80th Squadron Office

[blaird]

the door reads:

80th Bombardment (H) Squadron

Commanding Officer: Major Russell Shapiro - mpgutis

Executive Officer: Captain Ethan Witlow - Sparhawk

[Bruce E. Schwark]

Welcome to those of you who have come to the 509th play-by-forum for B17 Queen of the Skies and/or Target for Today.
I have been involved in four different PBF groups over the years and I believe the 509th has been the best experience of them all.
I say this because I believe the 509th

• has the most participants,
  
• has more support from the volunteer staff and players,
  
• give you a greater variety of missions and enemy aircraft to face,
  
• has the most longevity of any PBF forum for this game,
  
• can give you greater opportunity to role-play your pilot and crews, if you so desire.
  

First and foremost I want the 509th to be a positive experience for you, and have fun!
If you are new to the play-by-forum format, or if you are new to the game B17 (QotS) or Target for Today (TFT), please do not hesitate to ask me questions - even the seemingly trivial. I’ve played both games since they were initially released and have flown enough missions to have encountered most anything that can happen. I too, like to role play interactions with the pilots, and staff, so you can feel free to post your questions on the 80th Squadron page. Or, if you like send me messages by personal email (PM) at [[e-mail]], or Board Game Geek [www.boardgamegeek.com/user/cv3saratoga].

As I mentioned earlier the support found on this forum is second to none. There are many player aids on this site such as Axis aircraft counters, B-17 defensive fire pie charts, etc. There are *pdf files detailing the House Rules for the 509th, plus many optional rules if you’d like more detail or more of a simulation. There are files on Board Game Geek which have been imported and adapted for use with the 509th.

New missions are posted every other weekend, and we ask that the mission After Action Report (AAR) be turned in by midnight your time on Saturday. But, we all know how real life can intervene, or dictate if you play, and when you file your After Action Report (AAR). Please note well, if you are flying the Lead plane or Tail-end Charlie (TEC) position, please make every effort to try and post your AAR as soon as you can. That way, if anything happens to your bomber, and you are forced to abort or drop out of formation, you can notify us, on the “Shout Box” (near the bottom of the screen). If we know something has happened to your aircraft, someone will take over that position, and they will have a chance to respond before the AAR due date.

[Bruce E. Schwark]

After the Major finished speaking to the assembled squadron in the hanger, his clerk, Corporal Haas, asked Captain Gutis to follow him to the Major’s office. Entering the outer office Corporal Haas, knocked on the door, peered in and whispered a few words.

Major Wilkerson opened the inner office door and spoke invitingly, “Captain Gutis, please do come in.”
Before you head off for your week furlough, I thought it best we meet. First off, Lieutenant, congratulations on your promotion to captain. Command has expressed confidence in you and made you my executive officer (XO). You should know the 509th as part of HALPRO are scheduled to fly east to China and then engage the Japanese fascists. We fly out on June 1st.

Those double bars mean more responsibility. Once we arrive in theater I’ll be depending on you to oversee the squadron while they are in the air. You need not worry about all the administrative details of the squadron – that is the burden I must bear. But I will ask for your recommendations on 2 things.

• First – I may ask your recommendation on which crew in the squadron is to take the lead position and the tail-end position.
  
• Second – Look over the After-Action Reports (AAR) of the squadron. In your opinion if any pilot or crewman has performed above-and-beyond the call of duty that they merit a commendation or medal, do speak up.

As to the first point, policy dictates that the most senior officer take the lead position.  You are now the most senior officer of the squadron while in the air.  When the administrative responsibilities of the Office of Major do not interfere I plan to take the lead. I’ve started flying Contract Air Mail out of Chicago as soon as I was able, and I’d like to keep flying as often as I can. The thing is putting you (or, me) out in front all the time is dangerous. (OOC – in terms of the game that extra enemy aircraft per wave, the lead position draws makes it a more lethal position). We have to train the squadron for the eventuality when you (or, I) do not return from a mission. I’m suggesting rotate crews into the lead spot – hmmn – every 3rd mission. What do you think?
The TEC position is arguably the most vulnerable. Putting the least-experienced crew back there would only increase the mortality-rate of the squadron. Also, I’d rather not use it as a punishment for the more troublesome crews either. If you think I’m wrong about that, now’s the time to speak up. I believe it best to take volunteers who are willing to take the risk. When that doesn’t work I believe everyone (except the XO) should share the burden; I’ll assign crews.

One thing I’ll add to the second point. If it so happens that I overlook any crewman that is to be awarded a purple heart, air medal, etc. gently remind me.

I'd like there to be a full and free exchange between us within this office. Do not be afraid to knock on my door and bend my ear.
Whatever you and I can do for the men of the squadron, to successfully bomb the fascists into submission and get as many of us home in one piece -- that is our goal.
(OOC - whatever we can do to facilitate their enjoyment of the game, let's try to help them)

That is all for now. Enjoy your furlough.

[mpgutis]

I appreciate senior command’s confidence in me. Frankly, I was a bit surprised at my selection. Surprise notwithstanding, I’m confident in my ability to lead the squadron in combat. I’m slightly less confident of performing squadron-related duties. I do, however, believe that as we move forwRd, that will become easier.

i agree with rotating the squadron lead. The odds don’t seem promising for completing a full tour so it would be smart to give other crews experience in that capacity. I also concur with TEC not being a booby prize. It, too, should be rotated on a fair basis and I’d recommend that it be changed for each mission. I’d like to see if anyone volunteers first and that would be the only reason I’d put a crew back there on consecutive missions.

i have no issue with reviewing all AARs. I’m not terribly concerned with the format as long as they contain all relevant data. If I see anything missing my first corrective procedure will be to ask the AC to amend the report. Unless it becomes an issue, I will keep it at the XO level.

(OOC: I fly 100% Target for Today. I have close to 50 total missions including missions on my own, missions as part of Steve Dixon’s campaign (now discontinued), and with the 509th. I’ve worked with Steve and Bob Best on a couple of forthcoming bomber games. In real life I was a B-52G navigator in the 1970s. I’m a bomber puke from the word go.

I’m guessing we will be flying the B-17E/F. Is that correct? Where will we be based?

I will make it a habit to check here at least once a day for any comms. If you want to touch base outside of this forum, my email is [e-mail]. I’m also on Facebook and reachable through their message system.)

[randomcanadian]

Sir, 1LT Palmer reporting for duty with the following crew:
Plane: Zig-Zag (B-17F-120BO 42-30830)

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Raymond Palmer
Copilot: 2LT Casey Russell
Bombardier: 2LT Angel Vance
Navigator: 2LT Richard Browning
Engineer: T/SGT Herbert McEwen
Radio operator: S/SGT Hans Parker
Ball gunner: SGT Arthur Smith
Starboard waist gunner: SGT Joseph Hughes
Port waist gunner: SGT Daniel Wels
Tail gunner: SGT George Murch

Ground crew chief: SGT Chad Cone

[Grondeaux]

Jul 17, 2023 0:13:38 GMT -8 randomcanadian said:

Sir, 1LT Palmer reporting for duty with the following crew:
Plane: Zig-Zag (B-17F-120BO 42-30830)

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Raymond Palmer
Copilot: 2LT Casey Russell
Bombardier: 2LT Angel Vance
Navigator: 2LT Richard Browning
Engineer: T/SGT Herbert McEwen
Radio operator: S/SGT Hans Parker
Ball gunner: SGT Arthur Smith
Starboard waist gunner: SGT Joseph Hughes
Port waist gunner: SGT Daniel Wels
Tail gunner: SGT George Murch

Ground crew chief: SGT Chad Cone

Welcome to the 509th, Lieutenant Palmer, you’ve been assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron under the command of Major Russell Shapiro. You will be flying an F model of the B-17; replacement aircraft will be G models. Our first mission for the new campaign will unlock on 23 July. 

Group and Squadron Command

Position	Officer	Player
509th Group CO	COL Cal Moody	limburger59
509th Group XO	LTC Jeffrey Billings	medic1
80th Squadron CO	MAJ Russell Shapiro	mpgutis
80th Squadron XO	CAPT Ethan Witlow	Sparhawk
Personnel, S-1	CAPT Robert Shea	Coinich
Intelligence, S-2	MAJ Harlan Beech	crushedhat
Operations, S-3	MAJ James Frazer	andy254
Supply, S-4	CAPT Bruno Pierce	ChefEd
Planning, S-5	1LT Malcom Hooker	ChefEd
Communications, S-6	1LT Hudson Leblanc	Sparhawk
Training/Assignment, S-7	CAPT Roger Oveur	Grondeaux

randomcanadian,

[randomcanadian]

The following letter, dated January 8th, 1944, makes its way to the CO's desk:

Sir,

My plane was scheduled to fly tail for yesterday's flight to Mostar, but owing to a mechanical failure was unable to take part. I have discussed the matter with the other members of the crew and we have decided to volunteer to take up this position for the next mission instead.

Respectfully,

1st Ltn. Raymond Palmer

[tomt1999]

Sir:

Since the Junkyard Dog and crew went down last mission, I was wondering if we'd get one of the shiny, new B-17G's that are starting to show up from the ZOI.

Thank you,

1st Lt. Frank Delozier 

(aka Tom Townsend)

[campsawyer]

Sir:

Double Bomb failed to to make Group Assembly due to poor weather on takeoff and returned to base. We will be flying Tail-nd Charlie for the next mission.

Regards,

1st Paul Flores
Double Bomb

[ChefEd]

tomt1999 ,

To: Capt Frank Delozier, XO 80th BS, 509th Bombardment Group

Re: Award Recommendation ==Air Medal== for T/Sgt Finnegan Fields, 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Date of Action: 11 February 1944

Location: In flight to Toulon, France


T/Sgt Fields, as Flight Engineer and senior enlisted man on B-17F Wimpy, has many responsibilities to me, my command crew, the flight crew, and the airplane.

With all of these burdens, he has proven himself a deadly gunner in defense of our aircraft, and the planes around him.

On this last mission he was credited with another Kill, bringing his total to 5.5 enemy aircraft shot down.

With that distinction, I request he be awarded the Air Medal in recognition of this accomplishment.

Respectfully Submitted,
1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot
B-17F Wimpy
80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[tomt1999]

mpgutis,

Major Shapiro,

I second this recommendation.

DELOZIER

 

[Viscar]

To: Capt Frank Delozier, Executive Officer 80th BS


Re: Award Recommendation ==Air Medal== for SGT Andy Brown

Date of Action: 14 February 1944



SGT Andy Brown while on mission onboard B-17F Georgia Peach did shot down 2 FW-190s and an ME-109.  All claims have been approved.  This puts his total to 5 1/3 kills.


Respectfully Requested,

1LT John Alderman
Pilot, Georgia Peach
80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[tomt1999]

APPROVED

DELOZIER

[ChefEd]

To: Capt Frank Delozier, XO 80th BS, 509th Bombardment Group

Re: Award Recommendation ==Distinguished Flying Cross== for T/Sgt Finnegan Fields, of bomber Wimpy,80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Date of Action: 11 March 1944

Location: In flight to Toulon, France



T/Sgt Fields, as Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner, once again has shown is abilities and qualities.

On this last mission he was credited with One and a Half Confirmed Kills, bringing his total to 10.83 enemy aircraft shot down.

With that distinction, I request he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of this accomplishment.


Respectfully Submitted,
1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot
B-17F Wimpy
80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[tomt1999]

Lieutenant Velez,

Congratulations to Sergeant Fields for his extraordinary achievement in gunnery.

As I read the army regs for the DFC, it says "This medal is awarded to any officer or enlisted 

person of the armed forces of the United States for heroism or extraordinary achievement 

while participating in aerial flight. Both heroism and achievement must be entirely distinctive, 

involving operations that are not routine." [emphasis mine].

It seems to me that while Fields' gunnery achievement is distinctive, I am not aware of acts of 

heroism on his part. Please add additional details regarding this matter.

DELOZIER

P.S. I believe we could award an Oak Cluster for his Air Medal for this action as the request

now stands.

[ChefEd]

Captain Dozier,

Per Group regs Regarding Awards and Promotions

Quote:
There is no need to post requests for automatic awards.

Automatic Awards include:
     Purple Heart
     Air Medal for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 Missions
     Air Medal for 5 kills
     Distinguished Flying Cross for bomb runs over 75% or higher
     Distinguished Flying Cross for 10 kills
     Distinguished Flying Cross for 25 missions - While not required, please feel free to put in a celebratory post stating that they flew their 25th mission.
:Close Quote

Considering the USAAF standard requirements and guidelines for the DFC, I believed a more formal request be put in on behalf of T/Sgt Fields.

Whatever is decided, T/Sgt Fields will be most appreciative of any recognition towards his contributions to the war effort.

Sincerely,
1st Lt Landry Velez

[tomt1999]

Thank you for clearing up the situation, Landry. I'll endorse the request and forward it up the line.

DELOZIER

[tomt1999]

ChefEd,

By Headquarters 15th Air Force
CONFIDENTIAL
11 March 1944

GENERAL ORDERS
No. 643

Award of Distinguished Flying Cross

1. Under the provisions of the Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended and pursuant to authority contained in letter, HQ Fifteenth Air Force, File 200.6 23 September 1944, subject, “Awards and Decorations”, the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is awarded to the following named Officers and Enlisted Men.

FINNEGAN FIELDS. 0-819844, Technical Sergeant, Air Corps, United States Army

[tomt1999]

campsawyer,

By Headquarters 15th Air Force
CONFIDENTIAL
14 March 1944

GENERAL ORDERS
No. 644

Award of Distinguished Flying Cross

1. Under the provisions of the Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended and pursuant to 

authority contained in letter, HQ Fifteenth Air Force, File 200.6 23 September 1944, subject, “Awards 

and Decorations”, the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is awarded to the following named Officers and Enlisted Men.

For superior gunnery and coolness in action 14 March 1944 over Toulon, France, the Distinguished Flying 

Cross is hereby awarded to:

THOMAS T. 0-819845, Staff Sergeant

Air Corps, United States Army

15th Air Force

509th Bombardment Group (Heavy)

80th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)

[blaird]

Good evening Sir, It is my pleasure to introduce the officers of the Johnny B Good. We are fresh over from the US, and looking forward to chipping into the war effort. LT Johnson says. This is John Campbell, from Chicago, my Co-Pilot. Eric Masterson from Fairhope Alabama, my Bombardier, 2LT Leroy Rose from Missoula Montana.

[ChefEd]

To: Capt Frank Delozier, XO 80th BS, 509th Bombardment Group

Re: Promotion Recommendation to M/Sgt for T/Sgt Finnegan Fields, of bomber Wimpy, 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Date of Request: 22 March 1944


Sir,

It is noted that the promotion lists were posted after the Bolzano mission. It is further noted that the name of T/Sgt Finnegan Fields, Flight Engineer for B-17F Wimpy, was conspicuously absent. It is acknowledged that it is likely many deserving men were also not included on the lists.

2Lt Richards, my co-pilot, and I both agree that T/Sgt Fields' record should be re-evaluated, in this instance. We also realize that when he receives his well-earned promotion, we will lose him to a ground billet. His loss to our crew would be greatly felt. However, the recognition he deserves is worth the loss.

For the Record:

• T/Sgt Fields has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his mastery at Air Gunnery.
• T/Sgt Fields has been awarded Four Air Medals.
• T/Sgt Fields is credited with 11.33 kills, for seventeen claims.
• T/Sgt Fields shot down four enemy aircraft in a single mission, though only credited with 1.33
• T/Sgt Fields has remained rock solid in his demeanor, even when most of the crew is displaying varying degrees of heightened stress.
• T/Sgt Fields has been constant and effective in maintaining discipline among the enlisted crew, as well as ensuring our aircraft is always in flying condition.

Respectfully Submitted,
1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot
B-17F Wimpy
80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[tomt1999]

I will pass this on to Major Simmons.

DELOZIER

[ChefEd]

To: Captain Frank Delozier, XO 80th BS, 509th Bombardment Group

Re: Replacement Aircraft for Lost Bomber Wimpy

Date: 21 March 1944


Sir,

Captain Pierce has assigned my crew bomber B-17G [B-17G-20BO-42-31474], as replacement for B-17F [B-17F-27BO-41-24585]. The crew has already dubbed her "Fearless Fosdick". Our Crew Chief S/Sgt Stanton assures us she will be ready for our next mission.

Respectfully Submitted,
1Lt Landry Velez, Pilot
B-17G Fearless Fosdick
80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

New bomber, replacing Fearless Fosdick and crew, which crash landed in Yugoslavia, during Verona Mission.

Sunny Side Up, B-17 G
B-17G-20BO-42-31473

Pilot, 2nd Lt Mylo Boyle
Co-Pilot, 2nd Lt Jaiden Frye
Navigator, 2nd Lt Abdullah Kane
Bombardier/NT, 2nd Lt Enrique Hyde
Engineer/TT, S/Sgt Magnus Matthews
Radio Op/Right Waist, T/Sgt Gael Deadmon
Right Waist/NT, T/3rd Blake Stanton
Ball Turret, T/3rd Nigel Harrell
Left Waist/NT, T/4th Erik Templeton
Tail Gunner, ,T/3rd Miles Rowland

Crew Chief, S/Sgt Josia Stanton

[eddie]

Good afternoon sir! I was told to report to you as I understand this Squadron lost a bomber on the last mission. They let us know she was called The Girl Next Door. Sorry for the losses and the families of that crew. 

I think we are a replacement bomber. I am 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway. Our ship is called "Miss Behavin", and I have requested serial number B-17G-20BO-42-31468 from the list. 

Thanks,
Ed