crushedhat

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 20 Mar 44
MISSION NBR. 15/This Bomber 14
TARGET: Bolzano, Italy - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (14) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (14) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (14) [4 1/2]
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (13) [2 2/3]
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (14) [18 2/3] LC
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (14) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (14) [10 1/3] LC
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (14) [2 1/3]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (8) [1/2]
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (14) [10 5/6] LC
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered: None

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
None

Bomb Run: DNB

B-24 Damage: Suit Heat System Failure: Mechanical Failure (10)
Peckham Points: 10 Peckham Points, AC ready 21 Mar 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests: None

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

The propellers are still rotating as Capt Paul Garfield jumps down onto the tarmac under Laid Back Lady. Watching from the sideline, TSgt James Mason braces himself for the coming storm. Mason’s preparation is not unwarranted as, coming up to his nose, Garfield throws his hat down and begins to lay into Lady’s crew chief. Mason’s team cringes as the irate Capt unloads a profanity laced stream of invective. Lady’s crew smiles. Relieved that they are not the target.

The show continues until the arrival of the 6x6 prompts 2LT Elliott Peterson to cautiously intervene. “Sir, our ride’s here.”

Garfield delivers a few last lines then turns and begins to stomp off, only to turn back and retrieve his discarded hat. As Lady’s crew piles into the 6-by, Mason reverses roles, tearing into his own team.

Another disappointing mission as the failure of the suit heat system, the second time in as many missions, causes an abort. We were barely 100 miles into the mission when we dumped our bombs into the Adriatic and turned back to Giulia. To say the least, I let TSgt Mason know my thoughts on the so-called maintenance being performed. Given that this problem doesn’t seem to be confined to our crew, I recommend that all leave for 78th Squadron maintenance personnel be cancelled until the situation improves.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 22 Mar 44
MISSION NBR. 16/This Bomber 14
TARGET: Verona, Italy - Airdrome Dispersal Areas
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: High Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (14) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (14) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (14) [4 1/2]
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (13) [2 2/3] #
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (14) [18 2/3] LC #
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (14) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (14) [10 1/3] LC *
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (14) [2 1/3] #
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (8) [1/2] #
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (14) [10 5/6] LC **
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 4=2 KIA, 1 to P-38, 1 Undamaged (2 Ace)
Me 109 12=2 KIA, 2 Damaged, 6 to P-38, 1 Undamaged (3 Green)
Re 2001 1=1KIA (1 Ace)
17

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Me 109
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle: ½ Re 2001
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: ½ Fw 190, 1/3 Me 109

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x 3 (6), Rt Wing Root x1 (25)
Peckham Points: 31 Peckham Points, AC ready 23 Mar 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests: None

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

“Looks like that ass-chewing I gave Mason did some good,” Capt Paul Garfield smiles atr his co-pilot, 2LT Elliott Peterson. After having to abort eh last two missions due to mechanical failures, this time Laid Back Lady manages to assume the position as Squadron Lead.

“Yeah,” Peterson responds, adding under his breath, “So far.”

It appeared that the morale talk I gave to TSgt Mason and his crew paid off as, unlike that last two times, we managed to stay in the air this mission.

As briefed, we ran into the Luftwaffe near Arcona (Zone 4). Two Me 109s bore in on us only to be chased off the boys of the 1st FG. WE hit the Italian coast (Zone 6), but weren’t bothered by any bandits. The coastal flak was desultory at best.

We were challenged by four 109s on target ingress (Zone 7). Two fell to the P-38s and we sent the other two limping for home. Flak was the biggest problem. Though light as briefed, several shells burst near enough to pepper Lady enough to damage the right wing root. The effect of missing the last two missions was evident in 2LT Martell only putting about 20% of bombs within the CEP.

The absence of flak on target egress meant the skies were wide open for Jerry, Multiple waves of EA hitting us. First in was a trio of 109s. The lightnings got two and we flamed the third. Then it as a pair of 109s and an Re 2001 bearing the triple axe. One 109 fell to the 1st FG and we knocked the other two bandits out of the sky, although the Kraut managed to put a few holes in us. After that, the crew was feeling pretty lucky (OOC – Random Event: Ace for a Day).

As we headed back over the Adriatic (Zone 6) we encountered more EA, though none sought to brave the combined fire of the formation to reach us. Just as well, as TSgt Newton reported the power on his turret failed. Fortunately he was able to bring it back on line before our next encounter. Again, the coastal flak was ineffective.

Opposite Arcona (Zone 4) we ran into more fighters, four FWs and a 109. The Lightnings chased off one 190 and we managed to down tow others without suffering any significant damage. While we could see another wave of EA forming up, they didn’t press home the attack. The same was true for the bandits we encountered a little later (Zone 3). After that, it was like a Sunday drive back to Giulia and landing.

TSgt Mason says he’ll look into the top turret power and otherwise should have Lady ready to fly again tomorrow.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 26 Mar 44
MISSION NBR. 17/This Bomber 15
TARGET: Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Low Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (15) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (15) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (15) [4 1/2]
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (14) [3 1/6]
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (15) [19 1/6] LC *
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (15) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (15) [11 1/3] LC #
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (15) [2 5/6]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (9) [1]
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (15) [12 5/6] LC *#
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 4=1 KIA, 3 Damaged (1 Green)
Me 110 2=1 KIA, 1 to P-38 (1 Ace)
Me 109 4=1 KIA, 2 to P-38, 1 Undamaged (1 Green)
10

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Me 110, ½ Fw 190

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

B-24 Damage: Lt cheek Gun Inop (10)
Peckham Points: 10 Peckham Points, AC ready 27 Mar 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield: Air Medal 2nd OLC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson: Air Medal 2nd OLC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: Air Medal 2nd OLC
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Air Medal 3rd OLC
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson: Air Medal 2nd OLC
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Air Medal 3rd OLC
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Air Medal 2nd OLC
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Air Medal 2nd & 3rd OLC (one for achieving recognized Ace status)

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…Come on! Come on!” Sgt Joe Blaston says into the confined space of the ball turret. “Five,” he repeats with resignation as no more chutes appear from The Talkin Texan.

Over the interphone, Sgt Doug Richard calmly states, “Talkin Texan down. Orange’s Crate now Tail-End-Charlie.” The Talkin Texan won’t be the last plane to fall out of formation this mission.

With relatively clear skies, takeoff and assembly went smoothly and we wee soon winging our way over the blue waters of the Adriatic. As we hit the enemy cost (Zone 4) we could see bandits forming up, but none bothered us. Then, as we were making our turn to the SE (Zone 5), a trio of M 109s bore in. The boys of the 1st FG chased off tow and the third one dove past us so fast neither he nor TSgt Newton were able to get in an effective shot.

While there were enemy fighters defending the target (Zone 7), none bothered us on target ingress. Flak was a different story, one shell exploding right off the port nose and knocking out the left cheek gun, not to mention rattling LTs Martell and Ellison. Maybe that’s why 2LT Martell only achieved 20% on target.

A couple of waves of EA hit the formation on target egress. While none bothered us, the same can’ be said for others. The Talkin Texan in TEC got hit. Five chutes were reported. Orange’s Crate took over Tail as we headed for home.

As we settled on the bearing for Giulia (Zone 5) things got intense. Other than chasing off a bandit from the first wave, the Lightnings were busy elsewhere, leaving us to fend for ourselves; not that we didn’t do a good job of it, downing two and damaging the other three fighters that came at us in three waves: two Me 110s including the one the 1st got, and four Fw 190s.

Nearing the coast (Zone 4) we knocked an Me 109 out of the sky. Orange’s Crate fell out of formation to be replaced in the Tail by Stupid Dragon. AS we headed out over the Adriatic (Zone 3), the spare bomber, Kipling’s Error, fell out of formation. I sure hope all those boys made it home.

With our only damage being the left cheek gun, Laid Back Lady should be ready to fly the next mission.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 29 Mar 44
MISSION NBR. 18/This Bomber 16
TARGET: Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (16) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (16) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (16) [4 1/2]
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (15) [3 1/6]
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (16) [20 1/6] LC ***
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (16) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (16) [11 5/6] LC
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (16) [2 5/6]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (10) [1]
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (16) [14 1/3] LC
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 2=2 to P-38
Me 109 15=3 KIA, 3 Damaged, 6 to P-38, 3 Undamaged (3 Ace, 2 Green)
17

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: ½ Me 109

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x1 (2)
Peckham Points: 2 Peckham Points, AC ready 30 Mar 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison: Air Medal, 2nd Oak Leaf
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle: Air Medal, 1st Oak Leaf

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

While the lousy weather at takeoff may have caused some problems with the assembly, the formation was on its way soon enough. We linked up with the 82nd FG, which, as it turned out, was a good thing for us.

Jerry hit us when they first said he would, near Pristina (Zone 7), two waves of two Me 109s, each led by an Ace, bearing in. The Lightnings chased one off from the first wave and our double Ace gunner, TSgt Newton flamed the other. One bandit hit us, causing a few tenses seconds as 20mm rattled around in the bomb bay. Sgt Richard made sure he didn’t come back for more.

On target Ingress (Zone 9) we were challenged by an FW, chased off by the 82nd, and three 109s. WE sent one of the 109s off trailing thick smoke. Flak was light and inaccurate. Even so, 2LT Martell only managed a disappointing 20% on target.

While there was no flak coming off the target, there were plenty of bandits. Fortunately for us, the first wave sought their fortune elsewhere. Three Me 109s from the second wave made for us. The boys from the 82nd got one, TSgt Newton claimed another, and Sgt Richard sent the third limping for home.

Shortly after crossing back into Albania (Zone 8) we ran into more bandits. By now the boys in the Lightnings were feeling their oats, chasing off both 109s in the first wave and discouraging a follow-up act by the second wave. Then near Tropoje (Zone 6), drove off another three 109s, two in the first wave and one in the second. TSgt Newton finished the sweep by downing the remaining second wave 109, though the Gunnery Review Board apparently gave that one to the 82nd as well.

After that, we had a minor glitch over the Adriatic (Zone 4), when Sgt Richard reported a failure of the tail turret power. Thankfully we didn’t need it and it was back on line in short order (Zone 3). Still, I want TSgt Mason to check it out.

By our return, the skies had cleared over Giulia as promised and there were no problems with the landing. Other than a few bullet holes in the bomb bay and the erratic tail turret, there is little enough for TSgt Mason and his crew to fix. Lady should be ready to fly again tomorrow.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 2 Apr 44
MISSION NBR. 19/This Bomber 17
TARGET: San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Middle, Lead from Zone 4 IB


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (17) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (17) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (17) [4 1/2]
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (16) [3 1/6]
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (17) [23 1/6] LC
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (17) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (17) [11 5/6] LC
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (17) [2 5/6]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (11) [1] LC
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (17) [14 1/3] LC
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered: None

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
None

Bomb Run: ON Target, 40%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x1 (2), Ball Turret Mechanism Inop (20)
Peckham Points: 22 Peckham Points, AC ready 3 Apr 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests: None

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

After spending the entire flight home trapped in the inoperable ball turret, Sgt Joe Blaston tries not to think about what might happen during landing. “At least the Skipper and Peterson are experienced pilots,” he seeks to reassure himself. As the bomber descends, and the ground seems to be reaching up to smash him, Blaston considers shutting his eyes. But a morbid fascination keeps him from doing so. Still, he reflexively recoils back into the turret as, landing, the runway races be a mere foot below him.

When the mechanics finally get Blaston out of the turret they ask, “You OK , Joe?”

“Yeah,” Blaston replies as nonchalantly as he can. “But I think I’ll need a new heat suit.” The aroma coming out of the ball turret and wafting around Sgt Blaston leaves little doubt as to what he is referring to.

This was a relatively uneventful mission, though I’m sure Sgt Blaston has a different impression, being trapped in the ball turret by a flak hit on target ingress and having to ride it out through the landing.

The only EA we saw were when we were heading out over the Tyrrhenian Sea (Zone 3). And then, we only saw them from a distance. The skies over the target (Zone 6) were surprisingly empty of enemy fighters. The same can’t be said for the flak. As already mentioned, we took a couple of hits on target ingress. While one did little damage, the other knocked out the ball turret mechanism, trapping Sgt Blaston for the duration of the mission and the landing.

Coming off the target (Zone 5) Black Shadow, flying Squadron Lead, had to fall out of formation and we took over for the journey home.

With the improved weather at Giulia the landing went off without a hitch and, once on the hardstand, TSgt Mason and his crew worked to get Sgt Blaston out of he ball turret. While Sgt Blaston is understandably shaken up, he is otherwise fit for duty; as are the rest of the crew and Lady herself.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 5 Apr 44
MISSION NBR. 20/This Bomber 18
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Low Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (18) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (18) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (18) [4 1/2] *##
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (17) [3 1/6] ##
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (18) [23 1/6] LC *****### LW-RTD 6 Apr
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (18) [0] LC LW-RTD 6 Apr
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (18) [11 5/6] LC ###
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (18) [2 5/6] ##### LW x2-RTD 8 Apr
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle, (12) [1] LC SW-DOW
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (18) [14 1/3] LC *****#
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 8=1 KIA, 3 Damaged, 1 to P-47, 3 to P-38(1 Ace, 2 Green)
Me109 24=10 KIA, 8 Damaged, 2 to P-38, 4 Undamaged (11 Ace, 3 Green)
Me 110 4=3 KIA, 1 to P-47 (2 Ace)
Me 210 2=2 KIA (2 Green)
Me 410 1=1 to P-38
Ju 88 4=2 KIA, 2 Damaged (1 Ace)
IAR80 1=1 KIA (1 Green)
44

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: 2 Me 109
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison: IAR80, ½ Me 210
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: 4 Me 109
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Fw 190, Me 110
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: ½ Me 110, IAR80
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: 1 ½ Me 110, 5/6 Me 109

Bomb Run: DNB

B-24 Damage: Superficial x19 (38), LW x4 (8), Sw x1 (5), Tail Suit Heat Out (10), #3 Engine Out (15+25), Radio Out (10), BT Mechanism Inop (20), LT Wing Root x1 (25), Bombsight (10), Rt Wing Flap Inop (10), Instrument: Aielrons (10), BT Suit Heat Out (10), LW Gun Inop (10), Instrument: Prop Feathering (10), Autopilot: Mechanical Failure (10), Top Turret Power: Mechanical Failure (20)
Peckham Points: 246 Peckham Points (-5 Landing Mod), Ac ready 11 Apr 44.

Casualties:
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: LW-RTD 6 Apr
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson: LW-RTD 6 Apr
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: LW x2-RTD 8 Apr
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle: SW-DOW

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Air Medal, 4th Oak Leaf for achieving Triple Ace Status; Purple Heart
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson: Purple Heart
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Purple Heart, 4th award
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt John Ringle: Purple Heart, posthumous

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

“Looks like that last pass took out #3,” 2LT Elliott Peterson informs Capt Paul Garfield.

“Feather it,” Garfield answers.

“Right,” Peterson says as he reaches for the switch. “I’ll let Danny know to inform the Squadron we’re aborting.”

“Negative,” Garfield replies. For a moment Peterson worries that his CO may opt to continue the mission alone, as they won’t be able to stay in formation on three engines with a full bomb load. Garfield’s crazy enough to try such a thing.

“Instead Grafield tells the bombardier, “Charlie, Jettison the bombs.” Turning to Peterson he explains, “We may not be able to bomb the target, but we can still lead the formation and add our guns to the supporting fire.”

Knowing there is little point I arguing with Garfield, Peterson sighs and settles in for a long flight.

Takeoff and assembly went well. He Luftwaffe showed up as briefed once we hit the enemy coast (Zone 4). A pair of 110s and a 109 made for us. The boys of the 325th chased off one bandit and we made short work of the other two, including an ace.

Near Novibazur (Zone 5) we ran into more EA, four FWs and a 109. The Jugs drove off one of the 190s, leaving us to deal with the other four bandits. While we flamed two and managed to tag the other two, we took our lumps as well, the most serious being the loss of the #3 engine, Sgt Richard’s heat going out, and Sgt Ringle taking an abdominal hit. With the loss of #3, I had to jettison the bombs in order to remain in formation and continue to lead the Squadron. Sgt Ringle was moved to the radio room and made as comfortable as possible. With not immediate enemy action expected, Sgt Richard moved to the waist for heat.

At the Bulgaria/Romania border (Zone 9), we saw some fighters forming up, but none bothered us. As we approached the Saltin-Gatia line (Zone 11) Sgt Richard moved back to man the tail gun, figuring her could withstand the cold a little while. It’s a good thing he did as it hit the fan. First up was a pair of Me 110s, an Me 109, and a Romanian IAR80. While the Romania pilot seemed pretty green, two of the Luftwaffe fighters sported plenty of kill marks. While they knocked out or radio, only the Romanian pilot made it home. Then we hit a cold spell and 2LT Martell reported the nose gun was froze solid. This was followed up by five 109s. They managed to knock out the ball turret, trapping Sgt Blaston inside, at a cost of two bandits down ands another trailing thick smoke.

Target ingress (Zone 12) started with a pair of Me 210s and a 109. While the 109 was an ace, the 210s seemed pretty green. All three bandits went down, though not before destroying the bombsight. Fortunately, with no bombs on board we didn’t need it. The second wave was occupied elsewhere and left us alone. The third attacking wave consisted of a pair of Ju 88s and an Me 109. One of the 88s got shot out of the sky and the 109 was limping for home. While heavy, the flak missed us. With no bombs to drop and his gun not working, 2LT Martell had more than enough time to brin the nose gun back into operation.

Flak on target egress was not a problem, but we came out of it into a hornet’s nest. Four 109s bore in. One Jerry hit the silk and we nagged up a couple of others. One must’ve been either crazy or very inexperienced as he almost rammed us; one of three close calls this mission. Once again, he second wave was too busy harassing others to bother us. The third wav included a pair of 88s, and a 109. Jerry was able to take out the Rt wing flap at the cost of two fighters and their crews. By now Sgt Richard was starting to feel the cold, so he moved back to the waist.

Heading back home (Zone 11), another three waves of EA struck about the time the autopilot went on the fritz. The first wave was a 190 and 109 from the Luftwaffe as well as a Romanian 109. The Romanian pilot was good, knocking out the aileron controls, the left waist gun, the O2 for the ball turret, and wounding TSgt Newton in a series of passes before we finally knocked him out of the sky. Surprisingly, the second wave again left us alone. Not so the third. Three 109s, two of them aces, hit us. They took out the prop feathering controls and wounded Sgt Carson, though not so badly that he couldn’t soldier on. While we didn’t flame any of these guys, we did send two off trailing oily smoke. From the ball turret, Sgt Blaston reported Pleasant Surprise going down. He couonted eight chutes, though one was in flames. With Sgt Blaston trapped in the ball turret and no oxygen, I had no choice but to drop out of formation and descend to angels 10.

Near Craiova (Zone 10) we Ran into a pair of 109s. By now, some Lightnings form the 1st FG found us and chased off one bandit while we made short work of the other. Being at low altitude, we did experience some ground fire, but suffered no damage.

As we crossed into Bulgaria (Zone 9) we took advantage of the temporary lull in the action to shift some ammo around as some of the guns were almost empty. Entering Yugoslavia (Zone 8) we saw some enemy fighters in the distance, but none approached. While we’d been experiencing sporadic fire form the ground, it finally had a telling effect (Zone 7), wounding Sgt Carson a second time; he’s asking if he qualifies for two Purple Hearts.

Back at the coast (Zone 4) we ran into more enemy fighters. Our personal escort of P-38s took out three of the four bandits in the first wave; a pair of FWs and an Me 410, while we made short work of the remaining 109. The Lightnings chased off the 190 and 109 that made up the second wave, and discouraging anyone form following us out over the Adriatic.

As we prepared to land the power for the top turret failed. At least it waited till now. With one engine out and no aileron controls the landing was a bit dicey, especially for Sgt Blaston trapped int eh ball turret. This is the second such landing in a row for him and I’d like the Flight Surgeon to have a talk with Sgt Blaston. Needless to say, TSgt Mason wasn’t very happy with what we did to ’his bird.’ After a thorough scolding, he tentatively promised to have Lady back in shape in about a week. Doc says that while TSgt Newton and Sgt Garson will be back on Flight Status tomorrow, Sgt Carson will require a few days of hospitalization. Unfortunately, Sgt Ringle succumbed to his injuries. That’s the third right waist gunner we’ve lost. I hope the next one isn’t superstitious.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

New Crewman: Right Waist Gunner Sgt Ralph Burgess, replacing Sgt John Ringle, DOW mission 20.

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 12 April 44
MISSION NBR. 21/This Bomber 18
TARGET: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Aircraft Assembly Plant
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (19) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (19) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (19) [6 1/2]
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (18) [4 1/6]
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (19) [29 2/3] LC
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (19) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (19) [13 1/3] LC *
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (19) [5 1/3]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Ralph Burgess (1) [0]
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (19) [19 5/6] LC *
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 4=1 KIA, 1 Damaged, 2 to P-51 (1 Ace)
Me 109 8=1 KIA, 2 Damaged, 4 to P-51, 1 Undamaged (1 Ace, 2 green)
12

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: ½ Me 109
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Fw 190

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x3 (6)
Peckham Points: 6 Peckham Points, AC ready 13 Apr 44

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests: None

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
2LT Charels Martell reflexively ducks as the enemy fighter veers off from a certain collision at the last minute. He swears under his breath, at least he thinks he does. TSgt Michael Newton has a similar reaction as the enemy fight’s spinning propeller comes within inches of slicing through the plexiglass dome of his top turret. Both men find that they were not as silent as they though when Capt Paul Garfield’s voice comes over the intercom “Let’s keep the chatter professional.”

Takeoff and assembly were uneventful, as was the flight across the Adriatic. While we saw some enemy fighters over Yugoslavia (Zone 4), none bothered us.

Once into Hungary (Zone 8) we were challenged by a pair of Me 109, one Luftwaffe, one Hungarian. The P-51 chased off the Hungarian fighter and while we exchanged fire with the other bandit, neither side did much serious damage.

As we approached the target (Zone 9), 2LT Martell reported that the bomb bay doors wouldn’t open. With no EA bothering us, TSgt Newton went to see what he could do about the situation, getting the doors to function. While no bandits bothered us on target ingress, we did experience some nearby flak bursts that put a few holes in Lady, though nothing that would impact her performance. Sgt Blaston, in the ball turret, said it looked like about 20% of our bombs hit the target.

Target egress was even easier. The flak was wide of the mark and again no EA bothered us. It wasn’t the same for everybody, Orange’s Other Crate flying TEC, falling out of formation.

As we headed back over Hungary (Zone 8), Black Maria’s Daughter slipped into the tail position. We saw one wav e of EA forming up, but they didn’t harass us, though they managed to soak off the escorting Mustangs, leaving us to face three 109s from the second wave. WE flamed one and damaged another without taking any lumps ourselves.

Back at the coast (Zone 4), things really heated up, three waves attacking. First in was a pair of 109s, both falling to the boys of the 52nd. Next up were four Fw 190s. The Mustangs chased off two, with us blasting one out of the sky and sending another limping for home. This was followed by a lone 109 which ran afoul of the 52nd, along with bombs falling among the formation.

After that it was an uneventful flight across the Adriatic and back home to Giulia. Both planer and crew should be ready to fly again tomorrow.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 15 April 44
MISSION NBR. 22/This Bomber 20
TARGET: Wiener Budapest, Hungary - Vecses Airdrome
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: High Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield, (20) [0] LC
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson, (20) [0] LC
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (20) [6 1/2] ##
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (19) [4 1/6] ##
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton, (20) [29 2/3] LC **####
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (20) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (20) [14 1/3] LC ##
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson, (20) [5 1/3] #
Starboard Waist Gunner: Ralph Burgess (2) [0] ###
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (20) [20 5/6] LC **
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 5=2 KIA, 1 Damaged, 2 to P-51 (1 Ace, 1 Green)
M1 109 12=6 KIA, 3 to P-51, 3 Undamaged (6 Green)
Me 110 2=1 KIA, 1 Damaged (1 Ace, 1 Green)
Me 210 2=2 KIA (1 Green)
21

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison: Me 210
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: 2 2/3 Me 109, Me 210
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Fw 190
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: ½ Me 109
Starboard Waist Gunner: Ralph Burgess: Me 210, 5/6 Me 109
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: ½ Me 110

Bomb Run: DNB

B-24 Damage: Superficial x6 (12), Lt Wing Root x1 (25), Nav Equipment (10), #4 Engine Oil Tank Fire: Mechanical Failure (20+25+35), Bomb Release Mechanism: Mechanical Failure (10), Nose Gun Jam: Mechanical Failure (10)
Peckham Points: 147 Peckham Points, AC ready 17 Apr 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Pilot: Capt Paul Garfield: Air Medal 3rd Oak Leaf, Promotion to Maj
Co-Pilot: 2LT Elliott Peterson: Air Medal 3rd Oak Leaf, Promotion to 1LT
Bombardier: 2LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: Air Medal 3rd Oak Leaf, Promotion to 1LT
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: Air Medal 5th Oak Leaf, Promotion to MSgt
Radio Operator: Sgt Daniel (Danny) Garson: Air Medal 3rd Oak Leaf, Promotion to SSgt
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Air Medal 3rd Oak Leaf, DFC for Double Ace, Promotion to SSgt
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt Peter Carson: Air Medal 4th Oak Leaf, Promotion to SSgt
Tail Gunner: Sgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Air Medal 4th Oak Leaf, Promotion to SSgt

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
Laid Back Lady arrive at Giulia an hour after the rest of the formation. Flying on three engines, a yellow flare if fired.

Takeoff and assembly went as usual, with Lady taking up lead of the high squadron. As we neared the Yugoslavian coast (Zone 4), the formation seemed to tighten up in anticipation of enemy action. It wasn’t long in coming, a pair of Me 109s attacking. The P-51s drove off one and we flamed the other.

As we approached the IP (Zone 9) 2LT Martell reported the Bomb Release was on the fritz. The Luftwaffe was busy elsewhere, though we did suffer a couple of near flak hits, peppering both wings. Attempts to drop manually failed and we quickly fell behind the rest of the formation.

Sensing blood, the bandits swarmed the lone bomber. First in was a pair of 210s and a 109. The boys form the 31st engaged the 109 and we knocked both the 210s out of the sky. Next up was an Fw and a couple of 1093, one marked in the Hungarian colors. The results were a repeat of the first wave.

At the Kaposvar-Pecs line (Zone 8), we ran into heavy resistance. I decided to put Lady through her paces in an effort to throw off the enemy’s aim. The first wave included a pair of Me 110s, a Hungarian 190, and a 109. A lone Mustang engaged the FW. The crew of the first 110 hit the silk, as did the 109’s pilot. While we hit the other 110, causing him to smoke heavily, the ace pilot still managed to hit us before limping off. The most telling shot was the destruction of 2LT Ellison’s navigation equipment; not an auspicious event as we were now flying on our own. To compound the problem, I got the chilling feeling the Luftwaffe wasn’t done with us yet (Random Event. +1 on Table 5-2 for remainder of mission). This was followed up by two 190s and a 109. They weren’t as successful, causing no damage at a cost of wo bandits lost and the third seriously shot up. At least we finally got rid of the bombload.

To add insult to injury, a little further on (Zone 7), the oil tank on engine 34 sprang a leak and started to burn. We managed to get the fire out as everyone tried to help 2LT Ellison identify landmarks.

Near Banja Luka (Zone 5) we saw several waves of EA in the distance. Then one noticed us. We fought off one bandit while our lone escort chased off the other. It didn’t help that, with the nav equipment destroyed, we had to linger in the area. By now we’d lost our Little Friend and I pushed Lady to the limits in an effort to evade the four Me 109s that attacked. The ploy worked, all four bandits missing us. Surprisingly, we managed to tag one, the 109 spiraling to the earth below.

It was a nervous time as we flew up and down the coast (Zone 3) in an effort tot get our bearings. While we saw some EA in the distance, they didn’t bother us. Finally getting oriented, we made for home. As we neared Giulia (Zone 1), 2LT Martell had problems clearing his MG. In fact, the Gremlins caused us more trouble on this mission (OOC – three Mechanical Failures) than the Luftwaffe did. A point I will be discussing with TSgt Mason. Despite one engine being out, the landing presented little problem.

Both plane and crew should be ready to fly again in a couple of days. Most of the crew are looking forward to anticipated promotions, myself included.

Paul Garfield, Capt USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS LLS
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 20 April 44
MISSION NBR. 23/This Bomber 21
TARGET: Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Low Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield, (21) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (21) [0] LC LC
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (21) [7 1/2] LC
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison, (20) [5 1/6]
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton, (21) [33 2/3] LC LC ##
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (21) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (21) [15 1/3] LC LC
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson, (21) [5 5/6] LC #
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Ralph Burgess (3) [1 1/2] #
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (21) [22 5/6] LC LC
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 3=1 KIA, 1 Damaged, 1 Undamaged (3 Green)
Ju 88 2=1 KIA, 1 to P-51 (1 Green)
Me 109 1=1 to P-51
6

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Engineer: TSgt Michael Newton: 1/3 Ju 88
Starboard Waist Gunner: Ralph Burgess: ½ Ju 88

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x 4 (8)
Peckham Points: 8 Peckham Points, AC ready 21 Apr 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Navigator: Navigator: 2LT Bruce Ellison: Air Medal 3rd Oak Leaf, promotion to 1LT

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

After undergoing the third rocket attack this mission, Sgt Ralph Burgess turns to his companion in the waist, SSgt Peter Carson. “Hun must be runnin’ outta bullets,” Burgess grins.

“Let’s hope so,” Carson grins back.

Takeoff and assemble went as planned and we were soon winging our way over sunny Southern Italy. However, it wasn’t long (Zone 2) before problems started as Next Objective had to fall out of formation due to mechanical issues.

Shortly after crossing the Front Lines (Zone 3) the Luftwaffe put in an appearance. The boys form the 31st took care of the only bandit, an Me 109, that made for us.

As we approached the target (Zone 4) a pair of bomber-turned fighter Ju 88s attacked. The P-51s chased one off and we knocked the other one out of the sky. Flak on target ingress was heavy, with several bursts coming close enough to put holes in Lady. I have the feeling it could have been much worse (OOC – used a LLS to reroll a Wing Fuel Tank Fire). 2LT Martell managed to put 40% within the CEP.

Flak was lighter and less accurate on target egress. Rockets were fired into the formation, followed up by three Fw 190s. The Luftwaffe must be hurting as, like the Ju 88 earlier, these pilots all seemed to be green. We flamed one and damaged the other two in exchange for getting a few more bullet holes.

Heading back home (Zone 3) we experienced a couple more rocket attacks. While we took no damage, Suzy Q fell out of formation. After that, it was an uneventful flight back to Giulia and landing.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 21 Apr 44
MISSION NBR. 24/This Bomber 22
TARGET: Vienna, Austria - Schwechat Aircraft Factory
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield, (22) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (22) [0] LC LC LW RTD 22 Apr 44
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (22) [7 1/2] LC #
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison, (21) [5 1/6] LC
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton, (22) [34 2/3] LC LC #
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (22) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (22) [15 1/3] LC LC #
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson, (22) [6 2/3] LC #
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Ralph Burgess (4) [2] * KIA
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (22) [22 5/6] LC LC
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 3=3 Damaged (1 Ace)
Me 109 11=3 KIA, 2 Damaged, 4 to P-51, 2 Undamaged (2Ace, 4 Green)
14

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: ½ Me 109
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson: Me 109
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Ralph Burgess: ½ Me 109

Bomb Run: On Target, 60%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x7 (14), KIA x1 (10), LW x1 (2), Lt rudder x1 (10), Bomb Bay doors: NE (5), Autopilot: NE (5), Lt Aileron: NE (5), #4 Engine: NE (20+7)
Peckham Points: 78 Peckham Points, AC ready 22 Apr 44.

Casualties:
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (22) [0] LC LC LW RTD 22 Apr 44
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Ralph Burgess (4) [2] * KIA

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson: Purple Heat 1st Oak Leaf
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson: AM 5th OLC for verified Ace status
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Ralph Burgess: Purple Heart, posthumous
Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“I’ve been hit! I can’t see!” 1LT Elliott Peterson cries out immediately after feeling a sharp pain across his forehead.

When Peterson doesn’t subsequently slump over in his seat, Maj Paul Garfield decides the injury can wait to be treated. Besides, head wounds tend to bleed far in excess of the severity of the wound. After a quick glance at his co-pilot, Garfield says, wipe the blood out of you eyes and do your job.”

The next wave, Sgt Ralph Burgess is not as lucky, a 20mm round from an Fw 190 ending his life. Reflecting on the fact that Ralph is the fourth man to die in that position, SSgt Pete Carson warns himself, “Remind me to avoid the right side of the plane.”

The clear skies over Guilia made takeoff and assembly a simple matter. At least as simple as getting dozens of heavily laden aircraft into the air and in formation without incident can be. Assuming lead of the middle formation, and by extension, the group, we headed North over the Adriatic.

While Intel had briefed about the threat along the route, Lady encountered no enemy fighters until target ingress (Zone 10). Even then, we faced only two bandits, the P-51s of the 31st chasing off an Me 109, leaving us to face a lone FW. While Jerry peppered us, he did not significant damage. On the other hand, didn’t bother with a second pass and was trailing smoke as he left. As promised, the flak was heavy and we took several hits, though other than a hole in the port rudder the damage was again minor. 1LT Martell achieved a respectable 60% on target result.

The trip home was a totally different mission, starting with target egress. Flak was ineffective, but SSgt Richar reported a strange B-17 trying to join our formation. He couldn’t recognize any of the aircraft markings, raising suspicion that it was a captured German aircraft.

A little north of Zagreb (Zone 7) the sky was full of EA. The first wave ion was a trio of 109s. The 31st chased off one and we flamed the other two. This was followed up by six more 109s. While there were two aces, there also appeared to be a disproportionate number of inexperienced pilots. The P-51s claimed one bandit and another fell to us. 1LT Peterson had a tense moment as a light head wound initially appeared more serious (OOC – Used LC to reroll a KIA). The #4 engine was hit, but kept humming along. The Mustangs got another 109 from the third wave, leaving us to fend off a pair of FWs. Sgt Burgess wasn’t as lucky as 1LT Peterson, dying from his injuries. That’s the fourth Right Waist Gunner we’ve lost.

While we saw enemy fighters near the coast (Zone 4), none bothered us. After that, the rest of the flight home and landing was uneventful.


Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

New Crewman: Right Waist Gunner Sgt Allen Wentz, replacing Sgt Ralph Burgess, KIA mission 24.

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 24 Apr 44
MISSION NBR. 25/This Bomber 23
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Romano/Americano Oil Refinery
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: High Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield, (23) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (23) [0] LC
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (23) [8] LC #
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison, (22) [5 1/6] LC
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton, (22) [35 1/3] LC LC #####
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (23) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (23) [15 5/6] LC LC ***
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson, (23) [7 1/6] LC #
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz (1) [0] *#
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (23) [22 5/6] LC LC *##
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 2=1 to P-51, 1 Undamaged
Ju 88 1=1 KIA (1 green)
Me 210 4=4 KIA (2 Green)
Me 110 2=2 to P-51
Me 109 9=5 KIA, 1 Damaged, 2 to P-51, 1 Undamaged (2 Ace, 4 Green)
18

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: Me 210
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: 2 Me 109, 1 Me 210
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: 1 ½ Me 109, 1 Ju 88
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz:1/2 Me 109, 1 Me 210
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: 1 ½ Me 210

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

B-24 Damage: Electrical System: NE (5), Rt Flap: NE (5), Instruments – Rudder: Mechanical Failure (10)
Peckham Points: 20 Peckham Points, AC ready 25 Apr 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: Mention for achieving Quad Ace status with 22 3/6 confirmed KIA.
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: DFC for achieving double Ace status with 11 1/3 confirmed KIA.

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

“Looks liked Suzy Q doesn’t much care for her new crew,” SSgt Peter Carson comments as he Watches the bomber’s engine catch fire.

“A real ‘baptism by fire,’” adds Sgt Allen Wentz, missing the irony that this is his first combat mission as well. Sgt Wentz would get his pown baptism soon enough, and acquit himself well.

Takeoff and assembly went well enough, though we later heard that someone didn’t make it off the runway. We weren’t bothered by any EA when we hit the coast. But by the time we reached Novibazur (Zone 5) Jerry was making his presence known. The lone Me 109 that made for us was quickly dispatched by a Mustang from the 31st. A little further on (Zone 6) and the new crew flying Suzy Q fell victim to the Gremlin AF and had to abort.

As we hit the Romanian-Bulgarian border (Zone 9) we had to contend with a Ju 88 and a Romanian Me 109, friendly fighter support getting thin by that point. The ease with which we dealt with both bandits discouraged any attacks from a second wave that had formed up.

By the time we hit the Slatina-Gatia line (Zone 11) there was nary a Mustang to be seen as we fended off a trio of 109s. One was an ace, but another, a Romanian pilot, flew like a greenhorn and paid the ultimate price for doing so.

We saw some EA on target ingress (Zone 12), but none bothered us. (OOC – rolled Random Event: Ace for a Day, but all three gunners are already aces). Flak was heavy as briefed and we did take a hit. SSgt Garson in the radio room got pretty excited as sparks started popping everywhere, but no serious damage was done. 1LT Martell found an opening in the smoke screen, but we’d almost overflown the target by then and he estimates only about 20% of bombs actually hit the target. Flak found us again on target egress, but only managed to put some minor holes in Lady. We didn’t have to face any enemy fighters, though the crew reported Dina-Mite falling out of formation.

Nearing Craiova (Zone 10) things really started to heat up. While the boys from the 31st had rejoined the formation, they were of little help to us as we fended off three waves of EA. A Mustang drove off an Me 109, leaving us to contend with another 109 flown by an ace, as well as an Me 210. Both the ace and the crew of the 210 ended up hitting the silk. Next up was a pair of 210s that faired no better, followed by a pair of 109s and another 210 which ended up the same way. By the time the engagement was over, we’d bagged seven bandits, not that the review board saw it that way.

Over Bulgaria (Zone 9) Orange’s Other Crate dropped out of formation. Somewhere between Pljevlja and Niksic (Zone 5) the rudder controls went on the fritz. As we got to Niksic (Zone 4) we were challenged by two waves of enemy fighters. This time the Mustangs earned their keep, chasing off an Fw 190 and ow Me 110s. The remaining Fw dove past us to fast to get or provide a good shot.

After that it was smooth flying and a safe landing despite the lack of rudder control. TSgt Mason says he’ll have Lady patched up and ready to fly by tomorrow.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 29 Apr 44
MISSION NBR. 26/This Bomber 24
TARGET: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Low Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield, (24) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (24) [0] LC
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (24) [8 1/2] LC #
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison, (23) [5 1/6] LC #
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton, (23) [37 5/6] LC LC *##
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (24) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (24) [18 5/6] LC LC
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson, (24) [7 2/3] LC
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz (2) [1 1/2] #
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (24) [24 5/6] LC LC *
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 5=2 KIA, 3 to P-38 (1 Ae, 1 Green)
Me 109 3=2 KIA, 1 to P-38 (1 Ace, 1 Green)
8

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison: ½ Me 109
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: 2 ½ Me 109
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz: ½ Me 109
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: ½ Fw 190

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

B-24 Damage: Suit Heat System: Mechanical Failure (10), Rt Wing Root x1 (20) = 30 Peckham Points, AC ready 30 Apr 44.
Peckham Points: 30 Peckham Points, AC ready 30 Apr 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: Mention for achieving Qui9ntuple Ace status with 25 confirmed KIA.

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions: None

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

“Major. It’s getting’ kinda cold back here,” tail gunner SSgt Doug Richard informs Maj Paul Garfiled.

“Here too,” both SSgt Pete Carson and Sgt Allen Wentz, the two waist gunners chime in.”

“Me too,” adds SSgt Jope Blaston in the ball turret.

MSgt Micheal Newton drops down out of the top turret to check the situation out. A minute later he’s at Garfield’s shoulder. “The suit heat system’s gone down.”

Getting on the intercom, Maj Garfield informs the crew, “Looks like the gremlins have gnawed their way through the heat lines. “We’ll stick with the formation till we’ve cleared the coast and any pursuing fighters, then drop to a warmer altitude.”

Takeoff and assembly went well and we took up our position at the head of the low squadron. Things remained quiet and once over Brac we turned for the target.

As we hit the IP (Zone 4) the boys in the back half of the plane started to complain about being cold. MSgt Newton checked things out and determined the suit heat system had failed. I promised the crew we’d drop to warmer temps once the threat of enemy fighters was over.

We didn’t face nay enemy fighters on target ingress, but the Flak though light, was accurate. The right wing root took a hit. 1LT Martell put 20% of payload on the airfield itself. While there was no flak on target egress, there were plenty of enemy fighters, three waves attacking. First in was a trio of 190s and a 109. The Lightnings chased off tow bandits and we flamed the other two, though 1LT Ellison reported the right check gun jamming. Next up were a 190 and a 109. Again we split the job of sweeping the skies clean with the 14th FG. The third wave was repeat of the second, with the same results.

We headed out over the Adriatic (Zone 3), but no EA bothered us and so I informed the formation we were dropping below Angles 10. Someone else would have to take over the lead. Able to shed his gloves, 1LT Ellison managed to unjam the left cheek gun (Zone 2), even though it was no longer needed.

We returned to Giulia on our own. I have instructed TSgt Mason to thoroughly go over the heat system before our next mission, although Lady is the only D model still regularly flying misisons. Also, the Gunnery Review Board has bestowed Quintuple Ace status on MSgt Newton, an achievement worthy of mention.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 2 May 44
MISSION NBR. 27/This Bomber 25
TARGET: Larissa, Greece - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield, (25) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (25) [0] LC
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (25) [9] LC
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison, (24) [5 1/2] LC *
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton, (25) [39 2/3] LC LC *
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (25) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (25) [18 5/6] LC LC
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson, (25) [7 2/3] LC
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz (3) [1 5/6]
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (25) [25 5/6] LC LC
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Me 109 4=2 KIA, 1 Damaged, 1 Undamaged (2 Green, 1 Ace)

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: Me 109

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x1 (2), #1 Engine Oil Tank Leak: Mechanical Failure (15+5)
Peckham Points: 22 Peckham Points, AC ready 3 May 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield: Air Medal 4th Oak Leaf
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson: Air Medal 4th Oak Leaf
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: Air Medal 4th Oak Leaf
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: Air Medal 6th Oak Leaf
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson: Air Medal 4th Oak Leaf
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: Air Medal 4th Oak Leaf
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson: Air Medal 5th Oak Leaf
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Air Medal 5th Oak Leaf

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: None

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
As the crew of Laid Back Lady dismount, TSgt Mason and the rest of the ground crew are ready. Already having popped the corks on the Champaign bottles, the shake them up and proceed to hose the crew of Lady down in celebration of completing their twenty-fight mission. All but two of them, that is.

While Sgt Allen Wentz is relatively new, 1LT Bruce Ellison is part of the original crew that rained together in the US and then flew Lady to Italy. But, an early injury caused Ellison to miss one mission. Trying not to let his own feelings of disappointment interfere with the celebration, he puts on a brave smile.

Ellison’s smile turns genuine when Maj Paul Garfield waves his hands for quiet and announces, “Bruce, The rest of us, the original Ladys, don’t feel right leaving you behind. So, we’ve all agreed to fly one more mission so that we can all go home together.” Ellison is left speechless, tears forming in his eyes.

For his part, Wentz tries to be happy for his crewmates, not dreaming they’d fly another twenty-two missions for him. Seeing Wentz reaction, Garfield pulls him aside. “Don’t worry, Wentz, I’ll stick around a few more to make sure you get hooked up with a good crew.”

“Thanks, Skip…Sir,” Wentz corrects himself, recalling the Major’s fussiness about military decorum. For once, Garfield lets it slide, clapping Wentz on the back as he leads him over to joinin the celebration.

A Relatively uneventful twenty-fifth mission for most of the crew. Takeoff and assembly went well and we were soon on our way.

As we left Italy behind (Zone 4) we did see an enemy patrol in the distance. But they didn’t bother us. Crossing from Albania to Yugoslavia (Zone 6) Temptacious fell out of formation due to a series of mechanical failures.

Near Meteora (Zone 7), and after our escort got pulled, we finally saw some action. Four Me 109s bore in on us. Only two flew away, and one of them was trailing thick oily smoke. While we got hit, it was all superficial damage.

We saw some EA attacking other bombers in the formation during target ingress (Zone 8), though we were unmolested. The same can be said for the flak, which was wide of the mark. 1LT Martell put a respectable 40% of bombs on target, then we turned for home. We faced no opposition on target egress.

I’m beginning to think there is some kind of curse hanging over the border between Yugoslavia and Albania (Zone 6). AS already mentioned, the Gremlins got Temptacious on the way in and they hit us on the way home, the #1 Engine Oil Tank springing a leak. Fortunately, it didn’t catch fire and stopped leaking as we headed out over the Adriatic (Zone 5). After that, it was an uneventful flight back home and a textbook landing despite the lousy weather now over Giulia.

TSgt Mason and the rest of th ground crew were there to fete our twenty-fifth mission. However, as 1LT Ellison missed out on one mission due tohis injury earlier in the war, the rest of the boys decided to fly one more so they could all go home just as they arrived, together. I’ll be staying on a few more missions to initiate a new bomber and crew, and make sure that Sgt Wentz doesn’t languish in the Spare Pool.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION NBR. 28/This Bomber 26
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: High Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield, (26) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (26) [0] LC
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison, (25) [6 1/2] LC
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton, (26) [40 2/3] LC LC
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (26) [0] LC
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (26) [18 5/6] LC LC *
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson, (26) [7 2/3] LC
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz (4) [1 5/6]
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (26) [25 5/6] LC LC ****
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 5=2 to P-51, 3 Undamaged (1 Ace)
Me 410 1=1 KIA
Me 210 1=1 KIA (1 Green)
Me 109 7=4 KIA, 2 Damaged, 1 Undamaged (2 Ace, 3 Green)
14

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston: ½ Me 109
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: Me 210, Me 109

Bomb Run: DNB

B-24 Damage: Superficial x2 (4), SW x1 (5), Pilot Compartment Heat Out (10), Window x1 (10), #4 Engine: Superficial (15+5), Suit Heat system Out: Mechanical Failure (10), Nav Equipment Out (10), Instruments – Elevators: Mechanical Failure (10)
Peckham Points: 79 Peckham Points, AC ready 6 May 44.

Casualties: Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell: Purple Heart 2nd award
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison: Air Medal 4th Oak Leak Cluster

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell
Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison
Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton
Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston
Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson
Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard


After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“Don’t you die on me!” 1LT Buce Ellison tells 1LT Chalres Martell as Ellison holds a compress against Martell’s chest. Using his free hand to key his mike, he says, “Charles got hit. Bad.” Turning his attention back to his crewmate in the nose, Ellison whispers, “Why’d ya hafta go and fly one more mission just for me? You’d be home safe right now.” While Ellison asks the question, he knows he would have done the same for Martell were their roles reversed. You don’t fly twenty-five mission together without developing a special bond. As the blood starts to ooze between his fingers, Ellison repeats, “Don’t you die on me.”

For most of us, this was an unnecessary mission, flown just to see 1LT Ellison through his twenty-fifth since he missed one. Perhaps 1LT Martell wishes he’d decided otherwise, but I doubt it.

It started out easy enough with Lady slipping into the lead position for the high squadron. This being Lady’s twenty-sixth mission as well, she started showing her age. Over the Adriatic (Zone 3) the power for the ball turret went out. Luckily, MSgt Newton was able to solve the problem and get it working again in short order. Turned out to be a bad fuse. While we saw some EA near Ploce (Zone 4), none bothered us.

That wasn’t to be the case as we neared Targu Jiu (Zone 9). Just as our escort hit its nadir all hell broke loose. Three waves of EA hit us. First up were an FW and a pair of 109s, one Romanian. What fighter cover remained was busy elsewhere, leaving us to fend for ourselves, which we did rather well, flaming one 109 and sending the other off trailing smoke in exchange for no damage to us. This run of luck wasn’t to last.

The next wave had three 1`09s and an Me 210. While we did well, downing two of the 109s and the 210, Jerry got his licks in this time. 1LT Martell got hit in the chest, taking him out of action. The #4 engine got hit, but kept running. The bigger problem was that we lost heat to the pilot compartment. Thankfully the third wave, consisting of a pair of FWs and a 109 didn’t do any damage. But then again, neither did we. Without cabin heat I saw no point in trying to continue the mission and informed the squadron we were aborting and jettisoned our bombs. As we dropped out of formation and turned for home some EA gave us a quick once over, but decided to go for those still in the game.

Here's where Lady really started showing her age. AS we headed back over Yugoslavia (Zone 8) the rest of the crew lost their heat due to a failure of the system. Fortunately, by now we were at an altitude where it wasn’t needed. A little further on (Zone 70 and he ball turret power blew another fuse, which was quickly replaced.

While we experienced sporadic ground fire all the way to the coast, none hit us. Then near Niksic (Zone 4), we ran into some more EA. By now we’d picked up a couple of Little Friends who chased off two FWs, leaving us to contend with an Me 410 and a 109. While we put paid to both bandits, it wasn’t before they’d ruined 1LT Ellison’s equipment, which made the rest of our flight home a bit dicier, and longer.

Despite the problems of flying over water with no working navigation instruments and 1LT Martell’s chest wound, the rest of the flight back would have been uneventful were it not for the fourth mechanical failure of the mission. As we began our landing approach (Second turn in Zone 1) the elevator controls went out. Still, 1LT Petterson and I managed to get Lady onto the tarmac. She’s earned her trip home, as have the rest of the boys.

Doc says 1LT Martell will pull through, but he’ll need about ten days before he can be transported home. The others have all requested ten days leave so that they can return to the States the same way the arrived in Italy, together. I’ve offered to stay on a few more missions to get Sgt Wentz settled in with a new crew and plane. Then I’m on to a staff position and hopefully my own squadron command. (OOC – the 78th will need a new XO. If anyone is interested in giving it a try, let crushedhat or caodwolf know, otherwise I’ll continue on. In any event, I’ll need a new airplane and crew).

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24D Laid Back Lady
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24J: Hell’s Fury
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 10 May 44
MISSION NBR. 29/This Bomber 1 Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Low Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj, (27) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (0) [0]
Bombardier: Michael Hanson 2LT, (0) [0]
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT, (0) [0]
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt, (0) [0]
Radio Operator: Joe Scarlotti Sgt, (0) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (0) [0]
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (0) [0]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt (5) [1 5/6]
Tail Gunner: Rod (Tex) Petty Sgt, (0) [0]
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 2=1 to P-38, 1 Undamaged (1 Green)
Me 110 2=2 to P-38
Me 109 1=1 to P-38
Re 2005 1=1 to P-38
6

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
None

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

B-24 Damage: Bombs: NE (5)
Peckham Points: 5 Peckham Points, AC ready 11 May 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt: Air Medal

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield


After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“What’s that!” 2LT Sam Mason shouts out as he taps one of the engine gauges.

“What’s what?” TSgt Stan Halston asks, looking over Mason’s shoulder.

“The…never mind,” Mason says sheepishly, the gauge now showing normal readings.

Beside Mason, Capt Paul Garfield says, “They sometimes do that. Just to see if you’re paying attention.” He then faces forward again before Mason can see his amused smile.

A new plane with a new crew, except for Sgt Wentz who I promised I’d help break in the new crew. After all the time I’d spent in a D model, this new plane took some getting used to. Though not as much as when I transferred form C-47s to B-24s. Apart from a slight blip with the engines, takeoff and assembly went well. The new Assembly Plane really helps with the latter.

We weren’t bothered while passing Pula (Zone 6), and the coastal Flak when we hit the mainland (Zone 7) was way off target. Near Mantua (Zone 9A) a pair of FWs bore in. One fell victim to the Lightnings of the 1st FG and the other dove past us so fast nobody could get a good shot in.

On target ingress (Zone 9B) a pair of Me 110s attacked, both being chased off by the P-38s. Flak was more accurate than at the coast, with a tense moment as shrapnel rattled around in the bomb bay. Then it was ‘Bombs Away,” with 2LT Hanson putting an estimated 40% on target.

Flak egress was light and inaccurate. We were challenged by an Me 109 and an Re 2005, but they were both chased off by our escort. Some of the others weren’t quite as lucky, Bob’s Rascals in the tail slot falling in flames. The crew counted ten chutes. Suzy Q took over as TEC.

Nearing the coast (Zone 6) Ho Hum fell out of formation. While the coastal flak wasn’t vey intense, it was enough of a distraction that no one saw what happened to her. After that, it was an uneventful flight back to Giulia. A relatively tame initiation for the new crew.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24J Hell’s Fury
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24J: Hell’s Fury
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 10 May 44
MISSION NBR. 30/This Bomber 2
PRIMARY TARGET: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Werk No. 1
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj, (28) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (2) [0]
Bombardier: Michael Hanson 2LT, (2) [0]
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT, (2) [0] *
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt, (2) [0] #
Radio Operator: Joe Scarlotti Sgt, (2) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (2) [0] #
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (2) [0] #
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt (6) [1 5/6] #
Tail Gunner: Rod (Tex) Petty Sgt, (2) [0]
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 6=2 KIA, 4 to P-51 (1 Green)
Me 210 4=1 KIA, 3 to P-51
Me 109 5=1 Damaged, 4 to P-51 (1 Ace)
16

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT: 1/3 Me 210
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt: Fw 190
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt: Fw 190

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

B-24 Damage: Bomb Release: MF (10), Engine #1: Mechanical Failure (35+25)
Peckham Points: 70 Peckham Points, AC ready 12 May 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests: None

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield


After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“I got one! I got one!” an excited voice calls over the intercom.

“Cut the chatter and stay focused on your job. There’re other Jerries out there,” Maj Paul Garfield admonishes the speaker.

In the waist, Sgt Blaine Harpoer looks sheepishly at his partner Sgt Allen Wentz. Though Harper can’t see Wentz’ smile under the oxygen mask, he can see Wentz’ thumbs up gesture. After encouraging the new guy, Wentz having only six missions under his own belt, he echoes Garfield’s advice. “Better watch out for the next one.” Both men then turn their attention to the skies outside their bomber.

This was only my second mission with the new crew, and not even a day in between to practice. Sometimes you’ve got to learn under fire. Especially when so many of the experienced crews were lost over Ploesti. I know it was a lot of pressure on 2LT Yurt to lead the formation on his second mission. But he rose to the challenge. Some of the other men got their first taste of real combat, as well as learning of the vagaries of the Gunnery Review Board.

Takeoff and assembly went well an we were soon leading the formation northward over the Adriatic. As we passed by Zadar (Zone 5) we avoided the attention of any enemy fighters.

We weren’t quite as fortunate near Graz (Zone 10), though the boys of the 31st made it a lot easier than it could have been. The Mustangs drove off two bandits, an Fw 190 and an Me 1090 from the first wave. The second wave consisted of three 190s and a single 109 flown by an ace. One FW got tangled up with a P-51. We flamed the other two and sent the 109 limping for home.

Another three bandits opposed us on target ingress (Zone 11), two 210s and a 109. The escorts eliminated two EA, leaving us to contend with a lone Me 210 which won’t be bothering anyone again. Grim Reaper went down in flames, ten chutes reported. Flak was heavy but inaccurate. 2LT Hanson achieved a 30% on target with the bomb run.

Flak on target egress wasn’t much of a problem. Coming out of it, we had a repeat of our challengers going in, two 210s and a 109, except this time the Mustangs took out all three bandits.

While we were expecting problems from the Luftwaffe near Bad Gleichenberg (Zone 10), it was the Gremlin Air Force that hit us. Fortunately, we’d already dropped out bombs so the glitch with the bomb release wasn’t too big a problem.

A little further on (Zone 9) and the Gremlins hit again, the #1 engine catching fire. It was quickly extinguished and we wer3e able to maintain our position as formation lead. Still, I couldn’t help but think about the slight hiccup we had during takeoff the day before. I also couldn’t help but notice that these new J models weren’t any more reliable than our old D model had been.

Near Split (Zone 5) a pair of Fw 190s and an Me 109 made for us, but they never got past the Mustangs. Shortly afterward (Zone 4) and it seemed like the #1 engine wanted to act up again (OOC – rolled my third Mechanical Failure for the mission, with it being a repeat of the previous result). I find myself wondering if the issue is the aircraft, or the TSgt Mason, our Cre Chief.

We had no further problems and once back on the ground at Giulia I told TSgt Mason to do a thorough job of going over engine #1. I think the crew are feeling much better about things, having traded shots with the enemy and come out on top, as well as leading the formation.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24J Hell’s Fury
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[crushedhat]

B24J: Hell’s Fury
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 14 May 44
MISSION NBR. 31/This Bomber 3
PRIMARY TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: High Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj, (29) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (3) [0]
Bombardier: Michael Hanson 2LT, (3) [0]
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT, (3) [1] **
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt, (3) [1/2] *
Radio Operator: Joe Scarlotti Sgt, (3) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 24 May 44
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 4 Jun 44
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt (7) [2 1/3] *
Tail Gunner: Rod (Tex) Petty Sgt, (3) [0]
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Me 210 2=2 KIA (1 Ace, 1 Green)
Me 109 4=2 KIA, 1 Damaged, 1 Undamaged (3 Ace, 1 Green)
6

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT: Me 210,1/3 Me 109
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt: , (3) [1/2] Me 210
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt: 1/3 Me 109

Bomb Run: On Target, 50%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x4 (8), SW x2 (10), Nose Heat Out (10), Instruments: O2 System (10), Control Cables x1 (5), Tailplane: NE (10)
Peckham Points: 53 Peckham Points, AC ready 15 May 44.

Casualties:
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 24 May 44
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 4 Jun 44

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Ball Turret Gunner:: Purple Heart
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt: Purple Heart


Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj (29), [0]


After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

“Major.” Sgt Allen Wentz’ voice sounds shaky over the intercom. “It’s a mess back here. Harper’s on the deck in a pool of blood. And Smith isn’t responding form the ball turret. What do I do?”

“For now, man your gun and get some payback. Once we’re clear of Porto Santo Stefano, see what you can do for your comrades and keep me informed,” Maj Paul Garfield tells his starboard waist gunner. To himself he adds, “Well, they’ve just had their baptism in blood.” To his radio operator, Garfield says, “Scarlotti, inform the Sqaudron we’re dropping out due to oxygen failure. Then go give Wentz a hand in the waist.

The new crew’s had their baptism by fire. With two men who won’t be flying anymore, today they had their baptism in blood. At least Smith and Harper both lived.

Tis was shaping up to be a milk run till we hit the target (Zone 6). Even then it seemed like we were leading a charmed life when the bandits all found other birds to attack. Our luck changed with the flak on target ingress. A near burst sent shrapnel ripping through the waist, and Sgt Harper’s leg. Despite being shaken up, 2LT Hanson managed to put a respectable 50% on target, taking out several warehouses and a loading crane.

Flak on egress was less of a problem, but the Luftwaffe made up for it. A trio of 109s, two aces, came at us. While we made short work of the rookie, the two aces demonstrated how they’d become such. We lost the heat in the nose, the O2 system, and Jerry peppered the ball turret, taking Sgt Smith out of action. Jerry got greedy and come around for another pass, which cost Goring one more goon. With the oxygen out, I had nor choice but to drop out of formation.

Near Anzio (Zone 4) we got hit again. WE saw the first wave attacking the formation in the distance. But, a pair of 210s and a 109 broke off, deciding we were the easier target. They were wrong. Both of the twin-engine fighters ended up in the Tyrrhenian Sea while the 109 left with a few souvenir .50 slugs to remember us by.

After that, it was tend to the wounded and make it back home. (OOC – in Zone 3 rolled a Mechanical Failure, but it was the O2 Instruments which were already out due to enemy fighters on target egress.) For anew navigator, 2LT Yurt’s had plenty of opportunities to excel, leading the formation last mission and navigating home alone this one.

TSgt Mason says Fury will be up and ready by tomorrow. The same can’t be said for Harper and Smith.. Doc says Sgt Harper is going to lose a leg, while Sgt Smith will probably be permanently blind. Both men will need long convalescence before being shipped stateside for further treatment. Needless to say, we’ll need new left waist and ball turret gunners.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24J Hell’s Fury
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

New Crew: (Beginning mission 32)
Ball Turret Gunner: Raymond Salazar, Sgt (0) [0], replacing Adam Smith Sgt, SW-IH on mission 31.
Port Waist Gunner: Joseph (Joe) Razalski, Sgt (0) [0], replacing Blaine Harper Sgt, SW-IH on Mission 31

[crushedhat]

B24J: Hell’s Fury
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 15 May 44
MISSION NBR. 32/This Bomber 4
PRIMARY TARGET: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Low Squadron, Lead


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj, (30) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (4) [0]
Bombardier: Michael Hanson 2LT, (4) [0]
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT, (4) [3] #
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt, (4) [1 1/2] #
Radio Operator: Joe Scarlotti Sgt, (4) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Raymond Salazar, Sgt (0) [0] #
Port Waist Gunner: Joseph (Joe) Razalski, Sgt (0) [0]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt (8) [3 1/3]
Tail Gunner: Rod (Tex) Petty Sgt, (4) [0] #
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 10 1=1 to P-39
Me 110 2= 1 KIA, 1 to P-39
Me 109 6=1 KIA, 4 to P-39, 1 Undamaged, (2 Ace)
9

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt: ½ Me 109

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x 3 (6), Control Cables x1 (5), LT Waist Gunner O2 Out (10), Instruments: Rudder (10)
Peckham Points: 31 Peckham Points, AC ready 16 May 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj: Air Medal 6th Award

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital:
Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 24 May 44
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 4 Jun 44

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj (30), [0]

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
The enemy fighter pulls the classic dive out of the sun move. By the time TSgt Stan Halston sees the bandit it’s too late to get in a good shot. All Halston can do is watch as the enemy fighter’s shells stitch a trail of holes along the top of Hell’s Fury form the bomb bay back to the tail. Then, as quickly as he appeared, Jerry is gone.

In the waist, Sgt Joe Razalski grabs the arm of Sgt Allen Wentz. The panic in Razalski’s eyes is visible even through his goggles. “I can’t breathe!” he tries to shout.

Looking past Razalski, Wentz sees where the fire they just took has hit the oxygen connection for his mate in the waist. Grabbing one of the nearby portable oxygen cannisters, Wentz hands it to Razalski. “Get up to the radio room. Theres’ another connection there.”

“But my gun,” Razalski stats to protest.

“Won’t be of nay use if you’re lying on the deck,” Wentz counters, giving Razalski a push toward the radio room. Having done all he can, Wentz turns back to his own gun as Razalski starts his journey.

This mission was bittersweet, being my last one as XO the 78th, before moving on to assume command of a squadron in the CBI Theater. At least I was here long enough to nurse the new crew through their first few missions.

Takeoff and assembly went well. Once again, Maj Jopps’ idea of the Assembly aircraft paid off. As the formation headed out, Hell’s Fury assumed it position as lead of the low squadron.

As we passed by Naples (Zone 3) several waves of EA hit the formation, though none bothered us. It felt a little lonely when the P-47s of the 332nd bid us ‘Arrivederci.’ (Zone 6). While it seemed like forever, everyone breathed a sigh of relief when we recognized the silhouettes of the approaching planes (Zone 9) as being the P-39s of the 350th. The Airacobra may not be the most maneuverable fighter, but as we later found out, that 37mm packs a punch. As we neared the French coast (Zone 10) we got jumped by four Me 109s, including an ace who managed to rake us a she dove past. The other three fell to the aforementioned 73mm of the P-39s. One of the new crewmen, Sgt Razalski, lost his oxygen and had to ride out the rest of the mission in the radio room.

On target ingress (Zone 11) we were opposed by two Me 110s and a 109. Our Little Friends drove off one of the 110s. The other two fell to us. Flak was intense but not particularly accurate. 2LT Hanson managed to put 30% of payload into the CEP. Flak was even less of a problem on target egress. The first wave of enemy fighters waiting as we came out of the flak busied themselves with other aircraft, while the boys of the 350th dealt with the 190 and 109 from the second wave that made for us.

After that, we weren’t bothered again till south of Campobasso (Zone 2). By then we swapped out the P-39s of the 350th for the P-51s of the 325th. Fortunately for us, the enemy’s attack focused on other aircraft within the formation.

Back at Giulia (Zone 1) the loss of rudder control experienced during the attack on Target ingress presented a minor problem. Even so, 2LT Mason got her down safely. I let 2LT Mason land her as a graduation exercise; I’m recommending he take over as command pilot, his position as co-pilot backfilled by someone of similar experience from the Spare Pool.

TSgt Mason, no relation to the LT, says he’ll have Hell’s Fury patched up and ready to fly tomorrow. I wish the crew, and all of the 509th good luck on your future missions.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24J Hell’s Fury
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

New Crew: (Beginning mission 33)
Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (4) [0], Promoted form Co-Pilot to replace Paul Garfield, Maj, moving to new squadron command in the CBI Theater after mission 32.

[crushedhat]

B24J: Hell’s Fury
Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 17 May 44
MISSION NBR. 33/This Bomber 5
PRIMARY TARGET: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Middle Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (5) [0] BO: MIA
Co-Pilot: Timothy “Timmy” Reece, 2LT (5) [0] BO: MIA
Bombardier: Michael Hanson 2LT, (5) [0] BO: MIA
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT, (5) [3 1/2] BO: MIA
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt, (5) [2] BO: MIA
Radio Operator: Joe Scarlotti Sgt, (5) [0] BO: MIA
Ball Turret Gunner: Raymond Salazar, Sgt (2) [0] BO: MIA
Port Waist Gunner: Joseph (Joe) Razalski, Sgt (2) [0] BO: MIA
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt (9) [3 1/3] BO: MIA
Tail Gunner: Rod (Tex) Petty Sgt, (5) [1/2] BO: MIA
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered: None

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
None

Bomb Run: DNB

B-24 Damage: All 4 turbo-superchargers fail
Peckham Points: All of them, AC lost.

Casualties: Entire crew MIA

Landing: AC and crew lost over the Adriatic

Awards/Promotion Requests: None

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital:
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 24 May 44
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 4 Jun 44

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj (30), [0]

After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

As the formation headed out over the Adriatic sea (Zone 2), Hell’s Fury reported a failure of all four turbo-superchargers. With no engines the crew2 decided to bail out rather than ride the crippled bomber down. Ten chutes were seen, scattering widely. A subsequent search by RN craft was unable to locate any of the downed airmen.