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Post by kageyone on Mar 13, 2024 22:24:30 GMT -8
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Mar 14, 2024 17:08:38 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Bowling Green Belle (2) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. E Dickinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 26 March 44 Mission #: 17 Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. E Dickinson (4) {0} PH: 2 Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. C Lambkin (2) {0} Bombardier 2nd Lt. CW Barnes (4) {0} PH Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Schreiner (4) {0} Engineer: MSgt. C Lambkin (4) {0} Ball Gunner: Sgt. D Miller (4) {3} Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Arlin (4) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. O Keles (2) {1} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. HH Waldo (2) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. C Boughton (4) {1}
Bomb Percentage: 20%
Bomber Disposition: Radio O2, Port Tailplane Root, Tail Turret, Superficial Damage (60 Peckham Points)
Casualties: E Dickenson: LW – 1 day in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (3:109, 2:190, 1:110) Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (3:109, 0:190, 0:110) Keles: 109 Boughton: 109 Miller: 109
Special Note: n/a
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. E Dickinson, pilot commanding
The crew of the Bowling Green Belle have settled into life on their new airplane. We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation.
We saw no enemy fighters on the way out until we arrived in the target zone. Three 109s attacked us. On their first pass Keles and Boughton took down two of them. The third one came around again and Miller got him too.
The flak guns scored a direct hit on us and caused minor damage to the Belle and nicked me in the leg. Barely worthy of the Purple Heart they insist on awarding me. Barnes still managed to be on target and we turned for home. Other than a quick pass from a pair of 190s the trip home was quiet.
A solid day for the Belle. On target, three confirmed victories, and minimal damage and casualties.
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Post by crushedhat on Mar 14, 2024 17:23:21 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 26 Mar 44 MISSION NBR. 17/This Bomber 15 TARGET: Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: Low Squadron, Middle
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (15) [0] LC Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (15) [0] LC Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (15) [4 1/2] Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (14) [3 1/6] Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (15) [19 1/6] LC * Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (15) [0] LC Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (15) [11 1/3] LC # Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (15) [2 5/6] Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (9) [1] Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (15) [12 5/6] LC *# * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: Fw 190 4=1 KIA, 3 Damaged (1 Green) Me 110 2=1 KIA, 1 to P-38 (1 Ace) Me 109 4=1 KIA, 2 to P-38, 1 Undamaged (1 Green) 10
Claims: Only credited kills reported here Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Me 110, ½ Fw 190
Bomb Run: On Target, 20%
B-24 Damage: Lt cheek Gun Inop (10) Peckham Points: 10 Peckham Points, AC ready 27 Mar 44.
Casualties: None
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield: Air Medal 2nd OLC Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson: Air Medal 2nd OLC Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: Air Medal 2nd OLC Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Air Medal 3rd OLC Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson: Air Medal 2nd OLC Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Air Medal 3rd OLC Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Air Medal 2nd OLC Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Air Medal 2nd & 3rd OLC (one for achieving recognized Ace status)
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: None
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT) “One…Two…Three…Four…Five…Come on! Come on!” Sgt Joe Blaston says into the confined space of the ball turret. “Five,” he repeats with resignation as no more chutes appear from The Talkin Texan.
Over the interphone, Sgt Doug Richard calmly states, “Talkin Texan down. Orange’s Crate now Tail-End-Charlie.” The Talkin Texan won’t be the last plane to fall out of formation this mission.
With relatively clear skies, takeoff and assembly went smoothly and we wee soon winging our way over the blue waters of the Adriatic. As we hit the enemy cost (Zone 4) we could see bandits forming up, but none bothered us. Then, as we were making our turn to the SE (Zone 5), a trio of M 109s bore in. The boys of the 1st FG chased off tow and the third one dove past us so fast neither he nor TSgt Newton were able to get in an effective shot.
While there were enemy fighters defending the target (Zone 7), none bothered us on target ingress. Flak was a different story, one shell exploding right off the port nose and knocking out the left cheek gun, not to mention rattling LTs Martell and Ellison. Maybe that’s why 2LT Martell only achieved 20% on target.
A couple of waves of EA hit the formation on target egress. While none bothered us, the same can’ be said for others. The Talkin Texan in TEC got hit. Five chutes were reported. Orange’s Crate took over Tail as we headed for home.
As we settled on the bearing for Giulia (Zone 5) things got intense. Other than chasing off a bandit from the first wave, the Lightnings were busy elsewhere, leaving us to fend for ourselves; not that we didn’t do a good job of it, downing two and damaging the other three fighters that came at us in three waves: two Me 110s including the one the 1st got, and four Fw 190s.
Nearing the coast (Zone 4) we knocked an Me 109 out of the sky. Orange’s Crate fell out of formation to be replaced in the Tail by Stupid Dragon. AS we headed out over the Adriatic (Zone 3), the spare bomber, Kipling’s Error, fell out of formation. I sure hope all those boys made it home.
With our only damage being the left cheek gun, Laid Back Lady should be ready to fly the next mission.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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Post by limburger59 on Mar 14, 2024 19:36:35 GMT -8
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Mar 15, 2024 15:14:06 GMT -8
509th BG, 15AF Mission 17 Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard MISSION DATE: 26 March 44 B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #14)Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle TARGET: Marshalling Yard Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Prior Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George McQuinn | 16 | AM++ |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | Howard Mills | 11 | AM+ |
| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Johnny Marcum | 16 | AM++ | .25 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | Pat Tobin | 16 | AM++ | .25 | RFD
| Engineer | S/SGT | Sam Harshaney | 13 | AM++, PH | 5.83 | RFD | Radio/ RW | S/SGT | John Whitehead | 16 | AM++ | 1.37 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bill Trotter | 16 | AM++, PH | 3.03 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Harry Kimberlin | 16 | AM++ | 2 | RFD
| Nose Gunner | SGT | Tommy Thompson | 11 | AM+ | 5.08 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Dave Short | 16 | AM++ | 1.16 | RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) skill +1 16th mission Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: did not bomb: bomb release failure 0% Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight repair and maintenance. Bomber Damage: Superficial damage 1 Nose – no effect 5 Right Wing – no effect 5 Bomb release failure 10 Peckham Points: 21 Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 11
| Me109 | Fw190 | Me110 | Me210 | Me410
| Re2005 | TOTAL | Escort Intercept | 5 | 6 | | | | | 11 | Undamaged |
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| | | | | | Damaged
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| | | | | | | Probable/Denied
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| | | | | | | Destroyed |
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Casualties: Claims: Awards:
AAR Our friends from the 1FG provided excellent cover today, we had minimal damage but did not bomb due to bomb release failure/damage, this one is a draw at best.
OUTBOUND Take off and joining the formation was uneventful. With the good weather we had a smooth takeoff and quickly joined the formation. Shortly after we were over Yugoslavia, our friends from the 1FG chased off a Me109, that was nosing around.
TARGET AREA Once in the target area, a pair of Fw190s tried their luck but were picked off by the Lightings. Nothing else before the IP. When we started our bomb run we were hit by flak doing superficial damage to the nose and right wing. Then when Johnny went to release the bombs, he discovered the flak had also taken out the bomb release controls. An attempt at manual release before we left the area also failed. The little friends saw off a another Me109. Once things settled down Dave our tail gunner reported that The Talkin' Texan had gone down and Orange Crate took over TEC.
INBOUND The rest of the way back we were harried by fighters but our little friends from the 1FG kept them all off of us. First a trio of Fw190s , followed by a singleton Fw190, then pair of Me109s. Finally just before the coast a final Me109 and then bombs on the formation, one of which went off near us doing more superficial damage. Once over water we left the formation and finally were successful in dropping the bomb load. After that a safe landing. T/SGT Patrick says he will have her ready after overnight repair and maintenance.
1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding B-24J 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 Mar 15, 2024 15:50:16 GMT -8
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 17 Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard B-17F All In (Mission #17)Crew Commander: 1LT George Gill Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle TARGET: Marshalling Yard Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George Gill | 17 | AM++, PH |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | Don Heffner | 6 | AM |
| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Billy Sullivan | 3 |
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| RFD | Navigator | 2LT | Myril Hoag | 17 | AM++,PH
| 1.5 | RFD | Engineer | S/SGT | Roy Hughes | 6 |
| 1.5 | RFD | Radio Operator | S/SGT | Vern Kennedy | 17 | AM++
| 1 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | SGT Russ Van Atta | 17 | AM++
| .5 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Julius “Moose” Solters | 17 | AM++
| .5 | RFD
| Right Waist | SGT | Jim Walkup | 9 | AM | .66 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ewald "Ernie" Pyle | 4 |
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| RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (Dedicated) 17th mission skill 2 Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure rolls during this mission. Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50% Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance and repairs Bomber Damage: 5 Superficial damage hits 5 Bomb bay no effect 5 2 tail hits no effect 5 Peckham Points: 15 Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 4 | Me109 | Me110 | Fw190 | Re2001 | Me210 | G55; | TOTAL | Escort Intercept |
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| | Damaged | 1 | | 1 | | | | 2 | Probable/Denied
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Casualties: Claims: Awards: Promotions: AAR With the good weather takeoff and joining the formation went smoothly. We had good bomb results but with the CO’s plane lost on this mission the mood was very somber. OUTBOUND As soon as we were over Yugoslavia, we were attacked by a pair of Fw190s, The escorts took care of one but the other came in a vertical dive and it hit us for some superficial damage and in the bomb bay with metal rattling off the bombs, but no major damage. Roy and Vern said the had hit the engine and on a reattack Roy hit it again, just enough damage that it missed us. Rest of the flight to the target area was uneventful. TARGET AREA Once in the target area, rockets were fired into the formation from our six, but did no damage to us. However, the crew reported that Gingersnap with squadron CO went down with a few chutes observed. Once we started the bomb run there was a flak burst at our tail that did some minor damage and shook the plane, but Billy recovered to get on target and assessed as 50% effective. At the RP our escorts from the 1FG ran off a Fw190 that was trying to attack. INBOUND As the formation started back ANGRY ARI reported that they were damaged and leaving the formation to head for Lecce. As we approached the coast a Me109 attacked in the vertical dive attacked hitting the tail for no effective damage, plus a couple of other superficial damage hits. On his reattack Roy hit his left wing and he hit from some more superficial damage before breaking off the attack. T/SGT Johnson says the All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance. 1LT George Gill, Pilot Commanding B-17F All In 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by caodwolf on Mar 16, 2024 7:40:30 GMT -8
B-17G: Old Shep Pilot: 1Lt. B. Pease Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 26-March-1944 Mission No.: 17 Mission this Bomber: 4 Target for Today: Skopje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yards Squadron Position: Middle Result: Off-Target: 10% This could've been classified as a true milk-run if we didn't botch up the bomb run. No enemy fighters was engaged to, over and or after the target zone. No Flak.
Bombardier Lt Tharpe just missed the target. I realize it's just his 3rd mission but jeez...this was going as perfect as perfect could get.
Later a couple ME-109's & C-205's and one lone FW-190 attacked all at the same time from all over the place. They were either driven off of fought off by our .50's.
The return to Foggia was uneventful.
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | B. Pease | 16 | --- | --- | AM, PH | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | D. Diluzio | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | A. Tharpe | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | S. Yezzi | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | S/Sgt | G. Burdash | 16 | --- | 5 1/2 | AM, ACE | OK | Radio Op | S/Sgt | K. Whitmore | 5 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Port Waist | Sgt | C. Shoemaker | 5 | --- | --- | AM,PH | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | M. Comerota | 7 | --- | --- | AM, PH | OK | Ball Turret | S/Sgt | M. Lesjack | 10 | --- | 2 1/2 | AM | OK-Prom | Tail Turret | Sgt | K. Taylor | 4 | --- | --- | --- | OK |
2lt J Pate: RTD: 15-April Promotions
Sgt. M Lesjack to S/Sgt
Air Medals
Sgt. C Shoemaker Sgt. K Whitmore
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | FW-190 | 1 | 1 | --- | --- | --- | ME-109 | 3 | 2 | --- | 1 | --- | C-205 | 2 | --- | 1 | 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | --- |
-No Damage
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Post by kozzackkelt on Mar 16, 2024 10:48:03 GMT -8
B-17G: PRIDE OF MANITOWOC (B-17G-4923SL-43- 23186) Pilot: 2LT. Tomasz Gadzynski Missions for this bomber: 3 Squadron: 80th Formation/Position: Middle - Tail End Charlie Mission Date: 26 March 1944 Mission Number: 17 Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia / Marshalling Yard
CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Tomasz Gadzynski (3) {} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. James McCoy (3) {} Bombardier: 2Lt. Gregory Floros (3) {1} [B%: 20-40-30] Navigator: 2Lt. Michael Quintin Stephenson (3) {1} [-] Engineer: Sgt. David Russell (3) {} [+-] Radio Operator: Sgt. Barry Manchester (3) {} Ball Turret: Sgt. Steve Cole (3) {1} PWG: Sgt. Lorenzo Manicotti (3) {} SWG: Sgt. Tom Murphy (1) {} Tail Gunner: Sgt. Jack Winslow (3) {3}
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 30%
Enemy Aircraft Encountered:6 0xFw190, 6xMe109, 0xMc205, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xMe410
E/A Damaged: 1 E/A Probable: 0 E/A: Destroyed: 0 E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 6
Condition of B-17G ~ PRIDE OF MANITOWOC: No damages from enemy fire, 0xSuperficial hits ( Report of maintenance crew chief Dustin Rhodes ) Repairs or replacements, routine maintenance and inspections will be performed. During inspection, discovered switch for ENGINE FEATHERING was malfunctioning. It was replaced.
Mission AAR: Take off was on time and smooth in good weather. PRIDE OF MANITOWOC formed up with squadron at tail end of middle flight. There were no encounters with E/A until reaching designated target area. A number of what we believe were Me109's lined up on us, but most were jumped by our fighter escort. We hit the one who made it through escort fighter screen, and his shot went wide. That Jerry last seen with one of our fighters on his tail. No hits by flak. Lt. Floros hit target with estimated (based on photo evidence), 30% of our bombs on the marshalling yard. Turned for home. A single Luftwaffe fighter came near us, but again, our fighter buddies were all over him and he was last seen with several of our guys on his tail. Landed safely at Guilia. Sgt. Winslow (tail gunner) seems to be having problems with combat flights. Will speak to squadron flight surgeon. SSgt. Rhodes, maintenance supervisor, said PRIDE OF MANITOWOC should be ready for next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tomasz Gadzynski, 2LT, USAF Pilot- B-17G PRIDE OF MANITOWOC 80th BS / 509th BG Guilia, Italy
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Mar 16, 2024 12:45:57 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Ypsilanti Girl (3) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. H Whiting Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 26 March 44 Mission #: 17 Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. H Whiting (17) {0} AM: 3 Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. I Ingersoll (4) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. A Edwards (8) {0} AM Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Wight (3) {1} Engineer: 1st Sgt. L Aldrich (17) {12} AM: 3, PH: 2, DFC Ball Gunner: SSgt. A Blake (17) {8} AM: 3, PH, DFC Radio Oper.: Sgt. J Cobb (3) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. A Eno (10) {2} AM: 2 Stbd Waist G: Sgt. W Hammond (12) {4} AM: 2, PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. JG Lamb (3) {0}
Bomb Percentage: 60%
Bomber Disposition: Intercom, Radio, Rudder, Superficial Damage (31 Peckham Points)
Casualties: n/a
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (1:109, 1:190, 0:110) Damaged: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: A Eno: AM
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. H Whiting
A sunny morning in Italy for Ingersoll and I to walk back from the briefing and observe the crew of the Ypsi Girl getting ready to fly. We are on our third mission with this crew and they have really started to work as a solid team.
We took off without incident and settled into formation.
The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. We were attacked by a 109 and a 190. Blake shot up the 109 and he limped away. The 190 hosed the radio room with bullets and blew out the intercom.
The heavy flak guns scored several hits on us including knocking out the radio. Even without the intercom I could hear Cobb cursing at his equipment trying to get it to work.
Edwards was right on target and we turned for home.
Good escorts kept the Luftwaffe away all the way home and we landed safely.
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Post by royalblue on Mar 17, 2024 18:15:13 GMT -8
B-17G – Statement of Charges80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force Pilot: 1Lt Samuel French
Mission Date: 26 March 1944
Mission: 17 Previous Missions in Bomber: 1
Target: Skopje, Yugoslavia Target Type: Marshaling Yard
Formation: Middle Position: Middle
CREW
Position | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt Samuel French
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD
| Co-Pilot | 2Lt Joseph Bonetti
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Bombardier | 2Lt Isaac Goldman
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Navigator | 2Lt Howard Bush
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Engineer | S/Sgt Paul Danowski
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Michael Schwartz
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Ball Gunner | Sgt Charles Beasley
| 2 | 0
| 0 | None
| RTD
| Port WG | Sgt Luis Rosa
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD
| Starboard WG | Sgt Patrick Flanagan
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Tail Gunner | Sgt Theodore Fields
| 2 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD
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Bomb Run: Off Target - 0%
Enemy Aircraft:
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged
| Me-110 | 4
| 4
| 0 | 0
| IAR80
| 1
| 1
| 0
| 0
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Claims: - None
Damage: - Superficial (nose) x1 - Superficial (waist) x1
Peckham Points: Repaired overnight
Casualties: - None
Awards: - None
Promotions: - None
After-Action Report:
OUTBOUND
Zone 1/Takeoff: Clear skies for takeoff. Joined squadron without incident.
Zones 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7/Target: Intense flak over the target area. We sustained minor damage to the waist and nose; and unfortunately the timing was such that 2Lt Goldman's aim was thrown off moments before releasing our payload. All our bombs appeared to hit just West of the marshaling yard.
INBOUND
Zone 7: Leaving the target area we were approached by a pair of Me-110s, but they were driven off by P-38s from the 1st Fighter Group before making a pass at us.
Zones 6-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: As we closed in on the Adriatic I noticed our Squadron's formation had begun to loosen slightly without realizing it. As if summoned by our complacency; we were again targeted by a group of enemy fighters. More Me-110s as before, but this time with Romanian IAR 80 support. I assumed their squadron must have been scrambled out of fear we were headed to Bucharest instead of Skopje and had been speeding to catch us on the way back. Two of the 110s started to make a pass at us from our 6 and 9, with an IAR 80 bearing down on us from our 12 high, when just in time they were again intercepted by elements of the 1st FG. The ensuing dogfight lasted several minutes and had my crewmen glued to our windows and our guns the entire time. Soon enough our little friends emerged victorious and we were able to breath a sigh of relief.
Zones 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1/Landing: Landed safely.
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Post by drewshotsfan on Mar 18, 2024 2:47:35 GMT -8
THE TALKIN' TEXAN MISSION 4 (Group Mission 17 – Skopje, Yugoslavia)
B-24D: The Talkin’ Texan (B-24D-150-CO 42-41227) Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron (The Flying Boxcars), 509th Bombardment Group Low Squadron – Position 18 MISSION DATE: 22 March 44 MISSION NBR: 17 TARGET: Skopje, Yugoslavia – Marshalling Yards
CREW *Awards* (Missions completed) [Claims] {Stress} <Other notes> Pilot: 1LT Benjamin C. CRISP (4) <Failed to get out, KIA> Co-Pilot: 2LT Martin M. JAWORSKI (4) <Bailed out, POW> Bombardier: 2LT Kenneth P. ALGER (4) [0-0-2] {1} <Bailed out, chute failed to open, KIA> Navigator: 2LT Stephen S. SOMERS (4) [0-0-1] <Failed to get out, KIA> Engineer: S/SGT George E. Eagle *PH* (3) [0-0-0] <Missed Mission 3, hospitalised> <Bailed out, chute failed to open, KIA> Radio Operator: T/SGT Randall J. PERDUE (4) <Failed to get out, KIA> Ball Gunner: SGT Joseph T. GUERRERO (4) [2-0-1] <Bailed out, POW> Port Waist: SGT Michael K. CAMARILLO (4) [0-0-1] <Bailed out, POW> Starboard Waist: SGT Virgil O. GOODMAN (4) [0-0-0] <Joined crew from Mission 3 onwards> <Bailed out, POW> Tail Gunner: SGT Clyde T. SHARP (4) [0-0-1] <Bailed out, rescued by partisans and returned to US>
BOMB RUN: 30% on target
LANDING:
CASUALTIES: 5 KIA, 4 POW, 1 E&E
DAMAGE (PECKHAM POINTS):
TOTAL PECKHAM POINTS:
CREW CHIEF: SGT William HILL: Average. Starting skill points: 33, current skill points: 24
CLAIMS: Destroyed [0]
CLAIMS: Damaged [0]
Driven off by Fighter Escort: 2 Bf110s
CLAIMS EVALUATION BOARD DECISION: NA Approved Destroyed: [0]
Approved Damaged: [0]
Denied Destroyed: [0]
Denied Damaged: [0]
MISSIONS COMPLETED: Shot down on 4th
MISSIONS ABORTED (NON-COMBAT): 1 (Mission #4)
Award/Promotion Requests: None
In Hospital: 0
AFTER ACTION REPORT “The Talkin’ Texan’s” fourth combat mission (plus one aborted mission), a flight across the Adriatic at 20,000’ to bomb marshalling yards in Skopje, Yugoslavia. Take off in good weather and find station as position 18 in the low cell, and the 78th is the low squadron for today. Tail-end Charlie!
TARGET ZONE 7 OUTBOUND Observed two Bf110s approaching the formation, but they were driven off by our P-38 escort from the excellent 1st Fighter Group. Heavy flak coming in over the target. Superficial damage in nose and right wing. Bombs away, 30% on target, which was slightly obscured.
TARGET ZONE 7 INBOUND No flak. Out of nowhere a single Bf109G-6 hits ‘The Talkin’ Texan’, making one lethal pass from 12 o’clock level. Nose gun and Top Turret slow to react and missed the fast approaching Luftwaffe fighter. This Kraut was an Experte Ace pilot, and made his shots count. Cannon rounds strike the starboard wing, severing it between engines #3 and #4. Pilot 1LT CRISP tries to keep the stricken bomber flying long enough for the crew to get out. Five make it, four of which are made POWs and SGT SHARP is rescued by Yugoslavian partisans, eventually returning back to Guilia and is shipped back to the US.
So ends the combat career of 1LT CRISP’s crew and their mount, ‘The Talkin Texan’. They flew a total of five missions, with four classified as combat missions and one non-combat abort. They completed three bomb runs, two causing 30% damage and one off target at 0%.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old”
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Post by rcastillo on Mar 18, 2024 19:17:21 GMT -8
B-17G Arkansas Traveler 79th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: High Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 26 March 1944 Mission #: 17 Aircraft Mission #: 6 Target: Marshalling Yard @ Skopolje, Yugoslavia
Pilot - 1LT Philip Knapp (6) Co-Pilot - 2LT Billy Nichols (6) Bombardier - 2LT Clyde French (6) Navigator - 2LT Anthony Walters (6) Engineer - S/SGT Edward Conley (6) Radio Operator - S/SGT Jerry Jones (6) Ball Gunner SGT Jim Moss (6) Port Waist Gunner - SGT Jacob Jensen (6) Starboard Waist Gunner - SGT Wesley David (6) Tail Gunner - SGT Wallace Mcfarland (6)
Bomb Run: On target 30%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: No enemy claims
Disposition - Aircraft safe at home base.
B-24J Shady Lady 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Low Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 26 March 1944 Mission #: 17 Aircraft Mission #: 2 Target: Marshalling Yard @ Skopolje, Yugoslavia
Pilot - 1LT Lew Wallace KIA Co-Pilot - 2LT Juan Kane KIA Bombardier - 2LT Charlie Kline POW Navigator - 2LT Larry Hoover KIA Engineer - T/SGT Russell Stafford KIA Radio Operator - T/SGT Larry Sherman KIA Ball Gunner - SGT Clifton Duarte KIA Port Waist Gunner - SGT Archie Hogan ESCAPED/EVADED Starboard Waist Gunner - SGT Clarence Shepherd KIA Tail Gunner - SGT Glenn Mcdowell KIA
Bomb Run: On target 20%
Casualties: 8 KIA, 1 POW, 1 ESCAPED/EVADED
Enemy Aircraft Claims: Engineer T/SGT Stafford 1x 190
Disposition - Shady Lady shot down by Me-109 in OB Zone 4. Enemy fire tore the right wing from the aircraft, sending it into an uncontrolled spin. 2 chutes were seen. The bombardier was captured by a German patrol while the left waist gunner was able to escape and evade with Partisans.
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Post by kageyone on Mar 18, 2024 22:11:31 GMT -8
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Post by ninthaquila on Mar 19, 2024 3:30:06 GMT -8
Pilot: 2LT Richard Archer Plane: B-17G-35-42-31517 Squadron, Group: 79th, 509th High Squadron, Middle Primary Target: Skpolje, Yugoslavia, Marshalling Yard Secondary Target: NONE Mission Date: 26 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 17-1 Position | Rank/Name | Mission Number | Previous Kills | Mission Kills | Pilot | 2LT Richard Archer | 1 | 0 | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2LT Isaac Blackburn | 1 | 0 | 0 | Bombardier | 2LT Fred Fuller | 1 | 0 | 2x0.5, 1 | Navigator | 2LT Lawrence Monroe | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engineer | T/SGT Alex Kozmenski | 1 | 0 | 2x0.5 | Radio Operator | S/SGT Allen Kirby | 1 | 0 | 0.5 | Ball Gunner | SGT Samuel Carter | 1 | 0 | 0.5 | Port Waist Gunner | SGT Ray McKenzie | 1 | 0 | 0 | Stb. Waist Gunner | SGT Charles Flanagan | 1 | 0 | 0 | Tail Gunner | SGT Matthew Wolf | 1 | 0 | 2x1 |
Bomb Run: Off-Target (Norden Bombsight destroyed), 10% B-17 Damage:
Engine #1, Runaway, Feathered Engine #4, Oil leak, engine shut off Landing Gear, broken Port Elevator, broken Rudder, damaged Stb. Wing Root, damaged Norden Bombsight, destroyed Bomb controls (Nose. Dep.), destroyed Navigational Charts, shredded to pieces Pilot windows, damaged Bomb Bay Doors, destroyed bomb release mechanism (Bomb Bay), destroyed Intercom (Radio), destroyed Radio Room Oxygen, damaged Radio, destroyed Ball Turret Heating, destroyed Ball Turret Mechanism, destroyed Stb. Gunner Heating, destroyed Tail Gunner Heating, destroyed Tail Gunner Oxygen, damaged Multiple Parachutes, shredded to pieces Large amount of holes (32 superficial damage) Crew Casualties:
Sgt. Wolf suffered Frostbite underway, but with help from Sgt Carter, he suffered no lasting injury. RTD in time for next mission. Claims:
Bombardier 2LT Fuller: 1 probable FW190, 1 probable ME109, 1 confirmed ME109 Engineer 2LT Kozmenski: 2 probable ME109 Radio Operator S/SGT Kirby: 1 probable ME109 Ball Gunner SGT Carter: 1 probable FW190 Tail Gunner SGT Wolf: 1 confimed FW190, 1 confirmed ME109 (OOC: I made a rules mistake with assigning defensive fire, which led to an increased number of kills. I discounted all FBOA so far, and counted kills as granted on a 5+, and the denied kills as FBOA.)Peckham Points: 405 (OOC: I might be slightly off, but it's easily over 300)Landing: Belly-landing at Foggia due to malfunctioning landing gear, CAT-E Promotions/Awards:Purple Heart for Sgt Wolf, for wounds sustained on 26 MAR 1944 during a bombing mission to Skpolje, Yugoslavia REPORT - CONFIDENTIAL
After arriving in Foggia 2 days ago, and an aborted mission yesterday, we finally got up in the air today, hoping to drop some bombs on the Germans. Weather was decent most of the way, the few clouds didn't bother us too much. The boogies did however. They already got a drop on us before we had even crossed the Adriatic, and even though some of our little friends managed to intercept some, there were still a number that got through. One FW190 dove from almost straight down, raking the whole plane from front to back. Damage was minor, but we did lose the Norden Bombsight, and certain Oxygen systems took some minor damage. SGT Wolf scored our first kill here, after the boogie got greedy and tried to attack us from behind. A second wave was mostly held off by friendlies, and the lone FW190 that got through our screen was last seen slowly falling down to earth, after SGT Carter managed to get some connecting shots. We then were relatively unaffected by boogies until we had just finished our first turn (OOC: Zone 4), thought we did take some pot-shots to help out nearby bombers. Our friends seemed to be occupied, so we had to try to take them down ourselves. We managed to hit some. The damage they did was only minor, our tail gunner informed us that his heating seemed to not function anymore. After some discussion if we should drop out of formation and fall back, we decided to take a chance and fly on. Leaving the protective bubble would have been suicide with the number of hostiles around. Just before we were over the drop zone, we were beset by boogies again. This time, they were all around us, and even with help from allied fighters, they managed to get through and attack us. They took out multiple critical systems, including our #1 engine. As it threatened to runaway, we were luckily able to feather it, meaning we could keep in formation by running the other engines in WEP until we dropped our bombs. Since we had lost our bomb sight, 2LT Blackburn simply dropped them when he saw the others drop. Our ball gunner guesses about 10% hit the target. SGT Wolf, who had so far been lucky to only be cold, started to show signs of frostbite on his fingers just after we had dropped our bombs. I immediately ordered the ball gunner made his way over to help him as much as possible. This meant that we would be vulnerable from below and from behind, but as long as we kept in formation, that wouldn't be a problem. We kept up in formation until we started our first turn on the return leg (OOC: Return Zone 5), when we noticed that the #4 engine was starting to overheat. It seems that it had started leaking oil sometime earlier, and if we didn't feather it, it would overheat and destroy itself. After successfully feathering it, we didn't manage to keep up with the formation, and thus we slowed down and descended to below 10'000 feet. This also meant that our Tail Gunner's situation didn't worsen, but it left us very vulnerable. Luckily, some friendly fighters noticed us, and they shadowed us, trying their best to keep enemy boogies away from us. As soon as the enemy saw a lone bomber however, they were onto us. Our friendlies did the best they could, and drove off large numbers of fighters, but there were simply too many. They came from all sides, destroying navigational charts, numerous heating and oxygen systems, as well as the radio. After a while though, it seemed that we weren't the only one having radio problems, as all of a sudden they all pealed away and left us to ourselves. It seemed to have only been temporary respite, because approximately an hour later, just before crossing over the Adriatic (OOC: Return Zone 3), we again came under heavy attack. Wave after wave came upon us, and while we shot down some, they quickly learned we were vulnerable from below, so multiple fighters approached us from there, hoping to shoot us down. While they put a lot of holes in the plane basically everywhere, they didn't seem to have hit anything critical, though we did lose use of our port elevator. We managed to hit some, though it's equally likely some of them broke off after exhausting their ammunition. As we finally approached the Italian coast, we were soon left alone again. Some friendlies approached us and flew with us in formation. We checked as many systems as possible to see what had all been destroyed, when we noticed that the tail-guns had been destroyed, the ball turret was fixed in place (I assume the mechanism caught a stray bullet), and the bomb doors were non-functioning. At approach to landing, we noticed we had lost our landing gear. It seems that SGT Carter was lucky we ordered him to help our tail gunner, otherwise he would've been stuck in his ball turret during a belly landing. Since we were in for a rough landing, we all strapped ourselves in, and made sure we had no loose items laying around. It was rough and unpleasant, but we managed to get it down nice and early, giving us enough tarmac to slide down before coming to a stop. Directly after landing, we got SGT Wolf to the medical area, to get his frostbite treated. We all carried minor scraps and cuts from the gunfire and shrapnel that had blown through the plane, but since they were only minor, we quickly got them treated before moving on. The Chief Surgeon has already informed us that SGT Wolf will suffer no lasting injuries from his frostbite, thanks to the quick help from SGT Carter. Our plane however, was not so fortunate. With 2 destroyed Engines, a belly landing and multiple other systems in state of repair, it was deemed CAT-E, and has been transported away from the hangars. Let's just say that our Crew chief was not too happy when he saw what we had done to his plane. Trying to explain that it was the Germans that had shot at us, and we didn't do anything, didn't seem to help with his anger. Let's hope that as soon as we get a new plane he forgets about it. (OOC: Oof, it seems that my first roll of the campaign (a 1) was indeed a sign of things to come... The Golden Duck isn't a golden goose, nor a lucky duck, and that was very noticeable...)
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Post by medic1 on Mar 20, 2024 6:52:08 GMT -8
B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Low/Middle Mission Date: 26 March 44 Mission Number: 017 Missions This Bomber: 6 Mission Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers | 6 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | IH | Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Phil Merrick | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Henry Lyons | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 30% B-24 Damage: 7 Hits
Superficial x 2 (4) Nose x 1 -Nav heat & frostbite (12) Port Wing x 1 -superficial (2) Bomb Bay x 1 -superficial (2) Tail x 2 -tailplane, port rudder N/E (5) -tailplane, port rudder inop (10) Peckham Points: 36 Repair Time: Overnight Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod) Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Bf-110 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | G-50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Re-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 19 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 18 |
Confirmed Claims: 0 Casualties: 1 2nd Lt Cam Moore, frostbite - IH Award/ Promotions Requests: 2 PH 2nd Lt Cam Moore AM (1st Award) - S/Sgt Bart Dillon Stress Points this Mission: 4 2nd Lt Cam Moore, S/Sgt Bart Dillon, S/Sgt Bill Payne, Sgt Henry "Honri" Lyons
After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules): Zone 1: Excellent weather again for takeoff and form up. Zone 2 – 4: Nothing to report. Zone 5: Encountered two 410 but our escorts had an easy time with them and they never got near us. Zone 6: Nothing to report. Zone 7: As we approached the IP, two waves of fighters appeared. In the first, one 190 and one 410 failed to push past our fighters. In the second were two 190 and a 109 run with only the Messerschmidt making it through to us. Moore damaged the 109 but the gutsy Kraut pressed his attack regardless and scored a minor hit. He circled around for a 2nd run but was pounced on by a P-38 and dropped in flames.
The flak was heavy and laid a thick carpet out in front of us, rocking us with three close bursts that hit the port wing and rendered the port rudder useless. Somehow, Vickers was able to keep his focus and dropped for 30%.
INBOUND
E/A massed waiting for us after the turn in two waves. The first contained three 190, but our P-38s were swarming everywhere like sharks in a feeding frenzy and only one survived to run at us. He hit us three times, one hit destroying Moore’s heating controls. The 190 was then chased off as he tried to return for a second pass.
The second wave was a single 190 who was forced to bail out thanks to a little friend. Unfortunately, the Talking Texan wasn’t so lucky and we saw her going down with only five of her crew making it out. Zone 6: Moore was complaining of how cold it was in the nose as the thin cold air whistled through the holes caused by the fighter that had knocked out his heat. Although I felt sorry for him, I made the decision to stay in formation as in my opinion the chance of fighters was still great and I’d rather we had the protection of our escorts than take a chance on our own.
Three 190 braved our fighter screen with somehow only an obviously green pilot getting past them. While he failed to do any damage, he in turn took hits from Vickers and quickly dove away. Zone 5: Two 410 that found it impossible to penetrate through the vigilant boys of the 1st FG. Zone 4: We encountered two 110 patrolling off of the coast but our escorts chased them off. Zone 3-2: Nothing to report. Zone 1: A safe landing brought an end to a successful mission.
Moore suffered frostbite and will be returned to the states. I feel pretty lousy about that and keep beating myself up mentally over my decision not to drop out of formation, but in the end, I knew it was the right call. And as rough as that decision was for me, at least I didn’t have to make the tough call Everett Galloway had to make landing Kipling’s Error, his ball gunner trapped in his turret as they landed without their right main gear wheel. I’ll be buying him a few tonight.
The ground crew says that they’ll have Delayed Action ready for whenever our next mission is. The crew will be in the bar tonight hunting for members of the 1st fighter group and ensuring that their money stays in their wallets.
I’ve tapped a young man fresh from the States as our new navigator, 2nd Lt Bret Stevenson.
1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF
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Post by limburger59 on Mar 21, 2024 11:29:22 GMT -8
B-17 BONNIE Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 26 March 44 MISSION # 17 TARGET: Skoplje, Yugoslavia
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Nathaniel Sutherland (10) AM PH Co-Pilot: 2LT Samuel McLean (2) Navigator: 2LT Daniel Webster (4) [1] Bombardier: 2LT Roman Dirigo (9) AM Engineer/TT: S/SGT Matthew Lowne (7) [.83] AM Radio Op: S/SGT Claude Weiss (1) Ball Turret: SGT Jason Ash (3) [1] Right Waist: SGT Jessup Spears (1) Left Waist: SGT Sidney Beck (6) AM Tail Gunner: SGT Tony Marshall (9) AM
Bomb Run: Off Target 0%
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: Superficial x1 (1) Structural N/E (10) #1 Engine Superficial (20)
Peckham Points: 31
Disposition: Lands safely
Attackers: 0
Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal - First Oak Leaf Cluster for 10 Completed Missions: 1LT Nathaniel Sutherland
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS - Beery Variant):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
We watched our escort and the defensive fire of other bombers fight off all E/A. Unfortunately those defenders could not deter the Flak, and when a couple bursts peppered our Port Wing it threw off the aim of our Bombardier.
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Post by superbee on Mar 22, 2024 7:32:28 GMT -8
Mission 17 B17G Gingersnap 79th Bomber Squadron
As Gingersnap neared the drop point over Skopje things happened very fast – all of them bad. An 88 mm flak shell scored a direct hit to the waist compartment, killing both waist gunners and the ball turret gunner instantly.
Struggling to keep the badly damaged B17 airborne, Major James was determined to bomb the target. But both he and the bombardier quickly discovered that the bomb release mechanisms were nonfunctional. (In the previous zone, a mechanical failure roll resulted in the bomb release mechanism malfunction. The crew would not be aware of this of course, until they attempted to bomb the target – or jettison the bombs.)
Entering a steep, banking left turn to lead the squadron away from Skopje, Gingersnap was attacked by a flight of three Me109’s. Engine #2 was hit by cannon fire and began to smoke. (The Me109 which is added against the lead bomber in formation delivered the killing blow. ) As James reached to feather the prop, the left wing erupted in flames.
James ordered the crew to bail out; he and the co-pilot were the last two crewmen to exit the plane. The steeply banked attitude of the bomber when it caught fire pushed the flames towards the fuselage immediately, so when the tail gunner and radio operator bailed out through the door in the waist they were set ablaze by the burning fuel and fell to their deaths as their parachutes caught on fire.
The navigator, bombardier, and flight engineer jumped through the hatch below the flight deck. Their parachutes successfully deployed and these men drifted over the mountainous, forested countryside. They were never heard from again. Postwar efforts to learn their fates bore no results, as American inquiries were met with communist indifference and non-cooperation.
Major James and Lt, Martin (the copilot) landed near a military installation and were captured almost immediately by pro-German forces. Handed over to the Germans, the two officers were eventually transported to a POW camp in Germany. They both survived the war, and were liberated by the British Army in early May 1945.
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Post by campsawyer on Mar 22, 2024 17:28:29 GMT -8
B-17F Double Bomb (B-17F-100BO 42-30333) Pilot: 1st Lt Paul Flores Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron Formation/Position: Mid/Mid 2 Mission Date: 26 Mar 44 Mission Number: 23 Missions This Bomber: 17 Base: Guilia, Italy Target: Marshalling Yards, Skoplje YugoslaviaCrew | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Paul Flores | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Sanders | 17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Thompson | 15 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Cox | 15 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/SGT King | 14 | 5.6 | 0 | 0 | RTD - ACE | Radioman T/Sgt Ramirez | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Roberts | 17 | 2.3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Scott | 17 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG Sgt Brown
| 15 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner S/Sgt Thomas | 17 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | RTD - ACE |
Bomb Run: Off On Target: 0% B-17 Damage: Superficial x1, Left Wing Root x2 Peckham Points: 51 Repair Time: Overnight repair Crew Chief: SSGT Steve Taylor, dedicated Landing: Safe E/A | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | FW-190 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ME-109 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | ME-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
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Confirmed Claims: None Casualties: None Award/ Promotions Requests: After Action Report OutboundAfter the mission briefing, we made our way to Double Bomb were the crew was waiting. We had the usual briefing and all were happy we were going to have good fighter support this mission. We boarded and did our last flight checks before takeoff. The take-off was good and we formed up without any problems and headed out over the Adriatic Sea. The first hour was uneventful and no encounters with German fighters. As we approached the Yugoslav coast, FW190's came up to attack us. Our fighters converged on them and drove them off. A second group moved in a little farther in, these were ME109's. Our fighter cover drove most off, but one pushed through and SGT's King and Brown opened up on them. They damaged him and his attack missed us. The rest of the outbound flight did not encounter fighters until we reached Skopjle, when another flight of ME109's attacked. Fighter cover drove most away, but we did have to defend against one ME109. SGT's Brown and Roberts fended off the 109 and its attack missed us as well. So after we started getting flak, despite being light it was very accurate and we took multiple hits near the left wing and the fuselage. We developed a shutter from the flak damage and we had to continuously re-trim the plane to reduce the shutter. We were told that the group had the target sighted and we going in on the primary target. We had a good setup for the bomb run, but the shutter was affecting LT Thompson's aiming and we could not go to auto pilot for the run. This would affect his aiming and we were off target will all bombs outside the target zone. InboundWe made the turn for home and luckily there was no more flak and the fighters left us alone. We compensated for the shutter but we had a couple of loud bangs in the area of the flak damage. We made it out to the coast before a heavy German fighter attack struck the flight. We had five ME109's come at us, but with help from the P-38's we were able to drive them off with no damage. Once back over the base we lined up for landing and landed without incident. Regards, 1st LT Paul Flores, Pilot, 80th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
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Post by mpgutis on Mar 23, 2024 8:48:26 GMT -8
80th BOMB SQUADRON Mission #17, Skopje, Yugoslavia - Marshaling Yard AAR
As the major strode in, Captain DeLozier called the room to attention. Major Simmons was pleased to see a snap that had not been present for the first couple missions flown under his command. He was pleased, not for himself, but for the squadron, that the crews had gotten past the suddenness of his taking command and, for that matter, the the ghosts that had haunted his predecessor and the effect they had on the squadron. "Seats, gentlemen!"
He turned to face them. "From one perspective, this was a good mission. We lost no aircraft and only suffered to wounded. That's what I always like to see. Not that I like to see anyone wounded but both those men will be back to flying in time. On the other hand, five of the thirteen aircraft that dropped their bombs were off target including one salvoed drop. Overall, the average for the squadron was 26.15%. Not bad, but not great either. Best in the squadron is a tie between Sunny Side Up and Ypsilanti Girl at 60% followed by Great Expectations at 50%. Congratulations to those crews and their bombardiers." He paused. "Oh, we did have one ground abort. that being Fort Knox. Lieutenant Cooper, see me in my office after this briefing." There was a round of guffaws and Cooper turned a bright red.
"We had three promotions. Sergeants Drummie, Wemmick, and Lesjack, make sure you get your staff sergeant stripes sewn on ASAP. I would HATE to gig you for being out of uniform." That earned a round of laughter and hoots.
"That's all I've got for you, gents. We'll be high squadron on the next mission. Get some rest and relaxation as best you can." He proceeded up the aisle as the men snapped to attention. "Dismissed!"
----------------------------- STATISTICAL ADDENDUM
THE A TRAIN On target, 30% 1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed
MISS HOLLY On target, 30% SGT Hal Carter - PH
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR On target, 30%
SUNNY SIDE UP On target, 60% - Tied for best in squadron
LITTLE GREEN MEN Off target, 0%
FORT KNOX Ground abort
GREAT EXPECTATIONS On target, 50% - Second best in squadron 1LT Peter Dickens - AM 2LT Jack Dawkins - AM 2LT Matthew Pocket - AM SGT Bentley Drummie - AM, Promotion to SSG SGT John Wemmick - AM, Promotion to SSG
OLD SHEP Off target, 10% SGT C. Shoemaker - AM SGT K. Whitmore - AM SGT M. Lesjack - Promotion to SSG
PRIDE OF MANITOWOC On target, 30%
YPSILANTI GIRL On target, 60% - Tied for best in squadron
STATEMENT OF CHARGES Off target, 0% SGT A. Eno - AM
WONGO II On target, 40% SGT Baxter Nemecheck - PH
BONNIE Off target, 0%
DOUBLE BOMB Off target, 0% 2LT Thompson - AM 2LT Cox - AM SGT Brown - AM
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Mar 23, 2024 10:49:04 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary Mission: 17 Mission Date: 26 March,1944 Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
The mood at the 79th Squadron debriefing was subdued. They had lost more men and crews than they wanted to count. Major James’ death was somehow different. The major had been like a father to them and now he was gone. Noone knew what would come next.
The silence was broken by 1st Sgt. Parker in the back of the room: “ATTENTION!”
The men came to their feet and stood at attention as Captain Robinson walked down the aisle towards the lectern. The captain still walked with a limp from the injury that had kept him grounded for the last two missions. His “heated” arguments with the flight surgeon about his flight status were quickly becoming legendary in the group. Robinson had been the squadron XO for the entire tour and had now been the acting CO for about an hour. He was followed by the group chaplain, Father Smith.
Robinson turned and stood behind the lectern, set his folder down, and gripped the wooden lectern with both hands.
“Gentlemen, at ease and take a seat.” Robinson surveyed the assembled air crews and prayed to God that he looked and sounded more confident than he felt.
“For those of you who have not heard yet. The Gingersnap was shot down over the target. Parachutes were observed. We are waiting for word on survivors from the Red Cross. Major James and the rest of the crew are considered Missing in Action until we hear otherwise. Father Smith is available for anyone who would like to talk.”
“Like many of you, Major James was a good friend of mine and he will be missed. I know if he were standing here beside me, he would not want us to brood over his death, but to get on with the business of winning this war. We will defeat Nazi Germany. I for one do not intend for the Major’s death to be in vain.”
Captain Robinson paused for a moment to let the murmurs of approval die down.
“Colonel Moody has appointed me the acting commanding officer of this squadron until further notice. Now let’s take a look at how you all did today.”
B 17’s sortied: 11 B 17’s bombing target: 8 B 17’s lost: 2 Average Bomb Run: 22.5% High Bomb Run: All In at 50%
Casualty Report: KIA: 1 SW: 0 LW: 4 MIA: 10
Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement: Major James has been posthumously submitted for the Silver Star.
Fighters Shots down: Me109's: 9 Me 110’s: 0 FW 190’s: 1 Other: 0
Bomber Report
Plane: Gingersnap Bomb Run: DNB Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: Casualties: Entire Crew MIA Status: Shot Down
Plane: Invadin' Maiden Bomb Run: 0% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Lucky Patch Bomb Run: DNB Claims: 2 Medals/Promotions: B Stone: PH Casualties: B Stone: KIA Status: Returned
Plane: Angry Ari Bomb Run: 30% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: A Walker: PH R Taylor: PH Casualties: A Walker: LW, R Taylor: LW Status: Returned
Plane: Irascible Girl Bomb Run: 40% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: M Withley: PH Casualties: M Withley: LW Status: Returned
Plane: Pride of the Badgers Bomb Run: 0% Claims: 2 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Bachelor's Bedlam Bomb Run: DNB Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Bowling Green Belle Bomb Run: 20% Claims: 3 Medals/Promotions: E Dickenson: PH Casualties: E Dickenson: LW Status: Returned
Plane: All In Bomb Run: 50% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Arkansas Traveler Bomb Run: 30% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: B-17G-35-42-31517 Bomb Run: 10% Claims: 3 Medals/Promotions: M Wolf: PH Casualties: M Wolf: FB Status: CAT-E
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Post by caodwolf on Mar 23, 2024 19:48:53 GMT -8
78TH BOMB SQUADRON
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
MISSION 17 Skopje, Yugoslavia
As the CO Major Jopp and XO Captain Garfield enters the room the chatter subsides.
At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” … and everyone rises.
"At ease men" starts the Major as he begins todays briefing. " Thirteen birds went up and eleven came back. Lost was the 'The Talkin' Texan and Shady Lady. Initial reports is seven chutes...maybe eight. All are MIA."
"On the subject of MIA, the Red Cross recently reported (20) members of the 78th as POW's and (7) as KIA. Even the Swiss Government reported (7) of Lt. Jennings crew in their care, rather interment. For them the war is over. A full list of names will be posted outside the Command Post".
"Now on today's mission to Skopje, this was a wild one. Three different B-24's were involved as tail-end charlie as one was lost and another dropped out of formation. This is team work ! 26% was on-target with 8 1/2 confirmed kills. The Orange Crate & the Next Objective both led the 78th with 40% on-target. The Orange Crate and the Kipling's Error on her 1st mission sustained a great deal of damage but got their birds home".
The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two begin to leave.
“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.
"Dismissed!"
Player | Bomber | % on Target | Damage | Kills | crushedhat | Laid Back Lady | 20% | 10 | 1/2 | limburger59 | Knockout (Spare) | 20% | --- | --- | kageyone | Black Maria's Daughter | 28% | --- | 1 | kageyone | Orange Crate | 40% | 200 | 4 | medic1 | Delayed Action | 30% | 36 | --- | jasta6 | Stupid Dragon | 0% | --- | --- | grondeaux | Kipling's Error | 30% | 232 | --- | chefed | Next Objective | 40% | 16 | 2 | caodwolfs | Pleasant Surprise | 20% | 46 | 1 | rhreiss | Bama Beauty | DNB | 21 | --- | drewshotsfan | The Talkin' Texan | 30% | LOST | --- | keltos | Black Shadow | 30% | 14 | --- | rcastillo | Shady Lady | 20% | LOST | --- | | Average Results | 26% | | 8 1/2 |
Bombers Lost
The Talkin' Texan Shady Lady
Top Bombers
Orange Crate 40% Next Objective 40%
Awards / Promotions
2Lt R Steinwedel AM 2Lt M Wagner AM 1Lt R Solsky AM 2Lt F Pienta AM Sgt J Visentin AM Sgr R Surovcik AM Sgt B Unger AM 1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt AM 2Lt Arlo Perot AM 2Lt Cory McIntyre AM T/Sgt Abraham Leeker AM T/Sgt Bruce Woodward AM Sgt Reese Giles AM T/3rd Tristen Townsend AM Sgt Brendan Burgess AM S/Sgt Finnley Griffith AM 1st Lt. Mitch Armstead AM 2nd Lt. John Webb AM 2nd Lt. John Griffis AM 2nd Lt. Charles Rutherford AM S/Sgt Colin Jones AM Sgt Dennis Lindsay AM Sgt Erik Sinnott AM S/Sgt Lee Hanson AM Sgt Fred Campbell AM Sgt James Rivera AM Capt Paul Garfield AM 2LT Elliott Peterson AM 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell AM TSgt Michael Newton AM Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson AM Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston AM Sgt Peter Carson AM Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard AM S/Sgt Bart Dillon AM
KIA
2Lt Titus "Winks" Winkler T/Sgt John Jacobson SGT Guy Rosenbloom
MIA
2LT Martin M. JAWORSKI SGT Joseph T. GUERRERO SGT Michael K. CAMARILLO SGT Virgil O. GOODMAN SGT Clyde T. SHARP 1LT Benjamin C. CRISP 2LT Kenneth P. ALGER 2LT Stephen S. SOMERS S/SGT George E. Eagle T/SGT Randall J. PERDUE 1LT Lew Wallace 2LT Juan Kane 2LT Charlie Kline 2LT Larry Hoover T/SGT Russell Stafford T/SGT Larry Sherman SGT Clifton Duarte SGT Archie Hogan E SGT Clarence Shepherd SGT Glenn Mcdowell
Casualties
Sgt Ben Virden LW SSGT Thomas Stewart LW SGT Gilbert Goldberg LW 2Lt Emmanuel Rosas LW 2Lt Cory McIntyre LW T/3rd Tristen Townsend LW Sgt Einer Kornelson SW 2nd Lt Cam Moore FB
PURPLE HEART
Sgt Ben Virden SSGT Thomas Stewart SGT Gilbert Goldberg 2Lt Emmanuel Rosas 2Lt Cory McIntyre T/3rd Tristen Townsend Sgt Einer Kornelson 2nd Lt Cam Moore 2Lt Titus "Winks" Winkler T/Sgt John Jacobson SGT Guy Rosenbloom
RED CROSS REPORT: POW (Name/Mission#)
1st Lt Derek Marsh 11 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro 11 2nd Lt Don Kassel 11 S/Sgt Burt Rossetti 11 Sgt Marc Holliday 11 Sgt Dan Middleton 11 Sgt Sam Lang 11 Sgt Terry Driscoll 11 2nd Lt C Dailey 11 Sgt D Johnson 11 Sgt S Barton 11 SGT Herbert Sellers 11 2nd Lt. David Ogden 11 2nd Lt. Thomas Banks 11 2nd Lt. Mark Bennett 11 T/Sgt Walter Miller 11 Sgt Jimmy Bolanos 11 S/Sgt Randy Green 11 Sgt Scott Mc Intyre 11 Sgt Abel Hutt 11
RED CROSS REPORT: KIA (Name/Mission#)
2LT Terry Chambers 11 2LT Russ "Tater" Hanley 11 2LT Dakota "Kooter" Richards 11 S/SGT Claude "Frenchy" Galloway 11 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy 11 T/Sgt Liam Barnes 11 Sgt Richard Hansen 11
Interned: Reported by Swiss Gov't Mission (Name/Mission#)
1st Lt T Jennings 11 2nd Lt B Talbert 11 2nd Lt D Henson 11 S/Sgt B Thompson 11 T/Sgt A Smith 11 Sgt M Jones 11 Sgt T Landry 11
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jasta6
78th Bomber Squadron
Spring is here and summer is close behind... It is Cruise Season!
Posts: 277
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Post by jasta6 on Mar 26, 2024 16:33:43 GMT -8
My apologies for posting late, but life is getting in the way of my passion.Coinich -- Pg 1 --
B-24D "Stupid Dragon" Serial #: B-24D-145-CO 42-41210 Code: 06 Pilot: 1Lt. Moeses I. Horst Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th US Air Force, Giulia Airfield Squadron Position: High Formation Position: #12 Mission Date: 26nd March 1944 Mission Number: 17 (Aircraft Mission #15) Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia- Marshalling Yards POSITION/RANK/NAME
| # Missions | TOTAL Confirmed | TODAY'S CLAIMS | Confirmed Claims | Crew Status | Notes: | Pilot 1Lt. Moeses I. Horst | 15 | - | - | - | RTD | 3x AM | Co-Pilot 2Lt. Slavisa J. Mackoff | 15 | - | - | - | RTD | 3x AM & 1xPH | Bombardier 2nd Lt. Richard D. Gustin | 11 | 0.92 | - | - | RTD | 2x AM & 1xPH | Navigator 2nd Lt. Gary Z. Scarbro | 15 | 0.17 | - | - | RTD | 3x AM
| Engineer (TT) T/Sgt. Ernestor L. Pasiak | 13 | 4.92 | 1.5 | 1.5 | RTD | 2x AM & 1xPH
| Radio Operator S/Sgt. Reny O. Scaccia | 15 | - | - | - | RTD | 3x AM
| Ball Gunner Sgt. Evan F. Wiman | 15 | 2.25 | - | - | RTD | 3x AM & 1xPH
| Port Waist Gunner Sgt. Rami N. Mihollen
| 2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | RTD
| 1x AM & 1xPH
| Starboard Waist Gnr. Sgt. Christopher P. Plant | 1 | - | - | - | RTD | 1x AM & 1xPH
| Tail Gunner Sgt. Wilbern I. Perez | 15 | 1.75 | - | - | RTD | 3x AM & 1xDFC
| Crew Chief: S/Sgt. Alfred (Al) Falso [Ave. Joe]
| 17 | Hard Stand: | #26 |
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* Mission Note: Completed Fifteenth mission. Bomb Load: 10x 500lbs AN-M64 General Purpose Bombs Bomb Run: Off target, 10% in target zone. Crew Chief Report: S/Sgt. Alfred (Al) Falso [Ave. Joe] Hard Stand: #26 Pre Mission Repair status: (2D6=7; Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.) Post Mission Repairs & Crew Chief Experience roll: (2D6=9; Good Work on Aircraft repairs, 0.5 Experience Point)B-17 Damage: 30pts. Wing Root and one hole of superficial nature. Mechanical Issues: #56; Ball Turret Malfunctioned. Random Events: #12 Good Shepard in Zone 5 O/B. (Peckham RE Charts) #14 Curious George in Zone 4 I/B (Peckham RE Charts) Repair Time: Overnight to repair, RTD March 27th 1944. Replacement Bomber: None Landing: Good E/A Encountered: 7 EA Claimed:Claims: | Aircraft: | Confirmation: | Eng | Bf 109G | Full Credit Approved | Eng/PW | Bf 109G | Full Credit Approved |
Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted
| Bf 109G | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Me 410
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | FW 190D | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Totals: | 16 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 9 |
P-38 Lightings Chased off nine enemy fighters. Luftwaffe Fighters: All German Pilot were of average skill. Casualties: None Recuperating:POSITION/RANK/NAME | # Missions
| TOTAL CLAIMS | TODAY'S CLAIMS | Confirmed Claims | Crew Status | Notes:
| Left Waist Gun - Sgt. Rami N. Mihollen
| 8 | 3.85 | 0.5 | 2.25 | Medical
| Returns 29th March '44
| Right Waist Gun - Sgt. Christopher P. Plant
| 5 | - | 0 | 0 | Medical
| Returns 5th April '44
| Right Waist Gun - Sgt. D.C. Freeland | 7 | 1.33 | 0 | 0 | Medical | Returns 17th April '44
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Award/ Promotions Requests:1Lt. Moeses I. Horst - 2nd star to Air medal 2Lt. Slavisa J. Mackoff - 2nd star to Air medal 2nd Lt. Gary Z. Scarbro - 2nd star to Air medal S/Sgt. Reny O. Scaccia - 2nd star to Air medal Sgt. Evan F. Wiman - 2nd star to Air medal Sgt. Wilbern I. Perez - 2nd star to Air medal Lt. Richard D. Gustin - 1st star to Air medal Replacements:
None After Action Report ( game system - TfT and various optional rules): "Flight up the Adreatic costing us one of our best gunners' for many weeks...”
-- Pg 2 -- Mission Debriefing
1st Lt Horst, 78th BS Pilot MISSION #15 (Groups 17) Date: March 26th, 1944 Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia- Marshalling Yards Plane: B-24D-210 "Stupid Dragon" Position: Meddle Cell (#12) Altitude: 20,000 feet 10x 500lbs AN-M64 Fragmentation Bombs Mission Report C04M17 -210
<<<Sorry, but due to work load and life events I will not be writing detailed After Action Reports for the duration of this campaign>>>
1st Lt. Moeses Horst
Pilot of, " Stupid Dragon" (B-24D-145-CO 42-41210) 78th BS, 509th BG(H), 15th USAAF. Giulia , Italy- Station 164 (Circle)
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