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Post by limburger59 on Sept 9, 2023 21:07:55 GMT -8
B-17F: STAR EYES Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Squadron - Middle MISSION DATE: 20 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. #4 TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Steve Kearney (2) Co-Pilot: 2LT Jason Medoff (1) Navigator: 2LT Stanley Paige (2) Bombardier: 2LT Edwin O'Brien (2) Engineer/TT: S/SGT Luke Crawford (2) [.33] Radio Op: SGT Theo Morris (1) Ball Turret: SGT Rod Alsita (2) Right Waist: SGT Ed Levin (1) Left Waist: SGT Kaiden Williams (1) Tail Gunner: SGT Dave Donners (2)
Bomb Run: Off Target 0%
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: None
Peckham Points: 0
Disposition: SafeLanding at Giulia
Attackers: 6 3x Bf-109: 1 Driven Off 3x ME-410: 2 Driven Off
Award/Promotion Requests: None
AFTER ACTION REPORT : (QOTS + Jasta6's GAF Resistance Variant):
Spare crew assigned to spare bomber.
OUTBOUND - Zone 3: Three 109s made a run at us. Two eluded the escort but missed us as they hurried past.
TARGET ZONE 12: The bandits were busy elsewhere, so our Bombardier has no excuse for missing the airdrome.
Only one of three 410s got past the RAF, and our gunners traded misses with it.
INBOUND: Nothing to report.
GIULIA: Safe landing.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Sept 10, 2023 13:29:57 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Wolverines (4)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. HR Morrow Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 20 Jan 44 Mission #: 4 Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. HR Morrow (4) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. H Whiting (4) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. F Farland (4) {0} PH Navigator: 2nd Lt. M O’Donnell (4) {0} PH: 2 Engineer: MSgt. L Aldrich (4) {3} PH Ball Gunner: Sgt. A Blake (4) {0} PH Radio Oper.: Sgt. A Casterline (4) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. R Eldridge (4) {0} PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. L Hall (4) {0} PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. M Laffin (4) {3}
Bomb Percentage: 20%
Bomber Disposition: Port Waist Gun, Superficial Damage (23 Peckham Points)
Casualties: M O’Donnell: KIA F Farland: LW – 2 days in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 7:190, 1:110) Damaged: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 1:190, 1:110) L Aldrich: 190, 110
Special Note: M O’Donnell: PH F Farland: PH
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. HR Morrow
Another lovely day in Italy. It has been raining for days. The camp is full of mud, the hardstand is full of mud. The plane slid down the runway and barely made it off the ground. We settled into the formation and headed out over the sea.
As we made out big turn to the right to head towards France the Luftwaffe were waiting for us. A trio of 190s attacked us. Aldrich shot down one, one missed us completely, and the third hosed the nose with bullets. Both Farland and O’Donnell were hit. Farland did first aid on O’Donnell and slapped bandage on his own wound. Farland was good to go, but O’Donnell was in bad shape. We moved him back to the waist so he could lie down and Eldridge took over at the cheek guns.
We saw no more fighters until we arrived in the target zone where a 190 and a 110 attacked us. Aldrich got the 110 and Farland, despite his wound, was on target and we turned for home.
Most of the flight home was quiet until the sure enough the Germans were waiting for us to make the turn to the west. Three more 190s. One of them shot up the waist killing the wounded O’Donnell. We landed safely back at base.
The crew lined up and stood at attention as the medics took O’Donnell’s body out of the plane. O’Donnell is the first man the Pride of the Wolverines has lost and he will be dearly missed.
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Post by limburger59 on Sept 10, 2023 16:17:16 GMT -8
B-17G: GREAT EXPECTATIONS: B-17F-75BO 42-18544 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low Sqdn - Middle MISSION DATE: 20 JAN 44 MISSION # 4 (4th mission this bomber) TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France, Italy - Airdrome Bomb Run: On Target - 50% CREWPosition | Rank | Name | Current Mission | Previous Kills | Claims Today
| Confirmed Today
| Status | Stress | Notes | Pilot | 1 LT
| Peter "Pip" Dickins
| 4
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| RTD |
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| Copilot | 2 LT
| Matthew Pocket
| 4
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| LW
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| Bombardier | 2 LT | Jack Dawkins
| 2
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| SW
| 1+1 |
| Navigator | 2 LT | Clive Pumblechook
| 4
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| SW-IH
| 2+1 |
| Engineer | S/SGT | Mike Dixon
| 1
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| | | RTD
| +1 |
| Radioman | S/SGT | Luke Wopsle
| 4
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| RTD
| 1+1 |
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bentley Drummle
| 4
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| RTD | 1 |
| PWG | SGT | Henry Hubble | 4
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| LW |
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| SWG | SGT | John Wemmick
| 4
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| Tail Gunner | SGT | Mick Jaggers
| 4
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| RTD
| 1 |
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Casualties: 2LT Clive Pumblechook: SW – Cracked Skull – Invalidated Home 2LT Jack Dawkins: SW - broken scapula - RTD 10 FEB 44 2LT Matthew Pocket: LW - leg cut - RTD 23 JAN 44 SGT Henry Hubble: LW – torn pectoralis – RTD 27 JAN 44
B-17 Damage: Superficial x7 (7) Light Wound x2 (4) Structural N/E (5) Serious Wound x2 (10) Nav Equipment destroyed (10) Tail Guns destroyed (20) Mechanical Failure: Ball Turret Jammed / Gunner Trapped (10)
Peckham Points: 66 – One full day to repair – RTD 22 JAN 44
Crew Chief: S/SGT Julian San Sebastian (Status: Average Joe)
B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia
Attackers: 4
| # | Claimed Destroyed
| Confirmed Destroyed
| Probable | Damaged | Run Off
| Bf-109 | 2 |
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| Bf-110 | 2 |
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| 1 |
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| FW-190 | 0 |
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| Ju88 | 0 |
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| ME-210 | 0 |
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| Re2005 | 0 |
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| TOTALS
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 2LT Clive Pumblechook, 2LT Matthew Pocket, 2LT Jack Dawkins, SGT Henry Hubble In Hospital: Everyone is flying today AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant)
OUTBOUND: No enemy action against our bomber, but the Gremlins got to us, causing the Ball Turret to jam in Zone 10. Repeated attempts to free the Ball Turret Gunner failed. TARGET ZONE 12: Flak inflicted some structural damage to the port wing, but it didn't distract our Bombardier from getting half our bombs in the designated target area. As we headed back out over the sea German rockets flashed through the formation, just missing us. The German fighters we saw at a distance were repelled by the defensive firepower of the formation. INBOUND: In Zone 3, the Luftwaffe boiled out of their bases around Rome. Whether it was a missed rendezvous or preoccupation, there were few American fighters to be seen. We count ourselves lucky that only four bandits made runs at us, one walking hits from tail to nose. When the dust settled we had four wounded crewmembers. GIULIA: The splashdown in the mud was anti-climatic for everyone except SGT Drummle, trapped in his Ball Turret. I had hoped that seeing the sunshine over the French Riviera would help ease the stress that some crewmembers were feeling; but between the Mechanical failure, the tail guns being blown out of the Tail Gunner's hands, and the bad weather, some crew men are drinking to excess. At least that Eeyore Pumblechook won't be returning to the Great Expectations.
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Post by kageyone on Sept 11, 2023 20:57:50 GMT -8
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Post by crushedhat on Sept 12, 2023 14:01:55 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 20 Jan 44 MISSION NBR. 4/This Bomber 4 TARGET: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: High Squadron, Middle
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (4) [0] Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, 22, (4) [0] Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (4) [0] * Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, 27, (4) [1/3] # Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, 20, (4) [2 1/3] ** Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (4) [0] Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (4) [3] # Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (4) [0] # Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Donald Davila, (4) [1/3] # SW - IH Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (4) [2] * * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: Fw 190 12=4 KIA, 3 Damaged, 4 to Spitfire, 1 Undamaged (3 Ace, 4 Green) Me 109 3=2 KIA, 1 to P-38 (2 Green) Me 110 1=1 to P-47 16
Claims: Only credited kills reported here Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: 1/3 Fw 190 Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: ½ Fw 190. ½ Me 109 Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Me 109 Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Donald Davila: 1/3 Fw 190 Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: ½ Fw 190
Bomb Run: On Target, 40%
B-24 Damage: Superficial x1 (2), SW x1 (5) Peckham Points: 7 Peckham Points, Ac ready 21 Jan 44
Casualties: Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Donald Davila: SW - IH 3 Feb 44
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Donald Davila: Purple Heart
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: None
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“That’s just great!” 2LT Elliot Peterson mutters as Laid Back Lady executes a series of climbing turns to reach the assembly point.
Prompted by his Co-Pilot’s comment, Capt Paul Garfield looks over to see Peterson tapping one of the gauges on the instrument panel. The manifold pressure for the #1 engine is dancing all over the place.
A moment later, both men breathe a sigh of relief as the gauge settles down on a normal operating reading.
We had a bit of a hiccup during takeoff when the #1 engine started to act up. But, it quickly resolved itself and I’m happy to say that after my heart-to-heart with TSgt Mason last mission, we didn’t experience any other mechanical issues.
I have to say that this mission was a bit more active than the previous ones. We’d barely formed up when (Zone 2) the Luftwaffe began harassing the formation. A lone Me 110 made for us, but was driven off by a couple of P-47s from the 325th. As we headed out over the Tyrrhenian Sea (Zone 3), Wood’s Chopper II, reported they were aborting.
It felt a bit exposed when our escorts left us (Zone 5). But we weren’t bothered again before we picked up the RAF Spitfires (Zone 10). As we drew nearer the French coast (Zone 11), the Luftwaffe reappeared, though no EA bothered us. Guess it must’ve been our lucky day (Random Event: Lady Luck Smiles).
Over the target (Zone 12) our luck still held, a lone Fw 190 making for us, but falling prey to our British allies. This was followed up by another wave of four more 190s. he Spits dealt with one and we flamed two others, suffering only minor damage ourselves. The flak on target ingress was inaccurate. 2LT Martell put a respectable 40% of bombs on target.
Target egress was a different story. While there was no flak to contend with, it simply meant that Jerry had more time to engage us, three waves attacking. First in was a trio of 190s. The RAF engaged one, but that was to be the last help we’d get form them for a while. We damaged another, dampening his interest. But the third made a total of three passes before paying for his persistence with his life. In return, Sgt Davilla was seriously wounded and 2LT Martell reported his gun jammed. Two FWs came in on the second wave, but only one left. Then rockets started bursting among the formation, though we avoided taking any damage.
Heading back over the Ligurian Sea (Zone 11), two Fw 190s attacked. The RAF was back in the game and chased off one while the other dove past us so fast he couldn’t get in a decent shot, a rookie move. Others didn’t fair as well, Valkyrie falling out of formation. A bit further on (Zone 10) we saw two more waves of EA forming up, but none attacked us.
As we approached Corsica (Zone 8), Bonkers fell out of formation. After that things quieted down until we were back over Italy (Zone 2). A trio of Me 109s bore in. We flamed two and a P-38 shot down the third.
The rain-slicked runway made the landing touch and go (OOC – rolled a modified 2). Sgt Davila was loaded into the ambulance as soon as we came to a stop. Reports from the hospital are that he’ll recover, but his flying days are over. We’ll need a new waist gunner.
Back at the hardstand, I commended TSgt Mason and his crew for the job they did in preparing Lady for this mission, encouraging them to keep up the good work. I privately mentioned to TSgt Mason about the little problem with the #1 engine at takeoff. He promised to look into it.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
New crewman: Right Waist Gunner Sgt Brett Hoppe beginning with Mission 5. Replaces Sgt Donald Davila, SW on mission 4 and scheduled to IH on 3 Feb 44.
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Post by kageyone on Sept 12, 2023 22:40:07 GMT -8
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Post by rcastillo on Sept 13, 2023 7:39:17 GMT -8
Mission Reports for B-17F The Reluctant Dragon and B-24D Louisiana Belle
B-17F The Reluctant Dragon 79th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Middle Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 20 January 1944 Mission #: 4 Aircraft Mission #: 4 Target: Airdrome @ Istres/Le Tube, France
Pilot 1LT Curtis E. LeMay (4) Bombardier 2LT Alex Black (4) Navigator 2LT Glenn Dean (4) Co-Pilot 2LT Tom Landry (4) Engineer T/SGT Dennis Browning (4) Radio Operator SGT Maurice Stein (4) Ball Gunner SGT Allen Harrison (4) Port Waist SGT Gene Jackson (4) Starboard Waist SGT Frank Valentine (4) Tail Gunner SGT Roger Leonard (4)
Bomb Run: On Target 30%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: None
-End of Report-
B-24D Louisiana Belle 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: High Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 20 January 1944 Mission #: 4 Aircraft Mission #: 4 Target: Airdrome @ Istres/Le Tube, France
Pilot 1LT James Stewart (4) Bombardier 2LT Paul Gibbs (4) Navigator 2LT Elbert Garner (4) Co-Pilot 2LT Jim Hampton (4) Engineer T/SGT Ivan Jacobson (4) Radio Operator SGT Clifton Buckley (4) Ball Gunner SGT Alfred Paul (4) Port Waist SGT Norman Conner (4) Starboard Waist SGT Duane Hoover (4) Tail Gunner SGT Henry Olson (4)
Bomb Run: On Target 30%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: None
-End of Report-
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Post by kageyone on Sept 14, 2023 23:01:52 GMT -8
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Post by Grondeaux on Sept 15, 2023 9:01:34 GMT -8
B-24D Flat Foot Floogie 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: High squadron, middle Mission Date: 20 January 1944 Mission #: 4 Aircraft Mission #: 4 Target: Airdrome, Istres/Le Tube, France Bomb Loadout: M30 100 lb. GP bombs Crew (Mission) Pilot: 1LT Adam MacIntosh (4) Copilot: 2LT William Spooner (4) Bombardier: 2LT Raymond Anderson (4) Navigator: 2LT Lamont Cranston (2) Engineer: SSGT Irvin Marshall (2) Ball Turret Gunner: SGT Bruce Wabsis (4) Left Waist Gunner: SGT Sylvester Wielgus (2) Right Waist Gunner: SSGT Kyle Dummer (4) Tail Gunner: SGT Eugene Hendrickson (4) Crew Chief: SGT Ralph Reckowski Bomb Run: DNB, aborted Casualties: SGT Sylvester Wielgus, bullet lodged in head (SW) SGT Kyle Dummer, face grazed (LW) Attackers: 2
| Spotted | Destroyed | Damaged | Driven off by Escort | ME-109 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RE.2005 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Claims: none Credits: none Award/Promotion Requests: none In Hospital/Recovery: SGT Kyle Dummer, RTD 22 January SGT Sylvester Wielgus, RTD 4 February Aircraft Damage: Aircraft declared Cat E after bad landing. 101 Peckham points at time of landing (nose gun, radio room oxygen, flight engineer oxygen, radio room fire (1 extinguisher), right wing root, autopilot, 1 x LW, 1 x SW, 2 x superficial) AFTER ACTION REPORT – Using TFT (Variants used: TFT Axis Fighter Aircraft Add-on Module, Jasta 6’s Table 5-3 Placement Variant, Variant Tables for Take-Off and Mechanical Failure, Bruce Peckham’s German Fighter Pilots variant, Fuel Tank Fires, Seriously Wounded Bail Out, On the Subject of Bombs, my variation to Nolan Bryant’s Crew Chiefs, Combat Fatigue) Everyone, and I mean everyone, is bitching about the weather. I even overhear COL Moody and LTC Billings bitching about it. We’re all soggy and our boots leave a trail of mud behind us everywhere we go. Then there’s two scrubbed missions in as many days. I catch Dummer and Hendrickson betting on whether we will leave the ground today. I’m not sure I’m glad the mission isn’t scrubbed as the flying weather is awful. Spooner and I get the Floogie safely off the ground despite nearly swerving off the wet runway and we climb up and make squadron assembly. We’re not even to Naples when we’re jumped by a ME-109 and a RE.2005. The 109 comes in from 12:00 low, and the 2005 from 1:30 level. We hit both of them, with the 109 firing but coming nowhere near us. Not so his Italian buddy. The Regianne nails us, inflicting nine hits on us. A fire breaks out in the radio room, but Spencer quickly gets it extinguished. It’s taken out his oxygen as well as Marshall’s, though. That’s bad enough, but Dummer calls in and says that both he and Wielgus have been hit, and Wielgus is out cold with a head wound that looks bad. He’s bandaging them both up. I then find the autopilot is out, and Anderson informs me his gun has been knocked out. I consult briefly with Spooner and we decide to continue long enough to drop our bombs in the Tyrrhenian Sea, then abort and get Wielgus to the hospital ASAP. No way I’m landing a bomb-laden, damaged Liberator in this crap. That turns out to be a wise decision. We fire off flares, wondering if anyone can really see them and descend through the murk to Giulia. And I get the landing all wrong. The Floogie veers off the runway leaving a trail of sparks and with the shriek of tortured metal. When we finally come to rest, we're fortunate to walk away. Except for Wielgus, of course. He’s taken off to the hospital and makes it through surgery, with the docs removing a bullet fragment from his skull. I am somewhat amazed when the surgeon, CAPT Pierce, tells me he should be back with us in a couple of weeks. “It looked a lot worse than it was,” he says. The Floogie, however, has flown her last mission as she is declared Cat E. 1LT Adam MacIntosh, Command Pilot B-247D Flat Foot Floogie 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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cubs2015
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 102
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Post by cubs2015 on Sept 15, 2023 17:46:38 GMT -8
BOMBER NAME: STRIKEFORCE MISSION DATE: 20 JANUARY 1944 TARGET: ISTRES/LE TUBE, FRANCE - AIRDROME MISSION NUMBER #4(FOR THIS BOMBER - 2) FORMATION HIGH MIDDLE BOMBER 509TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP 78TH BOMBER SQUADRON
POSITION | RANK | NAME | MISSIONS | KILLS | TOTAL KILLS | AWARDS | STATUS | PILOT | 1 LT | MIKE SEEFELDT | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | CO-PILOT | 2 LT | TODD NICKELS | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | BOMBARDIER | 2 LT | JEREMY HOFF | 2 | 0 | 0 | DFC | OK | NAVIGATOR | 2 LT | JOHN SCHAEFER | 2 | 1/3 | 1 1/3 | N/A | OK | ENGINEER | T/SGT | WALTER HIGGINS | 2 | 5/6 | 5/6 | N/A | OK | RADIO OPERATOR | T/SGT | JEFFERY MICHAELS | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | BALL GUNNER | SGT | LARRY BENSON | 2 | 1 | 1 | N/A | OK | LEFT WAIST | SGT | JOE MCINTOSH | 2 | 5/6 | 5/6 | N/A | OK | RIGHT WAIST | S/SGT | ROGER FICKELL | 2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | N/A | OK | TAIL GUNNER | S/SGT | STEVEN SMITH | 2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | N/A | OK |
We rook off without any problem. We encountered 3 202's in zone 2. 2 of the fighters were chased away while the third one was destroyed.
We didn't encounter any fighters until the target zone.
Over the target zone we encountered 2 202's. Both of them were chased away by the escort fighters. The flak hit us once for superficial damage. 2 Lt Jeremy Hoff kept us on target and put 60% of the bombs in the target area.
In zone 10 on our way back, we suffered a malfunction. #1 engine turbo supercharger went out. We did encounter 2 waves of fighters. The first wave consisted of a 202 which was chased away. The second wave consisted of 2 190's. One of them was chased away while the other one was destroyed.
We didn't see any fighters until zone 3. There we encountered 2 waves. The first wave consisted of 1 109. While 2 Lt Jeremy Hoff fired his gun, it jammed. He later tried to fix it and it remained broken for good. The fighter missed us. The second wave consisted of 1 109 which was destroyed.
In zone 2, we encountered 2 waves of fighters. The first wave consisted of 3 202's. 2 of the fighters missed us but the other fighter hit us. We received 2 superficial hits. He came around again. We missed him but the right waist gun jammed. He hit us and knocked out the elevators and also a superficial hit. He came around again but missed us. The second wave consisted of 2 110's. One of them was destroyed and the other one missed us.
We landed safely. We tried to fix the right waist gun but it remained broken.
PECKHAM POINTS: #1 ENGINE OUT(10 POINTS) NOSE GUN BROKEN(10 POINTS) ELEVATORS(10 POINTS) 4 SUPERFICIAL HITS(8 POINTS) RIGHT WAIST GUN BROKEN(10 POINTS) TOTAL PECKHAM POINTS(48 POINTS)
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY 1 LT MIKE SEEFELDT, PILOT OF STRIKEFORCE
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cubs2015
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 102
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Post by cubs2015 on Sept 15, 2023 17:48:56 GMT -8
BOMBER NAME: FIGHTING BADGER MISSION DATE: 20 JANUARY 1944 TARGET: ISTRES/LE TUBE, FRANCE - AIRDROME MISSION NUMBER #4(FOR THIS BOMBER - 2) FORMATION HIGH MIDDLE BOMBER 509TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP 78TH BOMBER SQUADRON
POSITION | RANK | NAME | MISSIONS | KILLS | TOTAL KILLS | AWARDS | STATUS | PILOT | 2 LT | ROGER SMITH | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | CO-PILOT | 2 LT | STEVEN FISCHER | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | BOMBARDIER | 2 LT | NICK TISLER | 2 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | NAVIGATOR | 2 LT | TIM STRAUSS | 2 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK | ENGINEER | S/SGT | EDDIE RUH | 2 | 1/3 | 2/3 | N/A | OK | RADIO OPERATOR | T/SGT | ROSS ANKLAM | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | OK | BALL GUNNER | SGT | GENE LORENZO | 2 | 1/3 | 2/3 | N/A | OK | LEFT WAIST | SGT | EDWARD RODGERS | 2 | 1/3 | 2/3 | N/A | OK(LW) | RIGHT WAIST | SGT | PHIL SIEGLER | 2 | 0 | 0 | N/A | OK(2 LW) | TAIL GUNNER | SGT | JORDAN RENEAU | 2 | 1 | 1 | N/A | OK |
We took off without any problems. We encountered a 190 in zone 2 who knocked out our bomb controls.
We encountered 2 190's which our escort fighters chased them away.
We didn't encounter any more fighters till we reached the target area. There we encountered 2 waves of fighters. The first wave consisted of 4 202's. 2 of the fighters were chased away. The third fighter was destroyed. The fourth fighter was damaged and he missed us. The second wave consisted of four 202's. One of the fighters left us. We damaged the other 3 fighters. 2 of the fighters missed us but the other one hit us. We received a superficial hit and Sgt. Phil Siegler received a light wound. The fighter came around again and hit us again. This time we received a superficial hit and the radio was knocked out. He came around again and he missed us.
The flak missed us. We proceeded with our bomb run and was on target. 2 LT Nick Tisler put 40% of the bombs in the target area.
On our way back in zone 11, we ran into a small mechanical problem. Our oil tank for engine #2 started leaking but the leak stopped. We encountered a 190 but he missed us.
We had clear sailing until zone 3. In zone 3 we ran into 2 waves of fighters. The first wave consisted of 2 190's. One of the fighters left us but the other fighter hit us. We received a hit to the control cables and the waist gunners. Sgt Rodgers received a light wound and Sgt Siegler received a second light wound. The fighter that hit us came around again and missed us. The second wave consisted of 2 110's. One fighter left us but the other fighter was destroyed.
In zone 2 we didn't encounter any fighters.
We landed safely.
PECKHAM POINTS: 2 LW(SGT. SIEGLER)(4 POINTS) 1 LW(SGT. RODGERS)(2 POINTS) #2 OIL TANK(10 POINTS) RADIO OUT(10 POINTS) 2 SUPERFICIAL HITS(4 POINTS) CONTROL CABLES(1st HIT)(10 POINTS) TOTAL PECKHAM POINTS(40 POINTS)
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY 2 LT RODGER SMITH, PILOT OF FIGHTING BADGERS
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Post by andy254 on Sept 16, 2023 13:36:09 GMT -8
B-17 F - "Amazing Maisie" B-17F-65BO 42-29701
Pilot: 1LT Philip Travanti
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force, USAAF
Squadron/Formation Position: Middle/Middle
Mission/Plane #: 4/4
Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Aerodrome Mission Date: January 15th, 1944
Position: Rank & Name + Decorations - (Missions to Date) [Previous Kills] - Claims; Crew Status; Notes Pilot: 1LT Philip TRAVANTI - (4) [0] Co-Pilot: 2LT Peter JONES PH - (4) [0] Bombardier: 2LT Alain "DLZ" DE LA ZOUCH PH+ - (4) [2] Navigator: 2LT Marcus "Mac" MURRAY - (1) [0] Engineer: SSGT Ricardo RUIZ - (4) [2] Radio Operator: SGT Michael MALONE PH - (4) [0] Ball Gunner: SGT Saul HELBERG - (4) [2] Waist Gunner, Port: SGT John ROBINSON - (4) [1] Waist Gunner, Starboard: SGT Mark CULLEN PH - (4) [0] Tail Gunner: SGT George WINDOM - (4) [1]
Bomb Run: ON Target On Target: 50%
B-17 Damage Weapons (1) Peckham Points - 10 Repair Time - Overnight Crew Chief - SSGT Tom Jenssen - average
Landing - Safe at Foggia
E/A Type - Encountered - Destroyed, Probable, Damaged - Intercepted FockeWulf 190D - 8 - 0,0,0 - 6 Messerschmitt 410 - 3 - 0,0,0 - 3
Kill Claims None
Casualties & Injuries - 0
Award Recommendations & Entitlements None
After Action Report (QOTS with Jasta6's tables)
Compared to the trauma of losing our first crew member and a fire in the tail section, it was if the Almighty had sent his angels to look after us. Admittedly we were in the middle of the middle squadron and even though there was interest in us, our little friends were able to put them off every time.
Ingress
Zone 2 - A trio of FW190s was about to give us some attention when our "little friends" intercepted all of them. Target Zone & Bombing Run
Approaching the target, a trio of Me410s tried to interfere but Spitfires from RAF Calvi took care of them.
We did take some flak - literally - and it took out the nose gun. However, DLZ carried out a successful run and estimated about half of the bombs had landed within the target zone.
Leaving the target zone, we finally saw some combat. Five FW190s came at us, but three were taken out by the Spitfires. Our defensive fire from top turret and tail turret failed to hit the two remaining FW190s, but they failed to hit us too.
The RAF boys based in Corsica really know what they are doing. Some were a bit cocky, showing off in their Supermarine Spitfires, but they did the job in taking care of any enemy interference. It's no wonder they saw off the Luftwaffe back in 1940.
Egress
The rest of the journey was uneventful. Although enemy aircraft were buzzing the formation, none of them took any further interest in us.
We landed safely, the first mission where we had not required any medical support. "Mac", the new guy who replaced Vespucci, was rightly quite relaxed for his first mission. I'm quite sure things will not be this easy for the rest of the campaign.
Captain Philip Travanti
"Amazing Maisie" officer commanding
B-17F-65BO 42-29701
79th Squadron, 509th Bombing (Heavy) Group
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Sept 16, 2023 16:51:59 GMT -8
80th BOMB SQUADRON Mission #4, ISTRES/LE TUBE - AERODROME AAR
The men knew that it wasn't going to be a happy time listening to the After Action Report. The squadron had lost another bomber and the bombing had been sub-par.
Major Shapiro kept his face as neutral as he could. "First off, as many of you already know, Captain Witlow has been assigned. His replacement is Frank Delozier of Miss Holly who is now Captain Frank Delozier. I appreciate everything that Captain Witlow has done for the squadron and wish him well.
"On to less pleasant matters. This mission was another one I characterize as poorly executed. Aside from the one aircraft which was lost over the target, the bombing was unacceptable. I know the 80th was low squadron in the group but the bombing MUST improve!" He gripped the podium and it was obvious that he was angry. "We don't want to have to return to targets because we left them not destroyed. You can expect some practice missions under the direction of the squadron bombardier. The squadron averaged only 18.9% in the box. That's the second consecutive mission under twenty percent and was even lower than the previous mission. Great Expectations managed fifty percent open target to the squadron with Miss Grizz in second place at forty percent." He paused, then his voice grew sharp. "This has got to improve!" He glared around the room and a few of the men failed to meet his gaze. "I will say this. The gunners did a good job on this mission with twelve confirmed kills.
"The good news, if you can call it that, is that other than losing Reign of Steel and her entire crew, only eight men were wounded. Of those, only one is unable to return to duty and has his ticket home."
"There's not a lot more to be said. You gentlemen all know what you're about. But it seems like the squadron has hit a bit of a slump. Take some time to relax. There's a lot more that we need to accomplish. I have the greatest confidence that you're all capable of accomplishing those things." He walked towards the back and just before he exited said, "Dismissed." ----------------------------- STATISTICAL ADDENDUM
MISS HOLLY Off target, 0% 1 EA claimed, 1 credited
REIGN OF STEEL Lost in action Crew - PH, posthumous
WIMPY On target, 20% 3 EA claimed, 1 credited
GEORGIA PEACH Off target, 0%
SPIRIT OF 98 Off target, 5% SGT Pedro Martinez - PH
MISS GRIZZ On target, 40% 3 EA claimed, 3 credited
DOUBLE BOMB Off target, 0% 2LT Thompson - PH
THE BUTCHER'S DAUGHTER On target, 30% 2 EA claimed, 1 credited
BONNIE On target, 30% 1 EA claimed, 1 credited 1LT Nate Sutherland - PH
DAM YANKEES On target, 11%
PRIDE OF THE WOLVERINES On target, 20% 2 EA claimed, 2 credited 2LT M. O'Donnell - PH 2LT F. Farland - PH
GREAT EXPECTATIONS On target, 50% 2LT Matthew Pocket - PH 2LT Jack Dawkins - PH 2LT Clive Pumblechook - PH
SGT Henry Hubble - PH
BUGS On target, 20% 5 EA claimed, 2 credited
WONGO On target, 30% 1 EA claimed, 1 credited
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Post by caodwolf on Sept 17, 2023 5:33:18 GMT -8
78TH BOMB SQUADRON
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
MISSION 4
With a creak of a door in walks the XO Captain Garfield followed by CO Major Rudy Jopp. His bulldog the ‘Admiral’ is noticeably missing.
At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” … and everyone rises.
Major Jopp walks to the front and opens his briefing papers. “Mission # 4 to Istres/Le Tube, France is in the books with overall results of 30% on target. I know we can do better and along with the 79th & 80th we knocked out another enemy airdrome. The Flat Foot Floogie crashed upon landing but the crew walked away alive and ready to fight another day.”
Continuing to the next page, “Our gunnery was again superb with 18 2/3 enemy fighters credited to the 78th. Keep that up boys ….we’ll need this to continue. The closer we get to Germany the more desperate the enemy will become”
With a wince, a shake of his head and a glance at Capt Garfield, “Now men, Captain Garfield and I have noticed some incomplete AAR’s. A few reports lacked bombing results, casualties and aircraft damage. This is unacceptable and the next incomplete AAR the entire crew will be assigned extra duties. You don’t want to peel potatoes or paint the local Monastery. I do not want to have this conversation again.”
Continuing… “Congrats to the T-Tailed Bathtub, StrikeForce and the Bonkers who achieved greater than 50% on-target results. StrikeForce once again led the Flying BoxCars with 60%.” With a huge grin Jopp adds “ Lieutenant Hoff we are going to call you Bullseye from now on !”
Closing up his briefing files Captain Garfield mimics a baseball bat swing, which reminds the Major of one final point: “Back in the States, pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training. We are looking to set up a shortwave radio to pick up the Armed Forces Radio Service out of England who will be relaying a few Spring Training games”.
The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two begin to leave.
“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.
"Dismissed!"
Player | Bomber | % on Target | Damage | Kills | crushedhat | Laid Back Lady | 40% | 4 | 3 1/3 | mrkillabee | T-Tailed Bathtub | 50% | --- | 1 | limburger59 | Fire Bell(spare) | 40% | --- | 1 | keltos | Kicking Horse | 20% | 25 | 1 | kageyone | Wood's Chopper | Abort | 20 | 1 | medic1 | Valkyie | 30% | 69 | 1 | grondeaux | Flat Foot Floogie | Abort | CAT-E | --- | chefed | Bottoms Up | 0% | --- | 2 2/3 | caodwolfs | Bonkers | 50% | 88 | --- | rhreiss | Bama Beauty | 0% | 29 | 2 | rcastillo | Louisiana Belle | 30% | --- | --- | jasta6 | Stupid Dragon | 0% | --- | --- | cubs2015 | Fighting Badgers | 40% | 40 | 3 2/3 | cubs2015 | StrikeForce | 60% | 48 | 2 | | Average Results | 30% | | 18 2/3 |
Bombers Lost
Flat Foot Floogie: CAT-E
Top Bombers
StrikeForce 60% T-Tailed Bathtub 50% Bonkers 50%
Awards
None
POW
None
KIA-MIA
None
Casualties
Sgt Carlos Morales SW T/Sgt Fender SW Sgt Donald Davila SW SGT Kyle Dummer LW SGT Sylvester Wielgus SW
Purple Hearts
Sgt Carlos Morales T/Sgt Fender Sgt Donald Davila SGT Kyle Dummer SGT Sylvester Wielgus
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Post by superbee on Sept 18, 2023 7:45:15 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary
Mission 4 January 20, 1944 Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome
B17’s sortied: 11 (California Dreamin, Blitz Buggy, Slammin’ Sally, All In, Invadin’ Maiden, Irascible Girl, Pride of the Badgers, Pride of the Buckeyes, Star Eyes, Reluctant Dragon, Amazing Maisie)
B17’s bombing target: 10 (California Dreamin, Slammin’ Sally, All In, Invadin’ Maiden, Irascible Girl, Pride of the Badgers, Pride of the Buckeyes, Star Eyes, Reluctant Dragon, Amazing Maisie)
Bombers aborting mission: Blitz Buggy
Bombers lost: Blitz Buggy (Cat. E)
Lead bomber: Pride of the Badgers
Tail end Charlie: All In
Crewmen KIA: 3
Crewmen SW-IH: 1
Crewmen wounded and returning to action: 1
Crewmen MIA: 0
Bomb run avg: 24.5%
High bomb run: 50% (2Lt Alain de la Zouch, Amazing Maisie)
| encountered | intercepted by escorts
| destroyed | FCA | FBOA | FW 190's
| 25 | 12 | 3 | 6 | 0 | Me109's | 15 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | Me110's | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | C205's | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Ju88's | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | C200's | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | G5's | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Re2000's | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Me410's | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | totals
| 60 | 20
| 13 | 12
| 0
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Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement:
Distinguished Flying Cross: M/Sgt H Langdon (Pride of the Buckeyes)
Promotions: none _____________________________________________________________________________________
Amazing Maisie Bomb run: 50%
Invadin’ Maiden Bomb run: 30% Purple Heart: Sgt Pete Lesniak
Pride of the Badgers Bomb run: 5% Purple Heart: Sgt I Cooper
Pride of the Buckeyes Bomb run: 0% Purple Heart: Sgt V. Cromwell (posthumous) Distinguished Flying Cross: M/Sgt H Langdon (destroyed 5 EA)
All In (tail end Charlie) Bomb run: 30%
Slammin’ Sally Bomb run: 20%
Irascible Girl: Bomb run: 40%
Blitz Buggy (collided with EA - declared Cat E after landing) Bomb run: DNB Purple Heart: Sgt Dale Thompson (posthumous), Sgt Leonard Washington (posthumous)
Reluctant Dragon Bomb run: 30%
California Dreamin Bomb Run: 40%
Star Eyes (group spare) Bomb run: 0%
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