limburger59 - 80th Sqdn / 509th Group CO

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503   LLS  
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 30 Nov 42
MISSION # 27 (20th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Ships at Sea

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	16				RTD	AM++, PH
Copilot	2 LT	Matthew Pocket	15				RTD	AM+, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Patrick Kline	22	1			RTD	AM+++
Navigator	2 LT	Walt Swan	16				RTD	AM++, PH
Engineer	MSG	Joe Gargery	18	4.17			RTD	AM++
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	15				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	18	5.5	2	2	RTD	AM++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	14		1	1	RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Matthew Croce	1				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	12	3.33			RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: Superficial Damage to a Freighter (Off Target, then rolled 3)

Casualties: None
        

B-17 Damage: 

Superficial x1 (1)
Starboard Cheek Gun destroyed x2 (15)

Peckham Points: 16

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Chateaudun-du-Rhumel

Attackers: 10	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	4	1	1	1	1
Bf-110	2	2	2
G.50	4					3
TOTALS	10	3	3	1	1	3

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Air Medal - Second Oak Leaf Cluster for 15 completed missions: 2LT Matthew Pocket, SGT Joshua Clark

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

OUTBOUND – ZONES 1 to 4: Nothing to report. Our veteran Navigator repeatedly double-checks the course and is happy with the group’s progress.

OUTBOUND – ZONE 5: Some fighters discover the 509th and the three that penetrated the Middle Squadron to try for Great Expectations all regretted it. Our Ace in the Ball Turret turned one bandit into a fireball. The Nose gun and Top Turret damaged theirs.

TARGET ZONE 6: What a sight! Five freighters, four warships – three were cruisers, and no enemy fighters. Our Bombardier exclaimed it was like shooting fish in a barrel… and then all we could do was superficial damage to one of the smaller freighters. (Off Target, then a roll of 3)

As sporadic and mostly inaccurate flak burst around us I told my Radio Operator to report the convoy’s position. The Italians knew we were over them so I didn’t figure it hurt to break radio silence. While the Navigator concentrated on giving the coordinates a burst of flak popped under the nose, but it didn’t faze LT ______ focus. When he was finished he just turned around and asked, “What happened to the Starboard Cheek Gun?” The gun and mount had been sheared off the nose.

As we turned for the rally point, two 110s and a 109 were racing over to dance with us. Our gunners were in rare form today – both 110s tumbled into the sea, with only one chute popping from each. The 109 staggered drunkenly back towards Sicily.

INBOUND – ZONE 5: Successfully made rendezvous with the Group.

INBOUND – ZONE 4: Four G.50s had an unhealthy attraction to Great Expectations. Three found they couldn’t get past the P-38s, and the remaining one almost collided with us as we guess the pilot was too busy looking over his shoulder for the fork-tailed devils. .

INBOUND – ZONES 3 & 2: Nothing to report.

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding

B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503

80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group[/b]

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503   LLS  LLS  
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

LowSquadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 5 Dec42
MISSION # 28 (21st mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Tunis, Tunisia - Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	17				RTD	AM++, PH
Copilot	2 LT	Matthew Pocket	16				RTD	AM+, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Patrick Kline	23	1			LW	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Walt Swan	17				LW	AM++, PH+
Engineer	MSG	Joe Gargery	19	4.17			LW	AM++, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	16				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	19	5.5			RTD	AM++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	15				RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Matthew Croce	2				SW-DOW
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	13	3.33			RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 40%

Casualties: SGT Matthew Croce - SW-DOW - abdomen puncture-inflamed intestines - post surgery infection - DOW 11 Dec 42
                    1LT Patrick Kline - LW - Face cut - RTD 9 Dec 42
                    2LT Walt Swan - LW - Abdomen cut - Treated and released
                    MSG Joe Gargery - LW - torn deltoid - RTD 13 Dec 42
     

B-17 Damage: 

Superficial x7 (7)
Light Wound x3 (6)
Serious Wound (5)
P. Outboard Fuel Tank - Self Seal (10)
Control Cables x1 (10)
Oxygen Fire in Tail (25) (One Extinguisher)

Peckham Points: 63

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Chateaudun-du-Rhumel

Attackers: 10	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	8			2		2
FW-190	1					1
Ju88	1					1
TOTALS	10	0	0	2	0	4

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Air Medal - Second Oak Leaf Cluster for 15 completed missions: S/SGT Jesse Alverez
        Purple Heart: SGT Matthew Croce, 1LT Patrick Kline, 2LT Walt Swan, MSG Joe Gargery

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

OUTBOUND – ZONES 1 to 3: Nothing to report. 

OUTBOUND – ZONE 4: Some fighters discover the 509th and the three that penetrated the Middle Squadron to try for Great Expectations all regretted it. Our Ace in the Ball Turret turned one bandit into a fireball. The Nose gun and Top Turret damaged theirs.

OUTBOUND – ZONE 5: Enemy fighters were occupied with other bombers, and seemed focused on the Low Squadron below us.

TARGET ZONE 6: We were not molested on the Bomb Run, allowing LT Kline to focus on dropping 40% on the warehouses at the harbor. (Roll the Random Event "Lady Luck Smile".)

Three 109s were waiting for us at the Rally Point. One walked hits from our nose to our tail, while a second one punched us in the nose. In a ten second span we had four men wounded and a leak in our port fuel tank. Just about the time the fuel leak sealed they were back, this time starting an oxygen fire in the tail. S/SGT Mallory efficiently extinguished the fire. Then he moved up to the waist to help administer aid to SGT Croce who was seriously gut shot. While this was going on a lone FW-190 lined up on our nose then broke off as a P-38 lined up on the Butcher Bird's tail. After moving the stricken Waist Gunner to the Radio Room and making him comfortable, S/SGT Mallory took over the vacant Starboard Waist gun.

INBOUND – ZONE 5: E/A kept away by other B-17s.

INBOUND – ZONE 4: Nothing to report.

INBOUND – ZONES 3: Three waves attacked the formation, with two waves making an effort to get us. There were a total of five Bf-109s heading our way. Two were discouraged by our Little Friends, and one limped away as a Probable thanks to our defense. In return we suffered only one hit of no consequence. 

INBOUND – ZONE 2: Nothing to report.

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group[/b]

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503   LLS  LLS  
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

 High Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 5 Dec42
MISSION # 29 (22nd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Sfax, Tunisia - Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	18				RTD	AM++, PH
Copilot	2 LT	Matthew Pocket	17				RTD	AM+, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Patrick Kline	24	1	.5	.5	RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Walt Swan	18				LW	AM++, PH++
Engineer	MSG	Joe Gargery	20	4.17	.5	.5	RTD	AM++, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	17				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	20	5.5			RTD	AM++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	16				RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	8	2.5			RTD	AM, PH+
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	14	3.33			RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 99%

Casualties: 2LT Walt Swan - LW - Leg cut - Treated and released
     

B-17 Damage: 

Superficial x7 (7)
Light Wound x1 (2)
Structural N/E x1 (5)
Pilot Compartment Window x1 (10)
Nose Heat out (10)
Pilot Compartment Heat out (10) 

Peckham Points: 44

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 12	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	9	1	1	3		4
FW-190	1				1
C.202	2
TOTALS	12	1	1	3	1	4

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Air Medal - Third Oak Leaf Cluster for 20 completed missions: MSG Joe Gargery, SGT Bentley Drummle
        Purple Heart: 2LT Walt Swan

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

OUTBOUND – ZONES 1 to 5: Nothing to report. 

TARGET ZONE 6: After watching the Low Squadron get hammered enroute, our formation became disrupted and the bandits came upstairs to take advantage of that. We only had a couple C.202s pick out our bomber for attention and after cracking our windshield, plus some other cosmetic damage, they left us to give the flak a chance.

Flak was sporadic, and LT Kline got an excellent look through a break in the clouds to walk our bombs down a pier, causing numerous secondary explosions. 99% on target! I’m putting him in for a DFC and hope he gets it before his next mission which will be his 25th.

As we rallied we had a FW-190 and two 109s make a couple passes at us. All three went away damaged. As for the Great Expectations, we lost heat in both the Nose and Pilot Compartment, and LT Swan, our Navigator, was lightly wounded for the second mission in a row. The man is a Purple Heart magnet.

INBOUND – ZONE 5: Staying with the formation this zone as the temperature drops in the front half of the bomber. I want to cross the Algerian border before leaving the formation. Two 109s head our way and the P-38s intervene.

INBOUND – ZONE 4: With five men in danger of frostbite we leave the formation, though the rain clouds beneath us don’t look much warmer. A couple of our Little Friends join us in the descent, and soon find themselves occupied. Three 109s discover us between the clouds and two are quickly run off by our P-38 chaperones. The third bandit is dismantled by our Nose Gun and Ball Turret.

Two more 109s rush over and one leaves us trailing smoke while the only damage we take is superficial.

INBOUND – ZONES 3: Nothing to report. 

INBOUND – ZONE 2: We spot six Do217 bombers flying in the opposite direction of us. Our two Little Friends decide to investigate, leaving us alone to wonder if those Dorniers had been bombing our base while we were visiting their home.

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503   LLS  LLS  
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 27 Dec 42
MISSION # 30 (23rd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Sousse, Tunisia - Power Facilities

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	19				RTD	AM++, PH
Copilot	2 LT	Matthew Pocket	18				RTD	AM+, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Patrick Kline	25	1.5			RTD	AM+++, PH, DFC
Navigator	2 LT	Walt Swan	19				RTD	AM++, PH++
Engineer	MSG	Joe Gargery	21	4.67			RTD	AM+++, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	18				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	21	5.5			RTD	AM+++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	17				RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	9	2.5			RTD	AM, PH+
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	15	3.33			RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 40%

Casualties: None
     

B-17 Damage: 

Superficial x1 (1)
Rudder x1 (10)
Radio out (10) Mechanical Failure 

Peckham Points: 21

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 0	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	0
FW-190	0
C.202	0
TOTALS	0

Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal - 4th Oak Leaf Cluster for completing Mission 25

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

We feared gremlins were going to dog us on LT Kline's 25th mission, when the Radio failed soon after take off. Repair attempts failed, and we nervously settled in for what turned out to practically be a milk run. No enemy fighters molested Great Expectations during the entire mission. (Benefits of being in the Middle Cell, plus rolling a lot of 1s on the d10.) The only damage was a spank on the tail by flak approaching the target, which didn't faze our Bombardier from planting 40% of our bombs on target.

We didn't drop our guard on the return trip as we watched the Fascists nip at the 509th.

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503   LLS  LLS  
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 11 Jan 43
MISSION # 31 (24th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Gadames, Libya- Bridges

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	20				RTD	AM++, PH
Copilot	2 LT	Matthew Pocket	19				RTD	AM+, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	9				RTD	AM, PH,
Navigator	2 LT	Walt Swan	20				RTD	AM++, PH++
Engineer	F/O	Joe Gargery	22	4.67			RTD	AM+++, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	19				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	22	7.5			RTD	AM+++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	18	1			RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	10	2.5			RTD	AM, PH+
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	16	3.33			RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 50%

Casualties: None
     

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 2	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	0
Bf-110	2					2
FW-190	0
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	0	2

Award/Promotion Requests: 1LT Phillip Dickins: Air Medal - 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster for completing 20 missions + promotion to Captain
                        2LT Walt Swan: Air Medal - 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster for completing 20 missions + promotion to 1st LT
                        SGT Vitale Graziano: Air Medal - 1st Oak Leaf Cluster for completing 10 missions 97gsZh9P but he is not promoted at this time.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

The proverbial Milk Run .

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503   LLS LLS  LLS  
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - LEAD Position 
MISSION DATE: 30 Jan 43
MISSION # 32 (25th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Bizerete, Tunisia - Ferryville Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	CAPT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	21				RTD	AM+++, PH
Copilot	2 LT	Matthew Pocket	20				RTD	AM+, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	10				RTD	AM, PH,
Navigator	1 LT	Walt Swan	21				RTD	AM++, PH++
Engineer	F/O	Joe Gargery	23	4.67			RTD	AM+++, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	20				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	23	7.5			RTD	AM+++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	19	1			RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	11	2.5			RTD	AM, PH+
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	17	3.33			RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 60%

Casualties: None
     

B-17 Damage:
Autopilot inop x2 (10+5)

Peckham Points: 15

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 13	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	9				1	2
Bf-110	2					2
FW-190	2				1	1
TOTALS	13	0	0	0	2	5

Award/Promotion Requests: 2LT Matthew Pocket: Air Medal - 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster for completing 20 missions + promotion to 1LT
                        SGT Joshua Clark: Air Medal - 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster for completing 20 missions + swp0whsv promotion to S/SGT
                        2LT Armond Biasella: Air Medal - 1st Oak Leaf Cluster for completing 10 missions

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

A surprising mission as Low Squadron Lead. Most waves of E/A tended to nibble on the flanks or play catch up with our rear. I must give credit to 14th Fighter Group for plowing the road into the Target and back home. Nice having the P-38s close to the Tunisian border. The only damage we suffered was the destruction of our autopilot about a minute after "Bombs Away!"

(Out of 7 waves, four rolls ended in a six. Two no attacks, and Two of those four were Random Events - one a Lady Luck Smile and the other was my Ball Turret Gunner earning "Ace for the Day"...and he happened to already be my only gunner who was an Ace.)


MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 7 Feb 43
MISSION # 33 (26th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Cagliari, Sardinia - Seaplane Base

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	CAPT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	22				RTD	AM+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Matthew Pocket	21				LW	AM+, PH+
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	11				LW	AM, PH+
Navigator	1 LT	Walt Swan	22	1	1	1	RTD	AM++, PH++
Engineer	F/O	Joe Gargery	24	5	.5	.33	RTD	AM+++, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	21				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	24	8.33	2.5	.83	RTD	AM+++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	20	1			RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	12	2.5			RTD	AM, PH+
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	18	3.33			RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 50%

Casualties: Capt. Phillip Dickins: LW - Hand Cut - Treated and Released
                    1 LT Matthew Pocket: LW - torn vastus - RTD 14 Feb 43
           

B-17 Damage:
Light Wound x2 (4)
Superficial x1 (1)
Top Turret - One Gun Permanently Jammed (10)
Mechanical Failure - Bomb Release breaks after Bomb Run (10)

Peckham Points: 25

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 13	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
C.202	3	1	1		2
Bf-110	3	2	.67
Re.2000	4	1	.5		1
TOTALS	13	4	2.17	0	3	0

Award/Promotion Requests: S/SGT Jesse Alverez: Air Medal - 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster for completing 20 missions 
                        Purple Heart: Capt. Phillip Dickins, 1 LT Matthew Pocket 

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE: All action was in Zone 5. Out of the multiple waves approaching the target, only a lone Italian 110 tried to get through to Great Expectations, and it was ripped apart by our Ball and Top Turrets; with a little help from a neighboring gunner. The Flak emplacements were few and far between as predicted - I expect the next Allied bombers to visit may find a warmer reception. Bomb Run was successful with 50% on target. 

As we left Cagliari it seemed that the rest of the Italian fighters on the island finally gained our altitude. We faced three waves of bandits. The first wave saw a C.202 hit us after the Top Turret jammed, letting him through. Our cockpit was sprayed wounding both myself and my co-pilot slightly. LT Pocket had a nasty gouge in his leg that just missed an artery. He swears that his Lucky Rabbit's Foot deflected the shell fragment. After seeing what remained of his Good Luck Charm I'm inclined to believe him. When that Italian pilot tried for a second pass our Navigator swatted him out of the skies. In the second wave we faced four Re.2000s. They were handled so badly we can only assumed they were a training flight. (Rolled all 4 pilots as "Green".) We damaged both 202s in the third wave and then it was clear sailing back home.

INBOUND: No action. Our Engineer was unable to repair one of the Top Turret guns that jammed, and we noticed that the Bomb Release linkage had fallen apart as we approached the Algerian coast. 

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low  Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 14 Feb 43
MISSION # 34 (27th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Palermo, Sicily - Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	CAPT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	23				RTD	AM+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Matthew Pocket	22				LW	AM+, PH+++
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	12				RTD	AM, PH+
Navigator	1 LT	Walt Swan	23	1			RTD	AM++, PH++
Engineer	F/O	Joe Gargery	25	6	1	1	RTD	AM+++, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	22				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bentley Drummle	25	8.33			RTD	AM+++, PH+
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	21	1			RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	13	2.5			RTD	AM, PH+
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	19	3.83	1	.5	RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 20%

Casualties: 1 LT Matthew Pocket: LW - cut hand - RTD 16 Feb 43
           

B-17 Damage:
Light Wound x1 (2)
Superficial x2 (2)

Peckham Points: 4

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 9	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	3			1	1
G.50	2					2
Re.2001	4	2	1.5		2
TOTALS	9	2	1.5	1	3	2

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 1 LT Matthew Pocket 

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

Co-Pilot, LT Pocket, was released from the sick list just in time to rejoin the crew for this mission. 

OUTBOUND: Enemy fighters were kept away by other bombers in the formation.

TARGET ZONE: The bandits continued to harass the other bombers and it was frustrating that our gunners couldn't lend support to the squadron without endangering our team mates with possible friendly fire. We took some minor damage from Flak and were disappointed to put only 20% of our bombs in the designated target area.

Three waves impacted the 509th after the bomb run, yet only four Re.2001s seemed to notice the Great Expectations. Two of those bandits went down in flames, while our Purple Heart magnet, LT Pocket, suffered another wound less than half a day after being released to full duty after his last wound. As we headed eastward we thought we noticed a B-24 straggling behind the formation but our Eagle Eye tail gunner identified it as a FW-200 long range reconnaissance plane. 

INBOUND: We faced three Bf-109s in Zone 6, and damaged two that seemed to be on a training mission. In Zone 5 two G.50s headed our way, but they had the bad timing of finding us right after we made rendezvous with our Little Friends who aggressively chased them away.  

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing. Our two Ace gunners completed their 25th mission and will be going home to marry their sweethearts. 


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, Captain, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle Position - assumes the Tail after the loss of Hunga Dunga 
MISSION DATE: 22 Feb 43
MISSION # 35 (28th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Palermo, Sicily - Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	CAPT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	24				RTD	AM+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Matthew Pocket	23				LW	AM+, PH+++
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	13				LW	AM, PH+, Spare
Navigator	1 LT	Walt Swan	24	1	1	.33	LW	AM++, PH++
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	9	2.33			RTD	AM, PH, Spare
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	23				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	11	2			RTD	AM+, Spare
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	22	1			RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	14	2.5			LW	AM, PH+, Spare
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	20	3.83	2	1	RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: Off Target 10%

Casualties: 1 LT Matthew Pocket: LW - torn neck muscle - RTD 3 Mar 43
            2 LT Armond Biasella: LW - Broken Nose - RTD 1 Mar 43
            1 LT Walt Swan: LW - Abdomen cut - treated and Released
            SGT Vitale Graziano: LW - Slight Concussion - RTD 25 Feb 43
           

B-17 Damage:
Light Wound x4 (8)
Superficial x13 (13)
Bomb Release inop (10)
Ball Turret inop (10)

Peckham Points: 41

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 17	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	9	2	.83		2	3
FW-190	4					1
C.202	4	1	.5			1
TOTALS	17	3	1.33		2	5

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 1 LT Matthew Pocket, 2 LT Armond Biasella, 1 LT Walt Swan, SGT Vitale Graziano

Hospitalized: All crew fit for duty

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

Co-Pilot, LT Pocket, was again released from the sick list just in time to rejoin the crew for this mission, and again he suffers a wound! 

OUTBOUND: In Zone 4 we were tucked safely in the midst of the High Squadron, watching bandits being beaten off by other bombers, when Hunga Dunga, flying in Purple Heart Corner, disappeared in a giant fire ball. Our bomber took some minor superficial damage from flying debris, and after the shock quickly wore off we assumed the Tail position.

TARGET ZONE: Three waves of attackers boiled up from the battlefield beneath us.

The first wave featured five 109s heading our way. The P-38s interfered with two attackers on our six, but there was a third E/A back there, plus a 109 making a vertical dive on us, and both hit us hard. Four wounds - all light thanks to shells being deflected by lucky charms - and an inoperable Ball Turret with the gunner trapped inside. When the bandit on our tail tried to make a successive pass at us our Navigator, with help from gunners on other B-17s, tore the bandit to pieces. Part of our damage was self-inflicted as one of the guns in our Top Turret jammed.

The second wave was comprised of three 109s. When the dust settled our Little Friends took care of one E/A, our gunners damaged two, and the final 109 fell to our tail guns, but that was after the German had destroyed our Bomb Release mechanism. Our wounded bombardier manually released when the rest of the squadron began to salvo their bombs and managed to get 10% in the zone. The Flak added a few more holes in our skin and then it was back to the fighters.

INBOUND: Mercifully we faced no attackers leaving Zone 5, but in exchange the Axis threw two waves at us in Zone 4. This time none of the nine bandits hit us while our escort took care of two and our Tail Gunner added another kill. 

In Zone 2 our Engineer finally was able to unjam The Top Turret. 

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing. Then four men to the hospital and one man pried out of the Ball Turret. I think the Ball Gunner we got from the Spare Pool is going to have nightmares 


Phillip "Pip" Dickens, Captain, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 24 Feb 43
MISSION # 36 (29th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Kasserine, Tunisia - Troop Concentrations

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	CAPT	Phillip “Pip” Dickins	25				RTD	AM+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Mark Gatto	1				RTD	SPARE
Bombardier	2 LT	Travis Ryan	1				RTD	SPARE
Navigator	1 LT	Walt Swan	25	1.5	1	.5	RTD	AM+++, PH++
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	10	2.33	.5	0	RTD	AM, PH, Spare
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	24				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	12	2			RTD	AM+, Spare
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	23	1			RTD	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Colby Mimichino	1	2.5			RTD	SPARE
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	21	3.83	.5	0	RTD	AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 50%

Casualties: None
           

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x5 (5)
Right Elevator inop (10)

Peckham Points: 15

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 13	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	9	1	.5	1	1	5
Bf-110	1					1
C.200	1					1
G.50	2	1	0			1
TOTALS	13	2	.5	1	1	8

Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal - First Oak Leaf Cluster for 10 completed missions: M/SGT Chico Kilmore
        Air Medal - Fourth OLC for 25 completed missions: Capt. Phillip "Pip" Dickins, 1LT Walt Swan

Hospitalized:
            1LT Matthew Pocket - Hospitalized - RTD 3 Mar 43
            2LT Armond Biasella - Hospitalized - RTD 1 Mar 43
            Sgt Vitale Graziano - Recuperating - RTD 25 Feb 43

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

The original pilot of the Great Expectations completes his 25th mission, along with 1LT Swan who transferred from the Spare Pool after the death of the original Navigator.

OUTBOUND: In Zone 4 two G.50s tried to molest us. One fell to the boys in the P-38s. The other was dismantled by our Top and Tail Turrets. (This claim was denied by the review board.)

TARGET ZONE: Both coming and going the skies were filled with dogfights and attackers who slipped past our Little Friends. Another good thing about those Lockheed Lightnings is our gunners can't mistake them for anything the Axis can throw at us. The majority of the E/A were culled out by our escort, leaving only four for our gunners. We hit three and the one we didn't hit caused the most trouble - making three passes on us.

We took some superficial flak damage while we were making our turn for the rally point after putting 50% of our bombs in the traffic jam on the outskirts of Kasserine. 

INBOUND: Nothing to report.

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.

After what I've seen in Egypt and Algeria I need to get home, and could not be talked into staying by LtC Moody or any of the other brass. Four of the boys I brought to North Africa are dead, and two more invalidated home as cripples. Great Expectations' crew has collected 27 Purple Hearts since arriving on this continent! The only reason I would have stayed was to fly with my original Co-Pilot 1LT Matthew Pocket on his 25th mission, but Matthew from his hospital bed is the most insistent that I get back home, and he promises he'll be back in time to be best man at my wedding.  I hope he does.

Phillip "Pip" Dickens, Captain, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

T4RXxBc8

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 5 Mar 43
MISSION # 37 (30th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Convoy at Sea - outside of Bizerete Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	10				RTD	AM
Copilot	1 LT	Matthew Pocket	24				RTD	AM+++, PH+++
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	14				RTD	AM+, PH
Navigator	1 LT	Max Graham	11				RTD	AM+, PH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	11	2.33	.5	0	RTD	AM, PH, Spare
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	25				RTD	AM+, PH
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	13	2			RTD	AM+, Spare
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	24	1			LW+LW	AM+, PH+
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	15	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Norman Mallory	22	3.83	.5	0	SW	AM+

Bomb Run: 5 Warships damaged!

Casualties: S/SGT Norman Mallory: SW -
           S/SGT Jesse Alverez: LW+LW - 

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x14 (14)
N/E hit (5)
Light Wound x2 (4)
Serious Wound x1 (5)
S. Tail Root (25)
S. Waist Gun inop (10)
Rudder (10)
P. Fuel Tank - self seal (10)

Peckham Points: 83

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 5	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
FW-190	5					1
TOTALS	5	0	0	0	0	1

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: S/SGT Norman Mallory, S/SGT Jesse Alverez
        Air Medal - First Oak Leaf Cluster for 10 completed missions: 1 LT John Weaver
        Air Medal - Second OLC for 15 completed missions: SGT Vitale Graziano
        Air Medal - Fourth OLC for 25 completed missions: SGT Joshua Clark


Hospitalized: All crew healthy and cleared for duty

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report.

TARGET ZONE: After the formation dispersed we began ship hunting, and were soon rewarded by the sight of eleven ships sailing toward Tunisia. We picked the largest target, assuming it was a tanker and joked that it was as big as a full moon as we began our bomb run. A couple minutes later LT Biasella comes on the intercom and in a hesitating voice, says, "I've got a bad feeling about this." A fraction of a second later, our Ball Gunner Caulfield is shouting, "That's no moon, that's a battleship!", as the sky erupts in Flak. We took a hit in the tail, but the Italians seemed more surprised than we were as they started evasive maneuvers which actually bunched them up just as our Bombardier released. As Flak continued to rock our B-17 both our Tail Gunner and Ball gunner were giving us a count of the ships getting hit. Five total. Unfortunately the report from S/SGT Mallory was cut off as he was seriously wounded by the anti-aircraft fire of the warships below us. As our Starboard Waist gun was also destroyed by the Flak I sent SGT Graziano back to the Tail to check on S/SGT Mallory. This was fortunate as he was back there ready to defend our six when the Luftwaffe showed up.

Five FW-190s came screaming in towards our bomber. We were sure missing the comfort of our squadron's Combat Box, but at least we had a P-38 with us that began dogfighting one of the Butcher Birda. The other four made repeated passes at us and filled us full of holes, but the worse of it was two light wounds suffered by S/SGT Alverez.

We were relieved when we rendezvoused with the 509th for the return trip home.

INBOUND: Nothing to report.

MAISON BLANCHE: Safe landing.

Intelligence intercepts discovered that the fleet encountered by the Great Expectations did have five ships damaged, as reported. As a result they turned back and retreated towards their base at Taranto. The BB Caio Duilio and the DE Casare Battisti were both slowed by their damage, yet may have continued, but the CL Dardo, the CL Taranto, and the DD Granatiere were all so seriously damaged that they could not continue resulting in the whole fleet returning to Italy. 

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 10 Mar 43
MISSION # 38 (31st mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Carloforte, Sardinia - Industry

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	11				RTD	AM
Copilot	1 LT	Matthew Pocket	25				LW	AM+++, PH++++
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	15				RTD	AM+, PH
Navigator	1 LT	Max Graham	12				RTD	AM+, PH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	12	2.83			RTD	AM, PH, Spare
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	10		1	0.33	RTD	AM
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	14	2			RTD	AM+, Spare
PWG	SGT	Tom Bannion	2	1			LW	Spare
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	16	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	3	1.5			RTD

Bomb Run: Off Target  0%

Casualties: 1LT Matthew Pocket: LW - broken nose
           SGT Tom Bannion: LW - broken nose - RTD 24 Mar 43

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x3 (3)
Light Wound x2 (4)
S. Aileron inop (10)
Bomb Bay dorrs inop (10)
P. Fuel Tank - self seal (10)

Peckham Points: 37

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing on fumes at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 10	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
C.202	8	1	.33	1	3
Re.2001	2			1	1
TOTALS	10	1	.33	2	4	0

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 1LT Matthew Pocket, SGT Tom Bannion
        Air Medal - First OLC for 10 completed missions: Bernie McConnell

        Air Medal - Second OLC for 15 completed missions: 2LT Armond Biasella

        Air Medal - Fourth OLC for 25 completed missions: 1LT Matthew Pocket

Hospitalized: S/SGT Jesse Alverez - Port Waist Gunner - hospitalized and RTD 5 Apr 43

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): 

OUTBOUND: Two Re.2001s discovered us as we approached Sardinia. Both left us damaged.

TARGET ZONE: Enemy fighters concentrated on other bombers in the formation, and likewise the Flak seemed focused on other bombers, yet we failed to find the target between the clouds and all we believe we hit were fish in the bay.

After the bomb run we faced three waves - all attackers were C.202s. We damaged four of the eight attackers, and teamed up with our squadron mates to destroy another. In exchange we suffered two light wounds - one to our Purple Heart Magnet, LT Pocket on his 25th mission. The most concerning hit resulted in a leaking fuel tank that we nervously watched all the way on the return trip.

INBOUND: Nothing to report.

MAISON BLANCHE: Landed on fumes. 

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle Position 
MISSION DATE: 10 Mar 43
MISSION # 39 (32nd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Naples, Italy - Ships in the Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	12				RTD	AM+
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	8				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	16				RTD	AM+, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Max Graham	13				RTD	AM+, PH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	13	2.83	1	.33	RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	11				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	15	2	1	.5	RTD	AM+
PWG	SGT	Evan Payne	3				RTD	Spare
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	17	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	4	1.5			RTD

Bomb Run: On Target- Freighter Sunk 


Casualties: None



B-17 Damage:

Superficial x3 (3)

Ins: Rudder Controls inop (10)

S. Wing Root (25)

P. Waist gun - permanently jammed (10)



Peckham Points: 48



B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 3	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
C.202	3	2	.83
TOTALS	3	2	.83	0	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests:

    Air Medal - Third OLC for 15 completed missions: S/SGT



Hospitalized: S/SGT Jesse Alverez - Port Waist Gunner - hospitalized and RTD 5 Apr 43



AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):



A new era begins today for The Great Expectations. Beginning her career on Mission 007, the original crew went through the horrors above North Africa. Four of those rookie crewmen were killed in action, and two more invalidated home, before earning the right to go home. Four men made it to 25 missions: two on Mission 34, one on Mission 36, and the final one on Mission 38, having earned five Purple Hearts running the Marathon to 25. For today's mission, all the crew are either former, or current, denizens of the Spare Pool.



OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report.



TARGET ZONE: Enemy fighters concentrated on other bombers in the formation, but the Flak seemed to be an equal opportunity abuser. Though moderate, it was accurate, giving our starboard wing root a strong jolt. After watching the flak remove Cat Scratch Fever's wing below us, and gut Quitcherbitchin Again's waist to our side, we count our blessings.



Bombs away and the freighter on the receiving end burst into flames and our Tail Gunner reports it was capsizing as we continued to the Rally Point. (Roll a "2" for a definite kill, and then rolled for a measly 2200 Ton freighter! It could have been a Cruiser or super tanker, but no.)


Three C.202 fighters attacked as we rallied. Our rudder controls were severely compromised, but other damage was cosmetic. When two of the bandits tried to make a second pass our gunners, along with most of the squadron's defenders, cut them to pieces.



INBOUND: Enemy Aircraft spotted in Zone 4 kept their distance. Probably low on fuel by the time they caught up to our formation so they didn't try anything foolish.



MAISON BLANCHE: Landed safely.



John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding

B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503

80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣ ♣ ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - LEAD 
MISSION DATE: 10 April 43
MISSION # 40 (33rd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: La Maddalena, Sardinia - Harbor Facilities

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	13				RTD	AM+
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	9				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	17				RTD	AM+, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Max Graham	14				RTD	AM+, PH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	14	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	12				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	16	2.5			RTD	AM++
PWG	S/SGT	Jesse Alverez	25	1			RTD	Spare
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	18	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	5	1.5			RTD

Bomb Run: Off Target- 10% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
#2 engine runaway - successfully feathered and shut down (40)
P. Wing Root (25)

Peckham Points: 65

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 2	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
C.202	2
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Fourth OLC for 25 completed missions: S/SGT Jesse Alverez

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report.

TARGET ZONE: Two C.202s made a run at us on the approach to La Maddalena. We traded misses and they flashed past us into the midst of the formation.

On the other hand the Flak, though sporadic, did hammer our port wing. The #2 engine ran away but we were able to feather it and shut it down right before the bomb drop. 

INBOUND: Nothing to Report.

MAISON BLANCHE: Landed safely. A surprisingly quiet mission as the lead in the low squadron.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Took over Tail in Zone 7 Inbound
MISSION DATE: 11 May 43
MISSION # 41 (34th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Trapani, Sicily - Airfield

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	14				RTD	AM+
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	10				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	18				RTD	AM+, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Max Graham	15				RTD	AM+, PH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	15	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	13				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	17	2.5			RTD	AM++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	1				RTD
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	19	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	6	1.5			RTD

Bomb Run: On Target- 20% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Rudder (10)
Mechanical Failure: Elevators (10)

Peckham Points: 20

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 2	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	2					1
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	0	1

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Second OLC for 15 completed missions: 2LT Max Graham, M/SGT Chico Gilmore
Air Medal - First OLC for 10 completed missions: 2LT Roger Martinelli

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Mechanical Failure of the elevator control making flying the B-17 more physically demanding today.

TARGET ZONE: No enemy fighters came near, but flak shredded our rudder. (Used a lucky charm to reroll Tail Guns out as I had already shouted out that I would take over as TEC.) Tondelayo was hammered and we found ourselves sliding into the Tail slot as the formation rallied. Enemy fighters seemed to miss the fact that our six was now exposed.

INBOUND: In Zone 6 the Germans noticed we were now in Purple Heart Corner, and we had one 109 coming at our six, while a second 109 headed for our nose.  The P-38s discouraged the bandit on our tail while we traded misses with the E/A at 12 o'clock..

MAISON BLANCHE: Landed safely. 

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Took over Tail in Zone 7 Inbound
MISSION DATE: 28 May 43
MISSION # 42 (35th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Bologna, Italy - Railyards

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	15				RTD	AM+
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	11				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	19				RTD	AM+, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Max Graham	16				RTD	AM+, PH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	16	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	14				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	18	2.5			RTD	AM++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	2				RTD
SWG	SGT	Vitale Graziano	20	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	7	1.5			RTD

Bomb Run: On Target- 30% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Mechanical Failure: #4 Turbo Supercharger failure (10)

Peckham Points: 10

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 0	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
TOTALS	0	0	0	0	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Second OLC for 15 completed missions: 1LT John Weaver
Air Medal - Third OLC for 20 completed missions: SGT Vitale Graziano
Promotion Roll: SGT Vitale Graziano DBKKF5Ci 

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

This would have been a total milk run except for the Turbo Supercharger mechanical failure in Zone 2 Inbound. The wave encountered in the Target Zone turned out to be the Random Event "Aggressive Little Friends." 

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 5 June 43
MISSION # 43 (36th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Marsala, Sicily - Radar Installation

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	16				RTD	AM+
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	12				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	20		1	1	KIA	AM+, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Max Graham	17				RTD	AM+, PH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	17	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	15				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	19	2.5	.5	.5	RTD	AM++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	3				LW
SWG	S/SGT	Vitale Graziano	21	2.5			LW	AM+, PH++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	8	1.5	1.5	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On Target- 30% 

Casualties: 2LT Max Graham - KIA by multiple Flak shell fragments
            SGT Peter Borg: LW - chest cut, RTD 8 June 43
            S/SGT Vitale Graziano: LW - shoulder cut, RTD 6 June 43

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x3 (3)
KIA Wound (10)
Light Wound x2 (4)
Starboard Wing Root (25)

Peckham Points: 42

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 20	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	13	2	2	2	1	7
FW-190	5	0	0	0	2	1
C.202	2	1	.5	0	0	1
TOTALS	20	3	2.5	2	3	9

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Second OLC for 15 completed missions: SGT Joshua Clark
Air Medal - Third OLC for 20 completed missions: 2LT Armond Biasella
Promotion: 2LT Armond Biasella promoted to 1LT
Promotion Rill for SGT Joshua Clark Mxu60bTP

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: With Tunisia liberated, it was a quiet trip until we approached Sicily in Zone 6. At that point the Axis discovered us. Fortunately our escort, flying out of their new bases around Tunis, had recently joined us. Two C.202s took an unhealthy liking to our bomber – unhealthy for them as one fell to a P-38, and the other was dismantled by our Tail Gunner, with a little help from a squadron mate.

TARGET ZONE 7: Three waves of enemy fighters greeted the 509th to Sicily. They obviously were making a significant effort to protect the installation. The three 109s in the first wave were run off by our escort. While our Little Friends was preoccupied the second wave got through, only to have the two bandits heading towards us damaged by our defensive fire and they were last seen staggering eastward trying to make it to their base.

The third wave was more aggressive; five fighters, and four got past our escort. In spite of suffering some damage one of the 109s peppered our wings, but when he tried to hit us again our Tail Guns and Ball Turret removed his left wing.

It looked like a lot of the Flak guns stationed around Bizerte must have been transported to around this radar installation as Flak was heavy and accurate. Though we were not touched until our bombs were away, immediately after they were released we were buffeted by a couple blasts which killed our Navigator (even with using his lucky charm for a reroll), and wounded both our waist gunners.

Three more waves were waiting for us just outside the Flak zone. A total of eight E/A wanted to molest us; yet half of those bandits were soon running for mama with P-38s on their tails. The remaining four all suffered at the hands of our gunners – three damaged, and the fourth turned into a fireball by our Nose Gun, as our Bombardier clearly was incensed by the death of his companion in the nose compartment.

INBOUND: Nothing to report.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503    ♣   
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - TAIL
MISSION DATE: 10 July 43
MISSION # 44 (37th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Palazzolo, Sicily - Fortifications

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	17				RTD	AM++
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	13				RTD	AM+
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	21	1			RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Lewis Clark	1				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	18	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	16				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	20	3	.5		RTD	AM++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	4				RTD	PH
SWG	S/SGT	Vitale Graziano	23	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	9	2.5	1.5	1.5	RTD	PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 50% 

Casualties: SGT Eric Felosi: LW - forearm cut, RTD 12 July 43
            S/SGT Vitale Graziano: LW - right little toe severed, RTD 24 July 43

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x6 (6)
Light Wound x2 (4)
Pilot's Oxygen out (10)

Peckham Points: 20

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 11	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	11	2	1.5	1	2	3
TOTALS	11	2	1.5	1	2	3

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Third OLC for 20 completed missions: S/SGT George Caulfield

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: As we approached Sicily in Zone 8, two Bf-109s tried to get us in a pincer, one at 12 and one at 6 o'clock. Our escort took care of the bandit at 12, while our Top Turret and Tail guns barely scratched the paint of the bandit on our six. They must have been distracted by the sight of all those ships below us, and that German proceeded to walk hits from our tail to our nose. We were fortunate to escape with only two light wounds.

TARGET ZONE 9: Three waves, totaling nine Bf-109s, made runs at us over the battlefield. Our escort seemed to be busy assisting the leading edge of the 509th, and seven E/A made runs at us. Two were knocked out of the skies, and in exchange two hit our bomber - with one hit knocking out my oxygen. I switched to an A2 cylinder to finish the bomb run, and our veteran bombardier put 50% of our high explosives on the target.

As the group rallied I reported that we could no longer continue as Tail End Charlie and descended to 10,000 feet. Leaving the Target Zone we had no bandits follow us down. The Luftwaffe must have had bad communications as we sure seemed naked all by ourselves.

INBOUND: Maybe those bandits didn't follow us down as the U.S. Navy took a lot of pot shots at us as we overflew them at the wrong altitude. Nothing else to report.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 9 Aug 43
MISSION # 45 (38th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Messina, Sicily - Highways/Bridges

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	18				RTD	AM++
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	14				RTD	AM+
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	22	1			LW	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Lewis Clark	2				SW-IH
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	19	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	17				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	21	3			RTD	AM++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	5				RTD	PH
SWG	S/SGT	Vitale Graziano	24	2.5			RTD	AM+, PH++++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	10	4			RTD	PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 50% 

Casualties: 1LT Armond Biasella: LW - shoulder cut, RTD 11 Aug 43
            2LT Lewis Clark: SW - Skull grazed - inflamed brain, Invalidated Home

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x3 (3)
Light Wound x1 (2)
Serious Wound x1 (5)
Rubber Rafts destroyed (10)
Right Elevator inop (10)
Ball Turret Gun permanently jammed (10)
Port Landing Gear inop (25)
Belly Landing (81)

Peckham Points: 146 - RTD 14 Aug 43

B-17 Disposition: Belly Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 11	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	9	0	0	1	0	5
FW-190	1					1
Re.2001	1					1
TOTALS	11	0	0	1	0	7

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal for 5 completed missions: SGT Peter Borg

Air Medal - Second OLC for 10 completed missions: SGT Eric Felosi


Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE 9: Three waves swarmed around us as we approached Messina and our escort put on a show, driving away five of the eight bandits heading our way. Unfortunately one of the attackers that got through perforated our nose, wounding both our rookie Navigator and our veteran Bombardier, before the attacker was damaged by our defensive gunnery. Our Bombardier shook off his wound to put 30% of our bombs on the northern span of the bridge. Our Navigator was rendered unconscious for the remainder of the mission and the trauma to his brain is worrisome enough that he will be invalidated home.

After the bomb run our port wing was stung by a burst of Flak. We learned hours later that our landing gear was destroyed by the shell fragments. 

INBOUND: Three E/A made a run at us in Zone 8. Two were quickly discouraged by our Little Friends, and the one that got past the P-38s missed us and kept on going. Our only damage was self-inflicted as one of the barrels in the Ball Turret jammed.

MAISON BLANCHE: As we prepared to land we discovered that the port landing gear would not deploy and could not be encouraged to lower manually. The belly landing was as close to textbook as could be. (The 38th mission was almost Great Expectations last one. Needed to use a Lucky Charm to reroll a CAT-E. At one time I had three Charms saved up - now I have none.)

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Middle Squadron - Tail
MISSION DATE: 19 Aug 43
MISSION # 46 (39th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Foggia, Italy - Airfield

Bomb Run: DNB

Mission aborted in Zone 2 outbound when the Engineer's suit heater failed.

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Middle - Takes over Tail for Inbound Leg
MISSION DATE: 10 SEP 43
MISSION # 47 (39th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Salerno, Italy - Troop Concentrations

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	19				RTD	AM++
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	15				RTD	AM+
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	23	1			RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	5				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	20	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	18				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	22	3	1	0	RTD	AM+++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	6				RTD	AM, PH
SWG	S/SGT	Vitale Graziano	25	2.5			RTD	AM+++, PH++++
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	11	4	1	0	RTD	AM+, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 40% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x3 (3)
S. Wing Root (25)

Peckham Points: 28

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 6	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	2	1	0	1
Bf-110	1
FW-190	3	1	0			1
TOTALS	6	2	0	1	0	1

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster for 25 completed missions: S/SGT Vitale Graziano
Air Medal - Third OLC for 20 completed missions: M/SGT Chico Kilmore
Air Medal - Second OLC for 15 completed missions: 2LT Roger Martinelli
Air Medal - for 5 completed missions: 2LT Collin Holmes

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: One wave approached the group in Zone 8, but they seemed to be confused by Bad Luftwaffe Communications and nobody came close to us.

TARGET ZONE 9: Three 190s converged upon us as we neared the beaches. Our Little Friends intercepted one, and our Ball Turret intercepted another (claim denied). The The remaining bandit walked hits along our wings but those cannon shells passed between any vital components, except for one shell that rocked our starboard wing root.  That is the only damage we suffered all mission. Bomb run put 40% of our high explosives on target.

As we rallied, Mel's Mess was forced to hand over the Tail duties and Great Expectations took over the responsibilities. 

INBOUND: Back over the Med the Luftwaffe tried to give us a kick in the rear out of Italy. Our Tail Gunner swatted away a 109 coming for our 6 o'clock, and we thought he had achieved Ace status, but upon landing this claim was also denied.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

HighSquadron - TAIL
MISSION DATE: 10 SEP 43
MISSION # 48 (39th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: La Spezia, Italy - Port

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	19				RTD	AM++
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	15				RTD	AM+
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	23	1			RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	5				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	20	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	18				RTD	AM+
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	22	3	1	0	RTD	AM+++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	6				RTD	AM, PH
SWG	SGT	Bruce Clark	0				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	11	4	1	0	RTD	AM+, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- DNB - Mission aborted - No Mission Credit

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Mechanical Failure: Engine #2 Oil Leak and Fire (50)

Peckham Points: 50

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Soon after leaving Africa behind the #2 engine developed an oil leak which soon turned into an oil fire. Someone else will need to fly tail this mission.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 20 OCT 43
MISSION # 49 (40th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Rome, Italy - Railyard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	John Weaver	20				LW+LW	AM++
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	16				LW	AM++
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	24	1	1	0	RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	6				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	21	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	19				RTD	AM++
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	23	3	1	0	RTD	AM+++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	7				RTD	AM, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	1				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	12	4	1	0.33	RTD	AM+, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 30% 

Casualties: 1LT John Weaver: LW+LW – Torn Pectoralis & torn vastus – RTD 4 DEC 43
2LT Roger Martinelli: LW – Torn flexor – RTD 28 OCT 43


B-17 Damage:
Light Wounds x3 (6)
Superficial x12 (12)
Structural N/E x2 (10)
Cockpit Window x1 (10)
Radio destroyed (10)
Rudder x2 (20)
P. outboard fuel tank – self sealed (10)
P. Wing Root (25)
P. Tail Root (25)

Peckham Points: 128 - two days to repair

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 10	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	8	3	0.33
Bf-110	1
FW-190	1
TOTALS	10	3	0.33	0	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests:
Purple Heart: 1LT John Weaver, 2LT Roger Martinelli
Air Medal - Third OLC for 20 completed missions: 1 LT John Weaver
Promotion: 1LT John Weaver promoted to Captain

Hospitalized: All crew healthy and flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE 8: Multiple waves were waiting for the 509th as we approached the Eternal City. Obviously those Limies were on target with their leaflet drops. They claim that President Roosevelt was to blame for warning the Krauts where we were bombing, but personally I think Montgomery is behind the dirty trick because he’s mad at Georgie Patton.

Fortunately for the Great Expectations only one wave actually made a run at us, and the hammering we took was survivable. LT Biasella knocked down one of the four 109s that tried to take us out.

We took some superficial damage from the heavy Flak, though my Engineer claims that what we were hit by was the wreckage of other bombers getting shot down around us. We put 30% of our bombs in the railyards.

Leaving the Flak zone, the Luftwaffe was right on time and three waves swarmed around us. My co-pilot and I were both wounded by the Ace in the 190 and I still am amazed that my lucky penny deflected that 20mm shell. I’m sure my mom’s prayers did more than the penny. Defensively we knocked down two more 109s so I’d say we got the better end of the trade-off.

INBOUND:Nothing to report.

Back on the ground we learned that out of the three claims made by my gunners, only 1/3 was recognized. I was ready to fight for my boys, but when they learned that the credit was posthumously awarded to friends of theirs who never returned they decided to drop the matter and hold a wake instead.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 31 OCT 43
MISSION # 50 (41st mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Antheor, France - Bridge 

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Bowen Hall	6				RTD	Temp from Spare Pool
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	17				RTD	AM++, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	25	1			RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	7				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	22	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	SGT	Joshua Clark	20				RTD	AM++
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	24	3			RTD	AM+++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	8				RTD	AM, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	2				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	13	4			RTD	AM+, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 40% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Maison Blanche

Attackers: 0	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110
FW-190
TOTALS	0	0	0	0	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Fourth OLC for 25 completed missions: 1LT Armond Biasella
Air Medal - Third OLC for 20 completed missions: SGT Joshua Clark
Promotion: SGT Joshua Clark hA8JEo9C

Hospitalized: Capt. John Weaver (Pilot) on light duty until 4 DEC 43

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE 8: Our major league Bombardier, on his 25th mission, put 40% of our bombs on the eastern end of the bridge. 

INBOUND:Nothing to report.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 15 NOV 43
MISSION # 51 (42nd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Athens Greece - Eleusis A/D

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Bowen Hall	7				RTD	Temp from Spare Pool
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	18				RTD	AM++, PH
Bombardier	1 LT	Armond Biasella	1	1	1	0	RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	8				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	23	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	S/SGT	Joshua Clark	21				RTD	AM++
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	George Caulfield	25	3	1	.5	RTD	AM+++
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	9				RTD	AM, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	3				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	14	4			RTD	AM+, PH

Bomb Run: Off Target- 0% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x5 (5)
Port Cheek Gun jammed (10)
Suit Heating System Mechanical Failure (10)

Peckham Points: 25

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 6	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	2	1	.5
Bf-110	2	1	0			1
FW-190	2				1
TOTALS	6	2	.5	0	1	1

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - Fourth OLC for 25 completed missions: S/SGT George Caulfield

Hospitalized: Capt. John Weaver (Pilot) on light duty until 4 DEC 43

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: The old lady, Great Expectations, had the honor of flying lead for the 80th on our first mission as part of the new 15th AF.

Enemy Fighters spotted in Zone 4 were driven off by other bombers in the group. Little friends seemed sparse. Either the weather affected the rendezvous or the brass were stingy when they assigned our escort. 

TARGET ZONE 7: Three waves of E/A greeted us to the glorious city of Athens. Three bandits headed our way in the first wave - a 109, a 110, and a 190. One of the few P-38s that tagged along on this mission interposed itself between the 110 and our belly. The 190 did some superficial damage to us, and then we did some superficial damage back and it disappeared. The second wave was another mixed bag of three bandits, and this time our gunners found their range, destroying two attackers, though they only received credit for half of a 110. The third wave were dealt with by other bombers, which should have given the new guy to our crew - our rookie Bombardier - time to find the target, but he couldn't be sure of what he was looking at until he realized that the rest of the group were already dropping their bombs.

As we turned for home it seemed that all the attackers were playing catch up to our formation, so we didn't even fire a shot as there were friendly bombers always between us and any E/A. 

INBOUND: The heating system just fried in Zone 4 Inbound. In Zone 3 we had enough of the cold and descended to 8000 feet, turning over the squadron lead to another bomber.

(OOC: Six out of eight rolls for enemy waves resulted in "No attackers". I'm sure I'll be wishing I could have saved up those rolls for a future mission.)

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 24 NOV 43
MISSION # 52 (43rd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Toulon, France - Sub Pens

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Bowen Hall	8				RTD	Temp from Spare Pool
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	19				RTD	AM++, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Osvald "Dane" Pedersen	2				RTD	AM+++, PH
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	9				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	24	3.83			RTD	AM+, PH
Radioman	S/SGT	Joshua Clark	22				RTD	AM++
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jerry Lee Diggs	1				RTD
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	10				RTD	AM, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	4				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	15	4			RTD	AM+, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 40% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x5 (5)
Nav Equip destroyed (10)
PW outboard fuel tank - self sealed (10)

Peckham Points: 25

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 7	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-110	3					1
ME-210	3			1	1	1
ME-410	1			1
TOTALS	7			2	1	2

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal - First OLC for 10 completed missions: SGT Peter Borg Promotion attempt yEc0tNaf1-6 and not promoted.

Air Medal - Second OLC for 15 completed missions: SGT Peter Borg Promotion attempt 1-6 and not promoted.


Hospitalized: Capt. John Weaver (Pilot) on light duty until 4 DEC 43

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report. 

TARGET ZONE 7: Enemy fighters ignored us on approach to the target, and flak damage was only cosmetic, allowing our Bombardier to put 40% of our bombs on target.

As we turned for home we took some more superficial damage to the starboard wing. It looked like three waves of attackers were heading our wave as we headed home, but only one wave, comprised of three Bf-110s, pressed home the attack. One bandit was intercepted by one of the RAF Spitfires that joined us from Calvi, and one of the remaining 110s sprayed us with ineffective cannon fire. The worse damage was the jammed nose gun which wasn't unjammed until we were back over Sardinia (Zone 5). 

INBOUND: In Zone 6 some of the Luftwaffe's newer fighters caught up to us - three 210s and a 410. In spite of their newness we were unimpressed as we watched one fall to a P-38, while we damaged the other three. In exchange we suffered half a dozen 7.92 mm holes in the skin of the Radio Room.

John Weaver, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group


1-6·1-6

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 27 NOV 43
MISSION # 53 (44th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Rimini, Italy - Marshaling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Bowen Hall	9				RTD	Temp from Spare Pool
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	20				RTD	AM++, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Osvald "Dane" Pedersen	3				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	10				RTD
Engineer	M/SGT	Chico Kilmore	25	3.83			RTD	AM+++, PH
Radioman	S/SGT	Bernie McConnell	25				RTD	AM+++
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jerry Lee Diggs	2				RTD
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	11				RTD	AM+, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	5				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	16	4.33			RTD	AM++, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 40% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x3 (3)

Peckham Points: 3

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 9	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	3			1		2
Bf-110	2					2
FW-190	1					1
Ju88
ME-210	3					3
ME-410
TOTALS	9			1		8

Award/Promotion Requests:
Air Medal  for 5 completed missions: SGT Lee Azusa.
Air Medal - First OLC for 10 completed missions: 2LT Collin Holmes.
Air Medal - Third OLC for 20 completed missions: 2LT Roger Martinelli + promotion to 1LT
Air Medal - Fourth OLC for 25 completed missions: M/SGT Chico Kilmore, S/SGT Bernie McConnell

Hospitalized: Capt. John Weaver (Pilot) on light duty until 4 DEC 43

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): Wow, from our point of view our Little Friends put on a clinic, driving off 8 out of 9 attackers. The boys in those P-47s wanted to show off.

OUTBOUND: Three twin engine fighters were lining up on our bomber when a swarm of Thunderbolts scattered them.  

TARGET ZONE 3: Multiple waves made trusts toward the heart of our formation, but the defensive fire of the other bombers around us kept them at bay. Flak damage was only cosmetic, allowing our Bombardier to put 40% of our bombs on target.

Three waves hammered the 509th, but only one bandit got close enough where our defensive fire came into play... and that lone 109 ended up with shredded vertical and horizontal stabilizers.

INBOUND: The 109 that seemed to want to molest us found himself running away with a couple of our chaperones on his tail.

Bowen Hall, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: GREAT EXPECTATIONS : B17F-15BO-41-24503       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Lead on Outbound leg & in Target Zone - Out of Formation Inbound
MISSION DATE: 2 DEC43
MISSION # 54 (45th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Marseilles, France- Submarine Pens

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Bowen Hall	10				RTD	Temp from Spare Pool
Copilot	2 LT	Roger Martinelli	21				RTD	AM++, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Osvald "Dane" Pedersen	4				KIA
Navigator	2 LT	Collin Holmes	11				KIA
Engineer	S/SGT	Merlin "Wizard" De Bellisle	1				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Stanley Ewell	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jerry Lee Diggs	3				RTD
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	12				RTD	AM+, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	6				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	17	4.33			LW	AM++, PH

Bomb Run: Off Target- 0% 

Casualties: 
        2LT Osvald Pedersen: SW+LW+SW+SW = very dead
        2LT Collin Holmes: LW+SW = KIA
        SGT Eric Felosi: LW - chest cut - treated and released

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x12 (12)
Light Wound x3 (6)
Serious Wound x4 (20)
Pilot Compartment Heat out x2 (15)
Cockpit window x1 (10)
Bomb Release Mechanism inop (10)
Top Turret - both guns jammed (20)
Ball Turret - both guns jammed (20)
Rudder x1 (10)
S. Elevator out (10)
P. Elevator out (10)
Tail - Oxygen Fire - 1 Extinguisher (25)
Tail Oxygen (5)
Starboard inboard Fuel Tank - self Sealed (10)
#2 engine out (40)
#3 engine out (40)

Peckham Points: 263

B-17 Disposition: Rough Landing at Calvi, Sardinia
Cannot be repaired at Calvi so declared CAT-E

Attackers: 16	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	1
FW-190	13				4	1
Ju88	2			1		1
TOTALS	16			1		8

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Purple Heart: SGT Eric Felosi
        Purple Heart (posthumous): 2LT Osvald Pedersen, 2LT Collin Holmes
        Air Medal - First OLC for 10 completed missions: 1LT Bowen Hall

Hospitalized: Capt. John Weaver (Pilot) on light duty until 4 DEC 43

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): Last mission our Little Friends drove off off 8 out of 9 attackers. Wish we could have saved some of that aggressive chaperoning for this mission.

OUTBOUND: Attackers kept their distance.

TARGET ZONE 7: Enemy fighters did not come near Great Expectations in the lead. Seemed like they were playing catch-up to the formation, hammering the bombers behind us.

The Flak did not play catch-up. Only seconds before bomb release two bursts right in front of our B-17 perforated the nose and cockpit. Immediately it was obvious that the Bombardier no longer had command of the bomber. As my co-pilot and I regained control of our B-17 our Navigator called in to report that the Bombardier was sliced open by multiple pieces of hot shrapnel and was very dead. Our Navigator was also wounded, yet he continued to man his guns. while I toggled the bombs, albeit too late to hit the target. Taking inventory of the cockpit damage we discovered the compartment heat was out, compounded by the wind blast coming through a sizable ventilation hole in our cockpit's skin.

As we turned for home the fighters finally noticed us. First wave featured two Ju88s and a 109. The P-38s, even at the extremity of their range knocked one of the Ju88s out of the skies. Both of the remaining bandits hit us but other than hitting the deceased body of our Bombardier damage was superficial. Our Top Turret did more damage to the Ju88 and it headed back to France with one engine smoking.

The second wave was occupied elsewhere but the third wave made up for that. The few little friends remaining were busy elsewhere so the four Butcher Birds had their way with us. They concentrated their fire on the nose and we lost contact with our Navigator. The Top Turret jammed - our Engineer on his first mission was overly stimulated. After the attackers left I sent the rookie to the nose to check on our Navigator and the sight made him puke in his mask.

So we were freezing and I was convinced we couldn't handle the frostbite for six zones. Without a Navigator and with bad weather socking in Giulia I had doubts we could find home. Also without a Top turret I wanted to get on the ground, so I pointed our bomber towards Corsica and descended to 7000 feet.

INBOUND - Zone 6: Three waves - all FW-190s - found us on our way to Calvi. We began some evasive maneuvers while some RAF Spitfires arrived to help. They ran off two of the nine Butcher Birds, leaving seven to swarm us. The three that got past the Spitfires in the first wave did pretty minor damage, including a wound to my Tail Gunner that he described as, "just a scratch."

The second wave is what hurt us. Started an oxygen fire in the tail from the O2 still in the lines, plus shredded both elevators, and walking hits across our wings knocking out two engines. To add insult to injury the Ball Turret guns jammed.

Third wave was anticlimactic, watching one bandit sidetracked by the RAF while a remaining fighter was damaged while trying multiple futile passes at us.

CALVI: After the Luftwaffe left, the Brits guided us to their base. It was a rough landing, but I believe it was better than what I could have pulled off in the mud and rain of Italy.

The next day a Major flew over in a little Taylorcraft L-2 Grasshopper from the other side of Corsica, took a look at Great Expectations, and declared that it was nice to have spare parts for other bombers - declaring the old bird CAT-E after her 45th mission. I guess the USAAF is constructing a number of air strips on the eastern coast of the island. On December 4th we caught a C-47 to Sardinia, on the 6th we flew into Palermo, Sicily, then to Naples, and finally back to Giulia on December 8th.

I'm not looking forward to telling Captain Weaver that we wrecked his bomber only two days before the Flight Surgeon was going to restore him to full duty.

Bowen Hall, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Great Expectations : B17F-15BO-41-24503
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: KAYO
Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 6 Dec 43
MISSION NBR. 055
TARGET: Brenner Pass – Railroad Loop

CREW: Position – Rank                                            (Current Mission)
Pilot Capt John Weaver                                           (21) PH AM+++
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Clayton Bishop                                 (3) (B-17 Qualified)
Bombardier 2nd Lt Malachi Polivka                           (2)
Navigator 2nd Lt Steve Liotti                                   (2)
Engineer T/Sgt Fernando Vidal                                 (2) (B-17 Qualified)         SW-DOW
Radio Operator S/Sgt Spencer Wendell                    (2)
Ball Gunner Sgt Archie Whitlock                              (6) [1.5] AM
Waist Gunner Sgt Collin Scales                                (2)
Waist Gunner Sgt Barney Lowe                               (1)
Tail Gunner Sgt Charles Bronson                              (4) [1]                            ½ x Bf-110

BOMB RUN: Off Target 0%

CASUALTIES: T/Sgt Fernando Vidal - SW-DOW Broken Ribs & Punctured Lung, led to double-pneumonia, died 20 Dec 43

B-17 DAMAGE:
Superficial x 7 (7)
Structural N/E (10)
Port Aileron inop (10)
Port Flap inop (10)
Control Cables x1 (10)
Starboard Wing Root x2 (50)
Port Landing Gear (25)
Top Turret destroyed x2 (30)
Serious Wound (5)
Rudder x1 (10)
Belly Landing (81)

PECKHAM POINTS: 248 – 10 days to repair (Spares take twice as long to repair as they do not have designated ground crews.)

DISPOSITION: BellyLanding at Giulia, Italy

ATTACKERS: 10
  2x Bf-109: 1 Probable
  4x Bf-110: 1 Destroyed, 1 Probable, 1 Damaged, 1 Driven Off
  4x FW-190: 2 Damaged, 1 Driven Off

TOTALS: 1 Claimed Destroyed (1/2 credit), 2 Probables, 3 Damaged, 2 Driven Off

AWARDS: Purple Heart: T/Sgt Fernando Vidal

AFTER ACTION REPORT: TFT

Captain John Weaver, just released by the Flight Surgeon to full duty, is assigned a crew from the Spare Pool with a Spare Bomber, while the remainder of his crew travels back from Corsica.

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE 6: A smooth run to the IP where our rookie Bombardier took command and never found the target, finally releasing our bombs after the group had dropped.

After we rallied we faced E/A in two of the multiple waves that slammed into the 509th. In the first wave our Tail Gunner teamed up with another bomber’s Tail guns to dismantle a Bf-110, while a second 110 did some inconsequential damage to Kayo. When he tried to come back our Ball Turret inflicted enough damage to discourage the bandit from bothering us. In the final wave a couple 109s made a run at us and one left trailing smoke courtesy of our Top Turret.

INBOUND – ZONE 5: Again, we faced E/A in the first and last waves encountered. The 110s came from the east, from Austria, and the one that got past our escort limped away after getting hammered by our Ball Turret. Fifteen minutes later the four FW-190s came from the west, possibly from the Luftwaffe airfield at Udine. The P-47s intercepted one Butcher Bird, leaving two of the remaining three to work us over. Even though we inflicted some damage to the Ace he hit us on all three of his passes. We can only assume that he ran out of ammunition because he was having his way with us. On the first pass our Top Turret was mangled and our Engineer wounded. On his second pass he perforated both wings, weakening the starboard root while destroying the port landing gear. On his final pass he removed our port flap.

GIULIA: With only one working gear I elected to go with a belly landing and we slid through the mud, stopping just in time to avoid a pile up. (The veteran status of the pilot was the difference between a repairable vs. unrepairable bomber.)

POSTSCRIPT: T/Sgt Vidal originally was recovering from his punctured lung, but a week later pneumonia set in and overwhelmed his body. He passed away four days before Christmas.

[limburger59]

B-17: APHID : B17F-15BO-41-24523       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 10 Dec 43
MISSION # 56  
TARGET: Sofia, Bulgaria

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	Capt.	John Weaver	22				RTD	A+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Roger Martinelli	22				RTD	AM+++, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Mario Montega	4				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Jason Lewis	4				RTD
Engineer	S/SGT	Merlin "Wizard" De Bellisle	2				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Stanley Ewell	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jerry Lee Diggs	4		1	.5	RTD
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	13				RTD	AM+, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	7				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	18	4.33			RTD	AM++, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 50% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x4 (4)
Structural N/E (10)
Starboard Flap inop (10)
Port Outboard Fuel Tank – Self Sealed (10)

Peckham Points: 34

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 11	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	5	1	.5	1	1	2
Bf-110
FW-190	6			1	1	2
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	11	1	.5	2	2	4

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):


With the loss of the Great Expectations, and no available B-17G bombers for Captain Weaver, the Captain and his Co-Pilot will be assigned to spare bombers for their final four missions.

OUTBOUND: Three FW-190s made a run at us in Zone 5. We took some minor damage and damaged one of the bandits when he tried to make a second pass at us. Both guns in the Ball Turret jammed.

TARGET ZONE 6: Our Bombardier, fresh out of the Spare Pool, took command and found the target, placing half of our bombs in the designated target area.

Three Bf-109s were waiting for us as we finished the bomb run but our escort had finally made the rendezvous and chased off two bandits. The remaining attacker was staggered by our Nose gun and Top Turret and we watched him limp away. After the skies cleared our Ball Turret gunner finally cleared his jams.

INBOUND – ZONE 5: Two 190s tried to molest the Aphid. One was chased off by a P-38 and the other attacker had chunks of his wing removed by our Starboard Cheek and Waist guns – another probable.

INBOUND – ZONE 4: Three waves intercepted the formation over central Yugoslavia. As they came from the west we can only assume they were from the big Luftwaffe base at Mostar.

In the first wave only one Butcher Bird seemed to be heading our way until our Little Friends discouraged him.

Second wave seemed hesitant because of our escort, but one of those Krauts lobbed rockets into the midst of the formation. Shrapnel from one explosion peppered the nose and we soon discovered that the connection for our Navigator’s heating rheostat had been knocked out. After all the attacks were over I sent our Navigator into the Radio Room to plug into a spare rheostat there, deeming it wiser to stay with the formation and to trust the senior Navigator’s in the lead bombers to get us home through the soup below us.

Third wave featured two Bf-109s taking advantage of our preoccupied escort to get behind us. Fortunately the damage they inflicted was light while our gunners found the range on their second pass – destroying one and damaging the other.

GIULIA: Safe landing.


John Weaver, Captain, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Aphid : B17F-15BO-41-24523
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group