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Post by limburger59 on Aug 28, 2023 9:51:33 GMT -8
B-17F TOOTSIE Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low 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 Dewey Wright LW + Bailout/SW = POW Co-Pilot: 2LT Max Lyons Bailout = POW Navigator: 2LT Salvatore Pitti Bailout/SW = POW Bombardier: 2LT Marshall Nichols Bailout = POW Engineer/TT: S/SGT Vincent Friedman Bailout/SW = POW 1x FW-190 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Wilbert O'Neil Bailout = POW Ball Turret: SGT Francis Webb KIA Right Waist: SGT Eugene Sorenson KIA Left Waist: SGT Elbert Day KIA Tail Gunner: SGT Martin Tuttle Bailout = POW
Bomb Run: DNB – destroyed during Bomb Run
Casualties: Three dead, seven POWs
B-17 Damage: Mechanical Failure Ball Turret (20) Superficial x3 (3) Light Wound x2 (4) KIA x2 (10) #4 engine oil tank – self sealed (15) Rudder (10) S. Flap inop (10) Bomb Bay Doors inop (10) Ball Turret Heat out (10) Tail oxygen out (10) Bomb Controls inop (10) Starboard Inboard Fuel Tank – FIRE! (total)
Peckham Points: total
Disposition: Shot down over Perugia
Attackers: 11 1x Bf-109: 1 Driven Off 3x Bf-110: 1 Probable 7x FW-190: 1 Destroyed, 3 Damaged, 1 Driven Off Total Enemy Aircraft: Kills = 1 Confirmed, Probables = 1, Damaged = 3, Driven Off by Escort = 2
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 1LT Dewey Wright, 2LT Salvatore Pitti, S/SGT Vincent Friedman Purple Heart (posthumous): SGT Francis Webb, SGT Eugene Sorenson, SGT Elbert Day
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
Witness report from another aircraft commander…
Radio communications with the squadron lead in Zone 4 reported one Waist Gunner dead and that the Ball Turret Gunner was trapped in his ball, among lesser damage. Not bad considering the nine bandits Tootsie had faced in Zones 3 and 4.
After that our Ball Gunner could only imagine the horror over the target as he watched two FW-190s pour walking hits into the B-17 – one from nose to tail and the other across the starboard wing and into the fuselage. Quickly the wing burst into flames and seven men were seen bailing out into the storm clouds below. Our Ball Gunner was clearly shaken as he caught a glimpse of a fellow Ball Gunner going down with the flaming funeral pyre.
(Three of the crew who successfully bailed out suffered broken bones landing in the cloud covered mountains.)
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Post by limburger59 on Aug 28, 2023 18:44:57 GMT -8
B-17F: GREEN HORNET Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low Squadron - Middle MISSION DATE: 15 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. #3 TARGET: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Steve Kearney Co-Pilot: 2LT Thomas Weston Navigator: 2LT Stanley Paige Bombardier: 2LT Edwin O'Brien Engineer/TT: S/SGT Luke Crawford ⅓ x FW-190 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Bart Fuller SW Ball Turret: SGT Rod Alsita Right Waist: SGT Forrest Bean LW Left Waist: SGT Lester Rose LW Tail Gunner: SGT Dave Donners
Bomb Run: On Target 30%
Casualties: S/Sgt Bart Fuller - SW - broken scapula - RTD 8 weeks - 12 MAR 44 (assigned to light duty repairing radios after release from hospital) SGT Forrest Bean - LW - torn gluteus - RTD 3 weeks - 8 FEB 44 SGT Lester Rose - LW - torn vastus - RTD 1 week 23 JAN 44
B-17 Damage: Superficial x9 (9) Serious Wound (5) Light Wound x2 (4) Rubber Rafts destroyed (10) P. Waist Gun destroyed (10) S. Flap inop (10) Co-Pilot Oxygen (10) S. Landing Gear destroyed (25) Belly Landing (93)
Peckham Points: 176 - Six days to repair
Disposition: Belly Landing at Giulia
Attackers: 7 3x FW-190: 1 Destroyed (⅓ shared credit), 1 damaged 2x ME-410: 1 Driven Off 1x Bf-110: 1 Driven Off 1x Ju88c: 1 Driven Off
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: S/SGT Bart Fuller, SGT Forrest Bean, SGT Lester Rose
AFTER ACTION REPORT : (QOTS + Jasta6's GAF Resistance Variant):
Spare crew assigned to spare bomber.
OUTBOUND - Zone 3: Attacker driven off by escort.
Zone 4: Attacker driven off by escort.
TARGET ZONE 5: Approaching the target, a lone attacker driven off by escort. Our bombardier took advantage of a brief break in the clouds to put a third of our bombs on target.
As we rallied, two FW-190s got past our diminishing escort. One Butcher Bird walked hits from our nose to our tail, but when he tried to return our Top Turret cut him to pieces. The only damage of consequence was a shattered shoulder suffered by our Radio Operator.
A second wave saw a weak run by a single 410, and then another 190 in a third wave came at us from 7 o'clock and hammered us, wounding both waist gunners, while we damaged him in return.
INBOUND - Zone 4: Rockets were lobbed into the formation from behind, with one exploding below our starboard wing. Within an hour we would learn that that blast knocked out the landing gear.
GIULIA: Nothing would get the starboard landing gear to drop, so we went for a belly landing in the nice soft mud. It wasn't as soft as we hoped.
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Post by medic1 on Aug 28, 2023 21:38:00 GMT -8
B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116)Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Middle/Middle Mission Date: 15 Jan 44 Mission Number: 003 Missions This Bomber: 2 Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator Sergio Pendas | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt George Redman | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: Off On Target: 00% B-24 Damage: 0 Hits Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)
Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Bf-110 | 2 | 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 | 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 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Confirmed Claims: 2T/Sgt Tom Bankston 1 x Bf-109 Sgt Kent Conlin 1x Bf-110 Casualties: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
After Action Report (using QOTS):
Bad weather is constant this time of year in Italy, and once again we had miserable weather on takeoff. This time we were able to keep our bomber out of the mud and actually take off to form up with the others, but Bonkers and Jersey Bounce aborted due to assorted engine problems.
At the IP a109 approached from 12 high, but Bankston’s twin 50s in the top turret set him on fire and the fighter exploded. The flak cleared away any other opposition, but the cloud cover made it tough to single out the target and we knew that our bombs were off the mark.
INBOUND
Two 109 greeted us after we had turned for the rally point, but our gunners never had to fire a round as both encountered P-47s and we had great seats of the dogfight, watching one of our boys duke it out with a German ace. It looked like our boys were doing ok, but we were soon out of sight and never saw the outcome. Knockout left the formation leaving our defensive box now down by three.
In zone three two 110 came in at 6 low. One was turned away by an escort while the other faced our tail and tunnel gunners. It was Conlin’s tunnel gun that dealt a fatal blow, setting the engine on fire and causing the kraut to fall away out of control. Two chutes were seen.
We landed safely without any further incident.
Despite the success of Bankston and Conlin, we had missed the target. All that time and effort wasted with nothing to show for it has left everyone in a subdued mood.
There was an unusually high amount of mech failures experienced on today’s mission by far too many crews. Rumors of sabotage and German agents are flying like lead at bandits and everyone is looking at the ground crews with a suspicious eye.
1st Lt Ken Shipman, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Aug 29, 2023 0:50:32 GMT -8
After-Action ReportB-24D-10-CO-42-40219 – “Kicking Horse”78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
Commander: 1st Lt. V. Harlow Mission Date: 15 January 1944 Mission Number: 3 Mission of this bomber: 3 Formation: Middle Position: Middle Target: Perugia, Italy Target Type: Airdrome Bomb Run: On Target - 20% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Victor Harlow | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Elmer Gibson
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Homer Miller
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Norman Burch | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 1 | Engineer | S/Sgt Arthur McLane | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 0 | Radio Op. | T/Sgt Tony Stevens | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 1 | Ball Gunner | S/Sgt Ramon Furtado
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD
| 1 | Port WG | Sgt Milton Flint
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Dean Stoddart
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Dale Lindberg
| 3 | 0 | 1,66 |
| RFD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgr Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 3 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Me-109 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
Claims: --Damage: --Peckham Points: 0 pts - overnight maintenance Casualties: --Awards: -- AAR (flown with TFT)
Foggia Airbase: Take off and assembly were hard in mud and poor weather. The cold wind coming from the Balkans, whipped the air considerably lowering the outside temperature. Zone 2 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 3 Outbound: Spotted a lone Me-109 engaged by escort fighters. Zone 4 Outbound: Still a lone Me-109, but our angels took care of it. Zone 5 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Attacked by 3 Fw-190: 1 of them was driven off by P47s, remaining Jerrys walked away after being damaged by our machine guns and causing us no damage. Light and ineffective Flak observed during target approach. Bombs dropped on the target. No Flak on egress. German bombs dropped from above shook our ship but caused no damage. No Jerrys interested in us. Zone 4-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Foggia Airbase: Landed safely despite the mud on the runway made it difficult to control the ship. -------------------------------------------------
Victor Harlow, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding B24D: Kicking Horse B-24D-10-CO-42-40219 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Aug 29, 2023 12:36:43 GMT -8
B-24D Bottoms Up B-24D-10-CO-42-40257 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Middle 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 Romeo Clayton | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Caesar Woodward | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Arthur Alstott | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Noe Parra | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Clarence Patterson | 3 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Waist | T/4th Travis Kauffman | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | NT / Waist | S/Sgt Kamil Fisher | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | Sgt Calvin Huang | 3 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Left Waist / NT | T/4th Caleb Compton | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Damari Early | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt, King Solis | 1 | | 0 | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %Casualties: None Damage: Rubber Rafts Superficial X1 Peckham Points: 11 Points, Ready Next Day Landing: Safe Enemy AircraftType | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Me-109 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Fw-190 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Me-410 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims:Position | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Navigator | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | Bombardier | 1 | 0 | 1 | Top | 1 | 0.5 | 0 |
Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORT“Where’s Coop?”, I asked Cpl Gross. “Sir?” “Where is he?” “Not here, sir. He was transferred.” “When? Why wasn’t I notified?” “Don’t know sir. S/Sgt Solis is inside, sir.” “Solis?” “Yes, sir. Showed up this morning, saying he was our new chief.” “Call him.” “Yes, sir.” A minute later S/Sgt Solis appeared through the escape hatch. Presenting a regulation salute, Solis presented himself, “Sorry, sir. Didn’t expect you for another ten minutes.” Returning his salute, “What happened to Cooper?” “I wasn’t told sir. I received orders from S-1 to report to Bottoms Up, and take over as crew chief, sir.” “Very well. You up to speed?” “I think so, sir.” “You don’t need to punctuate everything with ‘sir’.” “Yes, sir.” “So, what’s what?” S/Sgt Solis walked through the repair log with Lt Woodward and me, as we walked around the plane. Sgt Solis’ report was clear and concise, covering only what was necessary. Startup and rollout went smoothly. We lined up like a bunch of ducks awaiting our turn to takeoff. Ahead, we watched the #2 on Bonkers start to smoke then catch fire. She immediately veered away to the right, away from the stream of bombers reaching for altitude. Moments later we watched Jersey Bounce follow suit and veer out of the stream. Caesar turned to me with a quizzical look. “Got me, not a good start,” I replied to his unspoken inquiry. No sooner had the words escaped my mouth Sgt Early, in the tail, called out that his turret lost power. It looked like the Gremlins were working overtime. “Early, see what you can do. Keep me apprised.” “Yes, sir,” came the reply. We headed roughly north by northwest, as we headed to our target. The weather was rainy, with low overhead, and limited visibility. We finally broke through the clouds, continuing to altitude. With the front lines nearing, Sgt Early reported the turret power was FUBAR, and he would have to traverse manually. “I’ll try to keep our nose to the enemy Sgt.” “Thank you, sir,” was followed by a suppressed chuckle. Once we crossed our lines, we faced a light but continuous assault from the enemy. Alone Bf-109 came head on, only to be driven off by our escorts. A few more 109s looked like they were eyeing us but were driven off by the bombers around us. A short time later another Bf approached from 12 high, again to be driven off by our escorts. Approaching the IP our escorts were making quite a display, weaving back and forth, creating a very comfortable protective blanket. We were at the IP when another three BF’s attacked from our front. Escorts drove off the Bf at 12 high. Lt Alstott cracked open the cockpit of a BF at 1:30 [earning a half kill]. The final BF came in at 9. Mutually we all missed. Flak was light, as predicted, and quite inaccurate. I turned control over to Lt Parra. Either through skill, or a lot of luck, Lt Parra was able to glimpse the target at just the right moment to drop our load. Analysis showed 40% on target. Good show. The Squadron made their turn to rejoin the Group. Enemy fighters could be seen just outside of gun range. They seemed uncoordinated, just weaving, and wandering at a distance. Finally, three of their big guns turned in and headed for us: a pair of Butcher Birds, and a Hornet. Escorts drove off the Me-410 with little effort. Lt. Parra, manning the nose gun, shredded the left wing of one of the FWs. We watched the pilot bail. [Lt Parra was denied any credit.] The remaining FW missed us as we missed him. Sgt Huang, in the ball, noted that Knockout was dropping out of the formation. He did not see any smoke or fire. Just a slow and controlled descent. With the front lines passing below, another trio of Bf-109s made their attacks against us. This was when we took our first damage. Escorts drove of one BF. The second, attacking from 1:30 struck the bomb bay. Later we would find out our rafts were shredded. The remaining BF dove at us from near straight down. Exchange of fire was ineffective. The second BF came around again from 9 o’clock. This time defensive fire raked the enemy’s fuselage, shattering the canopy and windscreen. The BF turned over, seemingly out of control. [T/Sgt Patterson, engineer, received half a kill.] Weather upon landing was no better, or worse, than it was this morning. We landed safely. I turned Bottoms Up over to S/Sgt Solis. As we climbed into our ride, Sgt Early called, “Thank you, sir.” “For what?” “Keeping your promise.” The crew erupted in laughter. Later, at the O Club, we heard multiple accounts of a rash of Gremlin activity in the Group. Some even surmised saboteurs. Submitted by, 1Lt Romeo Clayton, Pilot B-24D Bottoms Up 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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Post by limburger59 on Aug 29, 2023 13:15:53 GMT -8
B-17G: GREAT EXPECTATIONS: B-17F-75BO 42-18544 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Sqdn - Middle MISSION DATE: 12 JAN 44 MISSION # 3 (3rd mission this bomber) TARGET: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome Bomb Run: On Target - 20% CREWPosition | Rank | Name | Current Mission | Previous Kills | Claims Today
| Confirmed Today
| Status | Stress | Notes | Pilot | 1 LT
| Peter "Pip" Dickins
| 3
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| Copilot | 2 LT
| Matthew Pocket
| 3
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| Bombardier | 2 LT | Jack Dawkins
| 1
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| RTD
| 1 |
| Navigator | 2 LT | Clive Pumblechook
| 3
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| RTD
| 1+1 |
| Engineer | S/SGT | Toby Crackit
| 1
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| 1 | 0 | SW-IH
| 1 |
| Radioman | S/SGT | Luke Wopsle
| 3
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| 1 |
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bentley Drummle
| 3
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| PWG | SGT | Henry Hubble | 3
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| SWG | SGT | John Wemmick
| 3
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| Tail Gunner | SGT | Mick Jaggers
| 3
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Casualties: S/SGT Toby Crackit: SW – Hit in Groin/inflamed Bladder – Invalidated Home SGT John Wemmick: LW – leg cut – Treated and Released to Full Duty
B-17 Damage: Superficial x5 (5) Light Wound x1 (2) Serious Wound x1 (5) Rubber Rafts destroyed (10) S. Waist Gun destroyed (10) Intercom out (10) S. Tail Root (25) Structural N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 72 – One full day to repair – RTD 17 JAN 44
Crew Chief: S/SGT Julian San Sebastian (Status: Average Joe)
B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia
Attackers: 9
| # | Claimed Destroyed
| Confirmed Destroyed
| Probable | Damaged | Run Off
| Bf-109 | 7 | 1 |
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| | 5 | Bf-110 | 0 |
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| FW-190 | 2 |
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| 1 | Ju88 | 0 |
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| ME-210 | 0 |
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| Re2005 | 0 |
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| TOTALS
| 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: S/SGT Toby Crackit, SGT John Wemmick In Hospital: Everyone is flying today AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant)
Yesterday: Mission Aborted enroute : Our nervous Navigator, plus the two new crewmembers, were all a bit shaky leaving the bomber after our very bumpy failed mission. The Germans were smart enough not to fly.
TODAY:
OUTBOUND – ZONE 4: Three waves, and our escort ran off three out of the four E/A. Unfortunately the remaining 109 walked hits from our nose to our tail, knocking out the Intercom system. With the aggressiveness of the Luftwaffe today I decided to remain in the safety of the formation. TARGET ZONE 5: Three more waves. Two of the three were driven off by our Little Friends, and the third 109 avoided the escort by making a vertical dive on us... and inflicting our second Walking Hit of the day. Our new engineer tumbled out of the Top Turret with a problematic groin wound. Our Navigator fortuitously came up to report that one of his cheek guns had been destroyed, saw the situation, and immediately began first aid. Without the intercom I was frustrated what to do next when I felt the bomb bay doors open and then the bombs released. I quizzed our Bombardier what happened as we flew home and he said he just toggled the bombs when he saw the Squadron Lead release. I have heard that the 8th AF is experimenting with toggliers but it just seems unnatural to me. INBOUND – ZONE 3: A 109 seemed interested in us and was quickly jumped by Little Friends. GIULIA: Safe landing.
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Post by Grondeaux on Sept 1, 2023 6:26:06 GMT -8
B-24D Flat Foot Floogie78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Middle squadron, middle Mission Date: 15 January 1944 Mission #: 3 Aircraft Mission #: 3 Target: Airdrome, Perugia, Italy Bomb Loadout: M30 100 lb. GP bombs Crew (Mission) Pilot: 1LT Adam MacIntosh (3) Copilot: 2LT William Spooner (3) Bombardier: 2LT Raymond Anderson (3) Navigator: 2LT Lamont Cranston (1) Engineer: SSGT Irvin Marshall (1) Ball Turret Gunner: SGT Bruce Wabsis (3) Left Waist Gunner: SGT Sylvester Wielgus (1) Right Waist Gunner: SSGT Kyle Dummer (3) Tail Gunner: SGT Eugene Hendrickson (3) Crew Chief: SGT Ralph Reckowski Bomb Run: On target, 60% Casualties: none Attackers: 12
| Spotted | Destroyed | Damaged | Driven off by Escort | ME-109 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | FW-190 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | ME-110 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ME-210 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ME-109 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: 2LT Raymond Anderson: 2 x ME-109 SSGT Irvin Marshall: 2 x ME-109 SGT Bruce Wabsis: 1 x ME-210 SGT Sylvester Wielgus: 1 x ME-210 Credits: 2LT Raymond Anderson: ½ x ME-109 SSGT Irvin Marshall: 1½ x ME-109 SGT Bruce Wabsis: ½ x ME-210 SGT Sylvester Wielgus: ½ x ME-210 Award/Promotion Requests: none In Hospital/Recovery: none Aircraft Damage: 56 Peckham points (left aileron, fuel tank leak, bomb bay doors, top turret guns, 3 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) Another wonderful day for flying. “Sunny Italy,” my arse. We’re all wet by the time we get out of the 6x6 and board the Floogie. With three of the crew being new and unknown quantities, there’s a lot of nervous energy about. More than usual. Our take-off in the crud is uneventful, if a bit stressful. Not long after we lift off, Jersey Bounce loses a turbo-supercharger and aborts. Not an auspicious start for the squadron. Not too long after that, smoke and flames stream back from the wing of Bonkers. They get the fire out, and depart the squadron to go bomb some fish, rather than unload on the civilians, before returning to base. Good grief. We’re left unmolested for the entire trip to Perugia. That changes over the target. A pair of ME-210s singles us out. One is run off by a Thunderbolt. The second falls to the guns of Wabsis and Wielgus. Then a FW-190 and a ME-109 show up. Another Thunderbolt latches onto the FW. Marshall and Anderson gang up to blow the left wing off of the 109, attacking from 12:00 high. The flak is sporadic and nowhere near us. Anderson plasters the airfield, according to Wabsis and Hendrickson. We turn for home. No flak… that’s nice. Lots of fighters, though. First a trio of 109s, with the Jugs taking on two of them. The remaining German comes in from 12:00 and loses his right wing to the fire from Marshall and Anderson. The pilot manages to escape the twirling Messerschmidt. Three FWs approach. A P-47 takes on one. The other two attack from 9:00 high and 6:00 high. We hit the one coming in from 9:00 and he misses us. We miss the one coming in on our six. He makes two passes, hitting us on each one. Marshall’s guns are shot out but he is fine, if shaken. The left aileron takes a hit. More serious is the report that comes from Wabsis and Wielgus that we are losing fuel. At least it doesn’t appear to be a lot of it. A pair of ME-210s and a ME-110 comes in from below us. Our escorts take out one of the 210s. We hit both the remaining Jerries, and they both miss us. Our fuel situation doesn’t seem to be too serious. The gauges are dropping more than normal, but the calculations from both Cranston and Marshall say we’ll get home with gas in the tanks. And they are right. The landing is a bit more of a challenge than normal but is nice and smooth. Both our new gunners put in claims. Not bad for their first mission. 1LT Adam MacIntosh, Command Pilot B-24D Flat Foot Floogie 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by rcastillo on Sept 1, 2023 8:51:34 GMT -8
Mission Reports for B-17F The Reluctant Dragon and B-24D Louisiana Belle
B-17F The Reluctant Dragon 79th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Low Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 15 January 1944 Mission #: 3 Aircraft Mission #: 3 Target: Airdrome @ Perugia, Italy
Pilot 1LT Curtis E. LeMay (3) Bombardier 2LT Alex Black (3) Navigator 2LT Glenn Dean (3) Co-Pilot 2LT Tom Landry (3) Engineer T/SGT Dennis Browning (3) Radio Operator SGT Maurice Stein (3) Ball Gunner SGT Allen Harrison (3) Port Waist SGT Gene Jackson (3) Starboard Waist SGT Frank Valentine (3) Tail Gunner SGT Roger Leonard (3)
Bomb Run: On Target 94%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: None
-End of Report-
B-24D Louisiana Belle 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Middle Squadron, Tail End Charlie Mission Date: 15 January 1944 Mission #: 3 Aircraft Mission #: 3 Target: Airdrome @ Perugia, Italy
Pilot 1LT James Stewart (3) Bombardier 2LT Paul Gibbs (3) Navigator 2LT Elbert Garner (3) Co-Pilot 2LT Jim Hampton (3) Engineer T/SGT Ivan Jacobson (3) Radio Operator SGT Clifton Buckley (3) Ball Gunner SGT Alfred Paul (3) Port Waist SGT Norman Conner (3) Starboard Waist SGT Duane Hoover (3) Tail Gunner SGT Henry Olson (3)
Bomb Run: On Target 50%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: Tail Gunner SGT Henry Olson 1x Me-109
-End of Report-
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Post by sdpoulter on Sept 1, 2023 11:51:30 GMT -8
B-17G California Dreamin Pilot: 1st Lt Gavin Dees Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force Formation/Position: Middle/Middle Mission Date: 15 Jan 44 Mission Number: 003 Missions This Bomber: 1 Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdome
Crew/Position/Rank Current Missions Previous Claims This Mission Stress Points Status
Pilot 1st Lt Gavin Dees 3 0 0 0 RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Juan Nash 3 0 0 0 RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Jack Doyle 3 0 0 0 RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Jimmie Fernandez 1 1 0 0 RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Morse Krieger 3 0 0 0 RTD
Radioman S/Sgt Joseph Murch 3 0 0 0 RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt David Burnham 3 1 0 0 RTD
PWG Sgt Duncan Edwards 3 0 0 0 RTD
SWG S/Sgt Jose Harris 3 0 0 0 RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Clayton Jacobs 3 1 0 0 RTD
Bomb Run: On On Target: 95% B-17 Damage: 0 Hits Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Landing: Safe
E/A TYPE ENCOUNTERED DESTROYED PROBABLE DAMAGED INTERCEPTED Bf-109 0 0 0 0 0 Bf-110 0 0 0 0 0 Fw-190 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0
Confirmed Claims: 0 Casualties: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
After Action Report (using TFT):
Outbound
Our third mission on this tour was met with no resistance. We took off in poor weather and managed to make it into the air and form up with the others. We had no contact through the target zone.
Flak over the target was light and we received 1 flak hit that knocked out the radio. We lined up to drop our bombs and I handed over the controls to Bombardier 2nd Lt Doyle who then released bombs over the target and we hit with 95% and confirmed with secondary explosions.
INBOUND
We turned for home without any flak. We then encountered no one the entire way home.
Landing: We made a safe landing even in the poor weather.
Report Submitted by: 1st Lt Gavin Dees Pilot in Command of California Dreamin.
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Post by superbee on Sept 2, 2023 4:30:38 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary
Mission 3 January 15, 1944 Target: Perugia, Italy
B17’s sortied: 12 (Pride of the Badgers, Irascible Girl, Invadin’ Maiden, Blitz Buggy, All In, Slammin’ Sally, Pride of the Buckeyes, Tootsie, Green Hornet, Reluctant Dragon, California Dreamin, Amazing Maisie)
B17’s bombing target: 10 (Pride of the Badgers, Irascible Girl, Invadin’ Maiden, Blitz Buggy, All In, Pride of the Buckeyes, Green Hornet, Reluctant Dragon, California Dreamin, Amazing Maisie)
Bombers aborting mission: Slammin’ Sally
Bombers lost: Tootsie (EA)
Lead bomber: Slammin’ Sally
Tail end Charlie: Irascible Girl
Crewmen KIA: 1
Crewmen SW-IH: 1
Crewmen wounded and returning to action: 8
Crewmen MIA: 10
Bomb run avg: 50%
High bomb run: 94% / 95% / 92%: 2Lt Paul Witkowski (Invadin’ Maiden), 2Lt Alex Black (Reluctant Dragon), 2Lt Jack Doyle (California Dreamin), 2Lt Alain de La Zouch (Amazing Maisie)
| encountered | intercepted by escorts
| destroyed | FCA | FBOA | Me109's | 30 | 16 | 6 | 4 | 2 | FW190's | 36 | 7
| 6
| 10 | 2
| Me110's | 10 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Ju88's | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | C205's | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me410's | 4
| 2 | 1
| 0 | 0 | totals | 75 | 27 | 13 | 14 | 3 |
Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement:
Distinguished Service Cross: none
Distinguished Flying Cross: 2Lt Paul Witkowski, 2Lt Alex Black (Reluctant Dragon), 2Lt Jack Doyle (California Dreamin), 2Lt Alain de La Zouch (Amazing Maisie)
Promotion: none _____________________________________________________________________________________ Green Hornet (group spare – heavily damaged during belly landing) Bomb run: 30% Purple Heart: S/Sgt Bart Fuller, Sgt Forrest Bean, Sgt Lester Rose
Invadin’ Maiden Bomb run: 94% Distinguished Flying Cross: 2Lt Paul Witkowski (94% bomb run accuracy)
Pride of the Badgers Bomb run: 30% Purple Heart: 2Lt C Leffler, 2Lt W Sloat
Pride of the Buckeyes Bomb run: 0%
All In Bomb run: 30%
Slammin’ Sally (sqdn lead) – left formation & returned to base after losing bomb load to EA actions Bomb run: DNB - bomb load was lost (not jettisoned) prior to reaching target
Irascible Girl: (tail end Charlie; left formation Zone 4 Inbound and returned to Gulia alone) Bomb run: 10% Purple Heart: Sgt Michael Bolden
Blitz Buggy Bomb run: 30% Purple Heart: Sgt Oscar Carter
Reluctant Dragon Bomb run: 94% Distinguished Flying Cross (2Lt Alex Black – 94% bomb run)
Tootsie (group spare – destroyed by EA over the target, crew MIA) Bomb run: DNB – destroyed prior to bomb run)
California Dreamin Bomb Run: 95% Distinguished Service Cross: 2Lt Jack Doyle (95% bomb run)
Amazing Maisie Bomb Run: 92% Purple Heart: 2Lt Alain de La Zouch, 2Lt Albert Vespucci (posthumous), Sgt Michael Malone
Distinguished Flying Cross: 2Lt Alain de La Zouch (Amazing Maisie)
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cubs2015
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 102
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Post by cubs2015 on Sept 2, 2023 10:02:44 GMT -8
BOMBER NAME: STRIKEFORCE TARGET: PERGUIA, ITALY -AERODROME 509TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP, 78TH BOMBER SQUADRON FORMATION: MIDDLE POSITION: MIDDLE DATE: 15 JANUARY 1944 MISSION NUMBER 3POSITION | RANK | NAME | MISSIONS | KILLS | TOTAL KILLS | AWARDS | STATUS | Pilot | 1 LT | Mike Seefeldt | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | Co-Pilot | 2 LT | Todd Nickels | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | Bombadier | 2 LT | Jeremy Hoff | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | Navigator | 2 LT | John Schaefer | 1 | 1 | 1 | N/A | OK | Engineer | T/SGT | Walter Higgins | 1 | 1/2 | 1/2 | N/A | OK | Radio Operator | T/SGT | Jeffery Michaels | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | Ball Gunner | SGT | Larry Benson | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | Starboard Waist | S/SGT | Roger Fickell | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | Port Waist | SGT | Joe McIntosh | 1 | 1/2 | 1/2 | N/A | OK | Tail Gunner | S/SGT | Steven Smith | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK |
We took off without any problems.
We didn't encounter any fighters until zone 4. We ran into 3 202's. One fighter was chased away by the escort fighters. One was destroyed and the other one missed us.
In the target area we encountered another 3 202's. One of the fighters was escorted away from us. The second fighter was destroyed. The third fighter gave us a couple superficial hits but when he came around again he missed us.
When we made our bomb run, the flak missed us. Our bombadier put 95% of the bombs in the target zone. On our way home we encountered not a single fighter. We made a safe landing.
PECKHAM POINTS: 2 SUPERFICIAL HITS(4 POINTS) Respectfully submitted 1 LT Mike Seefeldt Pilot of STRIKEFORCE
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cubs2015
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 102
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Post by cubs2015 on Sept 2, 2023 10:33:00 GMT -8
BOMBER NAME: FIGHTING BADGERS(B-24D) TARGET:PERGUIA, ITALY -AERODROME DATE: 15 JANUARY 1944 FORMATION: MIDDLE POSITION: MIDDLE 509TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP, 78TH BOMBING SQUADRON MISSION 3
POSITION | RANK | NAME | MISSION | KILLS | TOTAL KILLS | AWARDS | STATUS | Pilot | 2 LT | Roger Smith | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | Co-Pilot | 2 LT | Steven Fischer | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | Bombadier | 2 LT | Nick Tisler | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | Navigator | 2 LT | Tim Strauss | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | Engineer | S/SGT | Eddie Ruh | 1 | 1/3 | 1/3 | N/A | OK | Radio Operator | T/SGT | Ross Anklam | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | Ball Gunner | SGT | Gene Lorenzo | 1 | 1/3 | 1/3 | N/A | OK | Starboard Waist | SGT | Phil Siegler | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | Port Waist | SGT | Edward Rodgers | 1 | 1/3 | 1/3 | N/A | OK | Tail Gunner | SGT | Jordan Reneau | 1 | 1 | 1 | N/A | OK |
We had a rough take off. The ailerons were out.
We encountered 2 waves of fighters in the target zone. The first wave consisted of 3 109's and a 110. One fighter was driven off. 2 fighters missed us but the other fighter hit us. We received one superficial hit. He came around for a second attack but missed us. The second wave consisted of 2 109's. Both fighters were destroyed.
We came in for our bomb run. The flak missed us. Our bombadier put 50% of the bombs in the target area.
On our way home, we didn't run into any enemy fighters. We landed safely.
PECKHAM POINTS: Ailerons(10 Points) 1 Superficial Hit(2 Points)
Respectfully submitted by 2 Lt Roger Smith of the FIGHTING BADGERS
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Post by andy254 on Sept 2, 2023 12:46:23 GMT -8
B-17 F - "Amazing Maisie" B-17F-65BO 42-29701
Pilot: 1LT Philip Travanti
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force, USAAF
Squadron/Formation Position: Low/Middle
Mission/Plane #: 3/3
Target: Perugia, Italy - Aerodrome Mission Date: January 15th, 1944
Position: Rank & Name + Decorations - (Missions to Date) [Previous Kills] - Claims; Crew Status; Notes Pilot: 1LT Philip TRAVANTI - (3) [0] - RTD Co-Pilot: 2LT Peter JONES PH - (3) [0] - RTD Bombardier: 2LT Alain "DLZ" DE LA ZOUCH PH - (3) [1] * - RTD - LW Left Upper Arm Navigator: 2LT Albert VESPUCCI PH+ - (3) [1] - KILLED IN ACTION Engineer: SSGT Ricardo RUIZ - (3) [1] * - RTD Radio Operator: SGT Michael MALONE - (3) [0] - RTD 1/19/44 - LW Right Upper Arm Ball Gunner: SGT Saul HELBERG - (3) [1] * - RTD Waist Gunner, Port: SGT John ROBINSON - (3) [1] - RTD Waist Gunner, Starboard: SGT Mark CULLEN PH - (3) [0] - RTD Tail Gunner: SGT George WINDOM - (3) [1] - RTD
Bomb Run: ON Target On Target: 92%
B-17 Damage Superficial (7), Crew Positions (14), Structural (75), System (60), Fire Damage (75) Peckham Points - 231 Repair Time - RTD 1/19/44 Crew Chief - SSGT Tom Jenssen - average
Landing - Safe at Foggia
E/A Type - Encountered - Destroyed, Probable, Damaged - Intercepted FockeWulf 190D - 6 - 2,2,0 - 2 Messerschmitt 140 - 1 - 1,0,0 - 0
Kill Claims 2LT VESPUCCI - 1x FW190 SSGT RUIZ - 1x FW190 SGT HELBERG - 1x Me410
Casualties & Injuries - 3 2LT VESPUCCI - KIA - Catastrophic Abdominal Injury 2LT DE LA ZOUCH - LW - Left Upper Arm - RTD SGT MALONE - LW - Right Upper Arm - RTD 1/19/44
Award Recommendations & Entitlements Distinguished Flying Cross - for almost total accuracy in bombing plus continuing to carry on fighting off enemy aircraft while injured 2LT Alain De La Zouch Purple Heart - for wounds received in action 2LT Alain De La Zouch (OLC) 2LT Albert Vespucci (OLC+) - awarded posthumously SGT Michael Malone
After Action Report [QOTS + Jasta6 tables]
Ingress
Our flight to the target zone was uneventful. Our little friends were there taking care of anyone who tried to prevent us reaching the target.
Bombing Run
With flak around the target zone missing us completely, DLZ was able to concentrate on the task at hand. This time, the bombing run was a tour de force as he reported almost all of the bombs had landed within the target zone.
Egress
Hoping for a similar success on the way back, we were to be disappointed. Three FW190s managed to get the drop on us. Our defensive fire damaged one of them who failed to hit us, breaking off before he made things worse for himself. His two friends, however, evaded defensive fire and succeeded in landing a few good hits on us. The No.3 fuel tank started leaking, both wings and the tailplane took root damage. Their second pass was equally successful in hitting us. This time, a walking burst from one of them damaged the tailwheel, injured the radio operator, jammed the bomb doors and jammed the starboard flap. Worse damage was to come from the front, a burst lightly wounding DLZ. For Vespucci in the navigator's chair it was to be third time unlucky with a catastrophic injury to the lower torso. By the time they came around for a third attack, we were ready. Top Turret avenged Vespucci's death by taking down that 190. Despite being injured, DLZ seriously damaged the second 190 and it broke off after its burst missed.
There was to be no rest as a second wave of 190s came in to attack us. Fortunately, our escort took care of two of the three, but one evaded them and came in low from our twelve, fired and hit, only causing superficial damage before trying to come around for a second pass from our six, dodging defensive fire and hitting us again. As well as jamming the port flap, it damaged the control cables, taking out the oxygen supply in the tail section and causing a fire at the same time. It took a lot of work needing three extinguishers but Windom finally put it out.
It came around to attack from the front, but DLZ was ready for it and took it down.
Heading back across the Tyrrhenian Sea, we were to find that the Luftwaffe was not finished with us. However, some luck had returned. A Me410 coming up in a vertical climb was picked off by our Ball Gunner and a FW190 coming in face on fired, missed and broke off.
Despite the bad weather, damaged tailwheel and jammed flaps, we were able to land her safely.
This time, it would not be "business as usual" when we were next called upon. Maisie had taken a lot of damage and it would be three full days of work by our ground crew before she would be ready to fly again and show how amazing she is. It would also give us time to grieve and drink to the memory of unlucky Al Vespucci.
I am recommending 2LT Alain De La Vouch to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross for successfully dropping the entire load on the target and defending the plane from enemy attack from the nose gun position despite being wounded.
Captain Philip Travanti "Amazing Maisie" officer commanding B-17F-65BO 42-29701 79th Squadron, 509th Bombing (Heavy) Group
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Post by caodwolf on Sept 3, 2023 4:41:28 GMT -8
78TH BOMB SQUADRON
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
MISSION 3
With a creak of a door in walks the XO Captain Garfield followed by CO Major Rudy Jopp and his bulldog the ‘Admiral.
At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” ……. and everyone rises.
Major Jopp hands the dog leash to Sgt Wallace, walks to the front and opens his briefing papers. This time everyone notes a smile…..“Outstanding mission to Perugia with 39% dropped on target! Along with the 79th & 80th the airdrome was completely destroyed and no longer of any use to the enemy. We lost no bombers and credited with 14 enemy kills. Well done boys well done…..”
A round of applause and hoots engulf the room and even the Admiral joined the excitement by barking and tugging at his leash.
Continuing…… “Congrats to the StrikeForce, Fighting Badgers, Knockout, Foot Floogie and the Louisiana Belle who all achieved greater than 50% on-target results. StrikeForce led with 95%. So 2Lt Jeremy Hoff please come forward.” A surprised 20 year old 2Lt from Olyphant PA joins the Major.
“Mr. Hoff; Congratulations on this fine performance. It’s my pleasure to award you with The Distinguished Flying Cross.”
All rise and congrat the bombardier from the StrikeForce.
“Sadly on Casualties, we lost SGT Fred Edeson. His next of kin has been informed”.
Closing up his briefing files Captain Garfield mimics a film camera, which reminds the Major of one final point: “Oh yes two films will be shown tonight in Hanger 13. ‘Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’ and ……ah.……..‘More the Merrier’ shouts Captain Garfield…… “Yes, More the Merrier” . Enjoy and forget about the war for a few hours”.
The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two men + the Admiral begin to leave.
“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.
"Dismissed!"
Player | Bomber | % on Target | Damage | Kills | crushedhat | Laid Back Lady | 30% | 10 | 1 | mrkillabee | T-Tailed Bathtub | 0% | --- | --- | limburger59 | Knockout(spare) | 50% | 42 | 1 | limburger59 | Jersey Bounce (Spare) | Abort | 10 | --- | keltos | Kicking Horse | 20% | --- | --- | kageyone | Wood's Chopper | 20% | 20 | 2 | medic1 | Valkyie | 0% | 0 | 2 | grondeaux | Flat Foot Floogie | 60% | 56 | 3 | chefed | Bottoms Up | 40% | 11 | 1 | caodwolfs | Bonkers | Abort | 10 | --- | rcastillo | Louisiana Belle | 50% | --- | --- | cubs2015 | Fighting Badgers | 50% | 12 | 2 | cubs2015 | StrikeForce | 95% | 4 | 2 | | Average Results | 39% | | 14 |
Bombers Lost
None
Top Bombers
StrikeForce 95% Knockout (spare) 60% Flat Foot Floogie 60% Louisiana Belle 50% Fighting Badgers 50%
Awards
DFC - 2Lt Jeremy Hoff
POW
None
KIA-MIA
SGT Fred Edeson
Casualties
None
Purple Hearts
SGT Fred Edeson
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Sept 3, 2023 5:01:34 GMT -8
80th BOMB SQUADRON Mission #3, Perugia AAR
The men had adjusted to their squadron commander's perpetual look of sadness so it was no surprise to them, considering the loss of another aircraft on the mission to Perugia,
"Gentlemen, as you know we lost Junkyard Dog on this mission. We have received word from the Red Cross that only two of her crew survived the shutdown and are prisoners of war. I consider it fortunate that the high men lost are the only squadron crewmen lost in action on this mission.
"I'm not sure what happened on this mission but the squadron managed to only put half the amount of bombs on target as it did over Pisa. Gentlemen, nineteen and three quarters percent of bombs on target is a...well, I'll just say it is unacceptable. Dam Yankees and Miss Grizz tied with the best performance at 40% and Georgia Peach, Wongo, and Mighty Mouse were second best at thirty percent. This needs to improve." He paused, looked around the room. "'Nuff said."
"These mission are only going to get longer and harder and we need to have every one of you with your heads in the game. That's all I've got."
----------------------------- STATISTICAL ADDENDUM
REIGN OF STEEL Off target, 7% 1 EA claimed, 0 credited
DOUBLE BOMB Off target, 5%
PLEASANT SURPRISE Off target, 0%
JUNKYARD DOG Shot down 1LT William Binford -- PH, posthumous 2LT Casey Batson -- PH, posthumous 2LT Michael Gray -- PH, posthumous 2LT Thomas Tinney -- PH, posthumous TSG Jack Smith -- PH, posthumous SGT Donald Brooks -- PH, posthumous SGT Peter Wold -- PH, posthumous SGT Taki Papadopoulos -- PH, posthumous
GEORGIA PEACH On target, 30% - Tied for second best in squadron 1 EA claimed, 1 credited
WOOD'S CHOPPER II On target, 20% 2 EA claimed, 2 credited
PRIDE OF THE WOLVERINES Off target, 5% 2 EA claimed, 2 credited MSG L. Aldrich - PH
WONGO On target, 30% - Tied for second best in squadron 1 EA claimed, 1 credited
BUGS On target, 20% 3 EA claimed, 2 credited
DAM YANKEES On target, 40% - Tied for best in squadron 1 EA claimed, 1 credited 2LT D. Horton - PH
MIGHTY MOUSE On target, 30% - Tied for second best in squadron 2LT Ryan Eccles - PH
MISS GRIZZ On target, 40% - Tied for best in squadron 1 EA claimed, 1 credited
GREAT EXPECTATIONS On target, 20% 1 EA claimed, 0 credited SSG Toby Crackit - PH SGT John Wemmick - PH
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jasta6
78th Bomber Squadron
Spring is here and summer is close behind... It is Cruise Season!
Posts: 277
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Post by jasta6 on Sept 3, 2023 12:59:11 GMT -8
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: Lead Squadron Formation Position: #04 (Middle) Mission Date: 15th January 1944 Mission Number: 3 (Aircraft Mission #1) Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdrome, Italy - Aerodrome POSITION/RANK/NAME
| # Missions | TOTAL CLAIMS | TODAY'S CLAIMS | Confirmed Claims | Crew Status | Notes: | Pilot 1Lt. Moeses I. Horst | 1 | - | - | - | RTD | 3rd Mission attempt for crew and plane | Co-Pilot 2Lt. Slavisa J. Mackoff | 1 | - | - | - | RTD |
| Bombardier S/Sgt Mantra K. Hart | 1 | - | - | - | RTD |
| Navigator 2nd Lt. Gary Z. Scarbro | 1 | - | - | - | RTD |
| Engineer (TT) T/Sgt. Ernestor L. Pasiak | 1 | - | - | - | RTD |
| Radio Operator S/Sgt. Reny O. Scaccia | 1 | - | - | - | RDT |
| Ball Gunner Sgt. Evan F. Wiman | 1 | - | - | - | RTD |
| Port Waist Gunner Sgt. Jonny F. Brim
| 1 | - | - | - | RTD
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| Starboard Waist Gnr. Sgt. Duncan C. Freeland | 1 | - | - | - | RTD |
| Tail Gunner Sgt. Wilbern I. Perez | 1 | - | - | - | RTD |
| Crew Chief: S/Sgt. Alfred (Al) Falso [Ave. Joe]
| 3 | Hard Stand: | #26 |
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* Mission Note: Finally made it airborne and into formation.Bomb Load: 12x 500lbs AN-M84 General Purpose Bombs Bomb Run: On Target, 40% Crew Chief Report: S/Sgt. Alfred (Al) Falso [Ave. Joe] Hard Stand: #26 Pre Mission Repair status: (2D6=6; Standard Mechanical Rolls this mission) Post Mission Repairs & Crew Chief Experience roll: (2D6=5; Good Work on Aircraft repairs, 0.5 Experience Point)B-17 Damage: 5pts. Superficial Flak damage. Mechanical Issues: None. Random Events: None Repair Time: over night to repair, returns to service on January 16th 1944. Replacement Bomber: None Landing: N/A E/A Encountered: 0 EA Claimed:Claims: | Aircraft: | Confirmed: | None | - | - |
Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted
| None | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
P-47's Damaged one Bf 109F and destroyed one Bf 109F
Casualties: None Recuperating:POSITION/RANK/NAME
| # Missions
| TOTAL CLAIMS | TODAY'S CLAIMS | Confirmed Claims | Crew Status | Notes:
| None
| - | - | - | - | - | -
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Award/ Promotions Requests:none Replacements:
None After Action Report ( game system - TfT): Third time was a charm and the #4 engine held and we made todays mission!”
-- Pg 2 -- Mission Debriefing
1st Lt Horst, 78th BS Pilot MISSION #1 (Groups 3) Date: January 15th, 1944 Target: Perugia, Italy, Aerodrome Plane: B-24D-210 "Stupid Dragon" Position: Low Cell / (#04) Altitude: 20,000feet 12x 500lbs AN-M64 Fragmentation Bombs Mission Report C04M03 -210
O/B Zone 1-4: We finally got airborne and formed up on time. The Group turned for the target on as scheduled. We saw activity but nothing that effected our group. O/B Zone 5: As we approached the IP a swarm of Bf 109F's swung in. Two Jerry's focused on the " Stupid Dragon", but were bounced by our P-47 escorts. One P-47, from the 318th FS, separated the port wing from the German fighter. It tumbled out of control and we didn't not observer any chute. Then the flak opened up. Two burst were close but didn't do any damage. Yet, the third burst was closer and put a large hole in the Starboard wing. Gratefully this passed without hitting any vital bits. All our time training paid off as Lt. Hart placed at least 40% of our eggs on the target. I/B Zone 5: Coming off the drop, we were left alone by the fighters and there was no flak as briefed. I/B Zone 4-1: The only threat was driven off by Lt Garfield's crew in the " Laid Back Lady." We made it back in great shape. Even though the weather was less than exemplary, we managed to put the " Stupid Dragon" down without incident. 1st Lt. Moeses HorstPilot of, " Stupid Dragon" (B-24D-145-CO 42-41210) 78th BS, 509th BG(H), 15th USAAF. Foggia, Italy- Station 164 (Circle) Note: sorry for being late, but we were out of town last week & the week before I was prepping my cars for the Woodward Dream Cruise.
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