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Post by kozzackkelt on Mar 30, 2024 14:54:37 GMT -8
B-17G: PRIDE OF MANITOWOC (B-17G-4923SL-43- 23186) Pilot: 2LT. Tomasz Gadzynski Missions for this bomber: 4 Squadron: 80th Formation/Position: HIGH - Tail End Charlie Mission Date: 29 March 1944 Mission Number: 18 Target: Sofia, Bulgaria / Marshalling Yard
CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Tomasz Gadzynski (4) {1} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. James McCoy (4) {} Bombardier: 2Lt. Gregory Floros (4) {1} [B%: 20-40-30-60] 1xFw190 Navigator: 2Lt. Michael Quintin Stephenson (4) {1} [-] Engineer: Sgt. David Russell (4) {1} [+-] Radio Operator: Sgt. Barry Manchester (4) {} Ball Turret: Sgt. Steve Cole (4) {1} PWG: Sgt. Lorenzo Manicotti (4) {} SWG: Sgt. Tom Murphy (2) {} Tail Gunner: Sgt. Jack Winslow (4) {4}
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 60%
Enemy Aircraft Encountered:6 6xFw190, 0xMe109, 0xMc205, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xMe410
E/A Damaged: 0 E/A Probable: 0 E/A: Destroyed: 1 E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 5
Condition of B-17G ~ PRIDE OF MANITOWOC: Minor damages from enemy fire, 1xSuperficial hit, hit to port tailplane root ( Report of maintenance crew chief Dustin Rhodes ) Repairs or replacements, routine maintenance and inspections will be performed.
Mission AAR: Take off was on time and smooth in the crappy weather that seems to love this part of Italy in the spring. PRIDE OF MANITOWOC formed up with high squadron, once again assigned tail end of flight. There were no encounters with E/A until reaching designated target area. A number of what we believe were Fw190'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 he fell from the skies. No parachute was observed. (hit with chin turret by Lt. Floros) A second Fw190 came at us from 3 low, we missed out shots and his shot went wide. That Jerry last seen with one of our fighters on his tail. Hits by flak (hole in starboard wing, hit to tailplane root). Lt. Floros hit target with estimated (based on photo evidence), 60% of our bombs on the marshalling yard. Turned for home. On return flight, saw two single Luftwaffe fighters came near us, but again, our fighter buddies were all over them and they were last seen with several of our guys on his tail. Landed safely at Guilia. Sgt. Winslow (tail gunner) still 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 31, 2024 4:10:36 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Bowling Green Belle (3) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. E Dickinson Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 29 March 44 Mission #: 18 Target: Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. E Dickinson (5) {0} AM, PH: 2 Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. LH Freeman (3) {0} Bombardier 2nd Lt. CW Barnes (5) {0} AM, PH Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Schreiner (5) {0} AM Engineer: MSgt. C Lambkin (5) {1} AM Ball Gunner: Sgt. D Miller (5) {5} AM, DFC Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Arlin (5) {0} AM Pt Waist G: Sgt. O Keles (3) {1} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. HH Waldo (3) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. C Boughton (5) {1} AM
Bomb Percentage: 40%
Bomber Disposition: Port Tailplane Root, Starboard Wing Root, Port Brake, Starboard Tailplane Root, Superficial Damage (87 Peckham Points)
Casualties: n/a
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 3:190, 4:110) Damaged: (0:109, 1:190, 1:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 1:190, 2:110) Miller: 190, 110 Lambkin: 110
Special Note: E Dickenson: AM CW Barnes: AM A Schreiner: AM C Lambkin: AM D Miller: AM, DFC for gunnery C Arlin: AM C Boughton: AM
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. E Dickinson, pilot commanding
We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation. The outbound flight was quiet all the way to the target.
As we arrived in the target zone, we were attacked by three FW 190s. Miller got one of them and the others caused minor damage to the Belle. They were followed by a single ME 110 that Miller also shot down to become out first ace.
We incurred minor flak damage and Barnes hit the target.
A trio of ME 110s chased us out of the target zone. Lambkin got one of them.
The rest of the flight home was quiet thanks to some tight formation flying from the squadron (random event).
We arrived back at base and got into the usual landing pattern to wait for the planes with emergencies to land. Freeman and I brought her down for a nice soft landing. I went to apply the brakes and she lurched to the starboard. I quickly realized the port brake was out and ended up needing every inch of that long runway to bring her to a stop.
Another solid outing for the Bowling Green Belle. On target, no casualties, and three more confirmed fighters shot down. Sgt. Miller is respectfully submitted for the Distinguished Flying Cross for becoming an ace gunner.
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daveh
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 5
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Post by daveh on Mar 31, 2024 9:30:46 GMT -8
B-17 Wild Child Mission: Sofia, Bulgaria--Marshalling Yards Game Used: Target For Today Bombing Accuracy-40% Damage to B-17 minor-aircraft available in 24hrs (15 points of damage) Enemy Aircraft Claimed: 1 FW190
Crew: Pilot-1Lt Michael Smyser Co-Pilot- 2Lt JT Thomas Navigator-2Lt Chase Lester Bombardier- 2Lt Brian Borden Engineer-S/Sgt Alex Timmerman Radioman-S/Sgt Tyler Albright Ball Turret Gunner-Sgt Lucas Hardwick Port Waist Gunner-S/Sgt Robert Killion Starboard Waist Gunner-S/Sgt Jay Blanchard Tail Gunner-Sgt David Hodo
Take-off was a bit Hairy with the rain and bad weather, but somehow we managed to get into formation without incident and proceeded to our target, The bomb run went off without a hitch. Flak on the return trip was light and had no effect on our aircraft. On the return run, 2 FW190s made it through our fighter screen. One was set afire and went down according to the crew-Timmerman, Blanchard, and Hardwick are all claiming it-it came in at 9:00 level-so its only fair to award each a 1/3 of a kill. The other came in at 10:30 low and put several hits into the bombay but nothing serious. As we making our way back, another FW190 attacked us a 12:00 level-a few rounds hit the aircraft but again did no serious damage. Hardwick then began to complain about starting to feel the cold-his heater was out so I ordered him to unplug and get into another position and plug in there. As we got back to the landing field, we landed but the elevators seemed to stick for just a moment-landing was done safely. I asked doc to look at Hardwick and aske the ground crew to check those elevators.
Lt. Smyser
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Mar 31, 2024 17:08:16 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Ypsilanti Girl (4) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. H Whiting Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle
Mission Date: 29 March 44 Mission #: 18 Target: Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. H Whiting (18) {0} AM: 3 Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. I Ingersoll (5) {0} AM Bombardier: 2nd Lt. A Edwards (9) {0} AM Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Wight (4) {1} Engineer: 1st Sgt. L Aldrich (18) {12} AM: 3, PH: 2, DFC Ball Gunner: SSgt. A Blake (18) {8} AM: 3, PH, DFC Radio Oper.: Sgt. J Cobb (4) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. A Eno (11) {2} AM: 2 Stbd Waist G: Sgt. W Hammond (13) {4} AM: 2, PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. JG Lamb (4) {0} PH
Bomb Percentage: 5%
Bomber Disposition: Aileron Controls, Radio O2, Starboard Wing Root, Ball Turret, Superficial Damage (69 Peckham Points)
Casualties: JG Lamb: LW – overnight in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 3:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: I Ingersoll: AM JG Lamb: PH
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. H Whiting
Another day, another mission for the Ypsilanti Girl. We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation.
The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. A single 190 dove out of the sun at us. Aldrich got a piece of him and then he hosed the length of the plane with shells and bullets. Nearly all the damage we took that mission came from that one pass.
We took some minor flak damage and unfortunately Edwards was off target.
On the way home we saw two more 190s. We missed them, they missed us and we arrived safely back at base. Lamb with be in the hospital overnight getting a minor wound patched up.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Apr 1, 2024 8:03:27 GMT -8
MISSION DATE: 29 March 44 MISSION # 18TARGET: Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling YardB-17 G B-17G-20BO-42-31571 Little Green MenGroup 509 Squadron 80 CREW 1LT Thomas Marz - Pilot - Missions: 2 2LT Alfred Tucker - Co-Pilot - Missions: 2 2LT William Smith - Bombardier - Missions: 2 2LT Charles Smith - Navigator - Missions: 2 TSGT James Hensley - Engineer - Missions: 2 SSGT Walter Stroud - Radio Op - Missions: 2 SGT Wellington Adelbert Finfrock - Ball Gunner - Missions: 2 SGT John Neal - Port Waist - Missions: 2 SGT Andrew Brush - Starb Waist - Missions: 2 SGT Bertram Gilliam - Tail Gunner - Missions: 2 BOMBING ON 20%CASUALTIES none CLAIMS none AWARDS & PROMOTIONS none ENEMY A/C 3x Me109: 1 DAM, 1 D/O 2x Ju88: 2x D/O DAMAGE #2 engine, flak hit, fire, self-seal, 2x fire extiguishers; port cheek gun frozen; port aileron inop 130 Peckham PointsAARWe had a nominal flight until reaching the target zone where flak hit #2 engine, causing an oil tank fire. We used both fire extinguishers to get it out. Miraculously, it self-sealed. We watched the control dials like hawks, but the engine ran normally for the rest of the mission. Bombing was on target. Thanks to the escort for driving off two Ju88's from us. On the way home, three Me109s attacked, one was driven off, and the other two damaged. Their attacks were ineffective. It became very cold at this point in the mission. During a gun check, the navigator informed me that the port cheek gun was frozen and inoperative. Special note of superior achievement: the ground crew did an excellent job with the ship today. We had no mechanicals at all. Lt. Thomas Marz
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eddie
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 148
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Post by eddie on Apr 1, 2024 18:59:02 GMT -8
No AAR for "The Girl Next Door" Port Wing fuel tank fire. Controlled bailout over target. All crew bailed out. All crew captured, POW.
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Apr 1, 2024 19:24:52 GMT -8
B-24J Next Objective B-24J-15-CF-42-99776 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Middle Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 29 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 18 This Aircraft: 7 Target: Sofia, Bulgaria, Marshaling Yards CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Alexis Vaillancourt | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Arlo Perot | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Emmanuel Rosas | 3 | 1.5 | PH | RTD 9 APR 44 | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Cory McIntyre | 6 | 0 | PH | RTD 23 APR 44 | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Abraham Leeker | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Radio Op / Rt Waist | T/Sgt Bruce Woodward | 6 | 1 | AM | RTD | 0 | NT / Rt Waist | Sgt Reese Giles | 6 | 1 | AM | RTD | 4 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Tristen Townsend | 6 | 2 | AM, PH | RTD | 3 | Left Waist / NT | Sgt Brendan Burgess | 6 | 0.5 | AM | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Finnley Griffith | 6 | 1 | AM | RTD | 1 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt King Solis | 14 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %Casualties: None Damage: None [OOC: Used LLS to negate suit heat system failure.]Peckham Points: 0 Peckham Points, Zero ( 0 ) Day to Repair Landing: Safe Enemy AircraftType | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
ClaimsPosition | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Top | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTAerial gunnery was abysmal, on both sides. Only S/Sgt Matthews got a hit on a bandit, but that was denied. Flak was wide, and our bomb run was on target for 30%. No damage to the aircraft, and no injuries to the crew. A good day. Submitted by, 1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt, Pilot B-24J Next Objective 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Apr 1, 2024 19:27:01 GMT -8
B-17G Sunny Side Up B-17G-20BO-42-31473 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: High Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 29 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 18 This Aircraft: 2 Target: Sofia, Bulgaria, Marshaling Yards CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 2nd Lt Mylo Boyle | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Jaiden Frye | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Abdullah Kane | 2 | 1 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Enrique Hyde | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Engineer | S/Sgt Magnus Matthews | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Radio Op / Rt Waist | T/Sgt Gael Deadmon | 2 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | NT / Rt Waist | T/3rd Blake Stanton | 2 | 1 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Nigel Harrell | 2 | 2 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Left Waist / NT | T/4th Erik Templeton | 2 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Miles Rowland | 2 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 14 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %Casualties: None Damage: None Peckham Points: None Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 0 | Me-110 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Me-109 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 |
Claims:Position | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Ball | 2 | 2 | 0 | Tail | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | Navigator | 1 | 1 | 0 | Right Waist | 1 | 1 | 0 | Left Waist | 1 | 0.5 | 0 |
Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTGood day. 15 enemy aircraft encountered, five driven off, and six shot down. The rest couldn’t hit the side of a barn. No damage, no injuries. Bomb run was on for 30%. A good day. Submitted by, 2Lt Mylo Boyle, Pilot B-17G Sunny Side Up 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Apr 2, 2024 0:26:32 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: 29 March 1944 Mission Number: 18 Mission of this bomber: 6 Formation: Middle Position: Middle Target: Sofia, Bulgaria Target Type: Marshalling Yard Bomb Run: On Target - 30% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Mitch Armstead | 6 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. John Webb
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. John Griffis
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Charles Rutherford | 6 | 0 | .33 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | S/Sgt Colin Jones | 6 | 0 | 1 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Nose Gunner | Sgt Dennis Lindsay | 6 | 0 | 1.5 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt Erik Sinnott
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RTD
| 1 | Port WG/Radio Op. | S/Sgt Lee Hanson
| 6 | 0 | 0 | AM
| RTD
| 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Fred Campbell
| 6 | 0 | .5 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt James Rivera
| 6 | 0 | 1.5 | AM
| RTD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: S/Sgt John Ziegler (Average Joe) - 6 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Me-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Re-2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
Claims:--Damage: --Peckham Points: 0pts - overnight ordinary maintenance Casualties: --Awards: --AAR (flown with TFT)Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly were ok despite rain and clouds over the base. Zone 2-8 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 9 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No GAF on us and medium Flak caused no damage. Bomb run and drop went on target with enough damage to enemy marshalling yard.. No Flak while turning to home. A couple of Me-110 attacked us: first one was driven off while the second preferred to fly away due to heavy damage suffered. 3 Fw-190 on us: one from 6Low was driven off while the remaining Jerrys preferred to abandon the fight after receiving some damage. Zone 8 Inbound: Attacked by 3 Fw-190: one was driven off; remaining Fw-190s escaped after receiving our shots. Zone 7-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely. ------------------------------------------------- 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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Post by ninthaquila on Apr 2, 2024 2:42:30 GMT -8
Pilot: 2LT Richard Archer Plane: B-17G-20BO-42-31439 Devil's Daughter Squadron, Group: 79th, 509th Low Squadron, Middle Primary Target: Sofia, Bulgaria, Marshalling Yard/Airfield Secondary Target: NONE Mission Date: 29 MAR 1944 Mission Number: 18-2 Position | Rank/Name | Mission Number | Previous Kills | Mission Kills | Pilot | 2LT Richard Archer | 2 | 0 | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2LT Isaac Blackburn | 2 | 0 | 0 | Bombardier | 2LT Fred Fuller | 2 | 1, 2x 0.5 | 0.5 | Navigator | 2LT Lawrence Monroe | 2 | 0 | 0 | Engineer | T/SGT Alex Kozmenski | 2 | 2x 0.5 | 1, 0.5 | Radio Operator | S/SGT Allen Kirby | 2 | 0.5 | 0 | Ball Gunner | SGT Samuel Carter | 2 | 0.5 | 2, 2x0.5 | Port Waist Gunner | SGT Ray McKenzie | 2 | 0 | 0 | Stb. Waist Gunner | SGT Charles Flanagan | 2 | 0 | 0 | Tail Gunner | SGT Matthew Wolf | 2 | 2 | 3, 2x 0.5 |
I do not count FCAs, and tally FBOAs separatelyBomb Run: On-Target, 60% B-17 Damage:
Starboard Aileron Rudder (due to instrument damage) Port Cheek Gun Tail Guns Navigator equipment Radio Port Gunner heat (malfunction) Decent number of holes (20 Superficial damage) Crew Casualties:
2Lt. Fuller - nasty leg wound, 2 days recuperation (thanks to 2Lt. Monroe who provided on-board help) Claims:
Bombardier 2Lt Fuller: 1 probable FW190 Engineer T/Sgt Kozmenski: 1 confirmed FW190, 1 confirmed BF109 Ball Gunner SGT Carter: 1 confirmed FW190, 1 probable FW190, 1 probable ME109, 1 confirmed BF110 Tail Gunner SGT Wolf: 2 confirmed FW190, 1 probable FW190, 1 probable ME109, 1 confirmed BF110 Peckham Points: 92, overnight repair Landing: No problems Promotions/Awards:Purple Heart for 2Lt Archer, for wounds sustained on 29 MAR 1944 during a bombing mission to Sofia, Bulgaria Air Medal for Sgt Wolf, for destroying a total of 5 enemy aircraft REPORT - CONFIDENTIAL
Take-off was fine, despite the weather. We quickly found the squadron and assumed our position. Crossing the Adriatic was uneventful, but we soon came under attack after we crossed into Yugoslavia. While we had some fighter cover, they seemed to only drive off enemies intermittently. During the mission, most enemies got through unscathed, leaving us to deal with it... We took some serious damage around the nose area, destroying the port cheek gun and most of the navigator's equipment, but nothing more serious. We managed to put some bullets into the enemy a/c, and downed a number of them. Our tail gunner managed to snipe a FW190 after it had unloaded on our plane, sending it tumbling to the ground in a ball of flames. A second wave quickly came upon us as soon the last disappeared, and our little friends again were of no help. We managed to send a few tumbling down, but we aren't sure which ones were actually destroyed and which ones weren't. The others sent shrapnel flying through the airplane, wounding our Bombardier. Since we were still in formation, our Navigator quickly helped him and bandaged him up as good as possible. Luckily, it looked worse than it actually was, and bleeding quickly stopped. They also managed to knock out our starboard aileron, and the whole plane got even more bullet holes, but otherwise we suffered to further major damage. It did leave us quite vulnerable from the front, but we tried the best we could. After a while, the radio started to smoke, as apparently one of the bogies put a bullet in it somewhere. This meant we lost communication with the rest of the squadron, but we would still be able to communicate via flares, albeit rudimentary. Just before we hit the target zone, we were beset again, this time by some outdated BF110s. We quickly shot down 2 of them, and while the last one did manage to get some shots off, we suffered no serious casualties, though the ball-turret gunner took some nasty cuts when a shell hit the glass from his ball turret. A second wave was finally intercepted by our little helpers, and the lone remaining plane was hit multiple times by our ball gunner, but didn't manage to hit us in return. Flak was heavier than expected, but since I had opted to keep the plane as steady as possible, that wasn't much of a surprise. We didn't take a hit, but it did slightly upset the bomber. Our Bombardier, despite his leg wound, managed to drop the bombs on target. He estimates 60% on target, with the rest closely around it. The Return trip saw the return of the bogies, and we were hit by 2 more waves while flying back. We downed another FW190, and got a few probables as well. First wave didn't do a whole lot of damage, but the second one took out the tail guns and we lost controls of the rudder after our instruments took a hit. About halfway over the Adriatic, the Port Gunner's heat started to malfunction - we assume it took some stray shrapnel - but since we had already started our descent, we didn't have to drop out of formation to keep him warm. On approach we fired off red flares indicating wounded. Landing was uneventful, and thanks to the good weather we had a gentle touchdown. Ambulances quickly sped towards our plane, and we helped Lt. Archer getting out. His surgery went well, and he should be able to join us in a few days again. Signed, 2Lt Richard Archer B17G-20BO-42-31439 509(H)BG/79SQ
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Post by rcastillo on Apr 2, 2024 14:28:19 GMT -8
B-17G Arkansas Traveler 79th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Low Squadron, Tail End Charlie Mission Date: 29 March 1944 Mission #: 18 Aircraft Mission #: 7 Target: Marshalling Yard @ Sofia, Bulgaria
Pilot - 1LT Philip Knapp (7) Co-Pilot - 2LT Billy Nichols (7) Bombardier - 2LT Clyde French (7) Navigator - 2LT Anthony Walters (7) Engineer - S/SGT Edward Conley KIA Radio Operator - S/SGT Jerry Jones (7) Ball Gunner SGT Jim Moss (7) Port Waist Gunner - SGT Jacob Jensen (7) Starboard Waist Gunner - SGT Wesley David (7) Tail Gunner - SGT Wallace Mcfarland (7)
Bomb Run: On target 30%
Casualties: Engineer - S/SGT Edward Conley KIA Bombardier - 2LT Clyde French LW Navigator - 2LT Anthony Walters LW Tail Gunner - SGT Wallace Mcfarland 2 LWs
Enemy Aircraft Claims: Ball Gunner SGT Jim Moss - 1/3 x FW-190 Starboard Waist Gunner SGT Wesley David - 1/2 x FW-190
Disposition - Aircraft safe at home base.
B-24J Kentucky Belle 78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Middle Squadron, Middle Mission Date: 29 March 1944 Mission #: 18 Aircraft Mission #: 1 Target: Marshalling Yard @ Sofia, Bulgaria
Pilot - 1LT Nathan Holt (1) Co-Pilot - 2LT Pete Longstreet (1) Bombardier - 2LT Cecil Wilcox (1) Navigator - 2LT Eddie Bowers (1) Engineer - T/SGT Nicholas Webb (1) Radio Operator - S/SGT Albert Howe (1) Ball Gunner - SGT William Cain (1) Port Waist Gunner - SGT Lewis Maynard (1) Starboard Waist Gunner - SGT Stanley Farley (1) Tail Gunner - SGT Jay Hicks (1)
Bomb Run: On target 40%
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: None
Disposition - Aircraft safe at home base
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Post by royalblue on Apr 4, 2024 7:54:44 GMT -8
B-17G – Statement of Charges80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force Pilot: 1Lt Samuel French
Mission Date: 29 March 1944
Mission: 18 Previous Missions in Bomber: 2
Target: Sofia, Bulgaria Target Type: Marshaling Yard
Formation: High Position: Middle
CREW
Position | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt Samuel French
| 3 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD
| Co-Pilot | 2Lt Joseph Bonetti
| 3 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Bombardier | 2Lt Isaac Goldman
| 3 | 1 | 1 | None
| RTD | Navigator | 2Lt Howard Bush
| 3 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Engineer | S/Sgt Paul Danowski
| 3 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Michael Schwartz
| 3 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Ball Gunner | Sgt Charles Beasley
| 3 | 3 | 3 | None
| RTD
| Port WG | Sgt Luis Rosa
| 3 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD
| Starboard WG | Sgt Patrick Flanagan
| 3 | 0 | 0 | None
| RTD | Tail Gunner | Sgt Theodore Fields
| 3 | 1 | 1
| None
| RTD
|
Bomb Run: On Target - 30%
Enemy Aircraft:
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged
| Me-110 | 2
| 0
| 1 | 0
| Bf-109
| 8
| 1
| 4
| 1
| Total
| 10
| 1
| 5
| 1
|
Claims:
- 2Lt Goldman: x1 Bf-109
- Sgt Beasley: x2 Bf-109, x1 Me-110 - Sgt Fields: x1 Bf-109
Damage:
- Port waist gun destroyed - Superficial tail damage - Starboard wing root (x1) - Ball gun oxygen (x1) - Port tailplane (x1)
- Starboard aileron destroyed - Tail wheel destroyed
Peckham Points: 91 - Ready to fly again the next day thanks to some long hours from the mechanics.
Casualties: - None
Awards: - None
Promotions: - None
After-Action Report:
OUTBOUND
Zone 1/Takeoff: Despite the clouds, we were able to take off and join the squadron without incident.
Zones 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9/Target: Everything seemed to be going perfect, and I thought we were on track for another milk run until we got over the target area. As we closed in on Sofia we were pounced on by a squadron of Bulgarian Bf-109s. Our fighter cover was tied up elsewhere in the skies and did us little good. Two of the first three to make a pass at us damaged our starboard wingroot and also knocked Sgt Rosa's machinegun out of action. He was a little shaken up, but otherwise unharmed. He assisted Sgt Flanagan with reloading for the remainder of the mission. The third missed us and peeled off to cause mischief elsewhere in the formation. The remaining two sensed blood in the water and came back for another pass. Quick action by Sgt Beasley downed one of them; being my crew's first ever air to air victory. Cheers and promises of drinks offered to the young Sergeant over the intercom were cut short as a burst from the remaining 109 punched a hole in his oxygen supply as if in revenge. Despite the leak, Sgt Beasley assured us he was unharmed and could still breath, for now at least, but the excitement of a few moments ago had left his voice. One more pass from the offending pilot was ineffectual, as was our return fire unfortunately.
As the last 109 from the first wave peeled off, another pair sped towards us from our 12 and 3 high. The first was downed quickly after heavy fire from Sgt Danowski and 2Lt Goldman. His wingman continued the attack and managed to land a few superficial hits to our tail. His attempt at a second pass was less effective, and he made the mistake of flying right through Sgt Field's sights and become our third kill of the day.
Our adrenaline was running high as the last fighters disappeared to make way for the flak guns below. Our port tail root took a good hit, but nothing we couldn't push through. Over the target area 2Lt Goldman landed 30% of our bombs on target; a significant improvement from last time.
INBOUND
Zone 9: After the flak stopped the Bulgarians returned to harass us again on the way out. Three again made a pass at us as before, but this time our little friends were able to help; splashing one of the approaching 109s before it could get a shot off. The other two evaded our fighter cover, but Sgt Beasley's quick action again downed one for his second kill. The third missed us, as we missed him, and left to find better pickings elsewhere.
Zones 8-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: We had a brief moment to take a breath, but over Albania were approached by a pair of Me-110s from our 3 and 6 low. The first shredded our starboard aileron, but his wingman was downed by a now quite experienced Sgt Beasley. On the second pass we lost our tail wheel. We worried what we'd lose next if we couldn't hit the slippery bastard, but fortunately for us us his third pass was his last and he caused no damage before peeling off.
Zones 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1/Landing: I admit I was a little nervous coming in for a landing with a missing tail wheel and a shot up aileron, but between myself and 2Lt Bonetti we managed to land our fort with no issues.
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Apr 6, 2024 12:07:54 GMT -8
80th BOMB SQUADRON Mission #18, Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshaling Yard AAR
The men snapped to attention as Major Simmons strode to the front of the room. "Seats, gentlemen." He gripped both sides of the podium as the crews sat down. "Were it not for losing two aircraft this mission I'd say that it was a very good one. Unfortunately, Wongo II was shot down and The Girl Next Door went down due to an out of control engine fire. Wongo II's crew was lost and The Girl Next Door's crew are reported as POWs.
"The bombing was pretty good with one exceptional performance. Lieutenant Dirigo aboard Bonnie laid 96% right in the box. Exceptional performance!" The crews applauded, whooped, and whistled. Second best in the squadron was a tie between Old Shep and Pride of Manitowoc, both at 60%.
"The gods of crediting fighter claims was very good to the squadron. Of 12 claims, 10 and a half were confirmed. That's about the best I've ever seen! Let's hope they continue to be that generous." One of the men yelled out, "A-MEN!" and everyone laughed at that.
""That's about it for now. Keep up the good formation flying and the good bombing. After all, you never know when your squadron commander may decide to join you in the air." As he strode to the back, the men jumped to attention until Capt. DeLozier dismissed them.
----------------------------- STATISTICAL ADDENDUM
THE A TRAIN On target, 30% 2 EA claimed, 0.5 confirmed
MISS HOLLY II On target, 30%
GREAT EXPECTATIONS Of target, 0% 1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed
DOUBLE BOMB On target, 20% 1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed
BONNIE On target, 96% - Best in squadron 2LT Daniel Webster - AM 2LT Roman Dirigo - DFC, AM SSG Clinton Watts - AM SGT Tony Marshall - AM
FORT KNOX On target, 30% 1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed
WONGO II Shot down Crew - PH, posthumous
OLD SHEP On target, 60% - Tied for second best in squadron 1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed SGT K. Taylor - AM
PRIDE OF MANITOWOC On target, 60% - Tied for second best in squadron 1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed
YPSILANTI GIRL Off target, 5% 2LT I. Ingersoll - AM
LITTLE GREEN MEN On target, 20%
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR Aircraft lost in action, crew POW
SUNNY SIDE UP On target, 30%
STATEMENT OF CHARGES On target, 30% 5 EA claimed, 5 confirmed
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Apr 6, 2024 13:38:16 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary Mission: 18 Mission Date: 29 March 1944 Target: Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard
Major Robinson stood on the tower and counted bombers as he watched the 79th squadron take off and get into formation. He watched then form up through his binoculars and headed back to his office. After few minutes of pretending to work he thought to himself, the hell with this and went for a run.
A few hours later he was back on the tower to count the planes landing. The count for the 79th was too low. He went back to his office to start meet with his pilots to figure out what had happened.
Robinson was meeting with Lt. Marks from the Invadin’ Maiden when they heard a commotion from outside. They ran out to see a lone bomber approaching the base. She had two engines out and it looked like they could barely hold her steady. The Pride of the Badgers made one of the least graceful landings you can imaging a B-17 making. She would not fly again, but had brought her crew home.
Few hours later.
The crews sat in the hall chatting about the mission and what they planned to do tonight when they heard 1st Sgt. Parker bark from the room: “ATTENTION!”
Major Robinson followed by his staff came down the center aisle. The major set is papers down on the lectern.
“Gentlemen, at ease and take a seat.”
“I’d like to start with some news.” “We have gotten word from the Royal Navy that the crew of Wolf Bait have been fished out of the sea.” “We are waiting for word from the Red Cross about the crew of Kettle Moraine.”
“Next, I would like to introduce the new XO of the 79th Squadron, Captain George Dill.” Sgt. Parker handed the major a pair of captain’s bars that the major pinned on Dill’s collar. Robinson waited for the applause and to die down before he continued.
“Let’s see how you all did today. . .”
B 17’s sortied: 11 B 17’s bombing target: 10 B 17’s lost: 3 Average Bomb Run: 32.5% High Bomb Run: Devil’s Daughter at 60%
Casualty Report: KIA: 3 SW: 2 LW: 9 MIA: 10
Fighters Shots down: Me109's: 16 Me 110’s: 7 FW 190’s: 11 Other: 2
Bomber Report
Plane: Lucky Patch Bomb Run: 30% Claims: 1 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Invadin' Maiden Bomb Run: 30% Claims: 3 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Kettle Moraine Bomb Run: 30% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: crew MIA Status: Shot Down
Plane: Pride of the Badgers Bomb Run: 5% Claims: 14 Medals/Promotions: A Bissett: DFC for gunnery, CA Hamilton: PH, W Sloat: PH, G Sager: PH, W Towney: PH Casualties: CA Hamilton: SW, W Sloat: LW, G Sager: KIA, W Towney: LW Status: CAT E
Plane: Six Nights in Telergma Bomb Run: 0% Claims: 1 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Irascible Girl Bomb Run: 50% Claims: 2 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: G Buck: LW Status: Returned Plane: Wolf Bait Bomb Run: DNB Claims: 5 Medals/Promotions: R Lazenby: PH, G Peck: PH, A Barrington: PH, I Malone: PH Casualties: R Lazenby: KIA, G Peck: SW, A Barrington: LW, I Malone: LW Status: Ditched at Sea
Plane: All In Bomb Run: 50% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned Plane: Bowling Green Belle Bomb Run: 40% Claims: 3 Medals/Promotions: D Miller: DFC for gunnery Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Devil's Daughter Bomb Run: 60% Claims: 7 Medals/Promotions: Archer: PH, Wolf: DFC for gunnery Casualties: Archer: LW Status: Returned
Plane: Arkansas Traveler Bomb Run: 30% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: Conely: PH, French: PH, Walters: PH, McFarland: PH Casualties: Conely: KIA, French: LW, Walters: LW, McFarland: LW Status: Returned
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Post by caodwolf on Apr 7, 2024 12:47:19 GMT -8
78TH BOMB SQUADRON
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
MISSION 18 Sofia, Bulgaria
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. "26% on-target, the same as last week. We've proved to ourselves we can do better. On our next mission I want that to improve".Stopping for a second to wipe his nose as the Major has a head cold. "The good news is every bird got back though a CAT-E "......at that moment a siren blares !!!!Sgt Bellows runs into the briefing room ; 'AIR RAID !!!....AIR RAID !!!..." The Major glances & nods to the XO, who then at the top of his lungs " TO THE AIR RAID SHELTERS NOW..PRONTO...LETS MOVE IT !!!...."And just like that the briefing concludes.
Player | Bomber | % on Target | Damage | Kills | crushedhat | Laid Back Lady | 20% | 2 | 1/2 | limburger59 | Pistal Packin Mama (Spare) | 0% | 51 | 1 | kageyone | Black Maria's Daughter | 30% | 28 | 6 | kageyone | B-24 D 41-24225 (Spare) | DNB | 220 (CAT-E) | --- | medic1 | Delayed Action | 60% | 2 | 1 | jasta6 | Stupid Dragon | 0% | 146 | 2 | grondeaux | Ho Hum (Spare) | 40% | --- | --- | chefed | Next Objective | 30% | --- | --- | caodwolfs | Pleasant Surprise | 40% | 32 | --- | rhreiss | Bama Beauty | 0% | 79 | --- | keltos | Black Shadow | 30% | --- | --- | rcastillo | Kentucky Bell | 40% | --- | --- | | Average Results | 26% | | 10 1/2 |
Bombers Lost
B-24-D 41-24225 (spare) (CAT-E)
Top Bombers
Delayed Action 60% Ho Hum (spare) 40% Pleasant Surprise 40% Kentucky Bell 40%
Awards / Promotions
Delayed Action 60% Ho Hum (spare) 40% Pleasant Surprise 40% Kentucky Bell 40%
KIA
Lt Burt Fender 1LT William Hopkins
MIA
None
Casualties
Sgt Einer Kornelson SW SGT Amir Sexton SW Sgt. Harald Wencke SW
PURPLE HEART
Sgt Einer Kornelson SGT Amir Sexton Sgt. Harald Wencke Lt Burt Fender 1LT William Hopkins
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