Condoz

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle
MISSION DATE: 14 July 42
MISSION # 5 (1st mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt - Italian Troop concentrations

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	1				RTD	2xLW
Copilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Pat Gibson	1				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	1				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	1	2	2	2	RTD
Radioman	SGT	Wayne Harper	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	1				RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	1				RTD
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	1				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	1				RTD

Bomb Run: Off Target - 5%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: 

Rudder 1x 
Superficial x1

Peckham Points: 15 (Repaired Overnight)

B-17 Disposition: Landed safely at Fayid, Egypt

Attackers: 26	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf-109	12				9	3
Fw-190	6	2			3	1
Bf-110	3		2		1
Re.2001	5				3	2
TOTALS	26	2	2		16	6

Award/Promotion Requests: -

In Hospital: Lt. Kennedy got his scratches patched but left the same evening.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Takeoff went as planned and we cought up with the Formation without incident.

Lt. Kennedy kept on rambling about how they had his name wrong on the assignment board.

En route to the target zone we saw a handful of bandits try to approach the formation, but our fighter escort kept them at distance.

Inside the target area is when it became messy. The Enemy had apparently not thought of much anti air ground support so they scrambled lots & lots of fighters to stop us from bombing their positions to pieces. A squadron of german 109s surprised us and got some shots into the rudder and also scratched our Pilot James, who then filally stopped muttering about him not being called Adam. Call it Karma if you want. It was a bit scary eventough he only has minor scratches in the face (women are gonna love the scar) and a fleshwound in the shoulder.

Distracted by all the things going on around us we didn't really hit much with the bombs, except some forward outposts of the enemy lines.

Luckily we came in force too, so that we could observe a spectacular fight of our escorts and the german & italian fighters. We were giving them hell as much as we could, but due to the many allies in the brawl it was often not safe to fire. Everytime one of them came to close we put some bullets in them, Jon even managed to send 2 190s crashing down. Two of the 110s didn't look too good anymore either once they broke off, but we couldn't see how far they made it.

On the way home they only followed us shortly and once over the sea everything was quiet again.

Wim Simpson, 2 LT, USAAF
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle
MISSION DATE: 17 July 42
MISSION # 6 (2nd mission this bomber) 
TARGET: Bardia Libya - Port Facilities

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	2				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	2				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Pat Gibson	2				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	2				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	2	2			RTD
Radioman	SGT	Wayne Harper	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	2				RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	2				RTD
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	2				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	2				RTD

Bomb Run: DNB

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: 

Rudder 1x 
Superficial x1

Navigator's Heat

Peckham Points: 21 (Repaired Overnight)

B-17 Disposition: Landed safely at Lydda, Air Base

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf-109	7		1		3	3
Fiat RS 14*	1					Shadowed us from once we were out of formation, then broke off as we were nearing base.
TOTALS	8		1		3	4

Award/Promotion Requests: -

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Takeoff went as planned and we cought up with the Formation without incident.

We were eager for our first long mission and hoping to hit our target better this time around.

Early visitors in form of 4 109s were fought off by our little friends and some additional fire of our own MGs. Sgt. Mandoza claims to have hit one quite badly, but nothing of the german's fate is known.

Except some bullet holes making funny noises from the wind and the rudder being a little stiff we were still very good spirited.

A little later , but still not even half way there another group of 109s managed to get some shots into 2nd.Lt. Gardener's heat systems to cause it to malfunction and it had to be turned off to avoid shortcircuits and further damage.

After the 109s had apparently seen enough or wanted to wait for more reinforcements discussion broke out on whether we should continue or fly back to base already. Most of the men (including Gardener, our Navigator) were wanting to keep flying and try making it to Bardia.

I eventually made the decision to abort the mission early, because I could not risk having a Navigator that couldn't even hold a pencil and find us a way home in case we'd have to drop out of formation later on with an even more dangeous way back.

On the way home we got spotted by a Fiat RS14 scouting the area. he was likely calling in for fighter help, but they didn't arrive in time before we already could see Lydda and teh italian Scout broke off finally after more than 100km.

Landing was uneventful, the bomber is still in good shape and we brought the payload back too, not to waist taxpayer dollars (and we didn't have a valid spare target along the way). Regardless of everyone being in good health, crew morale is low and nobody, me included, is really happy with the mission turnout.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Sqdn - Middle
MISSION DATE: 21 July 42
MISSION # 7 (3rd mission this bomber)
TARGET: Tel el Eisa - Artillery Emplacements

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	3				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Pat Gibson	3				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	3				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	3	2			RTD
Radioman	SGT	Wayne Harper	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	3				RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	3				RTD
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	3				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	3				RTD

Bomb Run: on target, 30%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: 

Port Elevator inoperable;

Navigators Equipment unusable;

Superficial Hit to Strb. Aileron;

Superficial Hit to No. 2 Engine;
Superficial Hits elsewhere x 10;

 

Peckham Points: 55 (Repaired Overnight)

B-17 Disposition: Landed safely at Lydda, Air Base

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf-109	5				3	2
Fw-190	1				1
C.202	5				5
Re.2001	2				2
TOTALS	13				11	2

Award/Promotion Requests: -

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

We had a regular takeoff, as planned. All engines roaring and us eager to get back in the fight.

Soon we were approached by a squadron of Messerschmitts and our P-40 escorts instantly broke off and dealt with them.

Fighter cover was actually so reliable, that we pretty much just sat there watching. The enemy fighters didn't make it close enough for our defensive fire to have any visible effect on them. Two lone 109s did make it through to us eventually with one being gone as soon as he appeared. The remaining one hit us in all sorts of places on multiple approaches, but his bullets had zero effect and only hit the aluminum hull missing all vital cables, devices, crew etc. He then seemed to be out of ammo and flew off out of vision.

We then arrived at our target, where we were greeted by the italians. Our little friends fought bravely with multiple C.202s and Re.2001s

Suddenly Capt. Martin's "Momma's Boys", that was flying lead directly in front of us dropped low. I was first thinking they might have touble with their superchargers, but the Captain soon radioed in, short on breath. He had lost the oxygen supply. So it was on us to take lead Position, I yelled down to Lt. Gardener to check the course and plot our approach on target and the best way out of it again. He replied that apparently that was not possible because the compass and maps where in pieces. Must have been the adventurer engaging us earlier.

Seconds later the flak opened up and just a bit below us we saw "Momma's Boys" break in half. We were shocked and sure never to see the boys again. Had the flak been a little higher this would have been us. But we just flew above, below and next to bursting flak shells.

Diamond Lil took lead and the formation took aim for our bomb drop. Pat Gibson says he hit an approximate 30%. He's delighted to finally hit something.

On the way out of the target zone flak fire came much closer, but still not hurting us much. The elevator felt a little stiff.

Again we must have had the luck others didn't, as we had to witness "Miss Cue" in the middle squadron (79th) go up in flames and Lt. Knight's Crew bailing out. Behind enemy lines in the desert...not the best place to loose your ship. We hope they are alive and treated well, if they went into captivity.

The italian fighters tried to pay us back on the way home but once again our escorts did the job well. The ones that made it through missed us and so did our gunners. This has to be improved.

Upon inspection of the ground crew after our landing at Lydda, it was clear that we got hits in the No.2 engine and starboard aileron too, that if a bit more to a different spot we would have been in trouble.

We can conclude, that we came away lucky. Had the flak hit us instead of others and the enemy pilots been more accurate we'd be much much worse off. We hit our target and nobody got hurt.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Sqdn - Tail
MISSION DATE: 22 July 42
MISSION # 8 (4th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Suda Bay, Crete - Shipping / Harbour

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	4				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Pat Gibson	4	1	1	1	RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	4				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	4	2			RTD
Radioman	SGT	Wayne Harper	4				RTD	SW-Discharged Home, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	4	1.5	1.5	1.5	RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	4	0.5	0.5	0.5	RTD
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	4				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	4	1	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: off target, 0%

Casualties: Radio Operator SGT Wayne Harper was discharged due to his head injuries.

B-17 Damage:

Stb. Wing Flap inoperable,

Superficial Hit Port Wing,

Superficial Hit Port Aileron
Superficial Hits elsewhere x 3;

Peckham Points: 23 (Repaired Overnight)

B-17 Disposition: Landed safely at Lydda, Air Base

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf-109	4	1			2	1
Fw-190	5				2	3
C.202	8	3	1			4
TOTALS	17	4	1		4	8

Award/Promotion Requests: - Purple Heart: SGT Wayne Harper, Radio Operator

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

So, today we had to fly tail for our squadron. The men had already heard rumors about that late in the evening yesterday after the last mission.

None of us knew what to make of it, the fellings within the crew varied from anxiety to calmness. My navigator Lt. Gardner and me agreed, we would at least not get lost. At least not unless we loose engine power, added our engineer, MSG Stevenson.

The inbound flight had us see light enemy fighter resistance with an early wave of Focke-Wulfs. Really nice machines, but we were still happy not to see them in too much detail, as our escorts kept them mostly away from us.

20min later a group of 109s tried to surround us, but after SGT Grant got a lucky shot into one and sent it spiraling down the others left us too.

The target had indeed only light air defenses and the flak that was there seemed to mainly target the middle of the formation. Some C.202s scrambled to stop the inevitable, but they were too few and ran directly into our MG fire. being in tail Position allowed SGT Cobb to fire freely behind us, taking one C.202 down. Another one recieved fire from SGT Doyle on the port side, but seemed to have made it back to the small airfield close to the bay.

Bombardier Pat Gibson triggered our drop more or less when everybody else did, having our payload land exclusively in the water. Flying tail position reliefs you of most of the navigating, but not of aiming your bombs. This is still our big weakspot. I didn't ask around, but an average of 8%-13% on target probably puts us at the bottom of the list.

While leaving the target zone southwards, more C.202s appeared and this time didn't leave us unscathed. SGT Harper was hit in the head leaving him bleeding and deformed, but still concious. I had Lt. Gardner tend to him best he could until we could hand him over to the hospital staff. I'll be very thankful if he can continue a normal life, he showed much curage and excellent service. The whole crew is sad to see him this way and having our little fellowship broken apart.

The way back home was a long one, but uneventful.

While we recieved several minor hits,  loosing the port flap was nothing I couldn't handle at the landing approach. Larry Doyle informed me beforehand, that the flap was more or less gone.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Sqdn - Middle
MISSION DATE: 30 July 42
MISSION # 9 (5th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Pylos Bay. Greece - Port Facilities

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	5				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	5				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Pat Gibson	5	1			KIA	PH
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	5				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	5	2			RTD
Radioman	SGT	Harold Meier	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	5	1.5			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	5	0.5			RTD	LW - PH
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	5				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	5	1			RTD

Bomb Run: off target, 0%

Casualties: Bombardier Lt. Pat Gibson KIA

B-17 Damage:

Bombardier compartment fully destroyed (heat, instruments...)

No. 4 Engine Out

Superficial hits to the tail section

Peckham Points: 75 (Repaired Overnight)

B-17 Disposition: Landed safely at Fayid, Air Base

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
-	-
-	-
-	-
TOTALS

Award/Promotion Requests: - Purple Heart: 2LT Pat Gibson (posthumous), SGT Larry Doyle

                                                - various Air Medals 

In Hospital: SGT Larry Doyle (torn flexor muscle, out until 28 August 1942)

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Flying mostly over the sea today and not sticking out invitingly from the formation had us not encounter any fighter opposition. Multiple times the enemy seemed to have tracked us down, or coincidently encountered us, but the not had the fuel to engage in dogfighting.

Thus we had a quiet, almost boring flight outbound.

We lined up to drop our load when a massive explosion right in front of us shook the whole plane and punched various hols into our front.

Our bombardier, LT Gibson complained furiously about the lack of warning and the little protection he dad in that glass front of our B-17.

He scrambled to make the best of it but his bomb drop was too late and missed completely. Just seconds after, another flak shell ripped the tip ouf our nose compartment right off. We beliefe LT Gibson was dead immediately, we did not see a parachute open.

Believing we had made it out of the danger one last explosion on our starboard side had the No. 4 engine runaway, although it feathered. From the back SGT Doyle screamed and his leg was bleeding. We could stabilize him enough thoughand the nurses told me he would take a while, but walk and fly again before the war would be over.

The way back home was a long but quiet one, just short before reaching home we had to witness Desert fury drop out of formation, leaving us in tail position. We had visual & radio contact with them below us until reaching the base. Landing with only three engines operable was also nothing we didn't go over in training, so we had a good enough touchdown.

While most of the Crew got their first Medal today the men's spirits are low, having lost Pat and still not having paid back Jerry much at all. The new boy on the radio seems to integrate well with everyone, yet his excitement is in stark contrast to the general morale at the moment.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[the only 3 times I actually rolled for enemy waves, I had NONE come out on the table. Still the highest damage and casualties so far. ]

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Sqdn - Tail
MISSION DATE: 03 August 42
MISSION # 10 (6th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Maleme, Crete - Airfield

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	6				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	6				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Lucas Henderson	1				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	6				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	6	3	1	1	RTD
Radioman	SGT	Harold Meier	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	6	1.5			Frost Bite
Port Waist	SGT	Sergio Martínez	5				RTD	Spare Crew
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	6				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	6	1			RTD

Bomb Run: On target, 30%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Ball Turret Heat Out

Superficial Hits to Bomb Bay and Nose

Peckham Points: 13 (Repaired Overnight)

B-17 Disposition: Landed safely at Fayid, Air Base

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	1				1
BF 109	5	1			2	2
FW 200	1					1
Fiat RS.14	1					1
TOTALS	8	1			3	4

Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal for SGT Martínez

In Hospital: SGT Joshua Grant (light frostbite right foot, out until 08 August 1942)

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Another long flight over the sea and the axis seemingly having serious trouble tracking us mad the outbound leg a long and boring one.

The men welcomed our new Bombardier, 2LT Henderson and introduced him to their latest superstition, that we'll fly tail now until we hit the target. We also have been assigned SGT Martínez from the spare crew pool, to allow SGT Doyle to recover. I expect him to fly a few missions with us.

Over the target flak was light as they seemed surprised by our appearance. We observed some hits on planes of the 80th under us, but no shells reached our altitude.

The new kid did a fine bomb run for a rookie, hitting ~30%, mostly around some hangars and workshops.  

After bombing their place, Jerry slowly woke up, sending a few 109s after us. A lone FW 200 also seemed to have come back from a mission, but kept it's distance. The Messerschmitts and us exchanged several salvos with us, hitting only with a very few rounds, not impacting the plane. Neither did any of our gunners report any effect on the fighters.

Later SGT Grant reported losing heat in his ball turret, seemingly an after effect of the previous engagement, although random failure is also possible. I'll ask the ground crew about that later. I offered SGT Grant to come up to the heated radio room, but he insisted to stay, as we were high squadron and most Jerrys were expected from below. I decided to leave him there and frequently check back on him.

Mid-way home we were spotted by an italian Fiat RS.14 and subsequently cought by a squadron of fighters with extra fuel tanks. The shore was already in sight and so were our little friends. while they took care of most of the enemies MSG Stevenson got a lucky salvo into one, that made a dangerously close fly-over us. The 109 lost part of it's port wing and almost smashed into a plane below us, as he was going down.

The weather back at home didn't impact our landing, but we couldn't get to our barracks without getting our flightsuits all wet and our boots dirty. I had SGT Grant checked through at the hospital, where they will keep him for some days as his righ foot showed some signs of frostbite.

While not an outstanding result, everyone is relieved we made it home safely, hit the target and even got another fighter kill on the record.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[again rolled lots of "none" on the enemy fighter table]

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Second third of the stream
MISSION DATE: 07 August 42
MISSION # 11 (7th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Tobruk, Libya - Port Facilities (night mission)

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	7				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	7				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Lucas Henderson	2				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	7				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	7	3			RTD
Radioman	SGT	Harold Meier	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	7	1.5			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Sergio Martínez	6				RTD	Spare Crew
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	7				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	7	1			RTD

Bomb Run: Off target, 0%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:

Bomb Bay superficial damage

Bomb Bay Doors inoperable

Tail Guns inoperable

Peckham Points: 35 (Repaired Overnight)

B-17 Disposition: Landed safely at Fayid, Air Base

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	2					2
BF 110	2		2
TOTALS	4		2			2

Award/Promotion Requests: None

In Hospital: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Just before the briefing I went to the hospital to see SGT Grant already back on his feet and due for release, so I did not have to find us a new ball gunner.

The flight towards the target was a long and lonely one, no incidents to report, the crew and ship all worked nicely.

Over the target zone ligh flak sprayed but was not lucky enough to harm us in any way, as we were also never touched by their searchlights.

Most of the area under us was black as the sky was and on the drop pictures there is not much of any damage to be seen, so we must assume a complete miss.

On the return we encountered two pairs of a 190 & 110 twice. The first damaged our bomb bay so severely that we're happy to have already dropped and also rendered the tail guns out of action. I was also freezing cold up there.

The two 110s looked heavily damaged by SGT Grant's Ball Guns, but we could not see any chute or crash, they probably just vanished back into the darkness.

Landing was good, the crew is well and Christine will be patched up by tomorrow.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Christine

B17F-5-BO-41-24404

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 10 August 42
MISSION # 12 (8th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Porto Lago Bay, Fournoi / Aegean Sea -Ships in Bay

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	8				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Wim Simpson	8				KIA
Bombardier	2 LT	Lucas Henderson	3				KIA
Navigator	2 LT	Russel Gardner	8				KIA
Engineer	MSG	Jon Stevensson	8	3			POW
Radioman	SGT	Harold Meier	4				Interned in Turkey
Ball Gunner	SGT	Joshua Grant	8	1.5			KIA
Port Waist	SGT	Sergio Martínez	7				KIA	Spare Crew
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	8				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dan Cobb	8	1			KIA

Bomb Run: DNB

Casualties:

2LT Wim Simpson, 2LT Lucas Henderson, 2LT Russel Gardener, SGT Joshua Grant, SGT Sergio Martínez, SGT Dan Cobb

B-17 Damage: -

Peckham Points: -

B-17 Disposition: lost over the Aegean

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	1					1
BF 110	3					3
TOTALS	4					4

Award/Promotion Requests:

Purple Heart:

2LT Wim Simpson (Posthumous)
2LT Lucas Henderson (Posthumous)
2LT Russel Gardener (Posthumous)
SGT Joshua Grant (Posthumous)
SGT Sergio Martínez (Posthumous)
SGT Dan Cobb (Posthumous)

In Hospital: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

After a quiet flight with the formation we were surprised by a several groups of german interceptors ca. 50 miles before the target area. The first to engage were three BF109s and a FW190.

The defensive fire seems to not have any effect, and we did not se them coming for long, so not many rounds were fired. SGT Mendoza says they didn't see them in the back at all, which makes sense, as they came from the front. Poor visibility also played a role.

Without warning the whole starboard side was ablaze and the men shouted to bail out.

I agreed and gave orders to make ready the liveboat and abandon the plane.

2LT Simpson next to me was already severly hit by shrapnel and we could not get him out of the plane. There is no way he survived. May he rest in peace.

Everyone else made the jump out, but only SGT Mendoza and me made it to the lifeboat and subsequently could be picked up by a Royal Navy patrol. Sadly we can not ask any of the other crewmembers about what exactly happened, as I must assume  them all KIA/MIA or captured. We hope they got picked up and are treated well. Maybe we hear from the Red Cross soon.

I will tomorrow file the necessary paperwork to assemble a new Crew and Bomber and I will write to the men's families back home. Today we mourn.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Christine
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 14 August 42
MISSION # 13 (1st mission this bomber)
TARGET: Matruh Egypt - Tank Farm; Supplies

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	9				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Daniel Hill	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Thomas Edwards	1				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	1				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Kenneth Mintner	1				RTD
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	1				RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Zitkala Lame Horse	7				RTD	Spare Crew
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	9				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Mark Dale	1				RTD

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 40%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Navigation Equioment inoperable

#3 Engine out

#4 Engine out

Port Elevator inoperable

Several minor hits

Peckham Points: 117

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired in 3 Days

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	3		1		2
BF 109	5			1	2	2
G.50	1				1
TOTALS	9		1	1	5	2

Award/Promotion Requests: -

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Today is the first flight after the loss of B-17 "Christine over the Aegean. The Royal Navy, who picked up SGT Mendoza and me from the liferaft, returned us very swiftly back to Egypt. Very "intersting" people these seamen, were apparently headed this direction anyway for resupplies.

There wasn't much time to organize a new crew, but the Bomber Group just recieved the new B-17F's and it appears we're some of the first here to fly one. no huge changes, but the bigger gun sure helps. The Crew is mostly fresh Kids, with William helping them around. We also have one of those natives here from the spare pool. Guy doesn't talk much but seems to be a good one.

Just before our escorts could arrive we already got jumped by some 109s, destroying our maps, compasses and other stuff in the front. No big deal, we are flying middle Position, so just following "High Spirits".

A lone G.50 also appeaed over the sea, probably got lost and trying to find home. He didn't get home. A Mustang took him out before he could do anything.

Over the Target the enemy brought in the numbers, but our escorts showed some real quality there. Navigator 2LT Carson manned the cheek guns, as his other workplace was out of order anyway and reported some good hits in one of the 190s too, but not enough to claim it.

 

Then a huge explosion to our right, a massive shake through the plane and we were without our #3 and #4 engines. The guys in the back were thrown through the plane, but luckily didn't hurt themselves. Now the new ones know the difference from training. I guess we're lucky we didn't loose the whole wing or catch on fire.

Despite the big shakeup we got 40% of our bombload on target. It could have been more, maybe, but we needed to get those bombs out asap.

From now on we struggeled to keep up with the squadron and slowly descended to lower altitudes.

Our little friends kept the remaining axis fighters at bay and we could slip away unfollowed. It took us a good amount of time longer to get home and Navigation had to be done by the coastline, but was not too tricky.

The plane landed fine, but is going to take a couple of days before she flies again.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 20 August 42
MISSION # 14 (2nd mission this bomber)
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Oil Refinery

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	10				RTD	AM
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Daniel Hill	2				RTD	SW, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Thomas Edwards	2		1		RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	2				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Kenneth Mintner	2				RTD
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	2				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	2	1	1	1	RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Zitkala Lame Horse	8				RTD	Spare Crew
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	10				RTD	LW, PH, AM
Tail Gunner	SGT	Mark Dale	2	1	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 60%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Oil Leak on #1 Engine

Severely damaged stb. Wing Root

Severly damaged Rudder

Stb. Elevator inop.

Nav. Comp Heat out

Port Waist O2 System damaged

Several Holes in Fuselage, Wings & Windows

Peckham Points: 206

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired in 4 Days

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	10		2	1		7
BF 109	3					3
ME 110	4	2				2
TOTALS	17	2	2	1		12

Award/Promotion Requests:

Air Medal Oak Leaf Cluster for 1LT Kennedy & SGT Mendoza

Purple Heart for 2LT Daniel Hill & SGT Mendoza

In Hospital:

SGT Mendoza (Cut Abdomen) out for 1 day

2LT Daniel Hill (Cracked Occipital Bone) out for 4 weeks  (17. Sept. 1942)

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Second Mission with the new Kids, but for all of us the first visit to Romania...what a welcome. It seems like the 509th left quite an Impression the first time around and the Germans were not planning on letting us cot off their precious oil supply.

The flight outbound was long and uneventful, the escort pilots had to turn back half way there.

A lone Messerscmitt spotted us 100km from the target and tried its luck, but ultimately decided not to risk it against our formation's massed .50's.

Ploesti itself had prepared itself and so did the Luftwaffe. The Flak was right there where we didn't want it and the Germans also sent in squadrons of their 190s, not some Romanian Farmers in their flying boxes.

The first wave already hit us hard in the Wing and Rudder/Elevator area. Some stray bullets also smashed Lt. Carson's Heater in the Navigation Compartment and left several big holes for the freezing air to come in.

The following two waves were more or less held at bay by our just now awakened gunners. I'll have to talk to William about why there was zero response earlier. He is the most Senior gunner back there and has to make sure These Boys are ready and fire when needed.

The flak then woke them up fully, but not in a nice way. William got a small cut and one of the oxygen systems started leaking. Starboard Wing and Rudder were more and more desintegrating. #1 Engine started smoking a but, but I left it running as to get in and out there asap.

The Refinery is (was) so big it was hard not to hit, we estimate a good 60% of bombs effective.

More Focke-Wulfs and flak chased us out of Romania, bringing the right Wing more and more to nonexistence. These things are so fast, we could barely fire back for any effect. 2LT Hill next to me got hit pretty bad in the head, so I had him be taken care of in the Radio room and pulled up 2LT Carson from the destroyed Nav. Compartment to assist me in getting the ship flown home, hoping to be more fortunate as our XO and the Banshee and other Crews that we hat to see go down. 

Shortly thereafter two big Groups of mixed BF 109s and  ME 110 Zerstörer, their Version of the Mosquito arrived. SGT Mendoza instructed the gunners to target them fist as their cannons really are scary. SGT Dale & SGT Jensson could down two of them.

The #1 Engine eventually stalled and we had to fly very carefully not to loose any more parts.

We did make it home with the Main Group, which was noticably smaller than on departure.

The Queen of Everything again took a heavy beating, but will be ready for more in some days.

SGT Mendoza just stays in Hospital for the night, but 2LT Hill will Need some small miracle to come back, but the nurses say it looks worse than it is.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

Edit after Debrief: Good news for the men are always nice to bring back to the barracks. We all got credited two missions due to the length of this run, so we're one sortie less away from hopefully making it back to the States after the campaign.

Thomas Edwards was top bombardier this mission and also was awarded an Air Medal for his actions defending the plane and bombing Jerry.

The Drinks of the night went on Major Martindale for us, needless to say the men did not hold back on ordering. Teh next Mission is a few days from now, and we got some time to rest, so I let the Boys have some fun.

To replace 2LT Daniel Hill I have requested 2LT Andrew Long from the replacement pool.

Also Waist Gunner Larry Doyle will be coming back to us after his recovery as we head for Tobruk once more.

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 30 August 42
MISSION # 15 (3rd mission this bomber)
TARGET: Tobruk, Libya - Port Facilities 

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	12				RTD	LW, PH
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Andrew Long	2				RTD	Spare Crew
Bombardier	2 LT	Thomas Edwards	5		0.5		RTD	Frostbite, sent Home
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	5	1	1	1	RTD
Engineer	MSG	Kenneth Mintner	4	1	2.5	1	RTD	SW,PH
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	5				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	5	1			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	6	1.5	1	1	RTD
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	12		1		RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Mark Dale	5	1	1		RTD

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 20%

Casualties: 2LT Thomas Edwards sent home to the US after Frostbite infection, right Hand.

B-17 Damage:

Bombardier Heat Out

Port Wing Root, light damage

Pilot Compartment Window Cracked

Rudder, light damage

Stb. inboard tank leaking

Waist Control Cables

Several minor Holes in Fuselage, Wings & Windows

Peckham Points: 99

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	1	1
BF 109	8	1	2	1		4
ME 110	2					2
C.202	4	1	1	1		1
FW 200	1					1
TOTALS	16	3	3	2		8

Award/Promotion Requests:

Purple Heart for 1LT James Kennedy (2nd PH) & MSG Kenneth Mintner

In Hospital:

1LT James Kennedy, torn Flexor muscle (returns on Sept. 6th)

MSG Kenneth Mintner, severe Facial laceration (returns on Sept. 27th)

2LT Thomas Edwards, Frostbite right hand, later sent home due to severe infection

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

So today we head for Tobruk. Takeoff and getting in formation went smooth as ever, Crew morale was good. Especially Tail Gunner SGT Dale was eager to show Jerry his twin guns (ace for a day).

The whole flight outbound was uneventful and the men were joking that maybe the war was already over.

But of course the axis had just waited for us. Over Tobruk they unleashed whatever they could on us.

First was a german mixed squadron that got to eat our bullets. We claimed their Leader in a Focke Wulf and a 109, the others then quickly fled the scene. The reinforcing italian C.202s also took a beating with one claim and two more or less damaged fighters.

On the other hand, they did get some bullets in too. The Pilot Compartment got holed and Windows cracked I myself got hit in the arm, making it necessary to delegate some smaller tasks to 2LT Long. Engineer MGS Kenneth Mintner was hit in the face, leaving him bleed and scream. I had him be treated by our Radio Guy and take over the top Turret by SGT Doyle.

The flak did hit very close to us, but mostly just shook us. The Bombardier's heat equipment was disabled and several parts of the fusealge and wings were hit by shrapnel.

2LT Edwards still got ~20% of our payload on targets in and around the port. I ordered him not to leave his station, as he is a main defence of our front, so he had to arrange with the cold. After all, the axis were mostly attaking head on today.

Chasing us out of Tobruk was a big group of Messerschmitts. Again we were trading blows, making two of them aborting their attacks early but also getting lots of additional peekholes through the whole ship.

Soon we noticed the starboard inward tank leaking. The leak seemed to be minor so we stayed with the formation while also calculating alternatives. RAF LG 174 and RAF Aboukir could be diverted to and I called them to inform them of our possibility of showing up there.

Two ME 110s later tried to Approach us but couldnt get their guns aimed at us, so they turned back.

A lone FW 200 encountered us, as we came close to home, so we can be prettty sure that the Germans know at least now, where we came from. Not good.

Minutes before beginning the landing approach, our fuel did run out suddenly, so we had to glide to the runway and request priority landing. We had wounded on board too, after all. Everything worked out like in the Training for these situations though.

Mintner's Head wound does really look bad, but they want to keep him here. I myself have been prescribed a week long rest.

The other Boys are happy to have their first kills confirmed, our B-17 will be good to go for next mission, with or without me.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 31 August 42
MISSION # 16 (4th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Alam-ei Halfa - Troop Concentrations

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Trevor Chambers	1				RTD	Spare Crew
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Andrew Long	3				RTD	Spare Crew
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	5				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	5				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Blake Dawson	1				RTD	Spare Crew
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	5				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	5	1			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	7	1.5			RTD
Strb.Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	13				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Mark Dale	5	1			RTD

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 60%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Port Wing Root, light damage

Port Wing Aileron inoperable

Starboard outboard Fuel Tank self sealed leakage.

Some superficial damages

Peckham Points: 46

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	2				2
TOTALS	2				2

Award/Promotion Requests:

Air Medals for Crew Members finishing 5Missions

In Hospital:

-

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

I was assigned command of 78th Squadron's "Queen of Everything". Lt. Kennedy's men have already got some flights under their belts but were less than excited about having to fly back to back missions. The Bomber had only just been reapired by the ground crew. The Engineer and me being the only rookies and the rest being already with some experience made it easy for us to get into our first mission, a short one towards the west. But certainly we did not get away without some spicy comments from the permanent crew.

Rommel's Air Support was there from the get go, but since we were smack in the middle of the formation none made it close to us initially. Outbound Flak started late and couldn't hit close to us either.

Bombardier Joseph Erickson, who also just joined this Crew from the spare pool put a full 60% estimate on the german Tanks, Guns, Positions and all sorts of things. Under us was not a nice place to be, we could clearly see the havok we created, as we were so low. As far as I know Erickson already has a score on the "Best Bombardier" Board from Mission #13, wouldn't be surprised if he gets a second.

On the way out of there a Flak Shell hit our port wing hard, leaving the Aileron out of order. Later we were told by the mechanics that on the other side the fuel tank also got hit, but sealed itself.

The Focke Wulfs chasing us on the way home were dealt with by our escorts, so we could land safe and sound, now hoiping for a longer rest.

If the next Mission is very soon I'll stay with these men for my second run, if not, it was a pleasure to fly with them.

Trevor Chambers, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 17 Sept. 42
MISSION # 17 (5th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Kastelli, Crete - Airfield

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	13				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Andrew Long	4				RTD	Spare Crew
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	5				RTD	LW
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	5				RTD	LW
Engineer	MSG	Blake Dawson	2		2	2	RTD	Spare Crew
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	5				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	5	1			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	8	1.5			RTD	SW
Strb. Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	14		1		RTD	SW
Tail Gunner	SGT	Mark Dale	5	1			RTD

Bomb Run: Off Tartget, 5%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Stb. Wing Root

Rubber Rafts

Some superficial damages in most areas

Peckham Points: 74

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
FW 190	3		1			2
Re 2001	2	1				1
G50	1	1
TOTALS	6	2	1			3

Award/Promotion Requests:

Air Medal: Joseph Erickson

Purple Heart: Joseph Erickson, Gene Carson, Larry Doyle, William Mendoza

In Hospital:

Joseph Ericson: Torn calcereal tendon, due to return 5th Oct.

Gene Carson: Facial wounds, knocked out teeth, due to return 5th Oct.

Larry Doyle: Cracked occipital bone, due to return 5th Oct.

William Mendoza, Broken Ribs, inflammed Lungs, due to return 2nd Nov.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

We had a quiet flight outbound, all the way to Kastelli, where most of the action continued below us, or at the outsides of the Formation. Only a flight of Focke Wulfs made it close to us. Two of them missed completely, one got holed by William Mendoza to a state, where it is highly doubtful he made it home to his base, but we couldn't see enough to file a claim. That Same guy did manage several hits on us too tho, mostly the front of the Queen. Bombardier & Navigator took the most of it and earned their Purple Hearts but should be fine in a few weeks.

The Bomb drop was off target due to the hits in the compartment, Flak was mostly detonating below us, we did see a B-17 fall out under us and some serious other hits.

Right after turning to get out of the Zone, two Re2001s appeared of which one left immediately. The other scored Walking hits all over the ship, mostly superficial damages, but our waist gunners bot got injured severely. Engineer Dawson got revenge on him and sent him spiralling with half a wing missing. Later on the way home he shot down a lone G50 too, that decided to come too close to the man on fire today. Dawson's beers today are on me and the crew.

Next Mission I'll have more spare than regular crew, but luckily they are all not in a critical state and we can vilit them in the hospital here at the base.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

2nd third of the Bomber Stream
MISSION DATE: 13 Sept. 42
MISSION # 18 (6th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Bengasi, Libyia - Port Facilities

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	14				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Andrew Long	5				RTD	Spare Crew
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	1				RTD	Spare Crew
Navigator	2 LT	Carroll Gouger	1	1	1	1	RTD	Spare Crew
Engineer	MSG	Blake Dawson	3				RTD	Spare Crew
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	6				RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	6	1			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Zitkala Lame Horse	12				RTD	Spare Crew
Strb. Waist	SGT	Ray Valdez	1				RTD	Spare Crew
Tail Gunner	SGT	Mark Dale	6	1			RTD

Bomb Run: Off Tartget, 0%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Very little superficial damages Tail Section

Waist Oxygen System needs a look at

Peckham Points: 11

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf 109	1				1
Me 110	2	1
TOTALS	2	1			1

Award/Promotion Requests:

Air Medal: Andrew Long

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Night Mission with only four permanently assigned Crewmen. We were able to get to know each other during the flight to the target, as it was very dark and very quiet. Zitkala Lame Horse seems to become  a regular with us, the others were mostly rookies.

Over the target we got hit by a stray Flak shell, that did no noticable damage, except the Starboard Gunners O2 systems having occasional hickups.

Sadly we can not report bomb damage, maybe we hit something ov value, maybe not, but there's no way of prroving, so we'll have to report a 0% bomb run.

Just after sunrise we encountered a 109 and a 110. The escorst had just gotten up and dealt with the 109, while my navigator got some lucky rounds into the 110s cockpit and send that one down before he could aim his cannons.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Squadron - Tail End Charlie
MISSION DATE: 29 Sept. 42
MISSION # 19 (7th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Suda Bay, Crete - Port Facilities

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	15				RTD	AM
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Daniel Hill	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Armond Biasella	2				RTD	Spare Crew
Navigator	2 LT	Carroll Gouger	2	1.5	0.5	0.5	RTD	Spare Crew
Engineer	MSG	Kenneth Mintner	5	1.5	0.5	0.5	RTD
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	7	0.5	0.5	0.5	RTD	LW, PH
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	7	2	1	1	RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Zitkala Lame Horse	13				RTD	Spare Crew
Strb. Waist	SGT	Ray Valdez	2				RTD	Spare Crew
Tail Gunner	SGT	Mark Dale	7	1.5	1	0.5	RTD	FB, discharged

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 30%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

#1 Engine Oil Leak

Tail Control Cables minor damage

Port Aileron inop.

#2 Engine minor damage

Rudder minor damage

Stb. Elevator inop.

Tail Gunner's Heat out

Autopilot inop.

Pilot Comp. O2 out

Plenty of holes in all sorts of places

Peckham Points: 135

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired in 3 days

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
C.202	6	1	1			4
Me 110	4	1		1		2
Bf 109	8		1	1	1	5
Fw 200	1					1
TOTALS	19	2	3	2	1	12

Award/Promotion Requests:

Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters: 1LT James Kennedy

Purple Heart: SGT Josh Rutner

In Hospital: -

SGT Josh Rutner, Cut Shoulder (Returns immediately after stitching)

SGT Mark Dale, Frostbite on the right ear got infected -> sent home for treatment

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

We had to fly tail End Charlie on this mission back to Crete. We're now quite familiar already with the area there and the axis always put on a nice show for us. But then again, so do we for them.

The first waves of Italian Fighters mostly missed us, except one, who sneaked up on us from behind and got more rounds in than felt right, but no big Impact on flying. The Port gunners sent one running away Smoking heavily, while Rutner & Dale shredded one above us into little pieces.

The Germans took over from there, sending heavy fighters and the usual 109s. Despite being shaken by a Flak hit, 2LT Biasella managed to get 30% of our load on Targets. He is relieved after the failiure on his first mission.

SGT Rutner in the Radio Room got a light cut to his shoulder from flak shraopnel, but continued duty without complaints.

On the way out SGT Dale in the rear gun noticed his heater not working, but I had to keep him in there to defend the ship, the squadron and in fact the whole group from rear attacks. He did so, but sadly his right ear shows complications from frostbite, so he will be sent to the US.

We got followed home half way by more Germans, trading blows back & forth and crossed a lone FW200 that spotted us (or did we spot them?).

A few hundred miles from home a swarm of Messerschmitts took out the Oxygen supply in the Pilot Compartment, so we had to go lower and drop out of Formation, but so far on the sea nobody bothered us much.

Due to the battle damage and bad weather the landing was very very rough and we're happy the ship didn't fall apart, but we're all back in one piece. The ground crew says they need  a couple of  days, but the Queen will fly again.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 11 Oct. 42
MISSION # 20 (8th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Convoy at Sea - Supply Ships

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	16				RTD	LW, PH
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Daniel Hill	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	6				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	6		0.5		RTD
Engineer	MSG	Kenneth Mintner	6	1.5	1.5	1.5	RTD
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	8	0.5			RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	8	2			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	9	1.5			RTD
Strb. Waist	SGT	Ray Valdez	3				RTD	Spare Crew
Tail Gunner	SGT	Kenny Martins	1				RTD	KIA

Bomb Run: Off Tartget, 0%

Casualties: SGT Kenny Martins

B-17 Damage:

Intercom out

Starboard wing root light damage

Bomb Bay doors inop.

Bomy release inop.

bigger holes in the tail and port waist gunner's positions

several smaller holes in various places

Peckham Points: 82

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight.

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
C.202	3			1		2
FW 190	4	1				3
RS 14	1					1
TOTALS	8	1		1		6

Award/Promotion Requests:

Purple Heart: 1LT James Kennedy, SGT Kenny Martins (posthumous)

In Hospital: -

1LT James Kennedy - torn deltoid muscle (returns on Oct. 18th)

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Flying over open waters was as usual nice and quiet, until we went low to engage the shipping convoy. We were immediately spotted by italians who later got geman reinforcements. We exchanged some minor hits on both sides to no major effects until a Focke Wulf got a lucky shot into us.

The intercom was out and due to the following confusion and communication difficulties, we overshot the target and it took a while until I got informed from the waist gunners, that the new Kid in the tail guns was unconcious. i had SGT Doyle take his position and SGT Rutner apply first aid. He didn't make it home alive. He was just 20.

On the way out some more FW190s shredded our complete Bomb Bay and the Port Waist station, which were luckily both empty. I myself got hit by some shrapnel again, but will be fine thanks to the nice ladies in the field hospital and so will be the Ship, thanks to our phenomenal ground crew.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Squadron - Lead Position
MISSION DATE: 15 Oct. 42
MISSION # 21 (9th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Corinth Channel, Greece - Port Facilities    

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	17				RTD	LW
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Daniel Hill	5				RTD	SW -> KIA
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	7	2	2	2	RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	7				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Kenneth Mintner	7	2.0	0.5	0.5	KIA
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	9	0.5			RTD	LW
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	9	2			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	10	2.5	1	1	RTD	SW
Strb. Waist	SGT	Ray Valdez	4	0.5	0.5	0.5	KIA	Spare Crew
Tail Gunner	SGT	Luke Urquardt	1	1.5	1.5	1.5	RTD	LW

Bomb Run: Off Tartget, 0%

Casualties:

SGT Ray Valdez

MSG Kenneth Mintner

2LT Daniel Hill (died in Hospital)

B-17 Damage:

Navigator O2 System hit

Radio Room Heat out

Tailwheel broken

Starboard wing root medium damage

Port Wing Root light damage

bigger holes in the waist gunners' positions

lots of smaller holes in various places

Peckham Points: 171

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired in 3 days.

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
C.202	9	2				7
Bf. 109	11	3	1			7
TOTALS	20	5	1			14

Award/Promotion Requests:

Purple Heart:

1LT James Kennedy,

2LT Daniel Hill (posthumous)

MSG Kenneth Mintner (posthumous)

SGT Larry Doyle,

SGT Josh Rutner,

SGT Luke Urquardt,

SGT Ray Valdez (posthumous)

In Hospital: -

1LT James Kennedy - torn cancaneal tendon (Returns Oct. 22nd) & still torn deltoid muscle.

2LT Daniel Hill - Jugular Vein Cut (Died in Hospital)

SGT Josh Rutner - severed Finger (Returns Nov. 5th)

SGT Larry Doyle - skull surface grazed (Returns Oct. 22)

SGT Luke Urquardt - superficial face cut (RTD directly after stitching)

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

The Crew was initially very confused to see me in my flight Dress, had they already been organizing a Pilot from the Pool. I was volunteered to take lead Position in the 78th. in this Mission already, possibly due to bureaucracy or god knows what happened to my request to fly lead "after" my recovery.  So far so good, my last would still hurt a little but didn't make flying entirely impossible and with Lt. Hill being not a rookie anymore now he could do most of the piloting.

The outer Perimeter around the target was guarded by Italians. The day started good for our gunners, taking down two, but Lt. Hill and me immediately paid dearly. I got shrapnel right through my boot, Hill got hit in the neck, bleeding severely. I had to have him treated in the rear and from now needed someone else to help me operate the rudder and stick. The Radio room began freezing, so I had SGT Rutner only go in to quickly send what we needed, when we needed.

Over the targeted Port Jerry took over sending plenty  109s. Here we could also take down two and scared one off before they could line up their guns. A flak shell exploded right before SGT. Valdez' window, he was dead immediately.

The bomb drop was nowhere near the target, we had other Problems to deal with really, keeping the plane on course for the squadron to follow, treating wounded and shooting Jerry. Maybe we should have given up lead Position here, I am taking full responsibility, if the following planes had trouble putting bomby on target.

The Germans chasing us out added MSG Mintner to the casualty list and wounded Rutner and Doyle operating the waist guns at that time.

Back over the sea, the italian C.202s couldn't hit much, the new kid at the tail MGs reported a light cut in his face, but only needed some stitching to be sent back to the barracks after we landed.

The Ship has accumulated some damage mostly to the Wing roots and internal Systems, but today we mourn our lost. Lt. Hill died from blood loss soon in Hospital. Had we not flown lead today and had the Queen sat in the middle of the pack with some spare Pilot, god knows how this would have turned out... Today we have seen a very ugly side of this war, one we don't often see from 10,000 feet up high. 

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

High Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 23 Oct. 42
MISSION # 22 (10th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Tobruk, Libya - Port Facilities    

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	18				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Steward Nixon	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	8	2			RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	8				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Greg Robart	1		0.5	0.5	RTD
Radioman	SGT	Dan Freitas	1				RTD	Spare Pool
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	10	3	1	1	RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	11	2.5			RTD
Strb. Waist	SGT	Vitale Graziano	3	0.5	0.5	0.5	RTD	Spare Crew
Tail Gunner	SGT	Luke Urquardt	2	1.5			RTD

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 30%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Stb. Aileron inop.

Peckham Points: 10

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf 110	1	1
Bf 109	4			1		3
Ju 88C	1	1
TOTALS	6	2		1		3

Award/Promotion Requests:

SGT Martin Jensen: 2nd Air Medal for 10 Missions

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Finally the Long awaited Milk-Run.

Weather was cold and rainy, so it wasn't an outragously pleasant flight, but except for two heavy fighters, which we could quickly send spiralling downwards and a bunch of 109s, that were flying too fast to be hit by us nor hit anything themselves not much happened really.

The Starboard Aileron got hit, but we've flown with much worse many times.

Axis Flak was mostly firing in our general direction without coming too Close likely due to the low visibility. With regards to the weather i believe 30% bombs on target is also not too bad.

I'm happy not to visit the Hospital again, I don't need more Purple Hearts.

The new guys are happy to have flown their first mission successfully, the old ones are happy it was a quiet one.

Now we're off to the Fainting Goat.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 23 Oct. 42
MISSION # 23 (11th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Pylos Bay, Greece - Port Facilities    

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	19				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Steward Nixon	2				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	9	3	1	1	RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	9		0.5		RTD
Engineer	MSG	Greg Robart	2				RTD
Radioman	SGT	Dan Freitas	2				RTD	Spare Pool
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	11	3			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	12	2.5			RTD
Strb. Waist	SGT	Vitale Graziano	4	0.5	0.5		RTD	Spare Crew
Tail Gunner	SGT	Luke Urquardt	3	3.5	2.5	2	RTD

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 97%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Rudder hit lightly

Norden Sight inoperable

Port Wing Root hit lightly

Few superficial hits

Peckham Points: 47

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf 110	6	2	2			2
C.202	3	1		1		1
RS.14	2					2
TOTALS	11	3	2	1		5

Award/Promotion Requests: -

Bombardier 2LT Joseph Erickson - DFC (97% On Target this Mission, 35% total, 38% since permanent assignment to our Crew)

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

This time we struck Gold.

The flight over the sea was everything but pleasant, with strong winds and rain, but at least no other planes Close to us, except us and the rest of the 509th.

Pylos Bay was patrolled by italian C.202s, but they didn't seem very competent. One that was coming straight to our strong front didn't make it Close enough to shoot before going up in flames and the other two aimed for God knows what and zoomed by us.

Inbound Flak fire probably had a very bad view on us, as None of their shots came close to us either. Bombardier Joseph Erickson wasn't too confident either we'd actually get to see much of our target either.

But then, just as the Flak went silent for a while he shouted throught the intercom: "Jim, hold her steady, don't change anything, it's all right there". Steward next to me jsut stared out and mumbled something like: "Look at that gap in the clouds" and we even got some rays of sun in the cockpit. Moments later the whole port exploded bit by bit. Quais, Ships, Coastal Guns, Trucks, Flak, Warehouses, you name it...I don't think we Need to come here anytime soon again.

The Flak remained silent on our way out, but the german garrison nearby had already scrambled a flight of Messerschmitt 110s. One took out our Norden Sight, but we'll get that replaced with a golden one later. The other two came too close to SGT Urquard's twin 50s in the back, one after the other. The guy has 3.5 kills now already after just three sorties.

A Fiat RS.14 followed us over almost 300km, probably to guide another Group of "Zerstörer" in. While they got some shots in, so did we and two started smoking. So they broke off attack quickly, to let us escape. We made it home, not sure if they did. 

Yes we were lucky to be in the right spot at the right time, but you also have to take the chances when they are there. That we did today, 2LT Erickson (who also confirmed a kill on a 110) and SGT Urquard (2.5 Claims, 2 confirmed) in particular this Mission, but also the rest of my Crew behaved commendable.

The Ship will be ready tomorrow, thanks to the mechanics, the Crew will be ready in a few days, thanks to the beer.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

HighSquadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 03 Nov. 42
MISSION # 24 (12th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Fuka, Egypt - Supply Depots

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	20				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Steward Nixon	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	10	3			RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	10				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Greg Robart	3				RTD
Radioman	SGT	Dan Freitas	3				RTD	Spare Pool
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	12	3			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	13	2.5			RTD
Strb. Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	14				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Luke Urquardt	4	3.5	1	0.5	RTD

Bomb Run: OFF Tartget, 0%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Rudder controls inop.

Few superficial hits

Peckham Points: 12

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf 110	3		1		1	1
C.202	4				3	1
Bf 109	3			1	2
FW 190	1					1
G.50	1				1
TOTALS	12		1	1	7	3

Award/Promotion Requests: -

Automatic AM (oak leaf cluster) for Lt. Erickson & Lt. Carson

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Not much to Report here today,

The Axis scrambled mixed planes in moderate numbers, but our fighter escorts did a splendid job keeping them away, while the gunners onboard scared off the rest.

Enemy AA fire did shake us a little over the target, but possibly enough to get the bomb aim off by those few yards.

The Queen and her crew are ready for more after our rudder control is fixed.

 

Considering the long rest we had before this mission and the little trouble today along the overall good shape of man and machine, the crew and me volunteer to take over lead position (or tail, as needed) for the next sortie.

James Kennedy, 1 LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Squadron - Lead Position
MISSION DATE: 08 Nov. 42
MISSION # 25 (13th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Sfax, Tunisia- Airport

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	21				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Steward Nixon	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	11	3			RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	11				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Greg Robart	4				RTD
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	10	0.5			RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	13	3			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	14	2.5			RTD
Strb. Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	15				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Luke Urquardt	5	3.5			RTD

Bomb Run: OFF Tartget, 0%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

small hole in the Radio Room wall

Peckham Points: 1

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf 110	3			1		2
Bf 109	3				1	2
TOTALS	6			1	1	4

Award/Promotion Requests: -

Automatic AM (oak leaf cluster) for SGT Josh Rutner

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Today's flight was more of a navigational excercise than anything else, flying over the open sea and then landing at a base we havent seen yet.

We did find everything more or less without problem, so that the Boxcars could just follow and concentrate on their drop.

Our own Bombs did miss, so hopefully the other Bombardiers adjusted their drops a little.

Fighter Resistance was low and only over the target. The 109s and 110s rushed past us into the formation, so not much going on here for us.

SGT Jensson claims he put some rounds in one, but there's no way of proving that, so we talked him into not filing a claim, to reduce paperwork.

The Brits took down one Messerschmitt that was closing in on us straight ahead.

Thanks for that and thanks for accomodating us here on Malta, we are all curious what they have prepared here for us, as most of us never had any interaction with the old world Brits and their ways.

CAPT James Kennedy, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 16 Nov. 42
MISSION # 26 (14th mission this bomber)
TARGET: Bizerte, Tunisia - Sidi Ahmed Airfield

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	22				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Steward Nixon	5				RTD	SW, discharged, PH
Bombardier	2 LT	Joseph Erickson	12	3			KIA	PH
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	12				RTD
Engineer	MSG	Greg Robart	5	0.5	0.5	0.5	RTD
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	11	0.5			RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	14	3			RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Larry Doyle	15	2.5			RTD	-> S/SGT
Strb. Waist	SGT	William Mendoza	16				RTD	-> S/SGT
Tail Gunner	SGT	Luke Urquardt	6	3.5			RTD

Bomb Run: OFF Tartget, 0%

Casualties: Bombardier 2LT Joseph Erickson (DFC)  

B-17 Damage:

Bombardier Glass Cupola shattered

No.1 Fuel Tank leak (self seal)

Radio Rook O2 System hit

few minor hits in different places

Peckham Points: 33

B-17 Disposition: will be repaired overnight

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf 110	1					1
Bf 109	2		1			1
C.202	3				3
Re.2001	1					1
TOTALS	7		1		3	3

Award/Promotion Requests: -

AM: 2LT Nixon, MSG Robart

AM oak leaf Cluster: SGT Doyle

Purple Heart: 2LT Nixon, 2LT Erickson (posthumous)

SGT Mendoza & SGT Doyle to S/SGT

In Hospital: 2LT Nixon (cracked parietal bone); Discharged

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

The first flight out of our new temporary home. Hard to pronounce these french-african names around here.

First enemy contact was only over the target zone, 109s and a 110. One 109 got himself a bloody nose from our combined MG-fire, the others mostly just swooped past us.

Enemy ground fire wasn't particularly accurate, but we got unlucky, effectively loosing our Bombardier and my Copilot to one shell exploding right in front of us. It took away most of the glass and sent shrapnel all over the place. 2LT Erickson was gone immediately, 2LT Nixon could be stabilized in the back and brought home, but his head doesn't look like he'll be flying again soon.

Needless  to say there was nobody to release the bombs over the target. We jettisoned them later and yes, we know how hard it is for logistics to get These things here in numbers.

The way back some more fighters, italians, approached us, but were no threat, mostly thanks to our new best friends, the P-38s. Funny looking things these, but did very well today.

After touchdown, promotions were waiting for my waist gunners, Mendoza & Doyle. Again I'll need to look for a new assistant in the pilot compartment and our most successful Bombardier, 2LT Erickson will be missed not only by us, but also by other Airmen he flew with before his permanent assignment with us.

CAPT James Kennedy, USAAF commanding
B-17: Queen of Everything
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Condoz]

B-17: Queen of Everything

B17F-15BO-41-24491

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Low Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 30 Nov. 42
MISSION # 27 (15th mission this bomber)
PRIMARY TARGET: Ships at Sea
SECONDARY TARGET: Ships in the Port of Bizerte, Tunisia

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	James Kennedy	23				POW
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Johnny Fields	1				POW
Bombardier	2 LT	Mark Turner	1	1	1	1	POW
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Carson	13	1	1	1	POW
Engineer	MSG	Greg Robart	6	1	0.5	0.5	POW
Radioman	SGT	Josh Rutner	12	0.5			POW
Ball Gunner	SGT	Martin Jensson	15	3			POW
Port Waist	S/SGT	Larry Doyle	16	2.5			POW
Strb. Waist	S/SGT	William Mendoza	17				POW
Tail Gunner	SGT	Luke Urquardt	7	3.5			POW

Bomb Run: ON Secondary Tartget, 40%

Casualties: Bombardier 2LT Joseph Erickson (DFC)  

B-17 Damage:

Lost over the Bizerte

Peckham Points: N/A

B-17 Disposition: Lost

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
Bf 109	4	2	1			1
TOTALS	4	2	1			1

Award/Promotion Requests: -

In Hospital: -

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

The Queen of Everything went off course very early over the Med, never found the enemy shipping and then diverted to Bizerte. It's position was unknown to german fighters and until after the bomb run did not get any attention. The dogfight after waking the port was a short & brutal one. Two 109s shot down, one severely damaged, last one hit #1 Engine and caused cngine runaway.

All Crew bailed out.

Assumed POW. 

[Condoz]

B-17: Lady Of The Lake

B-17F-20BO-41-24531

78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Middle Squadron - Middle Position
MISSION DATE: 05 Dec. 42
MISSION # 28 (1st mission this bomber)
PRIMARY TARGET: Tunis, Tunisia, Harbor


CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Lucas Kelly	1				RTD
Co-Pilot	2 LT	Herbert Schwarz	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Dan Mitchell	1	1	1	1	RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Douglas Feathers	1				RTD	LW, PH
Engineer	S/SGT	Timothy Little	1				RTD
Radioman	SGT	Fred Glenn	1		1		RTD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Arnold Clark	1				RTD
Port Waist	SGT	Pietro Di Marcos	1		1		RTD
Strb. Waist	S/SGT	Walter Knight	1	0.5	0.5	0.5	RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Lowell Redmond	1	0.5	0.5	0.5	RTD

Bomb Run: ON Tartget, 30%

Casualties: -

B-17 Damage:

Top Turret MG inop.

Tail MG inop.

Heavy damage port Tailplane Root

Portside Inboard Tank leakage

Lots of minor damages in various places

Peckham Points: 102

B-17 Disposition: Currently in Malta, RAF Hal Far for repairs

Attackers:	#	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Shot down or chased off by escort	Run Off
BF 109	6	2	1	1	1	1
FW 190	3	1		1	1
Re 2001	4		1		1	2
ME 110	2		1		1
TOTALS	15	3	3	2	4	3

Award/Promotion Requests: PH 2LT Douglas Feathers

In Hospital: 2LT Douglas Feathers - foot cut grazed superficial, returns immediately

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Qots):

Telegram from Malta:

Lady Of The Lake - Emergency Landing after Heavy Fighter resistance - Bombs on Target - Crew Well - Repair & Return time 3 Days.

Lucas Kelly, 1LT, USAAF commanding
B-17: Lady Of The Lake
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group