ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Apr 13, 2024 6:31:35 GMT -8
B-17G Sunny Side Up B-17G-20BO-42-31473 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Low Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 2 APR 1944 Mission Number: 19 This Aircraft: 3 Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy Crew Position | Rank / Name | Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 2nd Lt Mylo Boyle | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Jaiden Frye | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Abdullah Kane | 3 | 1 | 0 | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Enrique Hyde | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Engineer | S/Sgt Magnus Matthews | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Radio Op | T/Sgt Gael Deadmon | 3 | 0 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Right Waist | T/3rd Blake Stanton | 3 | 1 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Nigel Harrell | 3 | 2 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Left Waist | T/4th Erik Templeton | 3 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Miles Rowland | 3 | 0.5 | 0 | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 15 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 60 %Casualties: None Damage: None Peckham Points: None Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft:Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Me-109 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C.205 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: None Awards: None Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTAnother outstanding job by Lt Hyde. He was credited with 60% on target for the second time in three missions. What an ace. The only enemy activity we encountered was in the target area. We had rockets lobbed at us, and faced two 190s, three 109s, and a lone C.205. Escorts drove off four of the intruders, we damaged two, while taking no damage, aside from a jammed .50. Another 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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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 471
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Post by ChefEd on Apr 13, 2024 6:34:02 GMT -8
B-24J Next Objective B-24J-15-CF-42-99776 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: High Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 2 APR 1944 Mission Number: 19 This Aircraft: 8 Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Alexis Vaillancourt | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Arlo Perot | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Rodney Towsley | 7 | 0.33 | AM | 0 | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Benjamin Galardi | 5 | 0 | AM, PH | 0 | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Abraham Leeker | 7 | 0.33 | AM | RTD | 2 | Radio Op / Rt Waist | T/Sgt Bruce Woodward | 7 | 1 | AM | RTD | 0 | NT / Rt Waist | Sgt Reese Giles | 7 | 2 | AM | RTD | 5 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Tristen Townsend | 7 | 2 | AM, PH | RTD | 3 | Left Waist / NT | Sgt Brendan Burgess | 7 | 0.5 | AM | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Finnley Griffith | 7 | 1 | AM | RTD | 1 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt King Solis | 15 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: Off Target, 5 %Casualties: None Damage: Superficial Norden Bombsight Peckham Points: 10 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day to Repair Landing: Safe Enemy AircraftType | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Me-109 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.67 | 0 | Fw-190 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C.205 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re.2005 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ClaimsPosition | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Top | 1 | 0.33 | 0 | Navigator | 2 | 0.33 | 0 | Right Waist | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Awards: Air Medal 2Lt Benjamin Galardi Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTExcept for the target zone, it was a quiet flight. Of note, T/3 Rowland and T/Sgt Matthews spotted a lone, apparently straggling B-17 a few miles behind us, as we flew up the Tyrrhenian. On approach to the IP, we encountered three waves of enemy fighters. In total three Bf-109s and four Bf-110s made attacks against us. Our escorts must have been busy elsewhere as only a single 109 was intercepted. Both remaining 109s were damaged, with one getting through and taking out our Norden. Of the four 110s, all four were shot down by our defensive fire. Unfortunately, the review board only credited us with two/thirds of a kill total between the four kills. Flak was close, uncomfortably close, but no damaged. With the Norden out of commission, Lt Hyde had to make a best guess when dropping our load. As a result, we managed a scant 5% on target. Coming off the target we faced two more waves of enemy aircraft. Each wave had a leading 190 with a trailing Italian fighter. Our escorts finally showed up, and drove off the low hanging fruit, scaring away the two Italian fighters. Of the remaining Focke-Wulfs no hits were scored on either side. As disappointing as 5% is, it was gratifying to come through with no injuries or damage. However, Sgt Giles began firing his waist gun indiscriminately after the post target encounters. T/4 Templeton had a tough time restraining Sgt Giles. I will be recommending to the flight surgeon to ground Sgt Giles for an indeterminate period, for his safety and those around him. Submitted by, 1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt, Pilot B-24J Next Objective 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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Post by kozzackkelt on Apr 13, 2024 8:16:11 GMT -8
B-17G: PRIDE OF MANITOWOC (B-17G-4923SL-43- 23186) Pilot: 2LT. Tomasz Gadzynski Missions for this bomber: 5 Squadron: 80th Formation/Position: LOW - Mission Date: o2 April 1944 Mission Number: 19 Target: San Stephano, Italy / Harbor Installations
CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Tomasz Gadzynski (5) {1} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. James McCoy (5) {} Bombardier: 2Lt. Gregory Floros (5) {1} [B%: 20-40-30-60-7] [+] Navigator: 2Lt. Michael Quintin Stephenson (5) {2} [-] Engineer: Sgt. David Russell (5) {1} [+-] Radio Operator: Sgt. Barry Manchester (5) {} Ball Turret: Sgt. Steve Cole (5) {1} PWG: Sgt. Lorenzo Manicotti (5) {} SWG: Sgt. Tom Murphy (3) {} Tail Gunner: Sgt. Evely Caliberi (1) {}
BOMB RUN: Off Target: 07%
Enemy Aircraft Encountered:6 0xFw190, 1xMe109, 0xMc205, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xMe410
E/A Damaged: 0 E/A Probable: 0 E/A: Destroyed: 0 E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 1
Condition of B-17G ~ PRIDE OF MANITOWOC: Minor damages from enemy flak, 2xSuperficial hit, Bomb release mechanism malfunction ( 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 low squadron. Saw one E/A on approach to target, it was quickly chased off by fighter escort. Bomb release mechanism malfunctioned, Lt. Floros had to manually release bombs. Target hit with estimated (based on photo evidence), 7% of our bombs on any part of Harbor facilities. (What was that, ONE bomb???) Turned for home. On return flight, saw no E/A. Landed safely at Guilia. Sgt. Winslow (tail gunner) has been assigned to non-combat duties. 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 caodwolf on Apr 13, 2024 12:10:42 GMT -8
B-24J: PLEASANT SURPRISE Pilot: 1Lt. R. Solsky Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron Mission Date: 2-April-1944 Mission No.: 19 Mission this Bomber: 7 Target for Today: San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations Squadron Position: High Result: On-Target: 40% We were due for a milk run and we got it. Clear skies once we cleared Italy mainland, no resistance, medium flak that spooked us more than harmed us and a decent bomb run.
A couple C-205 Italian Fascist's showed up but left in a giddy up once our Fighters pounced. Poor bastards....
Landed back at base without further incident.
Over and out....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | R. Solsky | 7 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | F. Pienta | 7 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | C. Steinwedel | 7 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | M. Wagner | 7 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | TSgt | J. Visentin | 7 | --- | 1 | AM | OK | Radio Op | TSgt | R. Surovick | 7 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Chin Turret | Sgt | B. Mentz | 9 | --- | 1 | AM | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | R. Huff | 5 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | B. Unger | 7 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Tail Turret | Sgt | T. Croker | 8 | --- | 2 | PH, AM | OK |
None
Air Medal
Sg. R Huff
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | C-205 | 2 | 2 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 2 | 2 | --- | --- | --- |
-(2) Superficial hits
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 151
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Post by rhreiss on Apr 13, 2024 14:18:49 GMT -8
509th BG, 15AF Mission 19 San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations MISSION DATE: 2 April 44 B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #15)Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle TARGET: Harbor Installations Crew Position | Rank | Name | Mission # | Prior Awards | Prior Kills Awarded | Status | Pilot | 1LT | George McQuinn | 18 | AM++ |
| RFD | Co-Pilot
| 2LT | Howard Mills | 13 | AM+ |
| RFD | Bombardier
| 2LT | Johnny Marcum | 18 | AM++ | .25 | RFD
| Navigator | 2LT | Pat Tobin | 18 | AM++ | .25 | RFD
| Engineer | S/SGT | Sam Harshaney | 15 | AM++, PH | 5.83 | RFD | Radio/ RW | T/SGT | John Whitehead | 18 | AM++ | 1.37 | RFD
| Ball Gunner | SGT | Bill Trotter | 18 | AM++, PH | 3.03 | RFD
| Left Waist | SGT | Harry Kimberlin | 18 | AM++ | 2 | RFD
| Nose Gunner | SGT | Tommy Thompson | 13 | AM+ | 5.08 | RFD
| Tail Gunner | SGT | Dave Short | 18 | AM++ | 1.16 | RFD
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Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) skill +1 18th mission Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure rolls during this mission. Bomb Percentage: On-target, 40% Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight maintenance. Bomber Damage: Peckham Points: Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 0
| Me109 | Fw190 | Me110 | Me210 | Me410
| Ju88C-6 | TOTAL | Escort Intercept |
| | | | | | | Undamaged |
| | | | | | | Damaged
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| | | | | | Probable/Denied
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| | | | | | | Destroyed |
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Casualties: Claims: Awards: Air Medal S/SGT Harshaney
AAR This was as close to a milk run mission as we could hope to have.
OUTBOUND Took off and joined the formation without any problems, despite the bad weather. The boys from the 1FG showed up on schedule. We had an uneventful flight to the target area.
TARGET AREA Once in the target area, we had no fighter attacks attempted and the flak was ineffective. Johnny took over at the IP and his bomb run was on target and assessed as 40% coverage. There was no flak of fighter activity against us after the bomb run but we had to maneuver sharply to avoid another bomber reacting to fighters attacking it.
INBOUND Flight back to base use uneventful with good weather and a smooth landing at Giulia Airfield. T/SGT Patrick says we will be ready to go after overnight maintenance.
1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding B-24J Bama Beauty 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
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Post by crushedhat on Apr 14, 2024 20:17:05 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 2 Apr 44 MISSION NBR. 19/This Bomber 17 TARGET: San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: Middle Squadron, Middle, Lead from Zone 4 IB
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (17) [0] LC Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (17) [0] LC Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (17) [4 1/2] Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (16) [3 1/6] Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (17) [23 1/6] LC Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (17) [0] LC Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (17) [11 5/6] LC Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (17) [2 5/6] Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (11) [1] LC Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (17) [14 1/3] LC * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: None
Claims: Only credited kills reported here None
Bomb Run: ON Target, 40%
B-24 Damage: Superficial x1 (2), Ball Turret Mechanism Inop (20) Peckham Points: 22 Peckham Points, AC ready 3 Apr 44.
Casualties: None
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: None
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: None
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
After spending the entire flight home trapped in the inoperable ball turret, Sgt Joe Blaston tries not to think about what might happen during landing. “At least the Skipper and Peterson are experienced pilots,” he seeks to reassure himself. As the bomber descends, and the ground seems to be reaching up to smash him, Blaston considers shutting his eyes. But a morbid fascination keeps him from doing so. Still, he reflexively recoils back into the turret as, landing, the runway races be a mere foot below him.
When the mechanics finally get Blaston out of the turret they ask, “You OK , Joe?”
“Yeah,” Blaston replies as nonchalantly as he can. “But I think I’ll need a new heat suit.” The aroma coming out of the ball turret and wafting around Sgt Blaston leaves little doubt as to what he is referring to.
This was a relatively uneventful mission, though I’m sure Sgt Blaston has a different impression, being trapped in the ball turret by a flak hit on target ingress and having to ride it out through the landing.
The only EA we saw were when we were heading out over the Tyrrhenian Sea (Zone 3). And then, we only saw them from a distance. The skies over the target (Zone 6) were surprisingly empty of enemy fighters. The same can’t be said for the flak. As already mentioned, we took a couple of hits on target ingress. While one did little damage, the other knocked out the ball turret mechanism, trapping Sgt Blaston for the duration of the mission and the landing.
Coming off the target (Zone 5) Black Shadow, flying Squadron Lead, had to fall out of formation and we took over for the journey home.
With the improved weather at Giulia the landing went off without a hitch and, once on the hardstand, TSgt Mason and his crew worked to get Sgt Blaston out of he ball turret. While Sgt Blaston is understandably shaken up, he is otherwise fit for duty; as are the rest of the crew and Lady herself.
Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 459
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Post by Keltos on Apr 14, 2024 22:31:18 GMT -8
After-Action ReportThe Butcher's Daughter (B-17F-10BO-41-24484) Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Commander: 1st Lt. F. Rogers Mission Date: 2 April 1944 Mission Number: 19 Mission of this bomber: 9 Formation: Low Position: Middle Target: Santo Stefano, Italy Target Type: Harbor Installations Bomb Run: On Target - 30% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1st Lt. Frederick "Astaire" Rogers | 6 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Guy "Tippy" Tipton
| 4 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Edwin "Vegas" O'Brien
| 8 | 0 | 1.83 | AM / PH | RTD | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Richard "Rick" Morrow | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Engineer | S/Sgt Matthew "Pyro" Lowne | 9 | 0 | .83 | AM | RTD | Radio Op. | S/Sgt John "Hangman" Gallows | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Ball Gunner | Sgt Stanley "Brick" Kendall
| 5 | 0 | 0 | AM / PH | RTD
| Port WG | Sgt Ivan "Ruskie" Malone
| 3 | 0 | 0 | PH | RTD
| Starboard WG | Sgt Cecil "Sicily" Baker
| 2 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | Tail Gunner | Sgt David "Hot Stuff" Sutter
| 4 | 0 | .33 |
| RTD
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E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Claims:--Damage:
- Landing gear instr. inop: 10 Peckham Points: 10pts - RTD on 4 April 1944 Casualties:--Awards:
- Air Medal (5 missions): Sgt Stanley "Brick" Kendall AAR (flown with TFT)
Giulia Airbase: Difficult take-off in rainy weather. Assembly after passing the clouds was ok. Zone 2-5 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 6 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): None of Jerrys seemed to be interested in us. The medium-intensity Flak did not cause us any damage. Leveling and maintaining the ship on right course was easy and allowed us to achieve a decent result in the bombing. After the bombs were dropped, the flak remained silent but we were attacked by a pair of Fw-190s which, however, received the attention of the fighters of the 1stFG who moved them away from us. Zone 5-3 Inbound: Nothing to report. Zone 2 Inbound: We detected problems with the landing gear instrumentation, which did not seem to respond to commands. Giulia Airbase: As we approached the base, we launched a red rocket and told the control tower that we were going to do some laps around the runway to try to manually lower the landing gear. Fortunately, engineer S/Sgt Lowner was able to lower the truck using the hand controls located in the bomb bay. This allowed us to land safely and without any damage or injury to the crew. -------------------------------------------------
Frederick Rogers, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding
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Post by ninthaquila on Apr 14, 2024 23:38:31 GMT -8
Pilot: 1LT Steven "Stevie" Kearney Plane: B-17F-100BO-42-30639 The Lost Angel Squadron, Group: 80th, 509th Low Squadron, Middle Primary Target: San Stephano, Harbor Installations Secondary Target: NONE Mission Date: 02 APR 1944 Mission Number: 19 Position | Rank/Name | Mission Number | Previous Kills | Mission Kills | Pilot | 1LT Steven Kearney | 10 | 0 | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2LT Ian Narragon | 4 | 0 | 0 | Bombardier | 2LT Charles Freya | 5 | 0 | 0 | Navigator | 2LT Dennis Sutton | 2 | 0 | 1 | Engineer | S/SGT Victor Mendoza | 9 | 3 | 1 | Radio Operator | S/SGT Zander Berger | 6 | 0 | 0 | Ball Gunner | SGT Hudson Rush | 5 | 3 | 0 | Port Waist Gunner | SGT Sidney Beck | 8 | 0 | 0 | Stb. Waist Gunner | SGT CHarles Howell | 2 | 0 | 0 | Tail Gunner | SGT Toni Marshall | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Bomb Run: Off-Target, 5% B-17 Damage:Damaged Rudder Damaged Control Cables Damaged Pilot Windows Destroyed Ball Mechanism Destroyed Radio Minor Holes all over the plane (11 superficial damage) Crew Casualties:
2LT Charles Freya - Light wound, RTD 04APR SGT Hudson Rush - Light wound, RTD 04APR Claims:
2LT Dennis Sutton - 1xBF109 S/SGT Victor Mendoza - 1xBF109 Peckham Points: 90, 2 days repair (overnight, x2) Landing: No problems Promotions/Awards:
1LT Steven Kearney - Bronze oak leaves to his Air medal for his 10th mission 2LT Charles Freya - Air Medal for his 5th mission 2LT Charles Freya - Purple Heart for wounds sustained during enemy combat SGT Hudson Rush - Air Medal for his 5th mission SGT Hudson Rush - Purple Heart for wounds sustained during enemy combat REPORT - CONFIDENTIAL
Take off was well, despite the dense cloud cover. We tried to get to know each other a bit better (seeing as we were only grouped together for this flight) while en route to the target, but soon enough our conversations were interrupted by some hostiles. Friendlies were hot on their tails, but one still managed to get through, and we were ambushed by another diving straight down on us. We tried to get some shots off, but were ineffective, and were hit back in return. We mostly took minor damage, but they did manage to destroy our radio and damage our rudder. Other friendlies quickly got on their tail after that, and we were left alone until we reached the target. Just before the drop zone, we were attacked again, though it seemed friendly fighters were already engaged elsewhere. Our Engineer managed to nail a BF109 while it was approaching, though another one managed to get some hits on us, destroying the ball turret mechanism, and wounding our ball gunner. Because the mechanism was locked, we weren't able to extract him to deliver first aid, so we had to drop some medical items and tell him to bandage himself up as best as possible. Flak was accurate today, showering our plane, severing a set of control cables, damaging our rudder and wounding the bombardier just as he was trying to toggle the bombload. With the rocking plane and being wounded, drop was wildly off-target, and we estimate about 5% actually managed to hit the target. On egress from the target zone, we were again beset by hostiles, and while friendlies managed to get some of them, 2 still broke through. Our navigator managed to get a lucky shot on one, sending it tumbling to the ground, while the other one missed us and disappeared from our sights afterwards. Luckily, the rest of the flight back was calm. Landing was also uneventful, and we quickly got both our bombardier and our ball gunner out of the plane and into the ambulance waiting for them. Surgeons say they'll be back in a few days time. Signed, 1LT Sutherland B-17F-100BO-42-30639 509(H)BG/80SQ
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GaryK
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 236
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Post by GaryK on Apr 15, 2024 10:30:16 GMT -8
After Action report: (using TfT) (Optional rules: Crew-chief effects; Crew Stress; Jasta 6 German Pilot Quality; Peckham’s Random Event Variant Table; Axis Aircraft 1942-45).
Lots of smiles in the briefing as the short trip was revealed, as well as the forecast of few opposition fighters. Still, the veteran crews warned us rookies that a couple of hundred miles can be as deadly as a thousand, so I made sure the guys went through all the pre-flight checks correctly.
Mission: Almost nothing happened! A couple of FW190s jumped us as we crossed the coast. The escorts chased one off; the other was coming in from right above us, so none of the Lightnings could get close. Magic managed to clip the Jerry, which put off his aim enough for him to miss. He dived down off our port side and disappeared towards dry land.
No bogeys bothered us over the target, and the flak wasn't accurate either. Walcott put our bombs on target, and we turned for home without any more attacks while over the target. The trip home and landing were completely uneventful. We've had more difficult training flights!
Nothing to celebrate, but nothing to feel bad about either, which - sometimes - is all you need. I'm sure that this lull will be looked back on wistfully within a couple of missions. 1Lt Louis M. Marlowe, Pilot Commanding B-17G-55DL-44-6507 "Lucky Patch" 79th (H) BS, 509th (H) BG For a full mission history of "In Like Flynn", "Blitz Buggy", plus my three aircraft in the previous war, please see my (GarySK) post in the Tarmac forum
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Post by limburger59 on Apr 15, 2024 15:26:00 GMT -8
B-17F: BACHELOR'S BEDLAM Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Squadron - Middle MISSION DATE: 2 APRIL 44 MISSION NBR. #19 TARGET: San Stephano, Italy
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Nathaniel "Nate" Sutherland (11) AM+ PH Co-Pilot: 2LT Jason "Slinky" Medoff (6) AM Navigator: Casey "Kick" Stand (3) Bombardier: 2LT Daniel "Hatchee" Coloosa (4) DFC Engineer/TT: S/SGT Sterling "Jazz" Nelson (2) [1] Radio Op: S/SGT Bartholomew "Bart" Fuller (3) Ball Turret: SGT Jim "Jimmy" Schwartz (2) Right Waist: SGT Forrest "Plant" Bean (2) PH Left Waist: SGT Mark "Marky" Alvarez (2) Tail Gunner: SGT Morris "The Imp" Fields (2) [.83]
Bomb Run: Off Target 0%
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: None
Peckham Points: None
Disposition: Landed Safely
Attackers: 1 1x Bf-109: 1 Driven Off
AFTER ACTION REPORT : (QOTS + Jasta6's GAF Resistance Variant):
Spare crew assigned to spare bomber.
A Spoiled Milk Run.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 142
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Post by tomt1999 on Apr 16, 2024 8:07:09 GMT -8
Mission 019 Porto Santo Stephano harbor installations Private Dix (B-17F-75BO 42-29909) CREW PILOT: Roy "Upney" Downey 1LTCOPILOT: Thomas "Hoboken" Gilmore 2LT NAVIGATOR: Daniel "Danny" Webster 2LT BOMBARDIER: Oscar "Wilde" Howe 2LT ENGINEER: Edward "Judge" Justice S/SGT RADIO: Christopher "Varnish" Varney S/SGT BALL: Wallace "Nehi" Wells SGT WAIST: Pasquale "Patsy" DiGenarro SGT WAIST: Kaiden "Kay" Williams SGT Leland "Lee" Young SGT BOMBING OFF target - 0%CLAIMS NONE CASUALTIES NONE AWARDS NONE DAMAGE NONE AARTotal Milk Run for this spare crew - for once. Saw NO enemy aircraft. Flak was at the wrong altitude and missed us completely.
1LT Roy Downey
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Apr 17, 2024 17:59:11 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Ypsilanti Girl (5) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. H Whiting Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Low Position: Middle
Mission Date: 2 April 44 Mission #: 19 Target: San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. H Whiting (19) {0} AM: 3 Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. I Ingersoll (6) {0} AM Bombardier: 2nd Lt. A Edwards (10) {0} AM Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Wight (5) {1} Engineer: 1st Sgt. L Aldrich (19) {14} AM: 3, PH: 2, DFC Ball Gunner: SSgt. A Blake (19) {9} AM: 3, PH, DFC Radio Oper.: Sgt. J Cobb (5) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. A Eno (12) {2} AM: 2 Stbd Waist G: Sgt. W Hammond (14) {4} AM: 2, PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. JG Lamb (5) {1} PH
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Starboard Inboard Fuel Tank, Starboard Elevator, Radio, Tailwheel, Starboard Cheek Gun, Ball Gun, Port Waist Gun, Superficial Damage (81 Peckham Points)
Casualties: n/a
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (7:109, 3:190, 0:110) Damaged: (1:109, 1:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (4:109, 0:190, 0:110) Aldrich: 109, 109 Blake: 109 Lamb: 109
Special Note: A Edwards: AM W Wight: AM J Cobb: AM JG Lamb: AM
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. H Whiting
We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the low squadron.
On the outbound trip we flew close to Mount Vesuvius. The big volcano was still smoking from its eruption a few weeks ago. Rumor has it the eruption smashed squadrons worth of B-25s.
We were greeted by a single 109 on the way out. Aldrich shot him down.
More 109s greeted us in the target zone. They caused minor damage to us. We shot three of them down.
We encountered significant flak during out bomb run. The flak causes significant damage to the Ypsi Girl including ripping open one of her starboard fuel tanks.
The flak caused Edwards to be off target and we turned for home.
After leaving the target zone we saw no fighters on the way home. We spent most of the trip trying to wring as many miles as possible out of the fuel tanks. We were able to just barely get the plane landed before she ran out of gas.
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Post by limburger59 on Apr 19, 2024 9:10:31 GMT -8
B-24 YANKEE DIDDLER Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group High Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 2 April 44 MISSION # 19 TARGET: San Stephano, Italy
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Everet "Slinger" Galloway (2) Co-Pilot: 2LT Timothy "Timmy" Reece (3) Navigator: 2LT Forrest "Candy Man" Sweet (2) Bombardier: 2LT Leon "Gold" Oro (1) Engineer/TT: S/SGT Jason "Glass" Glasser (5) [.83] .5x Bf-109 destroyed Radio Op: S/SGT Frederick "Freddie" Simmons (2) Ball Turret: SGT Gavin "Irish" O'Callahan (9) [4.33] AM Right Waist: SGT Lowell "Low" Price (5) Left Waist: SGT Lester "Rosé" Rose (3) PH Tail Gunner: SGT Wesley "Short Stack" Snipes (6) AM PH KIA .5x Bf-109 destroyed
Bomb Run: Off Target 5%
Casualties: SGT Wesley Snipes - KIA
B-17 Damage: Superficial x4 (8) KIA Wound (10) Port Rudder (10) Bombardier Heat out (10) Oxygen Fire in the Tail (150) - required 3 extinguishers to put out
Peckham Points: 188
Disposition: Lands safely
Attackers: 9 9x Bf-109: 1 Destroyed, 1 Probable, 3 Driven Off
Awards: Purple Heart (posthumous): SGT Wesley Snipes Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: S/SGT Jason "Glass" Glasser, SGT Lowell "Low" Price
AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS - B-24 Variant):
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
Outbound: Nothing to report.
Target Zone 6: We faced five 109s as we approached the I.P. Two were handled by our Little Friends, and a third was ripped apart by the combined firepower of the Tail and Top turrets.
Flak bracketed us. Damage to the wing was all superficial, but the Tail was savaged. We can only hope that SGT Snipes was already dead when he was cremated by the oxygen fire. Both of our Waist fought the fire, finally bringing it under control with the third extinguisher. In the midst of all the excitement our Bomb Run was off target.
Leaving San Stephano, our nose traded shots with a bandit. The 109 took some damage and wobbled back to base. In exchange our Bombardier's heat was knocked out.
Inbound: Descended to 10,000 feet and fortunately there was nothing to report.
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 316
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Post by mpgutis on Apr 20, 2024 16:51:43 GMT -8
80th BOMB SQUADRON Mission #19, San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations AAR
As Major Simmons strode up the aisle, there was a bit of a snap to his step. He ordered the men seated even before he reached the front of the room. "Gentlemen! I can say without any fear of contradiction, that you flew an excellent mission. I know that we lost Pretty Polly over the target and the bombing percentage isn't as good as I'd like to see. But the formation flying you gents did accounts for a big part of the reason that we suffered only that one loss while flying the Low Squadron. And, trust me. This is not the last mission that I'll fly with some of you lucky gentlemen.
"The only good thing about our one shoot down is that six of the crew survived and have been taken captive by the Germans. Sadly, the other four were unable to be saved." He paused and looked down for a moment.
"The bombing was only 25.5%. That's not as bad as I've seen. But it's not nearly where I'd like to see the squadron. Old Shep and Little Green Men tied for the best in the squadron at 50% and Wild One, Innocent Bystander, and Great Expectations tied for second best at 40%. It was also a rare mission where the enemy didn't put up too many fighters, We only had one kill but at least it was confirmed." That got a laugh.
"Well, gentlemen, that's all I've got for you. I'm not trying to be gloomy, but scuttlebutt has it that the next one is going to be a tough one. So have some fun but be sure to get your rest." He proceeded out as the men stood to until Captain DeLozier released them.
----------------------------- STATISTICAL ADDENDUM
THE A TRAIN On target, 20% Crew +1 - AM
OLD SHEP On target, 50% - Tied for best in squadron 1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed 2LT A. Tharpe - AM 2LT M. Yezzi - AM 2LT D. Deluzio - AM
WILD ONE On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
INNOCENT BYSTANDER On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron 2LT Ernie Black - PH 2LT Vincent Kruger - PH
FORT KNOX On target, 20%
STATEMENT OF CHARGES Off target, 5%
GREAT EXPECTATIONS On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron 2LT Cyrus Redman - AM SGT Dave Donner - AM
MISS BEHAVIN' On target, 30%
PRETTY POLLY - Shot down 2LT Louis Drake - PH, posthumous 2LT Joel Zaremba - PH, posthumous SSG Luke Crawford - PH, posthumous SGT Gerald Potemkin - PH, posthumous 6 POW
MISS HOLLY On target, 20%
LITTLE GREEN MEN On target, 50% - Tied for best in squadron
DOUBLE BOMB On target, 30% 1LT Paul Flores - AM
PRIDE OF MANITOWOC Off target, 7% 2LT Tomasz Gadzynski - AM 2LT James McCoy - AM 2LT Gregory Flores - AM 2LT Michael Stephensin - AM SGT David Russell - AM SGT Barry Manchester - AM SGT Steve Cole - AM SGT Lorenzo Manicotti - AM
THE BUTCHER'S DAUGHTER On target, 30% SGT Stanley Kendall - AM
PRIVATE DIX Off target, 0%
YPSILANTI GIRL Off target, 0% 2LT W. Wright - AM SGT J. Cobb
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Post by caodwolf on Apr 21, 2024 8:11:46 GMT -8
78TH BOMB SQUADRON
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
MISSION #19 San Stephano, Italy
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. " All twelve B-24's returned on this mission to San Stephano. Accuracy did increase with 29% on target led by Black Maria's Daughter 50% on target. Overall the 509th BG obliterated the harbor facilities and severely impacted the German supply line. "
"The Red Cross in England reported (5) members of the 78th as POW's and (1) as KIA. Their next of kin have been informed. A full list of names will be posted outside the Command Post".
"Sadly we did lose on todays mission SGT Wesley "Short Stack" Snipes, his next of kin has also been informed. Now rest up as our next mission will be a long one."
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 | 40% | 22 | --- | limburger59 | Yankee Diddler (Spare) | 5% | 188 | 1 | kageyone | Black Maria's Daughter | 50% | 15 | --- | kageyone | Orange Crate | 40% | 5 | --- | medic1 | Delayed Action | 20% | 108 | 1 | grondeaux | Maiden America II | 20% | 4 | --- | chefed | Next Objective | 5% | 10 | 2/3 | caodwolfs | Pleasant Surprise | 40% | 4 | --- | rhreiss | Bama Beauty | 40% | --- | --- | keltos | Black Shadow | DNB | 20 | --- | rcastillo | Kentucky Bell | 30% | --- | --- | | Average Results | 29% | | 2 2/3 |
Bombers Lost
None
Top Bombers
Black Maria's Daughter -50% Laid Back Lady -40% Orange Crate -40% Pleasant Surprise -40% Bama Beauty -40%
Awards / Promotions
Sgt Phil Merrick -AM 2Lt Ben Virden -AM 2Lt Ernst Mulder -AM 2Lt Fred Thomas -AM 2Lt Ian Kerrigen -AM 2Lt R Huff -AM S/SGT Harshaney -AM S/SGT Jason "Glass" Glasser -AM SGT Lowell "Low" Price -AM
KIA
SGT Wesley "Short Stack" Snipes
MIA
None
Casualties
None
PURPLE HEART
SGT Wesley "Short Stack" Snipes
POW Reported by Red Cross Mission# 11
2Lt M Heim -11 1Lt J Sweeney -11 Sgt M Gevirtz -11 Sgt. D Turnick -11 Sgt J Cooney -11
KIA Reported by Red Cross Mission #11
1Lt. G Derk -11
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Apr 22, 2024 18:22:56 GMT -8
79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary Mission: 19 Mission Date: 2 April 44 Target: San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations
Major Robinson watched the bombers approach through his binoculars. He had just come back from his run which he had figured out was THE only constructive thing he could get done while his crews were in the air. “Damn, I wish I could fly with them.” He thought to himself.
The 79th Squadron came over the horizon and he began counting planes to himself: “8, 9, 10. . . Thank the Good Lord they call came back”
Few hours later.
1st Sgt. Parker barked from the room: “ATTENTION!” Major Robinson led his staff came down the center aisle. He smiled inwardly to himself. Normally Robinson really was not much of a spit and polish parade ground kind of soldier, but he had to admit to himself that he really liked the men coming to attention for him like this.
“Gentlemen, at ease and take a seat.”
“This afternoon the 79th sortied eleven bombers. I am pleased to report that eleven bombers came home and Lt. Norton was the was the only casualty. I am informed that he is going to be fine.”
He waited a minute for the cheering to die down. They had not heard news like this in a long time and he wanted them to enjoy the morale boost of this milk run for as long as possible. He had been to leadership meetings and knew there were much harder missions ahead.
“The bombing percentage was a little off from last time. We need to work on that. Excellent work to Irascible Girl for a 50% drop.”
“Let’s see how you all did today. . .”
B 17’s sortied: 11 B 17’s bombing target: 11 B 17’s lost: 0 Average Bomb Run: 25.5% High Bomb Run: Irascible Girl: 50%
Casualty Report: KIA: 0 SW: 0 LW: 1 MIA: 0
Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement:
Fighters Shots down: Me109's: 0 Me 110’s: 1 FW 190’s: 0 Other: 1
Bomber Report
Plane: Invadin Maiden Bomb Run: 40% Claims: 2 Medals/Promotions: Sgt Noreno Costa promoted to TSgt Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: All In Bomb Run: 40% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Devil's Daughter Bomb Run: 40% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Oconomowoc Bomb Run: 20% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Quincy Queen Bomb Run: 5% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: J Norton: PH Casualties: J Norton: LW Status: Returned
Plane: Irascible Girl Bomb Run: 50% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Bowling Green Belle Bomb Run: 0% 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: Lucky Patch Bomb Run: 30% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
Plane: Bachelor's Dream Bomb Run: 0% Claims: 0 Medals/Promotions: 0 Casualties: 0 Status: Returned
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