limburger59 - 80th Sqdn / 509th Group CO

[limburger59]

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

Middle Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 19 Dec 43
MISSION # 57  
TARGET: Augsberg, Germany

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	.54			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: DNB - Mission Aborted - No Mission Credit 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 0	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110
FW-190
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	0

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

So much for the fancy new F-2 heated suits. Barely 100 miles from Foggia and our Engineer snags his electrical cord as he was traversing his Top Turret, ripping the cord right out of his suit! He was very apologetic and insisted that we should continue the mission, but I doubt he would have survived the trip over the Alps. I was tempted to stash him in the Radio Room next to a heater vent but it wasn't worth the gamble. (Mechanical Failure)

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

[limburger59]

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

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 10 Jan 44
MISSION # 58  
TARGET: Skopje Yugoslavia - Airfield & Marshalling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	Capt.	John Weaver	23				RTD	A+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Roger Martinelli	23				RTD	AM+++, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Mario Montega	5				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Jason Lewis	5				RTD	PH
Engineer	S/SGT	Merlin "Wizard" De Bellisle	3		.5	.5	RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Stanley Ewell	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jerry Lee Diggs	5	.5			RTD
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	14		.5	.5	RTD	AM+, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	8				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	19	4.33			RTD	AM++, PH

Bomb Run: Off Target- 9% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x2 (2)
Tail Suit Heat out (10)
Port Outboard Fuel Tank – Self Sealed (10)

Peckham Points: 22

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 10	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	8	1	1	2		3
Bf-110
FW-190
Ju88
ME-210	2				1	1
ME-410
TOTALS	10	1	1	2	1	4

Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal for 5 completed missions: 2nd Lt Mario Montega, 2nd Lt Jason Lewis, Sgt Jerry Lee Diggs

Hospitalized: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND – Zone 2: Two waves intercepted our formation over the Adriatic. There weren’t many attackers but they tried to take advantage of the fact that our escort hadn’t fully made their rendezvous with the 509th. Out of the five attackers, one was culled out of each wave by our Little Friends while we damaged two more bandits while taking no damage.

Zone 3: The surprise early visit by the Luftwaffe resulted in the formation tightening up. Three 109s made a run at us. We damaged one attacker, while another punched a hole in our port wing outboard tank. Fortunately our leak self sealed, while the hole our gunners put in that returning Kraut’s fuel tank resulted in a spectacular fireball. That was a team effort by our Engineer in the Top Turret and the Port Waist Gunner.

TARGET ZONE 4: Our tail was peppered by Flak right before the bomb release. We didn’t think it was anything more than a love tap, but our Bombardier flinched and released early, bombing the periphery of the designated area. Our Tail Gunner reported that one result of that love tap was that he no longer had heat.

As we left Skopje behind our Little Friends became quite aggressive, running off both 109s that looked interested in us.

INBOUND: I moved the Tail Gunner to the Radio Room so he could plug in and hug the hot air vent. Nothing else to report.

GIULIA: Safe landing.

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

[limburger59]

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

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 18 Jan 44
MISSION # 59  
TARGET: Pisa, Italy - Marshalling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	Capt.	John Weaver	24				RTD	A+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Roger Martinelli	24				RTD	AM+++, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Mario Montega	6				RTD	AM
Navigator	2 LT	Jason Lewis	6				RTD	AM, PH
Engineer	S/SGT	Merlin "Wizard" De Bellisle	4				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Stanley Ewell	4				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jerry Lee Diggs	6	.5			RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Peter Borg	15				RTD	AM+, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	9				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	SGT	Eric Felosi	20	4.33	1	.5	RTD	AM++, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 20% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Starboard Flap inop (10)
Starboard Outboard Fuel Tank – Self Sealed (10)

Peckham Points: 20

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 5	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110	2	1	.5			1
FW-190	3					3
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	5	1	.5			4

Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal - Second Oak Leaf Cluster for 15 completed missions: Sgt Peter Borg
        Air Medal - Third Oak Leaf Cluster for 20 completed missions: Sgt Eric Felosi
        Promotion roll for Sgt Peter Borg TkYo2RjR1-6 - he is promoted to S/SGT.
        Promotion roll for Sgt Eric Felosi 1-6 - he is promoted to S/SGT.

Hospitalized: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE 5: As we approached the target we witnessed some bombs drop through the formation. One of the waist gunners thought they came from the High Squadron, but they were too small for those our heavy bombers carried, so they must have come from some desperate German above us. Overall our escort, and the defensive gunnery of the other bombers kept the Luftwaffe at bay. We only witnessed one FW-190 try to line up on us and he was run off by a Lockheed Lightning. Flak did some light damage, and was no excuse for 2LT Montega releasing late again an only putting 20% in the designated zone. I guess that means more practice missions before I fly my 25th.

Out of the three waves that impacted the 509th after the bomb run, only four bandits seemed to take an interest in the Aphid. Three were deterred by our Little Friends while the one that got past the escort had its canopy shattered by our twin 50s in the tail, while the gunner in another B-17 removed its starboard wing. 

INBOUND: Nothing to report.

GIULIA: Safe landing.

John Weaver, Captain, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Aphid : B17F-15BO-41-24523
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
1-6·1-6

[limburger59]

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

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 27 Jan 44
MISSION # 60  
TARGET: Istres, France - Airdrome

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	Capt.	John Weaver	25				Going Home	A+++, PH
Copilot	1 LT	Roger Martinelli	25				Going Home, LW	AM+++, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Mario Montega	7				LW	AM
Navigator	2 LT	Jason Lewis	7				LW	AM, PH
Engineer	S/SGT	Merlin "Wizard" De Bellisle	5				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Stanley Ewell	5				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jerry Lee Diggs	7	.5			RTD	AM
PWG	S/SGT	Peter Borg	16				LW	AM+, PH
SWG	SGT	Lee Azusa	10				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Eric Felosi	21	4.33	1	.5	RTD	AM++, PH

Bomb Run: On Target- 60% 

Casualties: 1LT Roger Martinelli: LW - neck grazed - will recover on the flight back to the States
        2LT Mario Montega: LW - skull deflects shrapnel - concussion - RTD 4 FEB 44
        2LT Jason Lewis: LW - chest cut - RTD 31 JAN 44
        S/SGT Peter Borg: LW - leg cut - stitched and released

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x5 (5)
Light Wounds x4 (8)
Starboard Elevator inop (10)
System N/E (5)

Peckham Points: 38

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 6	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110
FW-190	5			1	1
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410	1
TOTALS	6	0	0	1	1	0

Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal for 5 completed missions: S/SGT Merlin De Bellisle, S/SGT Stanley Ewell
        Air Medal - First Oak Leaf Cluster for 10 completed missions: Sgt Lee Azusa
        DFC for 25 completed missions: Capt. John Weaver, 1LT Roger Martinelli
        Promotion roll for Sgt Lee Azusa 3RbA_TUM1-6 - he remains a SGT.

Hospitalized: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

Trying hard not to be nervous about Mission 25... fighting the feeling of impending doom...

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE 8: Seemed like only 10 minutes after we out distanced our escort that the Luftwaffe arrived in force. Three waves slammed into us and we approached the home of these German fighters. The first pass of the first wave was the one we really sweated, as one of the three fighters was an Ace in a Butcher Bird. He proceeded to walk hits from our nose to our tail, wounding four men in seconds. Fortunately, all the wounds were minor, though only a half inch to the left and my co-pilot would have bled out in less than a minute. Flak added to our superficial damage, but didn't deter our Bombardier, in spite of having his bell rung, from putting 60% of our bombs on the hangers. 

We were spectators during the remainder of the mission, as our formation's combat box, plus the resumption of more Little Friends over the Med, kept the bandits just out of reach.

INBOUND: Nothing to report. (Got a Lady Luck Smile.)

GIULIA: Safe landing.

So the Aphid gets returned to the bomber's Spare Pool, and the men return to the crew's spare pool. It seems like ages since I was pulled out of the Spare Pool to take over over for Captain Dickins flying the Great Expectations back when we were supporting the boys in Tunisia during the Battle at the Kasserine Pass. That was 24 Feb 1943... a lifetime ago.

John Weaver, Captain, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Aphid : B17F-15BO-41-24523
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
1-6

[limburger59]

B-17: ANGEL IN DE SKIES : B17F-5-BO-43-31747       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

MiddleSquadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 2 Feb 44
MISSION # 61  
TARGET: Maribor, Yugoslavia - Airdrome

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Lenard Evans	1				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Lucas Plundell	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Mack Cowen	1				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Adelbert Forbes	1				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Cary Robson	1		1	.5	RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Eldon McDonaugh	1		1	0	RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Julian Welsh	1				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Dennis Fitget	1				RTD
SWG	SGT	Lawrence Willoby	1				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Dillard Brownhill	1				RTD

Bomb Run: Off Target- 0% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Top Turret Guns and Port Cheek Gun frozen by extreme cold – thawed out back at Giulia

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 6	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	4	1	.5	1		1
Bf-110
FW-190	1
Ju88
ME-210	1	1	0
ME-410
TOTALS	6	2	.5	1		1

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

Brand new crew assigned to an old veteran B-17F

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report. We were spectators to the action but couldn’t safely fire without hitting friendlies. Any animosity we felt about "our" B-17G being assigned to another crew disappeared when the Germans appeared. 

TARGET ZONE 5: Nothing to Report. We were spectators to the action but couldn’t safely fire without hitting friendlies.

The bomb run also dampened our celebration of our first mission, as our bombardier could not locate the target and finally released when I informed him that the rest of the squadron was dropping. We didn’t see clouds like that during our training over West Texas.


INBOUND: Again, we were not molested, which was fortunate as both guns in the Top Turret, plus the Port Cheek Gun, froze up in the extreme cold.

GIULIA: Safe landing.

Lenard Evans, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Angel in De Skies: B17F-5-BO-43-31747
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: ANGEL IN DE SKIES : B17F-5-BO-43-31747       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - TAIL END CHARLIE
MISSION DATE: 15 Feb 44
MISSION # 62  
TARGET: Monte Cassino – German Observation Posts and Fortifications

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Lenard Evans	2				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Lucas Plundell	2				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Mack Cowen	2				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Adelbert Forbes	2				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Cary Robson	2	.5			RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Eldon McDonaugh	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Julian Welsh	2				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Dennis Fitget	2				RTD
SWG	SGT	Lawrence Willoby	2				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Dillard Brownhill	2				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target- 20% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 0	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110
FW-190
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	0	0	0	0	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

Milk Run. (I was surprised that the Low Squadron Tail saw zero  action.)

GIULIA: Safe landing.

Lenard Evans, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Angel in De Skies: B17F-5-BO-43-31747
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: ANGEL IN DE SKIES : B17F-5-BO-43-31747       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 11 March 44
MISSION # 63  (19th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Toulon, France - Submarine Pens

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Lenard Evans	3				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Lucas Plundell	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Mack Cowen	3				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Adelbert Forbes	3				LW
Engineer	T/SGT	Cary Robson	3	.5			RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Eldon McDonaugh	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Julian Welsh	3				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Dennis Fitget	3				RTD
SWG	SGT	Lawrence Willoby	3				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Dillard Brownhill	3				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target - 20% 

Casualties: 2LT Adelbert Forbes: LW – skull grazed –RTD 14 MAR 44

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x5 (5)
Light Wound (2)
Rudder (10)
Radio Room Oxygen out (10)
S. Inboard Fuel Tank – Self Seal (10)
Ball Turret Guns inop (20)

Peckham Points: 57

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 5	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	3			1		1
Bf-110
FW-190	2					1
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	5	0	0	1	0	2

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 2LT Adelbert Forbes

Hospitalized: All Crew flying this mission

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

The outbound leg had us thinking that we were going to have another Milk Run. No such luck.

As we turned for home two of the newer model Bf-109s got through and hammered us. On their first pass they knocked out the oxygen in the Radio Room. On their second pass they knocked out our Ball Turret and Navigator. Fortunately our Navigator regained consciousness in less than a minute, and in spite of a splitting headache from having his skull grazed he was able to guide our soon to be out of formation bomber home.

At 10,000 feet we sure felt naked, but luck was on our side. (Zone 6 random event was a Lady Luck Smile.) A couple FW-190s made a run at us, but a P-47 who was hovering over us chased away one attacker, and the second bandit made a half-hearted run at us and ran away. We figured he was a rookie who was too worried about our Little Friends to try and molest us. (Green pilot plus a FCAB result.)

GIULIA: Safe landing.

Lenard Evans, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Angel in De Skies: B17F-5-BO-43-31747
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: ANGEL IN DE SKIES : B17F-5-BO-43-31747       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - TAIL
MISSION DATE: 29 March 44
MISSION # 64  (20th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Bolzano, Italy - Marshaling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Lenard Evans	4				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Lucas Plundell	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Mack Cowen	4				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Adelbert Forbes	4				RTD	PH
Engineer	T/SGT	Cary Robson	4	.5			RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Eldon McDonaugh	4				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Julian Welsh	4				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Dennis Fitget	4				RTD
SWG	SGT	Lawrence Willoby	4				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Dillard Brownhill	4				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target - 40% 

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 2	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	2					2
Bf-110
FW-190
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	0	2

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized: All Crew flying this mission

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

The most exciting moment on the entire mission occurred on Take Off, as the #3 engine had a case of the hick-ups as we were only 20 feet off the runway. Fortunately it decided to behave. We can only assume that some of the ash from Vesuvius was temporarily in the wrong place. I don’t think that we would have survived losing an engine that close to the ground.



The outbound leg was pretty quiet after that. All enemy activity seemed to be concentrated on the leading edge of the formation. Flak was also sporadic and we had a successful bomb run.



As we turned for home two 109s tried to make a beeline for our tail but were quickly discouraged by our Little Friends.



On the return trip any attackers were driven off by other bombers in the 509th before they got close enough for our gunners to take a shot.


GIULIA: Safe landing.

Lenard Evans, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Angel in De Skies: B17F-5-BO-43-31747
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: ANGEL IN DE SKIES : B17F-5-BO-43-31747       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 5 April 44
MISSION # 65  (21st Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Ploesti

Bomber and Crew interned in Turkey

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Lenard Evans	5				Interned
Copilot	2 LT	Lucas Plundell	5				LW
Bombardier	2 LT	Mack Cowen	5				Interned
Navigator	2 LT	Adelbert Forbes	5				Interned	PH
Engineer	T/SGT	Cary Robson	5	.5	1	1	Interned
Radioman	T/SGT	Eldon McDonaugh	5				Interned
Ball Gunner	SGT	Julian Welsh	5		1	1	Interned
PWG	S/SGT	Dennis Fitget	5				Interned
SWG	SGT	Lawrence Willoby	5				SW
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Dillard Brownhill	5				SW-DOW

Bomb Run: On Target - 40% 

Casualties: S/SGT Dillard Brownhill – SW-DOW: punctured intestines – died from peritonitis sepsis on 9 APR 44
        SGT Lawrence Willoby – SW: shattered tarsal bones – left foot amputated
        2LT Lucas Plundell – LW: torn flexor muscle

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x10 (10)
Light Wound x1 (2)
Serious Wound x2 (10)
Radio Room Oxygen out (10)
Co-Pilot Oxygen out (10)
Port Wing Fuel LEAK (10)
#1 engine out (40)
#2 engine out (40)
Cockpit Oxygen FIRE (25)
Window x1 (10)
Port Wing Root x2 (50)
Rudder x2 (20)
Pilot Heat out (10)
Ball Turret Heat out (10)
Autopilot out (10)
Starboard Wing Root (25)
Left Elevator inop (10)

Peckham Points: 302 = CAT-E

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Istanbul, Turkey
        Bomber would have been CAT-E – dismantled to repair other “Turkish” B-17s
        Crew interned for the duration of the war

Attackers: 16	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	7	2	2	1
Bf-110	3			1
FW-190	6				2	3
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	16	2	2	2	2	3

Award/Promotion Requests: The entire crew would have received Air Medals back at Foggia
                Purple Heart: 2LT Lucas Plundell, SGT Lawrence Willoby
                Purple Heart (posthumous): S/SGT Dillard Brownhill

Hospitalized: All Crew flying this mission

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

It was smooth sailing through the bomb release, when we put 40% of our bombs on target. While our escort were with us, all three of the Butcher Birds that took an interest in the Angel were driven off. Once we out distanced our Little Friends our gunners took over, with our engineer in the Top Turret removing the port wing of a 109 that got too close. The only blemish on the outbound leg was the starboard cheek gun jamming.

Right after our bomb release the mission began to come apart. A burst of Flak knocked out the oxygen in the Radio Room. As I was discussing with the crew how much longer we could stay in formation with T/SGT McDonaugh using a walkabout bottle, three Bf-110s made a run at us. As they flashed by our Tail Gunner knocked out the engine of one attacker, while another bandit sprayed the Angel with 20MM shells. As my co-pilot reported that his oxygen was knocked out, our Ball Turret gunner called on the interphone to report that fuel was “gushing” out of the port wing. When asked for a better description he stated that gushing was an objective report.

It took a few minutes of calculations to see that we would not make Italy. Since we needed to leave the formation anyways I made the decision to turn south and head to neutral Turkey. (Later calculations confirmed that we would have run out of fuel over the Yugoslavian mountains.)

As we winged towards Istanbul we were discovered by a couple Bf-109s. We took evasive actions that seemed to confuse the E/A. On the other hand, our Ball Turret was able to slice through one bandit, sending it spinning to earth.

Even though those two fighters couldn’t touch us, the true damage was reporting our course and position. Soon three FW-190s showed up, and converged on the Angel. First pass and our jinxing threw off their aim. Second pass, and suddenly shells rip into both port engines, killing them. Now my co-pilot and I wrestled to keep the Angel flying, and any evasive maneuvers were unintentional. On their third pass all three Butcher Bird hit us hard. The worse was an oxygen fire in the cockpit and wounds to both my co-pilot and starboard waist gunner. Inconsequential were hits to our heating systems which had already been switched off when we descended to 10,000 feet.

That last pass must have exhausted our attacker’s ammo, as they hovered out of range of our 50s until a couple 109s showed up to take their place. First pass and one attacker limps away trailing smoke, while hits to the Angel seem to be cosmetic. On the final pass the 109 pumped shells into our tail and port wing – and this is when our Tail Gunner was gut shot. The 109 then peeled off as three fighters headed for our nose! Fortunately we identified them as Turkish P-40s.

As they directed us towards Istanbul we destroyed the Norden bombsight and any important documents, while caring for our wounded.

We were surprised to be welcomed to Turkey by 1st Lt Marvin Long, who piloted the Black Jack on the 509th very first mission back in June 1942. That mission to Ploesti was flown from Egypt and LT Long’s bomber was also cursed by a fuel leak.

We’ll never know if the hospitals in Italy could have made a difference, but SGT Willoby’s mangled foot was amputated, and S/SGT Brownhill died from sepsis four days later.

Lenard Evans, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Angel in De Skies: B17F-5-BO-43-31747
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 16 April 44
MISSION # 66  (1st Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Brasov, Romania - Marshaling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	1				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Odin Øystæinsson	1				SW
Navigator	2 LT	Erik Farmannsson	1				KIA
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	1		1	0	RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Ulf Sinfiotlisson	1				SW-IH
PWG	SGT	Hallstein Orrinsson	1				RTD
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	1				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	1				LW

Bomb Run: On Target - 42% 

Casualties: 2LT Erik Farmannsson: KIA - Shattered Skull
        SGT Ulf Sinfiotlisson: SW-IH – Broken sternum/inflamed heart – Invalidated Home
        2LT Odin Øystæinsson: SW – skull grazed, knocked out and concussion – RTD 16 May 44
        S/SGT Haklang Alisson: LW – Foot cut – RTD 19 Apr 44

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x4 (4)
Light Wound x1 (2)
Serious Wound x2 (10)
KIA (10)
Autopilot out (10)
Radio destroyed (10)
Starboard Wing Root (25)
Tail Guns destroyed (20)
#1 engine superficial (5)

Peckham Points: 96 – Two days to repair due to meticulous Crew Chief

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 4	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110
FW-190	4	1	0			2
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	4	1	0	0	0	2

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 2LT Odin Øystæinsson, SGT Ulf Sinfiotlisson, S/SGT Haklang Alisson
            Purple Heart (posthumous): 2LT Erik Farmannsson

Hospitalized: All Crew flying this mission

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

It started out as a smooth maiden voyage for Ildjotunen. Our escort and the defensive prowess of the other bombers kept the Hun far away. We put 42% of our bombs on target and headed home. We were close to exiting Yugoslavia (Inbound Zone 3) when the Luftwaffe finally seemed to notice our B-17. Those FW-190s earned their nickname of Butcher Bird. Two bandits got past the escort and pumped cannon shells into us during multiple passes. Shell fragments found four of the crew, killing one and seriously wounding two more. Our Engineer is sure he knocked down one attacker, but adding insult to injury the Review Board denied him.

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 24 April 44
MISSION # 67  (2nd Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Marshaling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	2				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	2				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Angel Taliaferro	1				LW	On Loan from Spare Pool
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	5				RTD	Transfer from Spare Pool
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	2				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	4	1	2	0	LW	Transfer from Spare Pool
PWG	SGT	Hallstein Orrinsson	2				KIA
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	2				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	2		1	0.33	LW	PH

Bomb Run: Off Target - 9% 

Casualties: P. Waist Gunner Sgt Hallstein Orrinsson - KIA - shattered skull
        Bombardier 2LT Angel Taliaferro -   LW - Foot Cut - RTD 29 APR 44
        Ball Gunner Sgt Jamson Bostic - LW - Foot cut - RTD 27 APR 44

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x21 (21)
N/E Structural Hit x1 (10)
KIA(10)
Light Wounds x2 (4)
Starboard Wing Root (25)
Port Landing Gear - Brakes Out (25)

Peckham Points: 95 – Two days to repair due to meticulous Crew Chief

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 18	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	8			1	1
Bf-110	4	2	0		1
FW-190	6	1	.33		2
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	18	3	.33	1	4	0

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 2LT Angel Taliaferro, SGT Jamson Bostic
            Purple Heart (posthumous): Sgt Hallstein Orrinsson
            Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: 2LT Leo Arrigo

Hospitalized: 2LT Odin Øystæinsson hospitalized until 16 May 44

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report

TARGET ZONE 8: The first wave to make a play for Ildjotunen was comprised of five FW-190s. They looked fearsome but we soon saw that it was a sign of desperation by the Luftwaffe as most of the German pilots seemed to have barely come out of training. (4 of the 5 were Green!) When the dust settled we had damaged two and destroyed one, while suffering very minor damage. The next wave of three attackers were a little more aggressive, and sadly one of their bullets passed through the brains of our PWG. The third wave didn't bother us allowing us to look around and to spot a FW-200 shadowing our group.

Flak did some superficial damage, but the smoke pots were a bigger problem, and our Bombardier can't be sure that he hit anything. One advantage to the Flak was it allowed our gunners to clear two jams after the bomb run, before the bandits reappeared.

Three more waves attacked the 509th - and the Ildjotunen - before we could rejoin our escort. Ten E/A made runs at our B-17, but for the most part we suffered minimal damage, and two very light wounds, while our defensive fire knocked down two attackers (both denied).

INBOUND: Nothing to report.

GIULIA: We touched down per the textbook, and quickly discovered that we had lost our port side brakes over Ploesti. Fortunately we had enough runway to work with.

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - TAIL
MISSION DATE: 29 April 44
MISSION # 68  (3rd Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Toulon, France - Ships in Harbor

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	3				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Angel Taliaferro	2				RTD	PH, On Loan from Spare Pool
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	6				RTD	Transfer from Spare Pool
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	3				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	5				RTD	Transfer from Spare Pool
PWG	SGT	Vinny Muniz	1				RTD
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	3				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	3				RTD	PH

Bomb Run: 3 Light Cruisers damaged,  1 freighter damaged. 1 2200T freighter seriously damaged

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x2 (2)


Peckham Points: 2 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 18	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110
FW-190	5					5
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	5	0	0	0	0	5

Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: Sgt Jamson Bostic

Hospitalized: 2LT Odin Øystæinsson still hospitalized until 16 May 44

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report

TARGET ZONE 8: We faced FW-190s both coming and going - and all those bandits were deterred by by escorts. The other damage we suffered was from Flak.

In between the E/A we thought we were going to have a bomb run for the record books. Merchant ships and warships practically side by side and we had the perfect line to sink them all; only to watch our bombs land between them! We slightly damaged two light cruisers and a decent sized freighter; and the only ship we actually hit and seriously damaged was the smallest freighter in the bunch (2200T).

INBOUND: Nothing to report. The Luftwaffe must have been suffering from bad communications.

GIULIA: Safe.

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 7 May 44
MISSION # 69  (4th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Reggio Emila, Italy - Railyard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	4				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Angel Taliaferro	3				RTD	PH, On Loan from Spare Pool
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	7				RTD	AM
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	4				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	4				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	6				RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Vinny Muniz	2				RTD
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	4				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	4				RTD	PH

Bomb Run: On Target - 40%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None


Peckham Points: 0 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 3	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110
FW-190	1					1
Ju88
ME-210	2					2
ME-410
TOTALS	3	0	0	0	0	3

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized: 2LT Odin Øystæinsson still hospitalized until 16 May 44

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report

TARGET ZONE 8: Seemed like the Germans, for the most part, were content to sit by their fireplaces. Three total bandits over the target, and the Little Friends who were able to make the rendezvous chased the Luftwaffe away. A timely break in the clouds allowed our Bombardier to put bombs on the target

INBOUND: Nothing to report. 

GIULIA: Safe.

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 13 May 44
MISSION # 70  (5th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Oil Refinery

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	5				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	5				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Angel Taliaferro	4				RTD	PH, On Loan from Spare Pool
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	8				RTD	AM
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	5		1	1	RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	5				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	7				RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Vinny Muniz	3				RTD
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	5				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	5				RTD	PH

Bomb Run: DNB - Jettison Bombs in the Adriatic

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Mechanical Failure of #1 Engine (40)

Peckham Points: 40 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 3	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	3	1	1			2
Bf-110
FW-190
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	3	1	1	0	0	2

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: 2LT Thorin Ivarsson,  2LT Sigehere Ulfgrimsson, T/SGT Bjørn Brandsson, T/SGT Andvett Korisson, SGT Skopti Grithsson, S/SGT Haklang Alisson

Hospitalized: 2LT Odin Øystæinsson still hospitalized until 16 May 44

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

The #1 engine failed over Yugoslavia (Zone 4). We could no longer keep up with the formation so we aborted the mission. As it would not be too far of a detour we tried to find the secondary, Kralijevo, but could not see through the clouds. Knowing that Tito had requested that we do not keep jettison our bombs indiscriminately over the countryside, we heading for Italy with a full bomb bay. 

Fortunately a couple of our Little Friends had joined us for the journey west as three 109s popped through the clouds. The P-47s distracted two bandits, while our Engineer in the Top Turret removed the starboard wing of the remaining E/A. That aerial victory eased some of the frustration over a failed mission. 

Once over the Adriatic we jettisoned the bombs. I didn't think landing in a storm with a full bomb bay and only three engines was wise.

GIULIA: Safe.

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - TAIL
MISSION DATE: 13 May 44
MISSION # 71  (6th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Spezia, Italy - Marshaling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	6				RTD	AM
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	6				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Odin Øystæinsson	4				RTD	PH
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	9				RTD	AM
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	6	1	1	1	RTD	AM
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	6				RTD	AM
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	8		1	1	RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Vinny Muniz	4				RTD
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	6				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	6				RTD	PH, AM

Bomb Run: On Target - 40%

Casualties: S/SGT Haklang Alisson - LW - shoulder cut - RTD 19 May 44

B-17 Damage:

Superficial x4 (4)
Light Wound (2)
Starboard Brake Out (25)

Peckham Points: 31 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 11	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	4	1	1	3
Bf-110	3	1	1			1
FW-190
Ju88	1			1
ME-210	3				1	2
ME-410
TOTALS	11	2	2	4	1	3

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Purple Heart: S/SGT Haklang Alisson

Hospitalized or assigned to non-flying duties: Everyone flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

We were flying tail for the low squadron today, and our adrenaline was flowing. In Zone 3 the other bombers in the formation kept the remnants of the Luftwaffe at bay, while in Zone 5 two out of the three ME-210s were chased away by our Little Friends. The remaining bandit coming in at 6 o'clock eluded our defensive fire and hit us, wounding our Tail Gunner. When that bandit tried to return he was damaged by our Ball Turret Gunner and he headed towards Spezia.

A burst of Flak peppered us for what we thought was superficial damage. It actually knocked out the brakes on our starboard landing gear - but it would be hours before we learned that fact. Our Bombardier was back in action after missing three missions due to injury. The hospitalization and light duty didn't have any negative effects as he put 40% in the marshaling yards.

Leaving the target we faced four more E/A. Our escort accounted for one attacker, while our Ball Turret took out another. Our Tail Gunner shook off his wound and damaged the 109 trying to come up behind us.

In both Zones 4 and 2 we faced two waves. One wave per zone was deterred by the defensive fire of the 509th Combat Box and our escort. In the other waves we faced two fighters in each. Our Engineer in the Top Turret had a confirmed kill, while the other three bandits limped away with significant damage.

GIULIA: We discovered that he starboard brake was inoperable upon touching down, but reacted quickly to keep Ildjotunen on the runway until we came to a stop.

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 19 May 44
MISSION # 72  (7th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Spezia, Italy - Marshaling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	7				RTD	AM
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	7				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Odin Øystæinsson	5				RTD	PH
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	10				RTD	AM
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	7	2			RTD	AM
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	7				RTD	AM
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	9	1			RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Vinny Muniz	5				RTD
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	7				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	7				RTD	PH, AM

Bomb Run: On Target - 20%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 20	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	13			1		5
Bf-110	3			1		1
FW-190	3				1	2
Ju88
ME-210	1					1
ME-410
TOTALS	20	0	0	2	1	9

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: 2LT Odin Øystæinsson, SGT Vinny Muniz
        Air Medal- first Oak Leaf cluster for 10 completed missions: 2LT Leo Arrigo 

Hospitalized or assigned to non-flying duties: Everyone flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

We saw a number of fighters over both Yugoslavia and Austria, and our escort drove off almost half of them before they could reach us. Those who did avoid our Little Friends seemed distracted by the show of American firepower, and they all missed us before fleeing the scene. Our gunners did damage three bandits before they called it a day.

GIULIA: Safe landing

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Middle Squadron - LEAD
MISSION DATE: 22 May 44
MISSION # 73  (8th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Porto Maghera, Italy - Oil Storage

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	8				RTD	AM
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	8				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Odin Øystæinsson	6				RTD	PH
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	11				RTD	AM
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	8	2	1	.5	RTD	AM
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	8				RTD	AM
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	10	1			RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Vinny Muniz	6				RTD	AM
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	8				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	8				RTD	PH, AM

Bomb Run: On Target - 30%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 6	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	2	1	.5			1
Bf-110
FW-190	4					4
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	6	1	.5	0	0	5

Award/Promotion Requests:
        Air Medal- first Oak Leaf cluster for 10 completed missions: Sgt Jamson Bostic 

Hospitalized or assigned to non-flying duties: Everyone flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

A milk run. Only one bandit got past the escort to try and molest us. Between T/SGT Brandsson in our Top Turret, and the gunner on another bomber, the 109 was dismantled before he could get off a shot.

GIULIA: Safe landing

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

Low Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 22 May 44
MISSION # 74  (9th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Munich, Germany - BMW Werks

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	9				RTD	AM
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	9				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Odin Øystæinsson	7				RTD	PH
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	12				RTD	AM
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	9	3			RTD	AM
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	9				RTD	AM
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	11	1			RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Vinny Muniz	7				RTD	AM
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	9				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	9				RTD	PH, AM

Bomb Run: On Target - 30%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x7 (7)
Structural N/E (10)
Rudder x2 (20)
S. Wing Root x2 (50)

Peckham Points: 87 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Giulia

Attackers: 12	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	10			1		5
Bf-110	1
FW-190	1					1
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	12	0	0	1	0	6

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized or assigned to non-flying duties: Everyone flying today

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

We seemed to be an ignored spectator until we entered German airspace, when the three waves the Luftwaffe sent up finally forced their way closer to our B-17. A total of eight bandits headed our way and half of those fighters forced their way past our Little Friends, and again half of those fighters hit us. None of the damage was significant, and we agreed that the 109 that limped away from the exchange was in worse shape than us. 

Flak hit us both coming and going, and in between our Bombardier put a third of our bombs in the Motorworks. 

Leaving Germany our Little Friends again intercepted half of the E/A heading for us. No damage was given or taken. 

We then resumed our role of spectator on the return trip.

GIULIA: Safe landing

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17: ILDJOTUNEN : B-17F-130BO 42-31005       
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group     

High Squadron - Middle
MISSION DATE: 27 May 44
MISSION # 75  (10th Mission this Bomber)
TARGET: Marseille, France - St. Charles Marshaling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2LT	Thorin Ivarsson	10				RTD	AM
Copilot	2 LT	Sigehere Ulfgrimsson	10				RTD	AM
Bombardier	2 LT	Odin Øystæinsson	8				LW	PH
Navigator	2 LT	Leo Arrigo	13				RTD	AM
Engineer	T/SGT	Bjørn Brandsson	10	3			SW-DOW	AM
Radioman	T/SGT	Andvett Korisson	10				RTD	AM
Ball Gunner	SGT	Jamson Bostic	12	1			RTD	AM
PWG	SGT	Mac MacGyver	1				SW
SWG	SGT	Skopti Grithsson	10				RTD	AM
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Haklang Alisson	10				RTD	PH, AM

Bomb Run: On Target - 30%

Casualties: T/Sgt Bjørn Brandsson: Shattered Femur & Damaged Femoral Artery - Died of Wound
        Crew Chief Mac MacGyver: Broken Scapula - RTD 20 June 44
        2LT Odin Øystæinsson: Leg cut - RTD 31 May 44

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x7 (8)
Light Wound (2)
Serious Wound x2 (10)
System N/E (5)
Top Turret destroyed    (20)
P. Wing Root  (25)
Radio destroyed (10)
P. Aileron out (10)
P. Outboard Fuel Tank - Self Seal x2 (20)
Oxygen out - Engineer (10)
S. Elevator out (10)
S. outboard Fuel Tank - LEAK! (10)

Peckham Points: 140 

B-17 Disposition: Safe Landing at Corsica - sufficient repairs to return to Italy will be completed by June 6th.
                            This bomber will therefore remain with the 15th AF.

Attackers: 7	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	4					1
Bf-110	2					2
FW-190	1					1
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	7	0	0	0	0	4

Award/Promotion Requests: None

Hospitalized or assigned to non-flying duties: In order for our ace Crew Chief to hitch a ride with us our PWG from the Spare Pool will ride on another bomber.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today):

We were the Lead Bomber for the High Squadron. There were no encounters enroute to the target.

We faced three waves approaching Marseille. The first wave saw two of the three attackers driven off by our escort. The remaining E/A missed us as he flashed past. In the second wave two of the four attackers again were driven off by the Red Tails. Eluding our Little Friends was an Ace, who proceeded to make three passes at us; hitting us severely each time. When he was finished we had two wounded and a leaking fuel tank. The third wave was kept away by the 509th's defensive fire.

we thought the damage dished out by the Ace was bad until three close Flak bursts peppered ILDJOTUNEN. Our Engineer suffered the brunt of one of the blasts as he fell to the floor mjortally wounded, with both his oxygen system and Top Turret a shambles. Somehow in all the rocking our wounded Bombardier managed to still put 30% of our bombs on target.

Other damaged bombers were turning around for Corsica, so we joined them, hoping that our fuel leak wasn't too severe.

CORSICA: We had enough fuel to make it to Corsica, but too much time as T/SGT Brandsson died on the way. Especially as the B-17 F models are being phased out, repairing our bomber was not a top priority for the overwhelmed ground crews on Corsica. As we prepared to take off for Italy on June 6th we heard the news of the D-Day landings and can imagine that was the reason for the 509th transfer. To add insult to injury we were also informed that we would therefore be remaining in Italy.

God Speed 509th.

Thorin Ivarsson, 2LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: ILDJOTUNEN (B-17F-130BO 42-31005)
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17G: ORANJEBOOM : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Sqdn - Middle
MISSION DATE: 6 June 44
MISSION # 76 (1st mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Caen, France - Bridge

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Peter DeRuyter	1				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Berend Lozeman	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Jan Revenboer	1				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Anton Scheer	1				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gust Meulink	1				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Remco Boonstra	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Willem Sluiter	1				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Reinier van der Vecht	1				RTD
SWG	SGT	Lowie Baas	1				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Wouter Meulen	1				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target 50%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:  None

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

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

Award/Promotion Requests:
    

In Hospital: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today): A bomber crewed by Dutchmen

Outbound: Nothing to Report

Target Zone: It was real comfortable tuck in the middle of the middle squadron. The action around the periphery of the group did not distract our Bombardier from putting 50% of our bombs on target. 

Inbound: Nothing to report. A textbook milk run 

Peter DeRuyter, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Oranjeboom : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17G: ORANJEBOOM : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle on Outbound Leg - TAIL on the Inbound
MISSION DATE: 10 June 44
MISSION # 77 (2nd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Nantes, France - Airdrome

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Peter DeRuyter	2				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Berend Lozeman	2				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Jan Revenboer	2				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Anton Scheer	2				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gust Meulink	2				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Remco Boonstra	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Willem Sluiter	2				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Reinier van der Vecht	2				RTD
SWG	SGT	Lowie Baas	2				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Wouter Meulen	2				RTD

Bomb Run: Off Target 0%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:  None

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 3	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
FW-190	3					3
TOTALS	3	0	0	0	0	3

Award/Promotion Requests: None
    

In Hospital: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant): A bomber crewed by Dutchmen

Outbound: Nothing to Report

Target Zone: Three waves of fighters greeted us to the Target Zone. Between the defensive prowess of our Little Friends and the defensive gunnery of the other B-17s in the squadron we didn't fire a shot in anger. Unfortunately we didn't drop our bombs in anger either - completely overshooting the target.

The squadron's Tail End Charlie - Peggy the Pinup Girl - got punched in the nose by Flak and was dropping out of the formation. We slipped into Purple Heart Corner and tensed up for an action packed return to England.

Inbound: Nothing to report. Seriously, we were Tail and were spectators all the way home. 

Peter DeRuyter, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Oranjeboom : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17G: ORANJEBOOM : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Sqdn - Middle on Outbound Leg - TAIL on the Inbound
MISSION DATE: 18 June 44
MISSION # 78 (3rd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Hamburg, Germany - Oil Refinery

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Peter DeRuyter	3				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Berend Lozeman	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Jan Revenboer	3				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Anton Scheer	3				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gust Meulink	3				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Remco Boonstra	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Willem Sluiter	3				SW-IH
PWG	S/SGT	Reinier van der Vecht	3				RTD
SWG	SGT	Lowie Baas	3				RTD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Wouter Meulen	3				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target 30%

Casualties: SGT Willem Sluiter: SW - inflamed intestines - Invalidated Home

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x2  (2)
Serious Wound (5)
S. Waist Gun destroyed (10)
Starboard Wing Root (25)

Peckham Points: 42

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 6	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
FW-190	3					2
Bf-109	3					3
TOTALS	6	0	0	0	0	5

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: SGT Willem Sluiter 
    

In Hospital: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant): A bomber crewed by Dutchmen

Outbound: The one Bf-109 in Zone 7, and the two 109s in Zone 9, were all run off by our escort.

Target Zone: Flak damaged us both during and after the Bomb  Run. The parting shot was the most dramatic, seriously wounding our Ball Gunner, destroying a waist gun, and putting a shudder into our starboard wing root. In between the Flak bursts we put a third of our bombs on target.

Inbound: Only one FW-190 made it past our Little Friends but his attempts to hit us were futile. Unfortunately Tiny Jim was not as lucky and he soon dropped out of the formation, leaving us to inherit the Tail position for the second mission in a row.  

Peter DeRuyter, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Oranjeboom : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17G: ORANJEBOOM : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 5 July 44
MISSION # 79 (4th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Gilze Rijen, Netherlands - Airfield

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Peter DeRuyter	4				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Berend Lozeman	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Jan Revenboer	4				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Anton Scheer	4				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gust Meulink	4				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Remco Boonstra	4				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Brock Ball	1				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Reinier van der Vecht	4				LW
SWG	SGT	Lowie Baas	4				KIA
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Wouter Meulen	4				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target 0%

Casualties: SGT Lowie Baas: KIA - severed hand, bled out
        S/SGT Reinier van der Vecht: LW - torn tricep - RTD 13 July 44

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x5  (5)
Light Wound (2)
KIA  (10)
Cockpit Window (10)

Peckham Points: 27

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 7	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
FW-190	5					2
Bf-109	2					1
TOTALS	7	0	0	0	0	3

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: S/SGT Reinier van der Vecht
        Purple Heart (posthumous): SGT Lowie Baas 
    

In Hospital: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant): A bomber mostly crewed by Dutchmen

A very frustrating mission. 
1. First, we were given a new Ball Gunner, to replace SGT Sluiter. The brass thought they were doing us a favor, by assigning us a man who was "Pennsylvania Dutch". But he is not Dutch, he is Pennsylvania Deutsche! A Boche! A German! Hij spreekt geen Nederland!
2. Then, crews were asking us about how we felt bombing Holland. But we are not bombing the states of Holland but Noord Brabant. I did appreciate that in the briefing Major Frazer referred to our country properly as the Netherlands. (Our Bombardier, a Limburger, wished he was bombing Holland and not his fellow Catholics in Brabant.)
3. Then, LT Revenboer totally missed the target, and only wiped out a nice herd of Dutch Holstein dairy cows.
4. Finally, as we left the target a FW-190 dived on us, hitting the waist and killing SGT Baas and knocking SGT van der Vecht out for a week.

Hopefully the brass doesn't think they are doing us a favor by assigning us a Belgian to replace Baas...

Peter DeRuyter, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Oranjeboom : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17G: ORANJEBOOM : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 12 July 44
MISSION # 80 (5th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Munich, Germany

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Peter DeRuyter	4				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Berend Lozeman	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Jan Revenboer	4				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Anton Scheer	4				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gust Meulink	4				RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Remco Boonstra	4				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Brock Ball	1				RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Harvey Mariner	7				RTD	Temporary Spare
SWG	S/SGT	Jeff Woodside	3				RTD	PH
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Wouter Meulen	4				RTD

Bomb Run: DNB - Aborted Mission in Zone One due to Oil Leak

Casualties: None
        S/SGT Reinier van der Vecht: LW - torn tricep - RTD 13 July 44

B-17 Damage: 
Mechanical Failure: Engine #3 Oil Leak began while still forming up 

Peckham Points: 20

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Peter DeRuyter, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Oranjeboom : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17G: ORANJEBOOM : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Sqdn - LEAD
MISSION DATE: 23 July 44
MISSION # 81 (6th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Creiel, France- Airdrome

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Peter DeRuyter	5				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Berend Lozeman	5				SW
Bombardier	2 LT	Jan Revenboer	5				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Anton Scheer	5				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gust Meulink	5		.5	.5	RTD
Radioman	T/SGT	Remco Boonstra	5				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Brock Ball	2		1	0	RTD
PWG	S/SGT	Reinier van der Vecht	5				LW	PH
SWG	S/SGT	Jeff Woodside	4				LW
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Wouter Meulen	5		.5	.5	RTD

Bomb Run: On Target 40%

Casualties: 2LT Berend Lozeman: SW - broken fibula - assigned to ground duties - Return to flying duties 15 NOV 44
        S/SGT Reinier van der Vecht: LW - broken nose - RTD 13 AUG 44
        S/SGT Jeff Woodside: LW - neck grazed - RTD 16 JUL 44

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x12  (12)
Light Wound (2)
SW  (5)
Radio destroyed (10)
Rudder (10)
S. Elevator out (10)
Bombardier Heat out (10)

Peckham Points: 59

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 9	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	4			1		3
Bf-110	2	1	0	1
FW-190	2					2
ME-210	1	1	1
TOTALS	9	2	1	2	0	5

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 2LT Berend Lozeman, S/SGT Reinier van der Vecht, S/SGT Jeff Woodside
        Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: 1LT Peter DeRuyter, 2LT Benard Lozeman, 2LT Jan Revenboer, 2LT Anton Scheer, T/SGT Gust Meulink, T/SGT Remco Boonstra, S/SGT Reinier van der Vecht, S/SGT Woulter Meulen
    

In Hospital: Everyone was flying today. (Three going into the hospital after this mission.)

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant): A bomber mostly crewed by Dutchmen

We had the honor of flying as the 80th Squadron lead this mission. We expected extra action at 12 o'clock thus were caught off guard that only four of the nine bandits that headed our direction were pointed towards our nose.

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report.

TARGET ZONE - 5B: One wave, comprised of four bandits, converged on Oranjeboom as the formation began its dance at the Initial Point. Multiple passes were made by those that avoided the escort. The ME-210 that tried to slip in behind us was dismantled by the Top and Tail turrets. In spite of witnesses that sting in our tail a 109 made two successive passes from 6 o'clock. Most damage was inconsequential, but that is when our two Waist Gunners were wounded.

Bombs were released at the designated release point. (40% on target)

Two 190s tried to come in at 12 o'clock, and our depleted escort interposed themselves between us and those Butcher Birds, deterring both attackers.

INBOUND: As we were about to cross the French coast, three bandits made a beeline for the Oranjeboom. One fell to our Little Friends, one was ripped to shreds by our Ball Gunner, along with it seems every other Ball Gunner in the Squadron. The remaining attacker walked hits from our tail to our nose. This is when my Co-Pilot was seriously wounded. After administering First Aid to 2LT Lozeman, my Engineer took over the Co-pilot's seat, while my Bombardier - who had lost his heat - took over the Top Turret.

Safe landing.

Since my Co-Pilot is from the occupied Netherlands he could not be sent home, therefore once he is released from the hospital he'll have a desk job until he is cleared to fly again.

Peter DeRuyter, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Oranjeboom : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

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B-17G: ORANJEBOOM : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Sqdn - Middle
MISSION DATE: 4 AUG 44
MISSION # 82 (7th mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Peenemunde, Germany - Luftwaffe Experimental V-Rocket Station


CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Peter DeRuyter	6				SW - Interned
Copilot	2 LT	Gino Papalia	1				KIA	From Spare Pool
Bombardier	2 LT	Jan Revenboer	6				SW-DOW
Navigator	2 LT	Anton Scheer	6				LW - Interned
Engineer	T/SGT	Gust Meulink	6	.5			Interned
Radioman	T/SGT	Remco Boonstra	6				Interned
Ball Gunner	SGT	Brock Ball	3				LW - Interned
PWG	S/SGT	Art Witkowski	1		.5	.5	Interned	From Spare Pool
SWG	SGT	Dave Watson	1		.5	.5	Interned	From Spare Pool
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Wouter Meulen	6	.5			Interned

Bomb Run: On Target 60%

Casualties:

1LT Peter DeRuyter: SW – broken ribs and inflamed lung
2LT Gino Papalia: KIA – shell fragment pierces temple
2LT Jan Revenboer: SW-DOW – shattered right arm, blood loss, dies of wound
2LT Anton Scheer: LW – torn pectorial muscles
SGT Brock Ball: LW – torn sternocleidomastoid (neck) muscles

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x10 (10)
Structural x1 (5)
KIA Wound (10)
Serious Wound x2 (10)
Light Wound x1 (2)
PW Inboard Fuel Tank – Self Seal (10)
PW Outboard Fuel Tank – LEAK (10)
Port Waist Gun destroyed (10)
#2 Engine – out (40)
Bomb Release destroyed (10)
Bomb Controls destroyed (10)
Oxygen out: Tail (10)
Heat out: Navigator (10)
Heat out: Ball Gunner (10)
Radio destroyed (10)
Crash Landing (111)

Peckham Points: 278

B-17 Disposition: Crash Landing at Malmo, Sweden – CAT-E 

Attackers: 25	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	4					2
Bf-110	5	1	1		1	2
FW-190	13			1	2	5
ME-410	1					1
Ju88	2					2
TOTALS	25	1	1	1	3	12

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: 1LT Peter DeRuyter, 2LT Anton Scheer, SGT Brock Ball
            Purple Heart (posthumous): 2LT Gino Papalia, 2LT Jan Revenboer
  

In Hospital or grounded back at Sudbury: Three men, who will now be transferred to the Spare Pool
        2LT Berend Lozeman: Return to flying duties 15 NOV 44
        S/SGT Reinier van der Vecht: RTD 13 AUG 44
        S/SGT Jeff Woodside: RTD 16 AUG 44

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant): A bomber mostly crewed by Dutchmen

As communicated by 1LT Peter DeRuyter from his hospital bed, to the American Counsel in Malmo, Sweden.

OUTBOUND - ZONES 1-6: Nothing to Report.

ZONE 7: Light Flak crossing the coastline was far from our bomber.

ZONE 8: Enemy Fighters keep their distance. (Random Event: Lady Luck Smile)

ZONE 9: Two waves attacked our formation. Four out of the five bandits heading our way were deterred by our escort. The surviving 190 missed us and kept on going.

ZONE 10: Nothing to Report. The Boche must be regrouping and rearming while they try to discern our Target for Today.

TARGET ZONE 11: Two more waves. The first wave was run off by our Little Friends, leaving the second wave to penetrate the Combat Box where a Butcher Bird perforated out port wing. Two fuel leaks resulted, and one did not self seal.

Flak removed the Port Waist Gun from its mount. Then, finally some good news as 60% of our bombs hit the buildings at the northern edge of our targeted area, resulting in a number of secondary explosions.

The Luftwaffe was waiting for the 509th to emerge from the Flak zone. Three waves comprised of nine E/A had their guns pointed at Oranjeboom. The first wave of four 109s saw half of their number culled out by our escort. We traded misses with the remaining two.

Then the second wave of three featured an Ace in a 190. He got passed the Escort, knocking out our #2 engine and seriously wounding me. I had a number of broken ribs and found it difficult to breathe. My Co-Pilot calmly assumed control, while my Engineer – after damaging that Ace – eased me out of my seat and took my place. Our Port Waist Gunner, who had lost his gun to Flak, moved up, made me comfortable and took over the Top Turret.

There was one more wave heading our way, a couple Ju-88s, that didn’t make it passed the P-51s.

The fuel leak was persisting and quick calculations showed we would not make it back to England. The decision was made to turn north for Sweden. Oranjeboom left the formation and descended to 8000 feet, hoping to hide in the clouds.

OVER THE BALTIC SEA: The Luftwaffe tracked us down on our run for the Swedish border. First three Butcher Birds appeared and earned their gruesome nickname. Our evasive maneuvers seemed to impact our gunners more than the Germans. After three passes we damage one fighter but in exchange:
• My Co-pilot was dead from a shell fragment piercing his temple.
• My Bombardier’s right arm was shattered and he was unconscious.
• My Navigator was bloodied but still fighting.
• Radio destroyed.
• Hits to Oxygen and additional Heating stations were inconsequential at 8000 feet.
Our Navigator crawled up to take over for our co-pilot, whose body was placed in the Bomb Bay as reverently as possible.

Three more bandits appeared; Bf-110s and this time it was a different story. One attacker spiraled into the Baltic, another damaged, and all the hits to Oranjeboom seemed to be superficial.

Malmo, Sweden: The Engineer and Navigator seemed to be doing fine flying the B-17, but neither had ever landed one. It was decided to have all the able bodied crew bailout over Malmo while my Bombardier and I would be secured in the Radio Room. It was discovered that LT Revenboer had lost a lot of blood loss during the forty minutes since our encounter with the 190s. The tourniquet on his arm was tighten and we prepared for landing.

The five enlisted men jumped from Oranjeboom. I understand that SGT Ball landed badly and tore a number of neck muscles, and is in a bed down the hall from me. As for Oranjeboom, the bomber landed awkwardly, crashing and erupted into a ball of flames…. Oh wait, that Lady Luck Smile from Zone 8! Reroll! Oranjeboom’s port wing digs into the ground ripping off. Fortuitously, most of the fuel had leaked out so no fireball. Minor bumps and bruises were all that the four of us remaining onboard suffered, but LT Revenboer passed away within the hour while the doctors were amputating his arm.

So I guess we get to spend the rest of the war in Sweden.

Peter DeRuyter, 1 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: Oranjeboom : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17G: MOUNTAIN DEW: B-17G-90BO 43-38594
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 11 AUG 44
MISSION # 83 (1st mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Brest, France- Coastal Batteries

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2 LT	Cleavon McCoy	1				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Delmont Hatfield	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Tommy Lee Perkins	1				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Winchester Lee	1				RTD
Engineer	S/SGT	Rebel Stewart	1				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Jackson Morris	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bubba Kimble	1				RTD
PWG	SGT	Jeb Adams	1				RTD
SWG	SGT	Hoyt Thompson	1				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Joe Bob Watson	1				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target - 40%

Casualties: None
      

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x2  (2)
S. Aileron out (10) 

Peckham Points: 12

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 7	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109
Bf-110	1
FW-190	6			1	2	1
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	7	0	0	1	2	1

Award/Promotion Requests: None

In Hospital: Everyone was flying today.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant + Jasta6’s GAF Placement Variant)

OUTBOUND – Zone 6: Our first look at a FW-190 was brief, as our Little Friends shoo’d him away.

TARGET ZONE - 8: Multiple waves, which seemed somewhat unorganized. If all the bandits had shown up at the same time it would have been a circus. The first wave was discouraged by the defensive fire of the formation. The second wave saw a single 190 get through near us only to be significantly damaged by our Top Turret – count that as a Probable. In the third wave three 190s took advantage of our preoccupied escort and made their runs at our Flying Fortress. We damaged one attacker, and LT Lee swears he would have gotten a kill but he was overly stimulated and jammed his Cheek Gun.

Finally the Germans figured out a way to hit us as a flak burst removed our starboard aileron.

Bombs were released at the designated release point. (40% on target)

Leaving the target we faced our sixth 190 of the day, and finally the Luftwaffe hit us, as we traded superficial damage with the Kraut. Then, for a change of pace the Luftwaffe threw a Bf-110 at us.

INBOUND – Zone 7: Again, the defensive gunnery of the 509th kept the Germans away.

INBOUND – Zone 6: LT Lee finally cleared the jam from his Cheek Gun.

Safe landing.

Cleavon McCoy, 2 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: MOUNTAIN DEW : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17G: MOUNTAIN DEW: B-17G-90BO 43-38594
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 27 AUG 44
MISSION # 84 (2nd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Esbjerg, Denmark - Airfield

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2 LT	Cleavon McCoy	2				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Delmont Hatfield	2				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Tommy Lee Perkins	2				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Winchester Lee	2				RTD
Engineer	S/SGT	Rebel Stewart	2				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Jackson Morris	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bubba Kimble	2				RTD
PWG	SGT	Jeb Adams	2				RTD
SWG	SGT	Hoyt Thompson	2				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Joe Bob Watson	2				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target - 40%

Casualties: None
      

B-17 Damage:  None 

Peckham Points: 0

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 7	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	1					1
Bf-110
FW-190
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410	2					2
TOTALS	7	0	0	0	0	3

Award/Promotion Requests: None

In Hospital: Everyone was flying today.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant + Jasta6’s GAF Placement Variant)

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report.

TARGET ZONE 8: Enemy fighters were either driven off by our Little Friends, or by the defensive gunnery of other bombers.

INBOUND: Nothing to Report.

Safe landing.

Cleavon McCoy, 2 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: MOUNTAIN DEW : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17G: MOUNTAIN DEW: B-17G-90BO 43-38594
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 10 SEP 44
MISSION # 85 (3rd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Stuttgart, Germany - Marshalling Yard

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2 LT	Cleavon McCoy	3				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Delmont Hatfield	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Tommy Lee Perkins	3				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Winchester Lee	3				RTD
Engineer	S/SGT	Rebel Stewart	3				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Jackson Morris	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bubba Kimble	3				RTD
PWG	SGT	Jeb Adams	3				RTD
SWG	SGT	Hoyt Thompson	3				KIA
Tail Gunner	SGT	Joe Bob Watson	3				RTD

Bomb Run: On Target - 40%

Casualties: SGT Hoyt Thompson: KIA
      

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x3 (3)
Port inboard Fuel Tank - Seal Sealed (10)
KIA Wound (10)

Peckham Points: 23

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 2	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	2					2
Bf-110
FW-190
Ju88
ME-210
ME-410
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	0	2

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart (posthumous): SGT Hoyt Thompson

In Hospital: Everyone was flying today.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant + Jasta6’s GAF Placement Variant)

OUTBOUND: Nothing to Report.

TARGET ZONE 8: Enemy fighters were driven off by our Little Friends, or were too busy savaging the Low Squadron. On the other hand, the Flak hit us both coming and going, killing our Starboard Waist Gunner. 

INBOUND: Nothing to Report.

Safe landing.

Cleavon McCoy, 2 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: MOUNTAIN DEW : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[limburger59]

B-17G: MOUNTAIN DEW: B-17G-90BO 43-38594
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle 
Mission Date: 9 October 1944

Mission: 86 (4th Mission this Bomber)
Target: Schweinfurt, Germany - Ball bearing factory & cycle and clutch works

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	2 LT	Cleavon McCoy	4				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Delmont Hatfield	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Tommy Lee Perkins	4				KIA
Navigator	2 LT	Winchester Lee	4				RTD
Engineer	S/SGT	Rebel Stewart	4		.5	.5	RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Jackson Morris	4				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bubba Kimble	4		.5	.5	RTD
PWG	SGT	Jeb Adams	4				RTD
SWG	S/SGT	Cliff Skahill	4				RTD	from Spare Pool
Tail Gunner	SGT	Joe Bob Watson	4				RTD

Bomb Run: Off Target - 0%

Casualties: 2LT Tommy Lee Perkins : KIA
      

B-17 Damage: 
Superficial x2 (2)
Structural N/E (5)
Rubber Rafts destroyed (10)
KIA Wound (10)

Peckham Points: 27

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Sudbury, England 

Attackers: 19	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	1	1	1			0
Bf-110	1					1
FW-190	14				1	8
Ju88	1					1
ME-210
ME-410	2			1
TOTALS	19	1	1	1	1	10

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart (posthumous): 2LT Tommy Lee Perkins

In Hospital: Everyone was flying today.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant)

OUTBOUND: Two waves of enemy fighters in Zone 8. The only 109 we saw close up was the only fighter that our gunners were able to destroy.

TARGET ZONE 8: A repeat of our previous mission, in that the only damage suffered was due to Flak, and sadly the worse result of the Flak like last time was another crew man KIA. This time it was our Bombardier, just seconds before "Bombs Away!". Four out of six bandits got past the escort, but seemed to be too busy looking over their shoulders as their shells didn't come close.

INBOUND: Enemy Fighters in Zones 8, 7, and 6 futilely tried to hit us. Our gunners damaged two .

Safe landing.

Cleavon McCoy, 2 LT, USAAF, Commanding
B-17: MOUNTAIN DEW : B-17G-90BO 43-38544
80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group