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Post by limburger59 on May 20, 2023 16:10:53 GMT -8
to post 1 Sept 23 To unlock 3 Sept 23 Turn in AAR's no later than 16 Sept 23 Next mission to post 15 Sept 23
MISSION DATE: 20 Jan 44 MISSION # 4TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet Mission Brief: After that last mission we're heading for a target in the sunshine. Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 78th SQDN |
| MID | 79th SQDN |
| LOW | 80th SQDN | LEAD: | Kicking Horse |
| LEAD: | Pride of the Badgers
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| LEAD: | Miss Grizz | TAIL: | T-Tailed Bathtub
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| TAIL: | All In
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| TAIL: | Reign of Steel |
WEATHER:
Takeoff: Poor Target: Good Landing: Poor GAZETTEERZone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Liberated Italy | -2 | 100% Clouds / Light | Fair | 3 Tyrrhenian Sea | -1 | 100% Clouds / Light | Fair | 4 Tyrrhenian Sea
| X | 100% Clouds / None
| Fair | 5 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None
| None | 6 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 7 Tyrrhenian Sea/Corsica | X | 50% Clouds / None
| None | 8 Corsica/Ligurian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 9 Ligurian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None
| None | 10 Ligurian Sea | X | Haze/None | Good (RAF from Calvi)
| 11 Ligurian Sea | -2 | Haze/Light | Good (RAF from Calvi) | TARGET ZONE 12 France FLAK: Outbound: Medium Inbound: None | -1 | Haze/Moderate Resistance Target: Slightly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually
| Good (RAF from Calvi)
| 11 Ligurian Sea | -1 | Haze/Light
| Good (RAF from Calvi)
| 10 Ligurian Sea | -2 | Haze/Light
| Good (RAF from Calvi)
| 9 Ligurian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None
| Good (RAF from Calvi)
| 8 Ligurian Sea/Corsica | X | 50% Clouds / None
| None | 7 Corsica/Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 6 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 5 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None
| None | 4 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 3 Tyrrhenian Sea | -2 | 100% Clouds / Light
| Poor | 2 Liberated Italy | -2 | 100% Clouds / Light
| Poor |
Emergency Airfield: CALVI on Corsica: Other than patching fuel leaks and refueling your damaged bomber, there are primitive repair capabilities now on Corsica. If your bomber's Engineer cannot repair your bomber so it can return to Foggia at 10,000 feet it will be abandoned, and your crew will be returned to Foggia four days later on a C-47 via Sicily. (Better airfields are currently being constructed on Corsica's east coast.) Shot Down: Over Water (if you didn't drown): Zone 10 & 11: you are captured Zones 3: you are rescued by the USN and return to base in two days Zone 4 to 9: You are rescued by fishermen and taken to Corsica. You'll return to base in five days.Over France: captured Calendar since last Mission:15 Jan 44 Mission 3 Perugia, Italy - Airdrome 16 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day 17 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day 18 Jan 44 Bad Weather - Mission Scrubbed/Never Left the Ground 19 Jan 44 Bad Weather - Mission Scrubbed/Never Left the Ground20 Jan 44 Mission 4 Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
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Post by crushedhat on Sept 1, 2023 8:49:57 GMT -8
For the 78th Lead: Kicking Horse, (keltos) Tail: T-Tailed Bathtub (mrkillabee) Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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Post by andy254 on Sept 1, 2023 19:25:41 GMT -8
Maj Harlan Beech, S2 for the 509th (H) Bomb Group steps up to the podium. “This is a longer mission than you’ve flown thus far,” he begins. “But most of the route is over open water, so Jerry won’t have eyes on you to be able to vector fighters to the attack. Not to mention, there aren’t a lot of Luftwaffe airfields on the Tyrrhenian or Ligurian Seas. Like the last mission, the main threat will be near the beginning and end of your mission, when you’re near Italy. And, of course, over the target itself.”
“Near Italy, the Luftwaffe has to support the ground game. Most of their aircraft will be operating in direct support of the Wehrmacht. That means opposition should be light. The fighters in Southern France don’t have the same dual demands so you can expect resistance to be heavier there. And again, they’ll be defending their home airfield.”
“Speaking of the target, expect moderate intensity flak on target ingress with ammo shortages meaning the German gunners should leave you alone once you’re no longer a direct threat.”
“While the weather here at Giulia will be the usual dismal rain we’ve all come to know and love, Metro says the skies over the target should be relatively clear.”
“Your escort today is going to be a mixed bag. Initially, P-47s from the 325th FG will be with you. They’ll see you past the threat from the Italian based fighters. Before you get in range of the French-based fighters, you’ll link up with Spitfires from the RAF based on Corsica.” SSgt Dewbury indicates both the Corsica base and the linkup point on the big wall map. “The RAF will stay with you to the target and back again until you’re clear of French based interference. Then P-38s from the 1st FG will meet you at Checkpoint Mike, before you run into the Italian based Luftwaffe.” SSgt Dewbury taps the point on the map. “The Lightnings will see you back to Giulia.”
“If you run into trouble and can’t make it back home, the RAF base at Calvi, on Corsica is available, though your bomber may be out for the war. The Navy will have PT Boats on Lifeguard duty off the Italian coast. If you end up in the drink further out than that, hope there are some local fishermen who can pick you up and give you lift to Corsica. If you’re within 100 miles of the French coast, you may want to brush up on your German. If you do fall into German hands, remember the Geneva Convention only requires you to provide your name, rank, and serial number. And, the Fighting Man’s Code requires you to continue to cause the enemy trouble.”
Closing his folder, Maj Beech turns the podium over to the S3, Maj Stockwell.
"Istres-Le Tube airdrome is a Luftwaffe base that is very likely not expecting a visit. Our ingress looks as though we are going to bypass it before a sharp 90 degree right turn coming in on the base from the South-southwest. They will likely be deployed to stop us anyway, not knowing that they are the target. However, once they know their base is our target for today, they will put up a stiff defence. Be careful not to deviate to the right as otherwise we would be bombing the town itself. If Allied forces invade Southern France, we want them to welcome us and not complain about shoddy bombing practices.
"Plans to turn Corsica into an unsinkable aircraft carrier are under way but it will not be for some time that there is one airdrome capable of satisfactorily handling heavy bombers. Good luck if you have to land there, although depending upon how heavy the damage is, it might be simpler to ditch in the sea and be rescued by friendly forces. However, they do have a goal of having landing strips capable of taking damaged bombers returning from raids. Just not really today unless it is urgent.
"Apart from nearing and over the target, the only other encounters you should have with enemy aircraft is as you are passing by the Gustav Line. They may be on you quickly once formed up and then will be waiting for you on the way back. Although they might not be strong in numbers, we know our little friends cannot be there for all of them and we also how much damage one lucky Focke-Wulf can cause
"I can only stress to be very careful when taking off and moreso when landing. The Italian weather is very unfriendly. Despite that, I hope to see you all back in one piece tonight.
"Good luck, gentlemen. I wish I was going with you."
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Post by superbee on Sept 2, 2023 4:11:21 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron - Mission Formation Assignments
Mission #4: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
Lead bomber: Pride of the Badgers
tail end Charlie: All In
The 79th is the "lead" squadron this mission. Captain Robinson will be leading the group to France.
Good luck !
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Sept 3, 2023 4:38:04 GMT -8
For the 80th Squadron:
Lead: Miss Grizz TEC: Reign of Steel
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Post by medic1 on Sept 3, 2023 6:36:17 GMT -8
B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823 Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin MarksSquadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air ForceFormation/Position: Middle/MiddleMission Date: 20 Jan 44Mission Number: 004Missions This Bomber: 4Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - AirdromeCrew/Position/Rank | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress Points | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PSW Sgt Barney Stackhouse | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | LW | Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: OnOn Target: 30%B-17 Damage: 4 HitsPort Wing x 1-superficialStarboard Wing x 1-superficialWaist x 1-SWG LWTail x 1-rudder, N/EPeckham Points: 9Repair Time: OvernightCrew Chief:S/Sgt Steve Yates, averageLanding:Safe at GiuliaE/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Bf-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bf-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 3 | 1 | 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 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Confirmed Claims: 1Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x C-205Causalities: 1Sgt Peter Lesniak LW – Cut thigh. RTD 21 Jan 44Stress Points This Mission: 0Awards/Promotion Requests: PH Sgt Peter LesniakAfter Action Report“Does it ever do anything else but rain in Italy?” Woodside complained, their jeep splashing through massive pools of water as it made its way to their waiting bomber. “Yeah, look at the effect it’s having on some of us.” Lesniak chimed in, “Kostanero used to be the same height as you. Look at him now. He’s shrunk to 5 foot 3.” Kostanero shot Lesniak a dirty look, once again suffering a barb about his height. “You know the old saying,” Lesniak continued his needling of the short ball gunner, “Big man, big dick, small man, all dick.” “You know Lesniak, if I had a lower IQ, I’d enjoy talking to you. They say that mankind sprung from the apes. Apparently, you didn’t spring far enough.” The jeep stopped and the crew jumped off, slogging their way the last few yards to Invadin’ Maiden and shelter from the downpour.Once again the weather was miserable on takeoff, but we managed to lift off without any problems or Gremlins and rose through it into the sun and formed up with the squadron.
We didn’t have any opposition, and things were fairly quiet until the target zone. We saw fighters massing ahead, several breaking off and making runs through the squadron or engaging in dogfights with the Spitfires that were now our escorts. Strangely, the fighters left us alone.
The flak more than made up for the fighters as we were rocked and knocked about by it. Sergeant Lesniak in the waist reported that he was hit, although not badly enough to make him leave his station. I turned control over to Lieutenant Witkowski, and despite the rocking we took from the Kraut 88s he was able to get 30% on target
INBOUND
As advertised in briefing, there wasn’t any flak to contend with on the to the rally point. Three Italian 205s made for us, with two having to turn away to face incoming Spitfires who were determined not to let them through.
The remaining fighter came in at 1:30 high and fired off a burst that was wide of us. The intercom was alive with the gunners calling out directions to other gunners, allowing tail gunner Sergeant Talking Spirit to pick up the Italian and pour some accurate fire into him, hitting the wing roots and canopy. The fighter rolled over and dropped earthward out of control and burst into a fireball when it impacted the ground miles below.
The rest of the trip was quiet and uneventful and we descended from the bright sunshine through the dark clouds to land safely back in the miserable rain.
Sergeant Lesniak was whisked off by the meat wagon to the hospital where he will have a day’s rest before rejoining the crew and returning to his duties.
Invadin’ Maiden had light damage and our ground crew will have her ready to go tomorrow if need be.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Sept 3, 2023 8:06:56 GMT -8
15th AF Mission 4 AARSquadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment GroupB-17F-110BO 42-30616 - “Miss Holly”
Pilot: 1st Lt Frank DeLozier Missions This Bomber: 1 Formation/Position: Middle Mission Date: 20 January 1944 Group Mission Number: 4 Mission Target: Istres La Tube airfield Crew: Pilot - 1st Lt FRANK DELOZIER of Colorado Springs, Colo Co-Pilot - 2nd Lt PERCY JOHNSON of Fresno, Cal Bombardier - 2nd Lt RICHARD WOOD of Modesto, Cal Navigator - 2nd Lt HAMPTON RAWLINGS of Toledo, O Engineer - T/Sgt SAMUEL BATEMAN of Hialeah, Fla Radio Op - S/Sgt JOSE AZZUCO of Oklahoma City, Okla Ball Gunner - Sgt EMILIO CANTOLO of Raleigh NC Claim: 1x Ju 88Port Waist - Sgt HAL CARTER of Montgomery, Ala Starb Waist - Sgt HERBERT RAYMOND of Omaha, Neb Tail Gunner - Sgt CHARLES EDWARDS III of Peru, Indiana Bomb Run: OFF Target - 0% Peckham Points: 29 Repair Time: overnight Landing: SAFE E/A Encountered:3x Bf 109 2x Ju 88 3x Fw 190 1x Me 410 Confirmed Claims: 1x Ju 88
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: Per recommendation of Major Beery, the Air Medal is requested for SGT EMILIO CANTOLO, ball gunner who has a confirmed kill of a Ju 88. After Action Report (using QOTS): After flying over from the ZOI in a shiny new B-17-G, we were somewhat taken aback to be given an older B-17-F upon arrival in Italy. No matter, we will make do! We left the base on-time with the squadron and didn't run into any enemy a/c until off the coast near Rome, but the fighters drove it off - a Ju 88. Over Corsica, we encountered two waves of German a/c; in the first wave of three Bf 109s, we were hit from 12:00 o'clock high. The base of the top turret was pierced and the engineer received a tear in the arm of his flight suit. The starboard wing was hit around the landing gear and, as it turned out, hit the brakes, knocking them out. In the second wave, another Ju 88 was encountered, this one was shot down by our ball gunner. Just past Corsica we ran into three Fw 190s. Our gunnery was ineffective. The enemy achieved two hits but luckily it was superficial damage. Just before landfall in France, three 109s fire at us from behind. Our and their gunnery was ineffective. Target: ISTRES LA TUBE No enemy a/c encountered. Flak was medium, but missed us entirely. Bombing accuracy was OFF and 0% of our ordnance fell within 1000' of the target. I attribute this to first mission jitters on all our parts, not just the bombardier. The inbound trip was uneventful other than firing at a Me 410, which was ineffective as was their fire at us. We landed safely, but discovered the starboard brakes were out. If I used the brakes at all, it skewed us hard to port. Instead, I killed the engines as soon as possible. We still rolled off the far end of the runway but no damage was done (reported to me by the ground chief) Ammo used: 33 Damage 29 PP; will be good to go tomorrow
DeLozier
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Sept 3, 2023 10:13:28 GMT -8
Mission date: 20 Jan 44 Target: Istres/Le Tube - Aerodrome Mission/Bomber: 4/2 B-17G Reign of Steel 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) Formation: Low Squadron Position: TEC
Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards Pilot: 1LT Victor Lewis (2) (-) PH, posthumous Co-Pilot: 2LT Ronald Mays (2) (-) PH, posthumous Bombardier: 2LT Edward Reagan (2) (0) PH, posthumous Navigator: 2LT Luke Reynolds (2) (0) PH, posthumous Engineer: SSG Kenneth Arthur (2) (0) PH, posthumous Radio Operator: SGT Ralph Gregory (2) (0) PH, posthumous Ball Gunner: SGT Steven Leib (2) (0) PH, posthumous Port Waist Gun: SGT Michael Antonelli (2) (0) PH, posthumous Starboard Waist Gun: SGT William Diaz (2) (0) PH, posthumous Tail Gun: SGT Francis Everson (2) (0) PH, posthumous
Bombing: DNB
Damage: Destroyed
Casualties: Crew KIA
Inbound from the IP, Reign of Steel was swarmed by enemy aircraft. The aircraft detonated, probably from the bombs detonating. Several figures were seen to tumble from the wreckage but no parachutes were observed. (Jeez, this is getting old!)
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Sept 3, 2023 16:07:00 GMT -8
AAR B-17F All In (Mission #4) Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome B-17F All In (Mission #4) Crew Commander: 1LT George Gill Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Tail TARGET: Marshalling Yard
Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George Gill | 4 |
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| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | 2LT Ed Cole | 4 |
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| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Louis “Buck” Newso | 4 |
| 1/2 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | 2LT Myril Hoag | 4 |
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| Engineer | S/SGT | Roy “Beau” Bell | 4 | | 1/3 | RFD | Radio Operator | S/SGT | Vern Kennedy | 4 |
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| Ball Gunner | SGT | SGT Russ Van Atta | 4 |
| 1/2 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Julius “Moose” Solters | 4 |
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| RFD
| Right Waist | SGT | Alfred “Roxie” Lawson | 4 |
| 1/3 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ralph “Red” Kress | 4 |
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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
Crew Chief S/SGT Fred Johnson (Average) third mission skill 1.5
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 30% Bomber Disposition: Ready for duty Bomber Damage: none Peckham Points: none Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Unmodified 12 Excellent work on preparing your ship for today’s mission. No Mechanical Failures on this mission & One Lucky Charm! Ground crew random events: none Post Mission Repairs: mission. Good work on the repairs of your ship after today’s mission.
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 4
| Me-109 | Fw-190 | Me-410 | Re2005 | Totals | Escort Intercept | 1 |
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| 1 | Undamaged |
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| Damaged | 2 |
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| 2 | Probable/Denied |
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| Destroyed | 1 |
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Casualties: noneClaims: SGT “Moose” Solters Me-109 (awarded ½ kill)
AAR The crew was anxious to get this mission under way after two back-to-back weather aborts. Fred our crew chief used the extra time to make sure the All In was humming perfectly for this mission. He also gave Beau (flight engineer) a St. Joseph of Cupertino metal for good luck.
OUTBOUND The constant rain and mud meant the takeoff demanded concentration and attention to detail, we joined up with the formation without incident. Shortly after we passed over the coast, a pair of Me109s had a go at us. The jugs from the 325th engaged one and the other came at us from 12/H. Buck with the Nose gun and Beau in the top turret hit the 109 which missed us. Then Red in the tail gun hit he as he when pass and out of sight trailing smoke. The rest of the flight to the target area was uneventful. The RAF escorts joined up as scheduled.
TARGET AREA No enemy fighters encountered as we approached the IP and moderate flak was observed on the bomb run, but none close enough to do any damage. Buck released on target and assessed as 30% effective. After the bomb run, we rejoined the formation at the RP without incident.
INBOUND Nothing to report until we arrived over the Italian mainland. The lightings from the 1FG were not close by and two Me-109s attacked. Moose manning the Left Waist gun hit the one coming in a 10:30 H, taking the left wing off. A chute was observed as before we lost sight of that 109. The second cam at 12?H and Buck and Beau engaged it hitting the engine. That 109 missed us and bork off the attack after Red took a passing shot at it. Safe Landing at Guilia despite the continuing bad weather.
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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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Sept 3, 2023 16:34:18 GMT -8
B-17F Wimpy B-17F-27BO-41-24585 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Low Aircraft Position: Middle / TEC Mission Date: 20 JAN 1944 Mission Number: 4 This Aircraft: 4 Target: Istre / Le Tube, France, Airfield CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Current Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Landry Velez | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Santino Richards | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Aarav Hoover | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 4 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Roberto Ford | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Engineer | T/Sgt Finnegan Fields | 4 | 1 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Waist | Sgt Paul Nielson | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | NT / Waist | T/3rd Ari Watkins | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Ball Turret | T/4th Tobias Mace | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Left Waist / NT | S/Sgt Tripp MacDougal | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/4th Kingsley Griffin | 4 | 1 | 0 | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 2 | | 0 | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 20 %
Casualties: None Damage: Left tail plane root 1X 25 Rudder 1X 10 Radio 10 Peckham Points: 45, Ready next day Landing: Safe
Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Me-109 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Ju-88 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims:Position | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Tail | 1 | 1 | 0 | Top | 1 | 0 | 1 | Ball | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTEscorts earned their pay today. Can’t speak for any other crews, but when the escorts drive off over 60% of enemy fighters, and only one of the remaining enemy fighters hits us, that is a good day. Half of the enemy fighters we faced were near the target. The Spits drove off 8 of those 11. (2Lt Richards is trying to finagle a case of Scotch for them.) The weather was miserable, still. Several of the crew have gone to Sick Call, complaining of trench foot, of all things. Our feet are never dry. Our climb to altitude was bumpy, as we passed through the rain clouds. Once above the weather it was smooth sailing. Would have been a nice jaunt if it weren’t for Gerry. With the Italian coast behind us, away from our defensive flak, we were bounced upon by three waves of enemy fighters. By our count, we faced a single Junkers 88, and six Focke-Wulfs. Our little friends with the 325th FG, drove off three aircraft. We shot down two (both claims denied, but probables awarded) and damaged the remaining two, with no damage suffered to us. In the final wave 2Lt Ford’s .30 cal jammed. Once out of range of the German fighters, we went unmolested until we were about 40 minutes out from the target. During that lull 2Lt Ford cleared the jam of the nose gun. About 40 minutes out a single Bf-109 came in from 9 high. T/Sgt Fields, top turret, gave him a warm welcome. The 109’s fire was ineffective, and he did not return. With the IP behind us we encountered flak, but no enemy aircraft near us. From the tail T/4th Griffin cried out that Reign of Fire just disappeared in a fire ball. He and T/4th Mace, in the ball, saw no chutes. I had Sgt Nielson radio to lead that we were slipping into the vacated TEC. Some of the flak over the target was uncomfortably close, with negligible damage. Despite the close calls with the flak 2Lt Ford was able to drop 20% on target. Making a sharp turn back over the Sea, we were swarmed by 10 enemy fighters. As stated, 8 of those were driven off by the Spits from Corsica. Of the remaining two, only one was able to get any hits on us. We took damage to the left tail plane root, and the rudder. Sgt Nielson reported over the intercom that the radio was “kaput”. Once out of range of the enemy fighters, it was clear sailing again, as we flew south back to base. With our final turn toward land a pair of Bf-109s tried to get their last licks in. A Lightning out of FG 1 drove off one. The remaining 109, making a pass from 12 high, was raked by Lt Ford, with his nose .30, shredding the fighter’s left wing. As a result, the enemy’s firing was off, and we took no hits. In a masterful display of aerial gunnery, T/4th Griffin, in the tail, took a passing shot at the 109. His fire completed the work of Lt Ford, severing the left wing from the enemy fighter. No chute was spotted, as the enemy plane careened out of control. Giffin received full credit for the kill. (Much deserved, as there were no bombers behind us who could make the claim.) Naples was passing on our right when a final pair of Fw-190s made an approach against us. Lightnings from FG 1 drove them off. Landing was good, even in the rain. After the mission debrief, I spoke with the Group M.O., about 2Lt Hoover. Aarav has been increasingly distant over the past week, or so. During this mission he needed to be asked multiple times, every time, for any information. On the ground, he has been reclusive, and seen to be drinking in excess at the O-Club. The Group M.O has grounded Lt Hoover indefinitely. If he improves, he will consider reinstating him for flight duty. Until that time, he will be assigned to various ground duties. Submitted by, 1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot B-17F Wimpy 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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Post by caodwolf on Sept 4, 2023 7:21:32 GMT -8
B-24D: BONKERS Pilot: 1Lt. J Sweeney Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron Mission Date: 20-Jan-1944 Mission No.: 4 Mission this Bomber: 3 Target for Today: Istre, France - Airdrome Squadron Position: High Result: On-Target : 50% A long sortie over water made navigation challenging. Fortunately we have the island of Corsica to keep us on course.
Over the target area it got busy real quick. Bombs dropped from above exploded nearby and caused a severe leak in the bombers oxygen supply. We continued on the bomb run. Our British escorts kept the German Luftwaffe at bay and bombs were dropped with good effect.
As soon as we egressed from the target zone a ME-109 diving out of the sun caused damage. The most serious was the loss of Engine # 1. The '109 escaped away.
Oxygen ran out over Corsica so we had to break formation and descended to 2,000 ft, flying low to avoid any stray German fighters. We were not molested and landed back at base.
Over and out....
---No Mission Credit ---
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | J. Sweeney | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | G. Derk | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | M. Heim | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | S. Corcoran | 3 | --- | 1/2 | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | Sgt | J. Engel | 3 | --- | 1 1/2 | --- | OK | Radio Op | Sgt | R. Kaufmann | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | B. Fox | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | J. Cooney | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | D. Turnick | 3 | --- | --- | --- | 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 | ME-109 | 7 | 6 | --- | 1 | --- | ME-110 | 3 | 3 | --- | --- | --- | FW-190 | 3 | 3 | --- | --- | --- | ME-410 | 1 | --- | 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 14 | 12 | 1 | 1 | --- |
-Engine #1 hit > Fire > Extinguished > Engine out -Ox tank hit -Control cable hit -Fuel transfer pump hit: self seal
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Post by medic1 on Sept 4, 2023 7:58:12 GMT -8
B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116)Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: High/Middle Mission Date: 20 Jan 44 Mission Number: 004 Missions This Bomber: 3 Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator Sergio Pendas | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt George Redman | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | SW/IH |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 30% B-24 Damage: 11 Hits Superficial x 4 Nose x 2 -superficial -bombardier & Navigator heat out Flight Deck x 1 -window, N/E Port Wing x 1 -#1 engine oil tank leak Tail x 3 -tailplane, superficial x 2 -TG SW Peckham Points: 69 Repair Time: Overnight Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods) Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | Bf-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 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 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
Confirmed Claims: 1T/Sgt Tom Bankston 1 x Bf-109 Casualties: 1 Sgt Carlos Morales, SW/IH. Groin cut, inflamed bladder Stress Points: 1 Sgt Carlos Morales Award/ Promotions Requests: 1 PH Sgt Carlos Morales
After Action Report (using QOTS): It’s another day of miserable weather on take off, and I almost found it a relief to escape the driving rain as we climbed above the clouds.
The flight was uneventful until we reached target zone where we were set upon by four 109s, two of which were intercepted by the RAF eager to show us Yanks what they could do. Avery tackled one at 12 level, pieces were seen falling off the fighter who snapped off a quick burst and broke away in obvious distress. The remaining fighter at 12 high put a harmless round into the tailplane. He circled around and tried another run but nothing came of it.
The flak chased the fighters away, and while it was quite moderate in intensity, we sailed through unscathed. Morales and Conlin reported Avery’s drop hitting the target for 30%.
INBOUND After turning away, two waves of fighters swarmed in. In the first wave, five 109 fanned out and it seemed everyone was busy including the RAF who could only chase one of the fighters away. Pendas chopped up the one at 1:30 level (denied), but the fighter at 12 level hit us twice, one hitting the main window which thankfully held. Another fighter at 3 high also hit us twice, his strafing attack causing the number one engine oil tank to leak. It was a diving attack from an ace that did the most damage. His first attack put a harmless hole in the airframe, but he circled back and came in at 7:30 high where Bankston hammered him (denied), but not before he put five more into us knocking out Avery and Pendas' heat in the nose and severely wounding tail gunner Morales.
The second wave consisted of one 190 and three 109. Spitfires chased off the 190 and a 109 cutting our opposition in half, our gunners doing the rest. Avery put several rounds into one of them which appeared to unnerve the green pilot, his attempted strafing firing wide before he tucked his tail between his legs and left. Bankston’s bursts hit the cockpit and wings of the last 109. The pilot was apparently hit as his plane appeared to fall flat towards the ground, tail down.
After we had left the target zone, both Avery and Pendas reported that they were really starting to feel the cold and we informed the squadron that we were leaving formation and dropped to 8000 feet. We were able to keep the group in sight for awhile, but the oil tank leak forced the shutdown of the #1 engine and we started to fall back.
In zone three we spied several E/A, but they must have been low on fuel and both sides merely watched the other as we passed.
Sighting the coast, Pendas noted that we were slightly off course and made corrections, guiding use back to Giulia where we fired off red and yellow flares and landed.
Morales is resting comfortably in the hospital, but his war is over. He’ll be shipped back to the States soon and I’ve tapped Sgt James Morrell, a kid fresh from the States as his replacement.
S/Sgt Decker and his ground crew are hard at work repairing Valkyrie and cussing up a storm about bringing “their” bomber back in this condition. I’d be worried if they weren’t bitching, and I know that they’ll have our girl ready to go tomorrow if the need arises.
1st Lt Ken Shipman, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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Viscar
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 16
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Post by Viscar on Sept 4, 2023 8:40:38 GMT -8
Pilot: 1LT John Alderman B-17: Georgia Peach B-17F Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 20 Jan 1944 MISSION NBR: 4 TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome Position Name Mission Kills Total Awards Status Pilot (1) 0
Position | Name | Missions | Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1LT John Alderman
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Copilot | 2LT John Honea | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Bombardier | 2LT Ralph Steward | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Navigator | 2LT Michael Artelli | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Engineer | S/SGT Michael Wynn | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Radio Room | S/SGT Justin Lewis | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Ball Gunner | SGT Andy Brown | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| RTD | Port WG | SGT Tony Ford | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | STBD WG | SGT Jeff Underwood | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Tail Gunner | SGT Dexter McConnell | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD |
Bomb Run: Off target - 0% B-17 Damage: Superficial damage Casualties: N/A Peckham Points: 2 Landing: Landed Safely Claims: SGT Brown - ME-410 Approved Enemy Aircraft Type | Number | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | ME-109 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ME-410 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
AAR (flown with TFT) Airbase: Good take-off and assembly. Outbound: Shortly after reaching altitude, extreme cold jammed the nose gun and the tail guns. Luckily crew was able to unjammed them before any action. Target Area: Jumped by ME-109, escorts drove off Hit by FLAK, superficial damage Unfortunately missed target completely Inbound: Attacked by lone ME-410 with a vertical climb. Ball gunner shot it down. Claim conformed. Airbase: Landed safely. Mission completed.
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Post by limburger59 on Sept 4, 2023 10:48:23 GMT -8
B-24 FIRE BELLE Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group High Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 20 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. 004 TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Al Sotelo (2) Co-Pilot: 2LT Armino D'Angelo (1) Navigator: 2LT Daryl Wyck (2) Bombardier: 2LT Curtis Wetmore (2) Engineer/TT: S/SGT Brent Cantrell (2) 1x 109 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Bart Masterson (2) Ball Turret: SGT Jeb Lampe (2) Right Waist: SGT Duke Callen (2) Left Waist: SGT Clifford Hensley (1) Tail Gunner: SGT Gus Nespor (2)
Bomb Run: On Target 40%
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: None
Peckham Points: 0
Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia
Attackers: 11 7x Bf-109: 1 destroyed (confirmed), 4 Driven Off 3x FW-190: 2 Driven Off 1x Bf-110: 1 Probable (FBOA)
Award/Promotion Requests: None
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS - B24 Variant):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
OUTBOUND: Attackers in Zone 3 driven off by the defensive firepower of the formation.
TARGET ZONE 12: Two 109s who seemed interested in Fire Belle ended up tangling with the RAF. This allowed our Bombardier to concentrate on the Bomb Run, placing 40% of bombs on target.
After the Bomb Run four 109s tried to overwhelm out British friends. Two attackers were run off by the RAF leaving two attackers to trade mmisses with our gunners.
INBOUND: In Zone 11, a 109 tried a desperate dive on us to avoid the Spitfires, and ran into the double streams of lead from our Top Turret. That was a confirmed aerial victory for our Engineer.
In Zone 3 we again watched the bandits repelled by the defensive firepower of the formation.
Zone 2 saw a last effort by the Luftwaffe to stop us. Our Ball Gunner tagged a 110 below us, and we watched it limp north on only one engine. That is a probable, and we hope a friendly fighter tracked him down before he could escape.
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Post by lcorreia48 on Sept 4, 2023 11:08:46 GMT -8
B-17G: Spirit of 9880th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 20 JAN 44 MISSION # 4 (3rd mission this bomber) TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France Bomb Run: Off Target - 5% CREWPosition | Rank | Name | Current Mission | Previous Kills | Confirmed Today
| Status | Stress | Notes | Pilot | 1 LT
| Mark McGwire
| 3 |
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| Copilot | 2 LT
| Sammy Sosa
| 3 |
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| RTD | 1 |
| Bombardier | 2 LT | Ken Griffey Jr
| 3 |
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| RTD
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| Navigator | 2 LT | Tony Gwynn
| 3 | 1 |
| RTD
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| Engineer | MSGT | John Olerud
| 3 | 2 |
| RTD
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| Radioman | T/SGT | Ivan Rodriguez
| 3 |
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| Ball Gunner | SGT | Randy Johnson
| 3 |
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| PWG | SGT | Pedro Martinez | 3 | 1 |
| LW-1 week | 2 |
| SWG | SGT | Greg Maddux
| 3 |
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| Tail Gunner | SGT | Roger Clemens
| 3 |
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| RTD
| 1 |
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Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: Bomb Sight Destroyed Radio Destroyed Nose Gun Destroyed Tail Wheel Starboard Elevator Nose Compartment Heat Pilot Compartment Window Bomb Bay Doors Tail Structure Superficial x7
Peckham Points: 114 - RTD 23 JAN 44
Crew Chief: S/SGT Tony La Russa (Status: Average Joe)
B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia
Attackers: 13
| # | Confirmed Destroyed
| Probable | Damaged | Run Off
| Me-109 | 15 |
| 1 | 2 | 6 | Bf-110 |
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| FW-190 | 7 |
| 1 | 1 | 2 | Ju88 |
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| ME-210 |
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| ME-410 |
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| TOTALS
| 22 |
| 2 | 3 | 8 |
Award/Promotion Requests: None In Hospital: SGT Pedro Martinez, In Hospital 1 Week with a foot wound. AFTER ACTION REPORT (QotS - Beery Variant)
OUTBOUND Zone 1: Looking back our Take off really foreshadowed how today would go as our engine felt like it would fail while we were taking off, causing a momentary panic before spluttering to life just in time. TARGET ZONE 12: Inbound we encountered a FW-190 and a trio of Me-109s, the FW and a Me were driven off by our fighter cover, the remaining two manage to get multiple hits on us, most importantly destroying our Nose Gun and Norden Bomb sight. We avoided any Flak hits but without our Bomb sight we only managed to drop 5% of our bombs on the target. Outbound we were attacked by two waves including 4 109s and a 190, our cover was watching out and drove off 4 out of 5 and we escaped with only some superficial damage INBOUND Zone 10: Encountered 3 Me-109s all were driven off by fighter coverage INBOUND Zone 3: Was attacked by 5 Me-109s, One was driven off by fighter coverage, one was heavily damaged by SGT Maddox, however one of the remaining 109s managed to take out our heat, pilot window, bomb bay doors, radio, and shot SGT Martinez in the foot. SGT Johnson managed to land a hit and drive him off on his 3rd pass. INBOUND Zone 2: Encountered 5 FW-190s, took some superficial damage, but got through without any more major hits. GIULIA: Safe landing.
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GaryK
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 236
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Post by GaryK on Sept 4, 2023 12:04:33 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).
With bad weather sticking around, myself and Major James insisted that Perez take his 72-hour break. Apparently the weather in Naples was not as bad, and along with the various activities he got up to, this had him looking a lot better. Hopefully, whatever was still affecting him after the Pisa mission, he got out of his system last time up.
Sgt. O’Callahan – or ‘Irish’ as he insisted we call him – turned up to replace Carter in the ball turret. He settled in with the other guys well, but we didn’t have a chance for a training flight with the weather really clamping down.
We did visit Carter, at his temporary job in the squadron offices. His left arm and shoulder are strapped up heavily. So there is no way he would be able to do his job in the aircraft. He gave us a rueful smile as we left, pointing at the mountain of paperwork in front of him.
The briefing for the mission to the south of France was encouraging: yes, it’s a long way, but most of that distance we will be free of enemy attention.
Outbound: As soon as the Group was formed up and moving off on our outbound heading, the fun started. The Italian AF paid us a visit with a 109 dead ahead, an Re.2000 off our port side and a C.200 above us off our starboard bow.
Our gunners opened up, and Long’s yelp of shock when he took the port wing off the 109 with the nose gun made everyone chuckle. Washington made solid contact with the one above our starboard bow – not as dramatic as Long’s effort, but enough to cause the enemy pilot to miss us. An excellent opening engagement was completed by our guest, Irish, in the ball turret, when he caused the Re.2000’s prop to seize up (due to an engine hit?) and it spiralled away groundwards.
Things stayed quiet until we were northwest of Corsica when a Ju88 and the sleek shape of a Fiat G.55 both managed to get into our six – one low, one high. Our gunners were on form again, with the poor Ju88 having both Irish and Hughes riddling it with bullets. One of Irish’s bursts took off the starboard wing, outboard of the engine, causing it to enter a sickening spin. No crew escaped.
Unfortunately, Perez and Ward failed to damage the Centauro, which put a couple of shots into us – thankfully hitting nothing vital. The pilot then swooped under us and circled back off our port side. The G.55 has to be one of the nicest-looking aircraft in any air force, but that doesn’t mean we won’t shoot them down. Showing his inexperience at coming in from that direction at our altitude was the pilot’s last mistake. His approach gave Thompson, Perez and Irish clear fields of fire, and the two turrets hit home – Irish again applying the fatal blow as the Centauro’s port wing snapped off at the root. The pilot got out, having had a lesson in tactics!
As the French coast came into view, a couple of FW190s dodged the Spitfire escorts and homed in on us – both ahead of us; one high, one level. Long was again accurate with the nose gun, but only damaged the Butcher Bird dead ahead; Perez also hit the other 190 above us, but he also could only damage it. Both 190s missed, and began to break off. Then disaster struck!
The one above us broke off cleanly, but the one dead ahead came very close to the front of the Buggy, then pulled a right turn. However, as it passed out of our sight at the front of the aircraft, almost instantly there was a huge impact somewhere to the rear, the sound of an explosion, then multiple voices shouting over the com. Sperry and I were completely occupied trying to bring the bomber under control, so I called for quiet on the com, and a damage report. Long, Brooks, Perez and Hughes all reported OK, with Hughes adding that something had happened forward of his position. Irish confirmed he was OK, but both guns in his turret had been hit by debris from above him and were unserviceable. There were no reports from Thompson or Washington. Ward came on, confirming he had taken a look in the waist area. “It’s a mess, skipper.” His voice went silent, and we could hear him retching before speaking again. “That last bogey hit the waist area on the upper right side. Most of the roof is missing, and the skin is buckled on that side. There are bits of 109 all over the waist area. Washington and Thompson are both goners, I’m afraid, and it ain’t pretty.”
Sperry and I managed to get the plane under control again, but we needed almost maximum right rudder just to fly straight. “There’s no way we can complete the bomb run with the aircraft in this state. Ward – call in our abort to the squadron, then get Irish out of the ball turret. Irish – when you’re out, you’re on both waist guns; check them out and let me know their status. Long – jettison the bombs, if you can. Perez – get down here and help us work out how we can get home.”
The crew moved quickly to follow the orders, but I could hear Perez – who had been much quieter this trip – again swearing about “fucking Jerry bastards” and how many he was going to kill for this.
Inbound: We were soon sorted out, as much as we could. Irish reported both waist guns operational. Thankfully, Long was able to jettison the bombs successfully as well. Sperry, Perez and I worked out that with full rudder trim and some juggling of the engine power on the starboard side, we could crab along, but slower than normal. However, the aircraft was flyable. Ward called in to say that he and Irish had placed our comrades’ remains in body bags.
Our speed left us much more open to attack, but it seems our bad luck had run out for the day, as the only German aircraft we saw turned away for home without attacking us.
The rest of the formation actually overtook us during the flight home, so it was getting dark by the time we had the airfield in sight. We radioed in our situation, confirming it with red and yellow flares. I told Perez to keep adjusting the engines, if needed, and asked Sperry to just focus on the rudder controls; I would look after pitch and roll. Somehow, despite the state of the aircraft, between us, we managed to land in an almost normal manner. However, the grinding and creaking coming from the airframe as the plane’s weight settled on the runway was not normal!
I took an exit from the runway as soon as possible, then shut down the aircraft, not willing to tempt fate any more. We were met by groundcrew, medics and fire trucks. Sadly, we carried Washington and Thompson’s bodies out of the aircraft and into the ambulance.
“Four missions!” Perez blurted out angrily. “Four missions and three dead. That along with poor Woody being sent home without a foot and Ozzy with a bust shoulder. None of us are gonna see ten missions, never mind twenty-five!” He stormed off towards debrief, not waiting for the truck. I sent Brooks after him to try to calm him down. Talk like this won’t help the rest of the crew, and it may be that Perez needs some medical help, or an extended break from flight duty. We will see.
A terrible day – two more young men slaughtered, and more letters home for me to write. The day finished on another low note: S/Sgt. Wood, our crew chief, caught up with me very late in the evening, after towing the aircraft into a hangar for a full inspection.
“Sorry, sir, but the Buggy’s a bust. That 190 hit pretty hard, and although the overall damage don’t look much, the fuselage frames are cracked and warped in the waist area, not to mention some of them missing the top ends where the roof was taken off. She’s CAT-E, sir.”
I returned his salute as he departed, picking up another piece of notepaper on which to request a new aircraft.
Nobody felt like hitting the bar after a day like today, even though Irish got awarded one and a bit of his kills, plus Long had his 109 kill confirmed.
Brooks stopped by for a chat, saying that Perez is still very wound up about today’s casualties and will bear careful watching in the next few days. I am going to request an assessment at the base hospital for him, as there are nine of us depending on him up there.
1Lt Franco Vorelli, Pilot Commanding B-17F-80BO-42-30008 "Blitz Buggy" 79th (H) BS, 509th (H) BG
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kfan
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 13
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Post by kfan on Sept 4, 2023 12:05:22 GMT -8
B-17F "Slammin' Sally" 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Commander: Major William James Mission Date: 20 JAN 44 Mission Number: 4 Bomber Mission: 4
Formation: Mid Position: #6
Target: Istres/Le Tube, FranceTarget Type: Aerodrome Bomb Run: On Target - 20% Crew:
Position | Rank and Names | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1 LT Alan Schneider | 4 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Co-Pilot | 2 LT Dennis Baxter | 4 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Bombardier | 2 LT Lewis Walton | 4 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Navigator | 2 LT Oscar Shepherd | 4 | 0 | 1 | None | Okay | Engineer | S/SGT Donald Williams | 2 | 1 | 2 | None | Okay | Radio Operator | T/SGT Nathaniel Swenson | 4 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Ball Gunner | S/SGT Garry Wyatt | 4 | 0 | 1 | None | Okay | Port Waist | SGT Oscar Albright | 4 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Starboard Waist | SGT Bob Hanna | 4 | 0 | 0 | None | Okay | Tail Gunner | SGT Lonnie Bishop | 4 | 1 | 2 | None | Okay |
Enemies Encountered:
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | FW-190 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Me-110 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | JU-88C | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Damage: None Peckham Points: 0
AAR (TfT used for mission)
The crew was anxious after a failed mission and long weather delay. Not long after takeoff and close to the coast several 190s were encountered. Our fighter pilots did a bang up job of keeping them at bay. One came at us from directly from above but fortunately missed the mark. In a separate wave our crack top gunner bagged a second aircraft on his second flight so he is two for two.
The flight over the Tyrrhenian was thankfully quiet and the RAF intercepted all enemy aircraft in the vicinity of the target airfield. We line up nicely for the drop and it looks like we were about 20% on target.
As we approached our base we were jumped by three more pesky 190s. One was intercepted but two got through the defenses and positioned for an attack. Both enemies missed, and our tail gunner got one as it was passing by in a near collision. We brought her down safely with machine and crew in good order and good spirits.
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Post by kozzackkelt on Sept 4, 2023 13:36:03 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: LEAD BOMBER, LOW Formation Mission Date: 20 JAN. 1944 Mission Number: 4 Target: Istres / La Tube, France / Airdrome
CREW (missions) {Stress Pts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Bryce Dutton (4) { 2} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Tim Metcalf (4) {1} Bombardier: 2Lt. Hal Sherman Ph (4) { } [B%: o6-o5-40-40 ] 2xMe109 Navigator: 2Lt. C. William Buxley (4) { } Engineer: T/Sgt. Robert Carver (4) {1} 1xFw190 Radio Operator: Sgt. Albert Prodhomme (4) { } Ball Turret: Sgt. Rory O'Farrell (4) {1} P Waist Gunner: Sgt. Maurice Kimball (1) { } SB Waist Gunner: Sgt. Peter Martinez (2) { } [+] Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ian Clarke (4) {1} [+] SW: Severed right foot, LW: SF cut, right gluteus. To be sent home.
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 40%
Enemy Aircraft encountered: 10 ~ 5xFw190, 5xMe109
E/A Destroyed: 3 E/A: Probable: 4 E/A Damaged: 0
Enemy fighters driven off by fighter escort: 2
Status of B-17F MISS GRIZZ ~ From report by aircraft maintenance chief, Walton Jackson Higgins, TSgt., Damages to this bomber, from Mission 4, 2o Jan. 1944. 6xSuperficial hits/no effect; Hit to rudder. Will repair, replace and perform routine maintenance on this aircraft. Estimated time of repairs/maintenance: one day.
AAR: MISS GRIZZ took off through sheets of rain, and climbed to assigned low altitude and when the other bombers of the squadron joined up, we headed to our target for today. No encounters with E/A until on approach to target, when a couple of distant E/A launched some rockets at us; nothing hit MISS GRIZZ. There was some flak and our starboard wing was superficially hit. Lt. Sherman dropped on target, cameras show estimated 40% on target. As we were exiting the target zone, 5-6 E/A lined up on us, mostly Fw190' with a solo ME109. Escort fighters delt with several of attacking E/A. Lt. Sherman (bomb.) hit a '109 with his nose gun and the fighter blew up about 150 yards in front of us! MISS GRIZZ flew through some debris and smoke from the destroyed fighter. Sgt. Carver (Eng.) hit one of the Fw190's with his top turret guns and the fighter began to wabble badly then began to pitch downward. The canopy flew back and the Jerry pilot bailed out. (as observed by Sgt. O'Farrell, Ball turret gunner). There were no encounters with E/A until we were passing near Mt. Vesuvius Several Me109's made firing passes at us, there were no escort fighters to be seen. We hit two of the attacking '109's and damaged them, and once again, Lt. Sherman hit one with his nose gun. The '109 was seen to veer to port, then nose down. That Jerry pilot also took to his silk. However, one of the '109's hit us fairly hard, from six level. Jerry put a number of hits in tail area, the worse was a shell blowing off Sgt. Clarke's right foot. Some emergency first aid was rendered on Sgt. Clarke by Sgt.Prodhomme (R.O.). After we descended through the clouds, Lt. Buxley (Nav.) fired off a red flare. We landed safely on the rain slickened runway. An ambulance was waiting, and it took Sgt. Clarke to hospital. Sgt. Clarke will be sent back to the states. 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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Post by sdpoulter on Sept 4, 2023 15:15:08 GMT -8
B-17G California Dreamin
Pilot: 1st Lt Gavin Dees
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 20 Jan 44
Mission Number: 004
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Istres/Le Tube, France- Airdrome
Crew/Position/Rank Current Missions Previous Claims This Mission Stress Points Status
Pilot 1st Lt Gavin Dees 4 0 0 0 RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Juan Nash 4 0 0 0 RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Jack Doyle 4 0 0 0 RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Jimmie Fernandez 2 0 0 0 RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Morse Krieger 4 0 1 0 RTD
Radioman S/Sgt Joseph Murch 4 0 0 0 RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt David Burnham 4 0 1 0 RTD
PWG Sgt Duncan Edwards 4 0 0 0 RTD
SWG S/Sgt Jose Harris 4 0 0 0 RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Clayton Jacobs 4 0 0 0 RTD
Bomb Run: On Target
On Target: 40%
B-17 Damage: 5 Hits
Peckham Points: 13
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe Landing
E/A Encountered:
E/A Encountered Destroyed Probable Damaged Intercepted
Bf-109 7 0 0 1 0
Bf-110 2 2 0 0 0
Fw-190 2 0 0 0 0
Confirmed Claims: 2
Casualties: None
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
After Action Report (using TFT):
Outbound
Our fourth mission on this tour was a long journey and we were met with light resistance. We took off in poor weather and managed to make it into the air after a false alarm for an engine failure and form up with the others.
Zone 2
We had contact right away in Zone 2 with two waves, first wave consisted of 3 BF-109’s at 6 Lv, 1:30 Lv and 1:30 H. The fighter cover drives off 2 of the 109’s and leaves the 6 Lv 109. The tailgunner Sgt. Jacobs fires at the 109 and misses. The 109 attacks and gets 3 hits (tail-rudder, superficial damage, and bomb bay bombs with no effect) We did not collide with another airplane. Fighter cover drove off the 109 during 2nd attack. The second wave had 2 FW-190’s both of which were driven off by fighter coverage.
Zone 3
No encounters
Zone 4
No encounters
Zone 5
No encounters
Zone 6
No encounters
Zone 7
No encounters
Zone 8
No encounters
Zone 9
No enounters
Zone 10
No encounters
Zone 11
Wave 1 had a BF-109 at 10:30 H and fighter cover drove him off. Wave 2 had no attackers.
Target Zone
Flak even though medium did not hit us. We were on target with a 40% bomb hit. We turned for home and ran into 3 109’s 1:30 Lv, 9 H, 12 H. Fighter cover drove off the 109 at 1:30 Lv. Chin turret 2nd Lt. Fernandez gets an FCA and left waist gunner Sgt. Edwards misses. The 12 H bandit attacks and misses, then breaks off. 9 H bandit attacks and misses, then breaks off. Wave 2 consists of 2 Bf-110’s and are driven off by fighter cover. Wave 3 consists of 3 Bf-110’s, 12 Lv, 6 Lv and VC. Top Turret T/Sgt. Krieger fires and misses. Chin turret 2nd Lt. Doyle shoots and misses. Ball Turret Sgt. Burnham hits and kills the 6 L 110. The 12 Lv attacks and hits with 2 hits, bomb bay superficial and wing engine #4 superficial damage. 110 has second at 9 Lv and Top Turret T/Sgt. Krieger shoots and kills remaining 110.
INBOUND
Zone 11
No encounters
Zone 10
Wave 1 has no attackers and wave 2 has no attackers.
Zone 9
No encounters
Zone 8
No encounters
Zone 7
No encounters
Zone 6
No encounters
Zone 5
No encounters
Zone 4
No encounters
Zone 3
Wave 1, no attackers.
Zone 2
Wave 1, random event extra tight formation. No encounters
Base
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 campsawyer on Sept 5, 2023 5:03:07 GMT -8
B-17F Double Bomb (B-17F-100BO 42-30333) Pilot: 1st Lt Paul Flores Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Low/14 Mission Date: 20 Jan 44 Mission Number: 4Missions This Bomber: 3 Base: Guilia, Italy Target: Istres, France - Airdrome Crew | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Paul Flores | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Sanders | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Thompson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD - PH | Navigator 2nd Lt Cox | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer T/Sgt King | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Radioman T/Sgt Ramirez | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Roberts | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Scott | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Brown
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner S/Sgt Thomas | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: N/A On Target: 0% B-17 Damage: 9 Hits; Pilot O2, Bombardier Heat, LW-Bombardier, Rudder and Control Cables Peckham Points: 34Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Taylor, average Landing: Safe E/A | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | FW-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ME-109 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Confirmed Claims: 1 Casualties: LW - Bombardier 2nd LT Thompson Award/ Promotions Requests: 1 Purple Heart - Bombardier 2nd LT Thompson After Action Report OutboundAfter the briefing we checked out the plane as this was going to be a long flight and wanted to make sure there was not issues. Weather will still be a issue on take-off but we are getting experience with this. Take-off went well and we formed up on the outer edge of the low formation and headed out. As we approached the coast we spotted 3 ME 109s lining up for a stacked attack. The crew jumped to there guns while our P47 fighter support engaged. Two ME109's get through and attack at the 10:30 position. The top turret and the navigator LT Cox jumped on the left cheek for the high ME109 and the Ball Turret and Port Waist took the low one. All shots missed and the high 109 scored superficial hits, while the low one fired a quick burst that missed before it moved off. The Tail Gunner SSGT Thomas took a passing shot at the high 109 but missed. The 109 lined up for another 1030 attack, this time from the low position. SGT Roberts and Scott line up the bail turret and port waist to drive it off, but both missed. The 109 opened, this time with the 20mm nose cannon and hit our front. 2LT Thompson was hit in the leg, but was able to bandage it up. He also lost the controls to his heat suit as well as the hit severing the O2 line for my position. The 109 passed under and Thomas tried another passing shot, but missed. The 109 circled and came around to our 12 low position and SGT Roberts and 2nd LT Thompson lined the ball turret and nose gun at him. Both missed him again and he scored hits and the rudder became sluggish. The 109 passed under us and SGT Thomas made another passing shot. This time he hit its wing and he poured into the hit, shredding the wing root causing the 109 to spiral our of control. InboundSafe from any more attacks we took stock of the damage. With my O2 out I had LT Sanders take control and move us down to 10,000 feet. I had 2nd LT Cox check on Thompson and make better bandages of the leg wound. I also had SGT Ramirez radio the lead plane that we needed to abort, then Sanders turned the plane back to Guilia. With the rudder damage and bombs still onboard the landing would have a bit more of a challenge with the weather. But all went well and we landed safely. 1st Lt Paul Flores, Pilot, 80th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Sept 5, 2023 6:19:46 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: 20 January 1944 Mission Number: 4 Mission of this bomber: 4 Formation: High Position: Lead Target: Istres/Le Tube, France 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 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Elmer Gibson
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Homer Miller
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Norman Burch | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 2 | Engineer | S/Sgt Arthur McLane | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| RFD | 0 | Radio Op. | T/Sgt Tony Stevens | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 1 | Ball Gunner | S/Sgt Ramon Furtado
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD
| 2 | Port WG | Sgt Milton Flint
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Dean Stoddart
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RFD | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Dale Lindberg
| 4 | 0 | 1,66 |
| RFD
| 2 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgr Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 4 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Me-109 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Me-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Total | 10 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
Claims:
- S/Sgt A. McLane - 1 Me109 claimed - full credit awarded Damage:
- Engine Extinguisher system inoperable: 20 ( I have considered system no effect 5pts x nr. 4 Engines) - Engine #2 Turbo-supercharger failure: 5 Peckham Points: 25 pts - overnight maintenance Casualties: --Awards: -- AAR (flown with TFT)
We were excited about the first long mission and the position of Lead Bomber. We had so much tension and stress accumulated during the last few days and missions called back that we couldn't wait to take off. Giulia Airbase: Despite the poor weather we managed to take off without difficulty and wait for the assembly of the whole squadron. Zone 2 Outbound: The warning lights in the cockpit reported an anomaly to the engine fire extinguishers; a check by the S/Sgt McLane confirmed the failure and non-repairability of the entire system. We continued the mission hoping for the custody of our escort and luck. Zone 3-11 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 12 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Engine #2 turbo-supercharger failure reported while entering target zone. Attacked by 4 Me-109: three of them were driven off by friendly fighters, last one managed to approach but performed an evasive maneuver and disappeared into the clouds after his shots missed us. Flak over the target was moderate but no damage were reported. Bomb dropped with a sufficient result. No Flak reported while turning to homebase. We were attacked by 5 Jerrys, only 1 was intercepted and driven away. Two were damaged and escaped, causing us no damages, one walked away after his shots were inaccurate. A 12 Lv o'clock Me-109 was shot down by the S/Sgt McLane. Some German rockets were lobbed into formation but caused no damage to the ship. Zone 11-3 Inbound: Nothing to report. Thanks to the decrease in weight due to the bomb drop and fuel consumption, we were able to stay in formation despite the turbo-supercharger failure of engine #2. Zone 2 Inbound: A Ju-88 tried to cause trouble and prevent us from returning to base, but after being heavily damaged on the right wing preferred to leave the sky. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. It was a long mission that required all our attention and tense nerves throughout the trip. Tonight we will celebrate at the pub together with the crew to release the tension a little. I asked the Ground Crew Chief to thoroughly check the engine systems, as they were a matter of great concern to us during this mission. -------------------------------------------------
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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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Sept 5, 2023 7:21:20 GMT -8
After-Action ReportB-17F-100BO 42-30399 – “Irascible Girl”79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
Commander: 1st Lt. H. Simmons Mission Date: 20 January 1944 Mission Number: 4 Mission of this bomber: 4 Formation: Middle Position: Middle Target: Istres/Le Tube, France Target Type: Airdrome Bomb Run: On Target - 40% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Henry Simmons | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 1 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Jerry Taylor
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Matthew Mallard
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 2 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Bruce Mullins | 4 | 0 | .33 |
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Tim Burkey | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| RTD | 0 | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Paul Stewart | 4 | 0 | 0 | PH | RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Matthew Whalen
| 4 | 0 | 1.33 |
| RTD
| 0 | Port WG | Sgt George Buck
| 4 | 0 | 1 |
| RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Harvey McGinty
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Michael Bolden
| 4 | 0 | 1 | PH | RTD
| 1 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgr Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 4 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Me-109 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Me-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2
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Claims:- T/Sgt T. Burkey: 1 Me-109 claimed - full credit awarded Damage: --Peckham Points: 0pts - ordinary maintenance Casualties: --Awards: --AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Take-off and assembly into poor weather were ok. Zone 2 Outbound: Rockets lobbed into formation cause no damage to our ship. Zone 3 Outbound: A lone Me-109 encountered and was shot down by the top turret that tore the fuselage and killed the pilot. Zone 4-11 Outbound: Nothing to report Zone 12 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Enemy bombs dropped from above into formation but no damage were reported by our ship. Attacked by a Fw-190 who was driven off by RAF guys. In a subsequent wave, 2 Fw-190s were damaged and moved away while the third was engaged in a dogfight with an escort fighter. of moderate intensity the Flak did not cause us any damage. The approach to the target and the dropping of the bombs took place without problems and from the first impressions it seems to have been a good result. No Flak on egress from target zon; a lone attacking Fw-190 was driven off by RAF fighters. Zone 11-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. Tonight it's time to relax! -------------------------------------------------
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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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Sept 5, 2023 12:27:30 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: 20 JAN 1944 Mission Number: 4 This Aircraft: 4 Target: Istre / Le Tube, France, Airfield CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Current Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Romeo Clayton | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Caesar Woodward | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Arthur Alstott | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Noe Parra | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Clarence Patterson | 4 | 1.83 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Waist | T/4th Travis Kauffman | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | NT / Waist | S/Sgt Kamil Fisher | 4 | 1.5 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Ball Turret | Sgt Calvin Huang | 4 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | 2 | Left Waist / NT | T/4th Caleb Compton | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Damari Early | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt King Solis | 2 | | 0 | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: Off Target, 0 % Casualties: None Damage: None Peckham Points: None Landing: Safe Enemy AircraftType | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2.83 | 0 | Ju-88 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
ClaimsPosition | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Top | 3 | 1.33 | 1 | Right Waist | 2 | 1.5 | 0 |
Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTGood defensive gunnery, even if the review board disagreed. No enemy aircraft came near us until approaching the target. The Luftwaffe seemed to unleash their full fury on us in the target zone. We encountered no other enemy fighters at any other time on this mission. First off, a pair of Junkers 88. Brits Spits drove off one, while T/Sgt Patterson shot down the second. Right on their tails came a trio of FW-190s. S/Sgt Fisher shot down the first. T/Sgt Patterson damaged the second, we missed the third. Either of the two surviving fighters scored any hits on us. A duo of FW-190s right on the heels of the first three attacked. Sgt Early damaged the first, with a passing shot. The second was shot down by T/Sgt Patterson. Flak was as advertised, but inaccurate. The buzz of enemy activity unnerved Lt Parra, as he completely screwed the pooch, scoring a big fat goose egg. Pulling away from the target, four more Fw-190s attacked. Two were driven off by our escorts, with our defensive gunnery shooting down the remaining pair. T/Sgt Patterson and S/Sgt Fisher each got full credit for their kills. No more enemy fighters were encountered for the rest of the mission. Submitted by, 1Lt Romeo Clayton, Pilot B-24D Bottoms Up 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Sept 5, 2023 15:22:41 GMT -8
15AF Mission #4 Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #1)Crew Commander: 1LT Floyd Speer Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle TARGET: Airdrome Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Prior Kills
Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | Floyd Speer | 3 |
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| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | George McQuinn | 3 |
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| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Johnny Marcum | 3 |
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| RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | Pat Tobin | 3 |
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| RFD
| Engineer | S/SGT | Sam Harshaney | 3 | | | RFD | Radio Operator | S/SGT | John Whitehead | 3 |
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| RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bill Trotter | 3 |
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| RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Harry Kimberlin | 3 |
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| RFD
| Right Waist | SGT | Joe Glenn | 3 |
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| RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Dave Short | 3 |
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| RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) (skill +1) (=3 for next mission) Bomb Percentage: off-target, 0% Bomber Disposition: Over night repair Bomber Damage: bomb bay doors (10) Electrical no effect (5) 7 X Superficial Damage (14) Peckham Points: 29 Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failures on this mission. . Ground crew random events: none Post Mission Repairs: Unmodified 12: Excellent work on the repairs of your ship after today’s mission. Your Crew Chief receives D6 Skill Points (2) and your ship one Lucky Charm! Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 13
| ME-109 | Fw-190
| Me-110 | Me-210 | Ju88C-6
| Totals | Escort Intercept |
| 3 | 1 |
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| 4 | Undamaged |
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| Damaged | 1 | 3 | 1
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| 5 | Probable/Denied | 1 |
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| 1
| Destroyed |
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| 1 | 2
| 3 |
Casualties: none Claims: SGT Trotter Me109 denied SGT Short Me210 half credit SGT Glenn & SGT Trotter Ju88C-6 full credit 2LT Marcum & S/SGT Harshaney Ju88C-6 half credit Awards: none AAR We arrived back at Giulia the day after the mission against the Airdrome at Perugia to find a B-24J model waiting for us. With the bad weather and two scrubbed mission the crew hasn’t had much time to get fully familiar with the Bama Beauty. Our crew chief had used the couple of days he had before we got back to base to fine tune the Bama Beauty for its’ first combat mission. OUTBOUND As we headed out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, we observed enemy fighters attempting to engage the formation but none near us and they appeared to be mostly ineffective. After a quite trip back over Corsica The RAF escorts meet us with the formation at the appointed time and as we approached the target area things were going smoothly (random event gained a lucky charm) TARGET AREA As we entered the target area we hit a hornets’ nest of enemy fighters. The RAF spitfires chased off a Fw190 when we first entered the target area. Then 2 Me109s and a Me210 jumped us. S/SGT Harshaney in the top turret damaged a Me109 at 9/Lv, which in turn raked us with multiple hits from the pilot compartment to the tail but they all only did superficial damage. SGT Trotter in the ball turret took the left wing off a Me109 attacking in vertical clime and no chute was observed as it spun out of sight. SGT Short shot up a Me210 attacking a 6/H and observed the pilot bailing out of the damaged a/c. After the IP we took hits for flak burst near us causing more superficial damage plus a burst that jammed the bomb bay doors. S/SGT Harshaney with T/SGT Whitehead helping could not get the doors to open over the target. I made the call to wait until we were back over water before dumping the bomb thru the bomb bay door. We reached the RP without any additional issues but once we rejoin the formation the RAF had to run off a Fw190. Right after that two Ju88C-6 tried their luck. The first came in a 1:30/Lo and 2LT Marcum & S/SGT Harshaney shot it up with both wings coming off and no chutes observed. The second at 3/Lv had its Ring wing shot off by SGT Glenn & SGT Trotter. Once again, no chutes were observed. INBOUND One we cleared the French coast we dropped out bomb load through bomb bays doors. Shortly after that the RAF escorts chased off a Fw190 while a second evaded them and came at us head on. 2LT Marcum & S/SGT Harshaney damaged the right wing and missed us and continued on through the formation. After that all was quite until we reached the Italian coast. Then the Luftwaffe had nothing been to do than go after us. The escorts from the 1FG intercepted a Me110 trying to attack us. SGT Trotter engaged a Me110 in a vertical clime doing some damage to it and taking some superficial damage in return. Shortly afterwards 2 Fw190 go through the escorts. S/SGT Harshaney damaged one coming in at 12/H and could see the oil splattered windshield as it went by, missing us in both ways. 2LT Marcum with the nose turret damaged the second coming in a 12/Lv and its’ attack also missed us. safe landing at Giulia Airfield. T/SGT Patrick reports that the Bama Beauty will be ready for the next mission and that he expects us to take better care of his bomber next mission. 1LT George Gill, Pilot Commanding B-24D Bama Beauty 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 8th AF
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Sept 6, 2023 17:44:15 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Badgers (4)
Crew Commander: Captain WW Robinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Lead
Mission Date: 20 Jan 44 Mission #: 4 Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: Capt. WW Robinson (4) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. J Van Door (4) {0} PH Bombardier: 2nd Lt. C Lefler (4) {0} PH: 2, DFC Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Sloat (4) {0} PH Engineer: MSgt. A Bissett (4) {1} Ball Gunner: Sgt. E Dean (4) {0} Radio Oper.: Sgt. I Cooper (4) {0} PH: 2 Pt Waist G: Sgt. S Hatfield (4) {1} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. J Lewis (4) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. W Towney (3) {4} PH
Bomb Percentage: 5%
Bomber Disposition: Starboard Wing Root, Superficial Damage (31 Peckham Points)
Casualties: I Cooper: SW – 14 days in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: I Cooper: PH
Mission Description: Filed by Captain WW Robinson, pilot commanding
VD and I took Sloat along with us to the briefing this morning. As the lead bomber in the lead group Lt. Sloat was responsible for getting the entire group to the target and back today. If Sloat was nervous, he was hiding it well.
We lined up at the front of the group and watched the flare float over the end of the field. I pushed throttles and three thousand horsepower of the big Pratt & Whitneys roared to life. Never get tired of feeling that power. We took off with incident and circled the field while the rest of the group formed up behind us.
We turned northwest and headed for France. No fighters attacked us during the entire outbound leg. As we approached the target the German flak guns opened up on us with a vengeance. The plane took damage and Sgt. Cooper was seriously wounded. He is going to need a couple weeks in the hospital. With the plane bouncing all over the place, Lefler had a difficult time lining up on the target and we dropped a little late. Hopefully the rest of the group behind us had better luck with the target.
We turned for home and saw no fighters all the way back to base to land safely.
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Sept 7, 2023 4:21:26 GMT -8
After-Action ReportThe Butcher's Daughter (B-17F-10BO-41-24484) Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Commander: 1st Lt. S. Livingston Mission Date: 20 January 1944 Mission Number: 4 Mission of this bomber: 2 Formation: Low Position: Middle Target: Istres/Le Tube, France Target Type: Airdrome Bomb Run: On Target - 20% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1st Lt. Scott Livingston | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Frank Wall
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Barney Healey
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Rod Towsley | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Engineer | S/Sgt Wilbur Porter | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Alan Gipson | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Ball Gunner | Sgt Jason Ash
| 1 | 1 | 0 |
| RTD
| Port WG | Sgt Lowell Price
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| Starboard WG | Sgt Virgil Goodman
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Tail Gunner | Sgt Bret Ackerman
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
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E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0
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Claims:- Sgt J. Ash: 1 Me-110 claimed - full credit awarded - Sgt B. Ackerman: 1 Me-110 claimed - no credit awarded Damage:
- Superficial x2: 2 - Engine #2 inop: 25 Peckham Points: 27pts - RTD on 22 January 1944 Casualties: --Awards: --AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Take-off and assembly into poor weather were ok. Zone 2 Outbound: Attacked by a couple of Me-100. The one attacking from below, in vertical climb, was driven off by our fighters. Second one went down when its left wing was teared off by ball gunner shots. Zone 3 Outbound: A lone Fw-190 from 12H was driven off. Zone 4-11 Outbound: Nothing to report Zone 12 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): A Fw-190 engaged us while approaching the target but was driven off. Moderate Flak cause some superficial damage. We aligned and leveled with the target and dropped our load. No Flak after bombing. One Fw-190 and one Ju-88 were driven off and a third Ju-88 was heavily damaged and preferred to withdraw. Zone 11-5 Inbound: Nothing to report. Zone 4 Inbound: Engine #2 stopped after loss of power, it was impossible to restart. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. -------------------------------------------------
Scott Livingston, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding
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Post by mrkillabee on Sept 7, 2023 8:14:41 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: 004 Missions This Bomber: 4 Target: Airdrome Crew member | # Missions | TOTAL CLAIMS
| TODAY'S CLAIMS | ConfirmedClaims
| Stress | Status | Pilot: 2LT Edward Llyod | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot: 2LT Vincent Wolfe
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Bombardier: 2LT Matthew Palmer
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator: 2LT Brian Hoffman | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer: S/SGT Larry Walhen | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Radio Operator: S/SGT Flyod Morgan
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Ball Gunner: SGT Billy Wheeler
| 4 | 0,5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Port Waist: S/SGT Vernon Hicks
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Starboard Waist: SGT Herbert Hansen
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Tail Gunner: SGT Matthew Bennett
| 4 | 1,5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | RTD
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Bomb Run: On On Target: 50% 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:The T-TAILED BATHTUB takes off in pouring rain and fits perfectly into the 11th place of the upper cell of the formation despite a narrowly avoided accident during the assembly of the latter. Despite a "Tail-End Charlie" position which somewhat worried the crew, the flight took place without any notable incident until it reached France where once in the objective area, the skies transformed into a veritable hornet's nest. FlaK shells exploding everywhere, the intercom is very quickly saturated, black and furtive forms arise from everywhere. If the British Spitfires managed to keep several FW190s at bay, an Me109 nevertheless managed to place itself within 0600 High of the bomber, but this was without counting on the vigilance and skill of the tail gunner, Matthew Bennett, who managed to make him break off the fight following significant damage to the wing caused by a well-aimed shot. The bomber, Matthew Palmer, nevertheless managed to aim correctly and place about half of his load on the objective. Faced with the determined enemy presence, the British escort decided to work harder! an Me109 however manages to place itself within 0600 of the TTB. A burst from Matthew Bennett tears off his left wing, instantly throwing him towards the ground. No parachute is visible. Enemy activity did not diminish as it moved away from the objective, Billy Wheeler and Herbert Hansen damaged two FW190s over the sea. The TTB comes out unscathed! A small scare however on the return with the temporary loss of power in the upper turret while radio exchanges mention a possible enemy presence in the sector.
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Post by limburger59 on Sept 8, 2023 13:06:43 GMT -8
B-17F BONNIE Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 20 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. 004 TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Nate Sutherland (4) LW Co-Pilot: 2LT William Potter (1) Navigator: 2LT Winchester Lee (4) Bombardier: 2LT Roman Dirigo (4) Engineer/TT: S/SGT Emile Putman (4) [.5] ½ x Bf-109 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Brent Wickie (4) Ball Turret: SGT Keith Turgeon (4) Right Waist: SGT Collin Cordell (1) Left Waist: SGT Ralph Taylor (3) [.5] Tail Gunner: SGT Tony Marshall (4) ½ x Bf-109 destroyed
Bomb Run: On Target 30%
Casualties: 1LT Nate Sutherland: LW – torn flexor – RTD 10 FEB 44
B-17 Damage: Light Wound (2) Radio destroyed (10)
Peckham Points: 12
Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia
Attackers: 22 13x Bf-109: 1 Destroyed, 2 Probables, 1 Damaged, 3 Driven Off 4x Bf-110: 1 Damaged, 3 Driven Off 5x FW-190: 4 Driven Off Total Enemy Aircraft: Kills = 1 Confirmed, Probables = 2, Damaged = 2, Driven Off by Escort = 10
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 1LT Nate Sutherland
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
OUTBOUND: The only harassment outbound was in Zone 3, when three 110s headed for us. Only one got past the escort, and kept on going with some damage courtesy of our nose gun.
TARGET ZONE 12: Approaching the target an assortment of six bandits had designs on us. Half didn’t get past the RAF, and again our nose gun damaged one. Bomb run was adequate with 30% within the designated target box.
Leaving France the formation was dogged by three waves of fighters. It was the third wave that saw us both finally take damage, along with also gaining a confirmed kill of a 109 that tried to take on our 6 o’clock firepower.
INBOUND: Five 109s tried to chase us over the Ligurian Sea. Two were last seen running away with Spitfires on their tails. On limped back towards France trailing smoke. The other two were lousy shots. In Zone 3 we played spectator as the few bandits were kept at bay by the defensive gunnery of the 509th.
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Post by caodwolf on Sept 8, 2023 16:20:57 GMT -8
B-17F: Dam Yankees Pilot: 1Lt. B. Pease Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 20-Jan-1944 Mission No.: 4 Mission this Bomber:3 Target for Today: Istre, France- Airdrome Squadron Position: Low Result: On-Target 11% As the B-17 rumbled down the runway gaining speed engine #3 begins to run rough. She settled once airborne. A bit later over the Tyrrhenian Sea she leaked some oil but again stabilized.
Our escorts were very aggressive today and drove off all and probably shot down many of the spotted German fighters.
Hit by Flak over the target which caused insignificant damage. Bombs were released with marginal results.
Once back over the Tyrrhenian Sea we shut down engine #3 and feathered the prop. Just playing it safe.
Landed back at base.
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | B. Pease | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | D. Horton | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | J. Pate | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | E. Swan | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | Sgt | G. Burdash | 4 | --- | 1 | --- | OK | Radio Op | Sgt | D. Wallace | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | J. Tallo | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | E. Frisbie | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | J. Quain | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | G. Fancher | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK |
None None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | FW-190 | 3 | 3 | --- | --- | --- | ME-109 | 4 | 4 | --- | --- | --- | JU-88 | 2 | 2 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 9 | 9 | --- | --- | --- |
-Fire Engine #3 > extinguished > Out
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Sept 9, 2023 17:03:57 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Buckeyes (4) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. SS Carrol Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Midddle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 20 Jan 44 Mission #: 4 Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. SS Carrol (4) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. D Lewis (4) {0} Bombardier 2nd Lt. GS Smith (3) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. D Troxel (4) {0} Engineer: MSgt. H Langdon (4) {5} AM Ball Gunner: Sgt. H Huffman (4) {0} Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Thompson (4) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. V Cromwell (4) {0} PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. AD West (4) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. D Donner (2) {1} Temp
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Superficial Damage (14 Peckham Points)
Casualties: Sgt. V Cromwell: KIA
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (2:109, 2:190, 1:110) Damaged: (1:109, 2:190, 1:110) Destroyed: (1:109, 1:190, 0:110) H Langdon: 109
Special Note: Sgt. V Cromwell: PH H Langdon: Air Medal for becoming an ace gunner
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. SS Carol, pilot commanding
Lewis and I came back from the briefing to see the men huddled under the port wing trying to hide from the rain When they saw us approach, they all scrambled out. “Attention” barked MSgt Langdon and they all came to attention. I saluted them and told them to stand at ease. Despite my continued insistence that all this spit and polish was not necessary Langdon would not give up on it. Apparently before the war he had served a tour as a drill sergeant. I guess once a drill sergeant always a drill sergeant. Our regular crew was once again joined by Sgt. Donner while our regular tail gunner recovers in the hospital.
They are an efficient crew though and were ready to go. We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the low squadron. We saw a few fighters and we pulled away from the Italian coast. Nothing the escorts could not handle. It was quiet over the Med. The Germans were waiting for us as we approached France. We were attacked by a 110 and then a pair of 109s on the way to the target. Langdon shot down one to become the plane’s first ace. Smith was finally on target and we turned for home.
Then we were attacked by a pair of butcher birds. The dreaded FW 190s. We got a piece of both, but one attacking from 4:30 high drove his attack home and riddled the plane with bullets. After he flew away Lewis asked everyone to check in on the intercom. He heard eight voices ring out in succession and a report from West that Cromwell was dead. We later found out he took a bullet in the back of the head and probably felt nothing.
The crew was quiet and sullen the whole way home. The Germans left us alone and we landed safely back at base. Tonight, I will have to figure out what to tell Cromwell’s mother.
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