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Post by limburger59 on May 18, 2023 20:59:30 GMT -8
to post 13 OCT 23 To unlock 15 OCT 23 Turn in AAR's no later than 28 OCT 23 Next mission to post 27 OCT 23
MISSION DATE: 7 Feb 44 MISSION # 7TARGET: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet Mission Brief: Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 78th SQDN |
| MID | 79th SQDN |
| LOW | 80th SQDN | LEAD: | Laid Back Lady |
| LEAD: | Irascible Girl
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| LEAD: | Wongo | TAIL: | Strikeforce |
| TAIL: | In Like Flynn
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| TAIL: | Great Expectations |
WEATHER:
Takeoff: Poor Target: Poor Landing: Poor GAZETTEERZone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds/None | Fair | 3 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds/None | Fair
| 4 Adriatic Sea | -2 | 50% Clouds/None
| Fair
| 5 Adriatic Sea
| X | 100% Clouds/None
| Fair
| TARGET ZONE 6 Italy FLAK: Outbound: Light x3 Inbound: Light x1 | -2 | 100% Clouds/Light Target: Mostly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually
| Fair
| 5 Italy | X | 100% Clouds/None
| Fair
| 4 Italy / Adriatic Sea | -1 | 50% Clouds/Moderate | Fair
| 3 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds/None
| Fair
| 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds/None
| Fair
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Emergency Airfield: None Shot Down: Over Water (if you didn't drown): Zone 4 or greater: you are captured Zones 2 to 3: you are rescued by the Royal Navy Over Land: Calendar since Last Mission:
29 Jan 44 Mission 6 Ferrara, Italy - Marshalling Yard 30 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day 31 Jan 44 Non-Operational Day 1 Feb 44 Non-Operational Day 2 Feb 44 Non-Operational Day 3 Feb 44 Mission Aborted enroute to Pontassive, Italy (stress!) 4 Feb 44 Bad Weather - Mission Scrubbed 5 Feb 44 Non-Operational Day - classroom training while it rained 6 Feb 44 Bad Weather - Mission Scrubbed 7 Feb 44 Mission 7 Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard
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Post by superbee on Oct 13, 2023 8:38:03 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron - Mission Formation Assignments
Mission #7: Pontassive, Italy (Marshalling Yard)
Lead bomber: Irascible Girl
tail end Charlie: In Like Flynn
The 79th is the "lead" squadron this mission. 1Lt Simmons will be leading the group.
Good luck !
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Post by andy254 on Oct 13, 2023 13:23:47 GMT -8
“Metro says the weather is going to be a problem on this one,” begins Maj Harlan Beech, 509th S2. “On the plus side, that also means it’ll be a problem for the Luftwaffe. Consequently, we don’t expect much interference from Goering’s Goons. You’ll encounter some EA over that target, that’s to be expected. But it’ll be light. Your heaviest resistance will likely be as you cross the Italian coast on your way back home.” SSgt Dewbury indicates the place on the big wall map where the string marking the route crosses the coast.”
“At the target itself, expect moderate flak on target ingress, with it lightening up on egress as Jerry tries to conserve ammunition. As I’ve already mentioned, the target is forecast to be socked in.”
“Your escort will again be the 82nd FG. HQ thinks they need a bit more practice.” Beech waits for the complaining to stop before continuing.
“The RN will be on Lifeguard duty, if you end up in the drink. However, once your route nears the coast, near Arcona, you’ll be on your own. Seems the Brits don’t want to take on coastal artillery with their MGs. Beyond that point the Germans will see you go down and likely reach you before any sympathetic fishermen. If that happens remember, under the Geneva Convention you’re only obligated to provide your name, rank, and serial number. And, under the Fighting Man’s Code, you’re prevented from providing anything more.”
Closing his briefing folder, Maj Beech turns the podium over to the S3.
Maj William H Stockwell stiffly limps up to the podium and looks around the assembled room.
"Gentlemen, some of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Moaning because you're not getting the best fighter group to escort you? As a former fighter pilot, I know the responsibility on their shoulders to do their best to keep you safe. We are all learning how to be better at what we do. Anyway, if you're not getting the best fighter group, doesn't that mean HQ feels you are up to the task to shoulder your part of repelling the enemy without our head honchos? You are already flying in a combat box which in itself means group protection, but your moaning tells me that you doubt the efficiency of this and of your own aircrew in repelling any enemy fighters. If you don't feel confident in flying with your crew, other senior aircrew can be found to take your place. I know how efficient the admin staff is here. Your reassignment to base maintenance can be quickly achieved. Please note this comes with a demotion, a drop in pay and complete loss of bragging rights on how well your mission went, but it means you don't have the worries about which Fighter Group is escorting you. Alternately, you can be transferred to the 5th Army where you will not be going home after twenty five days in combat and have a lower risk of having medals to show your family when you get home. So, those who wish to be reassigned can speak up or raise their hands now!"
His terse remarks met with silence and rows of senior aircrew with their hands placed firmly on their laps. He took a deep breath, and continued.
"Good. I never want to hear griping again about the quality of fighter support when you are being briefed by Maj Beech or myself.
"Our campaign against the railroad infrastructure continues. This time, the target is in Pontassieve, which is a suburb of Florence. You were briefed about this four days ago, but the mission was scrubbed while you were en route. Hopefully, that will not happen this time. Unfortunately for the local populace, the target is quite central within Pontassieve so the risk of damaging this medieval city is quite high.
"Your route takes you up the Adriatic, again as an effort to confuse the enemy as to the actual target. There will be a sharp 90 turn when level with the target, followed by an almost immediate about face following you having bombed the target. The egress follows an almost identical route in return.
"As Maj Beech told you, opposition from either enemy aircraft in the sky or flak from the ground is minimal apart from sometime during your egress before you cross out over the Adriatic again when it is anticipated local Luftwaffe squadrons may know your route home. I am sure you can handle it and take some Luftwaffe scalps. Although you have seen a lot worse, I will reiterate some of the S2's briefing. The weather is not your friend and seeing the target itself might be difficult. With luck and skill, I am sure that collectively, this group will put the target out of action.
"Good luck up there. I'll be counting you all out. I hope to be counting you all back."
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Post by crushedhat on Oct 13, 2023 15:28:49 GMT -8
For the 78th, for Mission 7: Lead: Laid Back Lady, (crushedhat) Tail: Strikeforce, (cubs2014) 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 Oct 14, 2023 8:44:47 GMT -8
80th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)
MISSION 007 80 SQUADRON POSITIONS
LEAD -"Wongo" - WILLIS, BEN 1LT TAIL - "Great Expectations" - DICKENS, JOHN 1LT
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Oct 15, 2023 0:33:37 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: 7 February 1944 Mission Number: 7 Mission of this bomber: 7 Formation: Lead bomber Position: Middle Target: Pontassieve, Italy Target Type: Marshalling Yard Bomb Run: On Target - 50% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Henry Simmons | 7 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 2 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Jerry Taylor
| 7 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Matthew Mallard
| 7 | 0 | .5 | AM | RTD | 2 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Bruce Mullins | 7 | 0 | .33 | AM | RTD | 1 | Engineer | T/Sgt Tim Burkey | 7 | 0 | 3.5 | AM | RTD | 1 | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Paul Stewart | 7 | 0 | 0 | AM / PH | RTD | 1 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Matthew Whalen
| 7 | 0 | 3.83 | AM | RTD
| 0 | Port WG | Sgt George Buck
| 7 | 0 | 1 | AM | RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Harvey McGinty
| 7 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Mark Withley
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgr Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 7 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: --Damage:
- Engine #3 oil leak: 10 Peckham Points: 10pts - ordinary maintenance Casualties: -- Awards: -- AAR (flown with TFT)Today we are the Lead bomber and it is a great honour but a great responsability too! S/Sgt Withley joined our crew directly from US after Sgt Bolden died after last mission.Giulia Airbase: Take-off and assembly were ok despite mud and rain. Zone 2-5 Outbound: Nothing to report. No enemy aircrafts spotted. Zone 6 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No Jerrys while approaching the target and light flak caused no damage. Bomb run was good, around 50% of our load on target. Light and inaccurate flak after bombing with no effects. Attacked by a couple of Fw-190s but both were engaged by escort. Zone 5-3 Inbound: No GAF on our route. Zone 2 Inbound: On Adriatic sea engine #3 oil pressure gauge indicated the loss of pressure and we observed a thin trail of oil coming out of the engine. I decided to turn off the engine immediately to avoid a fire and because we were at short distance from the base. Giulia Airbase: With three engines running and despite the fog and mud on the runway, we managed to land without damage. This was a "milk run" mission for us. -------------------------------------------------
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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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Oct 15, 2023 6:17:40 GMT -8
Mission date: 7 February 44 Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshaling Yards Mission/Bomber: 7/3 B-17G The Cat's Meow 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force Formation: Low Squadron Position: Middle
Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards Pilot: 1LT Walter Kowalski (3) (-) Co-Pilot: 2LT John Moran (3) (-) Bombardier: 2LT Edward Roberts (3) (0) Navigator: 2LT Mark Cohen (3) (1) Engineer: SSG Hason Rodman (3) (0.33) Radio Operator: SGT Mack Thomas (3) (0) Ball Gunner: SGT Kenneth Lewis (3) (0.16) Port Waist Gun: SGT Luigi Roselli (3) (0) Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Angel Ramirez (3) (0) Tail Gun: SGT Lee Kinnison (3) (0.16) PH
Bombing: On target, 60%
Damage: 44 Peckham Points Superficial Damage: Starboard wing x1, Pilot compartment x1 Oxygen system Bombardier equipment Navigator equipment Rubber rafts Intercom Port waist heater Light wound
Casualties: SGT Lee Kinnison, Torn bicep muscle.
Awards: SGT Lee Kinnison - PH
EA: Encountered/Claimed/Killed Me-109: 2 / 0 / 0 Me-110 1 / 0 / 0 Ju-88: 1 / 0 / 0 FW-190: 1 / 0 / 0 C.205: 1 / 0 / 0 G55: 1 / 0 / 0
AAR using TfT
The weather for departure was poor but we're getting used to that.
Zone 3 - 5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6 (Target): Inbound from the IP a single Me-110 came at us at 1:30 Level but the escorts I intercepted it. Flak was light and missed us entirely. Despite the poor weather below us, Roberts was dead on and managed to get sixty percent into the box.
Zone 6 (Inbound): The flak moderated and missed us but things got busy once we were past it with two waves of enemy aircraft. The first wave was a Ju-88 and a G.55 off the tail that never got close thanks to the escorts. The second wave was a C.205 off the nose that the escorts got. The other was an FW-190 that dove open us, missed and dove away.
Zone 5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: This was the most serious threat to the aircraft. An FW-190 off the nose was intercepted. An Me-109 in a vertical dive missed and dove off. But an Me-109 at 6:00 High was damaged, but got a superficial hit on the starboard wing, knocked out our oxygen system, then got walking hits knocking out the nav and bombardier gear, getting a superficial hit on the pilot compartment, destroyed the rubber rafts, knocked out the intercom, knocked out the Port Waist Gunner's heating system, and lightly wounded the Tail Gunner.
Zone 3: Nothing to report.
The landing was without incident and we quickly hustled Kinnison into the ambulance. He swears he won't miss a mission.
1LT Walter Kowalski, Pilot The Cat's Meow 80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force
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Post by mrkillabee on Oct 15, 2023 8:35:57 GMT -8
T-TAILED BATHTUBPilot: 2LT Edward Llyod Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: High(Bomber#9) Mission Date: 26 Jan 44 Mission Number: 007 Missions This Bomber: 7 Target: Marshalling Yard Crew member | # Missions | TOTAL CLAIMS
| TODAY'S CLAIMS | ConfirmedClaims
| Stress | Status | Pilot: 2LT Edward Llyod | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot: 2LT Vincent Wolfe
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Bombardier: 2LT Matthew Palmer
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator: 2LT Brian Hoffman | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | RTD | Engineer: S/SGT Larry Walhen | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD
| Radio Operator: S/SGT Flyod Morgan
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Ball Gunner: SGT Billy Wheeler
| 6 | 0,5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD
| Port Waist: S/SGT Vernon Hicks
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Starboard Waist: SGT Herbert Hansen
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD
| Tail Gunner: SGT Matthew Bennett
| 6 | 2,38 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD
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Bomb Run: On On Target: 60% B-24 Damage: Technical issues: None Peckham Points: 2 Landing: safe Repair Time: 1night Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Fonzarelli, average A routine mission without much relief apart from a rather successful bombing! Even the FlaK, although not very active, only causes superficial damage!
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Oct 15, 2023 18:09:54 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Holy Toledo! (1) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Van Dorn Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 7 Feb 44 Mission #: 7 Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. J Van Dorn (7) {0} AM, PH Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. H Ruess (1) {0} PH Bombardier 2nd Lt. W Wetherell (1) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. G Baker (1) {0} Engineer: MSgt. J Kershner (1) {0} Ball Gunner: Sgt. CP Taylor (1) {1} Radio Oper.: Sgt. RL McConnell (1) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. A Charles (1) {0} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. G Reynolds (1) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. D Smith (1) {0}
Bomb Percentage: 0% Bomber Disposition: none (2 Peckham Points)
Casualties: H Reuss: PH – overnight in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110) Taylor: 190
Special Note: H Reuss: PH
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. J Van Dorn, pilot commanding
A week ago. I was sitting in my tent writing a letter to my girl back in Milwaukee when the Major James’ staff sergeant poked his head in the flap. “VD, excuse me, Sir, Major James would like to see you at once.
As I hurried off to the Major’s office my mind wandered back and forth between wondering what the Major wanted and trying to figure out how I was going to ditch the nickname “VD.” I got to the door and knocked. “Come in” I heard the Major’s voice.
I marched smartly into the office and stood at attention exchanging salutes with the squadron CO. I was surprised to see Captain Robinson there as well.
“Have a seat, Mr. Van Dorn,” said the Major gesturing to a chair. I sat down and Robinson handed me a glass of bourbon. I sipped it. Smooth. It was good to be a Major.
The Major cut to the chase. “Van Dorn, I suppose you are wondering why I asked you to come down here?”
“Yes sir.” I said setting the glass down on the desk to make sure I kept a clear head through this meeting.
“As you know the Pride of the Buckeyes went down yesterday. We have an open slot in the squadron with a brand-new plane and a brand-new crew to fill it. The only thing we are missing is a pilot. Captain Robinson and I want you to fly that plane and lead the new crew.”
This morning. A week has passed and I had had a chance to meet and break in my very green crew from Ohio. In honor of their home state, they have voted to name our new plane “Holy Toledo!” Because I am the only Wisconsinite in the plane, they have taken to calling me “Cheese Head.” Hey, at least it is not “VD.” It has been a frustrating week of rain and scrubbed missions; however, I think the hardship has started to bring the crew together.
We took off and settled into the middle of the formation without incident. The outbound flight was quiet all the way to the target. The flak guns missed us. Wetherel reported not being able to spot the target through the clouds and made his best guess. We presume to have missed the target entirely.
On our egress from the target still no fighters attacked us. The suddenly the pilot compartment took a hit. “Damn it” said Reuss clutching is right arm. The plane lurched and I grabbed the controls. “Harry, get a bandage on that arm and get your hands back on the controls.”
One the way back in Zone 4, a single 190 tried to sneak up on us from the rear. Taylor shot him down to earn the plane’s first victory.
We arrived safely back at base. The plane was barely scratched, unfortunately so was the enemy. We will get them tomorrow.
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Post by crushedhat on Oct 15, 2023 19:11:45 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 7 Feb 44 MISSION NBR. 7/This Bomber 7 TARGET: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: High Squadron, Lead
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (7) [0] Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (7) [0] Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (7) [1] * Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (7) [1 1/3] # Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (7) [10 2/3] * Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (7) [0] Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (7) [8 5/6] Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (7) [1 1/2] # Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (1) [0] Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (7) [6 5/6] * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: Me 109 4-3 KIA, 1 to 83nd FG (1 Ace, 2 Green)
Claims: Only credited kills reported here Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Me 109 Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Me 109
Bomb Run: On Target, 40%
B-24 Damage: Bombs: NE (5) Peckham Points: 5 Peckham Points, AC ready 8 Feb 44.
Casualties: None
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: 1st Oak Leaf to Air Medal for achieving five confirmed kills.
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: None
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
If the idea was to give the boys from the 82nd FG some practice escorting bombers, we didn’t give them much of an opportunity. Not that I’m complaining. This mission was about was close to a milk run as you could wish for. Again, no complaints.
The only action we saw was over the target (Zone 6). On ingress, we experienced a tense moment as flak shrapnel rattled around in the bomb bay. Fortunately, it didn’t hit anything vital. Then, on egress we were challenged by four Me 109s, though ‘challenged’ is a generous description, as one was chased off by the 82nd and we knocked the other three out of the sky; giving TSgt Newton his fifth confirmed kill.
As we crossed the coast (Zone 4), someone reported a strange B-17 following the formation, but he didn’t hang around long. Despite the poor weather, both takeoff and landing were uneventful.
The flak put a few holes in Lady, But TSgt Mason will have those patched up before the day is through.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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Post by kageyone on Oct 15, 2023 22:10:16 GMT -8
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Oct 15, 2023 23:31:17 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: 7 February 1944 Mission Number: 7 Mission of this bomber: 7 Formation: High Position: Middle Target: Pontassieve - Italy Target Type: Marshalling Yard Bomb Run: DNB CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Victor Harlow | 6 | 0 | 0 | AM | KIA | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Elmer Gibson
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| POW | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Homer Miller
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| POW | 1 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Norman Burch | 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| POW | 1 | Engineer | S/Sgt Arthur McLane | 6 | .5 | 2 | AM
| POW | 0 | Radio Op. | T/Sgt Tony Stevens | 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| POW | 1 | Ball Gunner | S/Sgt Ramon Furtado
| 6 | 0 | .5 | AM
| POW
| 3 | Port WG | Sgt Milton Flint
| 6 | 0 | 1 | AM
| POW
| 1 | Starboard WG | Sgt Dean Stoddart
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| KIA | 1 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Dale Lindberg
| 6 | 0 | 2.16 | AM
| POW
| 2 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Richard Weiner (Average Joe) - 7 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Me-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Claims:
- S/Sgt A. McLane - 1 Me109 claimed - half credit awarded Damage: bomber destroyed Peckham Points: infinite
Casualties:
- 1st Lt. V. Harlow: KIA - accident occurred after bail out - Sgt D. Stoddart: KIA - head shot Awards:
- PH posthumous: 1st Lt. V. Harlow - PH posthumous: Sgt D. Stoddart AAR (flown with TFT)Witnesses reported that the "Kicking Horse" was seen on fire (probably wing tanks fire) in the target area. Observed 9 parachutes abandoning the ship.
*** International Red Cross Report *** 8 crew members of an American bomber, shot down over the skies of Tuscany, Italy, were arrested and interned in Germany at a POW Camp (we do not know at the moment what it is). The 8 captured members are in good health, while 1 of them was found dead, with multiple fractures, with the parachute still worn. In the wreckage of the crashed plane were found the charred remains of another man, who had probably died earlier on board. ********************************************
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GaryK
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 236
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Post by GaryK on Oct 16, 2023 11:50:15 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).
Thankfully, after some enforced slack days and ground training due to weather, a shorter mission than the last three.
Perez’s confinement to camp and dawn/dusk guardroom visits after the CO’s report seems to have calmed him down a bit. I will be keeping an eye on him, however.
Mission: The mission began with a potential abort when Carter reported in that his ball turret was jammed just after he got into it on the climb out. Once at our rear position in the squadron formation, Perez went back to check it out. He reported in that there was a loose electrical plug, and Carter then confirmed the turret serviceable again after the plug was reconnected.
Nothing bothered us on the way to, and over, the target. The flak pumped away at us, but no shells even came close. Long wasn’t happy with his drop, compared to the last two missions, but visibility below us was very bad. Much lighter flak on the way out of the target area was also inaccurate, and the opposition air forces didn’t appear.
Things hotted up – sort of – as we headed for the Adriatic coast, with the appearance of a couple of Me110s. Our fighter friends chased one away, and the other (low off our starboard side) barely got within range before Carter blew up the Jerry’s starboard engine, which took off most of that wing. No chutes were seen as it tipped crazily earthwards.
And that was it – a quiet run home, and an uneventful landing. Makes a nice change!
For the first time after a mission, we had no crew wounded and no aircraft damage. The debriefing took all of ten minutes, then we stowed our gear and met up for chow and drinks.
Thankfully, a quiet night, with Perez keeping himself constrained to a few beers. I bought the first round in celebration of three of us catching up with the surviving original members by completing enough missions to receive our Air Medal.
I’m sure that the war will be back to bite us more seriously in the very near future.
1Lt Franco Vorelli, Pilot Commanding B-17G-50BO-42-102379 "In Like Flynn" 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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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Oct 16, 2023 15:02:13 GMT -8
MISSION 7 PONTESSIEVE AAR
B-17F MISS HOLLY B-17F-110BO 42-30616 Pilot: 1st Lt Frank DeLozier Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force Formation/Position: Middle/Middle Mission Date: 7 Feb 44 Mission Number: 007 Missions This Bomber: 5 Target: Pontessieve, Italy - Marshaling Yard and Rail Facilities
BOMBING: OFF / 0%
CASUALTIES: none
CLAIMS 1: 50% WOOD, RICHARD 2 LT; 2: 50% CANTOLO, EMILIO SGT
E/A 3x Me110 - 1 DEST 1x Fw 190 - driven off 1x Me 109 It - driven off Total 5x E/A
PECKHAM PTS: 11 - ready to go tomorrow. 1x Superficial 10x Radio out
AIR MEDAL RECOMMENDATION For 5 Completed Missions: Captain FRANK DELOZIER - Pilot 2nd Lt PERCY JOHNSON - Co-Pilot 2nd Lt RICHARD WOOD - Bombardier 2nd Lt HAMPTON RAWLINGS - Navigator T/Sgt SAMUEL BATEMAN - Engineer S/Sgt JOSE AZZUCO - Radio Op Sgt EMILIO CANTOLO - Ball Gunner Sgt HAL CARTER - Port Waist Sgt HERBERT RAYMOND - Starb Waist Sgt CHARLES EDWARDS III - Tail Gunner
AAR
Move along folks, nothing to see here. A plain and simple raid with only a few enemy aircraft being seen. Must've been the awful weather that kept them grounded.
Ran into three 110s at the IP. One got in a shot on our starboard wing, but it
didn't bother us any. Cantolo and Wood shot one down.
Our radio op, Azzuco, informed me that our radio went out just before the enemy showed up. He didn't have a chance to work on it during the attack and afterwards he said it was dead.
The target was 10/10 socked in when we arrived. Couldn't tell whether the bombs hit anywhere, much less on target. Put it down as an Off Target with 0%. Hard luck for Bombardier Wood, but at least he got half a e/a downed. On the way home we saw a lone German 190 in the company of an Italian 109, but both were driven off by our escort.
Landing was safe and sound.
DELOZIER
ADDENDUM from Co-Pilot Percy Johnson: He'd never tell you, but today, 7 February, is Captain Delozier's birthday. No clue as to how old the old man actually is though!
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Oct 17, 2023 9:10:08 GMT -8
B-17F Wimpy B-17F-27BO-41-24585 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Low Aircraft Position: Middle / Lead Mission Date: 7 FEB 1944 Mission Number: 7 This Aircraft: 7 Target: Pontassieve, Italy, Marshalling Yards CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Landry Velez | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Santino Richards | 7 | 0 | AM, PH | RTD | 2 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt George Sheets | 4 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Roberto Ford | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Engineer | T/Sgt Finnegan Fields | 7 | 4.5 | AM | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Waist | Sgt Paul Nielson | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | NT / Waist | T/3rd Ari Watkins | 7 | 1 | AM, PH | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | T/4th Tobias Mace | 7 | 2.5 | AM | RTD | 3 | Left Waist / NT | S/Sgt Tripp MacDougal | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/4th Kingsley Griffin | 7 | 2.5 | AM | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 5 | | 0 | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: DNBCasualties: None Damage: #3 Engine Fire, Extinguished 35 Fire Extinguisher 25 Peckham Points: 60, Ready next day Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Bf-110 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: None Awards: None Promotions: None The mood of the crew matched the dark and brooding weather. Via the grapevine I discovered the crew found out about the memo from the Squadron XO. All the enlisted crew averted their eyes in my presence, acting like children who knew they were naughty, but hadn’t yet been discovered. Even after being informed that they would get the kills they had been denied, their overall mood had been dour for days. To top it off, three of my crew, plus three from another crew, have been restricted to base. Apparently the six were involved in an “altercation’ at the Bar Ruocco . Now the whole squadron was banned from that bar until the owner had received full restitution for the damages to the establishment. At the rate the men’s paychecks were being docked, it would take about two, maybe three months or more, between the six, to pay off the damages. Lt Ford passed the hat amongst the crew’s officers. I will check with the XO if we can donate it to the ‘cause’. Anonymously.AFTER ACTION REPORTWe were back to being wet. And cold. Everything was damp. No one relished flying at 20,000FT with damp underwear. Every hope was the suit heaters would dry them out. The command crew would just have to suffer. The crew had mixed feelings about the expected light resistance, there and back. On the one hand, they would have minimal, if any, opportunities to shoot down more of the enemy. On the other hand, a milk run would be nice. One more mission closer to home. We were just out over the Adriatic, with Pescara approaching on our left, when #3 engine started coughing. Fields dropped out of the top turret to check his board. As he was doing so #3 belched black smoke, the plane bucked, and flames shot out through the cowling. We hit the extinguisher for #3. It worked the first time, extinguishing the flames. The prop was feathered. We only had a few moments to decide what to do. Abort and head home or drop our bombs and remain in formation. Santino and I looked at each other and nodded. I called on Lt Ford to drop the bombs. We were to remain in formation and lend our guns to the defensive box. The skies were empty of the enemy until we were on approach to the target. At the IP Griffin and Fields noted a B-17 straggling a few miles behind. Too far to identify. As our whole squadron was accounted for, we assumed they were from the 79th, or another squadron in the Wing. Shortly after passing the IP rockets streamed through the formation. No hits. Flak was light as expected, and inaccurate, both going into and exiting the target. Once we passed the flak belt, on egress, a pair of bf-110s made eyes at us. Our guardians in the 82nd FG made them rethink approaching us. We had made are big turn back toward the Adriatic when Wongo dropped out of formation. I had Lt Sheets, operating out of the radio room, notify the squadron we were sliding into the lead, replacing Wongo. The formation was just making its final big turn to head back down the Adriatic when another barrage of rockets streamed through the squadron. Again, wide of us. Even with the poor flying and ground conditions, we landed Wimpy safely. Submitted by, 1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot B-17F Wimpy 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF Time to see the XO.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Oct 17, 2023 10:20:12 GMT -8
MISSION 7 PONTESSIEVE AAR
PRIVATE DIX Pilot: 1st Lt Bill Gillespie Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force Formation/Position: Middle/Middle Mission Date: 7 Feb 44 Mission Number: 007 Missions This Bomber: 3 Target: Pontessieve, Italy - Marshalling Yard
BOMBING: OFF - 5%
CASUALTIES: none
CLAIMS: none
E/A 2x Ju88 - driven off 2x Me109 J - one driven off Me210 - driven off
PECKHAM PTS: 10 - ball turrent malfunction
AAR
During climb-out, ball turret power went out. Ball gunner and Engineer spent the rest of the mission trying unsuccessfully to repair it - they never did.
Easy run into and out of the target, but clouds obscured it so we estimate OFF target and 5%.
On the way home, saw two Jugoslav 109s. One was driven off, the other came at us from below and the ball couldn't fire. Luckily his fire missed us. Landing was nominal.
GILLESPIE
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Oct 17, 2023 12:40:57 GMT -8
B-24J Bit o’ Lace B-24J-15-CF-42-99776 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Low Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 7 FEB 1944 Mission Number: 7 This Aircraft: 1 Target: Pontassieve, Italy, Marshalling yards CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Damien Carroll | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Donald Costa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Dan Crimson | 1 | 0 | PH | 0 | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Reid Bush | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engineer | T/3rd Walter McClain | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Radio Op / Rt Waist | T/3rd Quentin Mains | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NT / Rt Waist | S/Sgt Kalel Burgess | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ball Turret | S/Sgt Conor West | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Left Waist / NT | Sgt Zahir Edmonson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Jayden Dawson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt King Solis | | | | | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %Casualties: 2nd Lt Dan Crimson, broken right femur, 8 weeks recovery Damage: Serious Wound 5 Superficial X2 4 Peckham Points: 9 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day to Repair Landing: Safe Enemy AircraftType | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Bf-109 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | Bf-110 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ClaimsPosition | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Top | 1 | 0.5 | 0 |
Awards: Purple Heart2nd Lt Dan Crimson Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTNo doubt it has been said before, but “Sunny Italy?”. Anything but. It has been rainy, wet, and cold since we arrived. We were informed at this morning’s mission briefing we could expect very light enemy opposition. It was pretty accurate, with our only exposure to enemy aircraft being while we were over land. The only aircraft we could see, other than the Group bombers, were our escorts from the 82nd FG, until we were approaching the target. We had just passed the IP, when control was turned over to 2nd Lt Bush, for the run in. Three Bf-109s began attack runs on Bit o’ Lace. Fighters from the 82nd swooped in and drove off two of the interlopers. T/3rd McClain, in the top turret, smoked the third. While we were scanning the skies for more enemies a voice over the intercom called out that Kicking Horse was going down in flames. Multiple voices counted the chutes. The count ended at nine. Flak was indeed light, in and out of the target, and fairly accurate. They seemed to have a bead on us but kept just missing us. [ DRs of 3, and 3, and …] As soon as Reid released our bombs, he relinquished control back to me. (Addendum: Later report from Intelligence indicated we dropped 40% on target.) The Italian coast was looming when a pair of Bf-110s made an appearance. Our escorts were able to drive off one of them. Though we took some chunks out of the remaining enemy fighter, he was able to get a few rounds into us. All the damage to the aircraft was minor. However, navigator Crimson took a round to the right leg. (Addendum: The round ended up breaking his femur. He will be laid up for about 8 weeks.) Once past the coast we saw no more enemy aircraft. Landing was good. Submitted by, 1Lt Damien Carroll, Pilot B-24J Bit o’ Lace 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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Post by campsawyer on Oct 17, 2023 15:52:55 GMT -8
B-17F Double Bomb (B-17F-100BO 42-30333) Pilot: 1st Lt Paul Flores Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: High/10 Mission Date: 29 Jan 44 Mission Number: 10Missions This Bomber: 6 Base: Guilia, Italy Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yards Crew | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Paul Flores | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Sanders | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Thompson | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cox | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | Engineer T/Sgt King | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | Radioman T/Sgt Ramirez | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | Ball Gunner Sgt Roberts | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | PWG Sgt Scott | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | SWG Sgt Brown
| 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD | Tail Gunner S/Sgt Thomas | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RFD |
Bomb Run: NA On Target: NA B-17 Damage: None Peckham Points: 0Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Taylor, average Landing: Safe E/A | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | FW-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ME-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Confirmed Claims: None Casualties: None Award/ Promotions Requests: None After Action Report OutboundDelayed on takeoff as well as poor weather over assembly area caused us to fail to get into position for the mission. After 45 minutes of searching for clear weather and the other formations we returned to base without making a bomb run. Inbound
N/A 1st Lt Paul Flores, Pilot, 80th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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kfan
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 13
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Post by kfan on Oct 17, 2023 18:53:45 GMT -8
B-17G "Sandy's Chariot" 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Commander: 1LT Gilbert Tyler Mission Date: 7 FEB 44 Mission Number: 7 Bomber Mission: 1
Formation: Mid Position: #5
Target: Pontassive, Italy Target Type: Marshaling Yards Bomb Run: On Target - 20%
Crew:Enemies Encountered: NONEDamage: None Peckham Points: 0 AAR (TfT used for mission)After our first mission was aborted on the runway due to fire, there was a long weather delay. The crew was exceptionally nervous after the mission briefing especially given the weather reports. Once we cleared the runway, the crew settled-in for the mission. No enemy aircraft were encountered on the way to the target and the escorting P-38s we spotted gave us a good feeling. As we approached the target, the flak was getting awfully close but no hits were scored. The visibility made things difficult but we believe we scored a partial hit on the rail line. After some light flak was encountered, the formation pulled in tight for the journey home. We had no direct enemy contact and had a nice touchdown despite the low visibility over the base.
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Post by kageyone on Oct 17, 2023 21:59:49 GMT -8
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Oct 18, 2023 17:29:45 GMT -8
AAR
15AF Mission #7 Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #3)Crew Commander: 2LT George McQuinn Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle TARGET: Marshalling Yard
Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Prior Kills
Awarded | Status | Pilot | 2LT | George McQuinn | 6 | AM |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | Howard Mills | 2 |
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| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Johnny Marcum | 6 | AM | .25 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | Pat Tobin | 6 | AM | .25 | RFD
| Engineer | S/SGT | Sam Harshaney | 6 | AM | 2.83 | RFD | Radio/ RW | S/SGT | John Whitehead | 6 | AM | .5 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bill Trotter | 6 | AM, PH | 1 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Harry Kimberlin | 6 | AM | 1.5 | RFD
| Nose Gunner | SGT | Tommy Thompson | 1 |
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| Tail Gunner | SGT | Dave Short | 6 | AM | .83 | RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) (skill +4) Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failures on this mission. Ground crew random events: Excellent work on the preparation for today’s mission. You have a Lucky Charm for this mission only.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, Bomber Disposition: RFD, routine overnight maintenance Bomber Damage: none Peckham Points:
Post Mission Repairs: Routine overnight maintenance Excellent work on the repairs of your ship after today’s mission. Your Crew Chief receives one Skill Point.
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 1
| Me109 | Fw190 | Me110 | Me210 | Me410
| C205 | TOTAL | Escort Intercept |
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Casualties: Claims: Awards:
AAR We have a new nose gunner Tommy Thompson, a youngster from Illinois like our flight engineer S/SGT Harshaney who has taken him under his wing & enough time between mission to get Sgt Trotter back from hospital.
OUTBOUND We were able to take off and join up with the formation without any incident. Nothing to report on the way to the target area.
TARGET AREA Once we were in the target area, we were met by light flak but nothing that close to us. Our bombardier 2LT Marcum took over for the bomb run and was on-target scored as 40% effective. Right after our bomb release we got the reminder that even milk run missions are dangerous. SGTs Short and Kimberlin reported over the intercom that the Kicking Horse was going down. They reported at least 8 chutes observed and one chute with what appeared to be a partial deployment.
INBOUND Approaching the coast we observed a Fw190 approaching which was quickly intercepted by our escorts. We had a safe landing at Giulia Airfield as our new co-pilot continues to gain experience with flying in poor weather.
2LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding B-24D Bama Beauty 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Oct 18, 2023 17:37:00 GMT -8
AAR
15AF Mission #7 Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard
B-17F All In (Mission #7)Crew Commander: 1LT George Gill Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle TARGET: Marshalling Yard
Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George Gill | 7 | AM |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | 2LT Ed Cole | 7 | AM
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| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Louis “Buck” Newsom | 7 | AM
| 1/2 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | 2LT Myril Hoag | 7 | AM
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| Engineer | S/SGT | Roy “Beau” Bell | 7 | AM | 1/3 | RFD | Radio Operator | S/SGT | Vern Kennedy | 7 | AM
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| Ball Gunner | SGT | SGT Russ Van Atta | 7 | AM
| 1/2 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Julius “Moose” Solters | 7 | AM
| 1/2 | RFD
| Right Waist | SGT | Alfred “Roxie” Lawson | 7 |
| 1/3 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ralph “Red” Kress | 7 |
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Crew Chief S/SGT Fred Johnson (Average) 5th mission skill 3.5
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failures on this mission. Ground crew random events: Accident with Bombs: An explosion away from your ship
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50% Bomber Disposition: Ready for duty Bomber Damage: none Peckham Points: none Post Mission Repairs: Routine maintenance ready for next mission, Excellent work on the repairs of your ship after today’s mission. Your Crew Chief receives one Skill Point.
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 2
| Me109 | Fw190 | Me100 | G55; | TOTAL | Escort Intercept | 2 |
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Casualties: none Claims: none Awards: none
AAR This mission was as close to the mythical milk run as we are likely to get. While the ground crew was getting the bombs loaded there was an “accident” with bombs being transported to a nearby hardstand. No damage to the All In but Fred our crew chief reported that a couple of the munition’s guys moving the bombs were badly injured. He was somewhat shaken by the event and did a double check of our bomb load with Buck, our bombardier, and Moose, our armorer-gunner, to be sure all our bombs had their safety cotter pins in place. Fred expressed his concerns that there might be some sabotage involved.
OUTBOUND We were able to take up and join up with the formation without any problems. The boys from the 82 FG joined up on schedule. A quite flight to the target area.
TARGET AREA Once we were in the target area there was light flak as expected but it was ineffective, it seemed like most bursts were slightly below our altitude. Buck delivered the bombs on-target and was assessed as 50% effective. The flak lessened after bomb release and we rejoined the formation at the RP.
INBOUND As we were crossing back our over the Adriatic two Me109s started towards us but were jumped by our friends from the 82th and sent running. Safe landing at Giulia Airfield as we continued to get experience with bad weather takeoffs and landings. All In will be ready for the next mission as overnight routine maintenance by Fred and his crew.
1LT George Gill, Pilot Commanding B-17F All In 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by rcastillo on Oct 19, 2023 5:51:03 GMT -8
B-17F The Reluctant Dragon 79th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Middle Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 7 February 1944 Mission #: 7 Aircraft Mission #: 7 Target: Marshalling Yard @ Pontassive, Italy
Pilot 1LT Curtis E. LeMay (7) Bombardier 2LT Billy Harper (2) Navigator 2LT Glenn Dean (7) Co-Pilot 2LT Tom Landry (7) Engineer T/SGT Dennis Browning (7) Radio Operator SGT Maurice Stein (7) Ball Gunner SGT Allen Harrison (7) Port Waist SGT Gene Jackson (7) Starboard Waist SGT Frank Valentine (7) Tail Gunner SGT Roger Leonard (7)
Bomb Run: On Target 50%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: None
B-24D Louisiana Belle 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: High Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 7 February 1944 Mission #: 7 Aircraft Mission #: 7 Target: Marshalling Yard @ Pontassive, Italy
Pilot 1LT James Stewart (7) Bombardier 2LT Paul Gibbs (7) Navigator 2LT Elbert Garner (7) Co-Pilot 2LT Jim Hampton (7) Engineer T/SGT Ivan Jacobson (7) Radio Operator SGT Clifton Buckley (7) Ball Gunner SGT Alfred Paul (7) Port Waist SGT Norman Conner (7) Starboard Waist SGT Duane Hoover (7) Tail Gunner SGT Henry Olson (7)
Bomb Run: On Target 40%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: None
End of Report
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Post by limburger59 on Oct 19, 2023 11:47:59 GMT -8
B-17G: GREAT EXPECTATIONS: B-17F-75BO 42-18544 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low Sqdn - TAIL MISSION DATE: 7 FEB 44 MISSION # 7 (6th mission this bomber) TARGET: Pontassieve, Italy - Marshalling Yard Bomb Run: On Target 50% CREWPosition | Rank | Name | Current Mission | Previous Kills | Claims Today
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| Status | Stress | Notes | Pilot | 1 LT
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| Matthew Pocket
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| | Temp from Spare Pool | Navigator | 2 LT | Curt Clark
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| Radioman | S/SGT | Luke Wopsle
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| PWG | SGT | Henry Hubble | 6
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Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: Superficial x1 (1) P. Inboard Fuel Tank – Self Sealed(10)
Peckham Points: 11
Crew Chief: S/SGT Julian San Sebastian (Status: Average Joe)
B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia
Attackers: 4
| # | Claimed Destroyed
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Award/Promotion Requests: In Hospital/Not Flying Today: SGT Mick Jaggers: RTD 10 FEB 44 2LT Jack Dawkins: RTD 10 FEB 44 AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant)
TARGET ZONE - Zone 6: Approaching the target it seemed like the Luftwaffe was fixated on the leading edge of the formation, so we watched the defensive gunnery of the 509th keep the bandits away. This allowed our Bombardier to concentrate on the breaks in the clouds and he is confident that he hit the target. INBOUND - Zone 6: Finally, the Germans realized that we were flying tail. Two out of the four bandits heading for our B-17 got past our escort. We traded minor hits with the ME-210, and that was it for the mission.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Oct 19, 2023 17:30:27 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Badgers (7) Crew Commander: Captain WW Robinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 7 Feb 44 Mission #: 7
Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: Capt. WW Robinson (7) {0} AM Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. G Bill (1) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. C Lefler (7) {0} AM, PH: 2, DFC Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Sloat (7) {0} AM, PH Engineer: MSgt. A Bissett (7) {2} AM Ball Gunner: Sgt. E Dean (7) {2} AM Radio Oper.: Sgt. I Cooper (6) {0} AM, PH: 2 Pt Waist G: Sgt. S Hatfield (7) {1} AM, PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. J Lewis (7) {0} AM, PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. W Towney (6) {6} PH: 2
Bomb Percentage: 60% Bomber Disposition: No damage (0 Peckham Points)
Casualties: N/A
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (4:109, 1:190, 3:110) Damaged: (3:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 1:110)
Special Note: N/A
Mission Description: Filed by Captain WW Robinson, pilot commanding
After the last mission we wished Lt. Van Dorn a fond fare well as he was promoted to first lieutenant and given his own plane. Taking over his seat is Lt. Gary Bill of Prairie du Chien. The crew have done an excellent job of making their new co-pilot feel welcome and I hear are calling him Billy Goat behind his back. I suppose at least it isn’t VD.
We took off without incident and settled into formation. I let Gary do a lot of the flying to get him used to flying in a tight formation we need to protect each other.
The outbound flight was quiet until the target zone when a single 190 jumped us from above out of the sun. Our aim was off and so was his. Lefler was right on target and we turned for home.
We were chased out of the target zone by a quartet of 109s. We got pieces of three of them. They missed us entirely. The rest of the flight home was quiet.
A good day for the Pride of the Badgers. On target, no damage, and no casualties. I’ll take that any day.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Oct 19, 2023 18:21:40 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Wolverines (7) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. HR Morrow Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 7 Feb 44 Mission #: 7 Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. HR Morrow (7) {0} AM Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. H Whiting (7) {0} AM Bombardier: 2nd Lt. F Farland (7) {0} AM, PH: 2 Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Patterson (2) {0} PH Engineer: MSgt. L Aldrich (7) {4} AM, PH Ball Gunner: Sgt. A Blake (7) {3} AM, PH Radio Oper.: Sgt. A Casterline (7) {0} AM Pt Waist G: Sgt. E Emery (2) {0} PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. W Hammond (2) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. M Laffin (7) {5} AM, PH, DFC
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: PW Waist Heat, Control Cables, Radio, Superficial Damage (57 Peckham Points)
Casualties: E Emery: KIA F Farland: SW – 7 days in hospital W Patterson: SW – 14 days in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 6:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 3:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 2:190, 0:110) A Blake: 190, 190
Special Note: E Emery: PH F Farland: PH W Patterson: PH
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. HR Morrow
After having to abort the last mission the crew were eager to get back into the air and prove their worth to themselves and their buddies. We took off without incident and settled into formation.
Over Zone 5 we were attacked from the rear by a pair of 190s. Blake got one of them. The other one hosed the plane with walking hits. Most of the damage was superficial except I noticed that the nose was absolutely riddled with bullets.
I got on the intercom and called out to Farland and Patterson. No response. I looked at Whiting: “get up there and see what is going on.” He came on the intercom a minute later: “skipper, both of them are shot up pretty good, but alive.” “Aldrich get up there and help him.” Aldrich and Whiting patched both up as best they could. I moved both back the waist where they could lie down and moved Emery and Hammond up front. Emery tried to protest: “Sir, I don’t know anything about maps.” “Don’t worry son,” I responded. “I’ll keep following the other planes. All you need to do is shoot the guns.” Then I looked at Hammond. “You just figure out how to get the doors open and drop the bombs about when everyone else does.”
On our approach to the target the escorts kept the Luftwaffe away. Emery was predictably WAY off target, but at least he figured out how to get the bombs out of the plane.
We turned for home and were attacked by four more 190s in Zone 4. Blake got one more. One of the 190s shot up the nose again killing Emery.
As we approached the field, I shot a red flare calling for an emergency landing. An ambulance was waiting for us when we landed to take Farland and Patterson to the hospital. Both are going to be fine. I am off to write Emery’s wife about how her husband died bravely trying to protect the crew.
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Post by kageyone on Oct 19, 2023 21:58:05 GMT -8
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Post by medic1 on Oct 20, 2023 6:25:22 GMT -8
B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823 Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin MarksSquadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air ForceFormation/Position: Middle/MiddleMission Date: 7 Feb 44Mission Number: 007Missions This Bomber: 7Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling YardCrew/Position/Rank | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress Points | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy | 7 | 2 | 1.5 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | RTD | PSW Sgt Mark Burnham | 3 | 0 | .5 | 2 | RTD | SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: OnOn Target: 30%B-17 Damage: 1 Hit Superficial x 1Peckham Points: 01Repair Time: Overnight Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, averageLanding: Safe at Giulia E/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Bf-109 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Bf-110 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | G-50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 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 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Confirmed Claims: 2S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-110 Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x Bf-109 Causalities: 0 Stress Points This Mission: 1 S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro Awards/Promotion Requests:
After Action Report It was raining and quite miserable, adding to the foul mood of the crew. Between actual missions we had one mission recall and two scrubbed missions. These were always depressing for an air crew. One had to get ready for each mission, both physically and mentally. The physical part was waking up before dawn, then attending the briefings, followed by getting into the heavy combat gear. This physical routine also gave the crew the time to mentally prepare.
Then you take off in your plane loaded with high explosives, which was never a sure thing, and of course there was the danger job of getting the aircraft into formation. Once a man went through all of that, he wanted to complete the mission and have it credited towards his required 25. That meant dropping bombs on the target. It is a terrible letdown to go through all of that and then receive the recall.
Not so today. We went through our routine again getting physically and mentally ready and roared down the soggy runway, lifting off into the gloomy weather. It is amazing to me whenever we climb through the cloud and all of a sudden break through the to the bright sunshine above it to see the planes of the squadron forming up before turning towards the target and making our way. Seeing the sun always cheers me up a little until the boredom settles in from the long hours of making of making ones way to the target with no action.
Everything was quiet until we had reached the IP when two 109 approached from our rear and a 110 slightly off of them at 4:30. A P-38 chased off one of the 109 while Talking Spirit removed some paint from the other, throwing off his aim. Kostanero opened up on the 110 at 200 yards and the port engine exploded in flame and the outer wing snapped off. The Kraut spiraled down out of control and none of her crew made it out.
The flak shook us around a little bit but thankfully nothing hit us causing any damage. Witkowski was able to find marshalling yard through the clouds and dropped for an estimated 30%.
INBOUND
The flak was noticeably lighter after the turn and after negotiating our way through the field we were once again set upon by two 109 and a 110. Again, one of our escorts chased off a 109, but the script changed as the 110 missed and moved on while the remaining 109 put a harmless round into the airframe. He circled around and came back at 6 high, but Talking Spirit scored hits on the engine and cockpit, causing the pilot to jettison his canopy and bail out.
A second wave of three 190 roared in with two becoming engaged with P-38s. The remaining 190 traded shots with our gunners and left just as quickly as he had appeared.
The rest of the flight was uneventful and we landed back on our soggy airfield. With this constant rain I’m beginning to think that we should rig some pontoons onto our bomber for takeoffs on landings.
We peeled off our helmets, flak jackets, heavy boots, electric gloves and other combat gear and went to our first interrogation. They’re all the same. The interrogator places a double shot of scotch in front of me and asks what was the flak like today? "Too close." I answer. Then all the other questions. Visibility? Bombing results? Fighters? These desk jockeys. The thing I remember most on any mission is how bitterly cold it is out 20,000 feet. And of course, the flak always makes an impression.
Overall, a successful mission. With interrogation over it’s time to unwind. That double scotch was only a warm up.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Post by medic1 on Oct 20, 2023 7:55:56 GMT -8
B-24J GREMLIN’S DELIGHT (B24J-CF-41-23858)Pilot: 1st Lt Derek Marsh Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Middle/Middle Mission Date: 7 Feb 44 Mission Number: 007 Missions This Bomber: 2 Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Wishinski | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Liam Barnes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Dan Middleton | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Sam Lang | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: Off On Target: 0% B-24 Damage: 03 Hits Superficial x 3 (6)
Peckham Points: 06 Repair Time: Overnight Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods) Landing: Safe at GiuliaE/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Bf-110 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | G-50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | IAR-80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Confirmed Claims: 0 Casualties: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 0 Stress Points this Mission: 0 After Action Report (using QOTS): Another rainy day, but the conditions were well enough to allow us to actually take off today. As miserable as it is for us, I can only imagine how miserable it is for our ground troops.
When we were approaching the IP two fighters appeared with one getting knocked down by our escorts. The remaining fighter, a 110 at 4:30 took some blistering fire from Wishinski’s nose turret. While heavily damaged and possibly out of control, he was lost in the clouds and couldn’t be confirmed.
The fighter’s cleared before the flak field. Just as Wishinski was about to release our payload, the Gremlin took a hit to the port wing, knocking us about just enough to jar his aim and we had another zero bombing result. But we were lucky. Kicking Horse took one to the wing that set a wing on fire. Nine chutes were seen.
Inbound
The flak was lighter and kinder to us on the way to the rally point. More of Goring’s Goons appeared in the form of two 110 with one losing his nerve when a lightning appeared on his tail. The remaining 110 came in at 9 low and put three minor hits into us. This fighter tried another strafing run which had no effect, then he was gone.
The flak hit we took on the bomb run had punctured the outboard fuel tank. Rossetti dropped out of his turret and watch the gauges, calculating our fuel loss. He said that he was confident that we were in good shape barring any further damage to the fuel tanks.
The rest of the way proved uneventful and over Giulia we fired off a red flare as our fuel situation was concerning but not immediately critical. We made a sloppy landing as the mud made us veer off center but we managed to stay on the runway – barely (I rolled a 3).
Two missions, two misses. I don't know what's wetter, the runway from the rain or the crews innards from drowning our sorrows at the bar.
1st Lt Derek Marsh, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy). 15th AF
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Post by caodwolf on Oct 20, 2023 16:50:49 GMT -8
B-24D: BONKERS Pilot: 1Lt. J Sweeney Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron Mission Date: 7-Feb-1944 Mission No.: 7 Mission this Bomber: 6 Target for Today: Poutassive, Italy - Marshalling Yards Squadron Position: High Result: On-Target : 40% A milk-run in shitty weather. While it stopped raining as we took off, everything was socked in. This kept the enemy at bay as resistance was feeble. Over target, accurate Flak punched a hole in the waist to no effect.
Bombs were dispatched on target with good results.
Were not molested on the inbound and landed in the rain at base. Upon briefing Sgt Cooney found out his wife delivered a son. Mom and baby are doing a-ok.
Over and out....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | J. Sweeney | 6 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | G. Derk | 6 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | M. Heim | 6 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | S. Corcoran | 6 | --- | 1/2 | AM | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | Sgt | J. Engel | 6 | --- | 2 1/2 | AM | OK | Radio Op | Sgt | R. Kaufmann | 6 | --- | --- | AM, PH | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | B. Fox | 6 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | J. Cooney | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | D. Turnick | 6 | --- | 1 | AM | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | T. Croker | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK |
Sgt. B Mentz - Waist Gunner: RTD: 12-Feb-1944 Sgt. J Clark - Tail Gunner: RTD: 16-Feb-1944None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | ME-109 | 3 | 2 | 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 3 | 2 | 1 | --- | --- |
-Superficial
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