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Post by limburger59 on May 20, 2023 15:56:22 GMT -8
to post 15 SEPT 23 To unlock 17 SEPT 23 Turn in AAR's no later than 30 SEPT 23 Next mission to post 29 SEPT 23
MISSION DATE: 26 Jan 44 MISSION # 5TARGET: Udine, Italy - Airdrome Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet Mission Brief: Better weather, yet contrails... (The TFT die rolls for the Escort, Contrails, and Resistance were not friendly today, and that impacted the QOTS Gazetteer)Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 79th SQDN |
| MID | 80th SQDN |
| LOW | 78th SQDN | LEAD: | Amazing Maisie
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| LEAD: | Pride of the Wolverines |
| LEAD: | Laid Back Lady | TAIL: | Reluctant Dragon
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| TAIL: | Miss Holly |
| TAIL: | Bonkers |
WEATHER:
Takeoff: Good Target: Good Landing: Good GAZETTEERZone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Adriatic Sea | X | Haze/None | Fair | 3 Adriatic Sea | -1 | Haze/Moderate | Fair | 4 Adriatic Sea
| X | Haze/None
| Fair | 5 Adriatic Sea | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light
| Fair | 6 Adriatic Sea | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light | Fair | 7 Adriatic Sea | 0 | 50% Clouds/Heavy
| Fair | TARGET ZONE 8 Occupied Italy FLAK: Outbound: Medium Inbound: None | -1 | 50 % Clouds/Moderate Target: Slightly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually
| Fair | 7 Adriatic Sea | -1 | 50% Clouds/Moderate
| Fair | 6 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds/None | Fair | 5 Adriatic Sea | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light
| Fair | 4 Adriatic Sea | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light | Fair | 3 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds/None
| Fair | 2 Adriatic Sea | -2 | 50% Clouds/Light
| Fair |
Shot Down: Over Water (if you didn't drown): Zone 4 or greater: you are captured Zones 2 & 3: you are rescued by the Royal Navy Over Occupied Italy: captured Calendar since last Mission:20 Jan 44 Mission 4 Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome 21 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day - Heavy Rain 22 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day - Heavy Rain 23 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day - too much mud 24 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day - too much mud 25 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day - clear, but still digging out from too much mud 26 Jan 44 Mission 5 Udine, Italy - Airdrome
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Post by andy254 on Sept 16, 2023 10:31:27 GMT -8
Maj Harlan Beech, S2 of the 509th steps up to the podium and clears his throat. “I’ve got less than cheerful news for you today,” he begins. “While most of your route is over water, the Adriatic is narrow enough that the Germans have no problem patrolling it. That means you can expect more Luftwaffe interference than you’ve experienced up to now. Most likely the most intense you’ve seen to date.”
Beech waits for the complaining to die down. “You can expect to be harassed all the way to the target and back again. Obviously, the closer you get to the target, the heavier the resistance will be. But, you will run into heavier than usual concentrations of EA about midway as well.” SSgt Dewbury points out the location on the big wall map.
“Fortunately, Jerry’s still having logistical problems so the flak situation should be about the same as it has been; moderate intensity on target ingress with no flak on egress. And, Metro says the weather should be good the entire mission; from takeoff, to target, and back again to home station.”
“Your escort this mission will be P-38s of the 14th FG. This is their first time flying with us, so they may be on the steep part of the learning curve.” Beech again has to wait for the grumbling to subside.
“If you run into trouble, there aren’t any nearby airfields you can divert to. If you can make it another 100, 150 miles you might try to reach Yugoslavia and hope you fall in with the Partisans. (See Bailing Out over Yugoslavia: See Option for Bailing Out and Escaping ). If you end up in the drink, the RN will be on Lifeguard duty for the first 150 miles from Giulia. After that, hope the Kriegsmarine picks you up. And if they do, remember your obligations under the Fighting Man’s Code and your rights under the Geneva Convention.”
Closing his folder, the S2 turns the podium over to Maj Stockwell.
"Udine is the capiral city of the Udine Province. If my Baedecker guide is correct, there has been a settlement in the Udine area since prehistoric times. Bringing you up to date, the province itself is within what Nazi Germany call the OZAK, the operational zone for the Adriatic Littoral. This is a predominantly SS-controlled arbitary region encompassing North Eastern Italy and parts of Slovenia & Croatia. A lot of time of the Nazi forces in the area is spent brutally suppressing any partisan activity.
"Following takeoff, you will be taking a North-Northwesterly vector. This will take you up the Adriatic for about 90% of the journey before changing vector to a North-Northeasterly one to the target. Inbound flak from the target area is expected to be moderate, but non-existant on your return. Once your bombs have been dropped, you do an about-face and follow a parallel route to your ingress but in reverse.
"The target itself is to the southwest of the city of Udine. Please try not to veer off course and bomb this historic city no matter how tempting it is. The weather is good so there should be little difficulty in seeing the target. With it being an airdrome, bombardiers should know what to look for. After all, you've seen one airdrome, you've seen them all."
This generated some laughter from the assembled officers.
"A drawback to the weather being good is a risk of contrails being formed in the atmosphere from our engines' exhausts. This would cause our formation to stand out and allow the enemy to more accurately ascertain our altitude both for fighter interception and flak."
"For the most part, this area has kept out of conflict that has involved the use of the Luftwaffe against any other airpower. Therefore, be prepared for possibly a heavy response. Your fighter escort may be competent but do not expect them to protect you from everything. As Major Beech pointed out, with the Adriatic being narrow, it is within range of enemy fighters located both in Italy and Yugoslavia. You are effectively going up a watery trench with a small target at the end of it during which you can be attacked from both sides. Fend off any unwanted attention and stay on target.
"Good luck, gentlemen-" said Major Stockwell before a surprise interruption.
"WE WISH YOU WERE COMING WITH US!" came an unexpected chorus.
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Post by crushedhat on Sept 16, 2023 14:40:10 GMT -8
For the 78th Lead: Laid Back Lady, (crushedhat) Tail: Bonkers (caodwolf) Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Sept 17, 2023 5:01:03 GMT -8
80th Bombardment Squadron (H) Mission Assignments
Colonel Shapiro has tasked me with making sure everyone gets a chance to Lead a Formation, as well as be Tail End Charlie.
To paraphrase General Frank Savage of the 918th Bombardment Group (H), we are going to work on building leadership. Everyone will have a crack at it. We want every man who shows signs of being able to lead a mule to water. I will be Tail End Charlie this time, to observe our formation.
ASSSIGNMENTS ============ LEAD - MORROW, H.R. in Pride of the Wolverines
TAIL - DELOZIER, FRANK in Miss Holly
Delozier, Frank - XO 80BS
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Sept 17, 2023 7:45:37 GMT -8
Mission date: 26 Jan 44 Target: Udine, Italy - Aerodrome Mission/Bomber: 5/1 B-17G The Cat's Meow 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force Formation: Middle Squadron Position: Middle
Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards Pilot: 1LT Walter Kowalski (1) (-) Co-Pilot: 2LT John Moran (1) (-) Bombardier: 2LT Edward Roberts (1) (0) Navigator: 2LT Mark Cohen (1) (0) Engineer: SSG Hason Rodman (1) (0.33) Radio Operator: SGT Mack Thomas (1) (0) Ball Gunner: SGT Kenneth Lewis (1) (0.16) Port Waist Gun: SGT Luigi Roselli (1) (0) Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Angel Ramirez (1) (0) Tail Gun: SGT Lee Kinnison (1) (0.16)
Bombing: On target, 20%
Damage: Starboard Waist MG inop: 10 Engine #2 inop: 35 Peckham Points: 45
Casualties: None
EA: Encountered/Claimed/Killed FW-190: 10 / 2 / 0.33 - Top Turret 0.33 Ju-88: 4 / 1 / 0 Me-110: 3 / 1 / 0.33 - Ball Turret 0.16; Tail 0.16 Me-109: 2 / 0 / 0
AAR using TfT
We were pleased to see that the weather was good. According to the boys we talked to, it's been a rare thing. To be honest, I was more concerned with assembly than with the enemy. I had nightmares last night about hitting another bomber while we were forming up. Fortunately, take-off and assembly went without incident and we tucked into the middle of the formation.
Zone 2: Nothing to report.
Zone 3: A pair of Ju-88s attacked at 1:30 Low and 3 Level. The Starboard Waist and Ball Turret claimed the first one as destroyed and the escorts took care of the other.
Zones 4 - 5: Nothing to report
Zone 6: Two FW-190s attacked off the nose, one Level, the other High. The escorts got the first one and the second one was damaged, missed, and broke off.
Zone 7: Things got very busy and nasty. Four FW-190s came at us all around the clock. The one off the nose was intercepted by our little friends, One at 1:30 Level was damaged, then broke off. One at 3:00 Low was damaged and broke off. One at 9:00 High was damaged and broke off. The Starboard Waist machine gun jammed and could not be repaired.
Zone 8 (Target): Another pair of FW-190s attacked. One at 10:30 High was nailed by an escort. One in a vertical dive was claimed as destroyed by the Top Turret. Flak was medium but it didn't touch us. With good weather below us, Roberts had the aim point and estimates that 20% hit inside the box.
Zone 8 (Inbound): The flak disappeared after the target but we were hit by two waves of enemy aircraft. The first was a pair of Ju-88s that were intercepted by the escorts. The second was a trio of Me-110s at 12:00 Level, 6:00 Low, and climbing from below. The escorts got the first and third and the one off the tail was claimed as destroyed by the Ball Turret and the Tail Gun.
Zones 7 - 6: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Number two engine suddenly ground to a halt. I was able to feather the prop and without the bomb load we were able to stay in formation.
Zone 4: Nothing to report.
Zone 3: Two waves hit us. The first was two FW-190s at 12:00 High that the escorts intercepted and 12:00 Level that was claimed as destroyed by the Bombardier and Top Turret. The second was a pair of Me-109s at 9:00 Level that missed and broke off.
The landing went well and we were pleased that number one was in the books.
1LT Walter Kowalski, Pilot The Cat's Meow 80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Sept 18, 2023 1:47:00 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: 26 January 1944 Mission Number: 5 Mission of this bomber: 5 Formation: Low Position: Middle Target: Udine - Italy Target Type: Airdrome Bomb Run: On Target - 40% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Victor Harlow | 5 | 0 | 0 | AM | RFD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Elmer Gibson
| 5 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RFD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Homer Miller
| 5 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RFD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Norman Burch | 5 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RFD | 2 | Engineer | S/Sgt Arthur McLane | 5 | .5 | 1.5 | AM
| RFD | 0 | Radio Op. | T/Sgt Tony Stevens | 5 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RFD | 1 | Ball Gunner | S/Sgt Ramon Furtado
| 5 | .5 | .5 | AM
| RFD
| 2 | Port WG | Sgt Milton Flint
| 5 | 1 | 1 | AM
| RFD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Dean Stoddart
| 5 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RFD | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Dale Lindberg
| 5 | .5 | 2.16 | AM
| RFD
| 2 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 5 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | Me-110 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Re-2005 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Total | 16 | 7 | 3 | 5 |
Claims:
- S/Sgt A. McLane - 1 Me109 claimed - no credit awarded - Sgt M. Flint - 1 Me109 claimed - full credit awarded - Sgt D. Lindberg - 1 Me109 claimed - half credit awarded - S/Sgt R. Furtado - 1 C-205 claimed - half credit awarded - S/Sgt A. McLane - 1 C-205 claimed - half credit awarded Damage:
- Left Rudder x1: 10 - Left Wing no effect: 10 Peckham Points: 20pts - overnight repairing Casualties: --Awards: - AM: all crewmen AAR (flown with TFT)Giulia Airbase: After rainy and muddy days finally the sun appeared. Take off and assembly were regular. Zone 2 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 3 Outbound: Attacked by a Fw-190 from 12H and a Me-109 from 9Lv: first one was intercepted by escort while Me-109 was shot down by gunners, the enemy plane engine caught fire and enveloped the entire plane. After the first wave 2 Me-110 approached and while one was intercepted and driven off by the escort, the other was damaged and preferred to move away with a tight turn. Zone 4 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 5 Outbound: 3 Me-109s hunted us down. The plane at 10.30H was intercepted and engaged in a dog-fight with a P38; the second Me-109 after having slightly damaged the left rudder, was shot down by the shots of the Tail gunner (passing shot), the third Me-109 also damaged, interrupted the attack moving away. Zone 6 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 7 Outbound: 3 Me-109s attacked us. While one was engaged by the escort and another damaged withdrew, the third managed to avoid our shots and hit the left wing with no effect. On the next passing we managed to damage him so much that he was forced to look for other targets. This was followed by the attack of a Me-110 in vertical climb and a Re-2005 of the Italian Air Force. We caused light damage to the German plane while the Italian aircraft passed without damage and continued its course to another squadron. Zone 8 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Attacked by 2 Fw-190, both driven off by P38s. Flak intensity was moderate and cause no damage, this allowed us to align and stabilize and make a good bomb drop. Flak on egress was non-existent. The Jerrys were not interested in us and we were not attacked Zone 7 Inbound: ! Fw-190 and an italian Macchi C-205 "Veltro". Germa plane was intercepted by P38s while C-205 was destroyed by combined fire of Ball and Top turrets. This italian fighter seemed to be very well armed and very handy. Some German rockets were lobbed into formation but caused no damage to the ship. Zone 6-2 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. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. -------------------------------------------------
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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Post by superbee on Sept 18, 2023 7:22:35 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron - Mission Formation Assignments Mission #5: Udine, Italy (Airdrome)
Lead bomber: Amazing Maisie tail end Charlie: Reluctant DragonThe 79th is the "high" squadron this mission.
Good luck !
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Post by rcastillo on Sept 18, 2023 9:31:16 GMT -8
B-24D Louisiana Belle 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Low Squadron, Tail End Charlie (Took over in Zone 4 outbound) Mission Date: 26 January 1944 Mission #: 5 Aircraft Mission #: 5 Target: Airdrome @ Udine, Italy
Pilot 1LT James Stewart (5) Bombardier 2LT Paul Gibbs (5) Navigator 2LT Elbert Garner (5) Co-Pilot 2LT Jim Hampton (5) Engineer T/SGT Ivan Jacobson (5) Radio Operator SGT Clifton Buckley (5) Ball Gunner SGT Alfred Paul (5) Port Waist SGT Norman Conner (5) Starboard Waist SGT Duane Hoover (5) Tail Gunner SGT Henry Olson (5)
Bomb Run: On Target 30%
Casualties: LW - Pilot 1LT James Stewart (RTD)
Enemy Aircraft Claims: Ball Gunner SGT Alfred Paul - 1x Me-109 full credit
Engineer T/SGT Ivan Jacobson - 1x Me-210 1/2 credit 1x Fw-190 1/2 credit
Tail Gunner SGT Henry Olson - 3x Me-109 (2 x 1/2 credits, 1 denied)
-End of Report-
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Sept 18, 2023 9:57:57 GMT -8
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GaryK
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 236
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Post by GaryK on Sept 18, 2023 14:05:16 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).
Another relatively long trip, with the possibility of opposition almost all the way there and back. Hopefully, our escorts will be on the ball to minimize our danger.
Perez has been reported staying late in the NCOs’ bar, but his performance in the ground training days we’ve had, due to weather, has been exemplary. I have had a quiet word, asking if he’s OK, but just get a smile and “I’m fine, Skipper,” in return.
S/Sgt Wood, our crew chief, was all smiles when he asked me to come over to the hangar on the 22nd. The reason for his mysterious summons revealed itself as we turned into the open hangar – a brand-new B-17G, already christened “In Like Flynn”.
The inability to get any flying done in the new bird is worrying – surely this bad weather cannot last much longer? Our new waist gunners, Haley and Stafford, had a chance to get to know their crewmates over beer and cards, but it would have been nice to have seen them in action before their first mission.
Outbound: Once again, as soon as the formation was complete and we headed out over the Adriatic, the fun began – and in earnest.
Multiple waves of FW190s, totalling ten aircraft, buzzed our squadron and focused on us as their target. Three were sorted out by our little friends, but the three remaining in the first schwarm came in from starboard and dead ahead – high and low.
Guns thundered all around the aircraft, and within 30 seconds, none of the remaining 190s were flying, and they had failed to hit us. Perez had got two of them: one on their initial approach, and the second after it missed us and came in on its second attack. O’Callahan got the one to port, shooting up its fin and rudder, leaving it spiralling out of control.
The second wave was close behind their unlucky comrades, and our guns met them again. With one ahead and below us, another off our starboard bow above us, and the final bandit off our port side above us, almost every gun on the plane was firing. There were lots of cheers, but all three pressed their attack – until a surprised “Yo!” from Ward, our radio man. The expanded field of fire of his gun on this early G-version of the Fortress had allowed him to pick off the one at 9 o’clock. The other two, having been damaged, and then failing to hit us, dove away for home rather than come back for more.
The final enemy pair split up, with one directly behind us, the other high off our starboard bow. No spectacular kills this time, but both were damaged enough to ensure they missed us, then they too headed back to dry land.
One of the 80th's planes also got a lot of attention, and we saw it jettison its bombs and turn for home. (Aircraft later identified as "Great Expectations")
Things quietened down until we were south of Pula, in Yugoslavia. A Me110 shaped up to attack us, but one of the 14th’s Lightnings saw it off. Shortly after, Hughes called out, “Incoming from behind!” from his position in the tail. Smoke trails from rockets whooshed past us, but none connected.
As we approached the coast near Grado, another couple of groups of bogeys homed in on us. Those Lightning guys were right on it, downing one of the 190s in the first group, and chasing off the other two. Their buddy chased off the Me110 in the second group, leaving two 109s to bother us. Long, loving the more effective chin turret on this version of the B-17, damaged the one ahead and below, while Perez made solid contact with the other off our port bow. Both bandits missed, and continued away from us, attended by our escorts.
Surprisingly, opposition over target was far less than it had been over the sea. Only a couple of Me210s headed towards us, with the escorts seeing one off before it got in range. The other, ahead of us, exploded as Long’s fire from the chin turret hit a fuel tank, or ammunition.
Almost immediately after that, there were curses on the com from all round the plane as the Fortress off to our right in the formation - Slammin' Sally - blew up after being attacked by some 109s. A sad, "Poor bastards" was their eulogy from Irish.
The 78th also had problems, with one of their aircraft going down in flames, and only two chutes appearing. (Aircraft later identified as "Miss Velma")
Moving into our final approach to the target, the flak started up, rocking the aircraft with a couple of near misses before hitting home. Sperry and I noticed the rudder pedals become heavier to move, but there were no other consequences, as far as we could tell.
Long was very happy with the release, but had little time to relax as we turned away home, because we were quickly joined by another 190 and a RAI Macchi C.205 Veltro. The Lightnings saw off the Italian, who was the lucky one, as Haley shot the left wing off the 190 from his left waist position.
As we left the target zone, we saw a B-24 descending from the formation. (Aircraft later identified as "Bottoms Up")
Inbound: Heading south over the Adriatic again, the escort fighters saw off a slow and low Ju88, but the Italian with him, in a G.55 Centauro, expertly moved in above our tail. But not for long. Although Hughes didn’t manage to connect with the tail guns, Perez nailed the Italian’s engine, causing an explosion and an immediate bail out – his fourth kill of the day.
Things went pretty quiet for the rest of the way home. Our number three engine started running rough, but a little TLC from Perez soon had it purring again. We also had another rocket attack from the rear, but it was just as ineffective as the first.
Just over halfway home, the 78th came under attack, and we saw a Liberator go down with its starboard wing on fire. Irish wasn't sure, but thought everyone got out in the end. (Aircraft later identified as "Valkyrie")
We were soon over dry land again, and took our turn on approach to the airfield. On selecting the flaps, Sperry called out, "Port flap red warning!” Probably a souvenir of our flak hit. We both made adjustments to correct the yaw and sink this caused, putting our new bird on the ground without further incident.
A much better result than our last mission. No casualties, everyone in high spirits, and Perez not turning the air blue every time he fired his guns. Things could be on the up.
The final tally was amazing: 25 aircraft chose us as a target this mission, and none hit us! The Buggy, over four missions, only encountered 7 more.
Perez seems better, having downed four aircraft in this mission, but the Gunnery Board weren’t kind to him, awarding only one and a third kills. However, he, plus all of those still here who brought the Buggy over from the States are officially rookies no more – that was their fifth mission, resulting in the award of the Air Medal.
There was a good night together in the Club, and Long got more good news, as his bombing result was the best of all the missions flown so far.
At last – a mission with only positive paperwork afterwards – long may it continue.
1Lt Franco Vorelli, Pilot Commanding B-17G-50BO-42-102379 "Blitz Buggy" 79th (H) BS, 509th (H) BG
For a full mission history of "In Like Flynn", "Blitz Buggy", plus my three aircraft in the previous war, please see my (GarySK) post in the Tarmac forum
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Post by sdpoulter on Sept 18, 2023 16:33:44 GMT -8
B-17G California Dreamin
Pilot: 1st Lt Gavin Dees
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 26 Jan 44
Mission Number: 005
Missions This Bomber: 3
Target: Udine, Italy- Airdrome
Crew/Position/Rank Current Missions Previous Claims This Mission Stress Points Status
Pilot 1st Lt Gavin Dees 5 0 0 0 RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Juan Nash 5 0 0 0 RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Jack Doyle 5 0 1 0 RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Jimmie Fernandez 3 0 0 0 RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Morse Krieger 5 1 1 0 RTD
Radioman S/Sgt Joseph Murch 5 0 0 0 RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt David Burnham 5 1 2 0 RTD
PWG Sgt Duncan Edwards 5 0 0 0 RTD
SWG S/Sgt Jose Harris 5 0 0 0 RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Clayton Jacobs 5 0 0 0 RTD
Bomb Run: On Target
On Target: 50%
B-17 Damage: 2 Hits
Peckham Points: 11
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe Landing
E/A Encountered:
E/A Encountered Destroyed Probable Damaged Intercepted
Bf-109 7 2 0 3 0
Bf-110 2 1 0 0 0
Fw-190 14 1 0 5 0
JU-88 2 0 0 0 0
BF-410 1 0 0 0 0
Bf-210 2 0 0 0 0
Confirmed Claims: 4
Casualties: None
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
After Action Report (using TFT):
Outbound
Our fifth mission on this tour saw a lot of bandits. We took off in good weather and made it into the air to form up with the others.
Zone 2
No encounters
Zone 3
We had two waves of fighters, the first wave only had a BF-109 that the fighter cover drove away. The second wave had 4 109’s and the fighter cover drove away one. Engineer T/Sgt. Krieger killed a 109 and Ball Turret gunner Sgt. Burnham killed a 109. Radio Op S/Sgt. Murch damaged a 109.
Zone 4
No encounters
Zone 5
No encounters
Zone 6
We encountered one wave, a Bf-110 at 1:30 Lv but the fighter cover drove it away.
Zone 7
We encountered three waves. The first wave had a 110 at 12Lo, 109 at 12Lv, 12H, and 10:30Lv. The fighter cover drove off the 109 at 10:30Lv. Bombardier 2nd Lt. Doyle damaged a 109. Engineer T/Sgt. Krieger damages a 109 in the left wing. Ball Turret gunner Sgt. Burnham kills the 110 at 12Lo. The 12Lv 109 fired and missed and then broke off. The 12H 109 fired and missed and then broke off.
Wave 2 was a randome event “Bad Luftwaffe Coms” which allows us to have 1 fighter removed every wave.
Wave 3: Bf-190 12Lv and 1:30Lo. The fighter cover drove off the 190 at 1:30Lo. Engineer T/Sgt. Krieger damages a 190. Bombardier 2nd Lt. Doyle kills a 190.
Target Zone
We encountered 3 waves upon entering the target zone. Wave 1 consisted of a JU-88 at 1:30Lo and 3Lv. Removed the 3Lv and the fighter cover drove off the 1:30Lo Ju-88.
Wave 2 had a 190 at 12Lv, 3H and a Bf-410 at 12H. Removed the 410 at 12H and the fighter cover drove off a 190 at 3H. The 190 at 12Lv fires and misses then breaks off.
Wave 3 had a 190 12Lo, 3Lv, 1:30H, 9H. Removed the 1:30H 190 and the 12Lo 190 was driven off by fighter cover. Engineer T/Sgt. Krieger damages a 190 and the Left Waist gunner Sgt. Edwards misses. Ball Turret gunner Sgt. Burnham damages a 190 and Right Waist gunner S/Sgt. Harris also damages a 190.
We have medium flak over the target and suffer 2 hits. The nose compartment takes a hit and the navigator’s equipment is inoperable. The other hit is in the left wing and is superficial.
We are on target for the bomb run and hit 50%.
We turn for home and encounter three more waves of fighters.
Wave 1 has 190’s at 3Lo, 12H and 12Lv. We remove the 12H 190 and fighter cover drives off the 12Lv and 3Lo 190’s.
Wave 2 has a 190 at 6Lv, 1:30Lv and 12H. We remove the 1:30Lv and fighters drove off the 12H 190’s. The tailgunner Sgt. Jacobs damages the 190 at 6Lv. The 6Lv 190 fires and misses then breaks off.
Wave 3 has a 190 at 10:30Lo and 1:30H. We remove the 10:30Lo 190 and fighters drive off the 1:30H 190.
Inbound
Zone 7
We encounter 2 waves.
Wave 1 has a 190 at 10:30H and VD. We remove the VD 190 and fighters drive off the 10:30H 190.
Zone 6
No encounters
Zone 5
No encounters
Zone 4
No encounters
Zone 3
No encounters
Zone 2
We encounter 1 wave.
Wave 1: Random event “Extreme Cold” top turret is jammed.
Base
Landing: We made a safe landing.
Report Submitted by: 1st Lt Gavin Dees Pilot in Command of California Dreamin.
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Sept 19, 2023 5:25:53 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: 26 January 1944 Mission Number: 5 Mission of this bomber: 5 Formation: High Position: Middle Target: Udine, Italy 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 | 5 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Jerry Taylor
| 5 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Matthew Mallard
| 5 | .5 | .5 | AM | RTD | 2 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Bruce Mullins | 5 | 0 | .33 | AM | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Tim Burkey | 5 | .5 | 1.5 | AM | RTD | 0 | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Paul Stewart | 5 | 0 | 0 | AM / PH | RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Matthew Whalen
| 5 | 0 | 1.33 | AM | RTD
| 0 | Port WG | Sgt George Buck
| 5 | 0 | 1 | AM | RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Harvey McGinty
| 5 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Michael Bolden
| 5 | 2 | 3 | AM / PH+ | LW
| 1 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgr Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 5 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 1 | Me-109 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Me-110 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 15 | 6 | 5 | 2
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Claims:- T/Sgt T. Burkey: 1 Me-109 claimed - half credit awarded - T/Sgt T. Burkey: 1 Fw-190 claimed - no credit awarded - 2nd Lt. M. Mallard: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded - Sgt M. Bolden: 1 Me-110 claimed - full credit awarded - Sgt M. Bolden: 1 Fw-190 claimed - full credit awarded Damage:
- Superficial Dam. x6: 6 - Flaps instr. inop: 10 - LW x1: 2 Peckham Points: 18pts - ordinary maintenance Casualties:
- Sgt M. Bolden: superficial leg cut - RTD Awards:
- AM: all crewmen - PH: Sgt M. Bolden AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Take-off and assembly were ok. Zone 4-7 Outbound: Nothing to report Zone 8 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Attacked by a couple of Me-110 while entering target zone. P38s took care of 1 the other Me-110 was destroyed by tail gunner shots. While approaching the target Flak was of medium intensity and caused no damage and we succeeded in put a good percentage of bombs in the right area. No flak in egress segment but the Jerrys were very angry with us, because they attacked us with many a/c in 3 waves. First 2 Me-109s, one intercepted by the escort and one shot down by the T/Sgt Burkey, then a Fw-190 also shot down by the nose gun shots. We were then attacked by 3 Fw-190s, one intercepted and the other two shot down by our machine gunners. Then again 3 Fw-190: the escort managed to intercept one, the second at 12Lv was damaged and abandoned the attack without hitting us. The third avoided our shots and caused us some superficial damage to the first pass, in the second pass caused us other superficial damage and slightly wounded Sgt Bolden in the leg. Zone 7 Inbound: 2 Fw-190s attacked us: one was intercepted and the second moved away without hitting us. Zone 6-5 Inbound: Nothing to report. Zone 4 Inbound: 2 Me-110s attacked us: one was intercepted and the second moved away when our shots damaged its right wing. Zone 3-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. Sgt Bolden do not needs hospital and he's ready to duty. -------------------------------------------------
Henry Simmons, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding Commanding B-17F: Irascible Girl B-17F-100BO 42-30399 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
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Post by rcastillo on Sept 19, 2023 7:54:23 GMT -8
B-17F The Reluctant Dragon 79th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: High Squadron, Tail End Charlie Mission Date: 26 January 1944 Mission #: 5 Aircraft Mission #: 5 Target: Airdrome @ Udine, Italy
Pilot 1LT Curtis E. LeMay (5) Bombardier 2LT Alex Black (KIA) Navigator 2LT Glenn Dean (5) Co-Pilot 2LT Tom Landry (5) Engineer T/SGT Dennis Browning (5) Radio Operator SGT Maurice Stein (5) Ball Gunner SGT Allen Harrison (5) Port Waist SGT Gene Jackson (5) Starboard Waist SGT Frank Valentine (5) Tail Gunner SGT Roger Leonard (5)
Bomb Run: On Target 50%
Casualties: Bombardier 2LT Alex Black KIA Port Waist SGT Gene Jackson LW (RTD) Starboard Waist SGT Frank Valentine LW (RTD)
Enemy Aircraft Claims: Engineer T/SGT Dennis Browning : 1x Me-109 (1/2 credit) 1x Me-210 (Denied) Radio Operator SGT Maurice Stein : 4x Me-109 (3 full credits, 1x 1/2 credit) Tail Gunner SGT Roger Leonard : 1x Me-109 (1/2 credit)
-End of Report-
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Post by crushedhat on Sept 19, 2023 15:21:37 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 26 Jan 44 MISSION NBR. 5/This Bomber 5 TARGET: Udine, Italy - Airdrome SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: Low Squadron, Lead
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (5) [0] Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (5) [0] Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (5) [1] Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (5) [5/6] # Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (5) [4 1/3] ***#### Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (5) [0] Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (5) [3 1/2] **# Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (5) [1/2] ## Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Brett Hoppe, (1) [0] Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (5) [3] * * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: Fw 190 9=3 KIA, 2 Damaged, 4 Undamaged (4 Ace, 1 Green) Me 109 16=5 KIA, 4 Damaged, 5 to P-38, 2 Undamaged (2 Ace, 4 Green) Ju 88 3=2 KIA, 1 to P-38 (1 Ace) 28
Claims: Only credited kills reported here Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Fw 190, Me 109 Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Fw 190, ½ Me 109 Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: ½ Fw 190 Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Ju 88c
Bomb Run: On Target. 30%
B-24 Damage: Superficial x14 (28), Lt Elevator Inop (10), Lt Wing Root x1 (25)Hydraulic Pump: NE (5), Rt Aileron Inop (10), Hydraulic System: NE (5), Control Cables x1 (10) Peckham Points: 78 Peckham Points, AC ready 27 Jan 44.
Casualties: None
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield: Air Medal Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson: Air Medal Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: Air Medal Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison: Air Medal Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Air Medal Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson: Air Medal Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Air Medal Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Air Medal Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Air Medal
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Donald Davila: SW - IH 3 Feb 44
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT) “Whooee! Will ya look at that.” Laid Back Lady’s new starboard waist gunner comments as, dismounting, he looks over the riddled bomber. “Who’d a thunk a plane could have that many bullet holes and not get hit anywhere where it counts. They all like this?” Sgt Brett Hoppe asks Sgt Peter Carson, his opposite number.
“Naw,” Carson replies. Having some fun at the new guy’s expense, he adds, “This un was an easy un.”
Hoppe whistles in amazement as the rest of the crew tries to suppress their amused smiles, all glad that, as Hoppe observed, they didn’t get hit anywhere that counted. Of course, TSgt James Mason and his crew of mechanics see it differently.
Takeoff and assembly went well, with Laid Back Lady leading the 78th in the low position. WE weren’t very far over the Adriatic (Zone 3) when it got hot real fast. We could see two waves of EA forming up, though the first one didn’t seem to want to press home the attack. Four Fw 10s and an Me 109 of the second wave had no such reservations. Our escort being busy elsewhere, we were left to deal with the threat on our own. By the time the lead stopped flying we’d downed two bandits and sent a third limping for home. While we took multiple hits, the only real damage was to the Lt wing root and elevator. Although we did have a tense moment as some enemy bullets bounced around the bombs.
A bit further on (Zone 4) we got the word that Bonkers was falling out of formation, with Louisiana Belle taking over as TEC. Then (Zone 5), the P-38s chased off a Ju 88 and an Me 109 that were headed out way.
A short while later (Zone 6) and we ran into another couple of waves of EA. As earlier, the first wave didn’t seem to have much fight in them. A trio of Me 109s from the second wave bore in on us. The boys from the 14th chased off one, and we gave the other two some pretty good reasons to reconsider their career choices.
Nearing the Italina coast (Zone 7) the sky grew lousy with German fighters. A 190 dove past us, causing some minor damage, and the Lightnings tangled with a 109. Then five 109s were on us. One fell to a P-38 and we managed to flame two others, though Sgt Richard reported that one of his guns in the tail had jammed. Despite the jammed gun, the crew was feeling pretty about how we’d faired so far (Random Event: Lady Luck Smiles).
By now (Zone 8) the pilots of the 14th were starting to feel their confidence as well (Random Event: Aggressive Little Friends), which helped keep that Luftwaffe at bay. We did have a close call as an enemy fired rocket flew right under our wing (Used the just acquired LLS to reroll a BIP result from rocket fire). Flak on ingress wasn’t much of a problem and 2LT Martell placed about 30% of payload on the airdrome.
Coming off the target, we encountered three waves of enemy fighters. First up was a quartet of Me 109s. While Jerry put a number of holes in us, the only real damage was to the Rt aileron, and the bomb bay doors which were no longer needed. In exchange the Luftwaffe lost three fighters, tow to us and one to the 14th. The next wave, a pair of Ju 88s and an Me 109, didn’t fair any better, losing two fighters. The last wave was three 190s and a 109. While one bandit managed to walk his fire the entire length of Lady, our luck still held and noting vital was hit. Jerry can’t say the same, losing tow of the FWs.
Heading back over the Adriatic (Zone 7) and we took some more rocket fire. Once again, Jerry was reluctant to press the attack, though this time it was the second wave that held back. Further on (Zone 5) we saw more EA in the distance, but not up close. That changed (Zone 4) when the Luftwaffe got a but more aggressive. But by then it was too little, too late as the EA were held at bay by the formation’s combined fire. After that, it was relatively quiet for us the rest of the way home.
While we took a lot of hits, we came through surprisingly undamaged, although TSgt Mason sees it differently. Lady will be ready to fly tomorrow and none of the men got injured.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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Post by kageyone on Sept 19, 2023 22:56:52 GMT -8
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Post by campsawyer on Sept 20, 2023 15:49:37 GMT -8
B-17F Double Bomb (B-17F-100BO 42-30333) Pilot: 1st Lt Paul Flores Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Middle/6 Mission Date: 26 Jan 44 Mission Number: 7Missions This Bomber: 5 Base: Guilia, Italy Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome Crew | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Paul Flores | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Sanders | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Thompson | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cox | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer T/Sgt King | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Radioman T/Sgt Ramirez | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Roberts | 5 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Scott | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Brown
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner S/Sgt Thomas | 5 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 40% B-17 Damage: 3 Hits; Stbrd Flap; 2xSuper Peckham Points: 12Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Taylor, average Landing: Safe E/A | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | FW-190 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | ME-110 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | C-205 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
Confirmed Claims: .5 C205 BT - SGT Roberts, .5 C205 TG SGT Thomas Casualties: None Award/ Promotions Requests: None After Action Report OutboundFinally better weather and an easier take off. In talking with SSGT Taylor, he reassured me that he has his men go over the plan to make sure all is working. He was a bit worried about the electrical box shot up that knock out the O2 and heat on the last mission. Take off was uneventful and we formed up with the rest of the group and squadron without incident. Once over the Adriatic weather was hazy but clear. We were first alerted by rockets coming past us. We had to duck and weave a bit to avoid them but they fell off harmlessly. We reformed and continued on our route. Our first enemy aircraft encounter was a ME110 at 1:30H, but a P-38 dived in on him and they flew off to fight. A FW190 started to dive on us, but another P-38 took him on and they were off, but a C205 aimed for our nose and pressed the attack. TSGE King was a to hit him but not enough to KO him and he pressed the attack hitting our wing and knocking out our strbd flaps. SGT Thomas in the tail to a passing shot with no effect. As he lined up for another attack from 130L a P-38 coming back into the fight as able to get his attention and they both were off. Moving closer to the northern Italian coast another FW190 and C205 attacked, fighters took out the FW190 and we had to take on the C205. Approaching from the 6L position SGT Thomas and SGT Roberts damaged him and the C205 dipped then dove losing control. SGT Roberts believes he may have hit the cockpit. Move FW190s approached but those P-38s we on them quickly and the FW190s had to breakoff their attack. After that we crossed the coast and lined up for the attack on the airdrome. Flak starting to appear and I told the crew to get the flak jackets on. There was moderate flak with one burst hitting near the port wing. A damage check should all systems functioning, but I did notice a couple of holes. Once through the flak, 2nd LT Thompson took control and lined up for the run. He had a good view of the target and calibrated his drop with the lead plane. Bombs were released and I took over to make the turn for home. We saw explosions and smoke over the airdrome as we flew off. InboundAs we headed for the coast, 3 FW190s attacked from above. P-38's were on 2 of them, which left us to take on the one from the 3H position. TSGT King and SGT Brown opened up, both damaging the fighter. The FW190 press the shot but missed and flew off. The rest of the return flight was uneventful and we were able to successfully land with out an incident. Special mention of good work, 2nd LT Thompson for bombing accuracy, SGT's Thomas and Roberts for their shared FW190, SGT's King and Brown for their damaging enemy aircraft and the P-38 pilots for keeping 7 enemy planes off us. 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 21, 2023 4:13:03 GMT -8
After-Action ReportCall House Madam (B-17F-40BO-42-5198) Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Commander: 1st Lt. R. Downey Mission Date: 26 January 1944 Mission Number: 5 Mission of this bomber: 1 Formation: Middle Position: Middle Target: Udine, Italy Target Type: Airdrome Bomb Run: On Target - 50% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1st Lt. Roy Downey | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Joseph Goodman
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Rodger Dorfmann
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Russ Hanley | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Engineer | S/Sgt Victor Mendoza | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| RTD | Radio Op. | S/Sgt David Bauver | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Ball Gunner | Sgt George Adkins
| 1 | .33 | .33 |
| RTD
| Port WG | Sgt Timothy Richmond
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| Starboard WG | Sgt Walter Heath
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Tail Gunner | Sgt David Sutter
| 1 | .33 | .33 |
| RTD
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E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | Me-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 13 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
Claims:- 2nd Lt. R. Hanley: 1 Fw-190 claimed - no credit awarded - S/Sgt V. Mendoza: 1 Fw-190 claimed - full credit awarded - S/Sgt V. Mendoza: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded - Sgt G. Adkins: 1 Me-110 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded - Sgt D. Sutter: 1 Me-110 claimed - 1/3 credit awarded Damage: --Peckham Points: 0pts - RTD on 27 January 1944 Casualties: --Awards: --AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Take-off and assembly were ok. Zone 2-6 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 7 Outbound: Four Fw-190 against us. Escort fighters driven off one of them. We managed to shut down Jerry from 1.30Lv and 9H. Last one from 3Lo went away as soon as he saw what was happened to its friends. Zone 8 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No Jerrys against us, just some rockets exploded near us but no damage reported. Medium flak caused no damage. Bomb run was good No flak in egress but this time Jerrys focused on us. A wave of 4 Fw-190: 2 of them damaged and 1 destroyed, last one intercepted by P38s. Zone 7 Inbound: A Fw-190 and 2 Me-109 intercepted us while on Adriatic sea. The Fw-190 was driven off by our little angels and both Me-109 walked away after an exchange of shots that caused no damage to us or them. Zone 6-3 Inbound: Nothing to report. Zone 2 Inbound: 3 Me-110: we managed to shut down two of them while the one from 12Lv was driven off by P38s. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. -------------------------------------------------
Roy Downey, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Sept 21, 2023 17:19:34 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Wolverines (5) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. HR Morrow Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Lead
Mission Date: 26 Jan 44 Mission #: 5 Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. HR Morrow (5) {0} AM Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. H Whiting (5) {0} AM Bombardier: 2nd Lt. F Farland (5) {0} AM, PH Navigator: 2nd Lt. G Pope (1) {0} PH Engineer: MSgt. L Aldrich (5) {4} AM, PH Ball Gunner: Sgt. A Blake (5) {1} AM, PH Radio Oper.: Sgt. A Casterline (5) {0} AM Pt Waist G: Sgt. R Eldridge (5) {0} AM, PH: 2 Stbd Waist G: Sgt. L Hall (5) {0} AM, PH: 2 Tail Gunner: Sgt. M Laffin (5) {4} AM, PH
Bomb Percentage: Did not bomb
Bomber Disposition: Engine #1, Intercom, Rudder, Starboard Elevator, Port Aileron, Autopilot, Superficial Damage (118 Peckham Points)
Casualties: G Pope: KIA R Eldridge: KIA L Hall: KIA M Laffin: LW – 3 days in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (11:109, 5:190, 1:110) Damaged: (2:109, 1:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (3:109, 1:190, 1:110) L Aldrich: 109 M Laffin: 109 A Blake: 109
Special Note: 2nd Lt. G Pope: PH 1st Lt. HR Morrow: AM 2nd Lt. H Whiting: AM 2nd Lt. F Farland: AM MSgt. L Aldrich: AM Sgt. A Blake: AM Sgt. A Casterline: AM Sgt. R Eldridge: AM, PH Sgt. L Hall: AM, PH Sgt. M Laffin: AM, PH
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. HR Morrow
Whiting and I were walking back from the briefing with Pope and Farland. Through the luck of the draw our number has come up to be the lead bomber with a brand-new navigator. The whole way we were giving Pope a pep talk. Farland, the bombardier, slapped him on the shoulder saying “don’t worry buddy I will be up there with you and I have got your back.”
We lined up to take of in the front of the squadron and slid down the still muddy runway and took off. The squadron formed up nicely behind us.
Much of the outbound flight was quiet for us until we arrive in Zone 6. We were attacked by five 109s. Blake got one of them and so did Aldrich. Three got through and one of them riddled the port wing with bullets. Suddenly Engine #1 started to runaway. Thanks to some quick thinking from Whiting he was able to get her to feather. Missing one Engine we started losing speed.
“Farland, drop the bombs in the sea, we need to keep up.” I decided it was our job to lead and protect the bombers that still had bombs.
As we approached the target form 109s attacked. They killed Hall and wounded Eldridge and Laffin. We took a little flak damage and watched everyone else drop bombs on the target.
We turned for home and were attacked by more 109s. Laffin got one of them and Eldridge was hit again killing him.
As we came out over the Adriatic an entire flight of 190s attacked us. We took a lot of damage including some hits to the nose. Farland turned around to check on Pope and found him slumped over the navigation table. “Damn” he muttered to himself and pushed Pope out of the way.
He looked down at the navigation table and without missing a beat picked up navigating the plane. Farland led the groups successfully back to base. We were a few miles off course when we reached Italy, not bad for a bombardier.
For going above and beyond the call of duty and successfully bringing the squadron home, I am recommending 2nd Lt. F Farland for the Distinguished Flying Cross
We landed safely. It was a rough day for the Pride of the Wolverines. Three men dead including our brand-new navigator, no bomb run, and a lot of holes in the plane.
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Post by kageyone on Sept 21, 2023 22:46:16 GMT -8
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Post by medic1 on Sept 22, 2023 12:05:50 GMT -8
B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116)Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Low/Middle Mission Date: 26 Jan 44 Mission Number: 004 Missions This Bomber: 4 Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | POW | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | POW | Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | POW | Navigator Sergio Pendas | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | POW | Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | POW | R/O S/Sgt George Redman | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | POW | Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | POW | PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | POW | SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | SW/DOW | Tail Gunner Sgt James Morell | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | POW |
Bomb Run: Off On Target: 0% B-24 Damage: 12 Hits Superficial x 4 Port Wing x 1 -#2 engine out and feathered Starboard Wing x 3 -superficial x 2 -#2 outboard fuel tank fire Waist x 2 -superficial -PWG SW Tail x 2 -superficial -guns inoperable Peckham Points: Higher than I can count
Repair Time: All the Kings Horses and all the Kings men. . . Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods) Landing: In many, many pieces
E/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Bf-110 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 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 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
Confirmed Claims: 0 Casualties: 1 Sgt Dave Trevisano SW/DOW; died in sea waiting for rescue/capture Stress Points: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 1 PH Posthumous - Sgt Dave Trevisano
After Action Report (using QOTS): During the mission, Valkyrie was observed to come under attack multiple times. On the bomb run she took 3 flak hits which probably contributed to her payload falling wide of the target.
Valkyrie continued to come under attack on the outboard leg of the mission, and in zone 3 was seen to take hits from a climbing 110 that set her outboard fuel tank on fire. The crew was forced to bail out with Lt Shipman apparently staying with the bomber long enough to allow his crew to help any injured bailout before he himself exited as the 10th chute was seen a several seconds after the first 9.
As pieced together from observations of various crewman of the 78th BS .
(Several months later the Red Cross sent a letter stating that 9 of the crew were picked up and interned by the Germans while the body of a severely wounded 10th man (Sgt Dave Trevisano) was recovered but died of exposure.)
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Post by medic1 on Sept 22, 2023 14:46:56 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: High/MiddleMission Date: 26 Jan 44Mission Number: 005Missions This Bomber: 5Target: Udine, Italy - AirdromeCrew/Position/Rank | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress Points | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy | 5 | 2 | 1.5 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | RTD | PSW S/Sgt Noreno Costa | 3 | 0 | .5 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: OnOn Target: 20%B-17 Damage: 0 HitsPeckham Points: 0Repair Time: Routine Overnight MaintenanceCrew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, averageLanding: Safe at GiuliaE/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Bf-109 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Bf-110 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 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 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
Confirmed Claims: 42nd Lt Tom Cassidy 1.5 x 1-109 S/Sgt Noreno Costa .5 x 1-109 S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Fw-190 S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-110 Causalities: 0Stress Points This Mission: 0Awards/Promotion Requests: AM (1st Awarded) - 1st Lt Franklin Marks, 2nd Lt Ted Masini, 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski, 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy, S/Sgt Curt Mercado, T/Sgt Bruce Woodside, S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro, Sgt Peter Lesniak, Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit After Action Report For once we had good weather on takeoff and we lifted off without any problems or gremlins and formed up, and headed out over the Adriatic.
In zone 5 our escorts chased off a couple of 109s before they could make a nuisance of themselves.
In zone 6 two 190 appeared with only one getting through our escorts to attack from 12 level. Mercado’s tracers were observed to hit him head on in the engine and wing and the Kraut fighter exploded from the back of the engine and above the starboard wing root.
Zone 7 saw another two 190 and a 110 move on us, but a 190 and the 110 suffered a severe Lightning strike, leaving a 190 in a head on attack. This fighter was damaged by Talking Spirit as it passed by the tail.
In the target zone our escorts chased off a couple of bandits leaving our Navigator Lt Cassidy to once again prove his marksmanship as he racked up his third confirmed. The flak started up but was well away from us, and Witkowski dropped for 20%.
INBOUND
The Krauts became serious as Goring’s Goons swarmed us with three waves of fighters.
In the first, one of two 109 made it past our little friends only to walk into stiff resistance from both Cassidy and Costa. The fighter dropped burning for several hundred feet before it exploded. The pilot never made it out.
The second wave had three 110 with two getting through. One escaped while the other at 12 low was racked with heavy fire from the ball turret. It flipped over and dropped towards the ground trailing heavy black smoke and two chutes were spotted.
For the third wave, three 109 tried their luck. The boys from the 14th FG were Johnny on the spot As they chased off two of the flying goon squad, one an ace. Nothing came of the run and gun with the third 109.
More of Goring’s Goons appeared after the target zone with two waves in zone 7. A lone 109 was taken out by Mercado at 6 high, but this claim would be denied later. A second wave with a diving 109 yielded nothing more than an expenditure of ammo from both sides.
Things were quiet the rest of the way until zone 2 when a 109 made a head on attack. All he got for his troubles was some damage from Witkowski’s nose gun.
After the priority bombers had landed, we landed safely without any hiccups.
All in all, this was a satisfying mission. We bagged four fighters with two more as probable's and another two damaged. We hit the target and the ship and crew came home without a scratch. The ground crew won’t have to work overtime tonight.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Post by caodwolf on Sept 23, 2023 5:57:38 GMT -8
B-17F: Dam Yankees Pilot: 1Lt. B. Pease Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 25-Jan-1944 Mission No.: 5 Mission this Bomber:5 Target for Today: Udine, Italy- Airdrome Squadron Position: Middle Result: On-Target 60% "Christ Capt'm, we gotter but good ! " squawks Sgt Quain manning the Ball Turret. "Quain that's Lieutenant...not Captain" I reply back. "Yes Capt'm" is his response.
Yes ordnance appeared to be delivered with very good effect. All action was centered around Udine. Our Little Friends drove off half and we handed the rest. Sgt Burdash in the Top Turret splashed a ME-109 sneaking up on our tail.
Not far from base the radio conks out.
Landed back at base.
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | B. Pease | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | D. Horton | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | J. Pate | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | E. Swan | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | Sgt | G. Burdash | 5 | 1 | 2 | --- | OK | Radio Op | Sgt | D. Wallace | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | J. Tallo | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | E. Frisbie | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | J. Quain | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | G. Fancher | 5 | --- | --- | --- | OK |
None Air Medals
2Lt J Pate 2Lt E Swan 1Lt. B Pease 2Lt D Horton Sgt. G Burdash Sgt. D Wallace Sgt. J Quain Sgt E Frisbie Sgt. B Fancher
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | FW-190 | 8 | 5 | 3 | --- | --- | ME-109 | 2 | --- | --- | 1 | 1 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 1 |
-Radio conks out.
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Post by medic1 on Sept 23, 2023 11:07:47 GMT -8
B-24J PROBLEM CHILD (B24J-CF-42-78347)Pilot: 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Low/Middle Mission Date: 26 Jan 44 Mission Number: 005 Missions This Bomber: 1 Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Guy LaMotte | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Paul Navarro | 1 | 0 | .5 | 0 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Manny Roserio | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Carlos Mencia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Mark Burnham | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Cole Worden | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Jake Dunbar | 1 | 0 | 2.5 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 40% B-24 Damage: 10 Hits Superficial x 1 Flight Deck x 1 -Co-Pilot LW Port Wing x 1 -aileron inoperable -#2 engine runaway, fire (extinguished) Starboard Wing x 3 -superficial x 1 Bomb Bay x 1 -control cables/top turret guns inoperable Tail x 2 -superficial -ailerons inoperable Peckham Points: 117 Repair Time: Ready 28 Jan 44
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods) Landing: Safe at GiuliaE/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 | Bf-110 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 4 | 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 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Confirmed Claims: 4 Sgt Jake Dunbar 2.5 x Bf-109 2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey 1 x Bf-109 S/Sgt Paul Navarro .5 x Bf-109 Casualties: 1 2nd Lt Hank McAlister, torn deltoid. RTD 23 Feb 44 Stress Points: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 1 PH 2nd Lt Hank McAlister
After Action Report (using QOTS): We had arrived from the States in time to take part in our first mission. Our excitement turned to frustration when the number three engine refused to start up. After several tries of the prop spinning and stopping without catching, we were just about to admit that we had to abort when the engine suddenly sputtered and roared to life. We took off on time and assumed our position in the middle of the squadron.
It didn’t take long to get our first taste of action when in zone 3 we saw two waves of German fighters.
The first wave had five109 that were reduced to four thanks to our escort of P-38s. Dunbar and Navarro both pumped accurate fire into a fighter at 6 high for our crews first confirmed aerial victory. Shortly after that, Dunbar tore the wing off of another fighter as it passed by his tail guns from 12 high. A fighter at 130 high hit us twice, one hit hitting control cables and rendering our top turret guns useless. Another fighter at three high hit us and took out our starboard aileron. The fighter at 6 high also hit control cables in the tail which rendered our other ailerons useless as well. The three fighters circled and came in for another run and all of them suffered for it as LaMotte damaged one of them, Dorsey snapped a wing off of another with his chin turret 50s while Dunbar recorded his second of the mission as his tracers impacted the canopy and wings of the last fighter and it fell away on fire and out of control.
In the second wave we saw three 190, but neither our escorts, gunners or Krauts could hit anything.
We were left alone for a little while until zone 7 where two 109 and a 110 appeared. As our gunners were getting ready to take them on when several lightning appeared and engaged them, removing the threat.
At the target zone another two waves of fighters eagerly winged towards us. The first was a single diving 190 that was chased off by a P-38, and the second wave, although we saw them massing and ready to attack instead spread out and targeted other planes of the squadron.
The flak cleared away the fighters and we took two bad hits, one wounding copilot Lieutenant McAllister, and the other one causing the number two engine to run away. I had my hands full and was unable to feather the prop while trying to control the bucking bomber. I called for our engineer S/Sgt Navarro to get McAlister somewhere and make him comfortable and then come back and take his spot in the copilot seat.
Despite the knocking about we took, Dorsey managed to deliver 40% of our eggs on target and we turned away for the rally zone.
Inbound
They told us in briefing that there would be no flak after we turned, and I now realize that means more time for the fighters to take another crack at us. I was starting to take this personally thinking that the whole Luftwaffe was beginning to pick on us. The gunners were calling out over the intercom alerting each other as the fighters came in, five 109 becoming four thanks to a little friend. Dorsey and Burnham both knocked down a fighter while LaMotte damaged another. (Dorsey and Burnhams claims were both denied at interrogation)
The runaway engine was causing me great concern and it took a lot to control it with Navarro’s help. The windmilling prop in the slipstream was slowing our airspeed. I applied more throttle to the remaining three engines and ordered the crew to lighten the plane by jettisoning some of our redundant gear, empty ammo cases, helmets, thermos bottles and flak jackets. Our radio man T/Sgt Rosario wisecracked that he hoped his helmet conked some Kraut on the head.
Finally, in zone 5 the engine couldn’t take anymore and seized, then caught fire. Navarro immediately hit the extinguisher putting an end to the threat of the fire spreading and it became quieter and the ride smoothed out a little.
But the Luftwaffe wasn’t finished with us yet and made two more appearances on our way home. Thankfully though, our escorts drove the two lone fighters away. We also witnessed the fact that we weren’t the only ones with problems as Valkyrie came under attack and her wing caught fire. We watched the crew bail out and counted the chutes and saw only 9. Finally, after about 10 seconds the 10th chute appeared and I assumed that it was the pilot who had stayed with the plane long enough to ensure that his crew were all out safely.
Once over Giulia Field, we dropped yellow and red flares and were assigned a priority lending. The lack of ailerons and minus an engine made the landing a bit more challenging than normal, but we pulled it off and landed safely. McAllister was rushed off to the hospital in the meat wagon and I hear he’s lost to us for the next four weeks.
After we had gone through interrogation and I had visited Mac in the hospital, I was wondering how long it would take to get Problem Child ready for the next mission since we were a new crew and didn’t have a dedicated ground crew. Sadly, when one door closes another opens. The door had closed on the plane and crew of Valkyrie and opening the door to her ground crew being assigned to ours. The crew chief, a S/Sgt Decker ensures me that he’ll have Problem Child ready to fly in two days. I gave him my copy of the pilot's and flight engineers notes so he and the rest of his ground crew could bone up on the changes made to the J model.
I’m proud of my crew. They acquitted themselves well under the stress of their first combat mission. While we took our lumps the crew gave some heavy shots back, refusing to fold under pressure. All of our gunners distinguish themselves in my mind whether they had claimed a fighter or not. Everyone had contributed in someway to the success of the mission.
Now if we can just keep it up for another 24 missions. . .
1st Lt Rusty Wyrick, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Post by kozzackkelt on Sept 23, 2023 13:10:01 GMT -8
B-17F: MISS GRIZZ (B-17F-238WA-42-90210) Pilot: 2LT. Bryce Dutton Missions for this bomber: 5 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force Squadron Position: Middle Formation Mission Date: 26 JAN. 1944 Mission Number: 5 Target: Udine, Italy / Airdrome
CREW (missions) {Stress Pts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Bryce Dutton (5) {2} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Tim Metcalf (5) {1} Bombardier: 2Lt. Hal Sherman Ph (5) { } [B%: o6-o5-40-40-50 ] [++] Navigator: 2Lt. C. William Buxley (5) { 1 } Engineer: T/Sgt. Robert Carver (5) {1} 1xFw190 Radio Operator: Sgt. Albert Prodhomme (5) { } LW: head grazed, light concussion. No combat duties for one week Ball Turret: Sgt. Rory O'Farrell (5) {1} P Waist Gunner: Sgt. Maurice Kimball (2) { 1} SB Waist Gunner: Sgt. Peter Martinez (3) { 1} [+] Tail Gunner: Sgt. William Roxbury (1) {-} [-] 1xMe110
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 50%
Enemy Aircraft encountered: 13 ~ 9xFw190, 3xMe109, 1xMe110
E/A Destroyed:1 E/A: Probable:1 E/A Damaged: 0
Enemy fighters driven off by fighter escort: 4
Status of B-17F MISS GRIZZ ~ From report by aircraft maintenance chief, Walton Jackson Higgins, TSgt., Damages to this bomber, from Mission 5, 26 Jan. 1944. 5xSuperficial hits/no effect; engine 4 out, to be replaced. Will repair, replace and perform routine maintenance on this aircraft. Estimated time of repairs/maintenance: one day.
AAR: MISS GRIZZ took off, climbed to assigned altitude and with the rest of the 80th squadron, we headed to our target for today. One encounter with E/A in zone 3, but that Jerry was chased off by fighter escort. On appro5ach to target, a single Me109 began to line up on us, but was run off by fighter escort. There was some flak, no hits to MISS GRIZZ. Lt. Sherman dropped on target, cameras show estimated 50% on target. As we were exiting the target zone, several Fw190's, a '109 and a Me110 lined up on us. Escort fighters delt with one attacking E/A, three made firing passes at us. There was some whooping coming in over the intercom, it was reveled that the '110 coming up at us from six low as hit by Sgt. Roxbury's tail guns and was seen to be spiraling down out of control. When we were back out over the sea, several E/A attacked us, one Jerry hitting us several times. Sgt. Prodhomme, our R.O., was hit, but only lightly wounded by something grazing his forehead. A cannon shell set fire to engine 4. Fortunately, the fire suppression system was working, the fire extinguished and engine 4 shut down. We increased throttle to the three remaining engines to maintain our place in formation. A second flight of '190's attacked us, made no hits on us, and we believe we damaged at least one Jerry. I think they flew away towards Yugoslavia. As we descended for landing, Lt. Buxley (Nav.) fired off a red flare. We landed safely. An ambulance waiting and it took a protesting Sgt. Prodhomme to hospital. I've been told Sgt. Prodhomme will be ok and will no be flying combat for one week. Our maintenance chief said MISS GRIZZ will be patched up, a new engine mounted, 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 limburger59 on Sept 23, 2023 14:07:20 GMT -8
B-17F: CASH & CARRIE Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group High Squadron - Middle MISSION DATE: 26 JAN 44 MISSION NBR. #5 TARGET: Udine, Italy - Airdrome
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Steve Kearney (3) Co-Pilot: 2LT Jason Medoff (2) Navigator: 2LT Stanley Paige (3) 1x Bf-110 destroyed Bombardier: 2LT Edwin O'Brien (3) Engineer/TT: S/SGT Luke Crawford (3) [.67] Radio Op: SGT Theo Morris (2) Ball Turret: SGT Rod Alsita (3) Right Waist: SGT Ed Levin (2) Left Waist: SGT Kaiden Williams (2) Tail Gunner: SGT Dave Donners (3)
Bomb Run: Off Target 5%
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: Superficial x3 (3) Structural N/E (5) Engine superficial (5) Radio destroyed (10) Rudder x1 (10) Norden Bombsight destroyed (10)
Peckham Points: 43
Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia
Attackers: 5 5x Bf-110: 1 Destroyed-confirmed, 1 Damaged, 3 Driven Off
Award/Promotion Requests: None
AFTER ACTION REPORT : (QOTS - Beery):
Spare crew assigned to spare bomber.
OUTBOUND - Zone 3: Two attackers driven off by escort
TARGET ZONE 8: As we approached the target we were bracketed by Flak bursts, inflicting damage to both our nose and tail; and most significantly destroying the Norden bombsight. That blast stunned our Bombardier, but when he realized that other bombers were releasing he toggled our bombs.
Leaving the target any bandits that may have been interested in us were forced off by the defensive firepower of the formation.
INBOUND - Zone 5: Three 110s converged on our B-17. Our escort dealt with one, our Navigator destroyed a second bandit, and the third one did hit us but flew off with damage.
GIULIA: Safe landing.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Sept 23, 2023 14:57:26 GMT -8
PRIVATE DIX MISSION 5 AAR
B-17: "Private Dix" Commander: 1st Lt Bill Gillespie Squadron: 80th Bombardment Squadron (H) Mission Date: 26 January 1944 Mission Number: 1 Group Miss # 5 Formation: Middle Position: Middle Target: Udine, Italy Target Type: Airfield Bombing: ON target / 50%
CREW CUR MIS # NOTES
Pilot - 1st Lt WILLIAM GILLESPIE 1 Co-Pilot - 2nd Lt THEO KOJAK 1 Bombardier - 2nd Lt MICHAEL STONE 1 Navigator - 2nd Lt JAMES ROCKFORD 1 Engineer - M/Sgt STEVEN MCGARRETT 1 Radio Op - S/Sgt FRANKLIN CANNON 1 Ball Gunner - S/Sgt ANTONIO BARETTA 1 Claim: 1/2 FW-190 Port Waist - Sgt STEWART MACMILLAN 1 Starb Waist - Sgt BARNABY JONES 1 Tail Gunner - Sgt MICHAEL MANNIX 1 Claim: 1/2 FW-190, 1 FW-190
E/A Encountered: 12; 3 damaged; 2 Dest claimed
Narrative:
Our first mission began with an easy takeoff and assembly. We took our place in the formation and saw nothing until approaching the coast near the target.
Just as we crossed the coast we were jumped by 5 FW 190s. The escort drove one off. We damaged one from the front of the ship, and the tail gunner nailed him as he passed behind. Another enemy a/c flew into the fire from both our tail and ball gunners. They shot him down. An enemy a/c came screaming down through the formation in a vertical dive, but lousy gunnery led to no damage to us.
Over the target we encountered two waves of fighters composed of a total of three aircraft. Two were driven off by our escorts and the top turret and nose damaged the third. Their fire was ineffective. Flak was medium and puffed all around us, but no hits.
Bombardier 2 LT RICHARD WOOD, really got the job done by dropping 50% of our eggs on target.
We turned around with our formation and headed home. An uneventful trip until we got close to home, When an Italian Me-109 was driven off by the fighters, and an FW 190 whose gunnery was ineffective. We landed safely and headed to the briefing tent.
GILLESPIE
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kfan
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 13
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Post by kfan on Sept 23, 2023 18:14:50 GMT -8
B-17F "Slammin' Sally" 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Commander: Major William James Mission Date: 26 JAN 44 Mission Number: 5 Bomber Mission: 5
Formation: High Position: Mid
Target: Udine, Italy Target Type: Aerodrome
Bomb Run: None
Crew:
Position | Ranks and Names | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1 LT Alan Schneider | 5 | 0 | 0 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Co-Pilot | 2 LT Dennis Baxter | 5 | 0 | 0 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Bombardier | 2 LT Lewis Walton | 5 | 0 | 0 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Navigator | 2 LT Oscar Shepherd | 5 | 0 | 1 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Engineer | S/SGT Donald Williams | 3 | 0 | 2 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Radio Operator | T/SGT Nathaniel Swenson | 5 | 0 | 0 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Ball Gunner | S/SGT Garry Wyatt | 5 | 0 | 0 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Port Waist | SGT Oscar Albright | 5 | 0 | 0 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Starboard Waist | SGT Bob Hanna | 5 | 0 | 0 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA | Tail Gunner | SGT Lonnie Bishop
| 5 | 0 | 2 | Purple Heart - PH | KIA |
Enemies Encountered:
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Me-210 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | FW-190 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Me-109 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Damage: Destroyed Peckham Points: N/AAAR (TfT used for mission)
The outbound flight was quiet until we approached the target area. At one point we were surrounded by five Focke-Wulfs. Our fighters took down one of them and our gunners opened up on the remaining 190s. We suffered some significant damage but were in good enough shape to stay in formation and approach the target area. Just before we entered the flak zone three 109s appeared. We kept them at bay for one round of attacks when another wave appeared. There was a pesky 109 that came at us high at 6 o'clock. Our top turret gunner (who was experiencing mechanical failure) and our tail gunner did their best, but a couple of short bursts from the enemy aircraft scored a direct hit on our bomb bay which set-off a chain reaction. Our plane and crew members were all lost in the fire ball.
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Viscar
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 16
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Post by Viscar on Sept 24, 2023 8:25:05 GMT -8
Pilot: 1LT John Alderman
B-17: Georgia Peach B-17F
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 26 Jan 1944 MISSION NBR: 5
TARGET: Udine, Italy - Airdrome
Position Name Missions Kills Total Kills Awards Status Pilot 1LT John Alderman 3 0 0 RTD Copilot 2LT John Honea 3 0 0 RTD Bombardier 2LT Ralph Steward 3 0 0 RTD Navigator 2LT Michael Artelli 3 0 0 RTD Engineer S/SGT Michael Wynn 3 0 0 RTD Radio Room S/SGT Justin Lewis 3 0 0 RTD Ball Gunner SGT Andy Brown 3 0 2 RTD Port WG SGT Tony Ford 3 0 0 RTD STBD WG SGT Jeff Underwood 3 0 0 RTD Tail Gunner SGT Dexter McConnell 3 0 0 RTD
Bomb Run:
Off target - 0%
B-17 Damage: Superficial damage
Casualties: N/A
Peckham Points: 2
Landing: Landed Safely
Claims: S/SGT Wynn - ME-109 Denied
Enemy Aircraft
Type Number Intercepted Destroyed Damaged Broke Off ME-109 4 2 1 0 1 FW-190 8 7 0 1 0
AAR (flown with TFT)
Airbase: Good take-off and assembly.
Outbound: Attacked by German fighters, but escorts were on spot and drove the majority off. No major issues enroute to target.
Target Area: Jumped by FW-190 and 2 ME-109, escorts drove off 190 and one 109. ME-109 in veritably dive missed and broke off. Hit by FLAK, superficial damage Unfortunately missed target completely On the outbound from target area jumped by 2 190s. Navigator damaged one and escort drove off the other.
Inbound: Attacked by by several fighters, but escorts drove off all but one. A single ME-109 was destroyed by Top Turret, claim was denied.
Airbase: Landed safely. Mission completed.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Sept 24, 2023 17:39:01 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Badgers (5) Crew Commander: Captain WW Robinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle
Mission Date: 26 Jan 44 Mission #: 5 Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: Capt. WW Robinson (5) {0} AM Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. J Van Door (5) {0} AM, PH Bombardier: 2nd Lt. C Lefler (5) {0} AM, PH: 2, DFC Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Sloat (5) {0} AM, PH Engineer: MSgt. A Bissett (5) {2} AM Ball Gunner: Sgt. E Dean (5) {1} AM Radio Oper.: Sgt. T Faloni (1) {0} Temp Pt Waist G: Sgt. S Hatfield (5) {1} AM, PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. J Lewis (5) {0} AM, PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. W Towney (4) {6} PH: 2
Bomb Percentage: 40%
Bomber Disposition: Starboard Elevator, Ailerons, Port Wing Root, Autopilot, Port Waist Suit Heater, Rudder, Superficial Damage (101 Peckham Points)
Casualties: S Hatfield: LW & FB – overnight in hospital J Lewis: LW – 3 days in hospital W Towney: LW – overnight in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 4:190, 4:110) Damaged: (0:109, 1:190, 2:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 2:190, 2:110) W Towney: 190, 110 E Dean: 110 A Bissett: 190
Special Note: Capt. WW Robinson: AM 2nd Lt. J Van Door: AM 2nd Lt. C Lefler: AM 2nd Lt. W Sloat: AM MSgt. A Bissett: AM Sgt. E Dean: AM Sgt. S Hatfield: PH Sgt. J Lewis: PH Sgt. W Towney: PH
Mission Description: Filed by Captain WW Robinson, pilot commanding
The crew huddled around me as I pointed at the map and explained what we were doing today. I talked about how today was going to be a dangerous one since there were Luftwaffe bases all along the Adriatic. Lt. Lefler who had been an English major in college chose this moment to recite poetry:
Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volley’d and thunder’d; Storm’d at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred.
I looked at him and tried to lighten the mood. Mr. Lefler, “how about we strive for something less than 50% casualties and next time how about a something a little less dismal in the poetry department?
Mr. Faloni joined us from the spare pool to man the radio while Cooper recovers. We took off without incident and settled into formation. The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in Zone 7. The “cannon” arrived in the form of four FW 190s. Towney got one of them Bissett got one of them, and the Germans caused minor damage to the plane before leaving. This made Towney our first ace!
In the target zone the 110s came at us. Towney got one more. We took a little more damage. The flak guns missed us and the poet was right on target.
We turned for home and were attacked by more 110s. Dean took out one of them and they hit Hatfield, Lewis, and Towney. Fortunately, all minor scratches that just barely warrant the Purple Heart.
The rest of the trip home was quiet and we landed safely at base. Luckily for us, today was not our day to be the Light Brigade.
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Post by kageyone on Sept 24, 2023 17:46:12 GMT -8
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