78th Squadron (B-24) - Commanders Office

[blaird]

the door reads:

78th Bombardment (H) Squadron (B-24s)
"Home of the famous: Flying Boxcars"

Commanding Officer: Major Rudy Jopp
Executive Officer: Captain Alexis Vaillancourt 

[Coinich]

With a creak of a door in walks  the XO Captain Garfield filed by the 78th Commanding Officer  Major Rudy Jopp. 

At the same time Sgt  Wallace belts:  “Boxcars… Attention”, and everyone assembled rose automatically, programmed to do so upon hearing it.

“At ease, gentlemen...at ease"   Looking across a sea of young faces,  mostly just boys Jopp continues.  'We've trained for this moment for the last three months.    You've learned how to prepare,  navigate,  bomb and defend yourselves.   You'll need all four..."  

"We're going in harms way and bringing the fight to the enemy.   Success is not dependent on any one bomber,  rather a team effort of the ...the Flying Boxcars"

Pointing to the Captain, who had stepped slightly back, “This is Captain Garfield, your Squadron XO, and senior pilot. When you are in the air, he’s my eyes, ears and voice.”

“Our squadron is unique in the 509th. We are a Liberator Squadron flying B-24's , while the other two, the 79th & 80th  fly B-17s. 

Slowly pacing the floor, while talking, “These planes are not yours. They belong to the United States government. It is our duty. No. It is our privilege… to be charged with flying these beautiful, lumbering, beasts into battle. And to bomb our enemies, and their ilk, to kingdom come… and, yes, to return it back safely after each and every mission.”

 Continuing to pace slowly, “I am proud to be here. I am proud to be here, on the leading edge, and executing the war priorities of our nation. And I am, sure as hell, damned proud to be leading you men.”

"Please know that my door is always open.”   Pointing toward the XO, “And Captain Garfield’s door is always open too"

"So, thank you for being here. Thank you for serving your country. Thank you for your devotion to a cause greater than yourself. And thank you for putting forth your best effort to keep the tyranny of the Axis Powers from invading more of the world."

The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two men begin to leave.

“Boxcars… Attention”, and the assembled throng rises again.

"Dismissed!"

-----------------------------------

OUT OF CHARACTER: If you have any questions, seriously…please ask. The XO, (crushedhat ), is also available to you as well. Both of us like to role play interactions with our pilots, and staff, so you can feel free to also post questions to him on the 78th Squadron page if you like. You can also send either of us a private message (PM) through the message board.

If you are new to the play-by-forum format, there are many player aids on this site such as Axis aircraft counters, B-17 defensive fire pie charts, etc. Those items can be found on the “Links” page.

I realize that real life can creep-in, or dictate when you play, and when you file your After Action Report (AAR). If you are flying Lead or Tail, please make every effort to try and post your AAR as early in the cycle as you can. That way, if anything happens to your bomber, and you are forced to drop out of formation, you can notify us, on the “Shout Box”, that someone else needs to take over that position, and they will have a chance to respond before the AAR due date.

And finally, if I could ask you to include a table, (similar to what you see below), in each of your AARs,  as that will make my tracking and reporting significantly easier than painstakingly analyzing each of your reports - and trying to figure out exactly what happened and tally them.  


Enemy Fighters Encountered: 12

	Bf-109	Fw-190	Me-110	Me-262	Totals
Escort Intercept	1		2		3
Undamaged		1	1	1	3
Damaged	1	3			4
Probable/Denied			1		1
Destroyed			1		1

Thanks.

P.S. - I also enjoy the role playing element this game/forum allows, and am always happy to work with you on a posting, or to role play any element.  Send me a PM, or just post here to start.



Dave
78th CO Rudy Jopp

[Coinich]

B-24 LIBERATOR PILOTS – EYES RIGHT HERE:

READ FIRST: - If you are playing the game using the Target for Today (TFT) system, please use the B-24D model in that game until further notice. We will shift to the B-24J model for new aircraft t

IF YOU ARE PLAYING THE GAME USING THE B-17 Queen of the Skies (QotS) SYSTEM, below are links to variants of the game that we will be using for our B-24 player missions. The primary in-service B-24 at the start of the war was the B-24D model. We will be flying the B-24D model until further notice. 

There are many variants out there. After review, and consideration, we have decided to use what is listed below. As we researched, we found there was conflicting information that had to be resolved. We have also made some decisions in the interest of standardization between TFT and QotS.

Listed below are the various downloads, and modifications, for QotS players to fly B-24D Liberators in this campaign:

1. Download the B-24J Crew Placement Sheet from this link below:

www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/129307/b-24j-crew-placement-sheet

NOTE: If you don’t have a username/password for Board Game Geek, you will need one. It’s free.

NOTE: The following changes to the crew placement sheet need to be taken into consideration when playing:

    a. There is no Nose Turret gunner on the B-24D. In this model, the Bombardier fires the Nose Machine Gun, (singular), which is not a turret and is not powered.

    b. The Navigator has the ability to fire either the Port OR Starboard Cheek Machine Guns. Use the same rules for Cheek Guns as found in the QotS Rule Book.

    c. In the Machine Guns section, you can insert Cheek Guns between Nose and Top turrets.

2. Download, and Unzip, the B-24 Variant Pack from this link below:

www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/15758/b24variantzip

The following items will be used from this pack, once you have extracted it:

    a. Open the file: B24VariantMissionCharts.pdf. Based on weapons configuration - we are using the B-24E model Mission Chart. You will also need to write down the name of your second Waist Gunner in the crew section.

    b. Open the file: B-24 Variant.doc. We will be using the rules listed on pages 12 and 13, with the following exceptions:

        1) Rule 10, (the Waist Gunner swap). We will not use this, as we have gone ahead and added a second waist gunner to our QotS game in order to fly the same crew configuration that’s used by TFT players.

        2) Rule 11, (Nose Turrets). We will not use this, since the B-24D model is not equipped with a nose turret. It’s just a regular, single, machine gun.

        3) Rule 12, (Emergency Landing). Remove the words “in France” and the spirit of the rule otherwise remains in effect.

    c. In the file B-24 Variant.doc, we will also use the charts, for mission resolution, that run from pages 16 through 28. With the below listed considerations:

        1) (Page 17) For damage determination, on a nose hit, use the rules for flying the B-24E.

        2) (Page 27) Use the rules for the B-24E. This information is somewhat confusing. Early B-24D models did not have cheek guns, but later models did. We are playing the later model for standardization purposes.

        3) (Page 27) Use the rules for a Tunnel Gun, as the B-24D did not have a Ball Turret.

This is the first time we are using the B-24 Liberator variant in a 509th game/campaign. We are trying to balance historical accuracy, with platform standardization, and also keep it fun. So, QotS players… we ask for your understanding while we continue to iron out these rules. They likely won’t be perfect. Please periodically check this posting to see if there are any changes. And PLEASE DO let us know if you see anything that isn’t correct, needs to be addressed, or - even better – helps us make improvements to our game.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DISCUSSION, OR EVEN COMPLAINTS, REGARDING THE ABOVE RULES AND MODIFICATIONS, OR IF YOU HAVE RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS TO BE MADE, PLEASE DON’T POST THEM IN THIS THREAD. PLEASE SEND A PM TO ME (Coinich ) OR THE XO (crushedhat ), AND WE WILL ABSOLUTELY ADDRESS THEM. THANKS.

The 509th would like to give thanks, and credit, to the authors who researched, and wrote, the variants we are using.  Thank you for your contributions to the game.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-24 PECKHAM POINTS:

The B-24 was not as resilient as the B-17, and couldn't take as much punishment.  The link below will take you to the B-24 Peckham Points table for those of you who would like to use them.

Peckham_Points_B24.pdf (114.3 KB)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ON A SIDE NOTE: A Very detailed look at the B-24 including position descriptions:

freepages.rootsweb.com/~webermd1/family/Liberator-Info.html

.

[Coinich]

RULES FOR INTRODUCTION OF THE B-24J MODEL TO THE NEW CAMPAIGN:

Missions 1 to 25: Any new players/crews automatically get the B-24D, (they shuttled a new plane over - then gave it up to an experienced crew.)  Current crews that have a CAT-E, or destroyed B-24D will get a new B-24J for their replacement.

Mission 26 or after:  All new planes are B-24Js. This applies for new crews/players, and replacements for old crews/players.

[crushedhat]

Date: 1 Jan 1944

To: Personnel of the 78th (H) Bomb Squadron

From: Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron

Subject: Relations with Local Italians

When dealing with the local population there are several factors to bear in mind:

1) You, and your behavior, represent the United States of America. Act accordingly.
2) There are Fascist sympathizers among the local population. Remember to practice proper OpSec at all times.
3) Some of the locals may harbor ill will toward the Allies, if not the Allied cause. They may have lost relatives to Allied bombing missions when this area was still under Axis control. Don’t put yourself in a position that may make you susceptible to acts of reprisal.
4) It is suggested that you treat the local population with guarded courtesy.

cc: Jopp, Rudy, Maj, USAAF, commanding, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

Date: 1 Jan 1944

To: Aircrew Personnel of the 78th (H) Bomb Squadron

From: Garfield, Paul, Cpt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron

Subject: Assignment of Lead and Tail Aircraft

1) Assignment of Squadron Lead and Tail will be on the following basis.
2) Since the Lead Aircraft’s role is to guide the way to the target and back, assignment will be governed by the experience of the Navigator:
a. The XO will take Lead for the first mission.
b. The aircraft with the most experienced Navigator will be assigned Lead when the 78th has Group Lead.
c. On other missions, Lead will be rotated among those aircraft whose Navigators have at least five missions experience.
d. If there are no Navigators with at least five missions experience then Lead will be rotated among all the aircraft of the Squadron.
3) Tail relies on the fighting skill of the crew. Therefore, Tail assignment will be based upon the overall experience of the crew rather than any one individual.
a. Tail will be rotated among the crew with at least five missions experience.
b. If there are no crews with at least five missions experience then Tail will be rotated among all the aircraft of the Squadron.
c. For purposes of determining crew experience, each new/replacement crewman will reduce effective crew experience by one.
4) This policy is effective with the first combat mission flown by the 78th (H) squadron.

cc: Jopp, Rudy, Maj, USAAF, commanding, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[caodwolf]

January 7, 1944

Men of the 78th Flying Boxcars,

Today we fly our first combat mission and take the war to the enemy doorstep.

Good luck and God Speed  !

Major R Jopp
78th 

[Grondeaux]

Sir,

The crew of Flat Foot Floogie volunteers to be Tail End Charlie for the 78th's first combat mission.

V/r,
1LT Adam MacIntosh, command pilot
B-24D FLat Foot Floogie
78th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF

[crushedhat]

"Thank you, LT. But LT Shipman and Valkyrie have that honor. I'll put you down for TEC for the next mission," Capt Paul Garfield informs 1LT MacIntosh.

[Deleted]

Sir, 2LT Hodges reporting in, sir.

She's ready for action and the boys are just itchin' to check her over so with your permission sir we'll do just that.

Thank you, sir.


B-24D
Little Red

Crew Roster:

Position	Rank	Name	Hometown
Pilot	2LT	Calvin 'Papa' Hodges	Lincoln, NE
Co-Pilot	2LT	Rudolph 'Red' Jensen	Montgomery, AL
Bombardier	2LT	Jesse Gustafson	Fresno, CA
Navigator	2LT	Thomas Hurst	North Hempstead, NY
Engineer	T/SGT	Otis 'MT' Chambers	Norfolk, VA
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Wayne 'Sleepy' Knapp	Bakersfield, CA
Ball Gunner	SGT	Archie Feldman	Chicago, IL
Port Waist	SGT	Walter 'Wally' Rollins	Laredo, TX
Starboard Waist	SGT	Ted Stark	Orlando, FL
Tail Gunner	SGT	Raymond Sanchez	Tucson, AZ

[caodwolf]

Welcome 2LT Hodges to the Flying Boxcars.

Get your boys settled in and fly the current mission #1.

Major R Jopp
CO 78th

[caodwolf]

78TH BOMB SQUADRON

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION 1







With a creak of a door in walks the XO Captain Garfield followed by Major Rudy Jopp and his bulldog the ‘Admiral.

At the same time Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention !”....and everyone rises.

“At ease, gentlemen...at ease". Well our 1st combat sortie is in !  the books. We all did our duty but unfortunately  we lost the Monotonous Maggie and her crew led by 1Lt DeSantis.. I have reports of just three parachutes. May God be with them all.”

Pausing for a moment to refocus, “Early results are not good with just 25% dropped on target. I know this will improve ….now that we have the opening jitters behind us.”

“Congrats to the Fire Bell, Louisiana Belle and Arkansas Traveler who dropped 50% on-target.. The Wood's Chopper bagged the 1st German fighter “.

A round of applause engulfed the room.

“Let’s be safe out there. Do your jobs as you were trained. “

The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two men + the Admiral begin to leave.

“Boxcars… Attention  !”, and the assembled throng rises again.

"Dismissed!"

Player	Bomber	% on Target	Damage	Kills
crushedhat	Laid Back Lady	0%	10	---
mrkillabee	T-Tailed Bathtub	0%	10	---
jasta6	Monotonous Maggie (spare)	Lost	0	---
limburger59	Fire Bell (spare)	50%	39	---
keltos	Kicking Horse	30%	20	---
kageyone	Wood's Chopper	20%	1	1
medic1	Valkyie	30%	0	---
grondeaux	Flat Foot Floogie	4%	0	---
chefed	Bottoms Up	40%	1	---
caodwolfs	Bonkers	0%	0	---
rhreiss	Arkansas Traveler	50%	0	---
rcastillo	Louisiana Belle	50%	0	---
jasta6	Stupid Dragon	Abort	40	---
	Average Results	25%

Bombers Lost

Monotonous Maggie (spare)



Top Bombers

Fire Bell (spare) 50%
Arkansas Traveler 50%
Louisiana Belle 50%


Awards

None


POW

S/Sgt Rick Brownowski
S/Sgt Anonio Conti
Sgt Scott Wilson



KIA-MIA

1Lt. Spencer DeSantis
2Lt. Matthew Parsons
S/Sgt Noah Greaves
2Lt. Ethan Barnes
Sgt. Fred Jarrett
Sgt. Luca Caldera
Sgt. Scott Kolster


Casualties

None


Purple Hearts

[caodwolf]

12-January-1994


Attention:    1Lt.  Mike Seefeldt &  2Lt  Roger Smith


Welcome to the Flying Boxcars   !     If your B-24 is ready after it's long sortie from England, join in Mission #2.   The target is the Marshalling Yards at Pisa, Italy.

Get your crews settled and make sure the mechanics check out your airplane.

Cpt Paul Garfield is the 78th XO.   He speaks for me.  

Be smart and alert out there.  Let your training take over. 


Major Rudy Jopp
CO 78th

crushedhat,cubs2015

[caodwolf]

78TH BOMB SQUADRON

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION 2






With a creak of a door in walks the XO Captain Garfield followed by Major Rudy Jopp and his bulldog the ‘Admiral.

At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention !!!” and everyone rises.

Major Jopp open his briefing papers and scans the room before starting. “The mission to Pisa was a shit show with 45% of the Squadron not even making it to the target. Two did not even get off the ground.”

It was clear to all assembled the Major was not happy.

“The initial assessment of the bombers that did make it to Pisa is not satisfactory with 24% dropped on target. Congrats, to the Laid Back Lady who dropped 60% on target. We did lose the Arkansas Traveler who had to land at Corsica and broken up into spare parts and the Wood's Chopper due to an apparent fuel fire.”

Turning to the last page; “Some good news the 78th was credited with 7 1/3 enemy fighters. Not bad, not bad at all. Intel reports we are facing experienced pilots so we’ll need this level of gunnery excellence to continue. On Casualties, we lost five member of our team, 2Lt. Wells, Sgt Hewlett, Sgt Diu, Lt Ingram and Sgt.Sharp. Their next of kin have been informed”.

The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two men + the Admiral begin to leave.

“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.

"Dismissed!"

Player	Bomber	% on Target	Damage	Kills
crushedhat	Laid Back Lady	60%	24	2 1/2
mrkillabee	T-Tailed Bathtub	0%	10	---
limburger59	Bones (spare)	DNB	10	---
keltos	Kicking Horse	50%	---	2/3
kageyone	Wood's Chopper	Lost	---	---
medic1	Valkyie	DNB	0	---
grondeaux	Flat Foot Floogie	Abort	111	1/3
chefed	Bottoms Up	0%	10	1
caodwolfs	Bonkers	20%	60	2
rhreiss	Arkansas Traveler	8%	30	2/3
rcastillo	Louisiana Belle	30%	---	---
jasta6	Stupid Dragon	Abort	40	---
	Average Results	24%		7 1/3

Bombers Lost

Arkansas Traveler
Wood's Chopper


Top Bombers

Laid Back Lady 60%
Kicking Horse 50%


Awards

None


POW

None


KIA-MIA

2LT Frank Wells
SGT James Hewlett
Sgt  Joey Siu
Lt B Ingram
Sgt A Sharp.


Casualties

Sgt B Mentz SW
TSGT Edward Palarksi SW



Purple Hearts

2LT Frank Wells
SGT James Hewlett
Sgt  Joey Siu
Lt B Ingram
Sgt A Sharp.
Sgt B Mentz
TSGT Edward Palarksi

[caodwolf]

78TH BOMB SQUADRON

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION 3



With a creak of a door in walks the XO Captain Garfield followed by CO Major Rudy Jopp and his bulldog the ‘Admiral.

At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” ……. and everyone rises.

Major Jopp hands the dog leash to Sgt Wallace, walks to the front and opens his briefing papers. This time everyone notes a smile…..“Outstanding mission to Perugia with 39% dropped on target! Along with the 79th & 80th the airdrome was completely destroyed and no longer of any use to the enemy. We lost no bombers and credited with 14 enemy kills. Well done boys well done…..”

A round of applause and hoots engulf the room and even the Admiral joined the excitement by barking and tugging at his leash.

Continuing…… “Congrats to the StrikeForce, Fighting Badgers, Knockout, Foot Floogie and the Louisiana Belle who all achieved greater than 50% on-target results. StrikeForce led with 95%. So 2Lt Jeremy Hoff please come forward.” A surprised kid from Olyphant PA joints the Major.

“Mr. Hoff,; Congratulations on this fine performance. It’s my pleasure to award you with The Distinguished Flying Cross.”

All rise and congrat the bombardier from the StrikeForce.

“Sadly on Casualties, we lost SGT Fred Edeson. His next of kin has been informed”.

Closing up his briefing files Captain Garfield mimics a film camera, which reminds the Major of one final point: “Oh yes two films will be shown tonight in Hanger 13. ‘Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’ and ……ah.……..the ‘More the Merrier’ shouts Captain Garfield…… “Yes, More the Merrier” . Enjoy and forget about the war for a few hours”.

The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two men + the Admiral begin to leave.

“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.

"Dismissed!"

Player	Bomber	% on Target	Damage	Kills
crushedhat	Laid Back Lady	30%	10	1
mrkillabee	T-Tailed Bathtub	0%	---	---
limburger59	Knockout(spare)	50%	42	1
limburger59	Jersey Bounce (Spare)	Abort	10	---
keltos	Kicking Horse	20%	---	---
kageyone	Wood's Chopper	20%	20	2
medic1	Valkyie	0%	0	2
grondeaux	Flat Foot Floogie	60%	56	3
chefed	Bottoms Up	40%	11	1
caodwolfs	Bonkers	Abort	10	---
rcastillo	Louisiana Belle	50%	---	---
cubs2015	Fighting Badgers	50%	12	2
cubs2015	StrikeForce	95%	4	2
	Average Results	39%		14

Bombers Lost

None


Top Bombers

StrikeForce 95%

Knockout (spare) 60%

Flat Foot Floogie 60%

Louisiana Belle 50%

Fighting Badgers 50%


Awards

DFC - 2Lt Jeremy Hoff


POW

None


KIA-MIA

SGT Fred Edeson  


Casualties

None


Purple Hearts

SGT Fred Edeson  

[caodwolf]

78TH BOMB SQUADRON

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION 4







With a creak of a door in walks the XO Captain Garfield followed by CO Major Rudy Jopp. His bulldog the ‘Admiral’ is noticeably missing.

At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” … and everyone rises.

Major Jopp walks to the front and opens his briefing papers. “Mission # 4 to Istres/Le Tube, France is in the books with overall results of 30% on target. I know we can do better and along with the 79th & 80th we knocked out another enemy airdrome. The Flat Foot Floogie crashed upon landing but the crew walked away alive and ready to fight another day.”

Continuing to the next page, “Our gunnery was again superb with 18 2/3 enemy fighters credited to the 78th. Keep that up boys ….we’ll need this to continue. The closer we get to Germany the more desperate the enemy will become”

With a wince, a shake of his head and a glance at Capt Garfield, “Now men, Captain Garfield and I have noticed some incomplete AAR’s. A few reports lacked bombing results, casualties and aircraft damage. This is unacceptable and the next incomplete AAR the entire crew will be assigned extra duties. You don’t want to peel potatoes or paint the local Monastery. I do not want to have this conversation again.”

Continuing… “Congrats to the T-Tailed Bathtub, StrikeForce and the Bonkers who achieved greater than 50% on-target results. StrikeForce once again led the Flying BoxCars with 60%.” With a huge grin Jopp adds “ Lieutenant Hoff we are going to call you Bullseye from now on !”

Closing up his briefing files Captain Garfield mimics a baseball bat swing, which reminds the Major of one final point: “Back in the States, pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training. We are looking to set up a shortwave radio to pick up the Armed Forces Radio Service out of England who will be relaying a few Spring Training games”.

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%	4	3 1/3
mrkillabee	T-Tailed Bathtub	50%	---	1
limburger59	Fire Bell(spare)	40%	---	1
keltos	Kicking Horse	20%	25	1
kageyone	Wood's Chopper	Abort	20	1
medic1	Valkyie	30%	69	1
grondeaux	Flat Foot Floogie	Abort	CAT-E	---
chefed	Bottoms Up	0%	---	2 2/3
caodwolfs	Bonkers	50%	88	---
rhreiss	Bama Beauty	0%	29	2
rcastillo	Louisiana Belle	30%	---	---
jasta6	Stupid Dragon	0%	---	---
cubs2015	Fighting Badgers	40%	40	3 2/3
cubs2015	StrikeForce	60%	48	2
	Average Results	30%		18 2/3

Bombers Lost

Flat Foot Floogie:  CAT-E


Top Bombers

StrikeForce 60%
T-Tailed Bathtub 50%
Bonkers 50%

Awards

None


POW

None


KIA-MIA

None  


Casualties

Sgt Carlos Morales SW
T/Sgt Fender SW
Sgt Donald Davila SW
SGT Kyle Dummer LW
SGT Sylvester Wielgus SW


Purple Hearts

Sgt Carlos Morales
T/Sgt Fender
Sgt Donald Davila
SGT Kyle Dummer
SGT Sylvester Wielgus

[medic1]

Sir, 
My plane and crew have just arrived from the States. Here is the manifest:

B-24J PROBLEM CHILD (B24J-CF-42-78347)
Pilot 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick

Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister

Bombardier 2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey

Navigator 2nd Lt Guy LaMotte

Engineer S/Sgt Paul Navarro

Radio Operator T/Sgt Manny Rosario U9MERnxh1-6
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Carlos Mencia 1-6
Port Waist Sgt Mark Burnham 1-6
Starboard Waist Sgt Cole Worden 1-6
Tail Gunner Sgt Jake Dunbar 1-6

1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6·1-6

[cubs2015]

I will be willing to take lead or tail.

[crushedhat]

Squadron policy is for the more experienced navigators to alternate Lead with the XO, and the more experienced crews to flay Tail. However, You're offer will certainly be considered for mission 7.

[caodwolf]

78TH BOMB SQUADRON

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION 5 - Udine, Italy





With a creak of a door in walks the XO Captain Garfield followed by CO Major Rudy Jopp with the ‘Admiral’ in tow.

At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” … and everyone rises.

Major Jopp walks to the front and opens his briefing papers. “We achieved a costly victory today.   37% on target but at the cost of three B-24's and 30 crew members.   The Valkyrie,   Wood's Chopper and Miss Velma, a spare were all lost."    Turning to Captain Garfield, "What is the latest chute count ? ....... "Fifteen" is the reply.

"I know this was a tough mission,  flying in the Low Squadron never is.   For those who bombed the airdrome at Udine congrats.  The Fighting Badgers led with 55% on target.  And shooting down 30 enemy fighters is very impressive.  The 78th is leading the  509th in credited kills."

"In a couple days we'll be getting 30 fresh faces and three brand new B-24J to replace our losses.   Make them feel at home."

Closing up his briefing files Captain Garfield points to his Air Medal , which reminds the Major of one final point: “Ah yes....fifty-four of you have earned Air Medals for completing five missions.  Aircraft commanders,  stop by the 78th Command Post to pick them up."

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	30%	78	2
mrkillabee	T-Tailed Bathtub	40%	21	1/3
limburger59	Problem Child	40%	117	4
limburger59	Miss Velma (spare)	Lost	---	---
keltos	Kicking Horse	50%	20	2 1/2
keltos	Yankee Didler (spare)	54%	27	2 1/3
kageyone	Wood's Chopper	Lost	---	---
medic1	Valkyie	Lost	---	---
grondeaux	Flat Foot Floogie	30%	161	6
chefed	Bottoms Up	40%	113	2 1/3
caodwolfs	Bonkers	50%	109	1
rhreiss	Bama Beauty	30%	87	4 1/3
rcastillo	Louisiana Belle	30%	---	3
cubs2015	Fighting Badgers	55%	---	-
cubs2015	StrikeForce	40%	40	1
	Average Results	37%		30 2/3

Bombers Lost

Valkyrie

Wood's Chopper

Miss Velma (spare)




Top Bombers

Fighting Badgers         55%
Yankee Didler (spare)  54%
Bonkers                     50%


Awards

(54)  Air Medals





KIA-MIA

1Lt Ken Shipman
2Lt Mark Ridley
2Lt Phil Avery
2Lt Sergio Pendas
T/Sgt Tom Bankston
S/Sgt George Redman
Sgt Kent Conlin
S/Sgt Walt Whitney
S/Sgt Dave Trevisano
Sgt James Morel
2Lt Baron Wood
2Lt Benjamin Thurston II
2Lt. Phil Camden
S/Sgt Curly Gittens
T/Sgt Emmit Peal
2Lt Ken Burke
Sg Ed Phillips
Sgt Donnie deCarlo
S/Sgt ER Dakota
Sgt Kenton Ens
1LT Chuck Wolcott
2LT Aaron Adams 
2LT Daryl Wyck 
2LT Curtis Wetmore
S/SGT Brent Cantrell
S/SGT Bart Masterson
SGT Jeb Lampe 
SGT Duke Callen 
SGT Clifford Hensley 
SGT Gus Nespo


Casualties

1LT James Stewart LW
Sgt. B Kaufmann LW
Sgt. J Clark LW
2nd Lt Hank McAlister LW
1LT Floyd Speer SW



Purple Hearts

1LT James Stewart
Sgt. B Kaufmann
Sgt. J Clark
2nd Lt Hank McAlister
1LT Floyd Speer

[rhreiss]

Sgt Wallace hands Maj Jopp an envelop from 1LT Speer with a MFR and a hand written note.

The note reads.

Maj Jopp,

Thank you for visiting me at the base hospital. While I am off flying status for the indefinite future my hospital stay will be short and Maj Barrett Stevens has requested that I be assigned to work for him at the 23rd Statistical Control 15th AF HQ. It will provide useful experience to help finish my accounting degree after the war and will allow me to remain in theater and if healing goes well possibly return to flying status next year.

The attached MFR is a recommendation to have 2LT McQuinn take over command pilot of the Bama Beauty.

V/R

Floyd Speer, 1LT



MFR

To: Maj Jopp, Commander 78th Bomb squadron

Subject: Recommend 2LT George McQuinn for command pilot

I recommend 2LT George McQuinn be designated Command Pilot of the B-24 Bama Beauty. He has demonstrated the airmanship and leadership expected of a command pilot. He has earned the respect of the crew with his attention to detail and mission preparation. He demonstrated leadership in directing the crew after I was wounded and unable to continue piloting the Bama Beauty, adjusting crew positions to make best use of crew skills. He has shown his airman ship as co-pilot in the short runway landing at the RAF airbase in Corsica and in landing the Bamba Beauty with brakes out on one side.

V/R

Floyd Speer, 1LT

[caodwolf]

January 28, 1944

To:  Floyd Speer, 1LT

From:  Major R Jopp, 78th CO

Subject:  2LT George McQuinn & Transfer  Request


Effective immediately  2LT George McQuinn is designated as Command Pilot of the B-24 Bama Beauty.  

In addition your transfer to the 23rd Statistical Control 15th AF HQ is supported.   Maj Barrett Stevens is a ball buster so you have your work cut out.

Good luck with your medical recover and your new assignment.   The Bama Beauty is in good hands with Mr. McQuinn.



Major R Jopp
78th CO

rhreiss,crushedhat,

[ChefEd]

Sir,

I am replacing Bottoms Up, which was shot down over Ferrara, with:

B-24D Bit o' Lace
Pilot, 1st Lt Damien Carroll

Co-Pilot, 2nd Lt Donald Costa

Navigator, 2nd Lt Dan Crimson

Bombardier, 2nd Lt Reid Bush

Engineer, T/3rd Walter Mcclain

Radio Op, T/3rd Quentin Mains

Right Waist, S/Sgt Kalel Burgess

Ball Turret, S/Sgt Conor West

Left Waist, Sgt Zahir Edmonson

Tail Gunner, T/3rd Jayden Dawson


Respectfully

[caodwolf]

29-January-1944


1st Lt Damien Carroll.

Very well.  Get your boys settled in and prepped for the next mission.


Major R Jopp
78th CO, Flying Boxcars

[medic1]

Sir,


my crew and myself have just flown in from the States and have been assigned to the 78th. We’re ready to do our part.


B-24J GREMLIN’S DELIGHT (B24J-CF-41-23858)

Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh

Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro

Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Wishinski

Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy

Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti

Radio Operator T/Sgt Liam Barnes

Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday

PWG Sgt Dan Middleton

SWG Sgt Sam Lang

Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll

[rhreiss]

Major Jopp

Commander

78th BS, 509th BG (H), 8th AF





I wish to recommend Sgt. Joe Glenn for the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during the mission to attacked Marshalling Yard at Ferrara, Italy

V/R

2LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding

B-24D Bama Beauty

78th BS, 509th BG (H), 8th AF





CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

Sgt. Joe Glenn distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight is a nose gunner over Italy on January 29, 1944. On a bombing mission Sgt. Glenn’s aircraft was attacked by multiple waves of enemy fighters. One of the first attacks knocked out the heat to his flying suit. Choosing to remain at his post despite the risk of severe frostbite Sgt. Glenn fought off multiple fighter attacks, destroying three enemy fighters and damaging to others. Sgt. Glenn remained at his post until his bomber had successfully completed its bombing run and he could no longer operate his gun due to frostbite. As result of Sgt. Glenn’s actions as bomber squadron was able to fight its way through to the target and successfully attacked it. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Glenn in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

[caodwolf]

1-February-2044

Attn:  1Lt. G.  McQuinn-

The DFC for Sgt. Joe Glenn  is approved.  




Congratulations on an excellent mission to Ferrara.    Keep it up.

Major R. Jopp
78th CO



crushedhat,rhreiss,

[caodwolf]

78TH BOMB SQUADRON

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION 6 - Ferrara, Italy





With a creak of a door in walks the the CO Major Rudy Jopp with the ‘Admiral’ in tow.

At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” … and everyone rises.

Major Jopp walks to the front and opens his briefing papers and begins;  "Men of the Flying Boxcars,  you all achieved 33% on target with 23 confirmed kills on todays sortie to Ferrara.  It was another costly victory as we lost two B-24's,   The Bottoms Up and the Problem Child who had to ditch in the frigid Adriatic Sea."   Clearing his throat the Major continued,  "Nine chutes were spotted when the Bottoms Up was lost.  Overall seven KIA's and eleven MIA's.   Captain Garfield the XO was wounded and is spending a couple of days in the infirmary.   He'll be back in action soon"

Shuffling thru his paperwork the Major cracks a smile:   "Lastly I am pleased to award a DFC to Sgt. Joe Glenn who distinguished himself by heroism while manning the nose gunner over Italy on January 29, 1944.   On this  bombing mission Sgt. Glenn’s aircraft was attacked by multiple waves of enemy fighters.  One of the first attacks knocked out the heat to his flying suit. Choosing to remain at his post despite the risk of severe frostbite Sgt. Glenn fought off multiple fighter attacks, destroying three enemy fighters and damaging to others. Sgt. Glenn remained at his post until his bomber had successfully completed its bombing run and he could no longer operate his gun due to frostbite. As result of Sgt. Glenn’s actions as bomber squadron was able to fight its way through to the target and successfully attacked it. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Glenn in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."

The jammed briefing room erupts with applause as the limping 20 year old from Scranton PA receives his medal. "Well done Son"  as the DFC is pinned to Glenn's flight suit.

"That's all boys" 

The Major closes his briefing folder and begins to walk toward the aisle. 

“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.

"Dismissed!"

Player	Bomber	% on Target	Damage	Kills
crushedhat	Laid Back Lady	40%	125	1
mrkillabee	T-Tailed Bathtub	30%	50	1/2
kageyone	Black Maria	60%	12	---
keltos	Kicking Horse	30%	59	---
kageyone	Betty Anne	40%	68	3
medic1	Problem Child	30%	Crashed	---
medic1	Gremlin's Delight	0%	116	3
grondeaux	Sweet Routine (spare)	0%	49	1
chefed	Bottoms Up	Lost	---	---
caodwolfs	Bonkers	30%	49	1
rhreiss	Bama Beauty	50%	125	2 1/3
rcastillo	Louisiana Belle	30%	---	---
cubs2015	Fighting Badgers	50%	95	5
cubs2015	StrikeForce	DNB	`51	6 1/3
	Average Results	33%		23 1/3

Bombers Lost

Bottoms Up
Problem Child




Top Bombers

Black Maria         60%
Bama Beauty      50%
Fighting Badgers 50%



Awards

(17)  Air Medals
DFC-Sgt. Joe Glenn



KIA

Sgt Brett Hoppe
2Lt Franklin Ewes
1st Lt Rusty Wyrick
2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey
T/Sgt Manny Rosario
Sgt Carlos Mencia
Sgt Cole Worden



MIA

1st Lt Romeo Clayton
2nd Lt Caesar Woodward
2nd Lt Arthur Alstott
2nd Lt Noe Parra
T/Sgt Clarence Patterson
T/4th Travis Kauffman
S/Sgt Kamil Fisher
Sgt Calvin Huang
T/4th Caleb Compton
Sgt Damari Early
S/Sgt King Solis





Casualties

Capt Paul Garfield
2LT Elliott Peterson
Sgt Peter Carson
SGT Trotter
SGT Glenn
Sgt Sam Lang
2 LT Jeremy Hoff
2 LT John Schaeffer



Purple Hearts

Capt Paul Garfield
2LT Elliott Peterson
Sgt Peter Carson
SGT Trotter
SGT Glenn
Sgt Sam Lang
2 LT Jeremy Hoff
2 LT John Schaeffer
Sgt Brett Hoppe
2Lt Franklin Ewes
1st Lt Rusty Wyrick
2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey
T/Sgt Manny Rosario
Sgt Carlos Mencia
Sgt Cole Worden

Attachments:

[cubs2015]

I am just wondering why Strike Force was listed as DNB in the after action report when it was listed as 99% in the after action report for the bomber with damage points of 151!

[caodwolf]

Yes I see that now.  I think I read your initial AAR post which mentioned nothing about the bomb run so I assumed you did not bomb as the bomb release mechanism was damaged.     I’ve noticed you have been posting an initial AAR  with very little detail  followed by a second update with details.  I caught the first one and not the second.    It would be useful if you could post a complete AAR the first time to avoid me missing an update again.  I don’t have time to go back and review AAR’s. 


So it was timing.   I will have Jopp address this in the next briefing. 

99% is impressive


Dave
caodwolf