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Post by crushedhat on Feb 12, 2024 15:00:36 GMT -8
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
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Post by crushedhat on Feb 25, 2024 11:48:04 GMT -8
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
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Post by crushedhat on Mar 14, 2024 17:24:04 GMT -8
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
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Post by crushedhat on Mar 24, 2024 10:04:33 GMT -8
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
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Post by crushedhat on Apr 14, 2024 20:18:00 GMT -8
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
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Post by crushedhat on Apr 22, 2024 8:52:22 GMT -8
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.
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