Intercepted Destroyed Damaged
FW-190 2 1 0 1
ME-109 2 1 1 0
ME-110 0 0 0 0
Ju-88 0 0 0 0
Total 4 2 1 1
AAR (flown with TFT)
Airbase: Good take-off and assembly.
Zone 2 Outbound: Nothing to report.
Zone 3 Outbound: Attacked by 1 wave of 2 FW-190. Escort drove off one. 2nd FW-190 in VD scored hits on the right wing inboard fuel tank. Fight made another pass from 1:30 level. Damaged by top turret fire and broke off.
Zone 4 Outbound: Nothing to report.
Zone 5 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Encountered no fighters on bomb run and only light flak. No hits. Dropped on target for a 30% hit on target. Outbound jumped by 1 wave of 2 ME-109. Escorts drove off 1. ME-109 attacked from 9 level and was shot down by ball turret.
Zone 4 Outbound: Nothing to report
Zone 3 Outbound: Nothing to report
Zone 2 Outbond: Nothing to report
Airbase: Landed safely. First mission completed.
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Post by crushedhat on Aug 21, 2023 14:19:56 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 15 Jan 44 MISSION NBR. 3/This Bomber 3 TARGET: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: Middle Squadron, Lead
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (3) [0] Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, 22, (3) [0] Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (3) [0] Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, 27, (3) [1/3] Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, 20, (3) [2 1/3] Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (3) [0] Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (3) [2] * Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (3) [0] Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Donald Davila, (3) [1/3] Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (3) [1] * * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: Fw 190 1=1 to P-47 Me 109 5=2 KIA, 1 Damaged, 2 to P-47 (2 Green) 6
Claims: Only credited kills reported here Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Me 109
Bomb Run: On Target, 30%
B-24 Damage: Instruments: Ailerons – Mechanical Failure (10) Peckham Points: 10 Peckham Points, AC ready 16 Jan 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)
Almost before the props stop turning, Capt Paul Garfield is out of the bomber and very deliberately making his way toward the waiting crew chief.
“How’d it go?” TSgt James Mason asks casually, apparently not noticing that Garfield’s face is beet red.
“How’d it go, SIR!” Garfield shouts at Laid Back Lady’s Crew Chief. “And you’ll stand at attention when addressing me, SERGEANT!” The rest of Lady’s crew, disembarking, watch the exchange, as do the ground crew. “I don’t know what kind of circus you’re running here, Sergeant. But it’s going to stop right now.”
Mason starts to say something and Garfield cuts him off. “Your incompetence is placing men’s lives at risk. We experienced two systems fail today! Fortunately, the enemy didn’t bother us much and Sgt Carson was able to address the one, or we’d have had to abort almost before leaving. With today’s failures, we’ve suffered a total of four over the last three missions! Do you know what that means?”
Seeing that Garfield is actually giving him a chance to respond this time, Mason decides the wiser course of action it to remain silent.
“Then I’ll tell you,” Garfield resumes. “If it happens again, you’ll be looking for a new job.” With that, Garfield turns and stomps away.
“Looks like the Skipper’s on a rampage,” SGt Douglas Richard, the tail gunner comments.
“Aint he always?” port waist gunner, Sgt Peter Carson replies.
Voicing what they’re all thinking, radio operator, Sgt Danny Garson says, “Least it aint us, this time.”
Despite the poor weather, takeoff and assembly went well. But that luck wasn’t to last long. As we were crossing the Front (Zone 3), the control panel for the fuel transfer pump shorted. Sgt Carson had to leave the waist to try and fix it as a quartet of Me 109s swooped in for the attack. The escorting P-47s chased off two, we flamed one and sent the other one limping for home.
Surprisingly, there were no EA to greet us as we began our bomb run (Zone 5). The flak was light and inaccurate. 2LT Martel put 30% of the payload within the CEP. As briefed, there was no flak on target egress, though we did have some aerial opposition. The boys form the 325th dissuaded an Fw 190 and we put paid to an Me 109.
After that, things quieted down until, as we were making our landing approach (Zone 1)the ailerons stopped responding to the controls. Our second Mechanical failure this mission, and the fourth such failure out of the last three missions. I have put TSgt Mason on notice that a repeat of this shoddy performance will earn him a permanent reassignment as mess orderly. Even without functioning ailerons, and the rain, I managed to put the Lady down without any damage to aircraft or crew.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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Post by limburger59 on Aug 21, 2023 19:27:04 GMT -8
B-24 KNOCKOUT Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 15 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. 003 TARGET: Perugia, Italy – Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Fred Wheeler (1) Co-Pilot: 2LT Terry Chambers (1) Navigator: 2LT George Sheets (1) Bombardier: 2LT Harvey Dent (1) Engineer/TT: S/SGT Kirby Bushelman (1) 1x Bf-109 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Jerry Pryce (1) Ball Turret: SGT Travis Cipperly (1) Right Waist: SGT Jay Piper (1) Left Waist: SGT Rodney Lazenby (1) Tail Gunner: SGT Fred Edeson (1) KIA
Bomb Run: On Target 60%
Casualties: SGT Fred Edeson: KIA
B-17 Damage: Superficial x2 (2) KIA (10) Radio destroyed (10) Co-pilot Oxygen out (10) PWG Oxygen out (10) Mechanical Failure
Peckham Points: 42
Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia
Attackers: 11 4x Bf-109: 1 destroyed (confirmed), 1 Driven Off 5x FW-190: 1 Probable, 2 Damaged 2x Bf-110: 2 Driven Off
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart (posthumous): SGT Fred Edeson
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS - B24 Variant):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report
TARGET ZONE: Three waves converged on our Liberator as it became obvious that our Target for Today was their airfield. The first two waves were 109s, and S/SGT Bushelman recorded his first aerial victory by removing the engine from the balance of the fighter. The third wave was comprised of five Butcher Birds, who slipped past our preoccupied escort. Two of the 190s hit us, killing our Tail Gunner, knocking out our Co-pilot's oxygen, and damaging the bomb controls. Our bombardier calmly had me toggle the bombs from the FFlight Deck, and the team effort put 60% of our eggs in the basket.
After the Bomb Run we descended to 10,000 feet. It was a bumpy ride, yet we felt safer in the storm clouds than in the carnage we witnessed around us at 20,000. feet.
INBOUND: Fortunately a couple P-47s had joined us at 10,000 feet, and they sure came in handy when two Bf-110s found us between the thunderheads.
I thought it was a moot point, but our Port Waist Gunner's oxygen regulator failed in Zone 4. Back on the ground we learned that there seemed to be a suspicious rash of Mechanical Failures occuring. Hmmmm...
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Post by kageyone on Aug 21, 2023 22:45:01 GMT -8
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Aug 22, 2023 5:33:39 GMT -8
After-Action ReportB-17F-100BO 42-30399 – “Irascible Girl”79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
Commander: 1st Lt. H. SimmonsMission Date: 15 January 1944 Mission Number: 3 Mission of this bomber: 3 Formation: Low Position: Tail End Charlie until 4th incoming zone Target: Perugia, Italy Target Type: Airdrome Bomb Run: Off Target - 10% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Henry Simmons | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 1 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Jerry Taylor
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Matthew Mallard
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 1 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Bruce Mullins | 3 | .33 | .33 |
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Tim Burkey | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Paul Stewart | 3 | 0 | 0 | PH | RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Matthew Whalen
| 3 | 0 | 1.33 |
| RTD
| 0 | Port WG | Sgt George Buck
| 3 | 1 | 1 |
| RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Harvey McGinty
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Michael Bolden
| 3 | 0 | 1 | PH | LW
| 1 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgr Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 3 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Me-109 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Me-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 13 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Claims:
- Sgt. M Whalen: 1 Me-109 claimed - no credit awarded - Sgt. G. Buck: 1 Me-109 claimed - full credit awarded - T/Sgt T. Burkey: 1 Me-109 claimed - no credit awarded - 2nd Lt. B. Mullins: 1 Fw-190 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded Damage:
- Bomb Controls inop: 10 - Pilot Compartment O2 inop:30 - Ball turret Heat system inop: 10 - Superf. x10: 10 - LW x1: 2 Peckham Points: 62pts - overnight repairing Casualties:
- Sgt M. Bolden: LW - thigh cut - RTD Awards:
- Purple Heart: Sgt M. Bolden AAR (flown with TFT)
Foggia Airbase: Hard take-off and assembly due to poor weather Zone 2-4 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 5 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): After the calm of previous zones, in the target zne the Jerrys raged against us: - first wave formed up by 3 Me-109: he escort engaged the one at 12H while the other two, at 6 o'clock Low and 9 o'clock Level were shot down by our gunners; No German pilots were seen abandoning the planes. - second wave formed up by a pair of Fw-190 and a Me-109: first Fw-190 approaching us from 10.30H o'clock was shot down when its right wing was shattered by our shots. The Me-109 was seriously damaged and moved away after removing some paint from the nacelle. Last Fw-190 was missed and he positioned himself favorably (probably he was an Ace) to unload some shots that caused us a lot of damage and wounded the tail gunner Sgt Bolden who warned us on the intercom that it was nothing serious and could maintain his position. The enemy hits the O2 system of the Pilot compartment, the Heat system of the Ball turret and knocked out the Bomb Controls. The same Fw-190 made a second pass, avoided our shots but after missing us continued its trajectory in search of other bombers. - third wave formed up by 4 Fw-190: 3 of them left without having caused us damage and having suffered light. Fourth a/c after avoiding our shots he hit us with some bullets that fortunately caused only a few holes in the ship. Returned to make a second pass but escaped by taking a deep dive after we damaged him. Observed light and ineffective Flak over the target. Our bomb run was completely Off Target due to inoperative bombs controls. Flight Engineer T/Sgt Burkey calculated that with current O2 in pilot compartment tank we could safely return to base, even without descending to a lower altitude. No Flak during egress from the zone even if 3 Jerrys were on our path: a lone Me-109 was intercepted, 2 Fw-190 moved away with light damages on both of us. Zone 4 Inbound: Even though we had enough O2, we decided to descend to 9,000 feet to keep Sgt. Whalen healthy inside the Ball turret, which had the heat system completely out of order. In addition, the numerous blows suffered and the holes allowed the entry of cold air from the outside, which could also be dangerous for the rest of the crew. We communicated our intention by radio and demanded that another bomber take up our position. Zone 3-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Foggia Airbase: Landed safely. Sgt Bolden was treated directly on board the airstrip, the wound was superficial and hospitalization was not necessary. -------------------------------------------------
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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Post by caodwolf on Aug 22, 2023 14:37:00 GMT -8
B-24D: BONKERS Pilot: 1Lt. J Sweeney Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron Mission Date: 15-Jan-1944 Mission No.: 3 Mission this Bomber: 3 Target for Today: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome Squadron Position: Middle Result: Abort Shortly after take-off we begin to lose oil pressure in engine #2. She smokes then catches fire. Co-Pilot 2Lt Derk immediately extinguishes the fire before it spreads or blows off the wing. But she's out. Must abort.
Head east over the Adriatic Sea to dump bombs before heading back to base. It would not be very sporting of us to bomb friendly Italian civilians who are glad to have us.
Right after the bomb release, Tail Gunner Sgt. Clark puked all over the place so we descended to 10K' and returned to base.
Over and out....
---No Mission Credit ---
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | J. Sweeney | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | G. Derk | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | M. Heim | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | S. Corcoran | 2 | --- | 1/2 | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | Sgt | J. Engel | 2 | --- | 1 1/2 | --- | OK | Radio Op | Sgt | R. Kaufmann | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | B. Fox | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | J. Cooney | 0 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | D. Turnick | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | J. Clark | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK |
Sgt. Mentz - Waist Gunner. RTD: 12-Feb-1944
None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-Engine #2 Oil Pressure > Fire > Extinguished > Engine out
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Post by limburger59 on Aug 22, 2023 19:17:37 GMT -8
B-24 JERSEY BOUNCE Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 15 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. 003 TARGET: Perugia, Italy – Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank Mission Aborted - No Mission Credit Pilot: 1LT Al Sotelo Co-Pilot: 2LT Armino D'Angelo Navigator: 2LT Daryl Wyck Bombardier: 2LT Curtis Wetmore Engineer/TT: S/SGT Brent Cantrell Radio Op: S/SGT Bart Masterson Ball Turret: SGT Jeb Lampe Right Waist: SGT Duke Callen Left Waist: SGT Collin Cordell Tail Gunner: SGT Gus Nespor
Bomb Run: DNB
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: #4 Engine Turbo-Supercharger Mechanical Failure (10)
Peckham Points: 0
Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia
Attackers: 0
Award/Promotion Requests: None
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS - B24 Variant):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
Soon after takeoff our #4 Turbo-Supercharger disintegrated. We returned to base.
That evening in the L'ultima Cena there were whispers that a saboteur was on the base after the crews began swapping stories of an unusual number of "mechanical failures".
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GaryK
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 236
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Post by GaryK on Aug 23, 2023 2:08:07 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).
Well, this is a pretty tough assignment. I’ve taken charge of the Buggy after both their pilots were incapacitated on the Pisa mission. Talking with 2Lt. Brooks, who has looked after things for the past 48 hours, it seems the crew were quite shaken by the brutal reality of aerial warfare, but have started to unwind a little. That is, all bar T/Sgt. Perez. With his promotion and pending DSC award for his actions over Pisa, he is now a local celebrity within the Group. However, talking to him reveals some deep effects due to what he had to do. Brooks is going to keep an eye on him, as will I, and we will seek medical help if his mental worries do not improve.
He has been awarded a 72-hour pass by the Squadron CO, but does not want to take it until it will not interfere with his attendance on missions. I will be pressing him to take it after this next mission to Perugia, no matter his preference then.
The tight mission schedule meant that I only managed one shakedown flight with the crew before the Perugia mission, but they seem solid, if somewhat subdued. Perez is a different man when in the air. His focus on his engineering and gunnery duties is exemplary, and his respectful suggestions about the operation of the plane while I got used to its foibles were well received.
A shorter mission this time, which saw a few smiles in the crew, but it could still be just as deadly as the previous one – hopefully not.
Outbound: The take-off was without incident, and – despite the horrific weather – we managed to rendezvous with the squadron formation and take up our position. As we did so, we saw a B-24 heading back to base with an early systems problem. (Aircraft later identified as "Jersey Bounce")
Things were quiet until around Pescara, when a whole gaggle of fighters decided we were their meal of the day.
The Jugs escorting us were brilliant – they chased off the Me109 and C.205 manoeuvring to get a shot in, then dealt with the next wave of opponents before they were close enough for us to identify. They also managed to shoo away two of the final three Me109s, leaving only the one above us in our 1030 area.
Our gunners opened up as it came in on us: Perez in the top turret, Brooks on the left cheek gun, and Thompson in the left waist.
I was surprised by the amount of swearing and invective coming from Perez: “Come on, you bastard, you’ll get what’s fucking coming to you. Time to die, you Jerry murderer!”
His tone was completely different to his business-like demeanour when looking after the engineering requirements, and I wondered whether this was another symptom of the stress he suffered a couple of days ago.
It certainly didn’t affect his aim, as he was soon yelling that bits were flying off the 109. Thompson also reckoned he managed to wing the bandit.
The Jerry pressed his attack, and the damage dealt by our gunners must have been enough to put him off, as he failed to hit us, then dived underneath and swooped away home. Hughes, on the tail guns, was unable to give him a parting gift, but at least the Jerry wasn’t coming back.
As we recovered from that, Perez called out, "Look out above!" Peering upwards, we manoeuvred our bird out of the way of a spinning, burning B-17 (Later identified as "Junkyard Dog"). Not sure how many - if any - made it out.
Things went quiet until we were on the run-in to the target, when we again became the focus for several swarms of bandits. Before that, however, Perez came over the intercom with, “Something way above us, guys.” This was quickly followed by, “Bombs! There are bombs coming through the formation!” Immediately after this, there were several loud concussions, but everyone called in their area clear afterwards
Next up were four FW190s, but our P-47 buddies chased away the one ahead and below, leaving another in the high slot there, plus the other two high and low behind us.
Long couldn’t nail the one ahead of us, who skilfully banked and twisted to put off our bombardier’s aim.
Ward couldn’t hit the one above and behind us, but Perez, with another stream of foul language, put a solid stream of slugs into it, resulting in the pilot immediately breaking off. [Rolled an FBOA result for Perez, followed by a 7, then a 5, then a 4 on table 5-7A – this resulted in a serious wound for the pilot, who could not continue to attack.]
Hughes couldn’t hit the final bandit, below and behind us, but Carter nailed the Jerry from the ball turret, causing him to miss and break off for home.
Unfortunately, the 190 remaining ahead of us was very accurate, putting several shells into us. The rudder immediately became much stiffer to move, but the main concern was Carter’s yelling from the ball turret: “I’m hit! Goddam it hurts! Need some help, guys.”
Our deadeye opponent smoothly switched vectors and came in again on us from high on our port side. Thompson reckoned he got some of the 190, but Perez didn’t manage to add to that damage. The skilful bandit fired on us again, but although he hit us, there was no significant damage. He then broke away for home, cutting right across close in front of us, waving to us as he departed. [Rolled an 11 for a possible collision, thankfully modified to 10 by the -1 Ace pilot modifier. Phew!]
Three 109s took over as the Butcher Bird left us, but the escorts managed to discourage one of them from getting close enough to us to attack. Once again, we had one ahead and above us, with the other high on the port side.
Sperry and Perez (the latter again accompanying his shooting with more swearing) both managed to damage the one in our 12 o’clock, but Thompson’s yell of “Gun’s jammed!!” from the left waist meant that the other bandit had a clear run at us.
The one ahead, obviously shaken by our gunners’ fire, missed and then immediately broke for home under us. Hughes’ triumphant yell from the tail as he opened up on it signalled the Buggy's first kill, with the 109 going down, and the pilot bailing out.
The remaining bandit missed, pulled a hard left turn, then came in from the position of the previous 109.
Both Long and Perez reckoned they hit the bogey, but it was Perez’s decimation of the nose, engine and propeller that knocked the Jerry from the sky.
“That’s what you deserve, you fucking murderer – rot in Hell!” Perez’s foul-mouthed running commentary continued to accompany his accurate gunnery.
As we passed the IP for the bomb run, I had Thompson and Ward get Carter out of the ball turret and into the radio room, where Ward gave him first aid. I instructed Thompson to take over the ball turret, leaving Washington to cover both waist guns.
At the same time, Slammin' Sally called in on the squadron frequency to let us know they were aborting after losing their bombs during evasive manoeuvres.
Worse was to follow: our gunners were powerless to help as a couple of 190s stitched up Tootsie from our squadron, resulting in a fierce fire in the starboard wing, and the plane heading earthwards. Thompson reported seven chutes making it out, which is better than none.
I focused on keeping the bird on course, following Long’s directions until the sight’s autopilot took over. There was some flak, but none that bothered us at all.
Long called out “Bombs gone!”, and I made the turn for home, with Sperry’s help. Ward came over the con saying that he had managed to stop Carter’s would from bleeding, and it looked like the gunner had some serious damage to his left shoulder.
We were slightly distracted by the B-24 Knockout descending past us to lower altitude, but under control. Obviously some system failure requiring them to fly lower. Hughes called out that another Liberator was descending astern of the formation (Later identified as "Bonkers"), also under control.
Washington managed to free up the left waist gun, which was fortunate considering our next encounter.
Inbound: Surprisingly, there was no flak at all after the turn for home, but another pair of fighters (an FW190 and a 109) picked us for their attention. The P-47s chased off the 190, but the 109 – dressed in Regia Aeronautica (Italian AF) colours – came in on us at our altitude on the port side.
Perez, Washington and Thompson (now in the ball turret) sent out a serious greeting to the Italian, with both the turrets hitting. Perez’s triumphant “That’s for the skipper, you fucker!” finally revealed the source of his aggressive approach. Between the two of them, Perez and Thompson severed the right wing of the 109, with the violent spin ensuing obviously preventing the pilot from bailing out, as no chute was seen.
“Two of the bastards down today, Sir,” Perez commented as he returned to his engineering station. “One for Woody, one for the skipper. Many more to come, hopefully.”
While the sentiment was appreciated, it was delivered in a calmer tone than the rest of the mission, without the invective that had peppered the engineer’s speech up to this point. I am hoping that he has got this out of his system.
The rest of the mission was quiet. The only minor excitement was taking over as tail-end Charlie after Irascible Girl called in that they were having to descend due to oxygen and heat problems.
As we approached the landing field, I had Perez fire off a red and a yellow flare to alert the groundcrew to provide the help we needed. Despite the very heavy rudder, which I let Sperry manage, we executed a smooth landing.
Green Hornet, from our squadron, called in that they couldn't get the starboard gear down, but they executed a textbook belly-landing to the right of the runway, leaving it clear for the rest of the Group.
The Group's final casualty of the day was Pleasant Surprise from the 80th, which executed a wheels-up landing that went south at the last few seconds, resulting in the loss of the aircraft. Thankfully, all of the crew walked away without injury.
Not a bad first mission. The crew were excellent, with all stations performing their roles well – especially the gunners. The injury to Carter also showed the crew’s resilience and adaptability. I am very encouraged for future missions, although I will still be keeping a close watch on Perez, to ensure that whatever was eating him before and during this mission doesn’t cause him future problems.
Carter has a nasty fracture in his left shoulder blade, so will be out of commission for a couple of weeks. I will have to request a temporary replacement to cover any missions over that time. I pushed through the form for his Purple Heart as well.
Our two successful gunners both ended up with one confirmed kill each. This is hopefully the start of a high score for all in the crew. Time will tell, but they were a much more relaxed bunch after this mission than they were before it.
1Lt Franco Vorelli, Pilot Commanding B-17F-80BO-42-30008 "Blitz Buggy" 79th (H) BS, 509th (H) BG For a full mission history of "Blitz Buggy", plus my three aircraft in the previous war, please see my (GarySK) post in the Tarmac forum
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Aug 23, 2023 12:05:55 GMT -8
B-17F All In (Mission #3) Perugia, Italy - AirdromeB-17F All In (Mission #3) Crew Commander: 1LT George Gill Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle TARGET: Marshalling Yard
Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George Gill | 3 |
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| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | 2LT Ed Cole | 3 |
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| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Louis “Buck” Newso | 3 |
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| Navigator | 2LT | 2LT Myril Hoag | 3 |
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| Engineer | S/SGT | Roy “Beau” Bell | 3 | | 1/3 | RFD | Radio Operator | S/SGT | Vern Kennedy | 3 |
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| Ball Gunner | SGT | SGT Russ Van Atta | 3 |
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| Left Waist | SGT | Julius “Moose” Solters | 3 |
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| Right Waist | SGT | Alfred “Roxie” Lawson | 3 |
| 1/3 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ralph “Red” Kress | 3 |
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Crew Chief S/SGT Fred Johnson (Average) third mission skill 1
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 30% Bomber Disposition: Ready for duty Bomber Damage: none Peckham Points: none Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No effects on today’s mission. Ground crew random events: N/A Post Mission Repairs: mission. Good work on the repairs. Your Crew Chief receives ½ Skill Point.
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 5
| Me-109 | Fw-190 | Me-410 | Re2005 | Totals | Escort Intercept | 2 | 1
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| 3 | Undamaged | 1 |
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| 1 | Damaged |
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| Destroyed | 1 |
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Casualties: none Claims: 1 shared kill 2LT Newsom & SGT Van Atta (1/2 kill awarded to each ) Awards:
AAR The crew was ready to go being somewhat antsy after being coped up from he rain and the aborted mission yesterday.
OUTBOUND Take off and joining the formation in the cold rain required extra concentration and effort but we joined up with the formation without incident. Once we crossed over the front lines the krauts seemed intent upon shadowing the formation and trying to get an attack in when they could. Our friends from the 325th were intent on making that hard to do. About midway to the target a Me109 tried to make a run at us but was chased off by the boys for the 325th. Then as we got closer to the target area 2 Me109s made another attempt coming in a 12/Lo. The Jugs took care of one and Buck and Russ both hit smashing the cockpit and engine turning the 109 into a a flaming wreck. No chute was observed. Right after that a Me109 came screaming through the formation in a vertical dive. Vern and Beau took shots but missed as did the 109.
TARGET AREA The jugs from the 325th chased off a Fw190 as we approached the IP. As we did our bomb run light flak was observed but no damage. Buck was on target and assessed as 30% effective. After we rejoined the formation at the RP rockets were fired into the formation from the rear, with one going off close enough to shake the plane but no damage.
INBOUND After the rocket attack our little friends seemed to increase their vigilance and the rest of the flight was without incident.
Safe Landing at Guilia
Fred our crew chief said he would make sure the All In would get a through servicing and be ready for a mission tomorrow.
1LT George Gill, Pilot Commanding B-17F All In 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 8th AF
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Aug 24, 2023 16:51:05 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Buckeyes (3) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. SS Carrol Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 15 Jan 44 Mission #: 3 Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. SS Carrol (3) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. D Lewis (3) {0} Bombardier 2nd Lt. GS Smith (2) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. D Troxel (3) {0} Engineer: MSgt. H Langdon (3) {4} Ball Gunner: Sgt. H Huffman (3) {0} Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Thompson (3) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. V Cromwell (3) {0} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. AD West (3) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. D Donner (1) {1} Temp
Bomb Percentage: 0% Bomber Disposition: Superficial Damage (2 Peckham Points)
Casualties: n/a
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (3:109, 3:190, 0:110) Damaged: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110) D Donner: 190
Special Note: n/a
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. SS Carol, pilot commanding
With only a couple of days off since the last mission, Sgt. Ingersoll had not recovered from his wound. Today we are joined by Sgt. Donner from the spare pool to watch our tail.
We took off in dismal weather and settled into formation with out incident. Visibility was terrible most of the way to the target. This did make it difficult for the Luftwaffe to spot us.
We were attacked by a trio of 109s as we approached the target. We missed them. They missed us. Smith was not able to spot the target through the cloud cover and missed the target.
We turned for home and were attacked by three 190s. The caused very minor damage to the plane and our guest Sgt Donner earned his keep and shot one of them down.
We arrived back at base without incident. Minimal damage to the Pride, but another mission off target.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Aug 24, 2023 17:19:57 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Wolverines (3) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. HR Morrow Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle
Mission Date: 15 Jan 44 Mission #: 3 Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. HR Morrow (3) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. H Whiting (3) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. F Farland (3) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. M O’Donnell (3) {0} PH Engineer: MSgt. L Aldrich (3) {1} PH Ball Gunner: Sgt. A Blake (3) {0} PH Radio Oper.: Sgt. A Casterline (3) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. R Eldridge (3) {0} PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. L Hall (3) {0} PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. M Laffin (3) {3}
Bomb Percentage: 5% Bomber Disposition: Rubber Rafts, Navigator Heat, Superficial Damage (23 Peckham Points)
Casualties: L Aldrich: LW – overnight in hospital M O’Donnell: FB – overnight in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 11:190, 1:110) Damaged: (0:109, 2:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 1:190, 1:110) M Laffin: 110 L Aldrich: 190
Special Note: L Aldrich: PH
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. HR Morrow
After yesterday’s mission being aborted for bad weather, today’s was not for what I guess they would call “not quite as bad” weather.
We took off and got into formation without incident and settled into the middle of the 80th. On the outbound flight a stray 110 found us. Laffin knocked him out of the sky.
As we approached the target a whole group of 190s attacked us. Aldrich got one of them and they caused minor damage to the plane including damage to Aldrich himself. O’Donnell’s heat got knocked out. I made the command decision to remain in the safety of the formation and sent my thermos of hot coffee up to O’Donnell.
Farland had difficulty finding the target, but managed to catch a last-minute glimpse of it and clipped the target.
As we pulled away from the target another group of 190s attacked us causing more minor damage.
The rest of the flight home was quiet and we landed safely at base. Aldrich and O’Donnell will be fine after a night in the hospital.
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Post by kageyone on Aug 24, 2023 22:36:25 GMT -8
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Post by kageyone on Aug 25, 2023 22:30:50 GMT -8
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Post by caodwolf on Aug 26, 2023 6:11:01 GMT -8
B-17F: Dam Yankees Pilot: 1Lt. B. Pease Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 15-Jan-1944 Mission No.: 3 Mission this Bomber:3 Target for Today: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome Squadron Position: High Result: On-Target 40% Holy shit, the Germans seemed to throw up all the FW-190's in the Reich with countless spotting's and engagements all over the target area. By one count (17) FW-190s were engaged.
The B-17 took a lot of punishment with (15) superficial hits along with damage to the port wing structure. Our Port Waist gunner was killed in action.
Even with all these distractions bombs were dropped with good effect. We bagged our 1st German fighter by Sgt. Burdash manning the Top Turret. Later his oxygen supply was hit so he had to ride out the rest of the mission hopping back and forth between the Radio Room and Cockpit.
Once outside the target area not a single German fighter was seen.
Landed back at base.
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | B. Pease | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | D. Horton | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK-LW | Bombardier | 2Lt | J. Pate | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | E. Swan | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | Sgt | G. Burdash | 3 | 1 | 1 | --- | OK | Radio Op | Sgt | D. Wallace | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | K. Duke | 3 | --- | --- | --- | KIA | Stbd Waist | Sgt | E. Frisbie | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | J. Quain | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | G. Fancher | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK |
2Lt. D Horton, Co-Pilot: One day. RTD: 17-Jan-1944 None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | FW-190 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 9 | --- | ME-109 | 3 | 2 | --- | --- | 1 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 20 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 1 1 |
-Port Flaps (hit twice) -(1) KIA -(1) LW -Port wing root hit -Top Turret ox supply hit
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Sparhawk
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 332
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Post by Sparhawk on Aug 26, 2023 6:50:13 GMT -8
B-17F 43-38497 Mighty Mouse mission #3 Organization: 8th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Formation: High Position: High MISSION DATE: 15 Jan 44 MISSION # 3 TARGET: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet
Position
| Rank Name | Missions | Today | total | Status | Stress | Awards | Total Awards | Pilot
| 1st Lt Alden Wright
| 3
| | | RFD | |
| | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Jeb Marsden
| 3 | | | RFD | 2 | | | Bombardier (Nose) | 2LT Adam Sokołowski
| 1 | |
| KIA | 1 |
| | Navigator (Cheeks)
| 2nd Ryan Eccles
| 3 |
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| LW | | PH | PH | Engineer (Top)
| SSgt Emile Putnam
| 3 |
| .75 | RFD | 1 |
| | Radio
| SSgt Brent Wickie
| 3 |
| | RFD | 1 |
| | Ball Turret
| SSgt Alberto Marucci
| 3 |
| .25 | RFD | |
| | Starboard Waist
| Sgt Scott Corbell
| 3 |
| | RFD | 1 |
| | Port Waist
| Sgt Bob Grehan
| 3 | | | RFD | |
| | Tail Gun
| SSgt Tony Marshall | 3 |
| .25 | RFD | |
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Bomb Run: 30%
Bomber Disposition: Ready for next mission Peckham Points: 22 10 - Intercom 10 – Fuel leak 2 – Superficial
Aircraft | Encountered | Driven Off | FCBA | FCA | FBOA | Claims | Awarded | Me 109 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | | | | FW 190
| 2 | 1 |
| 1 |
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| Total | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | | | |
Casualties: Award Recommendations Promotions: None After Action ReportOn take off and assembly there was a formation accident, so the Mouse fell into the lead. Pretty rough for this green crew. Otherwise, the trip to the target was uneventful. It was a different story once we hit the target zone. We were swarmed by three Me 109s. Our escorts chased off two but the other got two hits on us, one knocked out the intercom and the other was on no consequence. He should have returned but we never saw him again. All that activity did disrupt our formation, however. Bomb run was OK for Sokołowski’s first run – 30% through all that muck. He’ll do just fine. In the way out two FW 190s and two Me 109s again challenged us. Three were driven off and Marshall in the tail damaged one. It was looking good for the trip home. However, in zone 3 we were attacked by four Me 109s – Escorts drove off two, but one gave us a hit in the fuel tank. We couldn’t seal it but Putman said we’d be fine. When it came back it was driven off. The escorts of the 325th did a fine job today. I’d be more than happy to fly with them again. Crew Commander of Mighty Mouse, 1LT Aiden Wright 8th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron
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Post by mrkillabee on Aug 27, 2023 6:47:05 GMT -8
B24-D: T-TAILED BATHTUBPilot: 2LT Edward Llyod Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Middle(Bomber#4) Mission Date: 15 Jan 44 Mission Number: 003 Missions This Bomber: 3 Target: Crew member | # Missions | TOTAL CLAIMS
| TODAY'S CLAIMS | ConfirmedClaims
| Stress | Status | Pilot: 2LT Edward Llyod | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot: 2LT Vincent Wolfe
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Bombardier: 2LT Matthew Palmer
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator: 2LT Brian Hoffman | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer: S/SGT Larry Walhen | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Radio Operator: S/SGT Flyod Morgan
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Ball Gunner: SGT Billy Wheeler
| 3 | 0,5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Port Waist: S/SGT Vernon Hicks
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Starboard Waist: SGT Herbert Hansen
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Tail Gunner: SGT Matthew Bennett
| 3 | 0,5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
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Bomb Run: Off On Target: 0% B-24 Damage: 0 Hits Technical issues: None Peckham Points: 0 Landing: safe Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Fonzarelli, average AAR:Despite terrible weather, the TTB took off without difficulty and reached 4th place in the middle cell of the formation which runs along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is only near the front line that radio exchanges mention the possible presence of FW190. It would seem that our numerous "Little Friends" are really intimidating them, since it is only above the objective area that certain enemy activity is reported by certain aircraft participating in the operation of the day. Once again, Matthew Palmer once again missed the target despite the enemy skies being mild. The return to the base was calm and without difficulty.
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Post by kozzackkelt on Aug 27, 2023 13:34:43 GMT -8
B-17F: MISS GRIZZ (B-17F-238WA-42-90210) Pilot: 2LT. Bryce Dutton Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force Squadron Position: HIGH Mission Date: 15 JAN. 1944 Mission Number: 3 Target: Perugia, Italy / Airdrome
CREW (missions) {Stress Pts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Bryce Dutton (3) { 1 } Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Tim Metcalf (3) {1} Bombardier: 2Lt. Hal Sherman (3) {- } [B%: o6-o5-40 ] LW: Head grazed, Fit to continue combat duties Navigator: 2Lt. C. William Buxley (3) { } Engineer: T/Sgt. Robert Carver (3) { 1 } Radio Operator: Sgt. Albert Prodhomme (3) { } Ball Turret: Sgt. Rory O'Farrell (3) {1} P Waist Gunner: Sgt. Gregory Udall (1) { } - DOW - Lower abdomen SB Waist Gunner: Sgt. Peter Martinez (1) { } 1xMe109 Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ian Clarke (3) {1} [+]
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 40%
Enemy Aircraft encountered: 12 ~ 0xTa152H, 0x Me410, 0xMe262, OxJu88, 5xFw190, 7xMe109, 0xMe410, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xHe162, 0xMc205
E/A Destroyed: 1 E/A: Probable: 2 E/A Damaged: 0
Enemy fighters driven off by fighter escort: 5
Status of B-17F MISS GRIZZ ~ From report by aircraft maintenance chief, Walton Jackson Higgins, TSgt., Damages to this bomber, from Mission 3, 15 Jan. 1944. 5xSuperficial hits/no effect; intercom and starboard elevator inoperable. Will repair, replace and perform routine maintenance on this aircraft. Estimated time of repairs/maintenance: one day.
AAR: MISS GRIZZ took off, once again in poor weather and climbed to assigned high altitude and joined with the other bombers of the 80th in formation. We saw no E/A until in bomb run. They were all '109's. Escort fighters must of been busy elsewhere. We were hit several times, the worse being Sgt. Udall (waist gunner) being seriously wounded, and losing intercom. Waist gunner Sgt. Martinez shot down one of the attacking '109's. Not hit by flak. Bomb drop made, and photo report shows about 40% accuracy. Later found out that Lt. Sherman was wounded when he made bomb drop (something grazed his head - it looked like someone drew a red line with an ink pen on his forehead.) After we made turn for base, saw several Fw190's lining up on us, but escort fighters were all over them. One of the five made firing pass at us, but missed and disappeared into the clouds. We landed safely. Over his objections, an ambulance took Lt. Sherman to have his red line looked at. Sgt. Udall had died of his wounds before we made it back to base. I am told that MISS GRIZZ will be cleaned up, patched up and have her routine maintenance performed in time for next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bryce Dutton, 2LT., USAF, Pilot, B-17F MISS GRIZZ 80th BS / 509th BG Foggia, Italy
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kfan
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 13
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Post by kfan on Aug 27, 2023 18:52:01 GMT -8
B-17F "Slammin' Sally" 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Commander: Major William James Mission Date: 15 JAN 44 Mission Number: 3 Bomber Mission: 3
Formation: Low Position: Lead
Target: Perugia, Italy Target Type: Aerodrome Bomb Run: Mission AbortedCrew:
Position | Rank and Names | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1 LT Alan Schneider | 3 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Co-Pilot | 2 LT Dennis Baxter | 3 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Bombardier | 2 LT Lewis Walton | 3 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Navigator | 2 LT Oscar Shepherd | 3 | 0 | 1 | None | Okay | Engineer | S/SGT Donald Williams | 1 | 1 | 1 | None | Okay | Radio Operator | T/SGT Nathaniel Swenson | 3 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Ball Gunner | S/SGT Garry Wyatt | 3 | 1 | 1 | None | Okay | Port Waist | SGT Oscar Albright | 3 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Starboard Waist | SGT Bob Hanna | 3 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Tail Gunner | SGT Lonnie Bishop | 3 | 0 | 1 | None | Okay |
Enemies Encountered:
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Me-110 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Me-109 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Damage: Bomb bay doors Peckham Points: 25 (for damage done by violent maneuver?) AAR (TfT used for mission)The crew was honored to fly the lead on this mission, especially given the brief time we have been flying. Our first two missions were successful and we were hoping to live up to the expectations. There were some intense encounters on this mission that were somewhat unexpected based on the reports of mostly light resistance and the heavy winter weather. Our ball gunner took care of one Me-110 and a 109 was taken out by Don Williams flying for the first time with our crew. As we were getting closer to the target zone an enemy fighter tore into our airspace causing us to take a violent maneuver. This caused our bombs to tear through the bomb bay doors. The entire payload was lost and we had fallen away from the formation, so I decided to abort the mission and return to base. We are somewhat dejected that we failed as the lead bomber and were unable to deliver on target.
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Aug 28, 2023 5:19:09 GMT -8
B-17F Wimpy B-17F-27BO-41-24585 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: High Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 15 JAN 1944 Mission Number: 3 This Aircraft: 3 Target: Perugia, Italy, Airfield CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Current Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt, Landry Velez | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt, Santino Richards | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt, Aarav Hoover | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 4 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt, Roberto Ford | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt, Finnegan Fields | 3 | 1 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Waist | Sgt, Paul Nielson | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | NT / Waist | T/3rd, Ari Watkins | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Ball Turret | T/4th, Tobias Mace | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Left Waist / NT | S/Sgt, Tripp MacDougal | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/4th, Kingsley Griffin | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt, Josia Stanton | 1 | | 0 | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: Off Target, 4 %Casualties: None Damage: None Peckham Points: None, Ready next day Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Me-109 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: Claimed / Awarded / ProbableNone Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTRain. More rain, Even more rain. Let’s not even talk about the mud. The endless quagmire of mud. It is everywhere, and in everything. The only time there is respite is at 20,000 feet. The Dodge 4x4 dropped us off at Wimpy, to be met by a new face. A Staff Sergeant, we had never seen, was waiting at our hard stand. He presented a respectful, yet casually experienced salute, identifying himself as S/Sgt Josia Stanton. He is our new crew chief, replacing Sgt Brown. Caesar and I looked briefly at each other. In that moment we read the same thing on each other’s face: not a good omen. I let S/Sgt Stanton lead this morning’s pre-flight walk around. He knows what he is talking about. He clearly had enough time to go through Wimpy’s logs, commenting here and there about even the most minor of details. Maybe not such a bad omen. We took our turn to roll out into the queue for takeoff. This flying in the rain is for the birds. At least we will be above the weather once at altitude. “ It’s going to be a bumpy ride, boys. Hold on.” Passing through the low hanging rain clouds, the old girl began shimmying and shaking. Felt like our fillings would be shaken loose. Once above the rain, flying smoothed out, and the sun was shining. “ Check weapons.” The brief rattle of the .30s and .50s were heard as each man ensured his guns were operating to his satisfaction. We didn’t see our first Hun until we were crossing the front lines. A solitary Me-109 was making an approach from 10:30 high, when intercepted by our escorts. The Apennines were passing below us, mostly shrouded in clouds, with an occasional peak peering through to remind us they were there. The IP was about 20 to 25 minutes away when a shocked voice called out that Junkyard Dog’s wing was on fire and dropping out of formation. Moments later another voice cried out that their outer wing separated from the plane, putting her into an uncontrolled dive. Two chutes were reported. The crew’s regular sparse chatter was now absent, save comms between me and bombardier 2Lt Ford. With the IP behind us, and the target looming, it was noted how we were not being hampered by enemy aircraft. Even the flak was light, and ineffectual. With no enemy aircraft or flak to impede us, 2Lt Ford was still unable to find the target. He blamed the low and thick cloud cover. (I wasn’t buying it.) We had made the turn for home when Jerry reappeared to us. A pair of Me-109s came diving in, to be driven off by our escorts, again. Our little corner of the sky remained clear until after recrossing our lines. A few errant enemy fighters tried to make their way into the formation, only to be driven off by the combined gunnery of the bombers. We were in final approach when we were diverted. As we pulled up and away to rejoin the pattern, we could see Pleasant Surprise lying belly down in the mud. We finally touched down and made our way to the hard stand. Three down, twenty-two to go. Submitted by, 1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot B-17F Wimpy 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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