Medic1 - Multiple squadrons

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 20 April 1944
Mission Number: 023
Mission This Bomber: 02
Mission Target: Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	12	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	13	0	0	1	LW/RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	2	0	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	11	3.5	1	2	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	12	0	0	3	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	12	4.5	1	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	9	.5	0	0	LW/RTD
SWG Sgt Hal Whitmore	2	0	0	0	SW/IH
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	12	5	2	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-24 Damage: 18 Hits

Superficial x 4 (8)

Flight Deck x 2

-superficial (2)

-co-pilot LW (2)

Port Wing x 6

-superficial x 2 (4)

-#1 engine runaway, feathered (35)

-#1 engine x 2 (30)

-flap inop (10)

Starboard Engine x 1

-aileron inop (10)

Bomb Bay x 1

-superficial (2)

Waist x 3

-PWG LW (2)

-RWG SW (5)

-RWG heat out (10)

Tail x 1

-tailplane, superficial (2)

Peckham Points: 127
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	9	3	3	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	6	2	0	2	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	15	5	3	2	2

Confirmed Claims: 5
Sgt Larry Sharp 2 x Bf-109

2nd Lt Emmett Towns 1 x Bf-109

Sgt Mark Harrison 1 x Fw-190

Sgt Phil Merrick 1 x Fw-190

Casualties: 3
2nd Lt Hank McAlister LW – shoulder cut. Treated and RTD

Sgt Phil Merrick LW - forearm cut. Treated and RTD

Sgt Hal Whitmore SW – inflamed intestines. Interned home

Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH - 2nd Lt Hank McAlister

PH - Sgt Phil Merrick

PH - Sgt Hal Whitmore

Stress Points this Mission: 1
Sgt Hal Whitmore
Mission Notes: 
Sgt Mark Harrison achieves Ace status 

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Burch and McAlister left their briefing and climbed into the waiting jeep. Stopping to pick up Lockwood and Towns, their bombardier and navigator from their briefings, they raced towards their waiting bomber.


“It's a pretty short mission today, Towns commented. “But – “


“But the flak is expected to be heavy,” Lockwood finished the sentence not sounding particularly pleased at the prospect.


“I no longer worry about the flak,” McAllister said. “I can’t do anything about it, or its potentially destructive nature. There’s no doubt that it can tear things apart. While I’m convinced that eventually it will get me, the evidence so far is that I won’t even see the one that gets me. Therefore, there is no point in worrying about the ones that I can see.”


Zone 1: Bright blue clear skies greeted us on takeoff. As beautiful as it is, it also had the possible consequence of creating contrails, aerial beacons to German fighters alerting them to our exact whereabouts and direction.


We formed up and headed out.

Zone 2: Next Objective reported heating problems and dropped out of formation but signaled their intention to continue with the mission. (random event: tight formation)
Zone 3: Four 190 singled us out and came in from around the clock. A P-51 chased off an attacker at 6 low. Harrison fired a long burst at another at 4:30 low, its wing crumpled and it spiraled nose first towards the earth. The third fighter traded inaccurate fire with us while the fourth one forced us to shut down and feather the #1 engine as it began to run away. He also wounded Merrick, who was able to continue at his station, as well as a harmless round in the airframe. A second attack failed to achieve anything and he moved on.


By adjusting throttle settings, feathering the runaway prop and managing fuel distribution, we were able to stay with the formation – barely.

Zone 4: The squadron executed a somewhat sloppy turn at the IP (random event: disrupted formation). Fighters were seen that moved through our squadron, but we were left alone.


The flak was heavy as we were told to expect, with one burst close to the tailplane that shook us a bit and had an effect on our drop, which was a complete miss.


INBOUND

Although the flak was somewhat lighter, the gunners found our range and one burst blew off the right-wing aileron with another badly wounded Whitmore at the right waist. With fighters moving in on us and Merrick forced to jump between the two waist guns, I had RO Payne go back and move Whitmore out of the way and do what he could for him.


Five 190 came at us with one getting turned away by an escort. Harrison knocked one down at 1:30 low with his claim denied at interrogation. At about the same time, Merrick, whose wound was in no way hampering him, took a bead on another at 10:30 high. The obviously green pilot stayed level just a tad too long and Merrick’s fire ignited the fighters fuel tank. The pilot was able to bail out and live to fight another day, possibly learning from his mistake. Although Lockwood had missed the target, he pumped some accurate fire into a second fighter at 1030 level, but his claim would also be denied. Another 190 made two runs at us with only a harmless hole in the wing to show for it.

A second wave appeared but for some reason didn’t attack. The reprieve was short lived as a lone 109 fired two rockets in our direction, both missing.


Dyno-Mite was seen leaving the formation about this time.

Zone 3: 190s came in firing. The Grim Reaper’s crew returning it with their own and the bomber shaking from the rumble of its firepower. McAlister suddenly yelped in pain and clutched his shoulder.

“Huh,” he grunted through his mask, “I didn’t see that one coming,” he joked as he assured Burch that he would be alright.

Five 109 decided that we were their target as they fanned out to take us on. Lockwood damaged one with a green pilot at 12 level. A cagier veteran using him as a screen wounded Mac and hit the now useless number one engine with another two. He returned at six level and pumped another four into us, the worst of it rendering the port wing flapped inoperable. He made one more run at us, but it was ineffective.


A diving attack hit us twice, one knocking out the heating controls for the wounded Whitmore. Returning at 10:30 he put two more into the airframe and decided to try a third run that failed, but as he swept passed the tail Sharp cut loose with accurate fire, many of his tracers were seen to strike the wings, engines, and fuselage of the enemy aircraft, the pilot ejecting safely.


Dillon from the top turret fired a long burst that caused pieces of it to fall off a 109 at $;30 high. It shuttered but dove away with the pilot in control. Lockwood was just not having a good day having missed the target and would see a second claim denied at interrogation.


Navigator Towns set the last 190 on fire and we took stock of our situation – three wounded, one severely, one engine out, one flap and one aileron out and heat out to one waist gunner.

Zone 2: We left formation, dropping to 8,000 for Whitmore’s sake. Here and there we spotted other bombers that had left their formations for various reasons but we were all strung out, each making their way by themselves. No E/A were seen, thankfully.
Zone 1: On approach, we popped off yellow and red flares and managed a fairly good landing. The ambulance took our wounded away while we did a quick walk around with the none too happy ground crew. Crew chief Decker says that the short mission leaves more time to effect repairs, but it might not be ready for tomorrow’s mission.” Then he added, “Of course, we could get it done if you and your crew pitch in . . .”


Mac and Merrick were both treated and released. Whitmore will be going home for better care. The poor kid was only on his second mission.

His replacement is S/Sgt Jared Tarallo.


One high note was our ball gunner Sgt Harrison became an Ace with his credited claim now giving him a total 5.5. (I had erroneously posted him as an ace in my mission 022 AAR when it was the tail gunner Sgt Larry Sharp who had achieved Ace status that mission.)

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
Low Squadron: Middle/Tail
Mission Date: 21 April 44
Mission Number: 024
Missions This Bomber: 24
Target: Vienna, Austria - Schwechat Aircraft Factory

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot Capt. Franklin Marks	24	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	19	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	15	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 1st Lt Tom Cassidy	24	8	1	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	24	16.5	1	1	RTD
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	24	2.5	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	24	16.5	1	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	15	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	14	1	0	1	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	24	10	0	3	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 2 Hits
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Tail x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 2
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	0	1	2
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	2	1	0	2
G-55	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	0	1	0	1
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	16	3	2	1	7

Confirmed Claims: 3
1st Lt Tom Cassidy 1 x Fw-190
M/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Bf-109
S/Sgt Curt Mercado 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
OLC to AM (2nd awarded): 2nd Lt Craig Kellici, Sgt Noreno Costa
Promotion Review - Sgt Noreno Costa

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Another beautiful morning soon to be marred by death and destruction. We took off without any complications or gremlins and formed up.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: The cry of “Bandits!” broke the boredom and got our adrenaline pumping. Our escorts moved into quickly to engage two of them to cut our opposition in half. Kostanero made short work of one at 4:30 with some accurate fire from this ball turrets twin 50s, setting the Kraut on fire. Navigator Cassidy damaged the remaining fighter which missed us and quickly left the scene.
Zone 9: Nothing to report.
Zone 10: We fought through two waves of opposition in the target zone, totaling three 190 and three 410. Our escorts drove away one of each. Cassidy and Mercado each accounted for a 190 while Kostanaro took out a 410, but his claim was denied later at interrogation. Our attackers were all ineffective and we sailed into the heavy flak field.

We suffered two hits, both minor, but unfortunately they had an effect on Kellici’s aim that proved to be off the mark.

INBOUND

The flak was much lighter and less accurate after we turned and made our way to the rally point. Four 190 chose us as their target and came in at 1:30 low, 3 high and low, and 6 high. The 6:00 turned away to address the threat of a little friend who came to our aid.

Riley at the right waist knocked some pieces off another at 3 low, and everyone else missed everyone else.
Zone 9-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: A few tense moments when two 110 appeared, but they were both shooed away by escorts.
Zone 6-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed as we had taken off, safely and without any issues.

Except for two small holes and missing the target, it was a good mission.

Some of us are a little jumpy now as we only have one more mission to complete our tour and go home from this mess. The problem is, that mission is a very long one to Ploesti. (Thanks to a great roll for repairs after last mission, the plane has a Rabbit’s Foot and most have an unused lucky charm, leaving me optimistic about the crews chances to actually complete their 25th)

Capt. 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: Tail
Mission Date: 24 April 1944
Mission Number: 025
Mission This Bomber: 03
Mission Target: Ploesti, Romania - Romano/Americano Oil Refinery

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	14	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	15	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	4	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	4	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	13	4.5	0	2	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	14	0	0	3	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	14	5.5	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	11	.5	0	0	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	14	7	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-24 Damage: 8 Hits
Nose x 1
-superficial (2)
Port Wing x 1
-superficial (2)
Starboard Wing x 2
-superficial (2)
-aileron N/E (5)
Waist x 1
-PWG LW (2)
Tail x 3
-superficial (2)
-oxygen N/E (5)
-port rudder N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 25

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	7	1	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	1	1	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	5	0	1	0	3
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	13	2	2	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Bart Dillon 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Larry Sharp 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
Sgt Phil Merrick, LW – Shoulder cut. Treated and RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Phil Merrick
OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) 2nd Lt Hank McAlister
Stress Points this Mission: 1
2nd Lt Emmett Towns
Mission Notes: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Beautiful weather that we had for the mission in no way brightened our spirits as the distance to target back it was a definite mood killer. None of us were looking forward to the heavy flock that we would encounter either. We took off on time and climbed for altitude, forming up as Tail end Charlie.
Zone 2-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Two 88s Try to take a run at us, but our P-51 escorts random both off.
Zone 6-10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: We encountered another two 88s, both on our 6 at high and low. The high fighter had no success against us and we returned the favor. The low one wounded Merrick in the waist and put a hole in the tail and right wing. He circled around and came in at 7:30 low where Harrison in the ball turret picked him up and shredded his canopy, the fighter spiraling out of control and hurled towards the Earth miles below.
Zone 12: Near the IP 2109 separated in a doctor from 7:30 low, 12 level, and 6 high. Sharp lived up to his name in the tail she pumped accurate fire into the 6 high the fighter exploding in an angry orange fireball. The remaining fighters both made quick passes and left.

The first puffs of flak started to explode ahead and the fighters all cleared off. I couldn’t blame them as it quickly intensified into something truly horrific. The Grim Reaper was rocked by several hits which did little damage and had little effect on the plane’s performance. (OOC I rolled a BIP, but thanks to a rabbit’s foot it turned into a hit to the right wing). Despite smoke pots obscuring the target and the knocking about we took from flak, bombardier was still able to focus on his task at hand and dropped for 40%.

INBOUND

Turning for the rally point a nearby flak burst hit the port rudder. It was just as intense on the way out although the duration was not as long and we were soon out of it into awaiting 109 the dove on us. Dylan and the talk turret fired several bursts that impacted The engine, then the wing, removing it from the fuselage. The pilot was able to make it out.
Zone 11: Nothing to report.
Zone 10: Four Romanian 109 decided that our position as the squadron’s tail was too inviting to pass up. One came in at 130 level, two at 6 high and one at 6 low. Thankfully our escorts were on the ball and several P-51s chased off the three on our tail. The chin and starboard cheek guns combined to hit the remaining fighter (denied at interrogation) and the sky was suddenly clear of opposition.
Zone 9-5: Nothing to report
Zone 4: Just to prove that you had to remain vigilant from start to finish of a mission, two 88s were hoping to catch us and our escorts napping and tried their luck. They found out that our escorts were definitely not napping.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed without any problems or incidences.

The ground crew is already hard at work patching up the Grim Reaper and Merrick was treated and released from the hospital. We covered the squadrons rear, hit the target and survived the mission. That’s a win in anybody’s book.

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

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 20 April 1944
Mission Number: 023
Mission This Bomber: 02
Mission Target: Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	12	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	13	0	0	1	LW/RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	2	0	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	11	3.5	1	2	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	12	0	0	3	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	12	4.5	1	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	9	.5	0	0	LW/RTD
SWG Sgt Hal Whitmore	2	0	0	0	SW/IH
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	12	5	2	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-24 Damage: 18 Hits
Superficial x 4 (8)

Peckham Points: 127
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	7	1	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	1	1	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	5	0	1	0	3
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	13	2	2	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 5

Casualties: 3
Sgt Phil Merrick LW - forearm cut. Treated and RTD
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH - Sgt Phil Merrick
Stress Points this Mission: 1
2nd Lt Emmett Towns
Mission Notes: 
S/Sgt Bart Dillon achieves Ace status 

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: The beautiful weather that we had for the mission in no way brightened our spirits as the distance to target back was a definite mood killer. None of us were looking forward to the heavy flak that we would encounter either. We took off on time and climbed for altitude, forming up as Tail End Charlie.
Zone 2-4: Nothing to report.

Zone 5: Two 88s tried to take a run at us, but our P-51 escorts ran them both off.

Zone 6-10: Nothing to report.

Zone 11: We encountered another two 88s, both on our 6 at high and low. The high fighter had no success against us and we returned the favor. The low one wounded Merrick in the waist and put a hole in the tail and right wing. He circled around and came in at 7:30 low where Harrison in the ball turret picked him up and shredded his canopy, the fighter spiraling out of control and hurled towards the Earth miles below.

Zone 12: Near the IP two 109 separated and came in from 7:30 low, 12 level, and 6 high. Sharp lived up to his name in the tail he pumped accurate fire into the 6 high, the 109 exploding in an angry orange fireball. The remaining fighters both made quick passes and left.



The first puffs of flak started to explode ahead and the fighters all cleared off. I couldn’t blame them as it quickly intensified into something truly horrific. The Grim Reaper was rocked by several hits which did little damage and had little effect on the plane’s performance but scared the hell out of all of us. (OOC I rolled a BIP, but thanks to a rabbit’s foot it turned into a hit to the right wing). Despite smoke pots obscuring the target and the knocking about we took from flak, Lockwood was still able to focus on his task at hand and dropped for 40%.


INBOUND

Turning for the rally point a nearby flak burst hit the port rudder. It was just as intense on the way out although the duration was not as long and we were soon out of it into a waiting 109 that dove on us. Dillon in the top turret fired several bursts that impacted the engine, then the wing, removing it from the fuselage. The pilot was able to make it out.

Zone 11: Nothing to report.

Zone 10: Four Romanian 109 decided that our position as the squadron’s tail was too inviting to pass up. One came in at 130 level, two at 6 high and one at 6 low. Thankfully our escorts were on the ball and several P-51s chased off the three on our tail. The chin and starboard cheek guns combined to hit the remaining fighter (denied at interrogation) and the sky was suddenly clear of opposition.

Zone 9-5: Nothing to report

Zone 4: Just to prove that you had to remain vigilant from start to finish of a mission, two 88s were hoping to catch us and our escorts napping and tried their luck. They found out that our escorts were definitely not napping.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed without any problems or incidences.


The ground crew is already hard at work patching up the Grim Reaper and Merrick was treated and released from the hospital. We covered the squadrons rear, hit the target and survived the mission. That’s a win in anybody’s book.


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
Middle Squadron: Middle 
Mission Date: 25 April 44
Mission Number: 025
Missions This Bomber: 25
Target: Ploesti, Romania - Romano/Americano Oil Refinery

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot Capt. Franklin Marks	25	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Ted Masini	20	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	16	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 1st Lt Tom Cassidy	25	9	1	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Curt Mercado	25	17.5	0	1	SW
R/O T/Sgt Bruce Woodside	25	2.5	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner S/Sgt Ed Kostanaro	25	17.5	1	1	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	16	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Mark Riley	15	1	3	1	RTD
TG Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit	25	10	0	3	LW

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 11 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)

Nose x 2

- superficial (1)

-port cheek MG (10)

PC x 1

-engineer SW (5)

Port Wing x 2

- superficial (1)

-flap N/E (5)

Starboard Wing x 1

-#3 engine N/E (20)

Radio Room x 1

- superficial (1)

Bomb Bay x 1

- superficial (1)

Waist x 1

- superficial (1)

Tail x 1

-gunner LW (2)
Peckham Points: 48
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	10	2	2	1	3
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	1	3	1	0
He-112	4	2	1	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	0	1	0	1
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	21	5	6	2	3

Confirmed Claims: 5
Sgt Mark Riley 2 x Bf-109; 1 x He-112

1st Lt Tom Cassidy 1 x He-112

M/Sgt Ed Kostanaro 1 x Fw-190

Casualties: 2

T/Sgt Curt Mercado. Broken clavicle; sub clavicle artery cut – bleeding controlled in flight.
S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit. Thigh cut. treated and released.
Stress Points after mission: 2

T/Sgt Curt Mercado (2)

M/Sgt Bruce Woodside (1)

Award/ Promotions Requests:

PH T/Sgt Curt Mercado

PH S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit

OLC to AM (4th awarded): Capt Franklin Marks, 1st Lt Tom Cassidy, T/Sgt Curt Mercado, M/Sgt

Bruce Woodside, M/Sgt Ed Kostanaro, S/Sgt Charlie Talking Spirit

OLC to AM (3rd awarded): 2nd Lt Ted Masini

OLC to AM (2nd awarded): Sgt Mark Riley

Promotion Review: 2

2nd Lt Ted Masini promoted to 1st Lt

Sgt Mark Riley


After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: For some of us, this mission was like no other that we’d ever flown. Of our original crew of ten, eight of us remained, and six of us had lived to see our last mission – one way or another this was it.

We were woken up early and went to our separate briefings, pilot and copilot to one, navigator’s bombardiers, radio operators and gunners to theirs.

After the briefings we picked up our survival packs, parachutes, and such and made our way to the plane. Our ground crew, knowing that this was the last mission for some of us had stored our ammo and fitted our machine guns on board.

Take off with normal and without incident and we formed up and headed to whatever fate awaited us.

Zone 2-3: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: We noticed a flight of 109s, but they left us alone to go our way and they went theirs.

Zone 5-8: Nothing to report.

Zone 9: Another flight of E/A were sighted, and this group also ignored us.

Zone 10: Nothing to report.

Zone 11: Things heated up as five 190 singled us out. Our gunners cut loose shaking our old crate as they tried to fend off the zippy attackers.

Talking Spirit nailed one at 6 low (claim denied at interrogation), a 190 from 12 level hit us three times, one in the number 3 engine, but thankfully it continued to function without a hiccup. The fighter came back at 6 level were Talking Spirit again defended our rear and knocked down his second (also denied at interrogation). A second 190 at 6 low walked hits along our fuselage severely wounded wounding engineer Mecado and cutting Talking Spirits thigh, who remained at his gun. This fighter returned at 7:30 low where Kostanero caught a piece of him, throwing off the pilot’s aim who missed and left the scene with the other fighters.

I had Woodside move Mercado to the radio room to make him as comfortable as he could and had Riley move from the right waist to take over the top turret.

Irascrible Girl reports a fuel pump problem and left formation.

Zone 12: Unfortunately for us, the mission didn’t get to get any easier as two waves encountered us over the target area. In the first wave, two 190 with a green pilot at 6 low and a veteran at 10:30 low. Talking Spirit kept up his fine work in the tail downing the rookie pilot, his third of the mission (and third denied) and Kostanaro cut loose with a burst of fire that caught the 109 in the nose causing the pilot to bail out.

The second wave had three 109, two at 4:30 level and another at 6 low. Riley took care of the 4:30 bandit (denied at interrogation), and Talking Spirit damaged the other on our tail.

The fighters cleared as the flak popped off. If it was possible, it seemed to get heavier and heavier the farther we flew into it. Somehow, we came through with only a whole in the port wing. Despite all the shaking and buffering from the heavy flak Kellici managed to put 30% onto target and we turned for the rally point.


INBOUND

The flak was just as bad on the way out but now my flying skills could come into play. I took evasive action and used my instincts. I was well aware that evasive action was really a guessing game when the flak was this heavy.

I had tried my best to find clear patches of sky but if an anti-aircraft shell exploded, it was by then too late to avoid it. There was also the other present concern of collision with another bomber. To fly evasive action as a part of a squadron, instructions came from the lead aircraft, the rest of the squadron’s bombers would make turns or change altitude sometimes dropping 500 feet together.


The object of these coordinated maneuvers, we all knew, was to shake the radar fix of the anti-aircraft gunners that had zeroed in on the bombers by the time they had released their payloads. Flying evasively like a flock of geese was no easy task for pilots. Our combat formation placed the bombers wingtips as close as 100 feet from each other. A bad move by any of this quadrant’s pilots could result in disaster.


But that didn’t happen. Instead, we came out of the field into two waves of waiting fighters. Riley’s bursts hit the cockpit and wings of one at 4:30 high. The pilot was apparently hit as his plane appeared to fall flat towards the ground, tail down.


The second wave had four Romanian He-112, one of them an ace at 10:30 level, hiding behind another 112 as he used him as a screen. Our ace in the nose, navigator Cassidy, not able to concentrate any fire on the hidden ace, focused his fire on the leading aircraft scoring hits on the wing root and fuselage. The fighter rolled over, caught fire and dropped earthward.



Talking spirit again defended our tale knocking down another enemy aircraft (denied at interrogation). The Ace struck us in the nose knocking out the port cheek MG and came back at 12 level where Riley, becoming used to his new position riddled the aces plane, which exploded in clouds of black and white smoke from a hit on its engine.
Zone 11: About this time Beach Bum left the formation with an oxygen problem. Nothing else to report.

Zone 10: The Germans seemed determined to ensure that this would be the final mission of Vicious Vixen and her crew as five Romanian 109 set upon us. However, by this time our escorts had arrived to shepherd us back home and they chased off three of them. Riley won his battle against a 109 at 10:30 high, hitting the fighter’s engine and along the port wing root and fuselage. It dipped and headed for the ground trailing fire and black smoke. No chute was seen.

Zone 9-5: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: A few tense moments when two 88s appeared, but the combined defensive fire of the formation turned the two from heroes to cowards rather quickly.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: Everyone knew it was our last mission. I can only imagine what they thought as we fired off red flares.

What should have been a happy occasion upon landing was instead a solemn event. Everyone quietly watching Ricardo being rushed to the hospital in a meat wagon.

To add insult to injury, the crew, having splendidly defended the aircraft, had six scores denied at interrogation – four of them Talking Spirits!

Riley acquitted himself well in an unfamiliar position (rolling sixes are great!) and dropped three fighters. I would recommend that he stay at the top turret, but he’s not trained as an engineer. He offered to take the tail as he said that it couldn’t be any colder than in the waist in the remaining crews new bomber as Vicious Vixen has earned a trip home to drum up support in upcoming war bond drives.

Mercado will take some time to heal (Mercado survived the surgery but infection would set in and eventually take his life). Talking Spirit is okay and stuck a wick down his nose and is doing a great job of becoming an alcohol lamp. I think we’re all getting drunk tonight. I’m going to recommend that Masini be given the pilots seat in the crew’s new bomber.


(A very rare occurrence - not only did the plane fly the entire 25 missions [2-3 rabbits feet used], but 5 crew as well!)
Capt. Franklin Marks, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Ted Masini
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
High Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 29 April 44
Mission Number: 026
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Ploesti, Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini	21	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	17	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	1	0	1	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	1	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	1	0	0	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	17	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Tim Walton	1	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	16	4	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
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	2	0	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	9	1	1	0	6
He-112	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	1	1	0	8

Confirmed Claims: 1
S/Sgt Dan Lansky 1 x Fw-190 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 0
Promotion Review: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: A new plane with a mostly new crew, and my first mission in the left seat. We took off on time and without any issues and formed up.
Zone 2-3: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: As we approached the IP, two 109 targeted us but our escorts had other ideas and ran them both off. The flak started up but it was light and inaccurate, not causing a problem for Kellici who dropped for 40%.

INBOUND

There was a lack of flak which gave more time for fighters to do their work, and we faced off against three waves. The first wave saw a single 190 high above us who appeared to be lining us up to drop a bomb but he fell to a P-38.


A second wave had three 190 and two were engaged by our little friends while the third fighter was shot down by Kelliki (denied that interrogation).


In the third wave there were five 190. Our escorts were highly effective and all over the sky engaging enemy fighters, driving off three of our would be at attackers. Our new engineer, Lansky scored his first victory on his first mission as he shredded the canopy of a 190 at 7:30 high, the fighter spiraling out of control towards the Earth.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We affected a textbook landing and made our way to our hard stand.

This was a milk run, thanks to the fine work of the 14th FG. Our new bird Sunday Punch came home unscratched, we hit the target and one of our new gunners scored his first victory. All in all, a good day.


1st Lt Ted Masini, 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
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 29 April 1944
Mission Number: 026
Mission This Bomber: 04
Mission Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	15	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	16	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	5	0	1	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	5	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	14	4.5	0	2	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	15	0	0	3	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	15	5.5	1	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	12	.5	0	0	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	12	7	0	0	SW

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 11 Hits
Superficial x 1 (2)
Port Wing x 2
-superficial (2)
-flap inop (10)
Starboard Wing x 4
-superficial x 2 (4)
-#1 engine oil tank fire, two fire extinguishers, out & feathered (115)
-#1 engine N/E (15)
Bomb Bay x 2
-superficial (2)
-life rafts (10)
Tail x 2
-gunner SW (5)
-oxygen N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 170

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

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	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	12	2	2	0	7
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	15	2	2	0	10

Confirmed Claims: 2
2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Mark Harrison 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 1
Sgt Larry Sharp, SW – Broken scapula. Hospital. RTD 10 June 44
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Larry Sharp
OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) 1st Lt Jerry Burch
OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Bill Payne
OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) Sgt Mark Harrison
OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) Sgt Larry Sharp
Promotion Reviews:
S/Sgt Bill Payne
Sgt Mark Harrison
Sgt Larry Sharp
Stress Points this Mission: 10
Entire crew
Mission Notes:

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Beautiful weather promised a beautiful day and we took off in the wild blue yonder to form up.
Zone 2-3: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: Once in the target zone the 14th FG proved they were on the ball as they chased off a diving 190.

The flak was light and inaccurate, and we dropped for 20%, somewhat disappointing.

INBOUND

The absence of flak gave the fighters more time to rip through the squadron, and we were picked on by three waves.

First wave: Two 109 and a 110 that were all chased off by P-38s.
Second wave: Four 190, with three of them flown by obviously green pilots. Our escorts chased off two to cut the odds in half. Harrison in the ball turret placed some accurate fire into one at 12 low hitting the fighter’s engine and canopy area. It fell towards the Earth trailing heavy black smoke. Dillon in the top turret shot down the other at 12 level (denied that interrogation).
Third wave: Four 190 with our little friends chasing off three of them. Lockwood hammered the remaining fighter at 12 high, ripping a wing off.
Zone 3: Three 190 appeared with one an ace. A P-38 tangled with the ace leaving one at 6 high and another at 9 low. Harrison pumped some accurate fire into the 9:00, shooting him down (denied at interrogation), but the Krauts return fire before he dropped did a lot of damage, knocking out the number three engine, setting it’s oil tank on fire which we needed two extinguishers to get under control, destroying our life rafts, a hit to our oxygen system which continue to function, and severely wounding tail gunner Sharp, breaking his shoulder blade.

The 6:00 o'clock fighter walked hits along both wings rendering the left wing flapping operable.
Zone 2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Approaching Giulia, because the #3 engine was out, we had no hydraulics and I had Dillon use the hand crank to drop the landing gear. The lack of brakes were a concern as well as the lack of flaps there was a slight response to both but not enough to make anyone feel very comfortable. I ordered the crew to rig up parachutes to slow us down on landing. We fired off red and yellow flares and everyone assumed crossed positions.

"Dillon. Start cranking the gear down. Hank - Get me all the flaps you can."
Burch remembered hearing a story during training.
"Merrick! Tarallo! Tie your chute harnesses to the gun mounts. As soon as we touch all wheels down - and I mean that instant, pull the ripcords. Then get your asses into crash positions."
McAlister was furiously working the hand pump to lower the flaps. "Kind of ironic to survive 15 missions only to die in a landing accident, don't you think?"
"Shut up, Hank."
"Nothing like going out in a blaze of glory. You know that without brakes we could roll forever, right?"
Didn't I just tell you to shut up? Merrick. Tarallo. Remember - pull the chute cords AS SOON as we touch down!"
Tarallo checked his lashings of his parachute harness. "Say, Phil. Did I ever thank you guys for picking me for permanent assignment to this crew?"
"I accept your humble thanks." Merrick said grimly as he finished checking over his.
Harrison moved passed them to help Sharp to get them both in crash position.
"Care to bet on our survival?" Harrison asked. "I'll give odds of 3-1 against."
"That good?"
In the nose Lockwood activated the bomb bay doors to vent any gas build up and then braced himself as best as he could with Towns.
Dillon confirmed that the wheels were down and locked.
Prepared the best they could, Burch and McAlister set down.
The wheels touched and the lashed down parachutes were deployed.
"Shut her down!" Burch cried as he started to cut every switch he could reach followed by McAlister just as frantically following suit.
They shut down the engines and worked the rudders. They chewed up a lot of the 6,000 foot runway, but the bomber started to slow down and they were able to turn off to a taxi strip and finally rolled to a stop.
Everything on board was quiet. Then the crew cheered loudly

The landing was a bit dicey, but we didn’t crack up. The ambulance rushed Sharp off to the hospital and the word is that he will be out 6 weeks. The doctor said he was extremely lucky as the operation was touch and go there for a bit and at one point he thought that he would have to send Sharp home. But the doctor’s skills were able to repair the damage to the point that he was confident Sharp will make a full recovery and return to us after some time in the hospital where he’ll concentrate on bagging a nurse instead of enemy fighters

The ground crew will have the work cut out for them as the Grim Reaper needs about three days of hard work to get her back to flying duty

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

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Ted Masini
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Low Squadron: Tail
Mission Date: 2 May 44
Mission Number: 027
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Larissa, Greece - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini	22	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	18	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	2	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	2	1	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	2	0	0	0	LW/RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	2	0	0	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	18	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Tim Walton	2	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	17	4	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 9 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)

Starboard Wing x 2

-superficial (1)

-wingroot (25)

Radio Room x 1

-operator LW (2)

Bomb Bay x 1

-bomb rack temporarily jammed (5)

Waist x 1

-superficial (1)

Tail x 3

-superficial (1)

-tailplane N/E (5)

-autopilot inop (10)

Peckham Points: 51
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	3	0	0	2	0
Bf-110	4	0	1	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	4	0	1	0	0
He-112	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	0	2	2	0

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
S/Sgt Will Dixon, LW - leg grazed. Treated and RTD.
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
OLC (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Mark Riley
Promotion Review: 1
S/Sgt Mark Riley

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Great weather on takeoff that didn’t pose us any problems as we formed up and took our position as squadron tail.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: Three 109 and a 110 came at us. During the ensuing fight, Walton heavily damaged a 109 at 4:30 low and Riley knocked some paint off the 6:00.

Zone 8: In the target zone things became more serious as we encountered two waves of opposition.


In the first wave three 110 spread out and attacked from 4:30 level, 6 high and 7:30 level. Lansky and Caffery both claimed a fighter, but each ducked into the clouds and couldn’t be confirmed. The 4:30 had opened fire at the same time as Caffery and stitched hits along the starboard side, grazing Dixons leg in the radio room, hitting the wing root and causing some damage to the bomb racks that we would find out about shortly.


The second wave circled but never came in for an attack as they waited too long before the flak forced them to move off. We, of course, didn’t have that option and sailed into the thankfully inaccurate field.


I turned control over to Kellici. He had trouble making out the drop point in the soup, but finally called “bombs away.” The familiar upwards lurch of the aircraft didn’t happen when several hundred pounds of bombs dropped from its belly. “Bombs away,” Kellici called again, then again as he repeatedly toggled the release switch. Finally, the bombs fell away, but too late to have hit the target.


INBOUND

Four 190 jumped on us after we had turned away. Caffery nailed one at 4:30, but the crew’s hard luck would continue as this was denied at interrogation. The return fire of this Kraut did some damage as well, hitting the tailplane and bombsight.

Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed without any difficulties and taxied to our hardstand.


A demoralizing mission for us. The damage we suffered had caused us to miss the target, all claims by the crew were downgraded to probable’s and the ground crew will be hard at work overnight to get our bird ready to fly for tomorrow if the need arises.


The only good news is that Dixon’s wound was merely a scratch and they punted him from the MIR fairly quickly.


1st Lt Ted Masini, 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
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 2 May 1944
Mission Number: 027
Mission This Bomber: 05
Mission Target: Larissa, Greece - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	16	0	0	2	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	17	0	0	2	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	6	1	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	6	1	0	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	15	5.5	1	3	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	16	0	0	4	LW/RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	16	6.5	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	16	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo	3	0	0	1	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Donald Adkins	1	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 9 Hits
Superficial x 2 (4)
Flight Deck x 1
-RO LW (2)
Port Wing x 2
-superficial (2)
-inboard fuel tank leak (10)
Starboard Wing x 2
-superficial x 1 (2)
-wing root (25)
Bomb Bay x 1
-superficial (2)
Tail x 1
- superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 49
Repair Time: Overnight

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Lecce

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	1	0	1	0	0
Me-410	3	1	2	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	4	1	2	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 1
S/Sgt Bart Dillon 1 x Me-410
Casualties: 1
S/Sgt Bill Payne LW – Torn trapezius muscle. RTD 16th May 1944
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH S/Sgt Bill Payne
OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Bart Dillon
Promotion Reviews:
S/Sgt Bart Dillon
Stress Points this Mission: 0
Mission Notes: Fuel forced crew to divert to Lecce Airfield.

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Beautiful weather as we took off and formed up.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: We had watched the landscape below becoming more and more obscured by heavy cloud cover the closer we came to the target zone. At the IP we knew that we had several challenges caused by the weather and fighters as we encountered two waves of Goring’s Goons.

Three 410 came in low at 4:30 and two at 9:00. The leading 9:00 punctured a port fuel tank and wounded radioman Payne. Circling, he attacked from 3 high but Dillon hit him on the port side of the engine and fuselage. It turned over on its back and spun out of control.

The 4:30 walked hits along the wings, hitting a wing root and a flap. The Kraut returned at 7:30 low where he ran into some heavy fire from Harrison’s ball turret and disappeared into the clouds below, fate unknown.

As the inaccurate flak popped off, I handed control to Lockwood for the bomb run as I had Dillon drop down from his turret to calculate our fuel loss. It was determined that we couldn’t make it home, but we could make the base at Lecce.

Lockwood managed to get enough of a glimpse of the marshaling yard to plant 20% of our payload onto it and we turned for the rally point.

INBOUND

A single Ju-88 appeared at 6 low and was heavily damaged by Harrison and ran away to hide in the clouds.
Zone 7: We radioed the squadron that we were leaving the formation and heading for Lecce. Thankfully, we didn’t encounter any fighters afterwards as we made our way alone.
Zone 6-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Approaching Lecce, we dropped a red flare and executed a perfect landing (gotta love rolling double sixes!).

Payne was rushed off to the hospital and will be on the mend for the next couple of weeks while we helped a ground crew with the repairs so we could leave the next morning for Guilia.

This was our second mission in a row where we had a crew member lost to us while they recuperated from their wounds. I guess that we should be thankful that both will recover eventually rejoin us in time.

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

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Ted Masini
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 5 May 44
Mission Number: 028
Missions This Bomber: 3
Target: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini	23	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman	3	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	19	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	3	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	3	1	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	3	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	3	0	0	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	19	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Tim Walton	3	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	18	4	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 16 Hits

Superficial x 1(1)

Nose x 1

- superficial (1)

Pilots Compartment x 2

- superficial (2)

Port Wing x 3

-superficial (1)

-wingroot (25)

-outboard fuel tank, sealed (5)

Starboard Wing x 1

-superficial (1)

Radio Room x 3

-radio inop (10)

-oxygen, N/E (5)

-rafts (10)

Bomb Bay x 1

-superficial (1)

Waist x 2

-superficial (1)

-both gunners LW (4)

Tail x 2

-starboard tailplane root (25)

-oxygen, N/E (5)

Peckham Points: 97
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	5	1	1	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	1	0	0	1	0
He-112	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	6	1	1	1	3

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 2
Sgt Noreno LW - Costa torn tricep RTD 12th May 44. (upper arm tear)

Sgt Tim Walton LW - torn vastus RTD 19th May 44. (torn muscle above the knee)

Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
PH Sgt Noreno
PH Sgt Tim Walton
Promotion Review: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Due to a lot of things happening in RL and a demand on my time, I don’t have the time right now to give zone by zone report right now. 

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 5 May 1944
Mission Number: 028
Mission This Bomber: 07
Mission Target: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	17	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	18	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	7	1	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	7	1	0	3	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	16	6.5	.5	4	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	17	0	0	4	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	17	6.5	1.5	2	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	17	.5	0	1	KIA
SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo	4	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Donald Adkins	2	0	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 00%
B-24 Damage: 12 Hits

Superficial x 3 (6)

Nose x 2

-superficial (2)

-nav equipment inop (10)

Port Wing x 2

-superficial (2)

-ouboard fuel tank leak, sealed (5)

Starboard Wing x 3

-superficial x 1 (2)

-brake out (10)

-flap, N/E (5)

Waist x 1

-PWG KIA (10)

Tail x 1

- superficial (2)

Peckham Points: 54

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	4	2	1	0	0
Bf-110	1	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	1	0	1	0	0
Me-410	3	1	2	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	3	2	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Mark Harrison .5 x Bf-109, 1 x Bf-110

Sgt Donald Adkins 1 x Bf-109

S/Sgt Bart Dillon .5 x Bf-109

Casualties: 1
Sgt Phil Merrick KIA – Head Trauma
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous Sgt Phil Merrick
Promotion Reviews:
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Due to a lot of things happening in RL and a demand on my time, I don’t have the time to give zone by zone report.

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Lead
Mission Date: 10 May 1944
Mission Number: 029
Mission This Bomber: 07
Mission Target: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	18	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	19	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	8	1	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	8	1	0	3	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	17	7	.0	4	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Dennis Webber	7	0	0	4	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	17	8	0	2	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Scott Wakeford	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo	4	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Donald Adkins	2	1	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-24 Damage: 1 Hit
Tail x 1
- superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 2
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	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	6	0	0	0	4
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	6	0	1	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Air Medal (1st Award) S/Sgt Jared Tarallo
Promotion Reviews:
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Beautiful weather as we took off and formed up, taking the lead position.

Zone 2-9A: Nothing to report.

Zone 9B: Once we had approached the IP we were approached by two 190. They in turn were approached by several P-38 who turned the Krauts from heroes of the Reich to cowards of the county and they quickly left the scene.

As the inaccurate flak popped off, control was turned over to Lockwood for the bomb. Despite some smoke from smoke pots and clouds, Lockwood managed to get enough of a glimpse of the marshaling yard to plant 20% of our payload onto it and we turned for the rally point.

INBOUND

The flak was still unable to find us, and once clear of it we had four 190 try to weave through our escorts with only two being successful.

One hit us in the tail and returned, but he fell to a Lightning strike. The remaining 190 failed to cause any damage and moved on as staying around was dangerous to his health thanks to our vigilant little friends.

Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.


The ground crew are pretty happy for the light work load thanks to a lack of battle damage, and the crew is just as pleased having all come home safe and in one piece.

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

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Ted Masini
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
High Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 10 May 44
Mission Number: 029
Missions This Bomber: 4
Target: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini	24	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman	4	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	20	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	3	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	3	1	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	3	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	3	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Bernard Fleming	5	.5	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Cletus Judner	1	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	18	4	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
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	3	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	1	0	0	0	1
He-112	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	4	1	1	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
OLC to AM (3rd awarded) 2nd Lt Craig Kellici
AM (1st awarded) Sgt Bernard Fleming
Promotion Review: 0
Craig Kellici to 1st Lt

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Very fine weather for takeoff. We formed up and headed for Piacenza.

Zone 2-9A: Nothing to report.

Zone 9B: At the IP alone 190 showed some interest towards us, but he was intercepted by P38. The flock was inaccurate and well away from us and managed about 20% on target.

INBOUND

There wasn’t any flak to contend with after our turn to the rally point so three 109 took advantage and came calling on us. Two green pilots approached us from 6 low, but one of them fell to a Lightning. The other green pilot took fire from our ball gunner, and, although Caffery didn't see any hits strike the fighter, its pilot bailed out. Germany must be scrapping the bottom of the barrel for pilots nowadays.

The third fighter was confused by spray fire from the radio room and the pilot broke off without firing a shot.

Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1: We landed without any difficulties and taxied to our hardstand.


Pretty much a milk run. The next mission is my 25th and I can only hope it goes as smoothly as this one.


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

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Ted Masini
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 11 May 44
Mission Number: 030
Missions This Bomber: 5
Target: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Werk No. 1

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini	25	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman	5	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	21	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	5	0	0	0	SW
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	5	1	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	5	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	5	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Bernard Fleming	6	.5	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Cletus Judner	2	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	18	4	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 10 Hits
Superficial x 4 (4)
Nose x 1
- navigator SW (5)
Port Wing x 1
-#1 engine out control(40)
-#2 engine hit by prop (15)
Starboard Wing x 3
-superficial (1)
-flap inop (10)
-#4 engine out & feathered (40)
Waist x 1
-superficial (1)
Tail x 1
-port tailplane wingroot (35)
Peckham Points: 151
Repair Time: Ready to Fly 14 May 44
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	8	3	0	0	4
Bf-110	2	0	0	0	2
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	1	0	1	4
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	0	0	1	2
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	20	4	0	2	12

Confirmed Claims: 4
1st Lt Craig Kellici 1.5 x Bf-109
S/Sgt Dan Lansky 1.5 x Bf-109
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
2nd Lt Sam Markham - lips cut and teeth missing, bleeding. RTD 19 May 44
Stress Points after mission: 3
2nd Lt Sam Markham, Sgt Ted Caffrey, Sgt Bernard Fleming
Award/ Promotions Requests:
OLC to AM (3rd awarded) 2nd Lt Craig Kellici
AM (1st awarded) Sgt Bernard Fleming
Request: 2nd Lt Perry Shipman be promoted to 1st Lt and pilot of B-17 Sunday Punch
Promotion Review: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Poor weather on takeoff for my 25th mission. As dismal as it looked, I knew that one way or another that this is the last time that I’d have to do this.

Taking off in lousy weather with a fully loaded B-17 is trickier than it sounds, but I showed off and made a textbook take off (I rolled a 12).
Zone 2-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Five 190 were the first indication we had that this mission wasn’t going to be a milk run. Our escorts intercepted three of Goring’s Goons and our bomber shook as the gunners open up on the remaining two. Kellici fired a long burst laced the inside wing, fuselage and engine. The fighter began to emit smoke, turned slightly, then suddenly exploded. Lansky traded fire with the last diving 190 and both hit each other for little effect. The Kraut circled around but was chased off by escorts.
Zone 6-9: Nothing to report.
Zone 10: Two waves of E/A approached as we crossed into Austria and the first was repelled by some little friends. The second wave saw two 109 make it past our Mustangs with one falling in flames from Lansky’s accurate fire. The other 109 was pretty accurate himself, hitting us three times and knocking out the #4 engine which we immediately feathered. A return engagement by the fighter yielded nothing.
Zone 11: Many fighters buzzed the squadron at the IP with Mustangs in hot pursuit. The fighters ignored us until they cleared off when the flak started to fill the sky. We were rocked by close bursts that wounded navigator Markham, took out the starboard wing flap, hit a tailplane wingroot and a wing.

Through what must have been a herculean effort of concentration, Kellici, despite everything that was going on managed to place 30% of our payload onto the Kraut aircraft factory.

INBOUND

The flak was much less severe after the turn and we sailed through it without further strikes. The fighters beyond came in after that in three waves. Two waves were single aircraft that where chased off by P-51s. The other wave of two A/C where cut in half by escorts, then totally demolished as Kellici’s tracers were seen to strike the remaining 109 in the engine, wing roots and fuselage, while, at the same time, Lansky’s hit on the wing root and fuselage. The fighter exploded in a bright fireball and we were clear of Goring’s Goons.
Zone 10-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: The Luftwaffe wasn’t done with us yet as another two waves jumped us over Yugoslavia. The first saw three 410 with two diverted by escorts. From 12 level, even though damaged from Lansky’s guns, the 410 struck back and knocked out the #1 engine which started to run away. The 410 turned for another attack but was taken out by a Mustang.

Down to two engines, we had no choice but to leave formation. As we dropped down, we were followed by two 109 and a 110. Two mustangs also dropped with us and engaged a 109 and the 110. The last 109 came in at 9 low where Caffrey picked him apart causing the pilot to bail out.

We dropped to 10,000 and expected some flak, but none appeared. Apparently, the gunners decided to save their ammo for bombers that were inbound to targets, not outbound.
Zone 5: Our situation was pretty grim. Two engines out, out of formation and down to 10,000 feet. Our navigator was wounded and doped up with morphine. Luckily, the group was flying high enough that they were leaving contrails that we could follow.
Zone 4: Nothing to report.
Zone 3: The vibration from engine #1 became more and more severe until finally the propeller flew off and struck the #2 engine, then cartwheeled over us narrowly missing the top turret and Lanski.
Zone 2: The contrails had become obliterated thanks to cloud cover. Nearing the Italian coast, we recognized land marks and made course corrections as needed.
Zone 1: We fired off red and yellow flares as we approached the field and then landed thankfully without any difficulties and taxied to our hardstand.

As last missions go, this was a doozy. Now I plan to get back to the States and die peacefully in bed at a ripe old age. 
Markham will be out of action for a week before he fly’s again, and I made a recommendation to the CO that Shipman be promoted to 1st Lt and made the pilot for Sunday Punch, which will need a couple of days to repair to get airworthy again.
Time to stick a wick down my nose and become an alcohol lamp. Then, homeward bound!

1st Lt Ted Masini, 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
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 11 May 1944
Mission Number: 030
Mission This Bomber: 08
Mission Target: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Werk No. 1

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	19	0	0	1	POW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	20	0	0	1	POW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	9	1	0	1	POW
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	9	1	0	3	POW
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	18	7	0	4	POW
R/O S/Sgt Dennis Webber	8	0	0	4	POW
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	19	8	0	2	POW
PWG S/Sgt Scott Wakeford	2	0	0	0	POW
SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo	6	0	0	0	POW
Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp	16	9.5	0	0	POW

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: One too Many
Port Wing x 1
-superficial
Starboard Wing x 1
-inboard fuel tank - fire
Tail x 1
-Tailplane
Peckham Points: To Infinity and Beyond
Repair Time: Never
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	3	0	0	1	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-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	0	0	0	1
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	6	0	0	1	3

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
OLC to Air Medal (3rd Awarded) 2nd Lt Hank McAlister
Promotion Reviews:
2nd Lt Hank McAlister promoted to 1st Lt.
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Over the target area, The Grim Reaper was observed to come under fighter attacks. A starboard fuel tank was seen to spread over the wing causing the crew to bail out. Ten chutes were observed.

1st Lt Jim Langton, Pilot Commanding B-24 Strictly Business, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 11 May 1944
Mission Number: 030
Mission This Bomber: 08
Mission Target: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Werk No. 1

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	1	0	0	0	LW/RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Lance Brodzky	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	1	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	1	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	1	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	1	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	1	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 40%
B-24 Damage: 4
Flight Deck x 1
-pilot, LW (2)
Starboard Wing x 1
-#4 engine out and feathered (40)
Bomb Bay x 1
-superficial (2)
Tail x 1
- superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 46
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	5	0	2	1	3
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	1	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	7	0	3	0	4

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
1st Lt Jimmy Langton, LW, hand grazed. Treated and released
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH 1st Lt Jerry Langton
Promotion Reviews:
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: The weather was gloomy for our first mission, but we took off and managed to form up without any problems.
Zone 2-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: A lone 109 made a play for us but ran afoul of our Mustang escorts and we flew on unmolested.
Zone 6-9: Nothing to report.
Zone 10: Two 190 approached, but one turned away to tangle with a P-51. The remaining 190 went down thanks to some fine shooting from Levenberger in the top turret (denied at interrogation).
Zone 11: Two 109 wanted to challenge us at the IP, but instead found it more than a challenge to get past our escorts and Germany lost two more sons and valuable aircraft. Unfortunately, some 410s made it to the Grim Reaper and went down with a wing on fire. Ten chutes were seen and we could only hope they didn’t run into angry lynch mobs on the ground.

The flak was terrifying to a new crew that had never experienced anything like it before. I received a cut to the back of my hand, and we had to feather the prop to #4 when it took a hit.

I don’t know how Brodzky was able to keep up his concentration with the hits and the knocking around we took, but he did and hit the target with 40% of our bombs. Pretty good for a rookie!

INBOUND

The flak hit the tail for little effect after the turn. Then fighters roared in but surprisingly overlooked us. We gave covering fire as best as we good to the bombers around us.
Zone 10: Two 109 at 10:30 and 12 low, with the 12:00 chased off by our fighters. The other was taken out by Telford at the port cheek (denied at interrogation).
Zone 9-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: Four 109 had while their numbers cut in half by Mustangs while Perez downed one (denied at interrogation) and Levenberger damaged the other.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.

We survived our first mission. The crew acquitted themselves well knocking down three (all downgraded to probable’s), damaged another and pasted the target. My wound was treated and I was returned to duty, and our plane will be ready to fly by tomorrow if need be.

1st Lt Jimmy Langton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Perry Shipman
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 14 May 44
Mission Number: 031
Missions This Bomber: 6
Target: Porto San Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Perry Shipman	6	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Travis Whitney	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	22	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	6	0	0	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	6	1	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	6	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	6	0	1	1	RTD
PWG Sgt Bernard Fleming	7	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Cletus Judner	3	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	19	4	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Starboard Wing x 1
-wing root (35)
Radio Room x 1
-superficial (1)
Tail x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 38
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	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	1	4	2	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	2	1	0	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	9	2	4	2	0

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Me-410
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 3
2nd Lt Travis Whitney, 1st Lt Craig Kellici, 2nd Lt Sam Markham
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Promotion Review: 0
Mission Notes:
S/Sgt Mark Riley achieves Ace status

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Fine weather for my first mission as a pilot. We took off without any gremlin’s interfering and formed up.
Zone 2-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: At the IP we were singled out by four 190 that fanned out and came at us from around the clock. One failed to do any damage and we returned the favor, the Kraut moving on to other bombers. Kellici knocked one down at 1:30 high (denied at interrogation) while both Markham and Lansky damaged two others. One of the damaged fighters lost some speed as it passed the tail, giving Riley a fine shot, his long burst scoring direct hits on the 190 and it exploded.

We were then unmolested until the flak started to burst all over, scaring the crap out of our new co-pilot. It turned out that he had good reason as we were rocked by near misses, hitting a wing root and striking the tail and radio room. Through it all, Kellici kept cool under fire and managed 20% on target.

INBOUND

The flak was less accurate after the turn and we sailed through it without further strikes. The fighters beyond came in after that, three 190. Two of Goring’s Goons came in at 6 low, one behind the other. Both Riley and Caffrey each claimed one (both denied at interrogation) and Lansky shot down the other (also denied)
Zone 5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: Two 410 took advantage of our lack of escorts and attacked side by side from 4:30 low. One fired wide and left after his failed pass, the other ran into heavy fire from Caffrey, taking hits and spiraling to the ground with its engine on fire. The pilot never got out.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed as we had taken off, without any difficulty.

The mission had more than enough drama for us, but we all came home to fight another day. We also hit the target and chipped away at the Luftwaffe’s dwindling fighter pool.

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

[medic1]

Bare bones AAR again as real life has taken up much of my time. Life lesson for everyone, if someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, just say that you're honored and politely decline.
B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 14 May 1944
Mission Number: 031
Mission This Bomber: 02
Mission Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy, Port Facilities

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	2	0	0	0	LW/RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Lance Brodzky	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	2	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	2	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	2	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	2	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	2	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: N/A
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: 6 Hits
Superficial x 1 (2)

Port Wing x 2

- superficial (2)

-inboard fuel tank (10)

Bomb Bay x 2

-superficial (2)

-bomb release mechanism (10)

-bombs falling through bay doors (10)

Waist x 1

- superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 38
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	2	1	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	1	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	1	1	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	5	2	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 2
2nd Lt Lance Brodzky 1 x Fw-190

Sgt Ray Markovsky 1 x Ju-88

Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Promotion Reviews:
Stress Points this Mission: 5
2nd Lt Zack Hammond, S/Sgt Vic Boyko, Sgt Frank Perez, Sgt James Gibson, Sgt Barney Berlanti

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Perry Shipman
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
High Squadron: Lead
Mission Date: 15 May 44
Mission Number: 032
Missions This Bomber: 7
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Perry Shipman	7	0	0	0	KIA
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Travis Whitney	2	0	0	0	KIA
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	23	2.5	1	0	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	7	0	0	1	KIA
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	7	1	0	1	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	7	0	0	2	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	7	2	3	2	RTD
PWG Sgt Noreno Costa	20	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Cletus Judner	4	0	0	1	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	20	5	1	2	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-17 Damage: 8 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Nose x 2
-bombardier KIA (10)
-navigator LW+KIA (12)
-BIP (120)
Cockpit x 1
-pilot KIA (10)
-co-Pilot SW+KIA (15)
Starboard Wing x 2
-superficial (1)
-wing root (35)
Waist x 1
-ball turret oxygen (5)
Tail x 1
-tailplane (5)
Peckham Points: 215 battle damage, a billion for the crash
Repair Time: Never
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	15	3	2	3	4
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	2	1	0	0
IAR-80	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	18	5	3	3	4

Confirmed Claims: 5
Sgt Ted Caffrey 2 x Fw-190, 1 x Me-410
1st Lt Craig Kellici 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Fw-190
Casualties: 4
1st Lt Perry Shipman KIA
1st Lt Craig Kellici KIA
2nd Lt Sam Markham LW/KIA
2nd Lt Travis Whitney SW/KIA 
Stress Points after mission: 3
S/Sgt Dan Lansky, S/Sgt Will Dixon, Sgt Ted Caffrey, Sgt Noreno Costa, Sgt Cletus Judner, S/Sgt Mark Riley
Award/ Promotions Requests: 
PH Posthumous 1st Lt Perry Shipman
PH Posthumous 1st Lt Craig Kellici
PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Sam Markham
PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Travis Whitney
OLC Sgt Noreno Costa
OLC S/Sgt Mark Riley
Promotions:
Sgt Noreno Costa promoted to S/Sgt
S/Sgt Mark Riley Promoted to T/Sgt
Mission Notes:
BIP to nose section
4 crew KIA
Sgt Ted Caffrey downs 3 fighters and achieves Ace status
Sgt Noreno Costa and S/Sgt Mark Riley complete 20th mission.
Crew bailed out and bomber destroyed

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Our problems first started when about 100 miles after we had lifted off our flap controls failed. Then, before the target zone we were jumped by five 190. Our fighters chased off two and we managed to shoot one down.

At the IP, we were jumped by three more 190s and during that ensuing battle we took accurate fire that killed our pilot and bombardier, and the copilot and navigator were wounded. We managed to knock one of the Krauts down, but it seemed like poor payback for the licking we took.

By the time we had entered the flak field, I had dropped out of my turret, removed the Captain from his chair while Dixon helped the severely wounded Copilot to the radio room. He returned and helped me try to control the bomber. He had no sooner sat down when the ship was rocked by a massive explosion and our ship lurched, then dropped and started to head for the ground. The explosion had removed the entire plexiglas and finished off the wounded the navigator. We had dropped several thousand feet before we somehow managed to gain control and level out. With great difficulty we managed to turn around and aim for England, harassed by flak and fighters. We endured three waves of fighters, of which we managed to knock down three while taking hits from their repeated attacks.

Over the water we were having great difficulty. We managed to manually jettison our bombs and the autopilot helped some in controlling the ship, but without a navigator we had no clue if we were actually heading home or not.

After some time we got lucky and came across a RN destroyer and we decided it best if we bailed out and have them pick us up rather than continue to fly our crippled bomber and attempt to land it without a qualified pilot. Although we managed to get lieutenant Whitney out and have his parachute open safely, he was dead by the time any of us were able to get to him.

S/Sgt Dan Lansky

[medic1]

B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 15 May 1944
Mission Number: 032
Mission This Bomber: 03
Mission Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	3	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	3	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Lance Brodzky	3	1	0	0	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	3	0	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	3	0	1.5	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	3	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	3	0	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	3	0	.5	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	3	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	3	0	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 8 Hits
Nose x 3
-superficial x 3 (6)
-bombardier KIA (10)
Starboard Wing x 2
- superficial x 2 (4)
Waist x 2
-superficial (2)
Tail x 1
- oxygen fire, 2 extinguishers (85)
Peckham Points: 107
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	6	2	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	3	0	0	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	3	0	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 3
2nd Lt Max Telford 1 x Bf-110
S/Sgt Al Levenberger 1.5 x Bf-109
Sgt James Gibson .5 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
2nd Lt Lance Brodzky KIA
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Lance Brodzky
Promotion Reviews: 0
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: The weather was a 180 from our last mission, and we took off in clear skies and formed up without any problems.
Zone 2-10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: A 109 tried to challenge us but a little friend latched onto his tail and took care of him. A 110 evaded the other escorts but fared no better as Telford’s defensive fire set his port engine on fire and the crew bailed out.

The flak cleared away the fighters and knocked us about with minor strikes to the waist and right wing. Brodzky was unfazed by it and kept his concentration, dropping 30% onto the target

INBOUND

After the flak field the fighters returned with a wave of five 109 singling us out. One at 9 high ran into the combined effort of waist gunner Gibson and engineer Levenberger‘s fire as their tracers were seen to shred the canopy and blow the prop and spinner off. The pilot never got out. One of his buddies scored a measure of revenge as his attack from 12 high focused into our nose and poor Brodzky was left sprawling on the floor trying to keep his guts from spilling out. He wasn’t successful.

The Kraut circled around and came back at 7:30 where Levenberger avenged Brodzky, the 109 exploding from hits into its fuel tank.
Zone 10-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 3: Three 410 thought that they’d work us over, but two of them found our escorts tough opponents. The one that got through however, raked our fuselage from nose to tail, setting the tail oxygen supply on fire. Berlanti had a hard time with the stubborn flames but finally managed to put them out while using two fire extinguishers to do so.
Zone 2: With Berlanti’s oxygen out we left formation and made our way home alone.
Zone 1: We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.

It was a tough mission, and a tough test of the crew’s fortitude. We lost a popular member of the crew. The realization that while we’re just a bunch of scared kids trying to do our duty, we’re not invincible. At least the army has a hole to hide in when the bullets start flying.

1st Lt Jimmy Langton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Middle Squadron: Tail
Mission Date: 17 May 1944
Mission Number: 033
Mission This Bomber: 04
Mission Target: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	4	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	4	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Weldon	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	4	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	4	1.5	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	4	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	4	0	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	4	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	4	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	4	0	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-24 Damage: 28 Hits
Flight Deck x 1
-radio (10)
Waist x 1
-superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 12
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	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	4	0	2	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	9	1	0	1	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	13	1	2	1	2

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Barney Berlanti 1 x He-112
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Promotion Reviews: 0
Stress Points this Mission:;0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: A beautiful sunny day soon to be ruined by the ugliness of war. We managed to lift off and form up without any problems, assuming the squadron tail position
Zone 2-10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: Four Romanian He-112 fighters were encountered with one falling to a P-38. Berlanti chewed up another on our tail while all the rest proved not equal to the task, firing wide and moving off.
Zone 12: The Romanian’s were buzzing around at the IP, but we were left alone until the flak started up. We were struck by a harmless hit to the waist section, but our new bombardier was shaken up by the experience and flat out missed the target.

INBOUND

After the turn to the rally point, the fighters came in after the flak. A wave of fighters looked menacing, but decided on other bombers instead of us. Then, another wave looked like they were about to pounce, but, they too choose another B-24. Go figure.
Zone 11: Five 112s appeared. Except for Berlanti damaging one and a rookie Romanian knocking out our radio, a lot of ammo was expended by both sides with not much to show for it.
Zone 10-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: As if to highlight the point of staying vigilant no matter how long and boring parts of a mission can be, four 190 started our blood pumping again. But after an escort chased one off, and two others falling but unable to be confirmed, it was over.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.

This turned out to be one of those missions where everyone proved how inept they were - on both sides. Other than one confirmed by Berlanti, we missed hitting almost everything else that came at us including the target, and almost every enemy pilot we faced proved just as pitiful in their marksmanship as we had.
I’ll be having the crew put some practice time in working on their gunnery skills.

1st Lt Jimmy Langton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17G MEAN WIDDLE KID 5-BO-43-37987
Pilot: 1st Lt James Morrell
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 17 May 44
Mission Number: 033
Missions This Bomber: 1
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt James Morrell	1	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Bill Clayton	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro	1	0	3	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Dave Gardiner	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	8	1	2	1	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	8	0	0	2	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	8	5	3	2	RTD
PWG Sgt Noreno Costa	21	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Cletus Judner	5	0	1	1	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	21	6	2	2	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 11 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Nose x 1
-PC MG out (10)
Cockpit x 1
-superficial (1)
Port Wing x 4
- aileron N/E x 2 (10)
-#2 oil leak, sealed (20)
-#2 inboard fuel leak, sealed (5)
Starboard Wing x 3
-superficial x 2 (2)
-wing root (35)
-flap, inop (10)
Peckham Points: 94
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	14	4	2	1	3
Bf-110	2	1	0	1	0
Fw-190	10	4	2	2	3
He-112	4	2	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	30	11	4	4	6

Confirmed Claims: 11
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro 1 x Fw-190, 1 x He-112, 1 x Bf-109
S/Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Bf110, 1 x He-112, 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Dan Lansky 1 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Fw-190, 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Cletus Judner 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 
AM (1st Awarded) Sgt Cletus Judner
Mission Notes:
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro hits the target for 30% and downs three fighters on first mission
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Mark Riley downs 3 fighters
Sgt Cletus Judner completes 5 combat missions and receives the AM; downs first fighter

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Fine weather for my first mission. We took off without any gremlin’s interfering and formed up.
Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.
Zone 9: The boredom was punctured by the cry of “Bandits!” and three 109 came at us with one shooed away by a P-38. Of the other two, one was an Ace who hit both wings before getting shot down by Riley (denied at interrogation).
Zone 10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: Three 190 singled us out for their special attention. Caffrey nailed the 4:30 bandit, and the fighter went into a spin and about 2000 feet below, caught fire. The remaining 109 at 6 high avoided our fire and hit the oil tank of the #2 engine. Thankfully, it sealed and the fighter failed to add to the three hits when he came back for another try.
Zone 12: At the IP, Goring’s Goons were making us feel as if we were the only bomber in the sky as they came in three waves.
The first was a single 109 at 4:30 low that Caffrey reported had rockets and was lining us up for a shot. Caffrey cut loose on him and his tracers swept the fighters wing and set off the rockets, blowing off its wing causing it to corkscrew its way to earth. 

The second wave contained two more 109 with one falling (denied at interrogation) and one damaged.

After we had fought them off, five 190 came in from front, rear and port. Nazzaro in the chin turret hit a green pilot head on in the engine and wing and watched him spin out of control, then explode. An Ace at 9 low walked hits to the wings, hitting a fuel tank (sealed), wing root, aileron and taking out a flap. He returned at the same position where Caffrey hit him hard, and the Kraut left in obvious distress but fate unknown. Lansky hit the 3 high’s engine and along the port wing root and fuselage. It dipped and headed for the ground trailing fire and black smoke. No chute was seen. Another Jerry was damaged before the flak began to turn the blue sky into angry black puffs of terror.

Nazzaro kept his head about him aiming for the Marshaling rail yards, which were extremely visible for attack. He placed 30% on target and did his bit to disrupt the flow of German resources.

INBOUND

Emerging from the flak, four Romanian 112s swarmed us. Nazzaro scrambled into his turret, scored direct hits on a fighter which made a steep climb, rolled over and headed earthward. Riley in the tail shredded the port wing of another. The fighter turned turtle, flipping onto its back and fell out of control.

A second wave gave us a break and broke off.

Zone 11: Two 110, both flown by obviously green pilots. Riley opened up on the 110 at 200 yards and the port engine exploded in flame and the outer wing snapped off causing the Me to spiral down out of control. Caffrey fired a short burst at the other 110 that forced the fighter to break away.

A second wave of five Romanian 109 moved in to try ensure that this would be my first and last mission. The bomber shook as almost every gun inside it hammered away in defense. Lansky scored hits on a fighter at 12 high, setting the engine on fire, the 109 made a steep climb, rolled over and headed earthward. Waist gunner Judner fired several bursts at another fighter which became engulfed in flame.

The rest failed to score hits on us and quickly moved off, a smaller group than when they had arrived.
Zone 10-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: With ammunition a little sparse for a couple of gunners, the Luftwaffe decided to pick on us again with two waves of Goring’s flying goons. Three 109 became one, thanks to our little friends, with the now lone Jerry coming at 10:30 high. Nazzaro’s fire caused black smoke to pour from the engine and flames darted from the fuselage. The plane banked to port and the pilot bailed out, giving Nazzaro his third victory of the mission.

Then, five 190 showed up, with our P-38s stepping in to engage three of them. Caffrey bagged his third of the day hitting the 12 low fighter which became engulfed in flame and hung there momentarily, then exploded.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We managed to land without any added drama and wearily taxied to our hardstand

The mission had more than enough drama for us. It was a long slog, hordes of enemy fighters opposed us, but the crew refused to become overwhelmed by their numbers and accounted for an incredible 11 fighters! We all came home safely and we hit the target.

I can’t speak for the rest of the crew, but I’m going to sleep for a week, if they’ll let me.

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

[medic1]

B-17G MEAN WIDDLE KID 5-BO-43-37987
Pilot: 1st Lt James Morrell
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 22 May 44
Mission Number: 034
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt James Morrell	2	0	0	0	LW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Bill Clayton	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro	2	0	3	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Dave Gardiner	2	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	9	1	2	1	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	9	0	0	2	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	9	5	3	2	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Noreno Costa	22	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Tim Walton	5	0	0	0	RTD
TG S/Sgt Mark Riley	22	6	2	2	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-17 Damage: 3 Hits
Cockpit x 01
-Pilot LW (2)
Tail x 2
-superficial x 2 (2)
Peckham Points: 4
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	1	0	0
Bf-110	1	1	0	0	0
Fw-190	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
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	3	1	1	0	0

Confirmed Claims:1
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-110
Casualties: 1
1st Lt James Morrell LW. Torn trapezius 28 May 44
Stress Points after mission: 1
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH 1st Lt James Morrell
AM (1st Awarded) Sgt Tim Walton
Mission Notes:

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: We took off and formed up without any complications.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: The flak was extremely heavy, but we were fortunate as it all burst away from us. Despite the poor weather, Nazzaro spotted the rail bridge through a break in the clouds and somehow hit the postage stamp sized target for 30%.
INBOUND
Zone 6: Two 109 and a 110, both flown by obviously green pilots. Caffrey’s rounds punched through the 110’s fuselage, sending fragments flying. The fighter staggered in midair, its right engine failing, and banked sharply before flipping onto its back, plummeting out of control. One chute was seen

A 109 at 6 low hit us twice and blew off our right tailplane elevator. Riley’s fire hammered him hard and although the fighter appeared in serious trouble he disappeared into the clouds. It’s doubtful he survived, but without confirmation it’s a probable.

The other 109 hit the cockpit and I felt a sharp, deep punch to my shoulder, right below the neck, like someone had just driven a hot poker clean through me. Breathing became a chore and with each inhale I could feel the pull and spasm in the muscle every time I moved. With every small movement sending a stabbing pain radiating from my shoulder blade down to the middle of my back, I knew that I couldn’t continue to fly and had Lansky drop from his turret and help me to the radio room then return to help Clayburn fly the plane.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Firing off a red flare and given their landing priority, Clayborn and Lansky landed smoothly.

I was whisked off to the hospital and I’m told that I’ll be resting for a week to heal a very painful pulled muscle.

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

[medic1]

B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
High Squadron: Tail
Mission Date: 22 May 1944
Mission Number: 034
Mission This Bomber: 05
Mission Target: Latisano, Italy - Railroad Bridge

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	5	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	5	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Weldon	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	5	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	5	1.5	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	5	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	5	0	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	5	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	5	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	5	0	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-24 Damage: 5 Hits
Starboard Wing x 2
- superficial x 2 (4)
Port Wing x 1
-wing root (25)
Bomb Bay x 1
-superficial (2)
Waist x 1
-superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 33
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	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	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	0	0	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
AM (1st Awarded): 1st Lt Jimmy Langton, 2nd Lt Zack Hammond, 2nd Lt Max Telford, S/Sgt Al Levenberger, S/Sgt Vic Boyko, Sgt Frank Perez, Sgt James Gibson, Sgt Ray Markovsky, Sgt Barney Berlanti
Promotion Reviews: 0
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: Great weather for takeoff. As it turned out, it was about the only thing that went right for us today.
Zone 2-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7: The sky was a dark mess of clouds and thick with flak bursts. Hits followed, one after the other and we could feel the shuddering of our bomber as a wing root took a hit. Through the chaos, Weldon couldn’t get a clear sight line—there was just too much cloud cover and too many bursts of flak obscuring his view. Add the small size of the target and it all added up to the result of a big fat zero on target.

INBOUND
Zone 6: A 109 dove on us, but the exchange of fire yielded nothing for either side.
Zone 5-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: The weather was just as bad over Giulia as it had been at the target. We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.

The dark skies matched our dark mood of a less than satisfactory mission result. The ground crew is hard at work repairing the flak damage and Strictly Business will be ready to fly by tomorrow morning.

1st Lt Jimmy Langton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17G MEAN WIDDLE KID 5-BO-43-37987
Pilot: 1st Lt Steven “Stevie” Kearney
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 22 May 44
Mission Number: 034
Missions This Bomber: 2
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Steven Kearney	13	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Bill Clayton	3	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro	3	3	1	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Dave Gardiner	3	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	10	4.5	1	1	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	10	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	10	9	1	1	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Noreno Costa	23	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Tim Walton	6	0	0	0	RTD
TG S/Sgt Mark Riley	23	8	1	2	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 96%
B-17 Damage: 6 Hits
Superficial x 2 (2)
Starboard Wing x 3
-superficial (1)
-aileron inop (10)
-flap inop (10)
Waist x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 24
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	2	0	0	5
Bf-110	4	0	0	0	3
Fw-190	7	2	0	0	5
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	19	4	0	0	13

Confirmed Claims:1
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro 1 x Fw-190
T/Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Dan Lansky 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 4
1st Lt Steven “Stevie” Kearney
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro
2nd Lt Dave Gardiner
Sgt Tim Walton
Award/ Promotions Requests:
DFC 2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro for outstanding bomb drop
DFC Sgt Ted Caffrey for 10 confirmed E/A destroyed
AM (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Dan Lansky
AM (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Will Dixon
AM (2nd Awarded) Sgt Ted Caffrey
Mission Notes:
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro drops 96% of payload on target
S/Sgt Dan Lansky achieves Ace status
Sgt Ted Caffrey achieves double Ace status

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: I was tapped to fill in for the crews wounded pilot, getting to fly my 13th mission. While some may have been apprehensive of the “unlucky 13th,” I had my family heritage and the “luck of the Irish” on my side.
Zone 2-9: Nothing to report.
Zone 10: Saw two 109 and a 110 that tried to make a menace of themselves, but our P-51s took care of them.
Zone 11: We were challenged by three waves of fighters on our way in, some Hungarian. A mixed bag of 109, 110 and 190 doing their best, but the four-leaf clover was working overtime. We lost our right wings aileron and flap, but they lost three fighters. Our escorts did a bang-up job as well, chasing off five of them.

The flak was very concentrated and we took a couple of minor hits, but our bombardier kept a cool head and nailed the target with 96% of our bombs! Despite being of Italian descent, I think he had a bit of Irish in him.

INBOUND

Two waves of fighters after we turned for home with Nazzaro adding to his stellar day, bagging a 190. His tracers sliced through the 190’s left wingtip and the plane jerked sideways as bits of metal peeled off. The fighter tried to climb, but a second burst punctured the fuel tank, igniting it and it fell trailing long orange flames.
Zone 10-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: A 109 and a 110 moved on us with the 109 falling to a Mustang. The 110 caused some slight damage, but that was it. He made another feeble pass and left.
Zone 4-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Having a bit of a control issue with the right aileron and flap out, we fired off yellow flares. With reduced roll control and uneven lift requiring constant correction using the remaining control surfaces, we fought hard to counter the veering tendency on final approach and maintain a stable glide path. It was a near thing—we almost slid off the runway.

All in all, a very good outing. With the ground crew already hard at work, our bird will be ready to fly tomorrow should need be.

1st Lt Steven “Stevie” Kearney, Temporary Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 23 May 1944
Mission Number: 035
Mission This Bomber: 06
Mission Target: Ebreichsdort, Austria - Aircraft Factory 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	6	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	6	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Weldon	3	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	6	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	6	1.5	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	6	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	6	0	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	6	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	6	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	56	0	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: Catastrophic
Peckham Points: Too Many
Repair Time: Nada
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2)
Landing: In little pieces 

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	2	0	0	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 9
1st Lt Jimmy Langton, 2nd Lt Zack Hammond, 2nd Lt Dave Weldon, S/Sgt Al Levenberger, S/Sgt Vic Boyko, Sgt Frank Perez, Sgt James Gibson, Sgt Barney Berlanti
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumously 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
PH Posthumously 2nd Lt Zack Hammond
PH Posthumously 2nd Lt Max Telford
PH Posthumously S/Sgt Al Levenberger
PH Posthumously S/Sgt Vic Boyko
PH Posthumously Sgt Frank Perez
PH Posthumously Sgt James Gibson
PH Posthumously Sgt Barney Berlanti
Promotion Reviews: 0
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
During the bomb run, Strictly Business was seen to take several flak hits, setting a fuel tank on fire which then exploded, causing the loss of aircraft and most of her crew. Only one chute was observed.

1st Lt Tom Clayton, Pilot of Howling Banshee, 78th BS at post mission interrogation

(Many weeks later, the Red Cross announces that Sgt Ray Markovsky, former waist gunner of the Strictly Business crew, was interned in Stalag 17B, in Krems, Austria.)

[medic1]

B-24J VALIANT LADY (B24J-CF-41-29408)

Pilot: 1st Lt Troy Walsh
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 23 May 1944
Mission Number: 035
Mission This Bomber: 06
Mission Target: Ebreichsdort, Austria - Aircraft Factory 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt troy Walsh	1	0	0	0	POW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Paul Macari	1	0	0	0	POW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Garrido	1	0	0	0	POW
Navigator 2nd Lt Harley Skott	1	0	0	0	POW
Engineer S/Sgt Cody Moskowitz	1	0	2	0	POW
R/O S/Sgt Ben McConnell	1	0	0	0	POW
Ball Gunner Sgt Richard Jarsky	1	0	0	0	POW
PWG Sgt Wapasha Stands Alone	1	0	0	0	POW
SWG Sgt Ed Sewell	1	0	0	0	LW/POW
Tail Gunner Sgt Jeff Larimer	1	0	0	0	POW

Bomb Run: On 
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: Catastrophic
Peckham Points: Too Many
Repair Time: Nada
Crew Chief: 
Landing: Crashed 

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	2	0	0	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Cody Moskowitz 2 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
Sgt Ed Sewell – torn muscle
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Ed Sewell – torn muscle
Mission Notes: Bomber lost to flak that caused a runaway engine. Crew bailed out. All POWs.

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
During the bomb run, Valiant Lady was seen to take at least seven flak hits, one to an engine that appeared to have its prop run away. The bomber completed the bomb run and after the turn the crew bailed out, ten chutes were observed.

1st Lt Tom Clayton, Pilot of Howling Banshee, 78th BS at post mission interrogation

(Many weeks later, the Red Cross announces that all members of Valiant Lady were captured and interned in Stalag 17B, in Krems, Austria.)

[medic1]

B-24J HOWLING BANSHEE (B24J-CF-44-50702)

Pilot: 1st Lt Tom Clayton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 23 May 1944
Mission Number: 035
Mission This Bomber: 01
Mission Target: Ebreichsdort, Austria - Aircraft Factory

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Tom Clayton	1	0	0	0	POW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Nate Arazello	1	0	0	0	POW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Scovill	1	0	0	0	POW
Navigator 2nd Lt Hank Markland	1	0	0	0	POW
Engineer S/Sgt Cory Lysiak	1	0	2	0	POW
R/O S/Sgt Tim Fremont	1	0	0	0	POW
Ball Gunner Sgt Rick Masaro	1	0	0	0	POW
PWG Sgt Harry Gardner	1	0	0	0	POW
SWG Sgt Ed Southern	1	0	0	0	LW/POW
Tail Gunner Sgt Jeff Larrabee	1	0	0	0	POW

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 4 Hits
Nose x 1
-bomb sight inop (10)
Port Wing x 1
-wingroot (25)
Waist x 1
- RWG LW (2)
Tail x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 38
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2)
Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A Encountered: 

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	11	0	1	1	9
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	1
IAR-80	1	0	0	0	1
He-112	1	0	0	0	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	1	0	0	0	1
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	15	0	1	1	13

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
Sgt Ed Southern – thigh cut. Treated and RTD.
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Ed Southern 
Mission Notes:

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: The crew was excited and nervous as we took off and formed up for our mission.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: Our first ever enemy contact turned out to be a non-event as two Hungarian fighters were knocked aside by our escorts before they could become a major threat. We continued on feeling the cold. Flying at 22,000 feet, our hands and feet suffered despite our electric gloves and socks. The thermometer on the cockpit console read - 45 degrees.
Zone 9-10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: At the IP we met some resistance in two waves of fighters. The first had four 109 with three chased off by Mustangs. Masaro hammered a green pilot, his rounds clipping the Krauts wingtip sending fragments spiraling off into the sky. The fighter shook violently, and the pilot fell back.

The second wave had three 109, with all chased off by little friends.

We encountered flak for the first time—and once was more than enough! Many of us felt sick with helplessness as we watched Strictly Business take a direct hit to its port wing. The fuel tank erupted in a fiery explosion, and the bomber began a slow, spiraling descent toward the earth far below. Only one crew member was seen bailing out.

We took a couple of strikes, the worst hitting the port wing root. I don’t know how Scovill kept his head with all the noise and shaking we took, but when the aircraft lurched upward as several hundred pounds of bombs fell from the bomb bay, every one tracked their descent and estimated about 30% on target.

INBOUND

It appeared as if two more waves of Krauts wanted a piece of us, but one wave veered off for some reason. Another was made of stronger stuff with both regretting their choice as again, the P-51s eagerly tore into them.

We saw Valiant Lady drop out with a runaway engine. It must have become uncontrollable and we all 10 of her crew bailed out.
Zone 10-8: A 109 dove on us, but the exchange of fire yielded nothing for either side.
Zone 7: Two 109 started to a strafing run, but they aborted and were chased off by escorts.
Zone 6: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Two 109 with us only having to take on one of them. He was pretty good as he wounded Southern in the waist section and destroyed the Norton bombsight. Returning to attack from 1:30, Markland’s rounds ripped into its wing. It lurched and banked, its damaged wing wobbling under the strain, and the fighter limped away, trailing a smoky line across the sky. It looked as if he was going to have an official claim, but some greedy Mustang rider swooped in and took the credit.
Zone 4-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed and several of the crew exited and kissed the ground. Our first mission was over.

Southern was treated for his wound and released. Howling Banshee also didn't get too beat up and will be ready to fly tomorrow.

1st Lt Tom Clayton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF