Medic1 - Multiple squadrons

[medic1]

B-17G VICIOUS VIXEN 5-BO-44-22727

Pilot: Capt. Dan Shantz
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 3 Feb 45
Mission Number: 092
Missions This Bomber: 30
Target: Berlin, Germany - Gas, Water, and Electricity Plants

CREW	Mission #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot Capt. Dan Shantz	38	0	0	LW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt David Shaw	11	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Lesniak	25	3.5	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Kassel	19	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	25	8.5	0	RTD
Radio Operator T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	25	0.5	.5	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostnaro	25	9	0	RTD
PWG Sgt John Karic	13	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Duncan Markland	19	1.5	.5	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	24	5	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 7Hits

Nose x 1
-superficial (1)
Pilot’s Compartment x 2
-pilot wounded (2)
-window, N/E (5)
Port Wing x 2
-#1 engine out (40)
-aileron, inoperable (10)
Starboard Wing x 1
-inboard fuel tank leak, sealed (5)
Tail x 1
-superficial x 1 (1)
Peckham Points: 64
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Manny Manzano, average, modifier +1.
Pre-Mission Prep status: (No effects this mission)

Landing: Safe at Sudbury, England

E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	0	0	0	3
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	5	0	1	0	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Me-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	0	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	2	0	0	0	2
TOTALS	10	0	1	0	6

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
Capt. Dan Shantz LW - Face cut, treated & RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH - Capt. Dan Shantz, 2nd Lt David Shaw, Sgt John Karic, Sgt Duncan Markland
OLC to AM 1st Lt Paul Lesniak
OLC to AM T/Sgt Curt Mercado
OLC to AM M/Sgt Bruce Woodside
OLC to AM S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro
1st Lt Paul Lesniak promoted to Captain
T/Sgt Curt Mercado promoted to M/Sgt
M/Sgt Bruce Woodside promoted to 1st Sgt
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro promoted to T/Sgt

After Action report(using QOTS):

The crew was excited. After all this time we were about to go knock on Hitler's doorstep and leave him a nasty gift, courtesy of the 79th and the 509 as a whole.

We took off in the typical English weather, breaking through the clouds into bright Sunshine where we formed up and started for Germany.

Encountered some light flak along the way but nothing to be concerned about, as it was all well away from us. We drew the attention of some fighters, but three out of four were chased off by our escorts and the other one was knocked down by Lesniak, but this was denied out interrogation. Union Utopia had the misfortune of being singled out by a 262 jet, which knocked out their number one engine. They jettisoned their payload and aborted.

At the IP we had another wave of fighters try and block our way, but the Squadron was flying a tight formation and our defensive fire kept them from getting close enough to cause any problems.

The flak was intense, thick enough to walk on as the saying goes. L'il Audrey took a flak burst that caused obvious extensive damage. They dropped out of formation and looked in a bad way and we could only hope that they were able to make it to Russia or Sweden. We only sustained a minor hit to the nose before dropping 20% on the target, and turned for the Rally Point.

The flak was much more accurate on the way out, the Germans having found our range and pelted us five times. We lost the number one engine, sustained a fuel tank hit, which thankfully sealed, lost an aileron and a hit to the main window, which held.

Two Ta-152s were waiting for us beyond the flak but had no chance to take a run at us as our little friends had something to say about that and swatted them away.

2nd Best was seen to drop out of formation and lose altitude with two engines out. All attempts to establish communication failed and eventually, she was left behind and lost from sight. Hopefully they made it to a neutral air base.

Encountered more light flak and fighters with a 190 sending a burst into the cockpit that left me with a cut cheek. After that, we only encountered light flak one more time and then made it home safely.

Lesniak, Mercado, Woodside and Kostanero have all survived their tour of Duty and have earned the right to go home. All four of them should be given a Section 8! They all want to stay and see this through to the end. Stupid, loyal, SOBs! But are we ever going to drink the bar dry tonight.

S/Sgt Manzano and ground crew are working on the Vixen and will have her in flying by tomorrow if need be.

XO Capt. Dan Shantz, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS,509th BG, 8th AF

[medic1]

B-24J CF42-50702 One More Time
Pilot: 1st Lt Joe Burrows
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: High / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 1
Mission Date: 3 Feb 1945
Mission Number: 092
Mission Target: Berlin, Germany - Gas, Water, and Electricity Plants

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Joe Burrows	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Tom Cordell	1	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Blaine Tasillo	1	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Ken Corrigan	1	0	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Ted Arazello	1	0	0	LW/RTD
RO S/Sgt Peter York	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ahote Bluecoat	1	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Norwood	1	0	0	LW/RTD
SWG Sgt Victor Trisko	1	0	0	LW/RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Lance Sandusky	1	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 5%
B-24 Damage: 22 Hits
Superficial x 1 (2)
Nose x 1
-nose oxygen out, fire, 1 extinguisher (35)
Pilots Compartment x 1
-top turret MGs inoperable, engineer LW (22)
Port Wing x 5
-superficial x 2 (4)
-wingroot (25)
-flap N/E (5)
-#1 engine out (40)
Starboard Wing x 2
-superficial (2)
-#3 engine out (40)
Bomb Bay x 4
-superficial x 4 (8)
Waist x 6
-superficial x 3 (6)
-RWG LW (2)
-LWG LW (2)
-ball turret MG’s inoperable (20)
Tail x 2
-superficial x 2 (4)
Peckham Points: 217
Repair Time: 5 Days

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (mod base =1)
Landing: Safe at SudburyE/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	4	0	0	1	3
Bf-110	2	0	1	0	1
Fw-190	16	1	3	1	9
Ju-88	1	0	0	0	1
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
He-163	1	0	0	0	0
Me-262	3	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	4	2	1	0	1
TOTALS	31	3	5	2	15

Confirmed Claims: 3
2nd Lt Ken Corrigan 1 x Ta-152
Sgt Ahote Bluecoat 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Lance Sandusky 1 x Ta-152
Casualties: 3
Sgt Victor Trisko LW – Thigh cut. Treated and RTD
Sgt Dan Norwood LW – Hand cut. Treat and RTD
Sgt Victor Trisko LW – Abdomen cut. Treated and RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH - Sgt Victor Trisko
PH - Sgt Dan Norwood
PH - Sgt Victor Trisko

After Action Report (using QOTS):

The crew were both nervous and excited to take part in this, our first mission. And by the luck of the draw, we invaded Germany and went to the big B itself - Berlin. We were happy to lift off and climb out of the gloomy English Skies to the bright blue above. But not everyone formed up as Hedy’s Ready aborted just after takeoff with an engine fire.

Not long after that, two more bombers, Hairless Joe and Dotty, both had to abort due to engine failures.

We encountered some light flak along the way. Although it did not damage the ship or crew, it did cause some high anxiety for a brand new crew that had never experienced it before.

We had several encounters with enemy fighters that our escorts helped shoo away most of them. Tasillo managed to knock down a 190, but his claim was denied at interrogation.

Once we got to the IP things really heated up as we were met by three190s and two 262 Jets. Our Mustangs managed to clear away the 190s, but they just could not catch the Jets. They were so swift that our gunners also failed to get a fix on them as they repeatedly strafed us, scoring multiple hits.

Then we came under a severe carpet of flak as the Germans pulled out all stops to defend their capital. Although we weren't hit by any, we were definitely knocked about which contributed to us missing the target.
INBOUND
After the turn, the flak remained heavy and frightening, but again we managed to get through it without damage.
Once out of the flak, more fighters welcomed us. Our escorts were doing a fine job, but they failed to get them all. Tasillo saw his tracers rake a 190 and thought that he had his second of the mission, but this claim would also be denied later.

A little further along and more fighters zeroed in on us. Of the two 190 that made it past our Mustangs, Corrigan damaged one that was obviously flown by a green pilot. But this green pilot showed a lot of brass as he pressed his attack and started a fire in the nose that knocked out its oxygen system and started a fire that Corrigan was able to extinguish. The 190 wounded Arazello as well as caused damage to the barrels of the top turret MGs, rendering them useless. The Kraut came back for another go, but Bluecoat scored hits on the engine and cockpit area, causing the pilot to jettison his canopy and bail out.

A 152 caused us some slight damage, but Sandusky pumped some accurate fire into him and the Kraut began to burn with his engine on fire. The fighter made a steep climb, rolled over then fell earthward.

With the oxygen to the nose out, we radioed the formation that we were dropping out and descending to Angels 9. Here we were, a brand new crew on its first mission, now out of formation and alone, one man lightly wounded and one gun turret out of action. Not a great situation to be in on one's first mission.

Flak batteries took shots at us, but we were able to evade them. What we couldn't evade were swarms of fighters looking for a straggler, and they found us. We plotted long as best as we could through 109's, 190s, 152's, a 110 Smasher type as well as 163 and 262 Jets.

The crew gave an excellent showing under the most trying conditions as we first lost the number one engine, which we couldn't feather and caused us drag to further slow our progress to safety, and later the number three engine, which we did feather the prop. Two more men suffered light wounds, and we lost the ball turret guns along the way as well. But we gave back as well, damaging some fighters, scoring a few probables and one was confirmed later and awarded to Lieutenant Corrigan.

With considerable relief and absolute gratitude to a higher power, we made it to Sudbury. Since our hydraulics were out due to the loss of the #3 engine, Arazello started the electric auxiliary pump to give us control of the ailerons and flaps as well as the landing gear. Firing off yellow flares we lined up on the runway as emergency vehicles and ground crews rushed about raced to meet us.

Even though we were battered, bruised and bloodied, somehow, we managed an almost textbook landing and made our way to our hard stand.

This was a rough mission for us, and we can only hope the following ones will not be so punishing. Only God knows how we came home with only some minor cuts and scratches. For a country that's supposed to be on its heels, the Germans showed they still had fight left in them as they tenaciously defended their Homeland.

The ground crew is hard at work effecting repairs on One More Time, but we're looking at possibly 5 days to have her fit for flying duty.

Of our three wounded, all had minor cuts and were treated and released back to duty.

1st Lt Joe Burrows, Pilot Commanding, One More Time, 78th BS, 509 (Heavy) BG, 8th AF

[medic1]

B-17G VICIOUS VIXEN 5-BO-44-22727

Pilot: Capt. Dan Shantz
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low/Tail
Mission Date: 25 Feb 45
Mission Number: 093
Missions This Bomber: 31
Target: Fredrichshafen, Germany - Tank Factory

CREW	Mission #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot Capt. Dan Shantz	39	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt David Shaw	12	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Lesniak	26	3.5	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Kassel	20	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	26	8.5	0	RTD
Radio Operator T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	26	1	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostnaro	26	9	0	RTD
PWG Sgt John Karic	14	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Duncan Markland	20	2	2	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	25	6	1	LW

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 25Hits

Port Wing x 1
-superficial
Starboard Wing x 22
-superficial
-flap inoperable
-flap N/E
-inboard fuel tank leak, sealed
-aileron N/E x2
-wingroot x 4
Radio Room x 1
-radio out
Tail x 1
-gunner LW
Peckham Points: 186
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Manny Manzano, average, modifier +1.
Pre-Mission Prep status: (No effects this mission)

Landing: Safe at Sudbury, England

E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	0	0	0	2
Bf-110	4	0	0	0	4
Fw-190	9	1	1	1	6
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Me-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	1	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	14	1	1	1	12

Confirmed Claims: 1
T/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 1
S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit, LW – torn calf muscle
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit
OLC to AM S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit
AM (4th award) 2nd Lt Tom Kassel
AM (1st Award) 2nd Lt Josh Chulack
S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit promoted to T/Sgt

After Action report(using QOTS):

Another gloomy sky to start our day, but we lifted off without any problems or Gremlins. The first part of the mission was without incident, but the crew was keeping a sharp lookout for fighters just the same. We'd only encountered three of them before the target zone, and they were easily handled by our escorting Mustangs.

Once at the target zone, the Germans had a mass of fighters waiting to greet us, and the squadron was able to hold off a wave with its combined defensive fire.

Two 110 tried to break through and line us up. It appeared that they had rockets attached to there wings, but they too failed to make it past our little friends.

Goering's Goons decided to get serious and four 190 and a 262 made a beeline for us. P-51s made it difficult for three of the 190s. Mercado fired a short burst at the remaining 190 and scored many strikes that forced the fighter to break away in some difficulty and disappear into the clouds.

But that 262 was just too quick. I have seen Ace flyers before, but this Kraut was an exceptional pilot. Coming in at 6 low he let off a burst that concentrated on our right wing, striking it 10 times. One strike hit the flap and rendered it inoperable, and then for good measure, he blew it off. The inbound fuel tank took a hit, but thankfully those clever people at Boeing had invented self-sealing tanks. The aileron took two hits but remained working and he hit the wing root.

He zipped by and circled around to come in at 9 high where Mercado was able to track him but failed to get a shot. The 262 missed us on this pass and decided to come back and try again from 4:30 level. He pumped 12 more rounds into the right wing and managed three more hits to the wing root. To say that I was concerned about the starboard wing at this point would be an understatement. My imagination was running wild thinking that it was flapping like a wounded duck, ready to shear off at any moment.

The jet left the scene and we couldn't believe that our wing was holding on. The flak tried to finish what the jet had started with a hit to the port wing root. Although the target was overcast Lesniak dropped on the Pathfinder's mark and achieved hits estimated at 20%.

INBOUND

We took two more hits from the flak after the turn that destroyed the radio and wounded Talking Spirit in the leg.

Three 109 and an ace flying a 110 greeted us after we had cleared the flak. Mustangs removed the Ace from the equation who was creeping up from 6 level. Kostanaro became a double Ace when his tracers impacted the wings, engine and fuselage of the 109 at 9 low. The pilot ejected, almost hitting Vicious Vixen with its canopy. Mercado damaged another coming from 4:30 high, but both remaining 109s failed to hit us and moved on to other targets.

The rest of the flight back was uneventful with only two 109 making an appearance with both quickly dispatched by some hungry P-51 pilots.

We fired off red and yellow flares and landed safely when it was our turn in priority landing.

At our hardstand, the crew and ground crew inspected Vicious Vixen and everyone was quite amazed - and grateful, that the shredded right wing had held on. The mangled wing showed daylight all over it s area surface, with large holes in the wing root. Crew chief Manzano says it's going to take some hard work from his crew, but he reckons it will be four days before the Vixen will be ready.

Talking Spirit is hobbling around with a torn calf muscle. He says this wound on his 25th mission is a sign from the Great Spirit to return home. I have a Sgt Ted Hunter from the spare pool penciled in to take his place.

XO Capt. Dan Shantz, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS

[medic1]

B-24J CF42-50702 One More Time
Pilot: 1st Lt Joe Burrows
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation/Position: Middle / Middle
Missions This Bomber: 2
Mission Date: 25 Feb 1945
Mission Number: 093
Mission Target: Fredrichshafen, Germany – Tank Factory

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Joe Burrows	2	0	0	Interned
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Tom Cordell	2	0	0	Interned
Bombardier 2nd Lt Blaine Tasillo	2	0	2	LW/Interned
Navigator 2nd Lt Ken Corrigan	2	1	0	Interned
Engineer S/Sgt Ted Arazello	2	0	0	Interned
RO S/Sgt Peter York	2	0	0	Interned
Ball Gunner Sgt Ahote Bluecoat	2	1	1	Interned
PWG Sgt Dan Norwood	2	0	0	LW/Interned
SWG Sgt Victor Trisko	2	0	0	LW/Interned
Tail Gunner Sgt Lance Sandusky	2	1	0	Interned

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: 25 Hits
Superficial x 1
Nose x 1
-bombardier LW
Pilots Compartment x 1
-pilots oxygen
Starboard Wing x 12
-superficial x 3
-#3 engine out & feathered
-aileron x 4
-fuel tanks x 4
Bomb Bay x 1
-doors inoperable
Waist x 4
-superficial x 2
-RWG LW
-LWG LW
Tail x 5
-superficial x 3
-control cables
-port elevator inoperable
Peckham Points: N/A
Repair Time: N/A

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (mod base =1)
Landing: Dübendorf, Switzerland
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	5	1	0	1	1
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	15	2	1	0	9
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
He-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	2	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	1	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	23	3	1	1	10

Confirmed Claims: 3
2nd Lt Blaine Tasillo 1 x Bf-109, 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Ahote Bluecoat 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 3
2nd Lt Blaine Tasillo LW – Chest cut.
Sgt Dan Norwood LW – Leg cut.
Sgt Victor Trisko LW – Concussion.
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH - 2nd Lt Blaine Tasillo
PH - Sgt Dan Norwood
PH - Sgt Victor Trisko

After Action Report (using QOTS):

The bomber and crew of One More Time were observed to come under multiple attacks by many aircraft as they made their way to the target. During the bomb run it was observed that her bomb doors were closed and she did not drop her ordinance.

After the Squadron made the turn and were proceeding to the rally point, One More Time once again came under attack by three 190, which were chased off by escorts, and two 262, which made repeated strafing attacks.

The last transmission received from her crew was that they were diverting to Switzerland with a fuel leak and dropping out of formation.

As reported by a member of the 78th bomb Squadron.

[medic1]

B-17G VICIOUS VIXEN 5-BO-44-22727

Pilot: Capt. Dan Shantz
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low/Tail
Mission Date: 3 March 45
Mission Number: 094
Missions This Bomber: 32
Target: Hanover, Germany - Tank Factory

CREW	Mission #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot Capt. Dan Shantz	40	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt David Shaw	13	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Lesniak	27	3.5	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Kassel	21	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	26	8.5	0	RTD
Radio Operator T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	26	1	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostnaro	27	9	0	RTD
PWG Sgt John Karic	15	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Duncan Markland	21	2	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Ted Hunter	1	0	0	SW/IH

Bomb Run: DNB - aborted outbound zone 6
On Target: N/A
B-17 Damage: 14Hits

Superficial x 6
Starboard Wing x 4
-superficial
-aileron N/E
-inboard fuel tank leak, sealed
-#3 engine out and feathered
Tail x 4
-gunner LW+SW
-autopilot out
-tailwheel damaged
Peckham Points: 89
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Manny Manzano, average, modifier +1.
Pre-Mission Prep status: (No effects this mission)

Landing: Safe at Sudbury, England

E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Me-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	2	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	3	0	0	0	1

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
Sgt Ted Hunter LW+SW – cut abdomen, broken sternum and inflamed heart. IH
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Ted Hunter
AM (3rd award) Sgt John Karic

After Action report(using QOTS):

Once more we took off and did dark in the skies to invade Germany.

Encountered some light Coastal flock and zone for which was well off the mark nothing to worry about. Shortly after that, we had a 190 appear but he was chased off by our escorts. In the next zone we encountered two 262's, that proceeded to make our lives miserable.

Both of them worked us over pretty well and the major damage that we had received was our new tail Gunner, Sergeant Hunter receiving two wounds, autopilot out, tell Will damaged, the number three engine out and feathered.

At this point I made the decision to abort. The prospect of facing more fighters while out of formation with reduced speed to the target and back seemed too great a risk.

Somehow we made it back home without trying any attention to ourselves, and we ditched our bombs in the North Sea.

Coming into the field we fired off flares and had the ambulance and fire trucks waiting. The combination of damage to the tailwheel and the unsettled weather contributed to poor landing conditions and we nearly slid off the runway into some maintenance buildings(I rolled up 3-1).

Sergeant Hunter is getting the best of care in the hospital, but the poor kid's war is over after only one mission.
Vicious Vixen fared better and should be ready to go by tomorrow if need be.

XO Capt. Dan Shantz, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS

[medic1]

B-24J CF41-24197 Tagalong
Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Missions This Bomber: 1
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 3 March 1945
Mission Number: 094
Mission Target: Hanover, Germany – Tank Factory
0

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	1	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt George Redman	1	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sergio Pendas	1	0	1	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	1	0	0	RTD
RO S/Sgt Phil Avery	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Jeff Fusco	1	0	.5	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney	1	0	.5	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: 29 Hits
Superficial x 11
Port Wing x 8
-superficial x 3
-#1 engine; superficial
-outboard fuel tank leak
-flap inoperable
-flap N/E
-aileron inoperable
Starboard Wing x 10
-superficial x 6
-flap; N/E
-wingroot x 2
-#4 engine; superficial
Peckham Points: 189
Repair Time: 7th March 1945

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (mod base =1)
Landing: Sudbury, England
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	1	1	0	0
Bf-110	2	1	1	0	0
Fw-190	5	0	0	0	2
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
He-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	3	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	1	0	0	0	1
TOTALS	13	2	2	1	3

Confirmed Claims: 2
2nd Lt Sergio Pendas 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Jeff Fusco .5 x Me-110 (Smasher)
S/Sgt Walt Whitney .5 x Me-110 (Smasher)
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS):

The crew was both excited and nervous to take part in our first mission. We've been told that the war will be over by Christmas and some of the crew thinks that we will have an easy time of it, while others, myself included think that the Germans are fighting for the survival of their country and their backs to the wall. I’ve been in enough barroom brawls to know that I'm most dangerous when I'm backed into a corner with my back to the wall.

The weather is being pretty bleak ever since we arrived, and it was no different on our takeoff. We all managed to lift off and find each other, forming up above the clouds.

Things were quiet until we hit the coast and some inaccurate flak.

About a hundred miles after we had our first taste of the Luftwaffe in the form of four 190 and one 152. Or escorts latched onto three of them and we only had to face two FW's.

Our ship shook from the vibration of our guns. We had a lot of firepower to throw at the Krauts, but nobody could deliver a knockout punch. One of them knocked out our number one engine, which we were able to feather.

We were lagging behind the Squadron now and encountered some more flak, and just beyond that three German Jets. The 262s easily outran a couple of our little friends that hung back with us while they worked us over repeatedly. Several times one of our turrets was able to track them but couldn't get a hit.

They finally left, either short on fuel or having exhausted their ammunition. It was probably because of ammo because we looked like a flying sieve when they were done. A multitude of minor hits, starboard wing root, we had lost a flap, the number four engine, and we were leaking fuel from the port outboard tank.

Calling Bankston down from his turret, he watched the fuel gauges and did some calculations. We would not make it back if we carried on with the mission. Slowed down by the weight of our bomb load and the loss of two engines, Bankston said that we could easily make Brussels. That was the safe thing to do.

"Can we make it back to Sudbury?" I asked him.

"Maybe, but I doubt it." was his reply. "I think we would get close, possibly within sight."

We had already turned around and came under some light flak again. It seemed like a good place is any to drop our ordinance. That must have angered someone down there. They must had radioed about a lone B17 and it's position as shortly after two 110 winged towards us. One was one of those Smasher types we have been hearing about - the ones designed with more firepower to bring down bombers.

The Smasher came in at 9 low and the gunners pounded away at him. Whitney scored a number of hits on its port engine, and it caught fire while Fusco's tracers were seen to hit the wing root and engine on the starboard side. We observed one chute as it went down.

The remaining 110 came in at 6 high and was hit along the starboard wing and fuselage by Morales's tail guns, while it's return fire hit us four times including the starboard wing root and the aileron. The last we saw of it, it was smoking badly and appeared in great difficulty.

After this encounter, I had made the decision that we were going to try to make it back to Sudbury. Not long after a 190 and two 109s came along to try and change my mind and head to Brussels. During this exchange, Bankston possibly took out a 109 but it disappeared in the clouds and nobody could confirm that actually went down. But Navigator Pendas 109 could be confirmed, his bullets penetrated the fuel tank and it exploded into a bright fireball. The 190 evaded our fire and he proved to be a terrible shot.

As we passed over a body of water before Amsterdam, I ordered the crew to start throwing everything out to lighten the load as I was determined to squeeze every drop of fuel I could from the tanks. My hesitated when I was asked if we were dumping our shoots as well.

Thinking it over, I said "Yeah. And the rafts too. No guts, no glory"

"And that's what they're going to write on your tombstone." someone wise cracked over the intercom. I think it was SWG Trevisano.

Machine guns, ammo belts and cans, life vest's, anything that wasn't nailed down and vital to flying went out the windows.

We'd done everything we could, transfered fuel from the useless engine’s tanks, threw out all non-essentials, it was very rewarding to see the coast of England finally appear.

The gauges weren't looking very healthy, but with all the weight that we had dropped we managed to make it home. The two remaining engines actually sputtered and stopped just after we had stopped rolling.

It was a harrowing first mission for a first time crew. But we had our first taste of combat and are ready to do it again when the time comes.

1st Lt Ken Shipman, 78th BS, 509th AG (Heavy), 8th AF

[medic1]

B-17G VICIOUS VIXEN 5-BO-44-22727

Pilot: Capt. Dan Shantz
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 15 March 45
Mission Number: 095
Missions This Bomber: 33
Target: Zossen, Germany - HQ of the German High Command

CREW	Mission #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot Capt. Dan Shantz	41	0	0	KIA
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt John Chulak	7	0	0	POW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Lesniak	28	3.5	0	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Kassel	22	0	0	KIA
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	27	8.5	0	KIA
Radio Operator T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	27	1	0	POW
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostnaro	28	9	0	POW
PWG Sgt John Karic	16	0	0	KIA
SWG Sgt Duncan Markland	22	2	0	KIA
Tail Gunner Sgt Ted Jones	1	0	0	KIA

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-17 Damage: 1Hit

Tail x 1
-flak BIP
Peckham Points: Tons
Repair Time: No Chance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Manny Manzano, average, modifier +1.
Pre-Mission Prep status: (No effects this mission)

Landing: Several Pieces

E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	3	0	0	1	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Me-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	0	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	1	0	1	0	0
TOTALS	4	0	1	1	1

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 10
Captain Dan Shantz KIA
Captain Paul Lesniak KIA
1st Lt Tom Kassel KIA
M/Sgt Curt Mercado KIA
Sgt John Karic KIA
S/Sgt Duncan Markland KIA
Sgt Ted Jones KIA
2nd Lt Josh Chulack POW
1st Sgt Bruce Woodside POW
T/Sgt Ed Kostanaro
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous Captain Dan Shantz
PH Posthumous Captain Paul Lesniak
PH Posthumous 1st Lt Tom Kassel
PH Posthumous M/Sgt Curt Mercado
PH Posthumous Sgt John Karic
PH Posthumous S/Sgt Duncan Markland
PH Posthumous Sgt Ted Jones

After Action report(using QOTS):

On the bomb run, Vicious Vixen was observed to take a flak burst inside the tail section, removing it from the rest of the airframe. Only three men safely exited the aircraft.

As reported by a member of the 79th BS

[medic1]

B-24J CF41-24197 Tagalong
Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Missions This Bomber: 1
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 15 March 1945
Mission Number: 095
Mission Target: Zossen, Germany - HQ of the German High Command
0

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	2	0	0	Delayed
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	2	0	0	Delayed
Toggler 2nd Lt George Redman	2	0	0	Delayed
Navigator 2nd Lt Sergio Pendas	2	1	0	Delayed
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	2	0	5	Delayed
RO S/Sgt Phil Avery	2	0	0	Delayed
Ball Gunner Sgt Jeff Fusco	2	.5	0	Delayed
PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney	2	.5	0	Delayed
SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano	2	0	0	Delayed
Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales	2	0	0	Delayed

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-24 Damage: 29 Hits
Superficial x 8
Port Wing x 4
-superficial x 1
-aileron x 3 - inoperable
Starboard Wing x 14
-superficial x 10
-wing root
-#1 engine out and feathered
-outboard fuel tank – self sealed
-inboard fuel tank – leak
Tail x 3
-port elevator – inoperable
-oxygen fire – out, 1 extinguisher used
-autopilot inoperable
Peckham Points: 193
Repair Time: None, at least for the 509

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (mod base =1)
Landing: Landed behind Russian front line
E/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	1
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	0	1	0	4
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
He-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	2	1	0	0	0
Ta-152	1	1	0	0	0
TOTALS	13	2	1	0	5

Confirmed Claims: 2
T/Sgt Tom Bankston 1 x Fw-190; 1 x Me-262
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS):

Shortly after successfully bombing the HQ of the German High Command, Tagalong report that they were diverting to the Russian front lines due to a fuel leak.

As reported by a member of the 78th BS

(Several weeks later a message was received from the Russians that the crew is being returned to England. Estimated return date 12 Apr 45)

[medic1]

PROP WASH B-17G-90BO 43-38548

Pilot: 1st Lt Scott Livingston
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
Formation/Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 30 March 45
Mission Number: 097
Missions This Bomber: 32
Target: Hanover, Germany - Tank Factory

CREW	Mission #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Scott Livingston	1	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lawrence Penzini	2	0	0	RTD
Toggler 2nd Lt Duncan Orenski	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Rod Towsley	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bruce Atwell	2	0	0	RTD
Radio Operator S/Sgt Alan Gipson	1	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Travis Cipperly	1	0	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Collin Cordell	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Troy Espinoza	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Dave Conners	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-17 Damage: 2 Hits

Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial
Tail x 1
-superficial
Peckham Points: 2
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Manny Manzano, average, modifier +1.
Pre-Mission Prep status:

Landing: Safe at Sudbury, England

E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	1
Fw-190	3	0	0	0	2
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Me-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	0	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	2	0	0	1	1
TOTALS	6	0	0	1	4

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

After Action report(using QOTS):

The weather was dismal on takeoff, but once above the clouds, everything was clear all the way to the target and back.

It was quiet for the most part, and we encountered some light flak two times before the target area. Once there, we were greeted by three 190 but only had to contend with one of Goering's Goons thanks to our vigilant escorts. The remaining fighter fired some rockets from our 4:30 position but missed.

The flak did some light damage to a wing in the tail, and despite the shaking that we took, Orenski (toggler) dropped with the Pathfinder and recorded 40% on target.

The flak was lighter after the turn and was quite ineffective, at least as far as we were concerned. A single 110 came at us but failed to make it past our little friends.

After we had left the target area we again encountered some light flak and two 152's. One fighter fell to a Mustang and the other was damaged by Conners (tail gunner.)

The rest of the trip was quiet and we landed safely at rainy Sudbury.

1st Lt Scott Livingston, Pilot commanding, 79th BS, 509 BG,8th AF

[medic1]

PROP WASH B-17G-90BO 43-38548

Pilot: 1st Lt Scott Livingston
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 9 April 45
Mission Number: 099
Missions This Bomber: 6
Target: Wolfrathausen, Germany - Munitions Factory

CREW	Mission #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Scott Livingston	2	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ian Narragon	3	0	0	RTD
Toggler 2nd Lt Duncan Orenski	3	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Ethan Barnes	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bruce Atwell	3	0	0	RTD
Radio Operator S/Sgt Alan Gipson	2	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Travis Cipperly	2	0	1	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Collin Cordell	2	0	0	LW
SWG Sgt Henry Lyons	1	0	0	LW
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Tony Marshall	15	0	2	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-17 Damage: 15 Hits
Superficial x 10

Bomb Bay x 3
-doors, superficial x2
-doors inoperable
Waist x 2
-both gunners LW
Peckham Points: 26
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Manny Manzano, average, modifier +1.
Pre-Mission Prep status:

Landing: Safe at Sudbury, England

E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	2	0	1	0
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	1
Fw-190	12	1	0	0	9
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Me-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	2	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	2	0	0	0	2
TOTALS	20	3	0	1	12

Confirmed Claims: 3
S/Sgt Tony Marshall 1 x Bf-109; 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Travis Cipperly 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 2
Sgt Henry Lyons LW torn muscle RTD 3 weeks
S/Sgt Collin Cordell torn muscle RTD 2 weeks
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Henry Lyons
PH S/Sgt Collin Cordell
AM (3rd Award) S/Sgt Tony Marshall

After Action report(using QOTS):

There was a lot of fog when we took off, but thankfully there were no accidents and all were able to form up above it and head for Germany.

Things were pretty quiet most of the way. Our ground forces are making the final pushes to end the tyranny of the Nazi regime so most of the flak corridors have been removed, and our fighters have pushed the Luftwaffe to near destruction so the only opposition should be near the target.

And that was where we came across our first enemy fighters, two 190 that were swept away by our escorts.

Did I say the Luftwaffe had been pushed into near destruction? Certainly didn't seem like it over the target zone as we were hit by three waves.

The first wave comprised of two 262 Jets. Of course, our escorts couldn't catch them and they came at us three times each. One of them couldn't hit the broadside of the barn each time he tried, but his buddy proved to have a better aim hitting us on all three passes. Fortunately for us, all 10 hits proved to be less than fatal to any of the crew or plane.

The second wave saw three 109 and one 110 with the three 109 making it past or escorts. S/Sgt Gipson in the Radio Room spray fired at one and managed to damage it and throw off the pilot's aim as he returned fire. S/Sgt Marshall raked the canopy and fuselage of a green pilot at six level and he dropped spiralling out of control with the pilot either dead at the stick or too wounded to bail out. The remaining 109 wounded the left waist gunner S/Sgt Cordell and rendered the bomb bay doors useless. On a second pass he hit us twice more although nothing major was hit. He tried one more pass which was one too many as he ran into some accurate fire from Marshall, who claimed his second of the mission.

The third wave had to 152's, but neither of them were able to get near us as our little friends jumped all over them.
We came through the flak and could only watch as everyone else drop the payload. We tried to crank our doors down but do that we wouldn't get them open in time, so we decided to open them over the channel where the doors wouldn't create drag and drop them into the water on the way back.
INBOUND

After the turn at the Rally Point we were met by another two waves on the way out from the target. Four 190 with two getting run off by several Mustangs who were eager to add to the score before the war was over. One was able to do some damage and lightly wounded right waist gunner Sgt Lyons. This fighter attempted to circle around and make another run but was in turn bounced by a P-51.

The second wave saw another three 190 but our escorts were able to keep them all away from us and chased them all over the sky.
After we'd passed out of the target zone we encountered one more wave of three more 190, with one getting through to us.

This unlucky pilot made the mistake of coming in at 6 low where S/Sgt Cipperly snapped off a wing and sent him to Valhalla.

After that it was smooth sailing and we managed to drop our ordinance into the channel and land safely.

Both ways Gunners have torn muscles and rumour has it that they'll be resting comfortably when the war comes to an end.

1st Lt Scott Livingston, Pilot commanding, 79th BS, 509 BG,8th AF

[medic1]

B-24J Yankee Slugger (B24J-CF-42-64417)
Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bombardment Squadron (Composite), 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Missions This Bomber: 5
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 25 April 1945
Mission Number: 0100
Mission Target: Pisen, Czechoslovakia - Skoda Armament Works

CREW	MISSION #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	3	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	3	0	0	RTD
Toggler 2nd Lt George Redman	3	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sergio Pendas	3	1	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	3	2	0	RTD
RO S/Sgt Phil Avery	3	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Jeff Fusco	3	.5	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney	3	.5	0	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano	3	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales	3	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 0 Hits
Peckham Points: 0
Repair Time: Routine Maintenance

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (mod base =1)
Landing: Safe at SudburyE/A Encountered:

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	1
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	1
Fw-190	4	0	0	2	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
He-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	0	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	6	0	0	2	3

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

After Action Report (using QOTS):

After a long journey to make it back from the Russian lines, the crew was happy to fly again. We’re all aware that this could very well be the last mission of the war, and we made it back in time to participate.

There was zero opposition until the target zone where four 190 appeared and singled us out. A P-51 took care of one of them, leaving three obviously green pilots to take us on, another sign of Germany’s dwindling resources.

Two were damaged which must have unnerved the pilots as they snapped off quick bursts and then dove away. The last 190 also missed and decided to catch up to his buddies.

The flak was inaccurate and Redman dropped for 30%
INBOUND

A 110 came at us after we had turned away from the target, but he went down in flames, curtesy of a little friend. Shortly after we spied a 109 who was also chased off by several escorts.

We ended the milk run with a safe landing at Sudbury.

1st Lt Ken Shipman, Pilot commanding, 78th BS

[medic1]

PROP WASH B-17G-90BO 43-38548

Pilot: 1st Lt Scott Livingston
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
Formation/Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 25 April 45
Mission Number: 100
Missions This Bomber: 7
Target: Pilsen, Czechoslovakia - Skoda Armament Works

CREW	Mission #	CLAIMS	TODAY	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Scott Livingston	3	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ian Narragon	4	0	0	RTD
Toggler 2nd Lt Duncan Orenski	4	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Ethan Barnes	3	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bruce Atwell	4	0	0	RTD
Radio Operator S/Sgt Alan Gipson	3	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Travis Cipperly	3	1	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Collin Cordell	3	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Barney Stackhouse	7	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Tony Marshall	16	2	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 50%
B-17 Damage: 0 Hits

Peckham Points: 0
Repair Time: Routine Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Manny Manzano, average, modifier +1.
Pre-Mission Prep status: (2D6=10; No effects this mission)

Landing: Safe at Sudbury, England

E/A Encountered:

A/C TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE/DENIED	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	1
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	2
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Me-163	0	0	0	0	0
Me-262	0	0	0	0	0
Ta-152	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	3	0	0	0	3

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

After Action Report(using QOTS):

The war is almost over. The Germans are on their last legs and everyone can feel it. Even the usual dreary English skies smiled, giving us a clear day to take off and form up without any hiccups or gremlins.
We had no opposition until the IP where a single 109 attempted to dive us, but our escorts who had been itching for one last dogfight before the war’s end tore into him and made short work of the 109, it exploding into a bright fireball.
The flak was all well away from us and toggler Orenski dropped on the Pathfinders flare, dropping for 50%.
INBOUND

A lack of flak normally meant a horde of fighters swarming in, but only two 110 were seen, and both had to scramble away for their lives as our little friends ganged up on them.
After that the way was clear and we executed a textbook landing landed at Sudbury (somehow, it seemed fitting that I ended the campaign rolling a 12 for the landing).
A milk run from start to finish.

1st Lt Scott Livingston, Pilot commanding, 79th BS, 509 BG,8th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823

Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force
Formation/Position: Tail/Middle
Mission Date: 7 Jan 44
Mission Number: 001
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Missions	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	1	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	1	0	0	0	RTD
Radioman T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	1	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	1	0	0	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Noreno  Costa	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	1	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%

B-17 Damage: 2 Hits
Superficial x 1
Port Wing x 1
-superficial
Peckham Points: 2
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Foggia

E/A Encountered:

E/A	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	3	1	0	0	1
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	2	0	1	0	1
IAR-80	1	0	0	0	1
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 1
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Bf-109G

Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report(using QOTS):

The crew was excited for their first action, and we took off in good weather conditions.

Our first taste of action occurred out the IP where we encountered a IAR 80 and two 112 Henkel’s. A 112 and the 80 were driven off by our little friends. Cassidy and Kostanero hammered away at the remaining 112 at 1:30 low, with Kostanero's tracers observed striking the engine area and the fighter was seen having great difficulty as we lost sight of it in the clouds.

The flak was light, but still terrifying to a new crew who were experiencing it for the first time. Thankfully, it was quite inaccurate. But a combination of flak and the target being somewhat obscured by clouds Witkowski had trouble dialing in the target. He announced bombs away and we felt the ship rise as it became lighter. Kostanero had a good view from his ball turret and announced that all bombs were off target.

INBOUND

We turned for the rally point without any flak on the inbound path, where we encountered three 109G coming in from 12 level, 1:30 and 6 High. The 6:00 turned to meet the oncoming threat of an escort while the crew engaged the remaining 109s. Kostanaro traded shots with the 12:00 and had nothing to show for it, but Mercado’s burst against the 1:30 laced the inside wing, fuselage and engine. The fighter began to emit smoke, turned slightly, then suddenly exploded.

The rest of the flight was uneventful, and we landed without incident though somewhat dejected. Missing the Target on your first mission is not a way to start your career. The lone bright spot was Mercado’s downing one of Germany’s supermen.

Witkowski is genuinely sorry and offered to buy the drinks tonight. Something tells me he's going to be broke until next payday.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116) 

Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Tail/High
Mission Date: 7 Jan 44
Mission Number: 001
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Missions	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	1	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sergio Pendas	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	1	0	0	0	RTD
Radioman S/Sgt George Redman	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin	1	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Walt Whitney	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Dave Trevisano	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales	1	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%

B-17 Damage: 0 Hits
Peckham Points: 0
Repair Time: Routine Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Foggia

E/A Encountered:

E/A	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	6	0	1	0	1
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	2	0	0	1	1
IAR-80	1	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 0Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report(using QOTS):

Our first mission and we were tagged to fly in the tail position for the Squadron. Some of the boys were nervous about this as they have heard stories about bombers and they eat there for us flying in the position of "Purple Heart corner."

The weather was excellent on take off and we formed up without any issues or Gremlins, formed up and started out over the Adriatic Sea.

As we reached the IP the cry of bandits sounded over the intercom and gunners called out positions of six incoming 109F fighters. A P-47 arrived and managed to chase off one of two 109s our tail, but the odds were still five to one.

Valkyrie shook as the gunner's opened fire. Bankston in the top turret poured some accurate fire into one at 3 high, but the fighter disappeared in the clouds and couldn't be confirmed. Morales in the tail clearly saw pieces fly off of the remaining 6 High 109, possibly throwing off the pilots aim as the fighter missed hitting us with return fire and quickly left.

The remaining fighters traded shots with us and nothing came of these exchanges except the waste of ammunition for both sides.

We experience flak for the first time and find a quite unnerving, and thankfully light and not very accurate. Avery called bombs away and we observed about 30% of our payload land on target.

INBOUND

We turned for the rally point without any further flak hindering us and were greetedg by a IAR-80 coming in at 3 low and two He-112 at 1:30 low and 6 high. The 112 at 6 high was pounced on by a Thunderbolt and the remaining two fires snapped off a few quick inaccurate bursts and left the scene.

The rest of the flight was uneventful and we descended through dark clouds and landed successfully on to arrange soaked field.

As dark as the skies were around us there were bright smiles from the crew as we successfully completed our first mission flying the tail position, protecting the squadron's rear and hitting the target.

We'll celebrate in the bar tonight knowing that not all of our missions are going to be this easy.

1st Lt Ken Shipman, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116) 

Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Tail/High
Mission Date: 7 Jan 44
Mission Number: 001
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Missions	Previous Claims	This  Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	2	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sergio Pendas	2	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	2	0	0	0	RTD
Radioman S/Sgt George Redman	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin	2	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Walt Whitney	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Dave Trevisano	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales	2	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 0 Hits

Peckham Points: 0
Repair Time: Routine Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Foggia

E/A Encountered:

E/A	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 0Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report(using QOTS):
The terrible weather was on the Axis side today as Valkryie became bogged down in the mud and we couldn’t get free and take off.

Miserably, we watched the squadron take off without as we tried in vain to free ourselves, to no avail.

1st Lt Ken Shipman, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823

Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force
Formation/Position: Middle/Low
Mission Date: 12 Jan 44
Mission Number: 002
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Pisa, Italy - Marshalling Yard 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	2	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator Tom Cassidy	2	0	2	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	2	0	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	2	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	2	0	1	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Noreno Costa	2	0	0	0	LW
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	2	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%

B-17 Damage: 11 Hits
Nose x 2
- superficial
-nose MG inoperable
Cockpit x 1
-superficial
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial
Radio Room x 1
- superficial
Bomb Bay x 2
-superficial
-doors, superficial
Waist x 2
-PWG LW
-SWG, suit heat out
Tail x 2
-superficial
-auto pilot inoperable
Peckham Points: 37
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	1
Bf-110	4	0	1	0	3
C-202	2	0	1	0	1
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	5	3	0	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	12	3	2	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 1

2nd Lt Tom Cassidy 2 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 1

S/Sgt Noreno Costa – torn calcaneal tendon. RTD 26 Jan 44
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
PH S/Sgt Noreno Costa

After Action Report(using QOTS):

The weather was dismal on takeoff, but we broke through the clouds and into the bright blue above. Everything was quiet until we turned for the coast where we encountered two die hard fascist Italian 202s. One was chased off by a P-38 while the other was taken care of by Mercado (claim denied).

Turning at the IP we ran into a 190 with a 110 tag along. The110 broke away and came from underneath but Konstanaro heavily damaged its right wing and engine and it ducked into the clouds, fate unknown. The 190 approached from 10:30 high where Cassidy's pop gun hit the engine, wind roots and fuselage. The fighter began to burn with its engine on fire and spiraled out of control.

And then that wild card of the game, flak, entered the equation and all fighters disappeared. The High-Ball, a spare bomber and crew took a hit in the tail and went down. Only 4 chutes were seen. A burst sent shrapnel into our waist section and Costa was injured. Although in pain he stayed at his MG and continued his duties. A minor strike was also noted in the starboard wing.

Despite the shaking and rocking of the ship from the flak, Witkowski was able to focus on Target and drop for 30%.

INBOUND

Two 110 swarmed in after we turned away from the flak, but both were met by some eager little friends and we continued on.

Some 50 miles beyond the target a 109 with an obviously green pilot and a 110 attempted to take runs at us, but again our P-38s intervened. Betty’s Bucket was jumped by E/A and was lost with a raging fuel tank fire. 9 chutes were observed and their position was radioed in for rescue.

Things were calm after that until we had turned and were just over the coast of Italy again when four 190 swarmed us. Only one was deterred by an escort, the remaining three fanned out and attacked from 12 and 1:30 level, 3 low. Somehow, Cassidy's .30 Cal pumped accurate fire into the 130 and the stricken fighter immediately turned over and dived towards the ground below. The 12:00 fighter missed and left but the 3:00 was much more accurate hitting us in the nose, empty Bombay, and taking out the autopilot in the tail. This fighter circled around and evaded our gunners and attacked attacked from our six and walked hits along us, knocking out the nose MG and destroyed the heat controls for Lesniak in the waist section. The Kraut must have thought he was having a banner day and came back again at 3:00 but Kostanaro scored hits on it causing the pilot to jettison his canopy and he bailed out. His parachute failed to open, and I didn't feel sorry for him one bit.

We radioed the formation that we were dropping out due to a heating problem and descended to Angels 8 where we kept the formation in sight and followed them in. Once over the field we fired off flares to tell the ground personnel that we had wounded on board and landed safely.

Costa is going to get some light duties for about 2 weeks as he tore a tendon and we'll dip into the spare pool for a replacement.

Invadin' Maiden has the ground crew pouring over as I write this and she will be ready to fly tomorrow if need be.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823

Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 12 Jan 44
Mission Number: 003
Missions This Bomber: 3
Target: Perugia, Italy - Airdome

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	3	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	3	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	3	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator Tom Cassidy	3	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	3	0	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	3	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Turret S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	3	1	1	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Barney Stackhouse	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	3	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	3	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 94%
B-17 Damage: 11 Hits

Repair Time: Routine Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	4	0	1	0	3
Bf-110	4	1	0	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	8	1	1	0	4

Confirmed Claims: 1
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-110

Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report(using QOTS):
The weather was miserable as we took off, and once we had broken through it and formed up the bad weather was constant all the way to the target. In zone 3 we saw some fighters massing for an attack but for some reason they didn’t engage.

The same happened in the following zone, fighters were seen but did not engage.

It wasn’t until the target zone that Goring’s Goons made a concentrated effort to take us out, although they started with a light resistance at first. A single 109 made an attempt but he was quickly shooed away by our escorts, and we weren’t bothered again with the exception of inaccurate flak.

Somehow Witkowski found the target through the clouds and made an exceptional drop of 94% on target!

INBOUND

After our turn, there wasn’t any flak to speak of and two 110s took advantage of that and roared into the attack. Nothing came of this as our gunners and the 110s did nothing but waste some ammo at each other.

No sooner had they left the scene when a second pair of 110s appeared. They in turn found that our P-47s weren’t hampered by AA fire either and one was quickly dispatched by our little friends, the other falling to some accurate fire from Kostanaro’s twin 50s. At 200 yards his tracers impacted the 110 on the port side engine and fuselage and it went into a steep dive in flames, the fighter raced for the ground.

A third wave appeared with three109. P-47s gave chase to two of them leaving a green pilot at 12 level. Mercado pumped lead into the green pilot’s fuselage and pieces were seen to fly off. He disappeared in the clouds, and while it was highly unlikely that he made it back to base this could only be recorded as an unconfirmed probable.

After that we weren’t bothered again and landed safely back at Giulia.

Except for the fighters it was pretty well a milk run for us with an excellent bombing result. The ground crew are happy as they have a reduced workload and don’t have to work through the night to have Invadin’ Maiden ready for the next one.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116)

Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 7 Jan 44
Mission Number: 003
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Pisa, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	2	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator Sergio Pendas	2	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	2	0	1	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt George Redman	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin	2	0	1	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales	2	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 00%
B-24 Damage: 0 Hits
Repair Time: Routine Maintenance

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	1	0	0	2
Bf-110	2	1	0	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	5	2	0	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 2
T/Sgt Tom Bankston 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Kent Conlin 1x Bf-110
Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
After Action Report (using QOTS):

Bad weather is constant this time of year in Italy, and once again we had miserable weather on takeoff. This time we were able to keep our bomber out of the mud and actually take off to form up with the others, but Bonkers and Jersey Bounce aborted due to assorted engine problems.

At the IP a109 approached from 12 high, but Bankston’s twin 50s in the top turret set him on fire and the fighter exploded. The flak cleared away any other opposition, but the cloud cover made it tough to single out the target and we knew that our bombs were off the mark.

INBOUND

Two109 greeted us after we had turned for the rally point, but our gunners never had to fire a round as both encountered P-47s and we had great seats of the dogfight, watching one of our boys duke it out with a German ace. It looked like our boys were doing ok but we were soon out of sight and never saw the outcome. Knockout left the formation leaving our defensive box now down by three.

In zone three two 110 came in at 6 low. One was turned away by an escort while the other faced our tail and tunnel gunners. It was Conlin’s tunnel gun that dealt a fatal blow, setting the engine on fire and causing the kraut to fall away out of control. Two chutes were seen.

We landed safely without any further incident.

Despite the success of Bankston and Conlin, we had missed the target and that left everyone in a subdued mood.

There was an unusually high amount of mech failures experienced on today’s mission by far too many crews. Rumors of sabotage and German agents are flying like lead at bandits and everyone is looking at the ground crews with a suspicious eye.

1st Lt Ken Shipman, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th  Air Force
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 20 Jan 44
Mission Number: 004
Missions This Bomber: 4
Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	4	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	4	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	4	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	4	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	4	0	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	4	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	4	2	0	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Barney Stackhouse	4	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	4	0	0	0	LW
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	4	0	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Port Wing x 1
-superficial
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial
Waist x 1
-SWG LW
Tail x 1
-rudder, N/E
Peckham Points: 9
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	3	1	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	0	0	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x C-205
Causalities: 1
Sgt Peter Lesniak LW – Cut thigh. RTD 21 Jan 44
Stress Points This Mission: 0
Awards/Promotion Requests: 
PH Sgt Peter Lesniak

After Action Report
“Does it ever do anything else but rain in Italy?” Woodside complained, their jeep splashing through massive pools of water as it made its way to their waiting bomber.

“Yeah, look at the effect it’s having on some of us.” Lesniak chimed in, “Kostanero used to be the same height as you. Look at him now. He’s shrunk to 5 foot 3.”

Kostanero shot Lesniak a dirty look, once again suffering a barb about his height. “You know the old saying,” Lesniak continued his needling of the short ball gunner, “Big man, big dick, small man, all dick.”

“You know Lesniak, if I had a lower IQ, I’d enjoy talking to you. They say that mankind sprung from the apes. Apparently, you didn’t spring far enough.”

The jeep stopped and the crew jumped off, slogging their way the last few yards to Invadin’ Maiden and shelter from the downpour.


Once again the weather was miserable on takeoff, but we managed to lift off without any problems or Gremlins and rose through it into the sun and formed up with the squadron.

We didn’t have any opposition, and things were fairly quiet until the target zone. We saw fighters massing ahead, several breaking off and making runs through the squadron or engaging in dogfights with the Spitfires that were now our escorts. Strangely, the fighters left us alone.

The flak more than made up for the fighters as we were rocked and knocked about by it. Sergeant Lesniak in the waist reported that he was hit, although not badly enough to make him leave his station. I turned control over to Lieutenant Witkowski, and despite the rocking we took from the Kraut 88s he was able to get 30% on target

INBOUND

As advertised in briefing, there wasn’t any flak to contend with on the to the rally point. Three Italian 205s made for us, with two having to turn away to face incoming Spitfires who were determined not to let them through.

The remaining fighter came in at 1:30 high and fired off a burst that was wide of us. The intercom was alive with the gunners calling out directions to other gunners, allowing tail gunner Sergeant Talking Spirit to pick up the Italian and pour some accurate fire into him, hitting the wing roots and canopy. The fighter rolled over and dropped earthward out of control and burst into a fireball when it impacted the ground miles below.

The rest of the trip was quiet and uneventful and we descended from the bright sunshine through the dark clouds to land safely back in the miserable rain.

Sergeant Lesnak was whisked off by the meat wagon to the hospital where he will have a day’s rest before rejoining the crew and returning to his duties.

Invadin’ Maiden had light damage and our ground crew will have her ready to go tomorrow if need be.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116)

Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 20 Jan 44
Mission Number: 004
Missions This Bomber: 3
Target: Istres/Le Tube, France - Airdrome

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	3	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	3	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery	3	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator Sergio Pendas	3	2	0	0	RTD
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	3	1	1	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt George Redman	3	0	0	0	RTD
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin	3	1	0	0	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney	3	0	0	0	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano	3	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Carlos Morales	3	0	0	1	SW/IH

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 11 Hits
Superficial x 4

Nose x 2

-superficial

-bombardier & Navigator heat out

Flight Deck x 1

-window, N/E

Port Wing x 1

-#1 engine oil tank leak

Tail x 3

-tailplane, superficial x 2

-TG SW

Peckham Points: 69
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)

Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	12	1	3	1	4
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	13	1	3	1	5

Confirmed Claims: 
T/Sgt Tom Bankston 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
Sgt Carlos Morales, SW/IH. Groin cut, inflamed bladder 
Stress Points: 1

Sgt Carlos Morales
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1

PH Sgt Carlos Morales

After Action Report (using QOTS):
It’s another day of miserable weather on take off, and I almost found it a relief to escape the driving rain as we climbed above the clouds.


The flight was uneventful until we reached target zone where we were set upon by four 109s, two of which were intercepted by the RAF eager to show us Yanks what they could do. Avery tackled one at 12 level, pieces were seen falling off the fighter who snapped off a quick burst and broke away in obvious distress. The remaining fighter at 12 high put a harmless round into the tailplane. He circled around and tried another run but nothing came of it.


The flak chased the fighters away, and while it was quite moderate in intensity, we sailed through unscathed. Morales and Conlin reported Avery’s drop hitting the target for 30%.


INBOUND

After turning away, two waves of fighters swarmed in. In the first wave, five 109 fanned out and it seemed everyone was busy including the RAF who could only chase one of the fighters away. Pendas chopped up the one at 1:30 level (denied), but the fighter at 12 level hit us twice, one hitting the main window which thankfully held. Another fighter at 3 high also hit us twice, his strafing attack causing the number one engine oil tank to leak. It was a diving attack from an ace that did the most damage. His first attack put a harmless hole in the airframe, but he circled back and came in at 7:30 high where Bankston hammered him (denied), but not before he put five more into us knocking out Avery and Pendas’s heat in the nose and severely wounding tail gunner Morales.


The second wave consisted of one 190 and three 109. Spitfires chased off the 190 and a 109 cutting our opposition in half, our gunners doing the rest. Avery put several rounds into one of them which appeared to unnerve the green pilot, his attempted strafing firing wide before he tucked his tail between his legs and left. Bankston’s bursts hit the cockpit and wings of the last 109. The pilot was apparently hit as his plane appeared to fall flat towards the ground, tail down.


After we had left the target zone, both Avery and Pendas reported that they were really starting to feel the cold and we informed the squadron that we were leaving formation and dropped to 8000 feet. We were able to keep the group in sight for awhile, but the oil tank leak forced the shutdown of the #1 engine and we started to fall back.


In zone three we spied several E/A, but they must have been low on fuel and both sides merely watched the other as we passed.


Sighting the coast, Pendas noted that we were slightly off course and made corrections, guiding use back to Giulia where we fired off red and yellow flares and landed.


Moreles is resting comfortably in the hospital, but his war is over. He’ll be shipped back to the States soon and I’ve tapped Sgt James Morrell, a kid fresh from the States as his replacement.


S/Sgt Decker and his ground crew are hard at work repairing Valkyrie and cussing up a storm about bringing “their” bomber back in this condition. I’d be worried if they weren’t bitching, and I know that they’ll have our girl ready to go tomorrow if the need arises.


1st Lt Ken Shipman, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG, 15th AF 

[medic1]

B-24D Valkyrie (B24D-CF-42-52116)

Pilot: 1st Lt Ken Shipman
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 26 Jan 44
Mission Number: 004
Missions This Bomber: 4
Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Ken Shipman	4	0	0	0	POW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Mark Ridley	4	0	0	0	POW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Phil Avery	4	0	0	0	POW
Navigator Sergio Pendas	4	2	0	0	POW
Engineer T/Sgt Tom Bankston	4	1	1	0	POW
R/O S/Sgt George Redman	4	0	0	0	POW
Tunnel Gunner Sgt Kent Conlin	4	1	0	0	POW
PWG S/Sgt Walt Whitney	4	0	0	0	POW
SWG S/Sgt Dave Trevisano	4	0	0	0	SW/DOW
Tail Gunner Sgt James Morell	1	0	0	1	POW

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-24 Damage: 12 Hits
Superficial x 4

Port Wing x 1

-#2 engine out and feathered

Starboard Wing x 3

-superficial x 2

-#2 outboard fuel tank fire

Waist x 2

-superficial

-PWG SW

Tail x 2

-superficial

-guns inoperable

Peckham Points: Higher than I can count

Repair Time: All the Kings Horses and all the Kings men. . .

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)

Landing: In many, many pieces

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	11	0	1	0	4
Bf-110	3	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	1	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	16	0	2	0	7

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
Sgt Dave Trevisano SW & KIA; died in sea waiting for rescue/capture
Stress Points: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
PH Posthumous - Sgt Dave Trevisano

After Action Report (using QOTS):
During the mission, Valkyrie was observed to come under attack multiple times. On the bomb run she took 3 flak hits which probably contributed to her payload falling wide of the target.


Valkyrie continued to come under attack on the outboard leg of the mission, and in zone 3 was seen to take hits from a climbing 110 that set her outboard fuel tank on fire. The crew was forced to bail out with Lt Shipman apparently staying with the bomber long enough to allow his crew to help any injured bailout before he himself exited as the 10th chute was seen a several seconds after the first 9.


As pieced together from observations of various crewman of the 78th BS .


(Several months later the Red Cross sent a letter stating that 9 of the crew were picked up and interned by the Germans while the body of a severely wounded 10th man (Sgt Dave Trevisano) was recovered but died of exposure.) 

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th  Air Force
Formation/Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 26 Jan 44
Mission Number: 005
Missions This Bomber: 5
Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	5	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	5	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	5	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	5	2	1.5	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	5	0	1	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	5	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	5	2	1	0	RTD
PSW S/Sgt Noreno Costa	3	0	.5	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	5	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	5	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 0 Hits
Peckham Points: 0
Repair Time: Routine Overnight Maintenance 
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	9	2	1	1	3
Bf-110	4	1	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	5	1	1	0	3
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	18	4	2	1	8

Confirmed Claims: 4
2nd Lt Tom Cassidy 1.5 x 1-109

S/Sgt Noreno Costa .5 x 1-109

S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Fw-190

S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-110

Causalities: 0
Stress Points This Mission: 0
Awards/Promotion Requests:
AM (1st Awarded) - 1st Lt Franklin Marks, 2nd Lt Ted Masini, 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski, 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy, S/Sgt Curt Mercado, T/Sgt Bruce Woodside, S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro, Sgt Peter Lesniak, Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit

After Action Report
For once we had good weather on takeoff and we lifted off without any problems or gremlins and formed up, and headed out over the Adriatic.


In zone 5 our escorts chased off a couple of 109s before they could make a nuisance of themselves.


In zone 6 two 190 appeared with only one getting through our escorts to attack from 12 level. Mercado’s tracers were observed to hit him head on in the engine and wing and the Kraut fighter exploded from the back of the engine and above the starboard wing root.


Zone 7 saw another two 190 and a 110 move on us, but a 190 and the 110 suffered a severe Lightning strike, leaving a 190 in a head on attack. This fighter was damaged by Talking Spirit as it passed by the tail.


In the target zone our escorts chased off a couple of bandits leaving our Navigator Lt Cassidy to once again prove his marksmanship as he racked up his third confirmed. The flak started up but was well away from us, and Witkowski dropped for 20%.


INBOUND

The Krauts became serious as Goring’s Goons swarmed us with three waves of fighters.


In the first, one of two 109 made it past our little friends only to walk into stiff resistance from both Cassidy and Costa. The fighter dropped burning for several hundred feet before it exploded. The pilot never made it out.


The second wave had three 110 with two getting through. One escaped while the other at 12 low was racked with heavy fire from the ball turret. It flipped over and dropped towards the ground trailing heavy black smoke and two chutes were spotted.


For the third wave, three 109 tried their luck. The boys from the 98th FG were Johnny on the spot As they chased off two of the flying goon squad, one an ace. Nothing came of the run and gun with the third 109.


More of Goring’s Goons appeared after the target zone with two waves in zone 7. A lone 109 was taken out by Mercado at 6 high, but this claim would be denied later. A second wave with a diving 109 yielded nothing more than an expenditure of ammo from both sides.


Things were quiet the rest of the way until zone 2 when a 109 made a head on attack. All he got for his troubles was some damage from Witkowski’s nose gun.


After the priority bombers had landed, we landed safely without any hiccups.


All in all, this was a satisfying mission. We bagged four fighters with two more as probable's and another two damaged. We hit the target and the ship and crew came home without a scratch. The ground crew won’t have to work overtime tonight.


1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24J PROBLEM CHILD (B24J-CF-42-78347)

Pilot: 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 26 Jan 44
Mission Number: 005
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Udine, Italy - Airdrome

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick	1	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey	1	0	1	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Guy LaMotte	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Paul Navarro	1	0	.5	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Manny Roserio	1	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Carlos Mencia	1	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Mark Burnham	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Cole Worden	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Jake Dunbar	1	0	2.5	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-24 Damage: 10 Hits
Superficial x 1
Flight Deck x 1
-Co-Pilot LW
Port Wing x 1
-aileron inoperable

-#2 engine runaway, fire (extinguished)
Starboard Wing x 3
-superficial x 1
Bomb Bay x 1
-control cables/top turret guns inoperable
Tail x 2
-superficial
-ailerons inoperable
Peckham Points: 90

Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	13	4	3	2	5
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	4	0	0	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	19	4	3	2	8

Confirmed Claims: 4
Sgt Jake Dunbar 2.5 x Bf-109

2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey 1 x Bf-109

S/Sgt Paul Navarro .5 x Bf-109

Casualties: 1
2nd Lt Hank McAlister, torn deltoid. RTD 23 Feb 44
Stress Points: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
PH 2nd Lt Hank McAlister

After Action Report (using QOTS):
We had arrived from the States in time to take part in our first mission. Our excitement turned to frustration when the number three engine refused to start up. After several tries of the prop spinning and stopping without catching, we were just about to admit that we had to abort when the engine suddenly sputtered and roared to life. We took off on time and assumed our position in the middle of the squadron.


It didn’t take long to get our first taste of action when in zone 3 we saw two waves of German fighters.


The first wave had five109 that were reduced to four thanks to our escort of P-38s. Dunbar and Navarro both pumped accurate fire into a fighter at 6 high for our crews first confirmed aerial victory. Shortly after that, Dunbar tore the wing off of another fighter as it passed by his tail guns from 12 high. A fighter at 130 high hit us twice, one hit hitting control cables and rendering our top turret guns useless. Another fighter at three high hit us and took out our starboard aileron. The fighter at 6 high also hit control cables in the tail which rendered our other ailerons useless as well. The three fighters circled and came in for another run and all of them suffered for it as LaMotte damaged one of them, Dorsey snapped a wing off of another with his chin turret 50s while Dunbar recorded his second of the mission as his tracers impacted the canopy and wings of the last fighter and it fell away on fire and out of control.


In the second wave we saw three 190, but neither our escorts, gunners or Krauts could hit anything.


We were left alone for a little while until zone 7 where two 109 and a 110 appeared. As our gunners were getting ready to take them on when several lightning appeared and engaged them, removing the threat.

At the target zone another two waves of fighters eagerly winged towards us. The first was a single diving 190 that was chased off by a P-38, and the second wave, although we saw them massing and ready to attack instead spread out and targeted other planes of the squadron.


The flak cleared away the fighters and we took two bad hits, one wounding copilot Lieutenant McAllister, and the other one causing the number two engine to run away. I had my hands full and was unable to feather the prop while trying to control the bucking bomber. I called for our engineer S/Sgt Navarro to get McAlister somewhere and make him comfortable and then come back and take his spot in the copilot seat.

Despite the knocking about we took, Dorsey managed to deliver 40% of our eggs on target and we turned away for the rally zone.


Inbound

They told us in briefing that there would be no flak after we turned, and I now realize that means more time for the fighters to take another crack at us. I was starting to take this personally thinking that the whole Luftwaffe was beginning to pick on us. The gunners were calling out over the intercom alerting each other as the fighters came in, five 109 becoming four thanks to a little friend. Dorsey and Burnham both knocked down a fighter while LaMotte damaged another. (Dorsey and Burnhams claims were both denied at interrogation)


The runaway engine was causing me great concern and it took a lot to control it with Navarro’s help. The windmilling prop in the slipstream was slowing our airspeed. I applied more throttle to the remaining three engines and ordered the crew to lighten the plane by jettisoning some of our redundant gear, empty ammo cases, helmets, thermos bottles and flak jackets. Our radio man T/Sgt Rosario wisecracked that he hoped his helmet conked some Kraut on the head.


Finally, in zone 5 the engine couldn’t take anymore and seized, then caught fire. Navarro immediately hit the extinguisher putting an end to the threat of the fire spreading and it became quieter and the ride smoothed out a little.


But the Luftwaffe wasn’t finished with us yet and made two more appearances on our way home. Thankfully though, our escorts drove the two lone fighters away. We also witnessed the fact that we weren’t the only ones with problems as Valkyrie came under attack and her wing caught fire. We watched the crew bail out and counted the chutes and saw only 9. Finally, after about 10 seconds the 10th chute appeared and I assumed that it was the pilot who had stayed with the plane long enough to ensure that his crew were all out safely.


Once over Giulia Field, we dropped yellow and red flares and were assigned a priority lending. The lack of ailerons and minus an engine made the landing a bit more challenging than normal, but we pulled it off and landed safely. McAllister was rushed off to the hospital in the meat wagon and I hear he’s lost to us for the next four weeks.


After we had gone through interrogation and I had visited Mac in the hospital, I was wondering how long it would take to get Problem Child ready for the next mission since we were a new crew and didn’t have a dedicated ground crew. Sadly, when one door closes another opens. The door had closed on the plane and crew of Valkyrie opening the door to her ground crew being assigned to ours. The crew chief, a S/Sgt Decker ensures me that he’ll have Problem Child ready to fly by tomorrow if the need arises.


I’m proud of my crew. They acquitted themselves well under the stress of their first combat mission. While we took our lumps the crew gave some heavy shots back, refusing to fold under pressure. All of our gunners distinguish themselves in my mind whether they had claimed a fighter or not. Everyone had contributed in someway to the success of the mission.

Now if we can just keep it up for another 24 missions. . .


1st Lt Rusty Wyrick, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low/Lead
Mission Date: 29 Jan 44
Mission Number: 006
Missions This Bomber: 6
Target: Ferrara, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	6	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	6	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	6	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	6	2	1.5	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	6	0	1	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	6	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	6	2	1	0	RTD
PSW S/Sgt Noreno Costa	4	0	.5	1	LW
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	6	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	6	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 00%
B-17 Damage: 2 Hits
Waist x 1
-PWG LW
Tail x 1
-tail guns inoperable
Peckham Points: 22
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	5	0	0	0	5
Bf-110	3	0	0	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	3	0	0	1	1
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	11	0	0	1	7

Confirmed Claims: 0
Causalities: 1
S/Sgt Noreno Costa, LW. Torn vastus muscle. RTD 26 Feb 44
Stress Points This Mission: 2
1st Lt Franklin Marks
S/Sgt Noreno Costa
Awards/Promotion Requests:
PH S/Sgt Noreno Costa

After Action Report

For the second time in our short combat careers, we found ourselves as the lead bomber. I told the crew to be on their toes and to turn in their best effort as we have a responsibility as the lead crew.

Things were fairly quiet for a while, our escorts chased off a lone 109 in zone 3, and a little further on in zone 5 we had three Ju-88s single us out. One failed to make it past our little friends and one was damaged by Kostanero as a result of the encounter.

Three110 appeared next. Again, P-38s took care of one of Gorings Goons and nothing came out of the quick strafing runs of the remaining two.

At the IP we saw many fighters, but none singled us out. Even the flak gunners failed to give us a rough time as everything burst well away from us. Since we had such an easy time on the bottom run, I fail to see how we entirely missed the target!

INBOUND

After we had turned away for the rally point, we were rocked by two flak hits. One took out our tail guns and the second wounded waist gunner Costa, who had only been back with us for one mission since being wounded a few missions ago.

As soon as the flak let up, two 109 buzzed in, but our escorts were Lightning quick and they were both dispatched.

The Krauts made one more appearance on the way home in the form of another two 109, and again our P-38s made sure they didn't get close to cause us any worry.

Over the field, we fired red flares alerting the ground personnel that we had wounded on board and were met by an ambulance on landing.

This turned out to be quite a frustrating mission. We had good weather conditions and missed the target. Costa was wounded again after missing two missions and this time he's going to be gone for 4 weeks.

We had endured a long mission and had nothing positive to show for it.

The ground crew will have Invadin' Maiden ready for the next mission whenever it is.

1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24J PROBLEM CHILD (B24J-CF-42-78347)

Pilot: 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 29 Jan 44
Mission Number: 006
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Ferrara, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick	2	0	0	0	KIA
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Timothy Reece	1	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey	2	0	1	0	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Guy LaMotte	2	0	0	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Paul Navarro	2	0	.5	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Manny Roserio	2	0	0	0	KIA
Ball Gunner Sgt Carlos Mencia	2	0	0	0	KIA
PWG Sgt Mark Burnham	2	0	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Cole Worden	2	0	0	0	KIA
Tail Gunner Sgt Jake Dunbar	2	0	2.5	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 6 Hits
Superficial x 3
Port Wing x 2
-superficial 
-outboard fuel tank leak
Waist x 1
-superficial
Peckham Points: 20
Repair Time: N/A

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)
Landing: Crashed into Adriatic Sea zone 2 inbound

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	0	0	1	1
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	8	0	0	1	4
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	0	0	2	5

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 5
1st Lt Rusty Wyrick, died of exposure

2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey, died of exposure

T/Sgt Manny Rosario, died of exposure

Sgt Carlos Mencia, died of exposure

Sgt Cole Worden, died of exposure

Stress Points: 5
-each survivor received 1 point
Award/ Promotions Requests: 5
PH Posthumous 1st Lt Rusty Wyrick

PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Dwayne Dorsey

PH Posthumous T/Sgt Manny Rosario

PH Posthumous Sgt Carlos Mencia

PH Posthumous Sgt Cole Worden


After Action Report (using QOTS):

Things started off on a positive note. Take off and form up was normal and the flight was uneventful until the target zone, where we were set on by five 190.

Our escorts chased one off of our tail but another coming in at 7:30 low evaded our little friends and our defensive fire, dealing what would eventually become a fatal blow as he ruptured our outboard fuel tank on the port wing.


We made it through the flak and Dorsey hit the target for an estimated 30%.


Inbound

Coming through inaccurate flak a single 109 made a run at us but fell to a little friend.


In the following zones three 190 with a 109 challenged us with the 190 getting chased off by escorts. The 109 suffered damage from Dunbar in the tail but the gutsy Kraut made another strafing run regardless of the damage, although this resulted in nothing.


The skipper made the decision in zone 3 to lighten our load and we tossed everything out with the exception of parachutes and life raft as engineer Navarro’s calculations left us pretty sure we were going to be in the drink soon regardless of our efforts. We also diverted fuel from the port tanks to the starboard, radioed that we were on two engines and dropped out of formation.


It wasn’t enough and we wound up bailing out in zone 2 after radioing in our position to the Royal Navy, hoping that they would pick us all up in time. Unfortunately for the skipper and four others of the crew, they didn’t find us quick enough.


2nd Lt Timothy Reece, Co-Pilot 

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Derek Marsh
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 29 Jan 44
Mission Number: 006
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Ferrara, Italy - Marshalling Yard 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh	1	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Wishinski	1	0	1	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy	1	0	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti	1	0	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Liam Barnes	1	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday	1	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Middleton	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Lang	1	0	0	1	RTD/LW
Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll	1	0	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-24 Damage: 16 Hits

Superficial x 2 (4)
Nose x 1
-superficial (2)
Port Wing x 4
-superficial (2)
-flap, inop (10)
-wing root (25)
-aileron inop (10)
Starboard Wing x 3
-wing root (25)
-flap inop (10)
-aileron inop (10)
Bomb Bay x 1
-superficial x 2 (4)
Waist x 2
-superficial (2)
-RWG LW (2)
Tail x 1
-auto pilot inoperable (10)
Peckham Points: 116
Repair Time: RTF 1 Feb 44
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	1	0	0	0
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	8	2	1	0	4
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	9	3	1	0	4

Confirmed Claims: 3
2nd Lt Don Wishinski 1 x Fw-190
2nd Lt Cam Cassidy 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Terry Driscoll 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 1
Sgt Sam Lang LW – grazed leg. Treated and RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
PH Sgt Sam Lang
Stress Points this Mission: 2
2nd Lt Don Wishinski – 1
Sgt Sam Lang – 1

After Action Report (using QOTS):
One minute we were getting squared away in our new surroundings and the next we taking off for our first mission. We had arrived just in time to take part in the squadrons sixth mission overall.

Things were quiet until we had reached the target zone. Then it seemed as if all hell broke loose and had unleashed itself on us. A 190 was our first taste of action without actually become engaged as the Kraut was intercepted by a P-38, the two entering into an aerial dance of death.

But then the horror of war unleashed itself as flak started exploding all over the sky and rocking our ship and crew, taking our right wing flap and a hit to the wing root. Bottoms Up was seen to take flak hits and set a wing on fire, her crew bailing out. Of the nine chutes seen, one didn’t deploy properly and it was a sickening sight to watch as he plummeted to his death. The hammering we took definitely played a part in lieutenant Wishinski’s poor bombing result as we failed to hit the target.

Inbound

The flak thankfully wasn’t as accurate after our turn from the target, but two waves of fighters tried to make up for it. The first wave consisted of four 190 with two being chased off by escorts. A Kraut low on our tail was hit hard by Sgt Driscoll’s twin 50’s just as it opened up with cannon fire, hitting us 7 times. He managed to knockout our port flap and right aileron, as well as damage the port wing root. Our gunners say that it was obvious that the pilot was very green, but even so he did a lot of damage. Driscoll’s fire knocked the fighter down, but his claim was denied later at interrogation. The other remaining Kraut fighter missed us and moved on.

The second wave contained three 190 and a 109, with only one of these being deterred by our escorts. Wishinski clobbered one at 12 high, his fire raking the engine and canopy area. He said that he gladly would have traded in the confirmation for a positive drop result. His nose cabin buddy, navigator Lt Cassidy, managed to set the 109 on fire at 130 low, but the remaining 190 at 4:30 walked hits along the fuselage. His accurate cannon fire knocked out the autopilot, wounded right waist gunner Sgt Lang, as well as destroying the port wing aileron. This fighter returned at 6 level where Driscoll made sure that this claim would hold up as several of the crew observed his tracers impact the 190 and setting it on fire, dropping a thousand feet and then exploding.

After that, things were relatively quiet, at least for us, and we were unmolested the rest of the flight. Sadly, Problem Child had to ditch before the coast due to lack of fuel, and ten chutes were seen.

Over the field we dropped red and yellow flares and took our turn in priority landings behind Laid Back Lady and Kicking Horse. When it was our turn, the landing was a little dicey with both wing ailerons and flaps out, but we managed it and made our way to our hardstand.

We missed the target which was disappointing, but on the positive side Sgt Lang was treated and released. The crew acquitted themselves well downing three fighters and a possible fourth, and the Gremlin, although taking a beating, will be ready to fly in two or three days.

1st Lt Derek Marsh, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy). 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823
Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks

Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force

Formation/Position: Middle/Middle

Mission Date: 7 Feb 44

Mission Number: 007

Missions This Bomber: 7

Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	7	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	7	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	7	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	7	2	1.5	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	7	0	1	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	7	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	7	2	1	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Mark Burnham	3	0	.5	2	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	7	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	7	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On

On Target: 30%

B-17 Damage: 1 Hit

Superficial x 1

Peckham Points: 01

Repair Time: Overnight

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average

Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	4	1	1	0	2
Bf-110	2	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	3	0	0	0	2
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	9	2	1	0	4

Confirmed Claims: 0
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-110

Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x Bf-109


Causalities: 0

Stress Points This Mission: 1

S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro

Awards/Promotion Requests:

After Action Report

It was raining and quite miserable, adding to the foul mood of the crew. Between actual missions we had one mission recall and two scrubbed missions. These were always depressing for an air crew. One had to get ready for each mission, both physically and mentally. The physical part was waking up before dawn, then attending the briefings, followed by getting into the heavy combat gear. This physical routine also gave the crew in time to mentally prepare.


Then you take off in your plane loaded with high explosives, which was never a sure thing, and of course there was the danger job of getting the aircraft into formation. Once a man went through all of that, he wanted to complete the mission and have it credited towards his required 25. That meant dropping bombs on the target. It is a terrible letdown to go through all of that and then receive the recall.


Not so today. We went through our routine again getting physically and mentally ready and roared down the soggy runway, lifting off into the gloomy weather. It is amazing to me whenever we climb through the cloud and all of a sudden break through the to the bright sunshine above it to see the planes of the squadron forming up before turning towards the target and making our way. Seeing the sun always cheers me up a little until the boredom settles in from the long hours of making of making ones way to the target with no action.


Everything was quiet until we had reached the IP when two 109 approached from our rear and a 110 slightly off of them at 4:30. A P-38 chased off one of the 109 while Talking Spirit removed some paint from the other, throwing off his aim. Kostanero opened up on the 110 at 200 yards and the port engine exploded in flame and the outer wing snapped off. The Kraut spiraled down out of control and none of her crew made it out.

The flak shook us around a little bit but thankfully nothing hit us causing any damage. Witkowski was able to find marshalling yard through the clouds and dropped for an estimated 30%.


INBOUND

The flak was noticeably lighter after the turn and after negotiating our way through the field we were once again set upon by two 109 and a 110. Again, one of our escorts chased off a 109, but the script changed as the 110 missed and moved on while the remaining 109 put a harmless round into the airframe. He circled around and came back at 6 high, but Talking Spirit scored hits on hit the engine and cockpit, causing the pilot to jettison his canopy and bail out.


A second wave of three190 roared in with two becoming engaged with P-38s. The remaining 190 traded shots with our gunners and left just as quickly as he had appeared.


The rest of the flight was uneventful and we landed back on our soggy airfield. With this constant rain I’m beginning to think that we should rig some pontoons onto our bomber for takeoffs on landings.


We peeled off our helmets, flak jackets, heavy boots, electric gloves and other combat gear and went to our first interrogation. They’re all the same. The interrogator places a double shot of scotch in front of me and asks what was the flak like today? "Too close." I answer. Then all the other questions. Visibility? Bombing results? Fighters? These desk jockeys. The thing I remember most on any mission is how bitterly cold it is out 20,000 feet. And of course, the flak always makes an impression.


Overall, a successful mission. With interrogation over it’s time to unwind. That double scotch was only a warm up.


1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Derek Marsh

Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron

Formation/Position: Middle/Middle

Mission Date: 7 Feb 44

Mission Number: 007

Missions This Bomber: 2

Target: Pontassive, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh	2	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Wishinski	2	0	1	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy	2	0	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti	2	0	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Liam Barnes	2	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday	2	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Middleton	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Lang	2	0	0	1	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll	2	0	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off

On Target: 0%

B-24 Damage: 03 Hits

Superficial x 3 (6)

Peckham Points: 06

Repair Time: Overnight

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)

Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	1	0	0
Bf-110	3	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	3	0	1	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 0

Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

Stress Points this Mission: 0


After Action Report (using QOTS):

Another rainy day, but the conditions were well enough to allow us to actually take off today. As miserable as it is for us, I can only imagine how miserable it is for our ground troops.


When we were approaching the IP two fighters appeared with one getting knocked down by our escorts. The remaining fighter, a 110 at 4:30 took some blistering fire from Wishinski’s nose turret. While heavily damaged and possibly out of control, he was lost in the clouds and couldn’t be confirmed.


The fighter’s cleared before the flak field. Just as Wishinski was about to release our payload, the Gremlin took a hit to the port wing, knocking us about just enough to jar his aim and we had another zero bombing result.


Inbound

The flak was lighter and kinder to us on the way to the rally point. More of Goring’s Goons appeared in the form of two 110 with one losing his nerve when a lightning appeared on his tail. The remaining 110 came in at 9 low and put three minor hits into us. This fighter tried another strafing run which had no effect, then he was gone.


The flak hit we took on the bomb run had punctured the outboard fuel tank. Rossetti dropped out of his turret and watch the gauges, calculating our fuel loss. He said that he was confident that we were in good shape barring any further damage to the fuel tanks.


The rest of the way proved uneventful and over Giulia we fired off a red flare as our fuel situation was concerning but not immediately critical. We made a sloppy landing as the mud made us veer off center but we managed to stay on the runway – barely (I rolled a 3).


Two missions, two misses. I don't know what's wetter, the runway from the rain or the crews innards from drowning our sorrows at the bar. 

1st Lt Derek Marsh, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy). 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823

Pilot: 1st Lt Franklin Marks


Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force



Formation/Position: High/Middle



Mission Date: 11 Feb 44



Mission Number: 008



Missions This Bomber: 8



Target: Toulon, France - Harbor Facilities

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	8	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	8	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski	8	0	0	0	SW/IH
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	8	3.5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	8	1	1	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	8	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	8	3	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Mark Burnham	8	.5	0	2	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	8	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	8	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB



On Target: 0%



B-17 Damage: 1 Hit



Nose x 1

-bombardier SW

Peckham Points: 02



Repair Time: Overnight



Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average



Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	3	0	0	0	3
Bf-110	2	0	2	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	3	1	0	0	2
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	8	1	2	0	5

Confirmed Claims: 1

S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Fw-190

Casualties: 1

2nd Lt Paul Witkowski – Severe facial injuries. IH

Stress Points after mission:

2nd Lt Paul Witkowski

S/Sgt Curt Mercado

Sgt Peter Lesniak

Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit

Award/ Promotions Requests: 1

PH 2nd Lt Paul Witkowski


After Action Report
The usual lousy weather pelted us as we drove out to our B-17. Wikowski was regaling us with his rendition of a song from the play Oklahoma: “Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I have an awful feeling, everything’s coming my way.”


We lifted off on time and rose above the clouds into the blue sky above and formed up. It didn’t take long for some Goring’s Goons to make an appearance, a 109 and a 110 appearing in zone 2. The 109 was chased off by a P-47, the 110 came in at 9 low and was hit heavily by Kostanero in the ball turret. It was lost in the clouds and could not be confirmed. 100 miles after that, we saw some other fighters but they decided to leave us alone.


We settled in for a long boring flight as it turned out to be until the target zone where a wave of two 109 and a 110 singled us out. But the 109 were both in turn singled out by some RAF Hurricanes and the 110 was at our 4:30 level and took heavy fire from our top turret, and was seen to be in definite trouble. Although he made it into some clouds in great difficulty, it was highly doubtful that he made it back to his home base.


Then the flak started up and it all seemed to be well away from us until just seconds before we were due to drop when we were rock by a close burst. As we passed over the target, I didn’t feel the familiar movement of the ship rising from releasing the weight of our payload. I had to increase power to keep up with the rest of the squadron as our bomb load and open bay doors were creating drag.


INBOUND

There wasn’t as much flak on the way out and even the Luftwaffe left us alone once clear of it. Navigator Cassidy called for help to get Witkowski to the radio room. He reported that shrapnel had torn Wit’s oxygen mask off and removed most of his lower jaw and teeth. Cassidy was not able to release the bombs as he was too busy clearing Witkowski’s air passage of bone and teeth and putting on a temporary oxygen bottle to keep him alive. I ordered Woodside to come from the radio room and help with Witkowski and ordered Cassidy to jettison our payload the minute we were over water.


Zone 10 we ran into three 190 with two being chased off by our little friends. However, the third one was decimated by fire from Mercado’s top turret as he extracted some revenge for Witkowski
.

Somewhere over Corsica, "In Like Flynn" dropped out of formation but seemed to be in control of her pilot. They would later land safely, but it was a near thing. The rest of the flight was uneventful and once over the field we fired off a flare alerting the ground that we had wounded on board, and we were met at our hardstand by an ambulance that quickly sped Witkowski off to the base hospital.


His war is over. They operated on him and are giving him the best of care that they can here. He’ll go to a large hospital for further treatment, and then home. He’ll be missed as he was a very popular member of our crew.


Our new Bombardier is 2nd Lt Frank Westmore of Dayton, Ohio.


1st Lt Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Derek Marsh

Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron

Formation/Position: Middle/Middle

Mission Date: 11 Feb 44

Mission Number: 008

Missions This Bomber: 3

Target: Toulon, France - Harbor Facilities

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh	3	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro	3	0	0	0	KIA
Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Wishinski	3	0	1	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy	3	0	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti	3	0	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Liam Barnes	3	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday	3	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Middleton	3	0	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Lang	3	0	0	1	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll	3	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB/Aborted

On Target: 0%

B-24 Damage: 04  Hits

Nose x 1

-Bombardier KIA (10)

Waist x 1

-superficial (2)

Tail x 2

-port rudder x 2 N/E & inop (15)


Peckham Points: 27

Repair Time: Overnight

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)

Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	3	0	1	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 0

Casualties: 1

2nd Lt Don Wishinski

Award/ Promotions Requests: 1

PH Posthumous - 2nd Lt Don Wishinski

Stress Points this Mission:

R/O, PWG


After Action Report (using QOTS):

The first indication that things were not going to go our way was when the #1 engine had a rough startup. It finally smoothed out and we were able to form up with the squadron.

We had only traveled about 100 miles when a German Ace in a 190 evaded our escorts and strafed us. Holliday managed to hit him, but the Kraut hit us four times, one hitting Wishinski in the head, at least he never knew what hit him. The Ace came back but failed to add to his damage and left. But he had done enough.


Without a qualified bombardier and the port rudder out, I pulled the pin on the mission and returned to Giulia.


1st Lt Derek Marsh, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy). 15th AF