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Post by limburger59 on May 15, 2023 19:09:06 GMT -8
to post 12 JAN 24 To unlock 14 JAN 24 Turn in AAR's no later than 27 JAN 24 Next mission to post 26 JAN 24
MISSION DATE: 11 March 44 MISSION # 13TARGET: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet Mission Brief: Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 78th SQDN |
| MID | 79th SQDN |
| LOW | 80th SQDN | LEAD: | Laid Back Lady
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| LEAD: | Holy Toledo!
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| LEAD: | Georgia Peach
| TAIL: | Betty Anne
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| TAIL: | Cloud Rider
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| TAIL: | Lady of Lansing |
WEATHER:
Takeoff: Good Target: Good Landing: Good GAZETTEERZone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Liberated Italy | X | 50% Clouds / None | Good
| 3 Tyrrhenian Sea | -1 | 50% Clouds / Light | Good | 4 Tyrrhenian Sea
| X | 100% Clouds / None
| Fair | 5 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None
| None | 6 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 7 Tyrrhenian Sea/Corsica | X | 50% Clouds / None
| None | 8 Corsica/Ligurian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 9 Ligurian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None
| None | 10 Ligurian Sea | -2 | Haze/Light | Fair (RAF from Calvi)
| TARGET ZONE 11 France FLAK: Outbound: Medium x3 Inbound: Medium x1 | -1 | 50% Clouds/Moderate Resistance Target: Slightly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually
| Fair (RAF from Calvi)
| 10 Ligurian Sea | -2 | Haze/Light
| Poor(RAF from Calvi)
| 9 Ligurian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None
| Poor(RAF from Calvi)
| 8 Ligurian Sea/Corsica | X | 50% Clouds / None
| None | 7 Corsica/Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 6 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 5 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None
| None | 4 Tyrrhenian Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None | None | 3 Tyrrhenian Sea | -1 | 50% Clouds / Moderate
| Fair | 2 Liberated Italy | -2 | 50% Clouds / Light
| Fair |
Emergency Airfield: CALVI on Corsica: Other than patching fuel leaks and refueling your damaged bomber, there are primitive repair capabilities now on Corsica. If your bomber's Engineer cannot repair your bomber so it can return to Foggia at 10,000 feet it will be abandoned, and your crew will be returned to Foggia two days later on a C-47 via Sicily. (Better airfields are currently being constructed on Corsica's east coast.) Shot Down: Over Water (if you didn't drown): Zone 10 & 11: you are captured Zones 3: you are rescued by the USN and return to base in two days Zone 4 to 9: You are rescued by fishermen and taken to Corsica. You'll return to base in five days.Over France: captured Calendar since Last Mission:
7 March 44 Mission 12 Certaldo, Italy - Marshalling Yard 8 March 44 Non-Operational Day 9 March 44 Non-Operational Day 10 March 44 Bad Weather - Mission Scrubbed 11 March 44 Mission 13 Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Jan 8, 2024 13:53:31 GMT -8
Getting ahead on my paperwork, sir...
Mission 013 TOULON 80th BS(h) Formation Listing
LEAD - Georgia Peach TAIL - Lady of Lansing
DELOZIER
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Post by crushedhat on Jan 12, 2024 9:30:10 GMT -8
For the 78th, for Mission 13 Lead: Laid Back Lady (crushedhat) Tail: Betty Anne (kageyone) Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron (OOC - if assigned Lead or Tail, please submit your mission early incase someone else needs to take over those positions.)
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Post by andy254 on Jan 12, 2024 20:33:14 GMT -8
The briefing room was filled with general chatter. A mixture of questions from puzzled newbies with speculated answers from the more experienced as to where this mission is taking them, grumbling about not getting enough beauty sleep and some nursing bad heads from mixing beer, spirits and grappa the night before. It dies down when the familiar threesome of Beech, Stockwell and Dewberry walk up the centre aisle and take their respective positions at the front of the room. Beech at the podium, Stockwell sat on a chair to the side, and Dewberry by the mission map with his "pointy stick" at the ready.
“Another long one,” Maj Harlan Beech, 509th S2 begins. “On the plus side, most of it is over water, so Jerry won’t be harassing you except near Italy and near France. Most of the opposition should be light, with the heaviest concentration of EA over the target.”
“Flak should be of medium intensity. On the down side, the AA units in France are better supplied than those in Italy, so you can expect to be shot at both on target ingress and egress.”
“Unlike the last couple of missions, Metro is forecasting good weather both here at Giulia and over the target.”
“Your escort is going to be a mixed bag.” SSgt Dewbury steps up to the big wall map, ready to point out the locations as Maj Beech calls them out. “Your initial escort will be the 1st FG. The Lightnings will leave you once you’re clear of the threat from the Italian mainland. As you near France, RAF Hurricanes from Calvi will link up. The Hurricanes will stay with you until you’ve bombed he target and then cleared the threat from the French-based fighters. As you near Italy, P-47s from the 325th will meet up with you and see you back to Giulia.”
“If you run into trouble and can’t make it back home, you can try for Calvi on Corsica. If you end up in the drink, PT boats will be on Lifeguard duty along the Italian coast. Further out, hope there are some friendly fishermen about. If you go down over France, or off the French coast, you’ll probably end up guests of the Reich. In that case, remember our rights under the Geneva Convention, and your obligations under the Fighting Man’s Code.”
“Maj Stockwell will brief you on the rest of the mission details.”
As Maj Beech moves to once side, Maj Beech, the 509th S3, stands up and walks up to the podium. Like his predecessor, he does not mince his words.
"If you want the history of Toulon and how a young Napoleon faced off here with a young Nelson, read a book or ask someone who has listened to a previous briefing. This is because Toulon is a familiar location to some of you. Now they are open for business again, it's time to shut them down ... again.
"The U-Boats are a continued threat to our supplies, be they military ordnance to keep us fighting, chocolate and nylons to keep you in the good books of the locals, to letters from back home with all the gossip and news to keep your spirits up, to remind you what you are doing this for and why it is all worthwhile. The Royal Navy are doing a good job in trying to sink what they can find. It is now our job to help finish the job. You are tasked with hitting the repair facilities for Doenitz's Mediterranean flotillas where they fix those U-Boats that managed to get away.
"Once formed up, you start on a WSW Vector until shortly after you cross the coast where you change to a WNW vector. This will take you across the Tyrrhenian Sea, over the landmass that will become the unsinkable aircraft carrier USS Corsica, over the south end of the Ligurian Sea until just south of Toulon where you adopt a Northerly vector. Spotting port facilities should be quite easy, even to novice bombardiers. Here's a hint. There is water on one side and developed land on the other." This got a ripple of laughter, mainly from the more experienced aircrews.
"Flak is not expected to be as bad as Regensburg, but as Maj Beech pointed out, they don't want you to make a return trip even if it is to apologize for the destruction you are going to cause so they will be trying to shoot you down even as you begin your egress back to your home-from-home. The egress route is parallel to the ingress.
"Enjoy the good weather but even though they are not expected in force, watch out for 'the hun in the sun' as for what they lose in numbers, they make up for with tactics. Keep vigilant, listen to the chatter from within the box, remember your training, and do your best to adapt to each occasion you are called on to use it.
"For those who do have to take a break in Corsica, we'd normally want you fixed, refuelled and flying back. However, you have our permission to stop and sample the local cuisine on one condition. For the return hop back to base, bring back some for the rest of us to enjoy. As much as we appreciate what the kitchens cook up for us every day, I am sure we would all like some variety.
"Anyway, good luck and for those who are not part of the 509th Air Freight Company, we hope to see you back here well before sundown in as few pieces as possible!"
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Post by superbee on Jan 13, 2024 6:20:39 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron - Mission Formation Assignments
Mission #13: Toulon, France
Lead bomber: Holy Toledo!
tail end Charlie: Cloud Rider
The 79th is the "lead" (middle) squadron this mission.
Good luck !
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Post by kozzackkelt on Jan 13, 2024 16:00:45 GMT -8
B-17G: MISS BURKE COUNTY (B-17G-664VK-43- 23001) Pilot: 2LT. John Osipoff Missions for this bomber: 2 Squadron: 80th Formation/Position: LOW Mission Date: 11 March 1944 Mission Number: 13 Target: Toulon, Vichy France / Submarine Repair Facilities
CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. John Osipoff (2) {} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. R. Ransom Morrison (2) {} Bombardier: 2Lt. Michael McRae (2) {} [B%: 0-50-] Navigator: 2Lt. Will Vincil (2) {} Engineer: Sgt. Diego Santiago (2) {} 2xFw190 1xMe109 Radio Operator: Sgt. Byron Metcalf (2) {} Ball Turret: Sgt. Zander Holtman (2) {} P Waist Gunner: Sgt. Pete Iverness (2) {} SB Waist Gunner: Sgt. Vince Boyardee (2) {} Tail Gunner: Sgt. George Gainer (2) {}
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 50%
Enemy Aircraft Encountered: 11 5xFw190, 5xMe109, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, Me410
E/A Damaged: 0 E/A Probable: 2 E/A: Destroyed: 3 E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 5
Condition of B-17G ~ MISS BURKE COUNTY: Light Damages. Hit to oxygen supply, tail guns inoperable. ( Report of maintenance crew chief Michael Coporatto ) Routine maintenance and inspections will be performed.
Mission AAR: Take off was on time and smooth in good weather. MISS BURKE COUNTY formed up with squadron at Low Level. Encounters with E/A as we headed out over the Tyrrhenian Sea; three Me109's. All were quickly chased off by our fighter escort. On approach to target, attacked by three Fw190's. One chased off by our escorts, one shot down by Sgt. Santiago with top turret guns. German pilot was seen hitting the silk. The third '109 fired at us, but missed. No hits from flak. Lt. McRae hit target with estimated (based on photo evidence), 50% of our bombs. No flak close to us as we turned for home. More attacks by E/A. One '190 hit us, damaging oxygen supply and knocking out tail guns before being shot down on his next pass (again, Sgt. Santiago with top turret guns). It was a peaceful flight back across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Attacked by several '109's after we reached Italy. Believe to have damaged one and the second one shot down by Sgt. Santiago. Landed safely. MISS BURKE COUNTY should be ready for next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Osipoff, 2LT, USAF Pilot- B-17G MISS BURKE COUNTY 80th BS / 509th BG Foggia, Italy
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Post by crushedhat on Jan 13, 2024 20:57:42 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 11 Mar 44 MISSION NBR. 13/This Bomber 13 TARGET: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: High Squadron, Lead
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (13) [0] LC Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (13) [0] LC Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (13) [4 1/2] Navigator: 2LT Rodney (Rod) Towsley (Temp) (6) [0] * Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (13) [18 2/3] LC * Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (13) [0] LC Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (13) [10 1/3] LC Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (13) [2 1/3] Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (7) [1/2] Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (13) [8 5/6] LC ** * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: FW 190 5=1 Damaged, 3 to Hurricane, 1 Undamaged,(1 Ace, 2 Green) Me 410 1=1 KIA (1 Ace) Me 110 1=1 KIA Me 109 8=2 KIA, 2 Damaged, 2 to P-38, 1 to P-47, 1 Undamaged (2 Green) 15
Claims: Only credited kills reported here Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Me 410 Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Me 109
Bomb Run: On Target, 30%
B-24 Damage: Superficial x4 (8), Intercom: Mechanical Failure (10) Peckham Points: 18 Peckham Points, AC ready 12 Mar 44.
Casualties: None
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: None
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (12) [2 2/3] SW – RTD 14 Mar 44
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“Whoa!” 2LT Charlie Martell’s aim is thrown off as he reflexively flinches in reaction to the German fighter almost colliding head-on with his position in the nose of the bomber. Unawae that the intercom has just failed, he tries to warn his crewmates, “Watch out for the crazy Kraut that just flew under us! I think he may be suicidal.”
Could be Martell’s assessment of the German pilot is correct. Or, it could be that the pilot hopes to avoid getting caught by the tail guns by hugging the big bomber as he passes underneath. If the latter is his goal, he fails. Sgt Doug Richard’s quick reflexes enable him to get off a shot as the Me 109 pops into view. While he doesn’t down the bandit, the fighter does leave trailing thick oily smoke.
With Lady leading the Squadron and 2LT Ellison still recovering from the last mission, I secured pone of the more experienced navigators from the spare pool, 2LT Towsley. With out new navigator on board, we took up our position in the lead.
As we headed out over the Tyrrhenian Sea (Zone 3) we encountered a pair of Me 109s. The boys form the 1st FG made short work of that problem.
The next action we saw was on target ingress (Zone 11). Jerry seemed to be having problems and the first wave of EA never made it to us. (OOC – I seem to have the disturbing habit of rolling ‘None’ for the first wave of a multi-wave attack, essentially soaking off my maximum fighter support.) A pair of 190s, an Me 410, and a 109 did. The RAF chased off one of the FW’s leaving us to deal with the other three bandits, including two aces. We hit all three attacking fighters, downing the 410. While several of the bandits hit us, it turned out to be minor damage. Then another FW and three more 109s came in. The Hurricanes engaged the 190. We downed one of the 109s and sent another limping for home. Flak was thankfully inaccurate and 2LT Martell managed to put 30% on target.
Flak on target egress was minimal. Once again, Jerry seemed to be having problems getting his act together (OOC – Random Event: Bad Luftwaffe Comms; and once again soaking off my maximum fighter support). Eventually a pair of bandits did make for us, an Fw 190 and an Me 109. The FW fell to the RAF and we flamed the 109.
Off the French coast (Zone 10) the intercom in conveniently failed just before an Fw and a 109 bore in. The RAF got the 190 and despite the poor internal comms we sent the 109 off trialing smoke. WE subsequently learned form 2LT Martell that the 109 nearly collided with us. While another wave of EA formed up, they didn’t have the stomach to press the attack.
Near home (Zone 2) we had our last encounter of the mission; an Me 110 and a 109. The p-47s chased off the twin-engine fighter and we blew the 109 out of the sky. After that it was back to Giulia and a smooth landing.
Depending upon when the next mission is, we may be keeping 2LT Towsley, 2LT Ellison is off flying duty another three days. I’ve instructed TSgt Mason to go over the intercom system. Don’t need it crapping out just as we’re facing a wave of EA.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Jan 14, 2024 6:57:24 GMT -8
Mission date:11 March 44 Target: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facility Mission/Bomber: 13/8 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 (8) (-) AM Co-Pilot: 2LT John Moran (8) (-) AM Bombardier: 2LT Edward Roberts (8) (0) AM Navigator: 2LT Mark Cohen (8) (1) AM (0.5) Engineer: SSG Jason Rodman (8) (1.83) AM Radio Operator: SGT Louis Franz (3) (0) Ball Gunner: SGT Kenneth Lewis (8) (0.66) AM Port Waist Gun: SGT Luigi Roselli (8) (0) PH, AM Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Angel Ramirez (8) (0) PH, AM Tail Gun: SGT Lee Kinnison (8) (0.66) PH, AN
Bombing: On target, 20%
Damage: Superficial (x2): Nose (x1), Fuselage (x1) 11 Peckham Points, repair overnight
Casualties: PWG SGT Luigi Roselli, Bruised ribs SWG SGT Angel Ramirez, Foot grazed, shoulder cut
Awards: SGT Luigi Rosselli - PH SGT Angel Ramirez - PH
EA: Encountered/Claimed/Killed (5) FW-190 3 / 0 / 0 Me-109: 2 / 0 / 0
AAR using TfT
I have to say, the crew was a bit restive wondering what is up with the squadron commander. I reminded them that he wasn't their concern and to get their heads out of their asses and get on with the mission ahead of us.
It was a surprisingly pleasant day with regard to the weather. Takeoff and assembly went without issue
Zones 2 - 9: Nothing to report.
Zone 10: A pair of FW-190s attacked us. The one at 12:00 Level was intercepted by the Little Friends. The one diving on us got a superficial hit on the fuselage and dove away from us.
Zone 11 (Target): Past the IP, things picked up. An FW-190 at 12:00 High and an Me-109 at 1:30 Level were both intercepted by the RAF. Flak was moderate and reasonably accurate. Ww took a superficial hit to the nose, the Starboard Waist Gunner took a graze to his foot, then the Port Waist Gunner took a hit to his chest but nothing penetrated, and the Starboard Waist Gunner took a second hit, this time to his shoulder. He was down for the count after that although not in mortal danger. The drop was on target with an estimated 20% in the box.
Zone 11 (Inbound): Flak moderated and missed us.
Zone 10: An FW-190 at 1:30 Level was intercepted by the British Little Friends.
Zones 9 - 2: Nothing to report.
The landing was long but we were able to slow down and turn off the runway with room to spare.
1LT Walter Kowalski, Pilot The Cat's Meow 80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force
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Post by medic1 on Jan 14, 2024 9:44:07 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: 11 March 44 Mission Number: 013Missions This Bomber: 13Target: Toulon, France – Submarine Repair Facilities
Crew/Position/Rank | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress Points | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy | 13 | 5 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado | 13 | 8 | 1 | 2 | RTD | R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro | 13 | 7.5 | 0 | 1 | RTD | PSW Sgt Noreno Costa | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Mark Riley | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit | 13 | 6 | 0 | 0 | LW |
Bomb Run: OnOn Target: 30%B-17 Damage: 5 Hits Superficial x 1 (1) Port Wing x 2 -superficial (1) -flap, N/E (5) Bomb Bay x 1 -superficial (1) Tail x 1 -gunner, LW (2) Peckham Points: 10Repair Time: Overnight Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)Landing: Safe at GiuliaE/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Bf-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bf-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | G-55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 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 | 20 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
Confirmed Claims: 2 S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Fw-190 Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Fw-190 Casualties: 1 Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit LW, hand cut - RTD Stress Points after mission: 1 Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit Award/ Promotions Requests: 2 PH Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit
After Action Report We took off without any incidents or gremlins. The crew were resigned for a long mission, however, not far off the coast four 190 appeared. Two were chased off by escorts leaving the other two to split up with a German Ace coming in on a head on attack. Kellici managed to damage the fighter, the Ace missing us and dove under us and away. The remaining fighter came in at 9 level where the obviously green pilot ran right into the Mercado’s spirited defense, his fire racking the engine and cockpit area, causing the fighter to flip over on his back and then drop spiraling to Earth.
It was pretty quiet for the longest time until about 100 miles before the target zone. Another four 190 appeared, but nothing much came from this encounter as everybody seemed to miss each other and we all went our separate ways. Once at the target zone five more of Goring’s Goons appeared with RAF Hurricanes engaging two of them. Costa damaged another coming in at 9 low, but a veteran pilot in a diving attack came in at such a steep angle that he evaded the Hurricanes and our fire, putting three hits into us. One striking the Bombay, thankfully didn’t detonate our payload. Returning at 3 high, Riley’s well aimed fire hit its spinner and prop, fragments flew off and the fighter fell trailing clouds of smoke and exploded.
The fighters cleared out once the flak began to carpet the area and we took a minor hit to the port wing and Talking Spirit was injured in the hand. Despite the knocking about that we took, Kellici dropped for an estimated 30%.
INBOUND
Turning for the rally point we made it through the Flak and into another wave of five 190. During the ensuing battle both Mercado and Kostanaro each dropped a fighter, but both were denied post mission. After that, things were pretty quiet for the rest of the way until we were about 200 miles out and the cry of fighters came over the intercom as two 109 singled us out. They didn’t get very far as Thunderbolts appeared and took care of them for us, leaving us free to make the rest of her way back to Giulia trouble free.
Talking spirit suffered a cut to his hand and he’ll be drinking with his left for a day or two, other than that he’s fine he’s and on regular duties. The ground crew are working on patching up the damage which most is minor and invade maiden will be ready tomorrow.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Post by kageyone on Jan 14, 2024 11:42:27 GMT -8
A P-47 pilot of the 325th reported seeing Betty Anne under heavy attack near the Italian coast. When the starboard engine started burning, the pilot, already at low altitude, appeared to attempt a water landing. The aircraft broke up on contact with the waves. No survivors were observed although several bodies were observed in the debris.
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Jan 14, 2024 16:38:37 GMT -8
B-24J Next Objective B-24J-15-CF-42-99776 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: High Aircraft Position: Middle / TEC Mission Date: 11 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 13 This Aircraft: 2 Target: Toulon, France, Submarine Repair facilities CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Alexis Vaillancourt | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Arlo Perot | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Callahan Quinn | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Cory McIntyre | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 1 | Engineer | T/Sgt Abraham Leeker | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Rt Waist | T/Sgt Bruce Woodward | 2 | 1 | | RTD | 0 | NT / Rt Waist | Sgt Reese Giles | 2 | 0.5 | | RTD | 2 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Tristen Townsend | 2 | 1.5 | | RTD | 0 | Left Waist / NT | Sgt Brendan Burgess | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Finnley Griffith | 2 | 0 | | RTD | 2 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt King Solis | 10 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %Casualties: None Damage: Left Aileron Superficial X1 Peckham Points: 12 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day to Repair Landing: Safe Enemy AircraftType | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | Me-109 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | C.205 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ClaimsPosition | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Ball | 2 | 1 | 0 | Top | 2 | 0 | 1 | Nose | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | Right Waist | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTA fairly long flight, mostly over water. We encountered enemy fighters at every point predicted by intelligence. As soon as we passed the front lines we faced a Bf-109 and a Macchi C.205. Both were driven off by our escorts. Once past Corsica we faced the German air force again. Enemy fighters could be seen buzzing the rest of the squadron but ignored us. On approach to the target, we faced five FW-190s in two waves. Escorts drove off two and we shot down one. The other two were clipped by our defensive fire, enough to throw them off. Neither made follow up passes. Flak was on target, hitting both ailerons, taking out the port one. Ignoring the enemy flak hits 2Lt McIntyre repeated his monologue from the last mission. He did not flinch, reinforcing our opinion he has ice water in his veins. That icy demeanor played well as he was credited with 40% on target. Pulling off of the target, and heading for the RP, another two waves with five enemy aircraft attacked. Escorts provided no assistance. We downed two of the enemy and damaged the other three. As before, we took no damage from the enemy fighters. Back out over the Ligurian Sea and heading toward Corsica we were again ignored by the enemy fighters. With Corsica coming up, Betty Anne signals she is dropping out of formation. I had ‘Sparks’ signal Lead that we will slide into TEC, to replace Betty Anne. It seemed the Germans saved the best for last. Just before entering friendly air space, two more waves of enemy with eight enemy fighters attacking. Our escorts reappeared, driving off three of the enemy. Our defensive fire knocked down three more and damaged the remaining two. Tail gunner Griffith informed us he lost one gun to a jam during the first wave. During the second wave he reported number two gun also jamming. He was not a happy camper. We took no hits from the enemy fighters. The landing was clean. Submitted by, 1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt, Pilot B-24J Next Objective 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Jan 15, 2024 3:08:34 GMT -8
After-Action ReportB-24J-1-CF-42-64086 – “Black Shadow”78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
Commander: 1st Lt. M. Armstead Mission Date: 11 March 1944 Mission Number: 13 Mission of this bomber: 1 Formation: High Position: Middle Target: Toulon, France Target Type: Submarine Repair Facilities Bomb Run: On Target - 30% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Mitch Armstead | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. John Webb
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. John Griffis
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Charles Rutherford | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | S/Sgt Colin Jones | 1 | .5 | .5 |
| RTD | 0 | Nose Gunner | Sgt Dennis Lindsay | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Erik Sinnott
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 | Port WG/Radio Op. | S/Sgt Lee Hanson
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Fred Campbell
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt James Rivera
| 1 | .5 | .5 |
| RTD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgt John Ziegler (Average Joe) - 3 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Me-109 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Me-210 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Re-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 11 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Claims:
- S/Sgt C. Jones: 1 Me-109 claimed - half credit awarded - Sgt J. Rivera: 1 Me-109 claimed - half credit awarded - Sgt J. Rivera: 1 Me-210 claimed - no credit awarded Damage: --Peckham Points: 0pts - overnight maintenance Casualties: --Awards: -- AAR (flown with TFT)Giulia Airbase: A sunny day with little wind allowed for a quick and trouble-free take-off and assembly. Zone 2 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 3 Outbound: Some rockets were fired into the formation but caused no damage. Zone 4-9 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 10 Outbound: We were attacked by 3 Me-109s: one was damaged and moved away, the second was destroyed while attacking us in VD and continued its dive in flames; the third was intercepted by the escort. Zone 11 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Attacked by a pair of Me-109s and a Me-210. The latter was destroyed with precise shots to the right wing; we managed to damage one Me-109 which preferred to continue its course, while the last one engaged in a dogfight with an escort fighter. A lone Fw-190 was heavily damaged by our shells, causing it to move away quickly. Medium Flak shots around us with no damage. Bombs run was smooth and we launched our payload on the target. Some Flak while leaving target zone with no damage reported. No Jerrys on us. Zone 10 Inbound: We were attacked by 2 Fw-190s, but one was intercepted by the escort while the second, damaged, moved away.
Zone 9-4 Inbound: Nothing to report. Zone 3 Inbound: Attacked by an Fw-190 and a Me-109 with Italian livery of the ANR which was intercepted by the escort. The German plane drove away after an exchange of fire that was unsuccessful for both. Zone 2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. For our tour it was a good initial mission. ------------------------------------------------- Mitch Armstead, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding Commanding B-24J: Black Shadow B-24J-1-CF-42-64086 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Jan 15, 2024 7:04:08 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: 11 March 1944 Mission Number: 13 Mission of this bomber: 13 Formation: Middle Position: Middle Target: Toulon, France Target Type: Submarine Repair Facilities Bomb Run: On Target - 50% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Henry Simmons | 13 | 0 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Jason Ponder
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Arthur Bowers
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Edwin Leblanc | 5 | 0 | 1.5 | AM | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Tim Burkey | 13 | 0 | 6 | AM+ / DFC | RTD | 0 | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Paul Stewart | 13 | 0 | 0 | AM+ / PH+ | RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Matthew Whalen
| 13 | 0 | 3.83 | AM+ | RTD
| 0 | Port WG | Sgt George Buck
| 13 | 0 | 2 | AM+ | RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | S/Sgt Harvey McGinty
| 13 | 0 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | S/Sgt Mark Withley
| 7 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Richard Weiner (the Dedicated) - 13 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Me-210/Me-410 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Claims:--Damage:
- Superficial x2: 2 - Both Elevators inop: 20 Peckham Points: 22pts - overnight repairing Casualties:--Awards:
- 2nd Lt. E. Leblanc: Air Medal (5 missions) Promotions:--AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Good weather. Take off and assembly were ok. Zone 2 Outbound: Elevators system failure. Mission continued. Zone 3-10 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 11 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Some rockets exploded very close but only caused paint damage and a couple of holes. Flak was medium intensity and precision but no damage reported nor Jerrys attacked us. Bombs run was ok. Medium flak after bombing but no damage reported again. The GAF didn't seem to be interested in us Zone 10-3 Inbound: Nothing to report Zone 2 Inbound: A couple of Me-109 driven off by P-47s. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. -------------------------------------------------
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 wolverinetoddy on Jan 15, 2024 10:56:25 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Holy Toledo! (7) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Van Dorn Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Lead
Mission Date: 11 March 44 Mission #: 13 Target: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. J Van Dorn (13) {0} AM: 2, PH Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. H Ruess (7) {0} AM, PH: 3 Bombardier 2nd Lt. W Wetherell (7) {0} AM, PH Navigator: 2nd Lt. G Baker (7) {0} AM, PH: 3 Engineer: MSgt. J Kershner (7) {6} AM, PH: 2, DFC Ball Gunner: Sgt. CP Taylor (7) {4} AM, PH Radio Oper.: Sgt. RL McConnell (7) {1} AM, PH Pt Waist G: Sgt. W Heath (4) {0} Temp Stbd Waist G: Sgt. G Hitchcock (1) {1} Tail Gunner: Sgt. S Smith (1) {0} PH
Bomb Percentage: DNB%
Bomber Disposition: Destroyed (n/a Peckham Points)
Casualties: H Ruess: Lost at Sea W Wetherell: Lost at Sea G Baker: Drowned J Kershner: Lost at Sea CP Taylor: Lost at Sea RL McConnell: Lost at Sea S Smith: Lost at Sea
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (1:109, 2:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: H Ruess: PH W Wetherell: PH G Baker: PH J Kershner: PH CP Taylor: PH RL McConnell: PH S Smith: PH
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. J Van Dorn, pilot commanding
Today we were assigned to fly in the front of the formation. Reuss and I took Baker along to the briefing so that he could be ready to navigate the whole group to the target. I have never seen someone take so many notes at a briefing before.
We took off without incident and the group lined up nicely behind us.
Outbound over Zone 3 we were attacked by a pair of 190s and a 109. One of the 190s and the 109 missed us and flew away. The other 190 tore in the port side of the plane and seriously wounded Smith. He came around a second time and hosed down the starboard wing with bullets. Ruess looked over and yelled “Shit, the fuel tank is on fire.”
I rang the bailout alarm. “She’s on fire, everyone out. Try to watch each other land and try to stick together in the water.”
Training kicked in and the nine of them quicky clamored out of the plane. I went out last and counted 9 other parachutes in the air. The wind blew the crew all over the place and we were spread out over God knows how many square miles. I hit the water hard and scrambled to get out of my parachute before I drown. I inflated my Mae West and started looking around for the other men and the fishing boats they had promised us would be around. After about an hour in the water I was picked up by some Corsican fishermen. They had already found Heath and Hitchcock.
The three of us begged the fishermen to continue looking for survivors. We hunted the sea for hours. Our hopes soared as we found an airman in the water. It was Baker. Looked like the poor man had gotten tangled in his parachute and drowned. After hours and hours more searching it started to get dark and the fishermen told us they had to go in before they ran out of gas.
We never found the other six men.
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Jan 15, 2024 17:10:46 GMT -8
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 13 Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities B-17F All In (Mission #13)Crew Commander: 1LT George Gill Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle TARGET: Submarine Repair Facilities Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George Gill | 13 | AM+, PH |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | 2LT Don Heffner | 2 |
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| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Louis “Buck” Newsom | 13 | AM+
| 3.16 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | 2LT Myril Hoag | 13 | AM+
| 1.5 | RFD
| Engineer | S/SGT | Roy Hughes | 2 |
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| RFD | Radio Operator | S/SGT | Vern Kennedy | 13 | AM+
| 1 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | SGT Russ Van Atta | 13 | AM+
| .5 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Julius “Moose” Solters | 13 | AM+
| .5 | RFD
| Right Waist | SGT | Jim Walkup | 5 |
| .66 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ralph “Red” Kress | 13 | AM+
| 2.75 | SW-IH
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Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (Dedicated) 13th mission skill 2 Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure Bomb Percentage: on-target, 40% Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports Bomber Damage: Superficial damage x 4 Tail gunner SW Left Wing SD Right Wing SD Bomb Bay Doors Peckham Points: 24 Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 7 | Me109 | Me110 | Fw190 | Ju88C-6 | Me210 | G55; | TOTAL | Escort Intercept | 1 | | 2 | | | | 3 | Undamaged |
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| | Damaged | 1 | | 2 | | | | 3 | Probable/Denied
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| Destroyed |
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Casualties: S/SGT Kress cracked temporal bone will be send home to recover Claims: Fw190 S/SGT Hughes Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded Awards: SGT Walkup AM S/SGT Red Kress PH AAR OUTBOUND With the good weather we took off and joined up with the formation. Shortly after we passed over the coast line and started north an unknown enemy aircraft lobbed rockets into the formation, to no effect. That happened a second time as we approached the target area, this time the burst from one of them shook use and Moose reported that the waist section had some additional ventilation, but nothing serious. TARGET AREA Once in the target area, our escorts from the RAF chased off a Fw190 that was showing some interest in us. The flak on the bomb run didn’t do any damage and Buck was on-target assessed as 40% effective. Flak lessened and remained ineffective on the way to the RP. As the squadron reformed at the RP 4 Fw190s attacked, our escorts picked one off at our 12, and Roy Hughes in the top turret turned the second one into a fireball. The other two were at our 6. Red in the tail dinged one of them causing it to miss us are break off the attack. We missed the second one which multiple hits for superficial damage and hit Red knocking him out. It came back for a second pass and while Russ dinged it was enough to stop the attack. This time it hit the bomb bay doors and did some more superficial damage to the left wing before breaking off. INBOUND As we started home Red didn’t answer the crew check, and Moose went back and found Red unconscious with a head wound. He brought him forward to the radio room and gave first aid. Vern went back to man the tail gun. While this was going on the RAF ran off a Fw190 that was setting up for an attack. As we neared the Italian coast we were attacked by a Me109 that we did enough damage to that it broke off the attack without hitting us. It was followed by an Fkw190 that missed us while our gunner missed it. We fired off flairs for wounded aboard and landed safely. The flight surgeon report that Red has a cracked temporal bone and will be send back to the states to recover. T/SGT Johnson says the All In will be ready after overnight maintenance and minor repairs. 1LT George Gill, Pilot Commanding B-17F All In 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by kageyone on Jan 15, 2024 22:32:22 GMT -8
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Post by kageyone on Jan 16, 2024 0:17:16 GMT -8
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Post by medic1 on Jan 16, 2024 5:31:15 GMT -8
B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: High/Middle Mission Date: 11 March 44 Mission Number: 013 Missions This Bomber: 2 Target: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Dan Larmer | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Sam Taylor | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 40% B-24 Damage: 15 Hits Superficial x 1 (2) Nose x 1
-superficial (2) Port Wing x 5 -superficial x 3 (6) -flap N/E (5) -aileron inop (10) Starboard Wing x 1 -wing root (25) Tail x 7 -superficial x 2 (4) -right rudder, N/E (5) -heat out (10) -left rudder, N/E (5) -tailplane (2) -turret inop (10) Peckham Points: 86 Repair Time: Overnight Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+1 mod) Landing: Safe at Giulia E/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bf-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | G-50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | IAR-80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 14 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
Confirmed Claims: 1 S/Sgt Bart Dillon 1 x Fw-190 Casualties: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 0 Stress Points this Mission: 0
After Action Report (using QOTS): We had excellent weather and were able to take off without any mishaps or gremlins to form up before heading out on a long mission. We spotted enemy fighters here and there but none came near us until we were in the target zone. Three 410 were our first opposition, but the RAF proved to be Johnny on the spot and drove off two of them. The remaining Kraut came in at 9 low and took some spirited fire from ball gunner Harrison (claim denied at interrogation).
They say that the flak was moderate - could have fooled us as we were hit six times, the worst of it mostly minor with one exception, a hit in the tail which destroyed the heating controls for Sgt Sharp.
Despite the heavy knocking about that we received, once again Vickers somehow managed to keep the target in his crosshairs and dropped for 40%.
INBOUND
The flak missed us after we had dropped and we faced off against three 190 beyond it. One fell to a little friend, one missed us and we missed him, and the other hit us three times, destroying the port wing aileron. He returned for another go but nothing came of it.
Leaving the target zone I had Payne contact the Squadron and inform them that we were leaving formation due to a heating problem. Sharp was adamant that we stay with the formation and that he would tough it out. I decided that the trip was just too long for him not to suffer frostbite and I wasn’t going to take a chance on him losing body parts over it. Looking back on it, it might not have been the wisest decision.
Things were quiet and we went unnoticed by fighters until about 200 miles out. Even though we were out of formation we weren’t quite out of sight of the squadron, and far ahead we spied black smoke and could make out one of ours going down (later we found out that Betty Ann was lost to 190s). The fighters that were the cause of this must have been the ones we ran into shortly after as four 190 found us all by our lonesome and decided they would add us to their score. One was immediately taken out at three high, Dillon’s top turret twin 50s shredding the canopy area causing the fighter to flip over on his back and drop out of control. After that we had a running battle with repeated attacks from the other three butcher birds. The crew managed to knocked down the three others but all three claims were denied later.
A second wave of three 190, attracted by the smoke of their downed brethren roared in to avenge their fallen comrades. Sharp had another claim denied, but all are convinced that he downed a 190 at 6 level, even though the Kraut return fire had hit a wing root and rendered the tail turret inoperable.
These fighters returned over and over until they must have run out of ammunition. The crew claimed that they had racked up another two of our attackers, but again people who weren’t there denied the claims.
We were a happy bunch as were sighted our home field, landing last and well behind the rest.
Despite our damage, the crew chief says that he’ll have the ship ready to go by tomorrow.
1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Jan 16, 2024 17:01:37 GMT -8
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 13 Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #8)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 | 12 | AM+ |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | Howard Mills | 8 | AM |
| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Johnny Marcum | 12 | AM+ | .25 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | Pat Tobin | 12 | AM+ | .25 | RFD
| Engineer | S/SGT | Sam Harshane | 9 | AM, PH | 3.16 | RFD | Radio/ RW | S/SGT | John Whitehead | 12 | AM+ | .5 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bill Trotter | 12 | AM+, PH | 2.16 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Harry Kimberlin | 12 | AM+ | 1.5 | RFD
| Nose Gunner | SGT | Tommy Thompson | 7 | AM | 4.08 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Dave Short | 12 | AM+ | 1 | RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) skill +1 11th mission Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 30% Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight repairs and maintenance Bomber Damage: Tail left elevator inop Left Wing flap inop Nose Turret Power out Controls for both flaps out Bomb Release Mechanism Peckham Points: 50 Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 11
| Me109 | Fw190 | Me110 | Me210 | Me410
| Re2005 | TOTAL | Escort Intercept | 2 | 4 |
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| 2 | Destroyed | 2 | 1 |
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Casualties: Claims: Fw190 T/SGT Whitehead & SGT Trotter Denied Fw190 S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Thompson Full Credit Awarded Me109 S/SGT Harshaney & T/SGT Whitehead Full Credit Awarded Me109 SGT Thompson Denied Me109 S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Short Shared - 1/3 Victory Credit AwardedAwards:
AAR The most notable thing for this mission was the number of mechanical / maintenance issues we had. T/SGT Patrick is a good crew chief but he and his crew were sloppy this time. I plan on reminding him on the need to stay focused and have S/SGT Harshaney spend more time double checking work.
OUTBOUND Engine one was balky and didn’t want to start at first, but it finally got going and we took off and joined up on the squadron lead without incident. As we headed out over the Tyrrhenian Sea our escorts picked off a Fw190 that was trying to set up an attack on us. When we were about half way between Corsica and Toulon number one engine acted up a little giving us a scare but then settled back down.
TARGET AREA Once we were in the target area the krauts were thick. Three Fw190s made the first attack. The RAF took care of one, T/SGT Whitehead & SGT Trotter took a wing off of one at our 3, and S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Thompson turned the one at our 12 into a fireball. Next were a trio of M2109s, once again the RAF took care of one while S/SGT Harshaney & T/SGT Whitehead set the one at our 9 ablaze and SGT Thompson did the same to the one at our 12. Then our escorts picked off a Fw190 trying to sneak in while we were occupied. On the bomb run we were rocked by two flak hits. One took out the flaps on the left wing and the second hit the tail taking out the left elevator. In spite of the hits 2LT Marcum stayed focused and was on-target , assessed as 30% effective. While the flak continued we took no additional damage and reached the RP. Where was a final attack by a pair of Me109s. The RAF took care of one while S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Short shot up the one at our 6. A chute was observed as the 109 started to fall out of the sky.
INBOUND As we started home SGT Thompson reported he had lost power in the nose turret. He was unable to get it working after attempting repairs. When we were approaching the coast the controls for both flaps went out. Fortunately, our escorts ran off a Fw190 that was nosing around about that time. We made a smooth landing at Giulia Airfield despite the problems with the flaps and elevator. While discussing the issues with T/SGT Patrick, we discovered that he bomb release mechanism was broken after the bombs were released. T/SGT Patrick says he will be more careful in inspecting work and will have the Bama Beauty ready for a mission tomorrow.
1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding B-24J Bama Beauty 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jan 16, 2024 18:45:50 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pride of the Badgers (13) Crew Commander: Captain WW Robinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle / Lead
Mission Date: 11 March 44 Mission #: 13
Target: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: Capt. WW Robinson (13) {0} SS, AM: 2, PH Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. GS Hoyt (4) {0} PH: 2 Bombardier: 2nd Lt. AN Robinson (1) {1} Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Sloat (13) {0} AM: 2, PH: 3 Engineer: MSgt. A Bissett (13) {4} AM: 2 Ball Gunner: Sgt. E Dean (13) {5} DFC, AM: 2 Radio Oper.: Sgt. I Cooper (12) {1} AM, PH: 4 Pt Waist G: Sgt. E Parker (2) {1} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. J Lewis (13) {1} AM: 2, PH: 4 Tail Gunner: Sgt. W Towney (12) {8} AM, PH: 2
Bomb Percentage: 20%
Bomber Disposition: Control Cables Tail Turret, Superficial Damage (45 Peckham Points)
Casualties: J Lewis: SW – 10 days in hospital GS Hoyt: LW – 3 days in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (9:109, 1:190, 0:110) Damaged: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (2:109, 1:190, 0:110) Dean: 190 Towney: 109 AN Robinson: 109
Special Note: J Lewis: PH G Hoyt: PH E Dean: DFC
Mission Description: Filed by Captain WW Robinson, pilot commanding
Hoyt and I came out of the briefing this morning and miracle of miracles, the sun was shining. We have been assigned the lead squadron for a long mission over the water today. I decided to forego our usual position near the back of the squadron and fly close to the front.
We took off and the squadron lined up without incident with us sitting off Holy Toledo!’s starboard wing.
The Luftwaffe arrived quickly this afternoon and attacked the squadron over Zone 3. I watched a pair of 190s and a 109 attack the Holy Toledo! I watched with my own eyes as her starboard wing erupted in flames. There was no chance for her and I watched anxiously counting the parachutes coming out of the plane. 10 parachutes at least they had a chance.
“Cooper, signal the squadron that we are taking over as the lead plane. Then send our position to the navy. Hopefully air sea rescue can pick them up. Sloat, you are the lead navigator now. Get us to Toulon.”
The rest of the trip to France was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. We were attacked by a 190 and a 109. Dean got the 190. Robinson, despite this being his first mission, was right on target and we turned for home.
As we pulled away from France, we were attacked by six 109s. Robinson and Towney both shot one down. The others damaged the plane including wounding Lewis and Hoyt as well as knocking out the tail turret.
Sloat navigated us right back to Italy where some more 109s were waiting for us. We missed them and they missed us. We landed without incident. Lewis and Hoyt will need a few days him the hospital. Sgt. Dean has made ace and I put him in for the DFC.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Jan 17, 2024 9:31:05 GMT -8
Mission 013 TOULON 11 March 1944 80th BS, 509th BG B-17F-110BO 42-30616 "Miss Holly"
CREW Captain FRANK DELOZIER - Pilot - Missions: 11 Claims: Awards: AMx2 2nd Lt PERCY "Purse" JOHNSON - Co-Pilot - Missions: 11 Claims: Awards: AMx2 PH 2nd Lt RICHARD "Woody" WOOD - Bombardier - Missions: 11 Claims: 0.5 Awards: AMx2 2nd Lt HAMPTON "Hamp" RAWLINGS - Navigator - Missions: 11 Claims: Awards: AMx2 T/Sgt SAMUEL "Sammy B" BATEMAN - Engineer - Missions: 11 Claims: 1 Awards: AMx2 S/Sgt JOSE "Loco" AZZUCO - Radio Op - Missions: 11 Claims: Awards: AMx2 Sgt EMILIO "Emmy" CANTOLO - Ball Gunner - Missions: 11 Claims: 4 Awards: AMx2 Sgt HAL CARTER - Port Waist - Missions: 11 Claims: 1 Awards: AMx2 Sgt HERBERT "H.R." RAYMOND - Starb Waist - Missions: 11 Claims: 0.5 Awards: AMx2 Sgt CHARLES "Eddy" EDWARDS III - Tail Gunner - Missions: 11 Claims: 3 Awards: AMx2
BOMBING - ON target 30%
CLAIMS none
CASUALTIES none
AWARDS/PROMOTIONS none
ENEMY AIRCRAFT 1x Me110 - Driven off 3x FW109
DAMAGE - 2x PP
AAR
Not quite a milk run since we ran into some fighters, but a pretty smooth operation altogether.
Right off the bat we ran into a 110 coming out of the sun, but our escorts drove them off.
Over the target there was moderate flak, but it must've been aimed at some other group because nothing touched us. Bombing was on target at estimated 30% coverage.
Leaving the target to head home, we ran into three 109s. One got in on us, but only caused superficial damage. The other two missed us entirely. Our gunnery was ineffective.
After that, smooth sailing all the way home and we landed safely at Guilia.
DELOZIER
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Jan 17, 2024 14:13:14 GMT -8
MISSION 013 TOULON11 March 1944 80th BS, 509th BG B-17G-20BO-42-31564 "Mississippi Queen" CREW1LT Leslie "Cap" West - Pilot - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: 2LT N.D. "Brains" Smart - Co-Pilot - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: 2LT Robert "Frenchie" Orleans - Bombardier - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: 2LT Ben "Benny" Weinstein - Navigator - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: S/Sgt David "Sparks" Krieger - Radio Op - Missions: 5 Claims: 0.5 Awards: M/Sgt Felix "Pappy" Pappalardi - Engineer - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: S/Sgt John "J.B." Brodsky - Ball Gunner - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: Sgt Jay "New Guy" Piper - Port Waist Gunner - Missions: 4 Claims: 0.5 Awards: Sgt Bill "Billy" Ruhlmann - Starboard Waist Gunner - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: Sgt Ned "Tex" Pepper - Tail Gunner - Missions: 5 Claims: Awards: BOMBING ON 30%CLAIMS none CASUALTIES none AWARDS/PROMOTIONS - Air Medal - entire crewENEMY AIRCRAFT1x Ju88: Damaged -1 4x FW190: 2x Driven Off, 2x Damaged (-1 and -2) DAMAGE none AARA good, smooth run. Bombardier was accurate. Didn't see any enemy a/c until the turn for home, when a Ju88 and FW190 came to visit. The 88 was driven off by our Little Friends and the 190 was damaged to the point of ineffective gunnery. Just before landing, three FW190's came from ahead and behind. Escorts drove off one and we damaged the other two. Their fire was ineffective. Landing was nominal. The mechanical gremlins of the past few missions disappeared on this mission. After a good chewing out of the ground chief (for which I've already apologized), the extra work of the ground crew paid off. 1LT L. West - cmdr
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Post by campsawyer on Jan 17, 2024 17:00:51 GMT -8
B-17F Double Bomb (B-17F-100BO 42-30333) Pilot: 1st Lt Paul Flores Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Low/Middle Mission Date: 11 Mar 44 Mission Number: 17 Missions This Bomber: 13 Base: Guilia, Italy Target: Toulon, France Sub Repair Facilities Crew | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Paul Flores | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Sanders | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Thompson | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cox | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Engineer S/SGT King | 10 | 3.5 | .3 | 0 | RTD | Radioman T/Sgt Ramirez | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Roberts | 13 | 1.5 | .5 | 1 | RTD | PWG Sgt Scott | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | SWG Sgt Brown
| 11 | .5 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Tail Gunner S/Sgt Thomas | 10 | 2 | .5 | 1 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 80% B-17 Damage: Rudder damage from Flak Peckham Points: 10PP, Repair Time: Overnight repair Crew Chief: SSGT Steve Taylor, dedicated Landing: Safe E/A | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | FW-190 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | ME-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | ME-110 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | ME-210 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
Confirmed Claims: SSGT King .3 ME210, SSGT Thomas and SGT Roberts 1xME110 Casualties: None Award/ Promotions Requests: None After Action Report OutboundWe have a longer run this mission to France and back. Lots of time over water but little enemy fighter presents until we get over France. We will check our guns and remember our refresher training on the formation. Crew Chief Taylor reports the plane is in good condition and he has double checked everything so we should have good reliability of Double Bomb this mission. We have good weather for take-off and have no issues as we formed up on the lead. Leaving liberated Italy we encountered no fighters and settled in for a long flight over the water. We did our gun checks and review our call outs for any fighter attack, but we still had a couple of hours before the mission would get busy. We get to the coast without fighter interference from fighters based in France, but as we started our target run we had a FW190, but our British friend's help us out. A second wave of ME109's came in and we had to take on one as it came in. SGT's King, Thomas and Scott jumped on him and damaged him enough to force him to miss and break off. A last wave ME210's came in and one broke through and we had to take him on SGT King and Brown took him on and the ME210 took a burst from SGT King and his right wing ripped off. When we lined up for the bomb run the target was slightly obscured. We had some late adjustments but this gave us a better position to get a full run. Our lead plane Georgia Peach called that we were good for the run as the flak started. There accuracy was very good and got some close shot, but then we heard a bang in the tail. I called to SGT Thomas to see if he was ok and his reply was yes. Sanders felt a slight loss of control in the rudder and SGT King swung his turret around and saw a chuck of the tail rudder had been damaged. We were still in control and continued with the bomb run. Lining up on target, LT Thompson took control with the autopilot as we moved over the Toulon harbor. He had a good view of the sub pens as Georgia Peach let her bombs go and a few seconds later ours were released. We continue forward as the flak started to lighten up ad the Germans when into a general light barrage as there ammo was running low. InboundWe banked around and headed back to sea but as we did we saw several steaks of smoke come past our formation from the ground. It seems that the Germans were trying out some new AA rockets, but they missed us by miles. We waited for French based fighters to take us on, but there wasn't any and we settled in for a long ride home. As we approached the Italian coast we spotted German fighters rising to come after us. They must have missed us on the way out but the German air defenses in France must have alerted them to come out after us. As they got close we could see that they were ME110's but the SGT King called out that our P-47 friends were coming in from the starboard side to give ME110's a not so friendly greeting. They were able to tackle most but one ME110 made it through and tried to sneak up on out tail. But SGT Thomas and Roberts had him targeted. Both fired one hitting the engine and the other hitting the wing. The ME110 nosed up a little and spin down. Good shooting by both. From there after we were not bothered by German fighters and made it back to base. Under good weather we landed safely at base. 1st LT Paul Flores, Pilot, 80th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jan 17, 2024 18:20:44 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Lady of Lansing (2) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. HR Morrow Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 11 March 44 Mission #: 13 Target: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. HR Morrow (13) {0} AM: 2 Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. H Whiting (13) {0} AM: 2 Bombardier: 2nd Lt. A Edwards (4) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Patterson (7) {2} PH Engineer: MSgt. L Aldrich (13) {10} AM: 2, PH, DFC Ball Gunner: Sgt. A Blake (13) {8} AM: 2, PH, DFC Radio Oper.: Sgt. A Casterline (13) {0} AM: 2, PH Pt Waist G: Sgt. A Eno (6) {0} AM Stbd Waist G: Sgt. W Hammond (8) {2} AM Tail Gunner: Sgt. M Laffin (13) {10} AM: 2, PH, DFC
Bomb Percentage: 30%
Bomber Disposition: Rudder, PW Heat, Pilot Heat, Copilot Heat, Bomb O2, Port Wing Root, Prt Elevator, Top Turret, Superficial Damage (125 Peckham Points)
Casualties: HR Morrow: FB – 14 days in hospital H Whiting: FB – overnight in hospital A Eno: FB – overnight in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (8:109, 2:190, 3:110) 88: 1 Damaged: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (2:109, 1:190, 0:110) 88: 1 Blake: 88 Aldrich: 190 Laffin: 109, 109
Special Note: HR Morrow: PH
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. HR Morrow
This morning our number came up to fly Tail End Charlie. With three of the best gunners in the squadron on the at the turrets we felt confident we could protect the squadron.
We took off without incident and settled into formation. The Germans were waiting for us in Zone three. We are hit by five 109s and a stray 88. Blake got the 88.
The Germans left us alone across the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas until we arrived in the target zone. There we were hit by a pair of 110s and another 109. The 109 came at us from behind and scored walking hits up the plane. He shot up the heat for the pilot, copilot, and port waist gunner.
Edwards was on target and we turned for home. Despite its starting to get very cold in the cockpit I decided to stay in formation to do our duty and protect the squadron. More 109s and 190s followed us away from France. Aldrich got one and Laffin got two.
The rest of the flight home was quiet and we landed safely at base. We taxied the plane to a stop and I took a deep breath to calm down. Then I felt a shooting pain coming up my leg. I suddenly realized that I had been so focused on getting the plane home that I had not noticed how cold my feet had gotten. I could not even stand on them. The crew and the medics had to help me out of the plane into an ambulance. The doctor tells me that I am lucky I am going to keep all my toes, but it’s going to be a couple of weeks before I can fly again.
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Jan 18, 2024 3:42:04 GMT -8
After-Action ReportThe Butcher's Daughter (B-17F-10BO-41-24484) Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Commander: 1st Lt. Nate Sutherland Mission Date: 11 March 1944 Mission Number: 13 Mission of this bomber: 6 Formation: Low Position: Middle Target: Toulon, France Target Type: Submarine Repair Facilities Bomb Run: On Target - 20% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1st Lt. Harvey "Keg" Taplyn | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. William "Bill" Potter
| 5 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Morris "Norway" Petersen
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Jonathan "Swoffy" Swofford | 4 | .33 | .33 |
| RTD | Engineer | S/Sgt Matthew "Pyro" Lowne | 5 | .33 | .83 | AM | RTD | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Terrance "Mobster" Faloni | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Ball Gunner | Sgt George "Bama" Adkins
| 5 | .5 | .83 | AM | RTD
| Port WG | Sgt Sidney "Sid" Beck
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| Starboard WG | Sgt Guy "Rosie" Rosenbloom
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Tail Gunner | Sgt Morris "The Imp" Fields
| 1 | .83 | .83 |
| RTD
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E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Me-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Me-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
Claims:- Sgt George "Bama" Adkins: 1 Me-110 claimed - no credit awarded - Sgt Morris "The Imp" Fields: 1 Me-110 claimed - .33 credit awarded - 2nd Lt. Morris "Norway" Petersen: 1 Me-110 claimed - no credit awarded - 2nd Lt. Jonathan "Swoffy" Swofford: 1 Me-110 claimed - .33 credit awarded - Sgt George "Bama" Adkins: 1 Me-110 claimed - .5 credit awarded - Sgt Morris "The Imp" Fields: 1 Me-110 claimed - .5 credit awarded - S/Sgt Matthew "Pyro" Lowne: 1 Me-110 claimed - .33 credit awarded Damage:
- Superficial x1: 1 Peckham Points: 1pts - RTD on 8 March 1944 Casualties:
- Sgt David "Hot Stuff" Sutter suffered anoxia during the mission - 1 night in hospital, RTD on 12 March 1944 Awards:
- Air Medal (5 missions): 2nd Lt. William "Bill" Potter - S/Sgt Matthew "Pyro" Lowne - Sgt George "Bama" Adkins AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Take-off and assembly in a marvellous italian sunny day. Zone 2 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 3 Outbound: Attacked by a couple of Fw-190. First one ws intercepted by escort fighters while the one attacking in a vertical dive was damaged and escaped. Zone 4-10 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 11 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): Attacked by Me-110s while entering the zone but two of them were intercepted and last one from 6 low was destroyed. Flak around target was medium itensity but ineffective and caused no damage. Bomb run was ok and we dropped our bombs load. Flak was ineffective when we turned for home too. Some gemran rockets exploded into formation but caused no damage to our ship. Zone 10-4 Inbound: Nothing to report. Zone 3 Inbound: Today it seemed that the Luftwaffe had the entire fleet of Me-110s at its disposal lifted into the air. We were attacked again by a first wave of these fighters but we managed to shoot down two of them without too much effort while the third was intercepted by the escort and driven away. Later we were attacked by a Fw-190 from 12H, but once again a friendly fighter made him desist. Zone 2 Inbound: Two more Me-110s on us: one was immediately intercepted, while the second, although damaged, managed to hit us causing only a few holes in the fuselage. But on his second pass he was knocked down by of top turret and the left cheek gun shots that damaged definitively. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. -------------------------------------------------
Harvey Taplyn, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding
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Post by kageyone on Jan 18, 2024 16:47:46 GMT -8
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Post by limburger59 on Jan 19, 2024 14:34:18 GMT -8
B-17G: GREAT EXPECTATIONS: B-17F-75BO 42-18544 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low Sqdn - Middle MISSION DATE: 11 March 44 MISSION # 13 (13th this bomber) TARGET: Toulon, France Bomb Run: On Target 20% CREWPosition | Rank | Name | Current Mission | Previous Kills | Claims Today
| Confirmed Today
| Status | Stress | Notes | Pilot | 1 LT
| Peter "Pip" Dickins
| 12
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| Copilot | 2 LT
| Matthew Pocket
| 12
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| Bombardier | 2 LT | Jack Dawkins
| 7
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| Navigator | 2 LT | Curt Clark
| 8
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| KIA
| 1 | KIA | Engineer | S/SGT | Mike Dixon
| 9
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| .5 | .33 | RTD
| 1 |
| Radioman | S/SGT | Luke Wopsle
| 11
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| 3 |
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bentley Drummle
| 12
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| 1 | 1 | RTD | +1 |
| PWG | SGT | Henry Hubble | 11
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| .5 | .33 | RTD | 1 |
| SWG | SGT | John Wemmick
| 12
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| Tail Gunner | SGT | Dave Donners
| 10
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| 1 | 1 | RTD
| 1 |
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Casualties: 2LT Curt Clark: KIA
B-17 Damage: Superficial x3 (3) #1 Engine Superficial (20) KIA (10) Structural N/E (10) Cockpit Window x1 (10) Control Cables x1 (10) Peckham Points: 63
Crew Chief: S/SGT Julian San Sebastian (Status: Moves from Average Joe to Dedicated with a +1 to repairs)
B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia
Attackers: 14
| # | Claimed Destroyed
| Confirmed Destroyed
| Probable | Damaged | Run Off
| Bf-109 | 6 |
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| 1 | 1 | 1 | Bf-110 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 1 | FW-190 | 3 | 1 | .67 |
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| 1 | Ju88 | 0 |
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| C205 | 0 |
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| Re2005 | 0 |
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| TOTALS
| 14 | 3 | 2.67 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart (posthumous): 2LT Curt Clark Air Medal - first oak leak cluster for 10 Completed Missions:SGT Dave Donners Promotion rolls = no promotions for SGT DonnersIn Hospital/Not Flying Today: Everyone on Full Duty AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant)
OUTBOUND Zone 10: Multiple waves slammed into our formation, with bandits in the first and third waves trying to fight their way towards our bomber. Six total Bf-109s, and three were damaged - one by the RAF and two by our gunners. In return we suffered a nasty crack in the cockpit window. TARGET Zone 11: During the Bomb run we were buffeted by flak, suffering some damage, while putting 20% of our bombs on target. While rallying three more waves of German fighters tore into the 509th. The third wave made Mission 13 our unlucky number 13. A 190 put a shell into our nose, instantly killing our Navigator. Though we've collected a lot of Purple Hearts, and have had four men invalidated home with serious wounds, LT Clark was the first fatality that the Great Expectations has suffered. When that Butcher Bird returned looking for more blood our gunners removed its right wing - for our crew's first credited aerial victory. INBOUND Zone 10: Two 110s tried to sneak up on us from below, and both the Tail Turret and Ball Turret set their on fire. Fortuitously the Ball Gunner had just unjammed one of his guns in time to flame the bandit making a vertical climb on us.
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Jan 19, 2024 17:13:51 GMT -8
B-17F Wimpy B-17F-27BO-41-24585 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Low Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 11 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 13 This Aircraft: 13 Target: Toulon, France, Submarine Repair Facilities CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Landry Velez | 13 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 3 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Santino Richards | 13 | 0 | AM+, PH | RTD | 4 | Navigator | 2nd Lt George Sheets | 10 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Roberto Ford | 13 | 1 | AM+ | RTD | 1 | Engineer | T/Sgt Finnegan Fields | 13 | 10.83 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Radio Op | Sgt Paul Nielson | 13 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 3 | Right Waist | T/3rd Ari Watkins | 13 | 4 | AM+, PH+ | KIA | 0 | Ball Turret | T/4th Tobias Mace | 13 | 3 | AM+ | RTD | 3 | Left Waist | S/Sgt Tripp MacDougal | 13 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 2 | Tail Gunner | T/4th Kingsley Griffin | 13 | 4.5 | AM+ | RTD | 3 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 10 | | 0 | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %Casualties: T/3rd Ari Watkins - KIA Damage: Superficial X4 4 Right Cheek Gun 10 KIA 10 Peckham Points: 24 Peckham Points, Ready next day Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bf-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1.5 | 0 | Ju-88 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1.5 | 0 |
Claims:Position | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Top | 2 | 1.5 | 0 | Tail | 2 | 1.5 | 0 |
Awards: Purple HeartT/3rd Ari Watkins – Second, Posthumous Air Medal2Lt George Sheets – Second DFC RequestedT/Sgt Finnegan Fields – 10 Confirmed Kills Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTWe finally had clear skies. Well, about as clear as March can be. Clear enough to make flying easier, especially on another long mission. Today, we returned to Toulon. As we approached the French coast, we were feeling pretty good. Not an enemy aircraft in sight. Feeling pretty lucky. Our luck did not hold out long. We faced three FWs in two waves, prior to the flak belt. Our escorts were on the ball and drove off two of the bandits. Our defensive gunnery, though missing by a mile, was enough to throw off the Hun’s attack, and he did not follow up with another. Flak was as predicted, moderate, if not accurate. We took a few pellets to the airframe, causing little more than unwelcome ventilation. Lt Ford remained unperturbed by the buffeting flak and enemy fighters. Intelligence reports that he put about 40% on target. Flak was lighter on egress, and less accurate, missing us by a wide margin. As we exited the flak belt, we were attacked by a pair of 190s and a pair of 109s. Escorts were sparse. One of the FWs was driven off, and we tattooed the remaining fighter. T/Sgt Fields riddled the enemy cockpit. Despite the riddling, the enemy pilot seemed uninjured. [Later, T/4th Mace commented the cockpit probably looked like a cartoon, with a string of bullet holes shaped like the enemy pilot.] The cockpit hits were enough to rattle the German, and he missed widely, and did not return. The remaining pair of Bf-109s did not fare as well as the Focke-Wulf pilot. Both were shot down. T/4th Griffin, in the tail, ripped open the 109’s right wing, sending it into a spiral. No chute was observed. The last 109’s pilot was not as lucky as the 190. T/Sgt Fields ripped open the enemy cockpit like a can opener. The pilot was clearly KIA. Ever alert on the homeward leg, the crew still managed to appreciate, and comment on, the vistas of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas, as well as the stark landscape of Corsica. Naples was passing to our left, with the coastline ahead of us when we were jumped by a pair of Junkers. Only a few moments earlier we watched the escorts we had driving off the enemy fighters while still at a distance. We thought we were home free. Defensive gunnery missed the first Junkers. He, however, did not miss us. He stitched us from nose to tail. The enemy shells striking the waist killed T/3rd Watkins with shell fragments to the face. T/Sgt Fields continued his mastery of target acquisition by shooting down the second Junkers. His rounds struck the enemy’s fuel tank, igniting it, and engulfing the aircraft. No chutes were seen. The offending Junkers came around for a second pass, this time from 6 high. All guns bearing on the enemy hit the fighter. However, T/4th Griffin’s defensive fire made the coup de grace, ripping open the enemy’s left wing, sending the fighter into an earthward spiral. No chutes were seen. Once we were clear of the enemy, and the coast crossing below, S/Sgt MacDougal reported the death of Watkins. Fields shot off a flare on final approach. An ambulance was waiting for us when we hit the hard stand. Submitted by, 1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot B-17F Wimpy 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF Postscript Ari Watkins wasn’t the first crewmember we lost, but he was the first KIA. It hit hard, as we had all been together since the States, except for Lt Sheets, who joined us for mission 5, to Udine. T/Sgt Fields, on 11 Feb 1944, achieved Ace Status, over Toulon. Today, 11 Mar 1944, one month to the day since our last foray to Toulon, T/Sgt Fields achieved Double-Ace Status. Over Toulon. Most of the crew is showing signs of stress, especially Lt Richards. I am hoping we have a long gap between missions, to allow them to unwind a bit, before they unravel.
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Post by caodwolf on Jan 19, 2024 18:30:39 GMT -8
B-17F: Dam Yankees Pilot: 1Lt. B. Pease Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 11-March-1944 Mission No.: 13 Mission this Bomber: 13 Target for Today: Toulon, France - U-boat Repair Facilities Squadron Position: Low Result: DNB - B/O Tyrrhenian Sea With a kerplunk a thousand needles pierces my flight suit. That's what the Tyrrhenian Sea feels like in March. On forming formation the #3 engine sprung an oil lead and caught fire. Fire was extinguished but #2 is out of action.
Abort was the order. We could see the waterline fast approaching and wanting to release ordnance into the Sea vs a villa, we make for water. Bombs were dumped into the Sea. As soon as we started the turn to port to head back to base, the #2 engine caught fire again and rapidly spread to the wing.
New orders: Bail Out !. Horton and I kept her steady while the crew bailed out in to chilly sea. We then joined them.
The US Navy picked us up but Tail Gunner B. Fancher is MIA. He could not last long in this water
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | B. Pease | 13 | --- | --- | AM, PH | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | D. Horton | 13 | --- | --- | AM | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Bombardier | 2Lt | J. Pate | 10 | --- | --- | AM, DFC, PH | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Navigator | 2Lt | E. Swan | 13 | --- | --- | AM | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Top Turret/Engineer | S/Sgt | G. Burdash | 13 | --- | 4 | AM | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Radio Op | S/Sgt | K. Whitmore | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Port Waist | Sgt | C. Shoemaker | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Stbd Waist | Sgt | M. Comerota | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Ball Turret | Sgt | M. Lesjack | 7 | --- | 1 1/2 | AM | OK-B/O rescued by US Navy | Tail Turret | S/Sgt | G. Fancher | 13 | --- | 3 1/2 | AM | OK-B/O MIA |
NoneNone
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | FW-190 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ME-109 | --- | --- | --- | - | --- | ME-110 | -- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ME-210 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | C-205 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
B-17F Damage: | Bomber Lost |
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Post by caodwolf on Jan 20, 2024 19:20:44 GMT -8
B-24J: PLEASANT SURPRISE Pilot: 1Lt. R. Solsky Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron Mission Date: 11-March-1944 Mission No.: 13 Mission this Bomber:1 Target for Today: Toulon, France - U-Boat Repair Facilities Squadron Position: High Result: Off-Target 6% The first flight of the Pleasant Surprise went OK. We got out baptism of fire out of the way. Did not claim any kills but shots were fired. Instrumental failures more so than German projectiles affected us. We lost both controls of the ailerons and the rudder.
Looks like we missed most of the target. We'll get'm next time
Landed back at base.
Over and out....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | R. Solsky | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | F. Pienta | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | C. Steinwedel | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | M. Wagner | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | TSgt | J. Visentin | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Radio Op | TSgt | R. Surovick | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Chin Turret | Sgt | B. Mentz | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | B. Gillis | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | B. Unger | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | T. Croker | 3 | --- | 1 | --- | OK |
None
None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | ME-109 | 3 | 3 | --- | --- | --- | FW-190 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 12 | 6 | 1 | 1 | --- |
-Instruments: Ailerons -Ball Turret power failure -Port aileron hit -Instruments: Rudder
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