Medic1 - Multiple squadrons

[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/Middle

Mission Date: 15 Feb 44

Mission Number: 009

Missions This Bomber: 9

Target: Verona, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	9	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	9	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Frank Westmoore	1	0	0	0	SW/IH
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	9	3.5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	9	2	0	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	9	0	1	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	9	3	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Mark Burnham	9	.5	1	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	9	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	9	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On

On Target: 30%

B-17 Damage: 8 Hits
Superficial x 1
Nose x 2
-bombardier SW
-superficial
Port Wing x 2
-flap inop
-wing root
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial 
Radio Room x 1
-oxygen N/E
Tail x 1
-superficial
Peckham Points: 49

Repair Time: Overnight

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, average

Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	6	1	0	0	2
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	5	0	1	1	3
Fw-190	7	1	0	0	6
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	3	0	0	0	3
TOTALS	21	2	1	1	14

Confirmed Claims: 2

T/Sgt Bruce Woodside 1 x Fw-190

Sgt Mark Burnham 1 x Bf-109


Casualties: 1

2nd Lt Frank Westmore – Severe throat injury. IH

Stress Points after mission:

2nd Lt Frank Westmore

S/Sgt Curt Mercado

Sgt Peter Lesniak

Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit

Award/ Promotions Requests: 1

PH 2nd Lt Frank Westmore


After Action Report
The weather appeared to be on our side as it was excellent from take off to landing.


Things seemed fine until we reached zone 3 where three 190 and a 109 appeared. The Jugs chased off the 190s and the 109 failed to hit us. We were kind enough to return the favor.


In zone 6 we ran into three Italian Re-2001. Our escorts chased off two of them but the third came in at 12 high and severely wounded our new bombardier in the neck. He was circling around for another attempt when he in turned was jumped by some of our escorts.


When we reached the IP and with our escorts providing excellent coverage, they chased off another two of three 190. The third 190 came in at 10:30 high and put a minor hit in the nose. He was swinging around again when he thought better of it as some of our little friends convinced him that it was far healthier for him to be someplace else. A second wave then appeared with a diving 190, but a rigorous defense from the radio room saw some accurate fire into the Kraut, and he went down in flames.


The flak turned out to be pretty accurate and hit us four times, taking out the port wing flap, hitting the wing root plus a hit in the radio room oxygen system and another in the in the tail section. The navigator toggled our bombs as he watched the lead bomber, taking his cue from them. He managed to hit the target for an estimated 30%. Pretty good for a rookie dropping without any training.


INBOUND

The flak failed to find us but the fighters did. Five 109 moved to block our path but P-47s chased off two of them. Our port waist gunner took care of another at three level, and the reminder just traded ammunition with us.


Zone five, Amazing Maisie aborted due to a heating issue and we encountered five C205, with two duking it out with our escorts. R/O Woodside thought that he had his second of the mission as he took care of a diving Italian but his claim was denied at interrogation. Kostanaro damaged another at 730 enough that the pilots aim was thrown off and he departed quickly. The third 205 came in at 4:30 high and hit the right wing. He was feeling very confident and circled again. But before he could start his run, he encountered more of our escorts and turned from hero to a coward very quickly.


Over the field we fired off a red flare and an ambulance was waiting for us as we rolled onto our hardstand.


We seem to be pretty rough on our bombardiers lately. Westmore will spend some time in the hospital and then sent stateside.


Our new Bombardier is 2nd Lt Craig Kellici of Russell Springs, Kentucky.


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: 15 Feb 44

Mission Number: 009

Missions This Bomber: 4

Target: Verona, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh	4	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro	4	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Kassel	1	0	.5	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy	4	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti	4	0	1	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Liam Barnes	4	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday	4	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Middleton	4	0	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Lang	4	0	0	1	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll	4	1	.5	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off

On Target: 0%

B-24 Damage: 3 Hits

Port Wing x 1

-outboard fuel tank leak, self-seal (5)

Starboard Wing x 1

-superficial (2)

Bomb Bay x 1

-rafts destroyed (10)


Peckham Points: 17

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	2	0	0	0	2
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	5	2	0	0	3
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	7	2	0	0	5

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Burt Rossetti 1 x C-205

Sgt Terry Driscoll 1 x C-205


Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

Stress Points this Mission:


After Action Report (using QOTS):
We had fine weather for the mission. Temptacious aborted just after taking off but everyone else managed to form up and the squadron headed across the sea making for Verona and its Marshaling Yard.


Everything seemed quiet and serene until zone 5 where we spied some German fighters. But either they didn’t see us or weren’t interested, both parties continuing on their own way.

About 100 miles later we encountered a lone 109, but he was chased off by some of our escorts. In the target zone five Italian 205s singled us out. But before three of them were able to take a run at us they ran afoul of some little friends. Of the two that made it through, manning the chin turret our new bombardier Lieutenant Kassel damaged one, setting it on fire. As it passed the tail, gunner Driscoll raked it with fire along its wing and fuselage, causing the fuel tank to explode separating the wing from the body. The plane spiraled out of control towards the ground with the pilot trapped inside by centrifugal force. Both gunners shared credit. The other fighter came in a diving attack but Sergeant Rossetti in the top turret also set this one on fire, and it plummeted to the ground to join the other fighter.


On the bomb run as we were about to release of our bombs we were rocked by three hits They bracketed the plane off the wings and just below, piercing a fuel tank which thankfully sealed and destroying the rafts. The flak had knocked us around enough to throw off Kassel’s aim and the payload totally missed the target.


Inbound

At the rally point a 109 dove on us but in turn was met by some P-47s and he never had a chance. Bonkers had to leave formation and we wished her good luck. The rest of the flight home was uneventful and we landed safely back at Giulia without incident.


A disappointing mission. So far, our track record sucks and I can’t help but feel that we aren’t doing our part. But tomorrow, as they say, is a new day – and hopefully a better one for us.


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/Lead

Mission Date: 17 Feb 44

Mission Number: 010

Missions This Bomber: 10

Target: North of Anzio Beachhead - German Supply Dumps

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	10	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	10	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	10	3.5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	10	2	0	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	10	1	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	10	3	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Mark Burnham	10	1.5	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	10	0	0	1	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	10	1	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On

On Target: 20%

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	3	0	0	0	2
Bf-110	1	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	1	0	0	0	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	5	0	0	0	4

Confirmed Claims: 0

Casualties: 0

Stress Points after mission: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report

It appeared that everything was going to go our way today. The weather was bright and clear, it was a very short mission distance wise, and we were provided with excellent fighter cover. The crew was skeptical as this is when something usually jumps up and bites you in the ass, especially with us flying the lead.


We took off and formed up without issues and made our way for Anzio. In the target zone we were met by a diving109 that was taken out by several P-38s eager to add to their totals. Shortly after, a JU-88 appeared and he also fell to our escorts.


The flak was heavy, but thankfully it was inaccurate and failed to do us any damage. Kellici put 20% on target and, even though it was just his first mission I wasn’t exactly impressed with the effort


INBOUND

We made our way through the flak field without a problem and were met outside of it by two 109 and a 110. Lightning strikes took care of a 109 and the 110, with the remaining fighter coming in off of our 4:30. He was heavily damaged by Konstanaro in the ball turret. The 109 managed to put a harmless round into us and although it looked like it was going to drop out of the sky, some credit stealing P-38 pilot jumped all over him and claimed it for himself.


After that it was just a short hop back to the field where we landed safely.


Overall, it was a successful mission. No one was hurt, we hit the target and our ground crew is going to have a very easy day of it and retire early.


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: Top/Middle

Mission Date: 17 Feb 44

Mission Number: 010

Missions This Bomber: 5

Target: North of Anzio Beachhead - German Supply Dumps

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh	5	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro	5	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Kassel	2	0.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy	5	1	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti	5	1	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Liam Barnes	5	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday	5	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Middleton	5	0	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Lang	5	0	0	1	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll	5	1.5	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On

On Target: 40%

B-24 Damage: 5 Hits

Superficial x 1 (2)

Port Wing x 1

-superficial (2)

Starboard Wing x 1

-#4 engine, no effect (35)

Tail x 2
-superficial (2) 

-turret inop (20)

Peckham Points: 61

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	0	0	1
Bf-110	3	0	0	0	3
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	6	1	1	0	4
TOTALS	10	1	1	0	8

Confirmed Claims: 1

2nd Lt Cam Cassidy 1 x Re-2001

Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 9
AM (1st Award):1st Lt Derek Marsh, 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro, 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy, S/Sgt Burt Rossetti, T/Sgt Liam Barnes, Sgt Marc Holliday, Sgt Dan Middleton, Sgt Sam Lang, Sgt Terry Driscoll  

Stress Points this Mission:

After Action Report (using QOTS):

We had fine weather for the mission again, and took off without any issues or gremlins. After a mere 100 miles we had a run in with five Italian 2001 of which two were chased off by P-38’s. Rossetti hammered one at 12 high, but this was denied at interrogation. Lieutenant Cassidy raked heavy fire into another at 1:30 level, forcing the pilot to eject.

At the IP a diving 2001 came in at such a steep angle he evaded all escorts and our gunners fire. He struck us twice, one hitting the number 4 engine which continued to run perfectly as if nothing had happened. The Italian swung around again but his luck ran out as he was in turn struck by lightnings. It dropped in flames, breaking up as it did so.


The flak kicked us around a bit and put a superficial hit in the tail, but even with the buffeting we took Kassel plopped 40% on target.


Inbound

After the turn the flak was less severe and we were able to avoid it all. But once past it, a diving 109 came along and knockout our tail turret. He thought he’d come in again at 12 low but our escorts had something to say about that and chased him off. A second wave of three 110 appeared, but they also were deterred by P-38’s. It was about this time that we lost Jersey Bounce with a wing tank fire, but her crew all managed to bail out.

The rest of the flight was rather quiet and we landed back at Giulia as we’d left, without any problems


A very short mission with an excellent result. We effected a satisfactory drop, removed one fighter from the axis Air Force and possibly another. Altogether a good day.

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: 22 Feb 44
Mission Number: 011
Missions This Bomber: 11
Target: Regensburg, Germany - Prufening Aircraft Factory

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	11	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	11	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	2	0	2	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	11	3.5	.5	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	11	2	4	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	11	1	1	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	11	3	2.5	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Mark Burnham	11	1.5	0	0	SW/IH
SWG Sgt Peter Lesniak	11	0	0	1	KIA
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	11	1	4	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 10%
B-17 Damage: 7 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Port Wing x 2
-flap inop (10)
-#1 engine, N/E (20)
Starboard Wing x 1
-flap inop (10)
Waist x 2
-PWG SW/IH; SWG KIA (15)
-heat controls inop (10)
Tail x 1
-auto pilot inop (10)
Peckham Points: 76
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	16	8	0	1	3
Bf-110	1	0	0	1	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	16	5	0	1	8
G-55	1	0	1	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	3	1	0	0	1
TOTALS	37	14	1	3	12

Confirmed Claims: 14
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 2x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-109, 1 x Re-2005
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 3 x Bf-109, 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 2 x Bf – 109, .5 x Fw-190
2nd Lt Craig Kellici 2 x Fw-109
T/Sgt Bruce Woodside 1 x Bf-109
2nd Lt Tom Cassidy .5 x Fw-190
Casualties: 2
S/Sgt Mark Burnham SW/IH - broken rib, inflamed lung
S/Sgt Peter Lesniak KIA – head, nasal cavity
Stress Points after mission: 0
2nd Lt Craig Kellici
S/Sgt Curt Mercado
T/Sgt Bruce Woodside
S/Sgt Mark Burnham
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
PH S/Sgt Mark Burnham
PH Posthumous S/Sgt Peter Lesniak

After Action Report
“Oh shit,” Talking Spirit complained loudly. “An extra long mission! Maybe I can get the flight surgeon to ground me.”

“It’s not like you to turn chicken, Chief,” Kostanaro said. “What’s up?”

“Where do I start?” he groused. “First of all is the the intense cold. My canopy tends to frost up or smear with dirt and oil, clouding my vision. The temperature gets colder the higher we climb. I’m often in temperatures of minus 30 - 40 degrees up there. These heated suits don’t do a hell of a lot. You plug it in as soon as you get into the ship and it’s so hot at ground level it burns my skin sometimes. Then, at 20,000 feet it’s so useless I sometimes wonder if it’s working at all. It doesn’t have a thermostat so it doesn’t remain at a constant temperature. Then there’s the danger that it gets so hot it puts me to sleep. And sleep can kill."

“Hey, we’re just as cold as you are,” Lesniak chipped in. “It’s colder inside the waist and tail than outside. Thanks to that bloody slipstream from the props driving that super cold wind in through the waist windows, it ain’t no picnic in these older F models.”

Even if Lesniak and his fellow waist gunner Burnham had been talking to strangers from a different crew, it was easy to tell that they were waist gunners. Both men had the ugly ‘saber scars’ on their cheeks, scarred by frostbite from the wind getting to their bare skin between helmet, goggles and oxygen mask common to waist gunners in the older F model B-17.

“Fine then,” Talking Spirit said. “Then let’s talk about the isolation. At least you have Burnham to talk to. As for me, first of all, I’m being dragged backwards in a fishbowl. I sit in silence while I hear everyone’s chatter speculating about what you can see seen ahead and when I finally see what you’re all talking about and give my opinion, you’ve all lost interest. And if the skipper decides that we should stay off the com then I’m totally alone. I’m back there for a long. And if the intercom box packs it in I’m on my own traveling backwards through enemy territory.”

“I’m just as isolated as you are,” Woodside countered. “There’s nobody else in the radio room but me.”

Talking spirit ignored the radio operator and continued to complain. “Then there’s the flak. The rest of you can at least see it ahead as we fly into it, but all I can do is wait for it to explode around me. All of a sudden, there’s red fire flashes and orange explosions on either side of me. Every time there’s a hit I hear a hollow bang and I wonder if that’s the one that’s taking us out.

“I don’t even get to see that,” replied Woodside. “I get an occasional view of one exploding above us, but that’s it. I think that it’s scarier in the radio room.”

“Well, one thing’s for sure, this mission isn’t going to get any shorter standing here, Mercado said climbing into Ivadin’ Maiden. “Let’s go! We’ve a schedule to keep.”

Once again we had a beautiful sky on take off. Everyone took off and formed up and we had it out and we settled in for a long flight.

Everything was fine for several hundred miles when two of Goring's Goons appeared in 190s. Our escorts quickly drove them away and we continued on.

After another 100 miles we came across two waves of fighters. Three more 190s came in with the same result of their 2 previous countrymen as the P-38s had a field day and feasted on all three. Just after the 190s were taken out a lone Italian G55 came in at 12 low and Kallici pumped enough lead into him serious difficulty.

At the IP another wave of three 190. Our little friends engaged two of them but the third, attacking from 7:30 low put a cannon round into our waist killing Lesniak and severely injuring Burnham. The 190 swung around for another attack but failed to protect himself as a P-47 bounced him. We saw long flames as his plane went down and we all hoped the pilot was alive and roasting.

The flak started up and seemed to cover the sky it was so intense. Somehow, we managed to escape unscathed, but even so, it did knock us around a bit which caused Kallici to miss the mark, maybe getting 10% on target.

INBOUND

After our turn we came through some light flak which also missed us, and into a horde of waiting fighters beyond. Four 109 found us with no little friends in sight. But our gunners were now riled up at the loss of our waist gunners and Talking Spirit fired a short burst that hit the fuselage of one. The front of the fighter burst into flames and plummeted to the ground. Kostanaro fired at the 9 low fighter, hitting the engine, wing roots and fuselage. The fighter began to burn with its engine on fire and spiraled down to the ground, turning Kostano into an Ace gunner, the first of the crew to achieve this status, but he would be joined by three others before this mission was over.

In the 2nd wave consisting of two 190 and a 110, Mercado shot up a bandit at 9 high, causing the fighter to go into a spin, breaking up into pieces as it went down. Talking Spirit bagged his second of the day when a 190 on our six exploded in clouds of black and white smoke from a hit on its engine and it nosed ground wards. The 110 made a climbing attack and removed our right wing flap and destroyed the auto pilot. Returning at 4:30 level, Mercado damaged him enough to turn him from hero of the Reich to coward of the county. A third wave appeared but seemed to change their minds about pressing an attack.

One hundred miles later, a 190 with two 109 in tow, saw a 109 and the 190 getting turned away by our fighters. The remaining 109 charged in from 12 level and into Kellici’s sights scoring hits on the engine and cockpit, causing the pilot to jettison his canopy and bail out.

Another 100 miles further we encountered two 190. Mercado damaged one that missed and left in a hurry while Cassidy and Kostanaro tagged teamed the other at 10:30 low. Their combined fire plastered the fighter which began to burn with its engine on fire. That half credit turned Lt Cassidy into an Ace as well.

A second wave of four 109 stepped up to the plate. Invadin’ Maiden shook as our gunners open up around the clock. Talking Spirit’s third victory of the day turned him into an Ace when his tracers slammed into a 109, hitting the engine, wing roots and fuselage and the Kraut exploded from the back of the engine and was engulfed in flame. Kostanaro damaged another while Mercado fired a long burst at the 6 high that caused pieces of it to fall off and the pilot to bail out. The stricken fighter then turned over and dived towards the ground below.

Just after we had cleared the Alps, Woodside reported that the radio had packed it in. His attempts to restore it to working order unsuccessful.

Three 190 attacked us about a hundred or so miles after that, giving Mercado his chance to join our Aces club against a Kraut at 3 level. The stricken fighter immediately turned over and dived towards the ground below. Kellici bagged his second as his fire scored hits on the wing root and fuselage causing the fighter to drop on fire and out of control. The smoke from the down fighters attracted another four 109 who all made rear attacks. Mercado, now an Ace, damaged a German Ace throwing off his aim. Woodside took aim at a 4:30 high. He raked the engine area and oil covered the fuselage and canopy and then catching fire. The pilot managed to bail out but he pulled his cord too soon and his chute caught fire ending his career. Talking Spirit pounded one at 6 low, the Messerschmitt flamed and began to disintegrate in midair. It was Talking Spirit’s fourth on the day.

One of the Krauts evaded our fire and put a harmless hole in the port wing. Returning to attack again at 4:30 low he destroyed the heating system for the waist section rendered the port wing flap useless and another harmless hole for good measure. Pressing a third attack from 4:30 level was one attack too many as Kostanaro fired a burst, scoring direct hits on the fighter and it exploded.

Further along three Italian Re-2001 singled us out. A P-47 danced with one while Mercado torched his fourth of the day as it fell thousands of feet before exploding.

A lone 109 was intercepted in close to home before he could do anything.

Once over home we fired off red flares and had the ambulance waiting by our hardstand.

It had been a long brutal mission that had highs and lows. On one hand, four crew members became Aces and altogether the crew shot down an incredible 14 enemy fighters with a probable and several damaged. But we also lost our two waste gunners and we missed the target. To a man the crew all said that they would gladly have traded every confirmed fighter today for the return of our two crewmates. Burnham will spend some time in the hospital before being shipped home to the states.

On a positive note, S/Sgt Noreno Costa is due to return after recovering from wounds and I’ll take a look at incoming crews to see who I can rob to fill out the crew..

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: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 22 Feb 44
Mission Number: 011
Missions This Bomber: 6
Target: Regensburg, Germany, Aircraft Factory

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Derek Marsh	6	0	0	0	POW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Lou Carbonaro	6	0	0	0	POW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Don Kassel	2	0.5	1	0	POW
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy	6	2	0	0	KIA
Engineer S/Sgt Burt Rossetti	6	1	1	0	POW
R/O T/Sgt Liam Barnes	6	0	0	1	KIA
Ball Gunner Sgt Marc Holliday	6	0	0	0	POW
PWG Sgt Dan Middleton	6	0	0	1	POW
SWG Sgt Sam Lang	6	0	0	1	POW
Tail Gunner Sgt Terry Driscoll	6	1.5	0	0	POW

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 50%
B-24 Damage: 9 Hits

Port Wing x 3

-superficial 

-flap inop 
-#2 oil tank fire + 2 extinguisher's 
Starboard Wing x 2

-superficial
-#4 engine, no effect
Bomb Bay x 1
-transfer fuel pump N?E
Waist x 1

-superficial

Tail x 2
-superficial 
-turret inop 
Peckham Points: N/A
Repair Time: N/A
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (average, no mods)
Landing: More of an Impact

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	9	2	3	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	12	2	3	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 2
2nd Lt Don Kassel 1 x Fw-190

S/Sgt Burt Rossetti 1 x Fw-190

Casualties: 2
2nd Lt Cam Cassidy killed by angry civilian mob

T/Sgt Liam Barnes shot by SS troops 
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy
PH Posthumous T/Sgt Liam Barnes
Stress Points this Mission: N/A

After Action Report (using QOTS):
After the bomb run, Gremlin’s Delight was came under attack where a Fw-190 was seen to walk hits on her wings. Shortly thereafter, a fire engulfed the wing forcing the crew to bail out. Ten chutes were spotted.

As reported by various members of the 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy). 15th AF


Note – The Red Cross reported weeks later that 2nd Lt Cam Cassidy was killed by an angry mob of civilians angry with the bombing.

The Red Cross was informed by German authorities that another man, T/Sgt Liam Barnes, was shot by SS troops. The circumstances were sketchy, but the SS claimed that the man refused to surrender and was shot attempting to evade capture.

Note - At the war's end and once released from a POW camp, Sgt Marc Holliday said that before he was found and captured by German police, he was in hiding and witnessed T/Sgt Liam Barnes death claiming it was an execution by the SS.

[medic1]

B-24J A Wing and Ten Prayers 

Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 22 Feb 44
Mission Number: 011
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Regensburg, Germany, Aircraft Factory

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	0	0	0	2
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	6	2	1	1	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
Me-210	1	1	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	11	3	1	1	3

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Just before the flak field, A Wing and Ten Prayers was seen to come under attack from a Fw-190 which must have detonated it's payload and all hands were lost.

B-24J Payload Patty (B24J-CF-44-25858)

Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 22 Feb 44
Mission Number: 011
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Regensburg, Germany, Aircraft Factory

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt T Jennings	1	0	0	0	Interned
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt B Talbert	1	0	0	0	Interned
Bombardier 2nd Lt D Henson	1	0	0	0	Interned
Navigator 2nd Lt C Dailey	1	0	0	0	KIA
Engineer S/Sgt B Thompson	1	0	0	0	Interned
R/O T/Sgt A Smith	1	0	0	0	Interned
Ball Gunner Sgt M Jones	1	0	0	0	Interned
PWG Sgt D Johnson	1	0	0	0	KIA
SWG Sgt S Barton	1	0	0	0	KIA
Tail Gunner Sgt T Landry	1	0	0	0	Interned

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 

Landing: Crew bailed out over Swiss Territory 

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	4	0	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	5	1	2	1	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	4	0	0	1	1
Re-2000	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	15	2	2	2	5

After Action Report (using QOTS):

After the bomb run, Payload Patty took a flak hit inside the waist section and fell out of formation trying to make it to Switzerland.

As reported by various members of the 78th BS, 509th BG (Heavy). 15th AF

Note – The Red Cross reported weeks later that seven members of this crew bailed out of a badly stricken B-24 over Swiss soil and are deterred for the duration.  

[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/Middle
Mission Date: 7 March 44
Mission Number: 012
Missions This Bomber: 12
Target: Certaldo, Italy – Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	12	0	0	1	LW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	12	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	3	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	12	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	12	6	2	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	12	2	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	12	5.5	2	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	3	0	1	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	12	5	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 11 Hits
Superficial x 3 (3)

Nose x 1

-superficial (1)

Cockpit x 2

-pilot’s oxygen N/E (5)

-Pilot LW (2)

Port Wing x 2

-aileron N/E (5)

-wing root (25)

Starboard Wing x 1

-flap N/E (5)

Waist x 1

-superficial (1)

Tail x 1

-rudder N/E (5)

Peckham Points: 52
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	8	3	2	0	0
Bf-110	1	0	0	0	1
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	0	0	2
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	5	3	0	0	2
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	14	6	2	0	5

Confirmed Claims: 6
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 2x Me-410

S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Me-410, 1 x Bf-109

Sgt Noreno Costa 1 x Bf-109

Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x Bf-109

Casualties: 1
1st Lt Franklin Marks LW, thigh cut - RTD
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
PH 1st Lt Franklin Marks

After Action Report
After a couple missions of good weather we’re finally back to the usual winter Italian weather and took off into grey skies.


After climbing above it and traveling a few hundred miles we were attacked by three 410. One was chased off by an escort while Kostanaro peppered one, the Messerschmitt flamed and began to disintegrate in midair. Mercado took care of another at 7:30, hitting the engine and cockpit. The fighter immediately catching fire and spiraled towards the ground.


Things heated up for us considerably in the target zone as we encountered three waves. In the first, three 109 evaded our escorts. Talking Spirit clobbered one at 6:00, but one at 10:30 low put a couple of minor hits into us. He returned to try again at 7:30 high and was taken out by Costa. The third fighter failed to cause damage and left for other targets. This was followed up by a second wave of four109 who also made it through our fighter screen. Both Mercado and Kostanaro thought they had each bagged their second of the mission but both were denied later. The Krauts at 9 high and 3 low both hit causing some minor damage. One came back at 12 low where Kostanaro took him out, this claim holding up. A third wave of 2 410 were next, with some P-47s finally arriving to take care of one of them. The remaining 410 hit the nose and put one into the cockpit wounding me with a cut to my thigh. Have enjoyed success he came back at 6 high but ran into Talking Spirits twin 50s and the 410 exploded in clouds of black and white smoke.


The flak, although light, hit the port wing root and starboard flap, knocking us about, and combined with the poor weather threw off Kellici’s aim and we missed the target.


INBOUND

After the turn two waves of fighters tried to block our exit. Two 190 were chased off in the first wave by our little Lightning friends, and the second wave saw one 109 and a110 with the 110 falling to P47s. Kostanaro took out the remaining fighter at three low but once again was denied his claim.


After that things were relatively quiet with the only excitement being a 190 that was chased off by little friends on the way home.


I decided that my wound, while painful, did not need immediate attention as I was sure that there were far worse injuries to other air crews needing critical attention than mine. Therefore I didn’t bother firing off any flares to alert the ground and landed normally after the more more damaged bombers landed.


We took some damage, but will be in flying shape by morning. Once again we had a disappointing bombing result and we can only hope that our luck will improve next mission.


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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 7 March 44
Mission Number: 012
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Certaldo, Italy, Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	1	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	1	0	1	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	1	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	1	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	1	0	1	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Larmer	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Taylor	1	0	1	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	1	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 50%
B-24 Damage: 2 Hits
Port Wing x 2

-superficial (2)
-#2 engine out and feathered
Peckham Points: 37
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+1 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia 

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	4	1	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	10	2	0	1	3
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	14	3	1	1	4

Confirmed Claims: 3
2nd Lt Terry Vickers 1 x Bf-109

Sgt Mark Harrison 1 x Fw-190

Sgt Sam Taylor 1 x Fw-190

Casualties: 0

Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

Stress Points this Mission: 0


After Action Report (using QOTS):
We had dismal conditions for our first mission, the skies filled with ominous heavy black clouds. We took off safely and climbed through the clouds breaking through into brilliant sunshine above where we circled until all had formed up with the exception of one bomber, Bones, that had to abort with some mechanical problem. Not a great start for our first mission, losing one of our number before we could even travel 50 miles.


Everything was pretty quiet for us. We saw a few fighters here and there but we personally didn’t have any problems until we reached the IP where five190 singled us out. The crew were eager to show what they could do in their first taste of combat and Delayed Action noticeably shook as they all opened fire at the deadly swarm of butcher birds. P-47s dropped down to lend a hand and chased off two that were coming in from our rear at 7:30 high and low. Lt Vickers in the chin turret damaged another at 10:30 high. But a cagy diving Kraut hit the port wing. And, while only causing minor damage, he decided to come back and try again. He was more successful on this run, his canon fire knocking out the #2 engine. Co-Pilot McAlister, the only member of the crew who had any combat experience immediately feathered the prop. The 190 returned once more but waist gunner Taylor poured some accurate fire into him, his tracers clearly seen striking the engine area. The fighter seemed to shudder and hang in the air and then just dropped, flames breaking out before it disappeared in the clouds.


The flak started bursting all over the sky which was a new experience and quite frightening. Thankfully it was all quite inaccurate. Vickers took over control for the bomb run and was about to give up, thinking we might have to go around again when he spotted a hole in the clouds and called “bombs away”. The ball and tail gunners reported an estimated 50% on target.


INBOUND

The squadron turned and aimed for home. Several of the crew called out that they saw Polly Peppermint going down minus a wing. The centrifugal forces must have been something fierce inside, but three members of her crew managed to make it out.


Four 109 came at us with a little friend chasing off one of them. Harrison and Sharp’s combined fire at knocked down one at 6:00, unfortunately their shared claim was denied later. Lt Vickers who already proved that he knew how to aim with a great bomb drop, manned the chin turret and took out a German Ace at 1:30 level. The other fighters all missed on their quick strafing run and zipped by to attack other bombers.
Shortly after we had our exchange with the 109s, Bonkers went down but 10 chutes were seen.


Things were quite for about 100 miles or so before another five190 appeared and tried to block our way, one falling to an escort on the way in. There were some obviously green pilots among these Germans with one of them presenting an easy target for Harrison in the ball turret. His tracers must have ignited the fuel tank causing the fighter to explode in an angry ball of fire. Again, these fighters only made a quick pass and were gone as quickly as they had come.

The rest of the flight was uneventful and we descended through the black clouds heading to a rain soaked field, but nevertheless managed to land safely.


Overall a very satisfying first mission despite some anxious moments when we had lost an engine. We had a very satisfying bomb drop and three confirmed fighters to the crews credit. Our crew chief, S/Sgt Decker is a veteran. While he wasn’t happy with the damage to “his” bomber, he was happy that we were back as we’re the 3rd or 4th bomber crew that he has been assigned to, the others having been lost in combat. He assures me that Delayed Action will be ready to go by tomorrow morning.


1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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: Low/Middle

Mission Date: 11 March 44

Mission Number: 013

Missions This Bomber: 13

Target: Toulon, France – Submarine Repair Facilities

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	13	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	13	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	4	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	13	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	13	8	1	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	13	2	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	13	7.5	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	4	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	2	0	1	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	13	6	0	0	LW

Bomb Run: On

On Target: 30%

B-17 Damage: 5 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)

Port Wing x 2

-superficial (1)

-flap, N/E (5)

Bomb Bay x 1

-superficial (1)

Tail x 1

-gunner, LW (2)

Peckham Points: 10

Repair Time: Overnight

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)

Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	2	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	18	2	1	3	6
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	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	20	2	2	2	8

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Fw-190

Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Fw-190

Casualties: 1
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit LW, hand cut - RTD

Stress Points after mission: 1
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
PH Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit


After Action Report
We took off without any incidents or gremlins. The crew were resigned for a long mission, however, not far off the coast four 190 appeared. Two were chased off by escorts leaving the other two to split up with a German Ace coming in on a head on attack. Kellici managed to damage the fighter, the Ace missing us and dove under us and away. The remaining fighter came in at 9 level where the obviously green pilot ran right into the Mercado’s spirited defense, his fire racking the engine and cockpit area, causing the fighter to flip over on his back and then drop spiraling to Earth.

It was pretty quiet for the longest time until about 100 miles before the target zone. Another four 190 appeared, but nothing much came from this encounter as everybody seemed to miss each other and we all went our separate ways. Once at the target zone five more of Goring’s Goons appeared with RAF Hurricanes engaging two of them. Costa damaged another coming in at 9 low, but a veteran pilot in a diving attack came in at such a steep angle that he evaded the Hurricanes and our fire, putting three hits into us. One striking the Bombay, thankfully didn’t detonate our payload. Returning at 3 high, Riley’s well aimed fire hit its spinner and prop, fragments flew off and the fighter fell trailing clouds of smoke and exploded.

The fighters cleared out once the flak began to carpet the area and we took a minor hit to the port wing and Talking Spirit was injured in the hand. Despite the knocking about that we took, Kellici dropped for an estimated 30%.


INBOUND

Turning for the rally point we made it through the Flak and into another wave of five 190. During the ensuing battle both Mercado and Kostanaro each dropped a fighter, but both were denied post mission. After that, things were pretty quiet for the rest of the way until we were about 200 miles out and the cry of fighters came over the intercom as two 109 singled us out. They didn’t get very far as Thunderbolts appeared and took care of them for us, leaving us free to make the rest of her way back to Giulia trouble free.



Talking spirit suffered a cut to his hand and he’ll be drinking with his left for a day or two, other than that he’s fine he’s and on regular duties. The ground crew are working on patching up the damage which most is minor and invade maiden will be ready tomorrow.


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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 11 March 44
Mission Number: 013
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Toulon, France - Submarine Repair Facilities

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	2	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	3	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	2	1	1	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore	2	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	2	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	2	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	2	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Larmer	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Taylor	2	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	2	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
4
B-24 Damage: 15 Hits
Superficial x 1 (2)

Nose x 1

-superficial (2)

Port Wing x 5

-superficial x 3 (6)

-flap N/E (5)

-aileron inop (10)

Starboard Wing x 1

-wing root (25)

Tail x 7

-superficial x 2 (4)

-right rudder, N/E (5)

-heat out (10)

-left rudder, N/E (5)

-tailplane (2)

-turret inop (10)

Peckham Points: 86
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+1 mod)
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	10	1	6	1	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	0	1	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	14	3	1	1	4

Confirmed Claims: 1
2nd Lt Terry Vickers 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS):
We had excellent weather and were able to take off without any mishaps or gremlins to form up before heading out on a long mission. We spotted enemy fighters here and there but none came near us until we were in the target zone. Three 410 were our first opposition, but the RAF proved to be Johnny on the spot and drove off two of them. The remaining Kraut came in at 9 low and took some spirited fire from ball gunner Harrison (claim denied at interrogation).

They say that the flak was moderate - could have fooled us as we were hit six times, the worst of it mostly minor with one exception, a hit in the tail which destroyed the heating controls for Sgt Sharp.

Despite the heavy knocking about that we received, once again Vickers somehow managed to keep the target in his crosshairs and dropped for 40%.


INBOUND

The flak missed us after we had dropped and we faced off against three 190 beyond it. One fell to a little friend, one missed us and we missed him, and the other hit us three times, destroying the port wing aileron. He returned for another go but nothing came of it.


Leaving the target zone I had Payne contact the Squadron and inform them that we were leaving formation due to a heating problem. Sharp was adamant that we stay with the formation and that he would tough it out. I decided that the trip was just too long for him not to suffer frostbite and I wasn’t going to take a chance on him losing body parts over it. Looking back on it, it might not have been the wisest decision.


Things were quiet and we went unnoticed by fighters until about 200 miles out. Even though we were out of formation we weren’t quite out of sight of the squadron, and far ahead we spied black smoke and could make out one of ours going down (later we found out that Betty Ann was lost to 190s). The fighters that were the cause of this must have been the ones we ran into shortly after as four 190 found us all by our lonesome and decided they would add us to their score. One was immediately taken out at three high, Dillon’s top turret twin 50s shredding the canopy area causing the fighter to flip over on his back and drop out of control. After that we had a running battle with repeated attacks from the other three butcher birds. The crew managed to knocked down the three others but all three claims were denied later.


A second wave of three 190, attracted by the smoke of their downed brethren roared in to avenge their fallen comrades. Sharp had another claim denied, but all are convinced that he downed a 190 at 6 level, even though the Kraut return fire had hit a wing root and rendered the tail turret inoperable.

These fighters returned over and over until they must have run out of ammunition. The crew claimed that they had racked up another two of our attackers, but again people who weren’t there denied the claims.


We were a happy bunch as were sighted our home field, landing last and well behind the rest.


Despite our damage, the crew chief says that he’ll have the ship ready to go by tomorrow.


1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 15 March 44
Mission Number: 014
Missions This Bomber: 3
Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	3	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	4	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	3	2	.5	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore	3	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	3	0	0	0	LW
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	3	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	3	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Dan Larmer	3	0	1	0	SW/IH
SWG Sgt Sam Taylor	3	1	0	0	LW
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	3	0	1.5	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 26 Hits

Superficial x 9 (18)
Nose x 1
-control cables, rudder control (10)
Flight Deck x 2
-top turret MGs inop & gunner LW (22)
-oxygen control hit to Pilot, CP, R/O & Engineer, N/E (20)
Port Wing x 3
-superficial x 2 (4)
-brake out (25)
Bomb Bay x 4
-superficial x 2 (4)
-N/E (5)
-rafts destroyed (10)
Waist x 4
- SW MG inop (10)
-BT heat out (10)
-PW MG inop (10)
-PWG SW, SWG LW (7)
Tail x 3
-superficial (2)
-port rudder, N/E (5)
-heat out (10)
-oxygen control N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 167
Repair Time: 4 days
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+1 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	6	0	1	0	2
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	8	3	1	2	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	2	0	1	0	0
Me-410	4	0	1	1	1
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	20	3	4	3	4

Confirmed Claims: 3
Sgt Larry Sharp 1.5 x Fw-190
Sgt Dan Larmer 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Mark Harrison .5 x 190
Casualties: 3
S/Sgt Bart Dillon LW – torn vastus muscle RTD 22 March 44
Sgt Sam Taylor LW – lips cut & lung teeth missing RTD 12 April 44
Sgt Dan Larmer SW/IH - broken rib & inflamed
Award/ Promotions Requests: 3
PH S/Sgt Bart Dillon
PH Sgt Sam Taylor
PH Sgt Dan Larmer
Stress Points this Mission: 4
2nd Lt Hank McAlister
S/Sgt Bart Dillon
Sgt Sam Taylor
Sgt Dan Larmer

After Action Report (using QOTS):
The weather was absolutely dismal from the moment we woke up. Lashing rain on takeoff caused us some anxious moments as a fully loaded B-24 is difficult enough to get off the ground without the weather fighting you, but we were able to lift off and form up.

We'd only been over the Yugoslavian Coast for a few minutes when five109 appeared in the skies and make a beeline for us. A little friend tangled with a German Ace cutting down the odds slightly. A green pilot at 9 low came out on the short end with Harrison in the ball turret, but his claim would later be denied. The rest of the encounter had nothing to show for it from either side.

Things were quite for a couple of hundred miles until we just passed over the Yugoslavian border where we were engaged by three 410, one an Ace and one a green pilot with a veteran thrown into the mix. Again, we got lucky with the ace as a P-38 dropped down to entertain him. Engineer Dillon damaged the veteran at 12 level but after that all we did was exchange ammunition.

Another hundred miles or so a green pilot in a 190 followed by an ace in a 410 that dove on us. In the waist, Larmer took care of the green kid as his fire snapped a wing and the 190 cork screwed crazily down into the clouds. The cagey ace came in at an angle that we couldn't train a gun on him and he put three into us. One struck in the bomb bay but thankfully didn't detonate the payload. He came around again at 3 low where Harrison was able to track him and pump some accurate fire into him throwing off the aces aim. The last we were able to see of him he was smoking heavily and had dropped in the clouds and couldn't be confirmed.

At the IP we were met by two waves of Goring's Goons with three 190 in the first wave led by an ace. Sharp got into a shooting match with the German Ace and came out on top as his tracers shattered the canopy and raked the wings setting him on fire. Harrison damaged one at 4:30 who returned fire and struck us once then swung around for another run that didn't achieve anything.

The remaining Kraut at three level hit control cables in the nose which hampered the use of the rudder. He came in again at 6 low where Harrison and Sharp both got their licks in and took him out.

In the second wave a lone 109 tried to come in at 12:00 high but suffered a Lightning strike on the way.
The heavy flak was brutal and cleared away the fighters, somehow we were able to sail through it without any damage. Despite the flak and the poor weather doing its combined best to hamper Vickers, he was still able to place about 20% of his bombs on target.

INBOUND

The flak wasn't as severe as we turned away, but it was bad enough. Again, we were able to make our way through it without any damage, but two waves of butcher birds circled and waited beyond it. For some reason, the first wave merely watched us as if trying to make up their mind if we were the best target, or maybe they were a gaggle of green pilots who had been ordered to merely observe and not engage. Whatever the reason, they left us alone.

The second wave consisted of two 88. One came in at 4:30 high and struck us twice, in the wing and the bomb bay. He came around again at 7:30 and evaded our fire while pumping three more into us, two in the tail which hit the port rudder and a strike on the tail oxygen system which continued to function. He returned one more time at 1:30 and hit us another four times, the worst being in the flight deck where he managed to hit everyone's oxygen controls. But like his hit in the tail, it failed to destroy the controls and all were still able to breathe normally.

The climbing 88 struck us three times knocking out the port waist and top turret MGs and wounding Dillon in the leg while destroyed our life rafts for good measure. Making a second run from three low he added to his damage destroying the brakes for the port main landing gear (a fact we only discovered on landing) and damaging the heating controls for the ball turret. Feeling pretty good about himself he returned once more at 3 low were Harrison heavily damaged an engine and he dropped away into the clouds for what would become his third denied claim of the mission.

Out of the target zone we came under further attack by four 190, an ace and a green pilot were obvious in the group. A timely arrival by an escort started an ariel dance with the Ace. In the tail, Sharp damaged one at 6 low while the green pilot scored three on us, one destroying the port waist MG. The rookie pilot tried his luck again from 6 H where Sharp’s fire tore him up blowing his prop and spinner off and he dropped away (denied at interrogation) but not before his return fire wounded both waist gunner’s.

With his turret out and despite his wounded leg, Dillon made his way to the waist and reported that Larmer was in a bad way and unconscious while Taylor was awake but had a terrible cut to his mouth and bleeding profusely with several missing teeth. Harrison reported about how cold it was becoming in the ball turret without heat and I ordered him out into the waist to help Dillon make Larmer and Taylor comfortable. He argued with me and said that he would tough it out at stay at his post. I threatened him with a court marshal for refusing a direct order. We had three wounded and I didn’t want a fourth. With three guns out I didn’t want to leave formation for Harrison to stay and man his turret. I figured one less gun but in the safety of the formation was better than being on our own.

It turned out to be the right call as we were soon over the sea and away from roving fighters. Once the formation was circling over Guilia we fired three red flare and one yellow. When our priority order had been established, we landed in order onto the rain-soaked field. It was now that we discovered our port brake shot away, and without rudder controls Mac and I fought the aircraft as we careened down the runway to finally end in a ground loop and successfully shut down the engines.

After interrogation I visited Larmer, Taylor and Dillon in the hospital. Dillon is in better shape of the three having torn muscles in his leg and will only be lost to us for about a week.

Taylor’s face is heavily bandaged. He’s going to have some ugly scars and needs much dental work while being on the sidelines until mid April. When I informed him of his three claims being denied he mumbled about how he couldn’t catch a break, then the plucky Tennessean talked about joining us in the pub where he’ll have an IV system to drink his beer.

Larmer’s war is over and he’ll be shipped back home where he’ll receive the best of care to aid in his recovery.
We were a beat-up aircraft and crew. We had faced an inordinate number of German aces, eight in all, but we made it home. I’ll be checking the spare pool later, but I’ve tagged a big kid from Ohio, Phil Merrick to replace Larmer.

S/Sgt Decker estimates that his ground crew should have Delayed Action ready to fly in four days.

1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 15 March 44
Mission Number: 014
Missions This Bomber: 14
Target: Steyr, Austria - Welzergenswerk Ball Bearing Plant

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	14	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	14	0	0	0	LW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	5	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	14	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	14	10	.5	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	14	2	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	14	7.5	3	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	5	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	3	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	14	6	1.5	0	LW

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 50%
B-17 Damage: 11 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Cockpit x 1
-co-pilot LW (2)
Port Wing x 2
-#1 engine, superficial (20)
-landing gear inop (25)
Starboard Wing x 1
-aileron inop (10)
Bomb Bay x 2
-superficial (1)
-rafts destroyed (10)
Tail x 4
-superficial (1)
-port elevator inop (10)
-starboard elevator inop (10)
-TG LW (2)
Special:
-damage from landing (80)
Peckham Points: 179
Repair Time: 5 days
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	3	2	1	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	17	3	4	1	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	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	20	5	5	1	0

Confirmed Claims: 5
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 2 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x Bf-109, .5 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Curt Mercado .5 x Fw-190
Casualties: 2
2nd Lt Ted Masini LW, severed finger – RTD 5 April 44
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit LW, leg cut - treated and RTD
Stress Points after mission: 3
2nd Lt Ted Masini
2nd Lt Craig Kellici
T/Sgt Bruce Woodside
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
PH 2nd Lt Ted Masini
PH Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit
PH 2nd Lt Ted Masini
AM (1st Award) 2nd Lt Craig Kellici
AM (1st Award) S/Sgt Noreno Costa


After Action Report

I couldn't help but note that Italy looked like any other place I’ve been when it's raining like this, ugly. The skies looked ugly, the runway looked ugly and so did the mission, a long one into Austria.

We took off without any issues and formed up and headed out. We were more than halfway towards the target when four 190 attacked us. Kellici in the nose put some accurate fire into one at 12 level and it seemingly fell out of control, but this claim would be denied later. Woodside in the radio rooms spray fired at another at 4:30 high, the pilot breaking off without firing a shot.

Some 200 miles later another four190 appeared. A German Ace was coming in at 9 level when a P-38 appeared forcing the 190 turning to meet him. Kellici opened up on another at 12 low and seemingly had a victory to make up for the one that he would lose later, but this one too would be denied at interrogation. Konstanero hit the wing tanks of another, which exploded into a bright fireball. The remaining fighter at 6 high came in where tracers from both Talking Spirit and Mercado's guns were seem to rake the fighter along its nose and wings, the 190 catching fire and rolled onto its back dropping in flames.

In the next zone we were assaulted by three190 and our gunners opened up with Kellici again damaging one at 12 low and Konstanero bagging his second of the mission at 4:30, the pilot managing to bail out safely.

At the IP there were plenty of fighters swarming around and we endured two waves of them. In the first, three 190 with another denied claim to Kellici, and another was denied to Kostanero as well. In the second wave we faced off against three109, one an ace. Woodside spray fired at the ace coming in at 6 high but his MG jammed. The ace put a superficial hit into us and came back at 4:30 where he put another round into the bomb bay which thankfully didn't detonate our bombs. The ace tried one more time from 4:30 and hit the tail with no real damage done. A 109 at 12 high destroyed the tail port elevator and wounded Talking Spirit in the leg, something that he described as a scratch. He returned again at 6:00 and was damaged by Mercado but pressed his attack regardless and rendered the right tail elevator useless and destroying the rafts in the bomb bay. He tried one more attack which was unsuccessful and then all fighters cleared off as a heavy carpet of flak filled the sky.

The flak removed most of the starboard wing aileron, struck the number one engine, but didn’t cause any noticeable problem and hit in the the port wheel well that would come into play later.

Despite the weather and the knocking around from the flak, Kellici, who had been showing a remarkable aim throughout the mission continued to be unfazed and dropped for 50%.

INBOUND

Coming out of the flak field after the turn our only opposition was a 109 at 12 high, which was damaged by Mercado. The 109 in return put one in the cockpit wounding co-pilot Mancini, severing the ring finger of his right hand. The 109 circled to come in at six level where Talking Spirit sent a stream of lead into the engine causing it to catch fire and drop out of control into the clouds. Just before we left the Yugoslavian coast, we faced off with another two 109 where Konstonaro shot down his third confirmed fighter of the mission. The other 109 was shot down as well, but the claim would be denied later to none other than our dead-eye bombardier Kellici. The guy would have been an ace if they had credited him, but we all know what he did.

The rest of the way back was uneventful until we reached the field. We dropped flares to signal our damage and as were lining up the runway found that our port landing gear wouldn't drop. We aborted the landing and circled as I sent Mercado to operate the hand crank. After he had reported that he couldn't get the gear to budge, I ordered crash positions. We came in with one wheel down. As our speed dropped so did the left wing which sent a shower of sparks down the runway, the wingtip collapsing on impact with the tarmac. Wee ground to a halt and became surrounded by ambulances and fire engines. Our mission was complete.

Masini is going to miss some time due to his injured hand, Talking Spirit suffered a cut to his leg but has been cleared for flight Duty.

The Vixen needs some work. Chief Yates says that the ground crew will work like beavers to get her ready to fly, but it’ll still take about five days.

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 Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Formation/Position: Low/Low
Mission Date: 20 March 44
Mission Number: 015
Missions This Bomber: 15
Target: Bolzano, Italy – Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	15	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	15	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	6	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	15	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	15	10.5	0	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	15	2	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	15	10.5	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	6	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	5	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	16	8	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 2 Hits
Nose x 1
-superficial (1)
Starboard Wing x 1
-aileron N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 6
Repair Time: overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
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	2	0	0	0	2
Fw-190	11	3	1	0	6
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	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	13	3	1	0	8

Confirmed Claims: 5
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
AM (1st Award) Sgt Mark Riley
Promotion Review
S/Sgt Curt Mercado
T/Sgt Bruce Woodside
S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro
Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit

After Action Report
Zone 1: The weather was its usual gloomy self, but we took off without any issues, the gremlins seemly on a day off. We broke out of the clouds into the bright sunlight above and formed up, assuming our position as rear guard for the squadron.

Zone 2-3: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: We saw some bandits massing behind us, but the strength of our Lightning escorts must have made them think twice about their options and they just turned away.

Zone 5-8: Nothing to report.

Zone 9: Things began to heat up as two 190 decided that we were the weak spot. One was turned away by an escort while the other swooped in from 6 high. Mercado scored hits that caused the pilot to jettison his canopy and bail out, but his parachute failed to open.

The flak cleared out both little friend and enemy alike, the carpet of explosions rocking us as the nose and right wing took some minor damage. Through it all, Kellici remained focused and dropped for 30%.


INBOUND

Turning for the rally point the lack of flak gave five 190 a chance to pounce on us. The P-38s took offense to Goring’s Goons ganging up on us and jumped in to cut the numbers down to two. The intercom buzzed as gunners called out where Jerry was or where he was going. Talking Spirit tagged one as it passed the tail from 10:30, his first burst catching the 190 in the tail and rear fuselage. It shuddered noticeably and, probably as an instinctive reaction, the pilot immediately yoked into a starboard turn, giving Talking Spirit an even greater advantage and his second burst hitting the engine and cockpit. The fighter caught fire and headed for the earth miles below.


A second wave of two fanatical Italians loyal to the Reich tried their luck, but the 205s were overwhelmed by escorts and only one escaped.

Zone 8: Some enemy fighters were spotted, but a strong presence by P-47s must have scared them off.

Zone 7: Nothing to report.

Zone 6: Four 190 were prowling far from the coast and jockeyed into position for an attack. The Jugs took care of two of them. In the quick fire fight with the remaining two, Kellici swatted one down, but his claim would be denied later. He was fine with that saying he knew he got him.

Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: Landed safely and taxied to hardstand.

A successful and satisfying mission all told. We successfully defended the squadrons rear bagging three krauts, nailed the target and only had a few scratches on the old girl.

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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Middle/Middle
Mission Date: 20 March 44
Mission Number: 015
Missions This Bomber: 4
Target: Bolzano, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	4	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	5	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	4	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore	4	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Thomas Walton	3	0	2	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	3	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	3	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Henry Lyons	6	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	3	1	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 8 Hits
Superficial x 2(4)

Port Wing x 1

-wing root (25)

Starboard Wing x 1

- superficial (2)

Bomb Bay x 1

-life rafts destroyed (10)

Waist x 1

- superficial (2)

Tail x 2

-superficial (2)

-tailplane, superficial (2)

Peckham Points: 48
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+1.5 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	5	2	0	0	2
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	3	1	0	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	2	0	0	0	2
Re-2005	2	0	0	0	2
TOTALS	12	3	0	0	7

Confirmed Claims: 3
S/Sgt Thomas Walton 1 x Bf-109, 1 x Fw-190

Sgt Larry Sharp 1 x Bf-109

Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
AM (1st Award) 2nd Lt Hank McAlister
Stress Points this Mission: 4

After Action Report (using QOTS):
Zone 1: Miserable weather on takeoff. We all rose above the dark clouds and formed up. We rendezvoused with our escorts and made our way out over the sea.

Zone 2 – 5: Nothing to report.

Zone 6: Some sporadic coastal flak that didn’t amount to anything.

Zone 7: Nothing to report.

Zone 8: Two Fanatical Italian 205s appeared, but our escorts were just as fanatical to defend us and the two were quickly dispatched to the earth in flames.

Zone 9: Once in the target zone, things heated up as we saw Goring’s Goons all over the sky breaking up into little groups to take runs at the group. It seemed the fighters were intent on attacking other bombers and we were left alone to sail into the flak field where the 88 gunners were coming dangerously close to getting our range, rocking us about with three close bursts that all caused nothing but minor damage.

Through it all, Vickers was able to keep his focus despite the close flak bursts and drop for 40% on target.


INBOUND

As advertised, there was no flak as we turned away from the target towards the rally point. This gave the fighters more time to attack the squadron with two 109 singling us out. Once again our escorts were Johnny on the spot and chase them off.

Zone 8: Encountered two 410, but they failed to make it past our little friends.

Zone 7: Three 109 made it through our fighter screen and fanned out to come at us from 6, 9, and 730 positions. Our temporary waist gunner, Lyons, knocked a few pieces off of the 7:30 whose pilot snapped off a wide burst and left. The 6:00 made the mistake of flying level too long allowing Sharp to line it up perfectly, his tracers blowing off the spinner and prop and setting the engine on fire. The pilot was able to bail out.

The remaining 109 hit us twice but failed to do anything major to us. He returned for another try at 1:30 high where another temporary gunner, engineer Walton raked him with accurate fire, ending his flying career.

Zone 6: Some light, inaccurate flak was encountered over the coast, but despite this, the formation looked very tight.

Zone 5: We lost one of ours as the Schmoo was observed ditching into the sea.

Zone 4: Three 190 made an appearance and decided that we looked like a good target. One turned away to engage a little friend and another missed us and moved on. The remaining 190 made a pass that destroyed our life rafts and damaged the port wing root. He circled around and came in at 6 high where our engineer recorded his second confirmed victory of the day, his well aimed fire hitting the spinner and prop, blowing fragments off and the fighter fell trailing clouds of smoke and exploded a few thousand feet below.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We took our turn in the landing order as bombers with wounded and serious damage landed first. One bomber, Bones, crashed landed killing several onboard. When our turn came we made a good landing and made our way to our hardstand.

We were a happy bunch as existed and inspected the aircraft. Our joy was somewhat subdued as crew chief Decker berated us for damaging “his” girl, complaining of the hours that he and his ground crew would have to pull repairing the wing root. Despite the low amount of serious damage, he says that he’ll have the ship ready to go by tomorrow.


1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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: 22 March 44
Mission Number: 016
Missions This Bomber: 16
Target: Verona, Italy - Airdrome Dispersal Areas

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	16	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	16	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	7	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	16	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	16	10.5	0	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	16	2	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	16	10.5	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	7	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	6	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	17	8	0	1	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, (+2 modifier)
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	0	0	0	3
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	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	3	0	0	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report
Zone 1: Beautiful weather was a welcome change for takeoff, reducing the chance of mishaps and made for an easy time for all to form up in the skies. It also made meeting up with our escorts from the 1st FG easier, as sometimes the weather works against us in that regard.
Zone 2-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: Just over the coast we encountered some light flak. It was mostly inaccurate stuff and quite scattered.
Zone 7: All gunners checked their guns and stood by alert watching for fighters. The wait wasn’t long as three Italians still loyal to the brutal regime of dictatorship made a beeline for us. But their plans were cut short as P-38s overwhelmed them and only one managed to escape and we never had to fire a round.

The flak gunners also couldn’t find our range and Kellici had an easy time for the first time in several missions, enjoying a smoother ride while dropping for 30%.


INBOUND

After the turn Goring’s Goons seemed preoccupied and we left the target zone unmolested.

Zone 6:Some light flak over the coast that was just as ineffective as we had experienced on our way in.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Landed safely and taxied to hardstand.

A milk run for us. We hit the target, never had to fire a gun, never received a hit and all returned safely. One can’t ask for more than that. S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew are also all smiles as they’ll be able to knock off early, only having normal maintenance to get the ship ready for the next mission.

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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 22 March 44
Mission Number: 016
Missions This Bomber: 5
Target: Verona, Italy - Airdrome Dispersal Areas

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	5	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	6	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	5	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore	5	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	4	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	5	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	5	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Henry Lyons	6	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	5	2	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 2 Hits
Superficial x 1 (2)
Tail x 2

-tailplane, superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 4
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	1
Bf-110	3	0	0	0	3
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
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2005	7	0	0	1	4
TOTALS	12	0	0	1	9

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 6
AM (1st Award) - 1st Lt Jerry Burch, 2nd Lt Terry Vickers, 2nd Lt Cam Moore, S/Sgt Bill Payne, Sgt Mark Harrison, Sgt Larry Sharp
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Excellent weather made for a welcome change for takeoff and form up.
Zone 2 – 5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: Some sporadic coastal flak that didn’t amount to anything.
Zone 7: Shortly after the IP, four Re-2005s arrived, with one failing to push past our fighters. In the ensuing run and gun battle, the only damage was scored by our side, Dillon knocking some pieces off one at 1:30 high.



Although the flak was light, we took two minor hits. Regardless, Vickers was able to keep his focus and drop for 30%.


INBOUND

E/A massed waiting for us after the turn. At first, they seemed reluctant to attack as we noticed a wave veer off for some unknown reason. But a second group of three 2005 was made of tougher stuff and swarmed in, only to find that our P-38s were tougher. Not one Italian fighter made it to us and we left the target zone with only some light flak damage.

Zone 6: Some light, inaccurate flak was encountered over the coast followed by an attempted attack from a 190 that found our little friends quite determined that he was going to Valhalla instead.

Zone 5: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: We encountered two waves of E/A patrolling quite far out from the coast. However, our escorts were still highly vigilant in their duties and chased them all off.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: A safe landing brought an end to a successful mission.


The ground crew doesn’t have much to do to get Delayed Action ready for whenever our next mission is. The crew will be having a good time in the bar tonight as most of us celebrate having made it to five mission.


1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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/Squadron Position: High/Middle
Mission Date: 26 March 44
Mission Number: 017
Missions This Bomber: 17
Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	17	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	17	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	8	2	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	17	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	17	10.5	0	2	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	17	2	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	17	10.5	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	8	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	7	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	17	8	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Port Wing x 2
-superficial (1)

-#2 engine, superficial (35)

Tail x 2
-superficial (1)

-tailplane, N/E (5)

Peckham Points: 42
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
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	3	0	0	0	3
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	4	0	0	0	4
Me-410	2	0	0	0	2
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	9	0	0	0	9

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
“It looks like we’re gonna have a rough ride on the bomb run,” Costa said glumly as he jumped from the jeep. “Gonna be some heavy flak.”

“Actually, I don’t mind the flak that much.” Talking Spirit replied.

“What are you, nuts?” Riley turned to look at him shaking this head.

“You feeling a little flak happy there, chief?” Woodside asked.

“Everything is relative; Being shot at by impersonal flak from far below is better than being shot at by fighters a few yards in front of you like a shootout in a western movie - face to face. I’ll take flak any day over the fighters, because of the human element. Flak is impersonal, but it’s just plain scary to have a bunch of guys up there with you, coming at you with six machine guns and a 30 mm cannon each.”

“Yeah, but at least I can shoot back at the fighters. I get a chance to defend. Not true with the flak,” Mercado chimed in with his two cents. “Flak is a wild card in this game. Unpredictable, like the single bullet in a game of Russian roulette.”

“On the bomb run everyone knows that for the next 15 minutes there’s no safe place inside the bomber,” Costa said.

“Each to their own,” Talking Spirit replied as he climbed into their bomber. “The same can be said of the fighters.”

Zone 1: Beautiful weather again for takeoff. All had an easy time to form up in the skies, and once our escorts of P-38 from the 1st FG, we headed out.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: At the IP we saw a few fighters massing for the attack. More of Goring’s Goons swelled their numbers until they were brave enough to swarm the squadron, with two 190 choosing us. But the 1st FG had something to say about it and neither fighter made it through to us.

The flak gunners set fighters from both sides scrambling.


“The Old Man’s ship is going down!” Mercado called out, the emotion clear in his voice.


The crew watched helplessly as their CO’s bomber started to burn and fall away from the squadron.


“Everybody watch for chutes.” Marks called out.


“There’s one . . . There’s another. . .”


“That guy’s chute is burning up! Poor bastard!”


We watched stunned as Gingersnap took hits and caught fire. We took the lead and were rocked as we took four hits, throwing off Kellici’s aim and missing the target completely.



INBOUND

After the turn, the flying goon squad took advantage of the absence of flak with two 410 roaring towards us. They never made it past our escorts. A second wave seemed ready to follow them in but seemed to change their minds when they observed the fate of the 410s and we left the target zone unmolested.
Zone 6: Another wave of fighters seemed ready to make a nuisance of themselves but the presence of our little friends deterred any thoughts of glory for the Fatherland and they turned away.
Zone 5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: Our P-38s chased off two waves of would-be attackers leaving our gunners with nothing to do but watch the show.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Landed safely and taxied to hardstand.

With the exception of flak damage, it was another milk run for us. Unfortunately, the flak robbed the 79th of it's CO and was a factor in our missing the target, but the fine work of the 1st FG allowed us to save some taxpayers money as we saved a lot on unfired ammunition. Thanks to their diligence we haven’t had to fire a round in our defense for the past two missions. The only rounds expended were during the test firing. All aboard never received a hit and all returned safely.

S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew are already working on Invadin’ Maiden to get the ship ready for the next mission.

I’m off to the bar to buy every pilot of the 1st FG I can find a drink, then I’ll drink a toast to Major James. I guess Capt. Robinson will take over as CO once he’s out of the hospital.

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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Formation/Position: Low/Middle
Mission Date: 26 March 44
Mission Number: 016
Missions This Bomber: 6 
Mission Target: Skoplje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	6	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	7	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	6	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Cam Moore	6	0	0	0	IH
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	5	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	6	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	6	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	3	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Henry Lyons	7	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	6	2	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%

B-24 Damage: 7 Hits

Superficial x 2 (4)

Nose x 1

-Nav heat & Frostbite (12)

Port Wing x 1

-superficial (2)

Bomb Bay x 1

-superficial (2)

Tail x 2

-tailplane, port rudder N/E (5)

-tailplane, port rudder inop (10)

Peckham Points: 36
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	1	0	0
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	11	0	0	1	11
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	5	0	0	0	5
Re-2005	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	19	0	1	1	18

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
2nd Lt Cam Moore, frostbite - IH
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
PH 2nd Lt Cam Moore

AM (1st Award) - S/Sgt Bart Dillon

Stress Points this Mission: 4
2nd Lt Cam Moore, S/Sgt Bart Dillon, S/Sgt Bill Payne, Sgt Henry "Honri" Lyons

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Excellent weather again for takeoff and form up.

Zone 2 – 4: Nothing to report.

Zone 5: Encountered two 410 but our escorts had an easy time with them and they never got near us.

Zone 6: Nothing to report.

Zone 7: As we approached the IP, two waves of fighters appeared. In the first, one 190 and one 410 failed to push past our fighters. In the second were two 190 and a 109 run with only the Messerschmidt making it through to us. Moore damaged the 109 but the gutsy Kraut pressed his attack regardless and scored a minor hit. He circled around for a 2nd run but was pounced on by a P-38 and dropped in flames.



The flak was heavy and laid a thick carpet out in front of us, rocking us with three close bursts that hit the port wing and rendered the port rudder useless. Somehow, Vickers was able to keep his focus and dropped for 30%.


INBOUND

E/A massed waiting for us after the turn in two waves. The first contained three 190, but our P-38s were swarming everywhere like sharks in a feeding frenzy and only one survived to run at us. He hit us three times, one hit destroying Moore’s heating controls. The 190 was then chased off as he tried to return for a second pass.


The second wave was a single 190 who was forced to bail out thanks to a little friend. Unfortunately, the Talking Texan wasn’t so lucky and we saw her going down with only five of her crew making it out.

Zone 6: Moore was complaining of how cold it was in the nose as the thin cold air whistled through the holes caused by the fighter that had knocked out his heat. Although I felt sorry for him, I made the decision to stay in formation as in my opinion the chance of fighters was still great and I’d rather we had the protection of our escorts than take a chance on our own.


Three 190 braved our fighter screen with somehow only an obviously green pilot getting past them. While he failed to do any damage, he in turn took hits from Vickers and quickly dove away.

Zone 5: Two 410 that found it impossible to penetrate through the vigilant boys of the 1st FG.

Zone 4: We encountered two 110 patrolling off of the coast but our escorts chased them off.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: A safe landing brought an end to a successful mission.


Moore suffered frostbite and will be returned to the states. I feel pretty lousy about that and keep beating myself up mentally over my decision not to drop out of formation, but in the end, I knew it was the right call. And as rough as that decision was for me, at least I didn’t have to make the tough call Everett Galloway had to make landing Kipling’s Error, his ball gunner trapped in his turret as they landed without their right main gear wheel. I’ll be buying him a few tonight.


The ground crew says that they’ll have Delayed Action ready for whenever our next mission is. The crew will be in the bar tonight hunting for members of the 1st fighter group and ensuring that their money stays in their wallets.


I’ve tapped a young man fresh from the States as our new navigator, 2nd Lt Bret Stevenson.


1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 29 March 44
Mission Number: 018
Missions This Bomber: 18
Target: Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	18	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	18	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	9	2	.5	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	18	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	18	10.5	1	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	18	2	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	18	10.5	1.5	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	9	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	8	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	18	8	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 3 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Port Wing x 2
-superficial x 2 (2)
Peckham Points: 42
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	6	2	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	4	1	1	0	2
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	1	0	0	0	1
Me-410	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	3	2	0	4

Confirmed Claims: 3
T/Sgt Ed Kostanaro .5 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-109

S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Bf-109

2nd Lt Craig Kellici .5 x Fw-190

Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 4
T/Sgt Bruce Woodside, Sgt Noreno Costa, Sgt Mark Riley, Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: The skies were overcast and gloomy on takeoff, but we all managed to lift off safely without any mishaps.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: At the target zone we only had a single Ju-88 take notice of us, but he was shooed away by a P-38.


The S-2 had said that the flak would be light on ingress. Looks like he got that wrong as the Krauts were putting up what looked to be a medium effort at least. Regardless, it failed to cause any damage and Kellici hit the marshalling yard with 30% of our payload.

INBOUND

After the turn, Goring’s Goons came at us in two waves after our turn thanks to the absence of flak with two 109 roaring towards us. One never made it past our escorts while Mercado knocked down an obviously green pilot, his fire plastered the fighter causing pieces to fall off and the pilot bailed out.


A second wave of four 190 were next up with two turning away to engage our escorts to allow the remaining two, both rather new pilots it appeared, to press the attack. Costa shot down one at 7:30 high (denied at interrogation) while Kostanaro and Kellici tag teamed the other at 10:30 low. Their combined fire caught the 109 in the nose and it shuddered noticeably and, probably as an instinctive reaction, the pilot immediately yoked into a starboard turn, giving them an even greater target as they shredded a wing causing it to separate and flutter away as the 109 spiraled out of control.

Zone 8-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: Four 109 fanned out and came in for the attack with an Ace at 3 high, a green pilot at 12 high and another Ace with a veteran in tow at 9 low. Two of them just made a quick pass and disappeared. Kostanaro hit the vet at 9 low, the fighter was engulfed in flame and hung there momentarily, then exploded. The 3:00 Ace hit us for minor damage and circled around for another go from our 7:30, but Kostanaro was an Ace in his own right and bagged him (denied at interrogation).
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Landed safely and taxied to hardstand.

This mission had its moments of anxiety, but all told, we through in great shape, hitting the target and destroying several of Hitler’s dwindling Luftwaffe. S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew will have Invadin’ Maiden ready for the next mission.


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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 29 March 44
Mission Number: 018
Missions This Bomber: 7
Mission Target: Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	7	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	8	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	7	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Bret Stevenson	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	6	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	7	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	7	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	4	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Henry Lyons	8	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	7	2	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 60%
B-24 Damage: 1 Hit

Superficial x 1 (2)
Peckham Points: 02
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	1	0	0	0	1
Bf-110	1	1	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
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	5
Re-2005	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	1

Confirmed Claims: 1
S/Sgt Bart Dillon 1 x Bf-110
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Grey skies for take-off and form up.
Zone 2 – 8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: As we approached the IP, one 190 and one a 110 tried their luck with only the 110 making it past our fighter screen. The 110 came in from 4:30 but Dillon hit what may have been a rocket under its wing as the fighters right-wing blew off and it spun to the ground.



The flak was a little heavier than advertised by S-2 and we took a minor hit. It didn’t bother Vickers much as he dropped for 60%.


INBOUND

No flak gave the fighters more of an opportunity to attack the formation. Surprisingly, we were ignored and our gunners supplied supporting defensive fire when they could.
Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: A safe landing brought an end to a successful mission.

A milk run as missions go with minuscule damage and an easy day for the ground crew. Here’s hoping for more missions like this.

1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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
Middle Squadron: Tail

Mission Date: 2 April 44
Mission Number: 019

Missions This Bomber:19

Target: San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	19	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	19	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	10	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	19	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	19	11.5	0	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	19	2	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	19	12	1	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	10	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	9	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	19	8	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Nose x 1

- superficial (1)

Port Wing x 1

-wing root (25)

Starboard Wing x1

-wing root (25)

Tail x 1

- rudder, superficial (1)

Peckham Points: 52
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	4	1	0	0	3
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	4	1	0	0	3
TOTALS	8	2	0	0	6

Confirmed Claims: 2
T/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-110

Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 x Re-2001

Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 1
2nd Lt Craig Kellici
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
AM (2nd Award): 2nd Lt Craig Kellici, Sgt Noreno Costa

Promotion Review - Sgt Noreno Costa


After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: The skies were again overcast and gloomy on takeoff. We experienced an oil leak in the #2 engine, but it seemed to have stopped before it became a problem and we were able to continue.
Zone 2-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: At the IP we encountered four 2001. Three were persuaded to think twice about trying to become heroes as our escorts were all over them. The fourth at 1:30 was damaged by Kellici, the fighter returned fire but was off the mark and was picked up by Talking Spirit as it past the tail. He fired a long burst and black smoke poured from the engine and flames darted from the fuselage. The plane banked to port and the pilot bailed out.


The fighters cleared and the flak started to darken the sky around us. A close burst sent shrapnel into both wing roots, the tail rudder and into the nose striking Kellici sitting at his bombsite. The force of it knocked him backwards and he slammed into Cassidy, both men toppled onto the floor. It had hit him in the chest and his flak vest had saved his life. He was badly bruised but ok. The flak damage to the nose was only slight, but the sound of wind whistling through the hole was a grim reminder to them how quick death could take you and made it even colder than usual for them.


After all of this, somehow Kellici managed to focus on the Marshaling yard and dropped for 40%


INBOUND

After the turn, Goring’s Goons took a run at us with four 110 roaring towards us. Our little friends saw to it that only one made it through to us, and he in turn proved to be an inexperienced pilot who came in too close from 12 low giving Kostanaro a target hard to miss, the fighter was engulfed in flame and hung there momentarily, then exploded.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Landed safely and taxied to hardstand.

We took some damage and Kellici had a close call, but we in turn caused more damage than we took. S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew will have Invadin’ Maiden ready for the next mission.


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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Tail
Mission Date: 2 April 1944
Mission Number: 019

Mission This Bomber: 8
Mission Target: San Stephano, Italy – Harbor Installations 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	8	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	9	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	8	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Bret Stevenson	2	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	7	0	0	1	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	8	0	0	2	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	8	1	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	5	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Henry Lyons	9	1	0	2	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	8	2	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 2 Hit
Superficial x 1 (2)

Starboard Wing x 1

Landing gear inop (25)

Landing Damage – (81)

Peckham Points: 108
Repair Time: 2 days (10 April 44)
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
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
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	5
Re-2001	6	1	0	1	4
TOTALS	6	1	0	1	4

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Larry Sharp 1 x Re-2001
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
AM (1st Award) Sgt Phil Merrick
Stress Points this Mission: 2
S/Sgt Bart Dillon, S/Sgt Bill Payne

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Poorer weather again for takeoff, but fortunately it didn’t cause any problems and we managed to take off and form up without any problems.
Zone 2 – 5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: Once we had entered the target zone, Two fanatical Italians flying Renault fighters Dove towards us, but failed to make it past the boys of the first FG.


The Flak failed to find us and Vickers placed 20% of our payload on target, the loss of weight causing the familiar rising of the ship up about 50 feet, further confusing the AA gunners.


INBOUND

No flak gave the fighters more of an opportunity to attack the formation. Another four Italian fighters, with two having to turn away to engage our P-38 escorts. One 2001 came in at 6 high where Sharp hit him head on in the engine and wing and watched him spin out of control. The pilot managed to bail out safely.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: As we circled the field, we discovered that starboard lighting gear had been damaged and couldn’t be lowered. We fired off a red flare and circled again as we tried to lower the gear manually, But the damage was too great. We made the decision to land with wheels up and came in after everyone else had landed so we wouldn’t block the runway. Somehow, we managed to stay in one piece not kill ourselves. The ground crew isn’t too happy with us, and crew chief Decker says it’ll be two days of hard work to get the ship ready to fly again, even hinting it might go faster if the crew pitched in with the work.


Despite our harrowing landing, we made it through another mission. Rumor has it that the High Command is considering upping a tour of duty from 25 to 35 missions. Hoping that it’s nothing but a rumor.


1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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
High Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 5 April 44
Mission Number: 020
Missions This Bomber: 20
Target: Ploesti, Romania - Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	20	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	15	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	11	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	20	5	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	20	11.5	2	0	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	20	2	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	20	13	0	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	11	1	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	10	1	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	20	9	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 10%
B-17 Damage: 10 Hits
Nose x 1

-superficial (1)

Port Wing x 1

- superficial (1)

Starboard Wing x 2

- superficial (1)

-#2 engine out & feathered (35)

Radio Room x 1

- superficial (1)

Waist x 1

-starboard MG inop (10)

Tail x 4

- rudder x 2, N/E (10)

-tail wheel damaged (10)

-autopilot inop (10)

Peckham Points: 79
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	5	2	1	1	0
Bf-110	4	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	0	0	2
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	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	7	2	1	1	2

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 2 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 1
2nd Lt Craig Kellici
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
Oak Leave Cluster to AM - 1st Lt Franklin Marks, 2nd Lt Ted Masini, 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy, S/Sgt Curt Mercado, T/Sgt Bruce Woodside, T/Sgt Ed Kostanaro, Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit

Promotions -

To Captain, 1st Lt Franklin Marks

To 1st Lt, 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy

To T/Sgt, S/Sgt Curt Mercado

To M/Sgt, T/Sgt Bruce Woodside

To M/Sgt, T/Sgt Ed Kostanaro

To S/Sgt, Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit


After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: We had a beautiful day for the mission that was about to be marred by a lot of death and destruction. We lifted off without any problems or gremlins tagging along and formed up as the high squadron.
Zone 2-3: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: The boredom we all felt was interrupted by the appearance of two of Goring’s Goons in 190s. It turned out to be no cause for alarm as P-47s swooped into brush them away and we continued to drone on endlessly towards our target in faraway Romania.
Zone 5-11: Nothing to report.
Zone 12: Two 109 singled us out and came in from 3 and 9:00 positions. Mercado shot down the 9 o’clock fighter, but his claim was denied later. The remaining 109 struck us in the tail section, damaging the tail wheel, which we’d find out about later. This fighter was in turn damaged by defensive fire from Kostanaro, and failed to render us any further damage.


The fighters cleared off as the flak started to burst all over the sky. It was heavy from the very beginning of the bomb run and we could only watch the deadly black puffs multiplying at an alarming rate. At five miles above the earth the air is so thin that it doesn’t carry sound waves very well. When the flak exploded close enough to be heard, it was too close. It was also muffled. The BOOMP-FFFF! An eighty-eight shell at Earth atmosphere could have broken an eardrum – at least. But the sound itself was not that frightening at this altitude. What the fragments of metal could do, however was of more consequence. We were bracketed by several bursts that sent shrapnel into Invadin’ Maiden in several places, the worst of it destroying the autopilot, rendering the starboard waste MG useless and knocking out the #2 engine, which we were able to feather. Massini began transferring fuel from the useless engine as we needed every drop to keep up with the squadron on only three.


The Krauts didn't need smudge pots to obscure the target - at least from us. The slapping around we took coupled with our now useless autopilot factored in to our missing a target, but somehow Kellici managed to get a few bombs onto the target for 10%.


INBOUND

After the turn the flak was still heavy and accurate, aerating our bomber for three more hits, thankfully all of the minor variety.


Finally, out of the killing zone of the flak, the fighters roared in looking to pick off damaged bombers of which we were one of. three Romanian 109s came in from different angles and our B-17 shook from the recoils of our defensive fire as Costa damaged one at 9 level. Upon being hit, this fighter pulled up and turned to starboard giving Mercado a fine target, his fire hitting the spinner and prop. Fragments flew off and the fighter fell trailing clouds of smoke and exploded.


The 10:30 hit us in the nose and circled around to come in at 4:30 where Mercado again pumped some accurate fire into it with a burst that hit the fuselage and along the port wing root and it went into a steep dive in flames.
Zone 11-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: When it came to our turn to land we were caught completely off guard to find that our tail wheel was heavily damaged and we started to skid all over. We successfully fought for control and managed to work ourselves off to the side and out of the way of everyone behind us. (I rolled a 5 for landing, -2 for the  useless tail wheel)


Speaking strictly for myself, this was a long and unnerving mission that left me Deeply disappointed, having flown through the worst flock of ever seen only to miss the target. On the plus side, we all came through it unscathed and ready to risk our lives on another mission that I’m sure will come sooner than later.


S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew will have Invadin’ Maiden ready for the next mission.

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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle/Tail
Mission Date: 5 April 1944
Mission Number: 020
Mission This Bomber: 9
Mission Target: San Stephano, Italy – Harbor Installations 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	9	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	10	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	9	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Bret Stevenson	3	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	8	0	2.5	1	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	9	0	0	2	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	9	1	2	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	6	0	.5	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Henry Lyons	10	1	0	2	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	9	2	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 00%
B-24 Damage: 18 Hits
Superficial x 3 (6)
Nose x 2
-superficial (2)
-bomb sight inop (10)
Flight Deck x 2
-window, no effect (5)
-radio inop (10)
Port Wing x 3
-superficial (2)
-#1 engine, superficial (20)
-flap inop (10)
Starboard Wing x 2
-superficial (2)
-outboard fuel tank, sealed (5)
Bomb Bay x 2
-superficial (2)
-doors, superficial (2)
Waist x 2
-superficial (2)
-PWG oxygen, no effect (5)
Tail x 2
-port rudder, no effect (5)
gunner LW (2)
Peckham Points: 90

Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia 

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	14	6	2	7	0
Bf-110	2	0	1	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	1	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	6	1	0	1	0
TOTALS	18	6	4	7	0

Confirmed Claims: 6
S/Sgt Bart Dillon 2.5 x Bf-109
Sgt Mark Harrison 2 x Bf-109
Sgt Larry Sharp 1 x Bf-110
Sgt Phil Merrick .5 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
Sgt Larry Sharp, torn flexor muscle. RTD 12 April 44
Award/ Promotions Requests: 3
PH Sgt Larry Sharp
AM (2nd Award) 2nd Lt Hank McAlister, Sgt Henry “Honri” Lyons
Stress Points this Mission: 2
1st Lt Jerry Burch, 2nd Lt Hank McAlister, Sgt Larry Sharp

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: The weather was excellent on takeoff and we had no problems on takeoff and form up.
Zone 2 – 10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: Somewhere over the Olt River area we were forced to fight off two waves of fighters. Dillon damaged a German Ace at 3 level while he put a harmless hole in the fuselage. The Ace returned at 6 low where Sharp’s twin fifties shredded a wing and the pilot bailed out safely. A 110 at 6 low was taken out by Harrison while another 109 was also damaged by our defensive fire.

The 2nd wave consisted of two 109 with one claimed but denied at interrogation.
Zone 12: At the IP the sky was filled with bombers and fighters, but we somehow were ignored by the Krauts. Pleasant Surprise fell out of formation with two engines out and we were the closet to the formations rear and took over the duty, despite the crews grumbling. I couldn’t blame them as we were giving the flak gunners a longer look to find our range.

The old saying “the flak was thick enough to walk on” didn’t do justice to the seemingly solid carpet tossed up by Jerry. Just a few feet in front of my windshield a shell exploded. I grabbed my chest automatically, then looked at my hands in fear expecting them to be covered with blood – while at that moment feeling no physical pain. There was no sign of blood on my hands. I doubted what I saw and looked down to my chest. No blood. I looked at McAlister. He was okay and hard at work helping hold us in formation. As closely as the flak exploded it made no sense to not have done a great deal of damage, but there wasn’t even a nick or mark on the windshield. The only effect it had was on my mind, which was wholly devoted to trying to protect myself. It was then that I noticed a gaping hole in the left side of the ship large enough to pass a basketball through- right next to my foot!

Then we were rocked by more explosions as the flak units seemingly found our range. The number one engine was hit but continued to function without a hiccup, and outboard fuel tank was ruptured thankfully self sealed, and we took hits in the nose and waist as well.

Between the flak knocking us silly, smudge pots on the ground as well as smoke rising from hits caused by other bombers, we missed the target miserably and turned for the rally point.

INBOUND

Next Objective took over the lead as Laid Back Lady left formation. This mission was taking its toll on the 78th! While the flak was still brutal, we took only a hit to a rudder that didn’t have any effect on its operation. Fighters eagerly awaited us beyond it in three waves, the first containing three 109.

An ace at 10:30 high was damaged by Dillon, throwing off his aim and he peeled off for parts unknown. Sharp kayoed another at 6 high but the third at 12 high hit us for three that seemed to do no major damage. The fighter came back for another try but nothing came of it.

Another five 109 came in to take their place with two at 3 high and low, one at 6 level and another two at 9 high and low. During this heated battle we damaged several of the fighters and down three, although one was denied later.

The third wave had two 190 and a climbing 110. Although the 6:00 bandit was damaged, he walked hits up and down the fuselage destroying the bomb site, radio, and wounding Sharp in the tail. He returned at 4:30 and was shot down by Dillon, who also had this claim denied.
Zone 11: We were forced to defend ourselves again from three 109, damaging two of them while the third on our tail blew off the port wing flap and struck the starboard wing as well. Circling around and attacking from 9 high, the 109 was tagged team by Dillon and Merrick who raked it with fire and sent it down in flames.
Zone 10-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We managed to land ok and taxied to our hard stand where an ambulance was waiting for Sharp. He'll be fine after a week of working this charm on a nurse at the hospital. 

We took a bit of a beating on this one. Adding insult to injury, we missed the target!

The ground crew is already hard at work getting delayed action ready for the next mission.

1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 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
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 12 April 44
Mission Number: 021
Missions This Bomber: 21
Target: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Aircraft Assembly Plant

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Franklin Marks	21	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	16	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	12	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Tom Cassidy	21	5	2	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	21	13.5	1	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	21	2	.5	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	21	13	.5	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	12	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	11	1	0	1	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	21	9	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 05%
B-17 Damage: 14 Hits
Superficial x 4 (4)

Nose x 2

-superficial x 2 (2)

Bomb Bay x 2

- superficial (1)

-doors, superficial (1)

Tail x 6

-superficial x 2 (2)

- rudder x 2, inop (15)

-MGs destroyed (20)

-starboard tailplane root (25)

Peckham Points: 70
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	14	3	1	1	5
Bf-110	4	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	6	2	0	2	0
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	0	1	1	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	23	3	2	4	5

Confirmed Claims: 5
1st Lt Tom Cassidy 2 x Bf-109

S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit 1 X Fw-190

S/Sgt Curt Mercado .5 x Fw-190, .5 x Bf-109

M/Sgt Ed Kostanaro .5 x .5 x Bf-109

M/Sgt Bruce Woodside .5 x Fw-190

Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 1
1st Lt Tom Cassidyi
Award/ Promotions Requests: 2
Oak Leave Cluster to AM - Sgt Mark Riley

Promotion review - Sgt Mark Riley


After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: We had another beautiful day for the long mission before us. We took off without any incidents and formed up as the low squadron
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: Just over Hungry we encountered two waves of Goring’s Goons determined to end our mission here. Four 190 fanned out with one coming head on, another on our 6, and two one behind the other at 4:30. Kellici damaged the one at 12 high, the pilot snapping off a quick burst that went wide then passed us to attack other bombers. Talking Spirit successfully tracked the one at 6 level with his tracers impacting the wing and igniting its fuel tank that blew the wing off. Kostanaro damaged one at 4:30 low, while the one behind him put a harmless round in our tail. This fighter circled around and struck us another harmless round then made a third attack and again he only put one round into us. This fighter evaded all of our defensive fire and was apparently satisfied with his attacks and left.


The second wave of fighters rolled over and came down coming directly for us, but for some reason they pulled out of their dive and moved off, not attacking anyone.

Zone 9: German fighters were waiting for us at the IP with the first wave containing four 109, one of them an ace. Cassidy scored a victory against one coming in at the left cheek, his MG raking the engine of the fighter causing oil to cover the canopy while spouting thick black smoke and forcing the pilot to bailout. Another 109 at 12 low put two into us for no effect and circled around again for a second attack, but he missed us and moved on. Another 109 managed to get another round into us and also failed to cause further damage on a second run.


The second wave we faced off against was a diving 190. The combined fire from our top turret and radio room whose spray fire caused the pilot to try to avoid the income hail of lead kept running into it instead, and both Mercado and Woodside shared the credit.


The flak was heavy but not as bad as we experienced around Ploesti. We took a minor hit in the tail which threw off Kellici’s aim and we missed the target, only a single bomb landed just inside the target area.


INBOUND

After we had turned and made our way for the rally point, the flak was much less severe and we sailed through it to the waiting fighters. Three waves of Goring’s Goons lined up to try their luck in taking us down. The first wave we saw we saw three 109. Finally, an escort showed up to chase off one coming in on our tail. Cassidy again peppered another with a cheek MG, damaging the engine and blowing the prop off. The pilot did not get out. Costa knock one down off the port waste (denied at interrogation) while it returned fire before going down and rendered the rudder inoperable.


The second wave was a 190 high above us that dropped a bomb that narrowly missed the starboard wing before moving away.


A third wave had two aces coming in from 10:30 low and 12 high. Two other 109s on our tail were both chased off by P-51s who finally decided to make their presence felt. The ace at 12 high hit us in the nose and came back at 4:30. However we had aces of our own and Mercado and Kostanero’s combined withering fire of four 50 calibers mangled a wing and caused it to snap off, and Germany lost another ace as it corkscrewed towards the Earth miles below. The other fighter failed to hit us and we failed in return.

Zone 8-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: As if to remind that one had to say constantly vigilant even during the most boring parts of a long mission, two waves of fighters appeared.


The first had three 410s at 3 low, 12 low, and 6 level. The fighter on our tail was run over by a mustang and Kostanaro damaged one of the two remaining fighters at three low. However, the 12 low, an obvious green pilot managed to hit us twice and then made the mistake of coming back at 12 low where he was shot down by Costa, who would find out in interrogation that again his claim was to be denied.


A second wave of three 109 with an ace and another rookie came in at 9 low and high respectively, with the third at 7:30 low. A P-51 came in and tangled with the ace and Kostanaro again would be disappointed by interrogation when they denied his third of the day. The 3:00 fighter hit us in the airframe and came back again at three high where he was damaged by Mercado. Not to be denied the pilot concentrated his fire into our tail, rendering Talking Spirit’s machine guns useless and hitting the starboard tail plane root. The fighter came back at 6 level but failed to add to his damage and we want our separate ways.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: The airfield was a welcome sight. It had been a long mission and we’ve taken our licks and most surprisingly our damage wasn’t as severe as it could have been given the gauntlet of flak and fighters encountered. When it came for our turn to land our out of commission rudder didn’t cause much of a problem and we taxied safely to our hard stand.


It was a disappointing mission to go all that way and not hit the target, so we had to contend ourselves with the knowledge that we had down 5 fighters, possibly more, as well as damaged a few more.


S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew will have to put in some long hours tonight to ensure that Invadin’ Maiden will be ready for the next mission.


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

[medic1]

B-24J DELAYED ACTION (B24J-CF-42-52242)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 12 April 1944
Mission Number: 021
Mission This Bomber: 10
Mission Target: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Aircraft Assembly Plant 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	10	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	11	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Terry Vickers	10	2.5	.5	0	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Bret Stevenson	4	0	0	0	KIA
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	9	2.5	1	2	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	10	0	0	3	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	10	3	1.5	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	7	.5	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Sam Taylor	5	1	0	2	KIA
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	10	3	2	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 00%
B-24 Damage: 24 Hits

Superficial x 7 (14)
Nose x 1
-BIP (100)
Flight Deck x 2
-heat out for pilot, co-pilot, RO & engineer (10)
-flap controls inop (10)
Port Wing x 7
-superficial x 3 (6)
-aileron, N/E (5)
-wing root (25)
-outboard fuel tank, self-sealed (5)
-landing gear inop (25)
Starboard Wing x 2
-#4 engine out and feathered (40)
Bomb Bay x 1
-fuel transfer pump, N/E (2)
Waist x 2
-superficial (2)
-PWG KIA (10)
Tail x 3
-gunners heat out (10)
-starboard rudder, no effect (5)
-control cables N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 284 before the crash
Repair Time: All the King’s horses and all the Kings men . . .
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Ka-Frigging-BOOM!

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	14	3	3	2	3
Bf-110	1	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
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	1	0	0	2
Re-2001	6	1	0	1	0
TOTALS	21	5	3	2	7

Confirmed Claims: 5
Sgt Larry Sharp 1 x Bf-109; 1 x Me-410
Sgt Mark Harrison 1 x Bf-109; .5 x Bf-110
S/Sgt Bart Dillon 1 x Bf-109
2nd Lt Terry Vickers .5 x Bf-110
Casualties: 3
2nd Lt Terry Vickers KIA
2nd Lt Bret Stevenson KIA
Sgt Sam Taylor KIA – shattered clavicle, ruptured subclavian artery and vain
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Terry Vickers
PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Bret Stevenson
PH Posthumous Sgt Sam Taylor
AM Posthumous (1st Award) Sgt Sam Taylor
OLC to AM 1st Lt Jerry Burch, 2nd Lt Terry Vickers (Posthumous), S/Sgt Bill Payne, Sgt Mark Harrison, Sgt Larry Sharp
promotion review -
S/Sgt Bill Payne 9XBRwl331-6
Sgt Mark Harrison 1-6
Sgt Larry Sharp 1-6
Stress Points this Mission: 3
2nd Lt Hank McAlister, S/Sgt Bart Dillon, Sgt Mark Harrison

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
(This was one of those missions where the dice Gods were quite fickle. Sometimes they took pity on me and they rolled a few fighter wave attacks that ended with a 6 and negating a wave, sometimes rolling superficial damage, and other times saying to me “you’ve been too lucky- take this!”)
Zone 1: The weather was excellent and deceivingly masked the horror that we would experience on this mission. We lifted off and formed up without any problem.
Zone 2 – 8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: A 109 and a 110 singled us out at the IP. A P-51 appeared to chase off the 109 while Harrison tag teamed the 110 with Vickers, their combined fire knocking out one engine and setting it on fire.

We were feeling good about ourselves, and then the heavy flak started to burst all over the sky. In rapid succession we suffered five strikes. Suddenly, Delayed Action shook violently as the nose section exploded and we dropped thousands of feet while fighting for control. McAlister and I finally managed to regain control and leveled out at 8000 feet. The shrieking and howling of the wind was deafening as it rushed in from where the Plexiglas nose had once been, Vickers and Stevenson were gone with it. As we fought to keep control the crew checked in and we found out that Taylor was also dead in the waist and the heat was out in the tail, although we were now low enough that it wasn’t a concern.

I ordered Dillon to get down into the bomb bay and jettison the bombs. Flak gunners were still trying to take us down but the drag created by the lack of a nose must have confused their aim.

INBOUND

Dillon returned to his turret just in time as the Luftwaffe gleefully came down in waves, eager to finish us off. Three 109 came in from 12, 7:30, and 6:00 o’clock. Sharp and Dillon both knock one down (later both were denied) and the 12:00 missed but circled around for another go. The second pass was more successful but minor compared to the damage we’d already taken. A third attack also yielded nothing further and the 109 left. A second wave fighters appeared and circled us, checked us out, and left without attacking. Either they decided to show us some mercy, or, more likely, they were out of ammo.

So many things were going on at this point, trying to spot landmarks to see where we were, trying to plot a course without a navigator, fighting to keep our stricken bomber flying, and of course opportunistic fighters. Six 109 pounced on us like cats toying with a mouse. Two of our fighters suddenly appeared on the scene, apparently having just finished dogfights that brought them down to where they saw us and chipped in, chasing away two. During this battle the 109s made continuous attacks. Sharp clipped the wing of one at 4:30 level while Harrison took care of another.

In a second wave of three 410, once again we had some luck with some little friends intervening to chase off two of them. The remaining Kraut hit us in a couple places, but on his second attack he made the mistake of flying level at 6 o’clock were Sharp was able to take care of him. Just after this some flak gunners took some pot shots at us but it was inaccurate stuff.

Zone 8: Bailing out and becoming POWs didn’t appeal to anyone, and despite the physical strain of flying our stricken bomber, we decided to try for home - despite the odds. We were able to identify some landmarks and set a rough course for home. We were harassed by light flak a couple of times and some fighters were spotted but didn’t come near. Further on, two 109 circled like sharks and scored damage to a wing root, destroyed the flight decks heating system and wing flap controls. Harrison claims he downed one, but he would be denied later.
Zone 7: We knew we were off course somewhere to the right of the line we wanted to be on. Flak harassed us a couple of times but at least there were no fighters.
Zone 6: Just as we figured out where we were and what heading to take we were rocked by four flak hits knocking out the number 4 engine, which we feathered, puncturing a fuel tank, which thankfully sealed, plus a couple of minor hits.
Zone 5: More harassing flak and we discovered that we were again off course.
Zone 4: We determined that we were even further off course and had just passed more flak guns when three 190 and two 109 appeared. I don’t know where to P-51s came from, but they chased off two of the 190s. The remaining 190 put three in us and came around again but was intercepted by another little friend. A green 109 pilot put another two into us and came around on a second attack and did major damage to the port landing gear. The other 109 came in head on and missed us but as he flew past the tail Sharp managed to take a piece off of him.
Zone 3: Still off course and over water without landmarks.
Zone 2: Luck was on our side as we passed a RN gunboat and made contact with it, getting a heading and continuing on.
Zone 1: Over familiar territory, we finally arrived at Giulia. Mac and I had assessed our options and decided that we were just too beat up to attempt a landing. There’s no glory in surviving what we have just been through only to have it end in a fireball on the runway. I ordered the crew to bail out and notify the tower that we were returning to the coast where we would set the autopilot for Delayed Action to head out to sea before Mac and myself bailed out (a – 9 to the landing roll made this an easy call).

This was a brutal mission for all the crew, at least those of us that survived. We had lost Vickers, Stevenson and Taylor as well as our faithful home in the sky, Delayed Action. We had bailed out and some of us had some bumps and bruises for it, but we had survived to fly another mission in a new plane. The question was, would we survive that mission?

1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

1-6·1-6·1-6

[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
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 15 April 44
Mission Number: 022
Missions This Bomber: 22
Target: Budapest, Hungary - Vecses Airdrome

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot Capt. Franklin Marks	22	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	17	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	13	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 1st Lt Tom Cassidy	22	7	0	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	22	14.5	1	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	22	2.5	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	22	13.5	2	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	13	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	12	1	0	1	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	22	10	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 00%
B-17 Damage: 5 Hits
Port wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Radio Room x 1
- radio destroyed (10)
Waist x 1
-superficial (1)
Tail x 1
-starboard tailplane root (25)
Peckham Points: 38
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	4	1	1	0	2
Bf-110	1	1	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-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	1	0	0	2
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	8	3	1	0	4

Confirmed Claims: 3
M/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-109, 1 x Me-410
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 3
M/Sgt Bruce Woodside, M/Sgt Ed Kostanaro, S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
“So, they want us to destroy the Luftwaffe,” Talking Spirit spat unhappily.

“What’s the problem?” Mercado asked. “It’s a mission like any other.”

“No, it’s a campaign goal, not a mission objective, unlike taking out a supply depot or a tank factory. Those learned Generals who fly desks have concluded there can be no victory until the Luftwaffe is no longer a threat. And the Luftwaffe, unlike us inexperienced amateurs, are very experienced professionals who have captured and kept the aerospace over all of Continental Europe for Hitler’s 3rd Reich, and we’re supposed to go into the lion’s den and defeat them in their own territory?”

“This crew has a combined score of over fifty credited Nazi supermen – nine by you. It’s just another means to the end,” Kostanaro said with a shrug.

“My point is,” Talking Spirit countered, “that we are supposed to out bad the bad guys. We can hardly be the good guys if we take the war to their homeland by dropping bombs and blowing up the place. But then good guys don’t win wars, because war is a business of badness.”

“And just how else are we supposed to get the job done, then, genius?”

As the debate continued, Marks and Masini joined the bombardier and navigator standing under the nose section watching the gunners.

“What’s going on?” Marks asked.

“Talking Spirit is complaining about us taking on the Luftwaffe and being as bad as the German’s for bombing German cities,” Cassidy answered.

Marks listened for a minute then nodded in understanding.

“Talking Spirit has three missions left before he rotates home. He’s starting to think that he just might live through this and is getting nervous. Pass the word to keep an eye on him. Come on you guys,” He called over to them. “Mount up and let’s get this one over with.”

Zone 1: The rain seemed to subdue our mood as we took off into the dark clouds that would hamper our progress for a few hundred miles as we droned on towards the far away target in Hungry.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: At the target zone, Cassidy called out that we were on schedule and two minutes to the IP. Woodside, Costa and Riley started to toss out armloads of tin foil chaffe while the rest of us kept an eye out for fighters. A single Hungarian 109 and a German 110 arrived with the 109 chased off by a mustang and Mercado opened up on the 110 at 150 yards and the port engine exploded in flame, the outer wing snapped off and it spiraled down out of control.

Once the flak started, any fighters in the area quickly cleared off. Either the flak gunners got lucky, or the chaff was useless as we took five hits. Must were superficial, but one hit the right tail plane root and the other rendered the radio all but useless. The shaking and knocking about we took from the hits caused Kellici to miss a target

INBOUND

After we had turned from the target, we had to contend with two of three 109, a P-51 removing one from the equation. Woodside sprayed fire at one at 7:30 high which apparently worried the pilot so much that he broke off without firing a shot. The other took fire from Kostanaro and shuttered, tried to climb and then just fell out of control like a falling leaf.
Zone 8-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Our escorts chased off two of three 410, which Kostanaro took care of handily, scoring his second of the mission.
Zone 4-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: The field was bright and sunny, a contrast to our dark and moody dispositions. What a stinking rotten lousy day it was - instrument flying for three of the 9 hours to get to the target and back. Hours of aching boredom; crunching ice to keep it from forming in my sucksack and the damn thing paralyzing the muscles of my face; cold feet; electric heated suit giving me the sweats around the chest and chills in the thighs; the monotonous drone of the engines – interrupted by moments of total terror - vertigo and disorientation; prop wash; near collisions; fighters and flak.

And we missed the target.

S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew will have Invadin’ Maiden ready by tomorrow.

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

[medic1]

B-24J THE GRIM REAPER (B24J-CF-42-100404)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
High Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 15 April 1944
Mission Number: 022
Mission This Bomber: 01
Mission Target: Budapest, Hungary - Vecses Airdrome

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	11	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	12	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	10	2.5	1	2	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	11	0	0	3	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	11	3	1.5	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	8	.5	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Hal Whitmore	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	11	3	2	0	LW/RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 05%
B-24 Damage: 5 Hits

Superficial x 1 (2)
Port Wing x 2
-superficial (2)
-wing root (25)
Tail x 2
-gunner LW (2)
-turret inop (20)
Peckham Points: 51
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	4	1	0	1	1
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	4	0	1	0	2
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	8	1	1	1	3

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Mark Harrison 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
Sgt Larry Sharp – LW, shoulder cut, RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Larry Sharp
OLC to AM S/Sgt Bart Dillon
Promotion Review - S/Sgt Bart Dillon
Stress Points this Mission: 3
2nd Lt Hank McAlister, S/Sgt Bart Dillon, Sgt Mark Harrison
Mission Notes: 
- maiden flight of new bomber "The Grim Reaper"
- first mission for replacement crew members 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood, 2nd Lt Emmett Towns and Sgt Hal Whitmore
- Sgt Mark Harrison achieves Ace status 

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: This mission had a different feel to it. We have a new bomber and three new crew to replace our losses on our last mission. We lifted off into the dark clouds and rain but formed up without any problem.
Zone 2: Nothing to report.
Zone 3: Two 109 homed in on us, determined to put some holes in our brand new bomber. One was chased off by an escort while Harrison flamed the other, ending the threat.
Zone 4-8: Nothing to report.

About an hour before the target zone:
“Uh, I have to crap- what do I do?”
“Use your brain bucket.”
“Brain? Use my brain, bucket? I don’t understand”
“Shit in your flak helmet.”

The new man, Whitmore, took off his flak vest; parachute harness; Mae West; flight suit; electric flying suit and long underwear just to prepare for the task, then trying to balance his steel helmet upside down and catch the dropping and when finished, the subzero temperature hastened him to reverse the entire process, while making sure not to dislodge his oxygen mask. For his trouble, he wound up with a bit of frostbite in the process. When finished he had stored his bucket with its contents in a corner, taking care to prop it up with some flares to prevent it from turning over and spilling. He needn’t have bothered, because it naturally froze into a solid almost immediately.
Fortunately, there was no problem with the odor of it, since we were all breathing oxygen.

As bad as it was for new gunner, it worsened for him when the fighters started their attack.
Zone 9: After the crew had tossed out the chaff, two 109 came at us. One couldn’t hit us and the other was damaged and missed as well.

Whitmore retrieved his helmet to protect his head. However, when his head temperature went up from the excitement of battle, his frozen waste thawed out and dribbled down out of his helmet and soiled him badly.

I have doubts about the effectiveness of the chaff as we were rocked by four bursts that cut Sharp’s shoulder and destroyed his ability to operate his tail turret, another in the airframe and one to a wing root. It also caught our new bombardier Lockwood by surprise and he missed the target.

INBOUND

Since the Krauts were conserving ammunition to their flak guns, four 190 took the opportunity to pouch on us as we made our way to the rally point. Thankfully, Mustangs chased off two of their number, one an ace. Dillon dropped one at 7:30 high, (later denied) and we took a minor hit in return before it dropped. The other fighter missed us and moved on.
Zone 8: A few fighters were seen that moved through our squadron, but we were left alone.
Zone 7-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: Some fighters were spotted and we thought we were about to have a battle on our hands, but instead they just turned away from us. They must have been low on ammo and decided we weren’t worth the effort.
Zone 3: Nothing to report
Zone 2: The oil tank for the #3 engine developed a leak, and we shut it down not wanting to risk a fire. Unfortunately, the main hydraulics for flaps and landing gear were powered by the #3. I sent Dillon down to the Bombay to work the auxiliary pump.
Zone 1: Dillon announced that he had the auxiliary pump working and we were able to drop her gear and work our flaps, landing without any added drama.

Sharp was treated and returned to duty. And I’ll be speaking to crew chief Decker about that oil leak . . .

Whitmore cut a decisively dejected figure as he walked towards the rest of the crew jumping onto the Jeep to take them to interrogation.

“Whoo-whee! Boy, you smell like you took a bath in the outhouse!”
“You get your sorry skinny butt away from this jeep!”
“Stand downwind, for God’s sakes!”
“You’ve got some pretty big circle flies hovering around you. They always circle dung piles. Can’t fool them circle flies.”
“Go take a shower before you even think of coming to the interrogation.”

Adding insult to injury, Whitmore found himself walking as the crew rode away laughing at his misfortune, giving fuel to day’s worth of jokes and good natured ribbing that bonded crews that lived every day in life and death situations.

1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17F INVADIN’ MAIDEN 5-BO-44-30823
Pilot: Capt. Franklin Marks
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
High Squadron: Tail
Mission Date: 20 April 44
Mission Number: 023
Missions This Bomber: 23
Target: Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot Capt. Franklin Marks	23	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	18	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	14	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 1st Lt Tom Cassidy	23	7	1	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	23	15.5	1	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	23	2.5	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	23	15.5	1	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	14	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	13	1	0	1	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	23	10	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 8 Hits
Superficial x 4 (4)

Pilot’s Compartment x 1

-window, N/E (5)

Port wing x 1

-#2 engine, no effect(35)

Starboard Wing x 1

-#3 engine out and feathered (20)

Tail x 1

-turret drive (20)

Peckham Points: 84
Repair Time: Overnight Maintenance
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	11	3	1	2	2
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-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	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	3	1	2	2

Confirmed Claims: 3
1st Lt Tom Cassidy 1 x Bf-109

M/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-109

S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Bf-109

Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
(With the plane and six original crew members having survived 22 missions, I’m well aware that they are fugitives from the law of averages, and have been waiting for the bad rolls to catch up. I actually rolled for two BIP caused by flak and had to burn my two rabbits feet while playing this mission.)

Zone 1: Bright blue sky with some far haze for takeoff. We assembled with the squadron and took up our position as TEC, a position that none of us were happy with. Only three missions to go and we didn’t want any extra attention from Goring’s Goons, but we don’t get to pick our assignments.

Zone 2: Just our luck to have four 109 decide that we were ripe for the picking. A P-51 helped out by engaging one closing in from 6:00. We damaged another and the 9:00 did the same to a wing. He returned to try again from 1:30 high and Mercado fired several bursts that laced a wing, fuselage and engine. The fighter began to emit smoke, turned slightly, then suddenly exploded.

Zone 3: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: Another four 109 met us at the IP. Two at 7:30 level, one an Ace, and another two on our 6 high, one flown by a green pilot. A Mustang chased away the vet pilot at 6 high, and our gunners acquitted themselves well with the remaining three. From the radio room Woodside sprayed fire at one of the fighters coming in on our tail causing the green pilot to break off without firing a shot. Talking Spirit took care of the ace as well, but his claim would be denied at interrogation. Both Mercado and Kostanaro damaged the two at 7:30 which affected one of their return fire, while the other hit us twice before they moved off.

The heavy flak found us as the #3 engine shuttered then started to run away, which we were able to feather. Despite this shake and bake, Kellici dropped for 20%.


INBOUND

Even though the flak was lighter on egress, the main window took a whack but held. Past the flak three more flying Goons descended on us. Kostanaro focused on one at 9 level, hitting the wing roots and the fighter immediately went into a vertical dive trailing long flames. The 109 at 3 level destroyed the drive mechanism for the tail turret and hit the #2 engine which continue to function without any ill effects. Circling around, he returned at 10:30 where Cassidy fired several bursts and the109 flipped over and dropped towards the ground trailing heavy black smoke.

The remaining Kraut at 6 high put a couple of harmless rounds into us and tried once more from 1:30 level but failed to add to his damage and left.

Zone 2-3: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed safely and taxied to our hardstand.


S/Sgt Yates and his ground crew will have Invadin’ Maiden ready by tomorrow.


Capt. Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF