Medic1 - Multiple squadrons

[blaird]

Jun 28, 2019 9:26:25 GMT -8 medic1 said:

B-17 Name: Sky Monster 79th Squadron

Pilot-1st Lt Gerald "King" Kong
Co-Pilot-2nd Lt Harold Dawson
Bombardier-2nd Lt Patrick Kline
Navigator-2nd Lt Gregory Nash
Engineer-M/Sgt Anthony Russo
Radio Operator-Sgt Mickey Bullock
Ball Turret-Sgt Carlos Ramirez
Port Waist-Sgt Nicholas Boone
Starboard Waist-Sgt Randy Elliot
Tail Gunner-Sgt Tom Spence

B-24 Name: Desert Fury 78th Squadron

Pilot 1st Lt Travis Trammel
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Joe Lever
Bombardier 2nd Lt Blake Woods
Navigator 2nd Lt Guy LaMotte
Engineer M/Sgt Notah Lonewolf
Radio Operator Sgt Carlos Mencia
Tunnel Gun Sgt Hank Lanigan
Port Waist Gunner Sgt Diego Cortez
Starboard Waist Gunner Sgt Mitch Tasker
Tail Gunner Sgt Joe Turcotte

[medic1]

B-17F 70-44-V8597 SKY MONSTER

Pilot: 1st Lt Gerald "King" Kong

Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

Squadron Position: Bomber Stream
Bomber Formation Position: Bomber Stream

MISSION DATE: 12 June 42

MISSION NUMBER: 001

TARGET: Ploeski, Romania-Aster Oil Refinery

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
1st Lt Gerald Kong	1	0	0	LW-RTD
Row 3 column 1	1	0	0	RTD
Row 4 column 1	1	0	1	LW-RTD
Row 5 column 1	1	0	0	LW-RTD
Row 6 column 1	1	0	0	RTD
Row 7 column 1	1	0	0	RTD
Row 8 column 1	1	0	1	RTD
Row 9 column 1	1	0	0	RTD
Row 10 column 1	1	0	0	RTD
Row 11 column 1	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On

On Target: 30%

B-17 Damage: 13 Hits

Superficial x 6 (6)

Nose x 1

-bombardier and navigator, LW (4)

PC x 2

-window (10)

-pilot, LW (2)

Starboard Wing x 1

-superficial x 1 (1)

-#4 engine oil fire; engine out one fire extinguisher used (60)

Radio Room x 1

-superficial (1)

Tail x 2

-superficial (1)

-turret mechanism out (10)

Peckham Points: (95)

Repair Time: 0vernight

Landing: Safe at Fayid

	Bf-109	Fw-190	Totals
Encountered	5	6	11
Destroyed	2	0	2
Probable/Denied	2	0	2
Damaged	1	1	2
Escort Intercepts	0	0	0

Claims: 2

2nd Lt Patrick Kline 1 x Bf-109

Sgt Carlos Ramirez 1 x Bf-109

Casualties: 3

1st Lt Gerald Kong- right forearm grazed, treated and RTD

2nd Lt Patrick Kline-abdomen cut, treated and RTD

2nd Lt Gregory Nash-thigh cut, RTD 14th June 42

Award/ Promotions Requests:

PH:

1st Lt Gerald Kong

2nd Lt Patrick Kline

2nd Lt Gregory Nash



After Action report(using QOTS):


Kong could tell by the nervous energy of his crew that they were a little tense as they waited for the jeeps outside the briefing hut.

Some scratched itches that weren't there while others coughed periodically. And then there were the two clowns, M/Sgt Tony Russo, the crews engineer and waist gunner Sgt Carlos Ramirez, pretending to be mad at each other.

"You know Tony, I really like the sound you make when you shut up."

"What? I didn't hear you," replied Russo. "I was busy trying to imagine you with a personality."

"Isn't it a little dangerous to use all of your vocabulary in a single sentence?

"I'm going to slap you so hard, any kids you ever have will come out stupid."

"So that's what happened to you!"

As an amusing distraction as it was, thankfully two jeeps pulled up and they piled on and dropped off at their bombers hardstand.

Kong assembled the crew under a wind and addressed them.

"Alright, men. This is the real thing now, not some training exercise. Keep awake. Always be rubbernecking. Stay off the intercom unless you spot something, then sing out.

Communication is the key here. What positions are they attacking from and how many? Give Spence a heads up if a bandit is coming his way. Report damage.

And you all heard the Major. Let's not embarrass the Squadron. No matter what, let's give a good accounting of ourselves up there.

Now let's climb in and start this bird up."


Zone 1: Safe take off without incident.

Zone 2-10: Nothing to report.

Zone 11: (random event-bad Luftwaffe Comms) Our first enemy contact of the war saw a lone 109 type approach on our 6 H. Tail gunner Sgt Spence put a burst into the fighter and saw it immediately drop away (claim denied).

The flak started up and it scared the crap out of me. It felt kind of helpless to fly through it and not be able to shoot back or defend yourself.

Bombardier Kline took control and dropped about 30% on target.

INBOUND

We turned and continued through more flak that again was again thankfully ineffective. But no sooner had the flak stopped when we were set upon by three more 109's from 12 H, 3 level and high.

M/Sgt Russo in the top turret fired at the one at 3 H and saw pieces fly off. The fighter snapped off a wide burst and roared off. Ball gunner Ramirez took aim at the 3 level and at 300 yards fired a short burst that hit the fuselage. The front of the fighter burst into flames and plummeted to the ground.

The 12 H hit the tail and knocked out the tail gun turret drive system while his buddy at 1:30 hit our front window and a minor in the tail.

The fighters both circled and returned at the same positions where Lt Kline plastered the fighter, observing pieces flying off and the pilot bailing out. His chute was observed to open.

Zone 10-7: Nothing to report.

Zone 6: (mechanical failure) The oil transfer pump to the number 4 engine started to act up, and shortly after quit and so did number 4 as it caught fire. Thankfully we put the fire out on the first try.

But four 190 bounced us from 9 and 12 H, 10:30 level and another steeply diving from high above.

The 12 H put a hole in the starboard wing and swung around while the diving fighter was able to line us up for three hits that all failed to do much damage. The last 190 at 9:00 missed us and moved on to seek other targets of opportunity.

The other two returned at 9 and12 level with the one at 9 putting a single harmless round into us.

He tried one more attack from 1:30 where M/Sgt Russo damaged him enough to through off the pilots aim, and he quickly left the area.

Zone 5: Two 190 (12 level, 1:30 low) and a 109 (12 low) showed up to really give me a persecution complex.

Lt Kline pumped lead at the 109, the fighter fired a quick burst and just seemed to fall away (later denied). The 190 at 1:30 put one into the cockpit and the round splintered and tagged me in my right forearm. It stung, but I was alright and able to continue with some minor discomfort.

The 190 failed to score and left his buddy who decided to come back again at 1:30 where he managed to lightly wound Lt's Kline and Nash while adding a couple of minor hits in the aircraft.

He circled again but nothing came of it.

Zone 4-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We fired off red and yellow flares and came in for a safe landing at Fayid.



The ground crew are going over Sky Monster now and assure me that she'll be ready by morning, if need be.

The same for Lt Kline and myself, having been treated and released while Lt Nash gets to goldbrick for a couple of days and navigate his way with some nurses.



1st Lt Gerald "King" Kong, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B24D-CO-41-24310 CONSTANT MENACE
Pilot: 1st Lt Dominick Vega
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Low
Position Within Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 7 Feb 43
Mission Number: 033
Target: Cagilari, Sardina - Sea Plane Base

NAME/POSITION MISSION # TOTAL CLAIMS THIS MISSION STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Dominick Vega 8 0 0 RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Herschel McAlister 8 0 0 RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cal Sterling 8 0 0 RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Josh Ivers 4 1 0 RTD
Engineer M/Sgt Patrick Minter 6 1.5 0 RTD
Radio Op Sgt Mark Tate 7 0 0 RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Rod Brewer 7 1 0 RTD
PWG Sgt Marcus Burnham 9 1 0 RTD
SWG Sgt Cole Worden 24 2.5 0 RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll 24 4 0 RTD
Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 10 hits
Superficial x 2 (4)
Nose x 3
-superficial x 2 (4)
-bomb equipment destroyed (10)
Pilot's Compartment x 1
-window, no effect (5)
Port Wing x 1
-aileron inop (10)
Bomb Bay x 1
-control cables, no effect (5)
Waist x 1
-superficial
Tail x 1
-oxygen out, oxygen fire, 1 extinguisher used (45)
Peckham Points: 83
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE ENCOUNTERED CLAIMED PROBABLE DAMAGED INTERCEPTED
Bf-109 0 0 0 0 0
Bf-110 0 0 0 0 0
C-202 5 1 1 0 0
Fw-190 3 1 2 0 0
G-50 1 1 0 0 0
Re-2001 1 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 10 3 3 0 0
Claims: 1
M/Sgt Patrick Minter 1 x C-202, 1 x Fw-190 1 x G-50
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: We lifted off and formed up with the squadron without complications.
Zone 2-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Two waves came at us.
1st Wave-Three 202. A lot of ammo spent by both sides with nothing to show for it.
2nd wave-We were able to dissuade this wave with the help of others of the squadron.
The flak was light and we sailed through it, Sterling dropped 30% and cause a fair bit of damage below.
INBOUND
The flak again failed to find us, but the three waves of fighters tried to make up for it.
1st Wave-A G-50 at 12 H that was taken out by Minter (TT).
2nd Wave-A 2001 at 12 H and some 202's at 1:30 and 3 Lev. Ivers stopped the 1:30 (denied at interrogation) and Minter getting the other at 3:00. The Reggiane struck the nose area and circled back to walk hits all along us from 6 high, destroying our bomb sight, hitting the main window which held, striking some control cables in the bomb bay and starting an oxygen fire in the tail.
Driscoll managed to get the fire out as a third wave was again driven off by the squadron's defensive fire.
Zone 4: We dropped to 8,000 so Driscoll could breathe okay. But three 190 spotted us and moved in. Minter scored as he knocked off the one at 3 Lev. The 12 Level bandit hit us with four, one rendering the port wing aileron useless. As he swung around to our 6 Lev, an Ace at 3 H missed and circled to 12 H. Minter continued his banner day by ending the career of the Ace (denied at interrogation) and Brewer did likewise with the tail attacker (also denied).
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed okay despite the lack of the aileron.

1st Lt Dominick Vega, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B-17F Myassis Dragon Serial #B17F-5-BO-42-97291
Pilot: 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 11 May 43
Mission Number: 041
Target: Trapani, Sicily - Airfield

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick	9	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Dave Kulasinski	3	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Kent Maydock	9	4.5	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Troy Markland	1	0	0	LW
Engineer T/Sgt Ed Masaro	2	0	0	RTD
Radio Op S/Sgt Manny Rosario	23	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret S/Sgt Cliff Lockwood	9	3	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Don Nicolato	5	0	0	RTD
RWG Sgt Yiska Redhawk	7	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Jake Dunbar ACE	13	8.5	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 3 Hits
Nose x 1
-navigator LW (2)
Port Wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Tail x 1
-tailplane, no effect (5)
Peckham Points: 8
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	1

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Air Medal, 5 missions - Sgt Don Nicolato

After Action report(using QOTS):
Zone 1: Smooth take off and formed up.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: A 109 easily pushed through our weak escort and took a run at us. Both sides were charitable to each other as we couldn’t hit him and he couldn’t hit us.
The flak was a bit intense, but Maydock managed to put 20% on target. I can hear the Major’s complaining already.
INBOUND
The flak bracketed the ship hitting the nose and tail with a hole in the wing for good measure.
Our new navigator Markland, had his leg grazed by a piece of shrapnel but is otherwise okay.
A 110 tried to line us up, but a little friend chased him off.
Zone 6-2: Nothing to report

Zone 1: We landed safely. Other than Markland’s scratch and a couple of holes, it was a milk run.

1st Lt Rusty Wyrick, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Middle / Tail
Mission Date: 11 May 43
Mission Number: 041
Mission Target: Trapani, Sicily - Airfield

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	6	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	6	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Clark Newman	6	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	6	2	0	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	5	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	6	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jared Stanfield	6	1	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	6	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	6	3	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 1 Hit
Tail x 1
-tailplane, stbd elevator inop (10)
Peckham Points: 10
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 5

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	2	0	0	1	0
TOTALS	9	0	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

Air Medals for 5 missions: 2nd Lt Rod McLaren, T/Sgt Emmett Towns

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: No issues or incidents on takeoff and form up.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: At the target zone, two 110 came at us, but they just wasted ammunition as did we.
The flak was intense and we lost the rear right elevator to it, then McLaren missed anything target worthy and we turned for home.
INBOUND
Two 2001 attacked from 12 lev and 3 low. McLaren damaged the 12:00 buzzard before they decided to go elsewhere.
Zone 6: A 190 was driven off at 10:30 H by Stanfield. I guess the pilot was confused by his spray fire and figured that if Stanfield didn’t know where his bullets where going, neither did he and turned from hero of the Reich to coward of the county.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed fine despite one elevator being out.

What could have been a milk run turned into a second in a row disappointing mission.

I can hardly wait to hear the Old Man’s post mission lambast. His bomb blast will no doubt be more accurate than ours was.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B-17F 27BO-42-30013 LETHAL LADY
Pilot: 1st Lt Rusty Bennett
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - High / Middle
Mission Date: 11 May 43
Mission Number: 041
Target: Trapani, Sicily - Airfield

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Rusty Bennett	12	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ed Shanks	8	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Kirby Alston	7	3	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cole Langford	17	4	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Red Burstall	7	4.5	1	RTD
RO Sgt Brent Lawler	17	0	0	RTD
BT S/Sgt Mark Castillo	17	5	1.5	RTD
PWG Sgt Art Reece	13	0	.5	RTD
SWG Sgt Hal Cochran	17	0	0	RTD
TG S/Sgt Bud Scannell	7	5.5	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Nose x 1
-superficial (1)
Port Wing x 2
-superficial (1)
-outboard fuel tank leak, sealed (5)
Starboard Wing x 1
-main gear brake inop (10)
Peckham Points: 17
Repair Time: Overnight Routine Maintenance
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	2	0	0	1	1
C-202	4	3	1	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	6	3	1	1	1

Claims: 3
T/Sgt Red Burstall 1 x C-202 (achieves Ace Status)
S/Sgt Mark Castillo 1.5 x C-202
Sgt Art Reece .5 x C-202
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
DFC for Ace Status T/Sgt Red Burstall

After Action report(using QOTS):

We didn’t encounter any mishaps on takeoff and formed up. Our little friends showed up a little late but caught up to us with ease and the trip was quite boring until we arrived at the target zone.

Two 110 were all set to take us on but one ran afoul of our escorts, leaving the attacker at 12 low who had his aim thrown off by hits from Alston at the nose MG.

We sailed through the Flak and Alston did a lot of damage to the Airfield and some aircraft with about 30% on target.
INBOUND

We turned for home and the flak made life a little more interesting as shrapnel whizzed through Lady’s thin skin. We lost a bit of fuel to one hit, but those geniuses at Boeing had designed self-sealing tanks, and we weren’t forced to make any hard decisions.

After the flak the fighters waited and at first opportunity moved in. Two 202’s came in, two 202’s went down. Langford was denied at interrogation, but Reece and Castillo’s combined effort held up.

Two more appeared in the next zone with Burstall becoming an Ace when he took out one at 1:30 high and Castillo accounted for the other coming in at 9 level.

We were unmolested the rest of the way home, but as we touched down, we discovered that the port brake wasn’t operating. That caused a bit of drama but thankfully Eddie and I were able to handle it.

Upon inspection it was discovered that the hydraulic line had been severed, probably cut by flak.

Overall, we had a good outing. We hit the target, knocked down three fighters and Burstall became an Ace.

1st Lt Rusty Bennett, Lethal Lady, 80th BS

[medic1]

B-17F 27BO-42-30013 LETHAL LADY
Pilot: 1st Lt Rusty Bennett
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 28 May 43
Mission Number: 042
Target: Bologna Italy, Railyards

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Rusty Bennett	13	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ed Shanks	9	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Kirby Alston	8	3	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cole Langford	18	4	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Red Burstall	7	5.5	4	RTD
RO Sgt Brent Lawler	18	0	0	RTD
BT S/Sgt Mark Castillo	18	6.5	1	RTD
PWG Sgt Art Reece	14	.5	0	SW
SWG Sgt Hal Cochran	18	0	0	RTD
TG S/Sgt Bud Scannell	8	5.5	1	KIA

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
PC x 2
-superficial x 2 (2)
Port Wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Starboard Wing x 3
-superficial x 2 (2)
-wing root (25)
Bomb Bay x 4
-superficial (1)
-control cables, N/E (5)
-life rafts (10)
-life rafts, N/E (5)
Radio Room x 2
-superficial (1)
-radio (10)
Waist x 1
-PWG SW (5)
Tail x 3
-TG KIA (10)
-MG’s (20)
-stbd wing root (25)
Peckham Points: 123
Repair Time: 2 Days
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	4	0	1	0	0
C-202	6	2	1	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	4	1	0	0	0
Re-2001	6	4	0	0	0
TOTALS	20	7	2	0	0

Claims: 3
2nd Lt Kirby Alston 1 x Re-2001
T/Sgt Red Burstall 1 x C-202, 1 x G-50, 2 x Re-2001
S/Sgt Mark Castillo 1x Re-2001
S/Sgt Bud Scannell 1 x C-202
Casualties: 2
S/Sgt Bud Scannell, KIA – bullet penetrated brain
PH Sgt Art Reece, SW – broken rib and inflamed lung
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous S/Sgt Bud Scannell
PH Sgt Art Reece
DFC T/Sgt Red Burstall downing 4 E/A one mission

After Action report(using QOTS):

Zone 1: We took off in fine weather and achieved form up without any incidents.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: We were greeted by five 202’s who spread out to attack from around the clock. Alston dropped one at 12 H (denied) while Burstall took out one flown by a green pilot at 3 H, and Scannell swatted down another at 6 H.
The 12 Lev fighter put a hole in the cockpit and another in the starboard wing while a diving 202 some cables in the bomb bay and destroyed the radio (as I was rolling for where the plane was hit, I rolled a walking hits result. I used a rabbit’s foot and it became the RR. Out of curiosity, I rolled to see what damage would have occurred with the walking hits – nose MG out, CP SW and bombs detonated. Good call on the rabbit’s foot!).
Two fighters returned and Cochran hit the one at 3 Lev, which before it fell away (probable) its return fire hit the waist and killed Scannell in the tail. As we entered the flak field, I ordered Lawler to leave his now useless radio and remove Scannell body and take over his guns.
The flak was light stuff that missed us, and Alston put 30% onto the railyards.
INBOUND
After more light flak we ran into a hornet’s nest of 3 fighter waves.
1st Wave – Four G-50’s. Burstall sent the 9 H down in flames, but one at 3 H hit the empty bomb bay and hit the barrels of the tail MG’s, rendering them useless. He returned at 12 H and missed us.
The 9 H hit the port wing and then hits the rafts in the bomb bay twice. He returned at 12 H and hit the waist, severely wounding Reece. With the tail guns out I ordered Lawler to man his MG.
2nd Wave – Two 2001 at 12 H & Lo, a 202 at 1:30 Lev and an Italian 110 at 6 Lo. Alston’s fire caused the 12 Lo to explode in an angry black and orange fireball. Castillo sent the 110 away smoking (probable) but before it fell, it’s return burst hit the tailplane wing root and a couple of minor hits.
3rd Wave – Four 2001with an Ace at 12 Lev. Castillo ripped a wing off of one at 3 Lo while Burstall did the same to one at 9 H.
The Ace hit the right wing root and placed a superficial. He returned at 9 H where Burstall ended his flying career, his fourth of this mission.
Zone 7: We were jumped by three more Italian 110’s, but nothing came of it.
Zone 6-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We fired off flares and came in for a good landing.
Reece will be recuperating for a couple of weeks and will return on June 10th. Lethal Lady will be ready to go in two days.
The rest of the crew will be at the pub tonight toasting to the memory of Bud Scannell.

1st Lt Rusty Bennett, Lethal Lady, 80th BS

[medic1]

B-17F No Regrets Serial #5-BO-42-31125
Pilot: 1st Lt Jeff Burch
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: High / Middle
Mission Date: 5 June 43
Mission Number: 043
Target: Marsala, Sicily - Radar Installations

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jeff Burch	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Luke Carboniero	1	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Kirby Rutherford	1	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Don Daley	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Roy Kallnowski	1	0	0	RTD
Radio Op Sgt Roy Dalesandro	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Sean Hamilton	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Duffy Anderssen	1	0	0	RTD
RWG Sgt Dale Cook	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Larry Stewart	1	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 5 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Nose x 1
-bombarier & naviagators oxygen hit, N/E (5)
Starboard Wing x 1
-Aileron, N/E (5)
Bomb Bay x 1
-superficial (1)
Radio Room x 1
-radio (10)
Peckham Points: 22
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	0	0	0	2
Bf-110	3	1	0	0	1
C-202	7	0	0	0	3
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	12	1	0	0	6

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Larry Stewart 1 x Bf-110
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action report(using QOTS):
Zone 1: The crew was both nervous and excited to fly our first mission. Smooth take off and formed up without any problems or mishaps.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: The mission had been pretty quiet until we hit the target zone. We could see the fighters massing ahead and we had our share single us out with two waves of them.
1st wave – The defensive fire support we received from the others of the squadron drove off this wave.
2nd wave – Two 109 tried to take us down but a ballsy Lightning pilot took them both one. He knocked down one and was chasing his wingman when our attention was diverted to the flak bursting ahead.
For this virgin crew that stuff was terrifying! Daley later joked that he lost 5 pounds – all of it brown. I was told by many of the squadron that this was the heaviest flak that they’d ever experienced. We saw Myassis Dragon, who was ahead of us take a pounding from it
And it must have unnerved Rutherford as his salvo completely missed anything you could call target worthy.
INBOUND
If the flak was any lighter on the way out, I certainly couldn’t tell. A burst sent shrapnel into the empty bomb bay and also destroyed our radio.
It was almost a relief when we saw the fighters return. Almost. Three waves attacked No Regrets.
1st wave – Three 110 with one failing to notice a P-38 on his tail. The other two came in at 12 Lo and 10:30 Lev with a green pilot at the stick. Neither hit us, but as the 12:00 flew past the tail. Stewart jumped all over him, his fire raking the wing and engine which exploded and blew off the wing section and sent Goering’s Goons spiraling to their doom miles below.
Myassis Dragon reported that they had a fuel leak and had to bail out. As we watched the crew exit and counted the chutes, we watched in horror as one figure jumped from the waist window and collided with the tailplane, the body tumbling out of control. His chute never opened.
2nd wave – Five Italian 202 ganged up on us with only one getting chased off by a little friend.
One coming in at 12 H hit the oxygen controls for both Rutherford and Daley, but it continued to function. The fighter tried again from 9 Lev but failed to do further damage.
Another 202 at 10:30 Lev hit us in the airframe and right-wing aileron and he also failed to add to his damage on a return pass.
3rd wave – Two more 202’s that were energetically engaged by our escorts.
Zone 6-2: Nothing to report

Zone 1: Maybe our nerves were a bit strung out as Carboniero and myself set No Regrets down hard (I rolled a 3), but we had returned safely and pretty intact.

But we have our first one out of the way, even if our bombs failed to hit the target.

Here’s hoping for a better result next time out!

1st Lt Jeff Burch, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 5 June 43
Mission Number: 043
Mission Target: Marsala, Sicily – Radar Installations

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	8	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	8	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	7	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Clark Newman	8	0	1	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	8	3	0	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	7	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	8	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jared Stanfield	8	1	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	8	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	8	3	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 9 Hit
Nose x 1
-nav equipment destroyed (10)
Flight Deck x 2
-TT MG’s out (20)
-radio inop (10)
Port Wing x 1
-#2 engine out and feathered (35)
Bomb Bay x 1
-doors, N/E (5)
Waist x 1
-superficial (2)
Tail x 3
-oxygen system hit, N/E (5)
-tail plane, superficial (2)
-oxygen system inop (10)
Peckham Points: 99
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 10

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	5	1	0	1	2
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	5	0	1	0	2
TOTALS	10	1	1	1	4

Confirmed Claims: 1
2nd Lt Clark Newman 1 x C-202
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

Special Mention in dispatches - 2nd Lt Clark Newman

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: No issues or incidents on takeoff and form up.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: At the IP the Italian’s greeted up with five of their 2001’s. P-38’s tangled with the ones at 6 and 9 (Ace) high and Newman got one flown by a new pilot at 1:30 H, which was later denied. The 3 H bandit hit the Bomb bay doors and the #2 engine, and we quickly had to shut it down and feather the prop. The pilot was about to make a second pass when he himself fell to a P-38.
The flak was the heaviest we’ve ever experienced and hit the ships oxygen controls, that continued to flow despite the hit, the tailplane area and destroyed Newman’s nav equipment.
With all of this chaos happening, McLaren managed to concentrate on his job and planted 30% of our bombs onto their radar installation. I wonder if they saw it coming?
INBOUND
The flak was a little lighter, but not by much and sent shrapnel into the waist and striking the ships oxygen again, this time knocking it out.
Five 202 added to our misery with two engaged by escorts, and Newman’s popgun damaging another at 10:30. That pilot had some steel nerves as he pressed his attack regardless and took out Morrell’s top MG’s. He was chased off by a P-38 before he could do further damage.
A diving 202 then destroyed our radio and returned to try again from 10:30, and Newman left no doubt that he shot it down as his tracers clearly impacted the it, causing the fighter to explode.
Zone 6: It was becoming hard to breathe and we were forced to fall out of formation. With no radio and our nav gear gone, we were more than a little nervous.
We kept the formation in view as long as we were able to. Using dead reckoning, Newman’s best guesses and dumb luck, we headed on the last heading that the squadron was observed to be on.
Zone 5-2: We somewhere along the way had a little friend drop in. Flying close enough to use hand signals, we were able to indicate our lack of radio and navigation. He in turn signaled to follow him and led us to within sight of Maison Blanche.
He wagged his wings and peeled off. I hope we run into him in the bar to show our gratitude.

Zone 1: We were a happy bunch as we landed safely.

We took some licks, but we gave some as well. Dangerous Critter will be patched up by our grumbling ground crew and ready for the next one.
I am going to request that Lt Newman be mentioned in dispatch’s, at the very least for his actions today. He shot down one fighter, had one denied and damaged one, plus, without any navigation gear somehow kept us on course until a friendly found us and guided us home.

He’s drinking for free tonight. So is that Lightning pilot, if we find him.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Low / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 9
Mission Date: 10 July 43
Mission Number: 044
Mission Target: Palazzolo, Sicily - Fortifications

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	9	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	9	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	8	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Clark Newman	9	0	1	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	9	3	0	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	8	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	9	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jared Stanfield	9	1	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	9	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	9	3	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 1 Hit
Tail x 1
-superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 2
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 13

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	0	0	0	2
Bf-110	6	0	1	0	4
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	5	0	0	0	5
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	13	0	1	0	11

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: Our Take off was without any mishaps and we climbed to altitude and headed out once the squadron had formed up.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: Our first opposition was two 110 who decided to try and ruin our day. An Ace started his approach from 10:30, but a lightning forced him into a dogfight and McLaren Dropped the other coming in at 12 Lo (denied at interrogation).
Zone 9: Enemy fighters were plentiful in the target area, three waves keying on Dangerous Critter.
1st wave-A green 109 pilot at 3 Lo and a 110 at 1:30 Lo were both chased off by escorts.
2nd Wave-A single 109 (12 H) also failed to push past our Little Friends.
3rd Wave-Two 190 fanned out and started to line us up, but four lightnings dropped in to tag team them both, swatting one down.
The flak put a small hole in the tail area, but that was as close as anything came to us. McLaren called “Bombs Away” and we estimated about 20% on target.
INBOUND
We came out of the flak field to the Axis welcoming committee of three more waves.
1st Wave-A 190 and a 110 who were chased off by P-38’s.
2nd Wave-Another 190 lone wolf who ran into a pack of Lightning’s and turned tail.
3rd Wave-We were able to conserve our ammo again as our escorts chased off three more 190.
Zone 8: Two 110 took their chances to come through our fighter screen, one losing his gamble.
The other broke off without a shot as Stanfield (PWG) spray fired and filled the sky with lead. Guess he figured that if Stanfield didn’t know where his bullets were going, neither did he and bugged out.
Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: Safe at Maison Blanche.

Thanks to the fantastic fighter support of the Lightnings, this was a milk run.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B-17F No Regrets Serial #5-BO-42-31125
Pilot: 1st Lt Jeff Burch
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 9 Aug 43
Mission Number: 045
Target: Messina, Sicily – Highways and Bridges

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jeff Burch	3	0	0	KIA
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Luke Carboniero	3	0	0	KIA
Bombardier 2nd Lt Kirby Rutherford	3	0	1.5	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Don Daley	3	0	0	POW
Engineer T/Sgt Ed Masaro	5	2	.5	KIA
Radio Op Sgt Roy Dalesandro	3	0	0	KIA
Ball Turret Sgt Sean Hamilton	3	0	0	KIA
PWG Sgt Duffy Anderssen	3	0	0	POW
RWG Sgt Dale Cook	3	0	0	KIA
TG Sgt Larry Stewart	3	1	0	KIA

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-17 Damage: Too Much to Handle
Pilot’s Compartment x 1
-BIP
Peckham Points: Off the Scale
Repair Time: Nada
Landing: In little bitty pieces all over the surrounding area

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	3	1	0	0	2
Fw-190	7	1	0	0	6
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	2	0	0	8

Confirmed Claims: 2
2nd Lt Kirby Rutherford 1 x Fw-190, .5 x C-202
T/Sgt Ed Masaro .5 x C-202
Casualties: 8
Navigator and PWG – POW
Rest of Crew - KIA
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
PH Posthumously:1st Lt Jeff Burch, 2nd Lt Luke Carboniero, 2nd Lt Kirby Rutherford, T/Sgt Ed Masaro, Sgt Roy Dalesandro, Sgt Sean Hamilton, Sgt Dale Cook, Sgt Larry Stewart
POW: 2nd Lt Don Daley, Sgt Duffy Anderssen

After Action report(using QOTS):

On the bomb run No Regrets was observed to have a flak shell burst inside the cockpit area that almost severed the front section from the rest of the aircraft. As the plane fell out of control, only two chutes were observed to deploy.

Reported by 1st Lt Duncan Brewster, Pilot/Angel in De Skies, 79th BS

[medic1]

B-17F ANGEL IN DE SKIES 5-BO-43-31747
Pilot: 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low / Middle
Mission Date: 9 Aug 43
Mission Number: 045
Target: Messina, Sicily – Highways and Bridges

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Duncan Brewster	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Janowski	1	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Del Rossetti	1	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Corby	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Drew Dunson	1	0	1	RTD
Radio Op T/Sgt Simon Cassidy	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Frankie Arellano	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt John Thompson	1	0	0	KIA
RWG Sgt Jeff Lang	1	0	0	SW/IH
TG Sgt Tom Welch	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 3 Hits
Pilot’s Compartment x 1
-pilot & co-pilot’s heat out (10)
Waist x 1
-PWG KIA, SWG SW (12)
Tail x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 23
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	0	0	0	2
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	4	1	0	1	3
Re-2001	2	0	0	0	2
TOTALS	9	1	0	1	8

Confirmed Claims: 1
S/Sgt Drew Dunson 1 x G-50
Casualties: 2
Sgt John Thompson, KIA. Shattered ribs and ruptured lung
Sgt Jeff Lang, SW. Cracked temporal bone.
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
PH Posthumous Sgt John Thompson
PH Sgt Jeff Lang

After Action report(using QOTS):
We were a nervous and excited crew to finally get into our first mission. We had poured over Angel in De Skies for days helping the ground crew get her ready for her first mission.
Zone 1: The crew was both nervous and excited to fly our first mission. Smooth take off and formed up without any problems or mishaps.
Zone 2-8: Aircraft performed well without any Gremlins.
Zone 9: The low squadron attracted a lot of attention as we saw hordes of Goering’s Goons wing towards us and make their strafing runs. We had three waves single us out;
1st Wave-A diving 109 tried his luck but some P-38’s chased him off.
2nd Wave-Deterred by the squadron’s formation fire.
3rd Wave-Four Eye-tie G-50’s that were whittled down to two after coming through our Little Friends.
Rossetti caught a piece of one at 12 H and as he broke off presented a fine target to Dunson and his turrets twin fifties. He fired several bursts and the Fiat made a steep climb, rolled over and headed earthward, the pilot bailing out. His chute was seen to open.
We then experienced the horrors and reality of war as the second fighter came in at 9 Lev. Although Arellano caught a piece of him, the pilot showed his grit and continued his attack. His fire hit in the cockpit destroying the heating system to it and ended Thompson’s life while severely wounding Lang in the waist.
 The gutsy Eye-tie swung back for another run but was picked off by our escorts.
 The fighter’s cleared off as the flak started popping off. We found it terrifying and were jostled around a hit in the tail.
 Then we saw No Regrets beside us take a burst in the cockpit, her front section twisted, almost falling off as she immediately started to fall in flames. Only two men managed to get out and deploy their chutes.
Somehow through it all Rossetti was able to concentrate on his job and placed about 30% on target.

INBOUND

If the flak was any lighter on the way out, I certainly couldn’t tell. We came through it to another three fighter waves.
1st Wave-A 109 and a 110. Both chased off by P-38’s.
2nd Wave-A diving Re-2001 who didn’t check his six and fell to a Lightning strike.
3rd Wave- Another diving 2001 who also failed to make it past our little friends.
Zone 8: As it grew colder and colder in the cockpit, we had no choice and signaled the squadron that we were falling out. Some little friends stayed with us until we were well away from land.
Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Landed safely at Maison Blanche.
We were bloodied on our first mission, but we gave back as well. Sadly, I’m sure that this crew will experience more losses as time goes on. Will any of us make it to 25 missions?
1st Lt Duncan Brewster, Pilot Commanding, Angel in De Skies, 79th BS

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: High / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 10
Mission Date: 10 July 43
Mission Number: 045
Mission Target: Messina, Sicily – Highways and Bridges

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	10	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	10	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	9	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Clark Newman	10	1	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	10	3	1	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	9	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	10	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jared Stanfield	10	1	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	10	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	10	3	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 4 Hits
Superficial x 1 (2)
Starboard Wing x 1
-wing root (25)
Tail x 2
-superficial (2)
-MG’s inop (20)
Peckham Points: 49
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 12

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	8	1	1	0	3
Bf-110	3	0	0	0	3
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	1
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	12	1	1	0	7

Confirmed Claims: 1
T/Sgt James Morrell 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal for 10 missions: 1st Lt Franklin Marks, 2nd Lt Ted Masini, 2nd Lt Clark Newman, T/Sgt James Morrell, Sgt Burl Whitmore, Sgt Jared Stanfield, Sgt Carl Dixon, Sgt Drake Nolan

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: Our Take off was without any mishaps and we climbed to altitude and headed out once the squadron had formed up.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: We could see the enemy fighters massing ahead. They roared in to attack as we reached the IP, two waves singling us out.
1st wave-An Ace led five 109 towards us, but our fighters stepped in and took on three of them including the Ace. Morrell snapped a wing off one at 1:30H while a cagy pilot dove at such an angle no one had a shot at him. Maybe he was worried about our escorts as he failed to hit us and was gone.
2nd Wave-Three 110 came in next and they also failed to push past our Little Friends.
The flak put some holes in us, knocking out the tail guns with a second minor hit to tail area, and another striking the starboard wing root.
McLaren called “Bombs Away” and we estimated about 30% on target.
INBOUND
The flak was less accurate on the way out, and one clear of it we had three 109 and a 190 challenge us. The 190 was shooed away by a P-38 and McLaren was able to take out a 109 at 12 level (denied at interrogation) while we took a hit from another at 12 H, We came calling again at 3 H but all that happened was the wasting of ammo.
Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: Safe at Maison Blanche.

The P-38’s did another fine job of keeping most of the Germans and Italians away, allowing us to concentrate on hitting the target. Another good outing, although the ground crew is grumbling about having to work deep into the night to patch up Dangerous Critter.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, Dangerous Critter, 78th BS

[medic1]

B-17F 27BO-42-30818 SALVO SAL
Pilot: 1st Lt Patrick Morrell
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 9 Aug 43
Mission Number: 045
Target: Messina, Sicily - Highways/Bridges

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Patrick Morrell	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Seth Goode	1	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Travis Costa	1	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Bart Ramirez	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Craig Hickman	1	0	0	RTD
RO T/Sgt Trent Joyner	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Harley Cross	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jeremy Stone	1	1	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Cody Mathis	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Mario Russo	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 3 Hits
Nose x 1
-port MG inoperable (10)
Port Wing x 1
-aileron inop (10)
Tail x 1
-tailplane. N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 25
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	3	1	0	0	1
Fw-190	3	0	0	0	2
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	6	1	0	0	3

Claims: 1
T/Sgt Craig Hickman 1 x C-202
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

After Action report(using QOTS):

Zone 1: Take off and formed up.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: Our first taste of the war came in the form of three Italian 202 fighters. Escorts chased off one and Hickman sent anther down in flames. The last 202 made a quick ineffective pass and moved on somewhere else.
The flak started up and found its range as we saw Lethal Lady’s wing blown off and she dropped with only one man able to escape the centrifugal effects of the spiraling wreck. Then Salvo Sal shook as our port aileron was blasted off followed by a superficial hit to the tailplane area.
Through all of it Costa somehow kept a cool head and placed 20% of our payload on target.
INBOUND

We came out of the flak without further damage and had two 190 come at us. One was intercepted by a P-38 and the other attacked head-on rendering the port cheek MG useless. He came back again at 9 level but Stone used the spray fire tactic and scared him off.
Zone 8: A lone wolf 190 tried to line us up but fell to one of our little friends.
Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Safe at Maison Blanche.

Overall, we could call this a successful mission. Could have done without watching the crew of Lethal Lady buy the farm, but I’m sure that they won’t be the last I see fall.

1st Lt Patrick Morrell, Salvo Sal, 80th BS

[medic1]

Some of you may have noticed amongst the spare pool some famous names. I researched Hollywood stars who served in WWII, and while most hadn’t started acting before or during the war, they did serve. At the end of the AAR I’ll post a short description of the seven men’s service.

B-17F ROUNDTRIP JACK

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Stewart
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: High / Middle
Mission Date: 19 Aug 43
Mission Number: 046
Target: Foggia Italy - Airfield

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Stewart	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Jackie Coogan	1	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Tom Armstrong	1	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Ralph Tommasi	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Jake Taylor	1	0	0	RTD
Radio Op S/Sgt Charleton Heston	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret T/Sgt Paul Newman	1	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt Clark Gable	1	0	0	RTD
RWG Sgt Walter Matthau	1	0	0	LW
Tail Gunner Sgt Charles Bronson	1	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 50%
B-17 Damage: 3 Hits
Nose x 1
-superficial (1)
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Waist x 1
- RWG LW (2)
Peckham Points: 23
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	0	1	0	0
Bf-110	2	1	0	0	0
C-202	1	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	4	1	1	0	0
TOTALS	9	2	2	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 1
T/Sgt Paul Newman 1 x Bf-110
Sgt Charles Bronson 1 x Re-2001
Casualties: 1
Sgt Walter Matthau LW-Torn Bicep RTD 9 Sept 43
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
PH Walter Matthau

After Action report(using QOTS):
Major Tolliver was turning an angry shade of purple.
“No f**king chance! There’s no way in hell I’m clearing either of you to fly this mission - Or any other!”
“Now, Major . . .” Stewart drawled. “We joined up to fight and serve our country. Just think of the publicity for yourself and the air core,”
“I AM! I can see me getting put up against a wall and shot if anything were to happen to either of you.”
“Major, I can pick up that phone and go over your head.” Gable said in a friendly manner. “But why don’t we just keep everyone else out of it. As Jimmy said, we joined up to serve, not appear on posters.
“No.”
Stewart and Gable exchanged smiles and nodded to each other.
“Time to bring out the heavy stuff. Are you married, Major?”
“What does that have to do with this?”
Gable sat down on the Majors desktop as if he were talking to an old friend.
“Say, I bet your little lady is quite the movie fan. How about, Jimmy and I arrange for the Missus to travel to Hollywood for a couple of weeks.? All expenses paid.”
“And,” Stewart added, we’ll see to it that she is personally escorted around tinsel town, given a tour of the studios and watch how movies are made.”
“Not to mention being introduced to stars and starlets.” Gable jumped in again. “Imagine the letter you’ll get from her telling you of the party’s that she attended, the big names that she danced with. Don’t you want your wife to have some happiness during all the rationing and hardship that the folks at home are facing, Major?”
“It too risky. I can’t allow it.”
“I’ll throw in a years’ worth of movie passes for her.” Stewart offered.
Tolliver grew silent and feruled his brow.
“I’ll add a year as well.” Said Gable.
Tolliver began drumming his fingertips loudly on the desk.
“Are you saying that our lives are worth more than any other man under your command, Major?” Stewart asked.
“Choose your crew from the spare pool.” Tolliver sighed in resignation.

Zone 1: We took off without any mishaps or incidents and formed up
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: Axis fighters were plentiful and gleefully swarming in as they didn’t have to muscle their way past any of our little friends.
The 1st Wave was beaten back by formation fire, but a careless SOB put a 50-cal round through our nose compartment, thankfully missing anyone or thing.
The next wave had two 109 (10:30 Lev and 12 (ACE) Lev with a 110 tagging along at 10:30 Low. That kid on the nose MG nailed the Ace (denied at interrogation) and everyone else traded shots without anything to show for it.
Flak started bursting black clouds around us, but it was all off the mark. Armstrong kept a cool head and pounded the airfield with about 50% of our bombs on target. I’m going to have to get Jane Russell or Rita Hayworth to send him an autographed picture!

INBOUND

We came through more inaccurate flak to the hungry fighters. A 110 made a climbing attack, but Newman sent him falling in flames.
Shortly after, five Italian Re-2001’s came in, separated and came in from five different angles. Armstrong bagged his second at 12 H (also denied) while that Bronson kid in the tail ripped the wings off of another at 6 H. After that, things just kinda petered out.
Zone 8: A single 202 caused us a bit of trouble as he rendered our right aileron useless and wounded Matthau in the waist section. His second attack didn’t bare any fruit and he left the area.
Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We signaled that we had wounded aboard, letting off a red flare. Our landing was a bit sloppy (I rolled a four), but we kept the plane intact and taxied to our hardstand.

1st Lt Jimmy Stewart, Pilot Commanding

Charles Bronson enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1943 and served as a tail gunner on B-29’s as a tail gunner. Bronson managed to survive the “airman’s coffin,” taking part in 25 missions 

Jackie Coogan was made a flight officer, and was a glider pilot. He flew British troops, the Chindits, under General Orde Wingate on March 5, 1944, landing them at night in a small jungle clearing 100 miles (160 km) behind Japanese lines in the Burma Campaign.

Clark Gable was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He flew five combat missions, including one to Germany, as an observer-gunner in a B-17 between May 4 and September 23, 1943, earning the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts. During one of the missions, Gable's aircraft was damaged by flak and attacked by fighters, which knocked out one of the engines and shot up the stabilizer. In the raid on Germany, one crewman was killed and two others were wounded, and flak went through Gable's boot and narrowly missed his head.

Charlton Heston joined the military in 1944 at the age of 21 and served two years as a radio operator and aerial gunner on a B-25 Mitchell.

Walter Matthau Matthau saw active service as a radioman-gunner with the Eighth Air Force in Great Britain, crewing a B-24. He was with the same 453rd Bombardment Group as James Stewart. He flew missions across to continental Europe during the Battle of the Bulge. He ended the war with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Paul Newman qualified himself as a radioman and gunner. I read that he was also training as a pilot, but he was found to be color blind and disqualified.

Jimmy Stewart was sent to England as part of the 445th Bombardment Group, to pilot a B-24 in November 1943 (Sorry Ken, but the 79th only flies the 17). He took part in 20 important missions, was promoted to major following a mission to Ludwigshafen, Germany, on January 7, 1944 and was awarded the DFC for actions as deputy commander of the 2nd Bombardment Wing.

[medic1]

B-17F ANGEL IN DE SKIES 5-BO-43-31747
Pilot: 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low / Middle
Mission Date: 19 Aug 43
Mission Number: 046
Target: Foggia Italy - Airfield

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Duncan Brewster	2	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Janowski	2	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Del Rossetti	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Corby	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Drew Dunson	2	1	2	RTD
Radio Op T/Sgt Simon Cassidy	2	0	.5	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Frankie Arellano	2	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Curtis Mansfield	1	0	0	LW
RWG S/Sgt Tony Mazzini	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Tom Welch	2	0	2.5	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 1 Hit
Waist x 1
- PWG LW (2)
Peckham Points: 2
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Clancy Yates (average, mod =0)
Landing: Safe

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	5	3	0	1	0
Bf-110	4	2	1	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	5	1	1	0

Confirmed Claims: 5
Sgt Tom Welch 1 x Bf-109, 1.5 x Bf-110
T/Sgt Drew Dunson 2 x Bf-109
T/Sgt Simon Cassidy x .5 x Bf-110
Casualties: 1
Sgt Curtis Mansfield LW-Abdomen grazed. RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
PH Sgt Curtis Mansfield

After Action report(using QOTS):
Zone 1: We took off in fine weather without any mishaps or incidents and formed up, taking the number 9 slot as Lt Massar and crew of Maximum Effort volunteered to take our spot as Tail End Charlie.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: We saw our reception committee of Goering’s Goons wing towards us and break off into groups to make their strafing runs. We had two waves single us out, and this time we didn’t have any little friends along. The Axis must have been smacking their lips as they dove at us.
1st Wave-Five 109 came at us and the intercom came alive with the crew calling out fighters attacking from around the clock, 12 Lev (Ace), 1:30, 3 and 6 H with the last one diving at such an angle that no one could get a bead on him.
Cassidy spray fired at one at 6 H and forced him to break off into Tommy Welch’s bursts that hit the wing roots. It caught fire and immediately went into a vertical dive.
The 109 coming at 1:30 hit the waist section and caused Mansfield some discomfort grazing his belly. That pilot came calling again at 12 H but ran into Dunson’s withering fire, scoring hits on the wing root and fuselage. The fighter started to smoke heavily and the pilot popped his canopy and bailed out safely.
2nd Wave-One 190 at 10:30 H with two 110 at 6 H and the other attacking from below. Welch fired a burst at the 6 H, scoring direct hits on the 110 which exploded in a bright fireball. Arellano pumped rounds into the climbing 110 and it left trailing heavy black smoke.
The other fighters missed and cleared off and then the flak filled the sky. This flak wasn’t as bad as our first time, but it must have given Rossetti the jitters as he completely missed doing any damage to the airfield.
INBOUND
We came through more flak to the waiting fighters. A 110 made a climbing attack with another coming in at 6 H.
Arellano knocked some pieces off of the climber. He returned fire, missed and bugged out. Cassidy spray fired at the 6H, his burst was observed to cause the 110 to wobble and shutter. As it turned off smoking, Welch put another long burst into him, the end of the wing came off and the fighter fell away.
Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Even though Mansfield had been wounded, he said that it was just a scratch and insisted that we let other planes with ‘real wounded’ aboard take priority.
When our turn came, we landed safely and taxied to our hardstand.
While the Major willed be pleased with our improved gunnery, I’m sure that he will be pretty vocal about our missing the target.

1st Lt Duncan Brewster, Pilot Commanding, Angel in De Skies, 79th BS

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 11
Mission Date: 19 Aug 43
Mission Number: 046
Mission Target: Foggia. Italy - Airfield

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	11	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	11	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	10	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Clark Newman	11	1	0	SW/IH
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	11	4	0	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	10	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	11	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jared Stanfield	11	1	0	KIA
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	11	0	0	LW/RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	11	3	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 11 Hits
Superficial x 3 (6)
Nose x 1
-Nav KIA (10)
Port Wing x 3
-superficial (2)
-#1 engine, superficial (20)
-brake out (10)
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial (2)
Bomb Bay x 1
-bomb release (10)
Waist x 1
-PWG KIA, SWG LW (12)
Tail x 1
-Stbd Rudder, N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 67
Repair Time: Good teamwork on repairs. Repairs completed overnight
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Greg Ralston (good, mod base =1+1/2 earned today)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 10

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	4	0	2	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	4	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	0	1	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	0	2	1	0

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 3
2nd Lt Clark Newman-SW. Broken Rib &Inflamed Lung. IH
Sgt Jared Stanfield KIA. Ruptured Intestines
Sgt Carl Dixon LW. Chest Grazed. RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH 2nd Lt Clark Newman, Sgt Carl Dixon
PH Posthumously Sgt Jared Stanfield
Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal for 10 missions: 2nd Lt Rod McLaren, T/Sgt Emmett Towns

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: Our Take off was without any mishaps and we climbed to altitude and headed out once the squadron had formed up.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: We could see quite the gaggle of enemy fighters massing ahead. They roared through our ranks with impunity, taking advantage of our lack of escorts. Somehow, we managed to escape their attention until they broke off their attacks when the flak started bursting about.
The flak was all wide of us and allowed McLaren to concentrate on salvoing his bombs, walking the explosions across runways, parked planes and maintenance sheds. We estimated about 30% on target.
INBOUND
Unfortunately, the flak proved a bit more accurate on the way out, with two bursts finding our range. The #1 engine was hit but continued to function fine, the other hit and seriously wounded navigator Newman. McLaren did his best to do what he could for him and making him comfortable when the flak stopped and enemy fighters swarmed in, targeting us as if to make up for leaving us alone as we came in.
1st Wave – (190 12 H, 2 x 109 1:30 & 3 Lev) Morrell damaged the 190 while we missed the others and they all did likewise.
2nd Wave – (4 x G-50 @ 12, 3 & 9 H, 9 Lev) We had trouble tagging these buzzards, but they seemed a tad more determined to hit us. The 3 O’clock hit the bomb bay area (we would find out after landing and completing an inspection that they had damaged the bomb release). He made another pass but missed on it.
9 H placed a superficial hit in the airframe and port wing. His second pass put another two holes again in the airframe and the starboard wing, just to balance things out. His third pass missed.
9 Lev damaged the starboard rudder, a superficial, knocked out the port landing brake (as we discovered on landing) and grazed Dixon’s face but ended Stanfield’s life with a shot to his stomach.
3rd Wave – (190 12 H, 2 x 109 1:30 & 3 Lev) Dixon spray fired at the 3 Lev and nailed him while Morrell dropped the 190 (but at interrogation both fighters were awarded to other crews).
Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1:

Over Maison Blanche we fired off red flares and took our turn in the priority landings. As we touched down, we had an anxious moment as we discovered the port brake was out. But Masini and myself were able to keep control and we made our way to our hardstand and the waiting ambulance.
We lost Stanfield and Newman will be sent to the States after sometime in the base hospital. Dixon was cleared for duty with a facial scar that has a story now.
T/Sgt Ralston and his crew chief did good work overnight repairing Dangerous Critter. Just in time for the Major’s training flights. Yippee.
1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS

[medic1]

B-17F 27BO-42-30818 SALVO SAL
Pilot: 1st Lt Patrick Morrell
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 19 Aug 43
Mission Number: 046
Target: Foggia, Italy - Airport

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Patrick Morrell	2	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Seth Goode	2	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Travis Costa	2	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Bart Ramirez	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Craig Hickman	2	1	0	RTD
RO T/Sgt Trent Joyner	2	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Harley Cross	2	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt Jeremy Stone	2	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Cody Mathis	2	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Mario Russo	2	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 0 Hits
-radio room MG jam
Peckham Points: 10
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Mike Novak (average, mod rating 0)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	1	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	1	0	0	0
G-50	1	0	0	1	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	4	2	0	1	0

Claims: 1
2nd Lt Travis Costa 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Harley Cross 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

After Action report(using QOTS):

Zone 1: Take off and formed up.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: A G-50 at 6H tried to interfere with us. Joyner jammed his MG firing at him, but Russo damaged him enough to throw off his aim and he scurried away.
The flak was ineffective and Costa was able to tune it out and hit the target, about 30% of his drop landed about the airfield and various buildings and sheds.
INBOUND

The flak wasn’t any more accurate as we made our way to the rally point. Fighters appeared and singled us out as their target of choice (190 12 H, 109 1:30 & 3 Lev). Costa proved to be just as accurate with his MG as his bombsite, setting the 190 ablaze and forcing the pilot to bail out. Cross also flamed one at 3:00. This pilot didn’t get out.
Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Safe at Maison Blanche.

A successful mission and a milk run to boot! Wish they all could be this easy so I could get my 25 in and go home.

1st Lt Patrick Morrell, Salvo Sal, 80th BS

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: High  / Lead
Missions This Bomber: 12
Mission Date: 10 Sept 43
Mission Number: 047
Mission Target: OPERATION AVALANCHE - Salerno, Italy - Ground Support

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	12	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	12	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	11	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Cousins	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	12	4	1	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	11	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	12	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jeff Taliaferro	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	12	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	12	3	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 1 Hit -superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 1
Repair Time: Good teamwork on repairs. Repairs completed overnight
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Greg Ralston (good, mod base =1+1/2 earned today)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 6

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	6	2	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	6	2	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 2
T/Sgt James Morrell 1 x Fw-190 (archives Ace status)
Sgt Drake Nolan 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Marks assembled the crew under the wing of Dangerous Critter. He wasn’t a man who gave pep talks, but he felt that today it was warranted. Strictly for the benefit of the two new crewmen.
“Listen up. You all heard in the briefing that that our fighter screen is going to be on the lean side today. So stay vigilant. Call out if you see anything. Communication can be the difference between coming home or buying the farm.
The flak is expected to be light, but it can be scary as hell for someone experiencing it for the first time, Dix and Mac are there to help you new guys through it if need be.
Cousins, you’ve got some responsibility for your first mission. We’re leading the squadron. I expect you to be on your game guiding us to the target. Keep me informed if we fall behind on our schedule or if I need any course corrections.
Let’s get it done. Mount up.”
Zone 1: Our Take off was without any mishaps and we climbed to altitude. Assuming the lead, we led the squadron out over the Med.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: We were greeted by six 190 (12 H/Ace, 12 H, 10:30 & 9 Lev, 6 H, VD-b/Green) that seemed pretty stirred up. The Italians having left the fight and adding pressure to the Germans dwindling manpower resources must have really gotten to them.
Nolan (TG) shot the prop off of the 6 H. As the fighter slowed and started to drop, the pilot managed to get out and open his chute.
Somehow, Cousins and his .30 popgun hit the Ace. Even though he was hit, the Ace put a hole into us, but Morrell became an Ace himself as he hammered back and Germany lost another of her Sons.
The others all missed and bugged out as flak began bursting all over the sky.
McLaren was steady and put 20% down onto the Jarhead positions and we made our turn towards the rally point.
INBOUND
As we left the flak field the fighters came calling, but none singled us out and we led the squadron homewards unmolested.
Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed safely. This was pretty much a milk run with one small hole in the air frame. It appears that Ralston and his ground crew will be knocking off early tonight.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS

[medic1]

A couple of days ago I had volunteered Salvo Sal for the lead. I played the mission this morning and after my notoriously slow & miserable typing skills had pounded out the AAR, I came on to post. Then I noticed that the lead had been given to someone else. That's what I get for assuming.

So having already played and written the report, I decided not to replay the mission but instead just removed the references as to being the lead. The extra fighters for attacking the lead are still included.

B-17F 27BO-42-30818 SALVO SAL
Pilot: 1st Lt Patrick Morrell
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - Low / Middle
Mission Date: 10 Sept 43
Mission Number: 047
Target: OPERATION AVALANCHE - Salerno, Italy - Ground Support

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Patrick Morrell	3	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Seth Goode	3	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Travis Costa	3	1	0	LW/RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Bart Ramirez	3	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Craig Hickman	3	1	3	LW/RTD
RO T/Sgt Trent Joyner	3	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Harley Cross	3	1	1.5	RTD
PWG Sgt Jeremy Stone	3	0	1.5	RTD
SWG Sgt Cody Mathis	3	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Mario Russo	3	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 28 Hits
Superficial x 19 (19)
Nose – bombardier LW (2)
PC – TT LW, window, N/E, cables N/E (12)
Port Wing – wing root (25)
Starboard Wing - #2 oil tank fire/1 extinguisher, brake out, wing root (95)
Tail – autopilot out (10)
Peckham Points: 163
Repair Time: 4 Days
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Mike Novak (average, mod rating 0)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	1	0	0	0
Bf-110	5	2	1	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	18	4	2	0	2
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	26	7	3	0	3

Claims: 7
T/Sgt Craig Hickman 1 x Bf-109, 2 x Fw-190
Sgt Harley Cross .5 x Bf-110, 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Jeremy Stone .5 x Bf-110, 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Mario Russo 1 x Bf-110
Casualties: 2
2nd Lt Travis Costa LW, Neck grazed – RTD
T/Sgt Craig Hickman LW, Shoulder cut - RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH 2nd Lt Travis Costa
PH T/Sgt Craig Hickman
DFC T/Sgt Craig Hickman for destroying 3 E/A

After Action report(using QOTS):

Zone 1: After takeoff we had an issue with #3 engine running rough. But it smoothed out and we formed up.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: Two 110 (12 H, 9 Low) came in with designs to take us out. It was easy to see that both were flown by inexperienced pilots with one falling to a little friend. The other wasn’t savvy enough to avoid our gunners fire and walked right into their tracers. Both Stone and Cross lit him up and each received a half claim.
Zone 9: Coming up to the IP we were greeted by a swarm of fighters that tag teamed Salvo Sal in three waves.
1st Wave – three 109 (12 H,1:30 H & 9 Lev) Hickman (TT) turned the 9:00 into a Roman Candle while the 1:30 fired into the nose and grazed Costa’s (BOMB) neck. He said that he was fine and was okay to stay at his post. That fighter returned and missed, as did the buzzard at 12:00
2nd Wave – Three 190 (10:30, 12 & 1:30 H) A P-40 chased off the 1:30, but 10:30 put four into us, the worst of it cutting Hickman’s shoulder. He also said that he was good to continue manning his MG’s. The fighters cleared out and the next wave came in.
3rd Wave – Six 190 (2@12 H, 1:30, 3, 6 & 9 H) split up and came in from around the clock. Even with the 6:00 getting chased off things weren’t looking good. We battled their repeated attacks until the flak opened up and chased them off, taking 11 hits in the process (note: I rolled straight sixes every time for the fighters and mostly ones & twos for the gunners!)
Cockpit control cables, wing root and the autopilot all took hits. The #2 oil tank was set on fire but we were able to extinguish it. During this exchange, Russo (TG) knocked down a 190.
With the flak popping off, Costa opened the bay doors and took control. That’s when we found out that the autopilot had been rendered useless. Russo figured that he’d give it a go and did he. Somehow, he placed 30% on target! (A six finally rolled in my favor).
INBOUND

The flak was still of the light variety and wasn’t any more accurate as we made our way to the rally point. Fighters appeared and singled us out as their target of choice again in three waves:
1st Wave – Driven off by formation fire.
2nd Wave – Three 190 (12 H, 6 Lev [Ace] & 9 Low). Stone (PWG) set one on fire, the pilot bailing out. But he opened his chute as he jumped and his chute caught fire, the pilot dropped like a rock. Russo (TG) tagged another (denied at interrogation) that returned fire damaging the right-wing root and the brake. More on that later.
3rd Wave – Four more 190 (2 @ 12 H,1:30 & 3 Lev). Hickman (TT) nailed his second of the mission while Mathis (SWG) tagged another (denied). The 1:30 buzzard hit us and came back at our 6 H where Hickman clocked him a good one for his third of the mission. The last fighter hit us three times but failed to add to his damage on a second pass.
Zone 8: Five more 190 (12 H, 10:30 Lev [green], 9 Lev [green], 6 H and VD). Russo (TG) splashed one on our 6 (denied) for the only noteworthy bit from this attacking wave.
Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: As we circled the field, Cross (BT) reported that we had what looked like hydraulic fluid leaking out of the starboard wheel well. The gear dropped down so we either had enough to do so or the brake line was cut. We fired off a yellow flare followed by a red and when we touched down, we found that it was the brake that was out. We managed to keep control (rolled an 8-3=5) at guided Salovo Sal to her hardstand. Safe at Maison Blanche.

(S/Sgt Novak and his ground crew would do some great work getting Salvo Sal ready for duty in 4 days)

1st Lt Patrick Morrell, Salvo Sal, 80th BS

[medic1]

B-17F ANGEL IN DE SKIES 5-BO-43-31747
Pilot: 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 9 Sept 43
Mission Number: 047
Target: OPERATION AVALANCHE - Salerno, Italy - Ground Support

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Duncan Brewster	3	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Janowski	3	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Del Rossetti	3	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Corby	3	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Drew Dunson	3	3	0	RTD
Radio Op T/Sgt Simon Cassidy	3	.5	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Frankie Arellano	3	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Curtis Mansfield	2	0	0	RTD
RWG S/Sgt Tony Mazzini	2	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Tom Welch	3	2.5	2	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 5 Hits
Superficial x 3 (3)
Starboard Wing x 2
-aileron,no effect (5)
-flap, inoperable (10)
Peckham Points: 18
Repair Time: Overnight (Excellent work by ground crew. =1 mod added on for next mission)
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Clancy Yates (average, mod =1)
Landing: Safe

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	2	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	5	1	1	1	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	7	2	1	1	0

Confirmed Claims: 2
Sgt Tom Welch 1 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-110
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0


After Action report(using QOTS):
The crew was abuzz with the news that Italy has thrown in the towel. The major part of the conversation was about their Armed Forces contribution to ousting the German’s and if we would run into any Fanatics of their Air Force who refused to cease hostilities.
The other hot topic was about those sleek new B-17’s we saw waiting to be assigned a crew. Boy, could we ever use that extra firepower in the nose to help with those head on attacks! But we are a new crew with only two missions to our credit, so the chances that we’ll get assigned one is slim at best.
Oh well, time to get our third mission under way.
We took off in fine weather without any mishaps or incidents and formed up.
Everything was pretty quiet until the IP and Goering’s Goons swarmed in for their pound of flesh. Two 110 split up and then came in at 6 Lev and 9 Low, with Welch (TG) hitting the 6:00 with a burst from 200 yards, the starboard engine exploding in clouds of black and white smoke. Two of the crew bailed out.
The flak put a couple of holes in the tail and port wing, but nothing serious. Rossetti (Bomb) managed to put 30% on target to lift that monkey off of our backs and we turned for home.
INBOUND
The flak missed us and five 190 (12 H-green, 12, 1:30, 3 6 and 9 H) moved in after we were clear of it.
Welch knocked down his second, scoring hits on hit the engine and cockpit that caused the pilot to jettison his canopy and bail out. Mansfield (PWG) took out the 9 H, but this was denied at interrogation.
The second 190 at 12 H nailed our starboard wing three times, blowing off the flap and hitting the aileron and a superficial. He returned at 12 Lev but failed to hit us and moved on.
After that, Little Lulu reported that she was leaving formation and Pride of Cincinnati moved back to take her place as TEC. We assumed the lead as Sand Storm reported that she was falling out shortly after taking over from Vengeance Queen, and we led the rest of the squadron home without any further action against us.

We landed without any drama and after shutting down, S/Sgt Yates and his crew went to work effecting repairs to get our girl ready for the next mission.

1st Lt Duncan Brewster, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS

[medic1]

B-17F 27BO-42-30818 SALVO SAL

Pilot: 1st Lt Patrick Morrell
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - High / Lead
Mission Date: 19 Sept 43
Mission Number: 048
Target: La Spezia Italy, Harbor Facilities

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Patrick Morrell	4	0	0	KIA
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Seth Goode	4	0	0	KIA
Bombardier 2nd Lt Travis Costa	4	1	0	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Bart Ramirez	4	0	0	POW
Engineer T/Sgt Craig Hickman	4	4	2	KIA
RO T/Sgt Trent Joyner	4	0	0	KIA
Ball Turret Sgt Harley Cross	4	2.5	0	KIA
PWG Sgt Jeremy Stone	4	1.5	0	POW
SWG Sgt Cody Mathis	4	0	0	KIA
Tail Gunner Sgt Mario Russo	4	1	0	POW

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-17 Damage:
BIP – Starboard Wing sheared off
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	1	0	0	0
Bf-110	5	2	1	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	18	4	2	0	2
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	26	7	3	0	3

Casualties: 7 KIA
1st Lt Patrick Morrell, 2nd Lt Seth Goode, 2nd Lt Travis Costa, T/Sgt Craig Hickman, T/Sgt Trent Joyner, Sgt Harley Cross, Sgt Cody Mathis
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous - 1st Lt Patrick Morrell, 2nd Lt Seth Goode, 2nd Lt Travis Costa, T/Sgt Craig Hickman, T/Sgt Trent Joyner, Sgt Harley Cross, Sgt Cody Mathis 

After Action report(using QOTS):

Salvo Sal was the squadron lead and appeared to be doing okay. They had a wave of fighter’s attack and knocked down two, but heavy flak got their range and blew off the starboard wing. Only three of the crew were able to get out. 

Reported by a member of the 80th BS 

Weeks later, the Red Cross would report that 2nd Lt Bart Ramirez, Sgt Jeremy Stone and Sgt Mario Russo had been captured and taken prisoner.

[medic1]

B-17F ANGEL IN DE SKIES 5-BO-43-31747
Pilot: 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low / Middle
Mission Date: 19 Sept 43
Mission Number: 048
Target: La Spezia Italy, Harbor Facilities

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Duncan Brewster	4	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Janowski	4	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Del Rossetti	4	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Corby	4	0	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Drew Dunson	4	3	1	RTD
Radio Op T/Sgt Simon Cassidy	4	.5	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Frankie Arellano	4	0	2	RTD
PWG Sgt Curtis Mansfield	3	0	0	RTD
RWG S/Sgt Tony Mazzini	3	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Tom Welch	4	4.5	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-17 Damage: 0 Hits
Peckham Points: 0
Repair Time: Overnight Routine Maintenance
Landing: Safe

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	3	0	0	0
Bf-110	2	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	4	2	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	9	6	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 6
2nd Lt Del Rossetti 1 x Fw-190
2nd Lt Gus Corby 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Drew Dunson Bf-109
Sgt Frankie Arellano 1 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-110
Sgt Tom Welch 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action report(using QOTS):
 We took off in fine weather without any mishaps or incidents and formed up.
Goering’s Goons (12 & 1:30 Lev, 3 Low, 9 H) in 190’s greeted us at the IP and the fight was on. Rossetti took on the 12:00 and hit the wing roots, the fighter rolled over and dropped earthward with the pilot bailing out. Arellano sent concentrated fire towards the 3:00, hitting him head on in the engine and wing and watched him spin out of control. The pilot trapped by the spin and unable to get out.
The other two missed and we returned the favor. But a diving 109 wasn’t so lucky as Dunson’s fire slammed into it and the 109 exploded from the back of the engine and above the starboard wing root. It turned over on its back and spun out of control with long flames trailing.
The flak started to burst about and boy was that ever some heavy stuff! But as bad as it was, nothing found us and Rossetti plopped 40% on target and we turned for the rally point with harbor facilities exploding and ablaze in our wake.

INBOUND

The flak was much lighter and again missed us. A 110 climbed to the attack as soon as we were clear of it, but Arellano wasn’t having any of it. His burst shattered the canopy and struck the cockpit and wings. The 110 appeared to fall flat towards the ground, tail down.

Another wave of two 109 (10:30 Lev-Ace & 12 Lev) and a 110 (10:30 Low) came in with Corby’s popgun knocking the spinner off of the Aces plane and Welch became an Ace himself, tagging the 12:00 as it passed the tail. The 110 missed and bugged out.

Things quieted down for us after that and we landed safely at Maison Blanche.

S/Sgt Yates and his crew are happy about the lack of damage and will have an easy time to get our Angel ready for the next mission.

1st Lt Duncan Brewster, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 13
Mission Date: 19 Sept 43
Mission Number: 048
Mission Target: La Spezia Italy, Harbor Facilities

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	13	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	13	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	12	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Cousins	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	13	5	1	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	12	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	13	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jeff Taliaferro	2	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	13	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	13	4	1	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: 3 Hits
Superficial (2)
Port Wing x 1
-superficial (2)
Bomb Bay x 1
-doors inoperable (10)
Peckham Points: 14
Repair Time: Repairs completed overnight
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Greg Ralston (good, mod base =1+1/2)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 6

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	7	2	0	1	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	7	2	0	1	0

Confirmed Claims: 2
T/Sgt James Morrell 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Drake Nolan 1 x Bf-109 (archives Ace status)
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

DFC Sgt Drake Nolan - Ace Status

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Taliaferro, Dixon and Nolan were stowing their gear and settling themselves down in the waste section, awaiting the takeoff.
“I tell yah Drake, I’ve got a bad feeling. Unlucky mission 13.” Dixon griped to the tail gunner. “I should have gone on sick leave.”
“I bet you hate black cats, too.”
“13, man! I tell you, somethings going to throw a monkey wrench into this one.”
“HEY! What’s that?!” Taliaferro, Dixon’s new waist gun partner said excitedly as he pointed towards the tail gun cabin.
“What?” Dixon and Nolan turned to look. “I don’t see anything.”
“I thought I saw a gremlin giving you a raspberry.” And Taliaferro laughed.
“I hate you, Jeff.”
Zone 1: Our Take off was without any mishaps and we climbed to altitude.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: We were greeted by four 109 (12 Low, Lev, H/Ace, 12 H, & 9 Lev/Ace).
Nolan (TG) snapped a wing off of the 12 H Ace on a passing opportunity and became an Ace himself with the victory. The German Ace managed to bail out.
Two of the remaining fighters failed to hit us and evaded our gunners fire and moved on, but the third one, another Ace put rounds into fuselage, port wing and bomb bay area. He came back for another try but didn’t add to the damage
The flak scared off any other would-be attackers until we were clear of it on the way out. I had given control over to McLaren (BOMB) who reported that the bomb bay doors wouldn’t open. I sent Morrell (ENG) down to see if he could crank them open, but to no avail.
There was nothing we could do but ride it out with our payload intact.
“The doors’ won’t open Skipper.” McLaren called over the intercom.
The crew listened as Morrell was sent down to the bomb bay and see if he could crank the doors open, but that hope was soon dashed.
“I told yah guys that somethin’ bad was gonna happen, didn’t I?” Dixon stated glumly.
“I can see that gremlin again, Dix. He’s thumbing his nose at you.”
INBOUND
As we left the flak field the fighters came calling, but none singled us out and we led the squadron homewards unmolested.

Zone 6: I ordered Cousins to radio the squadron and tell them why we were leaving formation. We had a lone 109 that happened to come across us and he attacked from 12 H. Morrell caught a piece of him and he decided that he didn’t want to press the issue.
"Pilot to crew. We can’t keep up with the squadron, thanks to our unwanted passengers that refused to leave. Cousin’s, radio the squadron and give them a situation report and tell them that we’re going to have to go it alone. Everyone else, keep your heads on a swivel and watch for bogey’s.”
“This just keeps better an’ better. I shoulda joined the Navy.” Dixon muttered.
“Hey, Dix,” Nolan called out. “Me and your gremlin were just talking about you. He says to tell you to piss off!”
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed safely, although it was pretty dicey considering. Ralston and his groundcrew immediately went to work, insuring me that the Critter will be ready to go by tomorrow.

“What a crappy way to earn a living!”
“Cheer up Dix. At least you chalked up another mission. You’re one closer to going home.”
“Oh come on Nolan. Don’t tell me that you think that any of us are going to survive this and get home.”

“No, I don’t. And that’s why I drink. Now let’s get the interrogation over with so I can get to the bar, stick a wick down my nose and become an alcohol lamp.”

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B-17F PREFERRED RISK 27BO-42-102673

Pilot: 1st Lt Emmett Markland
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - High / Lead
Mission Date: 19 Sept 43
Mission Number: 048
Target: La Spezia Italy, Harbor Facilities

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Emmett Markland	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Tom Shelby	1	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dan Zatorsky	1	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Matt O'Connell	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Doug Tasker	1	0	0	RTD
RO S/Sgt Al Boychuk	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret S/Sgt Rick Larimer	1	0	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Buck Strong	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Cole Swanson	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Askook Loneclaw	1	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-17 Damage: 0 Hits
Peckham Points: 0
Repair Time: Overnight Routine Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Mike Novak (average, mod rating 0)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	2	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	0	0	0	0	0

Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action report(using QOTS):

This was one of those missions played where every roll went my way, starting with the 12 I rolled for the ground crew mission prep

Zone 1: We weren’t happy about losing that new 17G that we flew over from the States. Going through the preflight we had serious misgiving as we noted the wear on this F model. But we had a fine takeoff and formed up without any gremlins appearing.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: Our first sighting of the enemy started the adrenalin pumping, but we were passed over by the fighters until they scattered when the flak started up (rolled #36). We were introduced to the horrors of war as we saw the squadron lead, Salvo Sal take a flak hit that removed her wing. Only three chutes were spotted.
The flak was a scary thing to suffer through and left on with a helpless exposed feeling with nowhere to hide. Nothing hit us but there were a couple of close ones. Somehow Zatorsky managed to keep his head through it all and dropped for 30%, nailing many ground targets about the harbor.
INBOUND
We braved more flak and were met by two 110 once clear of it. Zatorsky continued to have a banner day as he took on one at 12 low and scored a decisive knockout punch. The other Jerry traded shots with O’Connell and Larimer but that was a draw.
Zone6-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We made a fine landing and by the time we had parked at our hardstand we were starting to think that this B-17F was a lucky bird and were viewing her in a different light.

1st Lt Emmett Markland 80th BS

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Low / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 14
Mission Date: 20 Oct 43
Mission Number: 049
Mission Target: Rome, Italy - Railyard

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	14	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	14	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	13	0	0	LW
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Cousins	3	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	14	6	0	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	13	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	14	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jeff Taliaferro	3	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	14	0	0	SW/IH
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	14	5	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 6 Hits
Superficial X 1 (2)
Nose x 2
-superficial (2)
-nose gunner LW (2)
Waist x 2
-swg SW (5)
-pwg suit heat (10)
Tail x 1
-tailplane empennage (25)
Peckham Points: 46
Repair Time: Repairs completed overnight
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Greg Ralston (good, mod base =1+1/2)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 6

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	8	2	0	0	1
Bf-110	2	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	1	0	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	17	3	0	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 4
T/Sgt James Morrell .5 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-109, 1 x Bf-110
Sgt Drake Nolan 1 x Bf-109
2nd Lt Gus Cousins .5 X FW-190
Casualties: 2
2nd Lt Rod McLaren, LW – torn vastus. RTD 27 Oct 43
Sgt Carl Dixon, SW/IH – severe neck laceration
Award/ Promotions Requests:

DFC Sgt Drake Nolan - Ace Status

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: Our Take off was without any mishaps and we climbed to altitude.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: We were greeted by three waves of fighters as we gained the target zone.
1st Wave – A diving 190 that was chased off by a little friend.
2nd Wave – Four 109 (12 H-Green, 3 H-Ace, 9 H & Lev) came in with the Ace turning off to dance with an escort. Morrell claimed the 9 H and Nolan took out another as it passed him from 12 H.
3rd Wave – Three 190 (10:30, 12 & 1:30 H) The Jerry’s were smart as they spread out knowing that at least one of them would be unopposed by our guns. The 12:00 cut and ran as McLaren filled the sky around him with tracers and the other two were just plain poor shots, as were we.
The flak was brutal and we took three hits, two of them wounding Mac and Dixon, who was the worse off of the two. I had Cousins get Dixon to the radio room and make him as comfortable as he could. Mac, despite his pain said that he was good enough to stay at his bomb-sight, and when it came time managed to put 20% on target.
INBOUND
More flak with a minor hit to the nose section. After we were clear of it, another three waves of fighters took runs at us.
1st Wave – One 190 (12 Lo) and three 109 (12 Lev & H, 10:30-Green). Again, the Jerry attack formation was used to take advantage of the deficiencies of the D models lack of fields of fire. Still, Cousins managed to damage a 109 off the port nose. Thankfully, nothing else hit on this wave.
2nd Wave – a 109 (3 Lo) with a 110 (10:30 Lo). The 110 put one into the air-frame and also destroyed the controls to Taliaferro’s suit heat. He quickly plugged into Dixon's vacate controls and continued manning the waist guns. The 110 tried again at 9:00 but Morrell set him on fire and the crew bailed out.
3rd Wave - A 190 (10:30 H) and another 110 (in a climbing attack). The 110 missed and Morrell damaged the 190 and possibly through off the pilots aim.
Zone 7: We encountered another three 190 (12 & 1:30 H, 3 Low-Green) with the green rookie falling to an escort while Morrell and Cousins teamed up on the 1:30. Mac scared off the other with some spray fire.

Zone 6-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: Firing off red flares, we landed safely when it was our turn in the priority line.
Mac will be fine in a week or so, but Dixon’s wound gets him a ride home.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding

[medic1]

B-17F ANGEL IN DE SKIES 5-BO-43-31747
Pilot: 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: High / Middle
Mission Date: 20 Oct 43
Mission Number: 049
Missions This Bomber: 5
Target: Rome, Italy - Railyard

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Duncan Brewster	5	0	0	LW/RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Janowski	5	0	0	LW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Del Rossetti	5	1	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Corby	5	1	1	LW
Engineer S/Sgt Drew Dunson	5	4	1	RTD
Radio Op T/Sgt Simon Cassidy	5	.5	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Frankie Arellano	5	2	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Curtis Mansfield	4	0	0	RTD
RWG S/Sgt Tony Mazzini	4	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Tom Welch	5	5.5	2	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 9 Hits
Superficial x 3 (3)
Nose x 1
-navigator LW (2)
PC x 1
-pilot LW (2)
-co-pilot LW (2)
Bomb Bay X 1
-superficial (1)
Tail X 2
-Superficial (1)
-port tailplane root (25)
Peckham Points: 36
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	4	0	1	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	9	6	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 4
2nd Lt Gus Corby 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Drew Dunson 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Tom Welch 2 x Fw-190
Casualties: 3
1st Lt Duncan Brewster, leg cut. RTD
2nd Lt Mark Janowski, torn flexor. RTD 10 Nov 43
2nd Lt Gus Corby, torn flexor. RTD 27 Oct 43
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
PH 2nd Lt Mark Janowski
PH 2nd Lt Gus Corby
DFC S/Sgt Drew Dunson, Achieved Ace Status
AM - 1st Lt Duncan Brewster, 2nd Lt Mark Janowski, 2nd Lt Del Rossetti, 2nd Lt Gus Corby, S/Sgt Drew Dunson, T/Sgt Simon Cassidy, Sgt Frankie Arellano, Sgt Tom Welch

After Action report(using QOTS):
Zone 1: The weather was against us, but we managed to takeoff without any mishaps or incidents and formed up.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: Herr Goering’s Goons came roaring in (12 H-Green Pilot, 3 Lev & H) and took issue with us. Dunson (TT) became an Ace as his tracers slammed into the 190. The stricken fighter immediately turned over and dived towards the ground below. The 3 H took a measure of revenge by wounding Janowski and myself and the tailplane root. He called again from 12 Lev where Rossetti (nose) damaged the fighter whose pilot then missed and moved on.
The 3 Level put one into the airframe, but when he returned at 1:30, Corby (Stbd Cheek) hit him and he flipped over and dropped towards the ground trailing heavy black smoke.
The flak was some of the most intense that we’ve experienced. We somehow came through it and Rossetti’s dropped insured that the trains below would not be running on time.
INBOUND
The flak was again kind as all missed us despite wreaking havoc around us.
Four 190 (12 Lev, 1:30 Lev-Ace, 3 Lo & 9 H) moved in after we cleared it trying to make up for it. Welch was on the ball as he jumped over a couple of fighters passing by from 12 & 1:30, taking them both out. The 3 Lo wounded Corby, swung around and hit twice again, then returned a third time but missed us and called it a day.
Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Popping off red flares, we landed when it was our turn.

Janowski will have some time off to heal and Colby will have a week to goldbrick as well. My leg is sore but I can manage. Nothing a couple of stiff drinks won’t cure.

Maybe next time the President wants to tell the Germans where and when we plan to be, he can ride along.

1st Lt Duncan Brewster, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS

[medic1]

B-17F PREFERRED RISK 27BO-42-102673

Pilot: 1st Lt Emmett Markland
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position - Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 20 Oct 43
Mission Number: 049
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Rome, Italy – Railyards

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Emmett Markland	2	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Tom Shelby	2	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dan Zatorsky	2	1	0	LW/RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Matt O'Connell	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Doug Tasker	2	0	1	RTD
RO S/Sgt Al Boychuk	2	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret S/Sgt Rick Larimer	2	0	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Buck Strong	2	0	0	LW/2 wks
SWG Sgt Cole Swanson	2	0	0	LW/2 wks
Tail Gunner Sgt Askook Loneclaw	2	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 8 Hits
Nose x 1
-bombardier LW (2)
PC x 1
-window, (5)
Port Wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Bomb Bay x 1
-bombs, no effect (5)
Radio Room x 1
-radio out (10)
Waist x 2
-swg LW (2)
-pwg, LW (2)
Tail x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 28
Repair Time: Overnight 
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Mike Novak (average, mod rating 0)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche. Ground crew does good work. Crew Chief earns ½ mod point
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	1	0	0	0
Bf-110	3	1	0	1	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	7	2	0	1	0

Casualties: 3
2nd Lt Dan Zatorsky LW – cut thigh. RTD
S/Sgt Buck Strong LW – torn
Sgt Cole Swanson LW – torn neck muscle. RTD 3 Nov 43
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH 2nd Lt Dan Zatorsky
PH S/Sgt Buck Strong
PH Sgt Cole Swanson

After Action report(using QOTS):

Zone 1: We took off in inclement weather but we had no issues doing so and formed up.

Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.

Zone 8: Thanks to a Presidential order to warn the citizens of Rome of our intention to bomb their railyard and seek shelter, the Luftwaffe was waiting for us and the flak was concentrated.

Even though the middle squadron is the generally thought of as the safest place in the group, we still came under attack from a wave of three 110 (12 Lo, 10:30 Lev & 6 Lo). Loneclaw (TG) took off some feathers of the buzzard on our six which must of help throw off his return fire and he disappeared into the clouds below.

The 10:30 was made of better stuffed and walked hits along the length of our ship, wounding Zatorsky and Swanson, cracking the main window, destroyed our radio and a heart stopping hit to the bombs. Swanson reported that he had neck pain that restricted quick jerky movements but he would remain at his gun (I imposed a -1 penalty to any die roll) and Zatorsky said that he was okay with a burning cut to his thigh. The 110 returned at 6 H and was turned into a fireball by Tasker’s twin fifties.

The expression “flak thick enough to walk on” was a very apt description of what was thrown at us. We took a hit in the wing and Strong was wounded as well. He said that he would remain at his gun but he had leg pain and stood at his post “doing the flamingo,” as he put it.

Between the intense flak, the lousy weather and his wound, Zatorsky missed the target. We hoped that he didn’t break the President’s promise to not bomb any historical landmarks or harm noncombatants.

INBOUND

The flak was a hair less severe after we had turned and made our way to the rally point. But the fighters were beyond awaiting us and a 190 (12 Lo) and three 109 (12 Lev, 12 H-Ace & 10:30 Lev) rushed in as soon as we had cleared the flak.

The only thing that came of this was Loneclaw sending the German Ace spiling to earth in flames as he was passing the tail from a failed head-on attack.
Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We fired off some red flares and landed in dreary weather that matched our mood as we landed. 

Three wounded with our two waist gunners requiring a couple of weeks of light duties and a missed target. 

Oh, what a lovely war . . .

1st Lt Emmett Markland 80th BS

[medic1]

B-17F ANGEL IN DE SKIES 5-BO-43-31747
Pilot: 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Mission Date: 31 Oct 43
Mission Number: 050
Missions This Bomber: 6
Target: Antheor France - Bridge

NAME/POSITION	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Duncan Brewster	6	0	0	LW/RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Clayton Bishop	1	0	0	LW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Del Rossetti	6	1	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Corby	6	2	0	LW
Engineer S/Sgt Drew Dunson	6	5	1	RTD
Radio Op T/Sgt Simon Cassidy	6	.5	0	RTD
Ball Turret Sgt Frankie Arellano	6	2	.5	RTD
PWG Sgt Curtis Mansfield	5	0	0	RTD
RWG S/Sgt Tony Mazzini	5	0	.5	RTD
TG Sgt Tom Welch	6	7.5	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Superficial x 3 (3)
Pilot's Compartment X 1
-pilot LW (2)
Peckham Points: 5
Repair Time: Overnight
Landing: Safe

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	5	3	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	6	3	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 3
2nd Lt Del Rossetti 1 x Bf-109
S/Sgt Drew Dunson 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Frankie Arellano .5 x Bf-109
S/Sgt Tony Mazzini .5 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
1st Lt Duncan Brewster, leg cut. Treated & RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH 1st Lt Duncan Brewster
AM – 1st Award: Sgt Curtis Mansfield, S/Sgt Tony Mazzini

After Action report(using QOTS):
Zone 1: In gloomy weather and a slick runway, we managed to takeoff without any mishaps or incidents and formed up.
Zone 2-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: Three of Goering’s Goons singled us out at the IP. Rossetti through up a curtain of fire towards a 190 at 12 H. the pilot broke off without a shot. A 109 coming in at 3 level faced another wall from the team efforts of Arellano and Mazzini, the pilot bailing out as he started to drop, trailing smoke and flames. The other 109 at 1:30 level, perhaps unnerved by the fall of his fellow thugs just snapped off a wide burst and dove away.
The flak was some of the lightest stuff that we’ve seen in awhile, and we sailed through it without a scratch. Rossetti found a hole in the soup below and dropped 30% to ensure that parts of that bridge were going to cause a problem to cross safely.
INBOUND
The flak was still light stuff and inaccurate, missing us again.
Another three 109 (12 Lev, 12 H & 1:30 Lev-Ace) and our gunners greeted them again with hails of lead.
Rossetti concentrated fire on the 12 Lev, the 109 exploded in clouds of black and white smoke from a hit on its engine and it nosed ground wards, the flames seen briefly as it fell into the clouds and disappeared.
Dunson fired several bursts at the 12 H and the fighter was engulfed in flame. It flipped over and dropped towards the ground.
But that Ace was made of better stuff, evading our fire and hitting us three times, the worst of it wounding me in the leg for the second time in two missions. Not satisfied with that, he came again (1:30 Lev) and put another hole into us. He made a third run, but it didn’t net him any results and he moved on.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: I chose not to pop off a red flare as my wound was just a scratch and I didn’t want to be given priority ahead of a crew that’s need was greater. We landed when it was our turn.
I was treated and released for duty. The ship is being tended to by S/Sgt Yates and his crew and they say that she’ll be ready to fly by tomorrow.

1st Lt Duncan Brewster, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS

[medic1]

B24D-CO-44-40382 DANGEROUS CRITTER
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: High / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 15
Mission Date: 31 Oct 43
Mission Number: 050
Mission Target: Antheor France - Bridge

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	15	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	15	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Rod McLaren	14	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Gus Cousins	4	.5	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt James Morrell	15	8.5	1.5	RTD
RO T/Sgt Emmett Towns	14	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Burl Whitmore	15	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Jeff Taliaferro	4	0	.5	RTD
SWG Sgt Carl Dixion	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Drake Nolan	15	6	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 6 Hits
Waist x 1
-tunnel gunner’s heat out (10)
Peckham Points: 10
Repair Time: Repairs completed overnight
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Greg Ralston (good, mod base =1+1/2)
Landing: Safe at Maison Blanche
E/A Encountered: 6

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROB/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	5	3	1	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	7	3	1	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 3
T/Sgt James Morrell 1.5 x Fw-190
Sgt Drake Nolan 1 x FW-190
S/Sgt Jeff Taliaferro .5 x FW-190
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:

OLC (2nd awarded) for 15 missions - 1st Lt Franklin Marks, T/Sgt James Morrell, Sgt Burl Whitmore, Sgt Drake Nolan
No promotions awarded

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: The weather was on the German’s side, but we took off into the wild gloomy yonder and formed up without any mishaps with the exception of the lead, Sweet Pea, who experienced an engine problem and had to jettison her payload to stay in front and lead.
Zone 2-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: The German’s must really be enjoying our lack of escorts as they split up and maneuvered to begin their attack run on their chosen targets.
1st Wave – Two 190 (12 Lev & 1:30 Lo). Both fighters were poor shots and we didn’t take any damage. But the crew was communicating well and Nolan was alerted to the 190 passing his tail from 1:30 and snapped his wing off.
2nd Wave – Two 109 (1:30 H & 9 Lev). Cousins dueled with the 1:30 and thought that he gave the better of it, as the fighter appeared to have some difficulty and dove into the clouds to escape. It’s a probable at best.
The flak was light, but it still took its toll as we witnessed Penny Arcade explode from a direct hit to the bomb bay. Those guys never had a chance. McLaren extracted a little revenge by finding a break in the clouds and did some damage to the road and bridge below.

INBOUND

The flak was still light and it all burst well away from us. But three 190 waited for us beyond it (10:30, 12 & 1:30 H). Morrell’s tracers hit the 1:30 head on and the fighter’s prop flew off, the pilot bailing out safely.
The 12:00 evaded our fire and knocked out the Whitmore’s heat at the tunnel gun. Coming back for more at 9 H where Weyburn and Morrell lit him up and shared the claim.
The 1:30 escaped without doing any harm.
Zone 5: Whitmore was starting to really feel the cold and I felt that we had little chance of encountering any fighters. I had Towns radio the squadron that we were leaving the formation and we dropped down and leveled out at Angels 8.

Zone 4-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed safely. All told, this was a milk run. After interrogation we busied ourselves getting ready for our move to the Italian mainland.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding