chefed

[Sparhawk]

B-24J: Classy Chassy
B-24J-5-CF-42-64220

Position	Rank/Name
Pilot	1Lt Conor Grinsly
Co-Pilot	2Lt Lincoln Nichols
Navigator	2nd Emmanuel Moulder
Bombardier	2nd Kirk Vaillancourt
Engineer	T/3 Julien O'Rourke
Radio Operator	T/4 Rene Harper
Ball Turret	Sgt Jaxton Ingrid
Left Waist	Sgt Ismael Deadmon
Right Waist	S/Sgt Kai Vader
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Johnnie Nava

---

B-17G: Barbara Jean
B-17G-20BO-42-31496

Position	Rank/Name
Pilot	1Lt Christopher Sweeney
Co-Pilot	2Lt Levi Paris
Navigator	2nd Willis Salazar
Bombardier	2nd Kash Rangel
Engineer	T/Sgt Rowan Peterson
Radio Operator	T/3 Ulises Cardenas
Ball Turret	T/3 Omar Mace
Left Waist	Sgt Sidney Beck
Right Waist	T/3 Flynn Pryor
Tail Gunner	Sgt Albert "Tiny" Plimson

---

B-24J: Gravel Gertie
B-24J-10-CF-42-64272

Position	Rank/Name
Pilot	1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt
Co-Pilot	2Lt Branson Pope
Navigator	2nd Nash Norman
Bombardier	2nd Bill Fleming
Engineer	T/3 Trevor Beasley
Radio Operator	S/Sgt Bobby Gold
Ball Turret	Sgt Phoenix Shelton
Left Waist	Sgt Miller Rosales
Right Waist	Sgt Guy Longfellow
Tail Gunner	Sgt Dane Zamora

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 6 DEC 1943
Mission Number: 55
Target: Brenner Pass – Railroad Loop

Crew
Position – Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot – 1Lt Ed “Chef” Brown (1)
Co-Pilot – 2Lt Larry Fairchild (1)
Navigator – 2Lt Wally Howard (1) [0]
Bombardier – 2Lt Arnold “Glenn” Miller (1)[0]
Engineer – S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (1) [0]
Radio Operator – S/Sgt Lee “Pops” Coleman (1) [0]
Ball Turret – Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes (1) [0]
Left Waist – Sgt Frank “Woody” Wood (1) [0]
Right Waist – Sgt Teddy Roberts (1) [0]
Tail Gunner – Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (1) [0]

Bomb Run: On Target 20%

Casualties: None

Damage: Oil leak #3 engine, One (1) hit Cockpit windows, One (1) hit Right rudder, Five (5) Superficial hits

Peckham Points: 52. Ready next day.

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
FW190 X 5 / ME109 X 6 / JU88 X 1

Claims:
Bf-109 (4) FW-190 (2)

Bombardier – ME109 X .5, FW190 X 1
Engineer – ME109 X 1.5, FW190 X 1
Left Waist – ME109 X 1
Tail – ME109 X 1

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Many months of training behind us, our first action against the enemy before us. Every man likes to think he knows how he will react when up against it. No one knows for sure until they do. What ever our thoughts were, we kept them to ourselves. Sharing our fears wouldn’t help, and any bravado would be unwelcome.

The dust was barely settling on our personal effects when it was time for our first mission with 78th Squadron 509th (H) Bombardment Group. Our target: The Brenner Pass. For our first mission we were assigned a position inside the squadron, which was assigned the middle tier of the Group formation.

The crew assembled where and when ordered then proceeded to our plane for final check. We were assigned a B-24D, which we dubbed Phabulous Phyllis, after my wife. Our crew chief informed us that all was checked out, armed, fueled, and ready to go. Each crew member manned their assigned stations and did their individual checks. So far, so good.

Radio check completed, we received the orders to start our engines, and await rollout. We received the order to begin our taxi into line, then waited for the order for takeoff. Our plane responded as expected, as we began our roll to the runway. Without stopping we lined up and started our takeoff roll. “Phyllis” was a little sluggish leaving the ground, but she held her own, as we climbed to altitude through scattered grey clouds, assembled, and took our assigned position with the rest of the squadron.

Reaching our cruising altitude contrails began to form. With any luck, the gathering clouds would obscure our tracks.

About thirty minutes after crossing the coast we spotted our first bandits. A lone JU-88C approached us but was driven off by our little friends.

Crossing the Italian coast, as we continued north to our target, #3 engine developed an oil leak. Fortune shined, as the engine heat did not ignite the stream of oil. Fortune was fleeting. A wave of four FW190s closed in on us. Two were driven off by our escorts, however two maintained their bead on us, coming in from 12 level and 9 high. Miller took aim at the 190 at 12 level. Miller couldn’t track him, with his handheld, and missed. Craps and Woody targeted the 190 at 9 high. The waist handheld was unable to track and missed. Craps brought his twin .50s to bear and stitched the 190’s left wing, ripping it off. No parachute was seen. The 190 at 12 made his pass and missed, continuing his trajectory, and disappeared in the clouds behind us.

We made our turn at the IP only to be greeted by two more waves of bandits. A lone FW190 came in at 12 level. Miller learned his lesson and gave a better lead on the 190. A burst into its fuselage was enough. As it passed below us Miller commented on the 190s cockpit being engulfed in flames from what appeared as ruptured fuel tank. Hollywood, in the ball turret watched as the 190 plummeted out of control. No chute was observed. The second wave consisted of three ME109s coming in at 12 high, 1:30 level, and 9 high. Miller’s marksmanship continued, hitting the 109 at 12 high, stitching up his left wing. Craps completed the kill with a clean burst into the enemy cockpit, clearly killing the pilot.

Wally, manning the right cheek missed the 109 at 1:30 level, and Woody at the left waist missed the 109 at 9 high. Both aircraft missed us and continued on their ways.

We were told the flak was moderate. With nothing to compare to it was heavy enough. We took some shrapnel to the right wing, but nothing important was hit.

Miller was on his own in choosing his release point. However, Hollywood and Harris both reported about 20% of our load was on target.

After continuing the last length of our run, I pulled us over to make the return trip home. Flak was much lighter than the trip in, with no bursts near us.

Flak ended as abruptly as it had begun. Time to peel our eyes. Three ME109s came in from 6 high, 1:30 level, and 12 high. Wally targeted the 109 at 1:30 from the right cheek. No go. The 109 got a hit on our windscreen, but without penetration. Would have been a cold trip home. Harris’ fire from the tail at the 109 at 6 high was abysmal. The Hun got five hits on us, fortunately the worst damage was a minor hit to the right rudder. Miller missed the 109 at 12. The 109 got a hit, but nothing important.

The 109s came in for a second pass, one from 9 level, one at 12 high, and the last at 6 level. Woody, manning the left waist got his first kill shooting down the 109 at 9. Miller, in the nose, and Craps shared hits on the 109 at 12. It was craps’ fire that told the tale. His twin 50’s shredded the 109’s right wing. Teddy, at the right waist, noted a parachute from the 109 as it fell past us. Harris, in the tail took out his 109 at 6 level, separating his right wing from the rest of the plane. Hollywood noted a chute as the 109 tumbled out of the sky.

As suddenly as it started this round was over. The sky was empty of the enemy. There appeared to be a few holes in our formation, but we weren’t sure.

The rest of the flight home was quiet but tense. We were leaving no contrails behind us to guide the enemy toward us.

We finally made a safe landing. There was little chatter on the return trip. Once again, we kept our thoughts to ourselves. We spent the better part of the day nervously scouring the skies looking for the enemy as we approached the target, then home again. For all those hours of tense anticipation we spent barely a few minutes fighting for our existence. A sobering experience. We were no longer virgins, but we had a long way to go.

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
MISSION DATE: 10 DEC 1943
MISSION NUMBER: 56
TARGET: Sofia, Bulgaria – Vrazhdebna Airport

CREW:
Position – Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot – 1Lt Ed “Chef” Brown (2)
Co-Pilot – 2Lt Larry Fairchild (2)
Navigator – 2Lt Wally Howard (2) [0]
Bombardier – 2Lt Arnold “Glenn” Miller (2) [1.5]
Engineer – S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (2) [2]
Radio Operator – S/Sgt Lee “Pops” Coleman (2) [0]
Ball Turret – Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes (2) [0]
Left Waist – Sgt Frank “Woody” Wood (2) [1]
Right Waist – Sgt Teddy Roberts (2) [0]
Tail Gunner – Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (2) [0]

Bomb Run: On Target 30%

Casualties: None

Damage: Oil leak #2 engine

Peckham Points: 0. Ready next day.

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
FW190 X 3 / ME110 X 2

Enemy Aircraft Driven Off:
FW190 X 1 / ME110 X 1

Enemy Aircraft Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
ME110 (1/.5) FW190 (2/1.5)

Bombardier – FW190 .5/0
Engineer – FW190 .5/.5
Ball Gunner – ME110 .5/.5, FW190 1/1
Tail – ME110 .5/0

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Upon our return from our first mission, we were assigned a dedicated crew chief, S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez. Seems to know his way around a B-24. We’ll see.

Plane and crew were no longer cherry, but we are still green. Our training showed through in our last mission, particularly our gunnery, 6 enemy claimed, 4.5 awarded. Only time will tell if we are really up to snuff.

This mission will be mostly over enemy territory, but with a chance of partisan assistance if we go down.

Enemy air cover is expected to be light, at best, and flak near non-existent. We will know soon enough.

S/Sgt Ramirez’ crew did a bang-up job with the minor repairs. First glance you would hardly know we suffered any, albeit it was light, damage.

My crew was picked up and delivered to the line, where we did our pre-flight, and prepared for the mission.

Despite terrible weather conditions, we took off and assembled without a hitch. Once formed up and at altitude we headed west to Sofia.

Crossing the Adriatic was uneventful. I imagined it was quite beautiful. The weather made her look dull and grey, and very unhospitable. Approaching the Albanian coast, I had the gunner check their weapons.

No enemy aircraft came within range of us until we were approaching the Yugoslav border. Even then only barely, and not worth firing at them at extreme range.

The IP was reached without incident, and we made our approach. I handed control over to 2Lt Miller (bombardier) for final approach to target. Run was smooth, no distractions from enemy aircraft. Flak was light, as predicted. Nothing even close. Miller pickled the load. Sgts Hughes and Harris noted 20% on target.

We finished our run and made the turn north then west with the rest of the squadron.

Again, flak was near nonexistent. We finally had a run in with the enemy. A pair of ME110s tried to make passes from 6 low, and a vertical climb. Escorts drove off the climbing 110, and Sgts Harris (tail) and Hughes (ball) each claimed hits on the 110 at 6. The enemy’s right wing was shredded, and the right engine burst into flame, spreading to the cockpit, causing an uncontrolled spin, killing the pilot.

Crossing into Yugoslavia we were kept busy. #2 engine developed an oil leak, and a flight of three FW190s decided they wanted us for lunch. We had other ideas. Our little friends once again drove off one aircraft, leaving a 190 at 12 level and 3 low.

Before the enemy pilots could make their passes, both were shot down. The 190 at 12 level was shredded, tearing up the left wing and knocking out the engine. (As could be attested by the sudden stopping of the prop.) No chute was spotted. Lt Miller and Sgt White each claimed this kill. Sgt Hughes’ firing sheared the right wing from the 190 at 3 low. No chute was seen.

As quickly as it started, the chaos ended. One moment the air was abuzz with the enemy, the next, only the drone of our engines, and our heavy breathing over the intercom.

Before our adrenaline could subside another wave of enemy aircraft were spotted. However, they were once again too far from us for effective defensive fire. We kept close tabs on them. Suddenly over the intercom we heard “Climb, climb, climb!” Larry and I immediately pulled back on the yokes. Sgt Hughes made the call. Either we dropped some altitude, or the bomber below us climbed some. Poor Sgt Hughes thought he was about to have a close encounter with the bomber below us. Fortunately, we were able to maintain the prescribed distance and return quickly to our position in the formation.

As a side note, flight engineer S/Sgt White noted the oil leak on engine #2 had stopped.

We crossed the Yugoslav coast and continued across the Adriatic to home. The skies were still 100% overcast, but no enemy was sighted for the balance of the flight.

Approach to the base was routine. We took our position in the landing pattern and made our descent. Landing was a smooth as Marston mats would permit.

We taxied to our hard stand, shut her down, and finished our post-flight routine. I turned her over to S/Sgt Ramirez. He was quite please, as was his crew, that besides the routine post flight maintenance he only had the oil leak to investigate.

On to mission debrief.

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 19 DEC 1943
Mission Number: 57
Target: Augsburg, Germany, Manufacturing

Crew
Position – Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot – 1Lt Ed “Chef” Brown (3)
Co-Pilot – 2Lt Larry Fairchild (3)
Navigator – 2Lt Wally Howard (3) [0]
Bombardier – 2Lt Arnold “Glenn” Miller (3) [1.5]
Engineer – S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (3) [2.5]
Radio Operator – S/Sgt Lee “Pops” Coleman (3) [0]
Ball Turret – Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes (3) [1.5]
Left Waist – Sgt Frank “Woody” Wood (3) [1]
Right Waist – Sgt Teddy Roberts (3) [0]
Tail Gunner – Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (3) [0]

Bomb Run: On Target 30%

Casualties: None

Damage: Right Cheek .50 jammed (frozen), Left Waist .50 jammed (frozen), TT one gun jammed (bad luck), Nose Wheel damaged (25), Control Cables 1x hit (10), Superficial x4 (8).

Peckham Points: 43. Ready next day.

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
ME109 X 6 / FW190 X 4 / JU88 X 2

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
ME109 (2/.5) JU88 (1/0)

Bombardier – ME109 1/.5
Engineer – ME109 1/0
Ball Gunner – JU88 1/0

AFTER ACTION REPORT
“Sunny Italy”, they said. Still waiting.

Crew has been allocated the new F-2 electric flying suits. Supposedly more reliable. Time will tell.

We are heading to Germany today. According to S-2 we should be seeing more enemy resistance this trip. We have been lucky so far: minimal damage, no injuries. Knock on wood.

The truck to drive us to the flight line was on time, and we loaded in for the trip out to Phyllis. S/Sgt Ramirez was there, waiting for us, to go over any issues with our ‘girl’. His report was short, and sweet, nothing to report. Larry and I did our walk-around, with S/Sgt Ramirez tagging along, in case we found anything. Cal and his crew did us right, as nothing was amiss. We all made are individual checks, on board, all A-OK.

“OK, boys, prepare for take-off.” Larry, Craps, and I got Phyllis started up when we received the signal. Textbook. The next flare was fired, and we took our turn taxiing into our position for takeoff. Final flare was fired, and we were off. We made our climb to join our squadron, and maneuver into our slot. 78 was high squadron today, and we were assigned to be alongside Tail End Charlie. Once assembled we adjusted our heading, to run along the center of the Adriatic running parallel to the Italian coast and climbed to cruising altitude.

We were about thirty minutes in when the crew started chiming in about the cold. We passed through an extreme cold cell, causing several of our .50s to freeze up. Wally reported the right cheek gun to be jammed, and Woody echoed the same for the left waist.

Wally and Woody continued to work on their weapons, as Rimini passed on our left. Wally reported the right cheek to KO’s, while Woody was still working. So far, no enemy A/C to worry about.

As we continued north, Woody was still working on his weapon, when he called in on the intercom, “No good Skip. She’s done.” “OK, Woody, still keep your eyes open, and call in any bandits. “Roger, Skip.”

We had just crossed the Italian coast, north of The Veneto when the intercom came alive with multiple calls for bandits. A trio of ME-109s were coming in from 12 high and level and at 3 low. Sgt Roberts, right waist took some chunks out of the right wing of the 109 at 3 low. Sgt Hughes, in the ball turret, took his shot at the same 109 and missed. S/Sgt White, in the top turret, stitched up the ace 109 across the forward fuselage and cockpit, killing the pilot. A second ace 109 was targeted by Lt Miller, firing from the nose, without success.

The 109 at 3 low got a few superficial hits, not much more than chipped paint. He continued his pass and disappeared into the cloud cover. The remaining ace got four cannot hits on us, one hit the control cables in the flight deck, and another damaged the nose wheel. The rest, more chipped paint.

This ace came around again from 12 high. Lt Miller got a bead on him and took him out. No chute was sited. S/Sgt White also took aim on the ace, but his guns misfed.

As quickly as it started, it was suddenly quiet. “Com check…” One after another I heard eight “OK, Skip.” “Check your stations. Report any issues.” “Still working on these misfeeds, Skip”, reported S/Sgt White. “OK, Craps, keep me informed.” “Check your suits, we will be crossing the Alps shortly.”

Despite the 50% cloud cover, transit was as smooth as could be expected, at this altitude. “Hey, Skip,…”, called Sgt Harris, from the tail. “Yeah, Bomber, what’s up?” “Any reports of stragglers from 79 or 80?” “No, why?” “There is a lone Fortress a few miles behind us, keeping pace.” “Hmm, keep an eye on her.” “Roger.”

“Craps, what’s the word on those .50s?” “One is cleared, the other is going to need the armorer.” “Copy. Better than nothing. Good work.”

Clearing the Alps a final heading adjustment was made, and the squadron started its approach and run.

“Bandits!” “88s coming in from 9 and 10:30!” “Escorts on them!” “They got one!”

The remaining JU -88 came in from 10:30 low. Wally, manning the left cheek, and Sgt Hughes targeted the 88. Wally reported no joy, but Hollywood says he stitched him good. Sheared the left wing off, and a chute was spotted.

“Everyone, check your weapons. Mine is starting to freeze up,” called in Sgt Roberts. “Already everyone, keep them working. Piss on them if you have to!”

Suddenly the skies were empty of bandits. “Flak time, boys.” Flak was as expected, but they couldn’t find our altitude.

“Miller, you have control.” “Roger.” “Steady, steady,… away! Let’s get out of here.”

Once clear of the target, the squadron turned west, south-west, on a course just below Switzerland, toward a course to the west of Italy.

“Prepare for flak, gentlemen.” Once again, the flak was as predicted, but, like the approach, it could not find our altitude.

No sooner had we passed through the flak belt the intercom was alive. “Bandits! 109s at 12 and 1:30!” Miller targeted the 109 at 12, taking a few chunks out. White and Roberts targeted the 109 at 1:30. White missed, but Teddy stung him a bit. Both 109s made their passes without hitting us and continued their trajectories away from us.

Immediately on their heels a pair of Focke-Wulfs followed directly behind the 109s. Miller, White, and Roberts all took their shots. All missed. The FWs also missed and continued away from us. The greenness of the crew showed, when we realized we forgot to inform Harris that he could have gotten passing shots off on the bandits coming in from 12, as they passed astern.

“Com check.” Again, eight positive responses. “Good. Check your suits. Alps coming up.”

“Skip?” Yeah, Craps?” “Still thumbs down on the .50.” “Copy.”

“Skip?” “What’s up Wally?” I didn’t think 109s could climb this high.” “Why?” “Well, we have one coming in at 12 level.” “Copy. Action, boys!” Before the 109 got within our range a pair of escorts chased him off.

Coming down off the Alps, and cruising over Italy, the skies got quiet. Not until we were below Anzio and past the front lines, and starting to make our turn inland, did we encounter any more bandits. A pair of FWs approached from 12 and 1:30. Another red spinner. “Careful boys, one of Hitler’s finest at 1:30.” “Got’im Skip,” came the simultaneous reply from White and Roberts. White put a few chinks into the FW’s left wing, and Roberts reported a miss. Miller got a fuselage hit on the FW at 12, reporting a spray of fuel streaming behind the fighter. Both FWs missed and left our view.

“Com check?” As before, eight positive replies.

Amazing how we had no contrails until we were at the end of our mission. Lucky us.

Weather over base was spotty, but we found our way in. Larry and I made a decent two-point landing, before finally bringing the nose down on the bad nose gear. We stayed on the runway and made a sketchy taxi to our hard stand.

Larry and I relayed what we knew of any damage to Phyllis, and left Cal and his crew to get her ready for the next mission.

On to debrief, a hot dinner, and a cold beer.

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
MISSION DATE: 10 JAN 1944
MISSION NUMBER: 58
TARGET: Skopje, Yugoslavia – Airfield/Marshalling Yards

Crew
Position – Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot – 1Lt Ed “Chef” Brown (4)
Co-Pilot – 2Lt Larry Fairchild (4)
Navigator – 2Lt Wally Howard (4) [0]
Bombardier – 2Lt Arnold “Glenn” Miller (4) [2]
Engineer – S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (4) [2.5]
Radio Operator – S/Sgt Lee “Pops” Coleman (4) [0] PH
Ball Turret – Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes (4) [1.5]
Left Waist – Sgt Frank “Woody” Wood (4) [1] PH
Right Waist – Sgt Teddy Roberts (4) [0]
Tail Gunner – Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (3) [0]

Bomb Run: DNB, Aborted

Casualties: Radio Op S/Sgt Coleman KIA, Left Waist Sgt Wood LW

Damage: Radio out, Bomb release mechanism out, Pilot compartment heat out, Nav O2 out, 2X Superficial

Peckham Points: 56

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered: 2X FW190, 1X JU88C6

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
FW190 – 1/.5

Ball Gunner – FW190 1/.5

AFTER ACTION REPORT
It was supposed to be a short hop today. Length can no longer be measured in time or distance.

After a quick breakfast of coffee and toast, the flight crew attended today’s briefing while the rest of the crew finished their breakfast, before gathering their gear for the flight.

Today’s mission, a short hop into Yugoslavia, to bomb the tar out of an enemy airfield, and nearby marshalling yards. With enemy air activity and flak expected to be light, we all expected the elusive milk run.

Following the briefing, the entire crew met up for the ride to our dispersal point. We discussed the mission, and what was to be expected. The main topic was the terrible weather we were experiencing. 2Lt Miller was happy for the report of good weather over the target.

Walk around and preflight completed, we awaited the signal to start our engines, and prepare for roll out.

Signal received. S/Sgt Ramirez led us through engine startup. All A-OK. Signal to rollout was received. S/Sgt Ramirez’ crew pulled the chocks, and he and I exchanged salutes. We commenced our roll out to join the line for takeoff.

Despite the poor weather conditions, our takeoff, climb to altitude, and forming up were uneventful.

The sun was bright, over the clouds below, belying the frigid temperatures at this altitude.

We sighted no enemy aircraft until we crossed into Albania. An FW190 came at us from 12 level, which was promptly driven off by our escorts. What we didn’t know was that FW was bait. He distracted us, and our escorts from the real threat, an FW190 coming in from a vertical dive. S/Gt White got off a burst but missed the crafty devil. (Only on this FW’s second pass did we note the red spinner of an ace.

He raked us from stem to stern. Pilot compartment heat went out, and navigator O2 was damaged.

This pilot made a second pass from 10:30 low. Expected better from an experienced pilot. Sgt Hughes, in the ball, split his fuselage wide open, shattering the cockpit, and killing its occupant immediately.

“Com check…” A series of A-Oks started coming in. When it was S/Sgt Coleman’s turn, silence.

“Craps, check on Pops.” A few moments later, “He bought it, sir. Never knew what hit him. Took it to the back of the head. Radio is also out.” A few more moments of silence. “OK Craps, take care of him.”

“Com check…” Roll continued. Sgt Wood responded, “Took one in the heal sir. I’ll be OK.”

“Systems’ check…” “My O2 is out”, responded 2Lt Howard. “Bomb bay bomb release is out, will need to be done manually”, from 2Lt Miller.

“OK gents. We have heat and O2 out, radio out, and bombs will need a manual release. We need to drop altitude mosh skosh. We are going to turn around, drop our eggs in the Adriatic, and try to make it back alone.”

The ensuing silence was testament to the disappointment of the crew.

As soon as we crossed the Albanian coast, S/Sgt White released our load over the Adriatic.

As S/Sgt White returned to his post, “Junker at 6 low”, cried Sgt Harris. “Never mind. Escorts drove him off.”

We fired a red flare to indicate casualties, as we landed. The meat wagon came for Sgts Coleman and Wood.

S/Sgt “Pops” Coleman was the oldest man in the crew, a whole 31 years of age. A veritable sage.

Post de-brief, I have a letter to write. Don’t feel like eating,…or drinking.

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Tail End Charlie
Mission Date: 18 JAN 1944
Mission Number: 59
This Aircraft: 4
Target: Pisa, Italy – Marshalling Yards


Crew
Position – Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot – 1Lt Ed “Chef” Brown (4)
Co-Pilot – 2Lt Larry Fairchild (4)
Navigator – 2Lt Wally Howard (4) [0] PH
Bombardier – 2Lt Arnold “Glenn” Miller (4) [2] PH
Engineer – S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (4) [2.5] PH
Radio Operator – S/Sgt Rafael Barquero (4) [0] PH
Ball Turret – Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes (4) [2] PH
Left Waist – Sgt Frank “Woody” Wood (4) [1]
Right Waist – Sgt Teddy Roberts (4) [0] PHX2
Tail Gunner – Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (4) [0]


Bomb Run: On Target 40%


Casualties:
Navigator KIA, 2Lt Walter Howard
Bombardier SW, Discharged, 2Lt Arnold Miller
Right Waist SW, 3 weeks, Sgt teddy Roberts
Ball Gunner LW, 2 weeks, Sgt Allen Hughes
Radio OP LW, 1 week, S/Gt Rafael Barquero
Engineer LW, RTD, S/Sgt Calvin White


Awards:
Purple Hearts
2Lt Walter Howard, KIA
2Lt Arnold Miller, SW, Discharged
Sgt Teddy Roberts, SW
Sgt Allen Hughes, LW
S/Gt Rafael Barquero, LW
S/Sgt Calvin White, LW


Damage:
Flap Controls Out
Bombardier Heat Out
Fuel Tank Leak, Self Sealed
#2 Engine out, w/Fire (extinguished)
Tail Guns Out
Tail O2 Out
Pilot O2 Out
Radio O2 Out
Right Waist Gun Out
Superficial 12X


Peckham Points: 182, 3 days to repair


Landing: Safe


Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
ME-109 17X
FW-190 4X
ME-210 1X


Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
ME-109 5/.67
FW-190 1/1
ME-210 0/0


Radio Op – FW-190 1/0
Engineer – FW-190 1/0, ME-109 1/1
Ball Gunner – ME-109 2/.67
Tail Gunner – ME109 1/0


AFTER ACTION REPORT
We drew the short straw, today. Tail End Charlie, of the High Cell.

Target, Pisa. Weather is expected to be good to tolerable, and enemy activity minimal. Let’s hope so, after our poor showing last time out.

We welcomed our new Radio Op S/Sgt Barquero to the crew. He has some experience under his belt, so not too many worries.

Briefing, pre-flight, taxi, and take off were all per the usual. Form up was textbook, as we slid into the high position, and took up Tail End Charlie for the Squadron.

We had just reached altitude when we were jumped by a trio of ME109s, trying to give us a warm welcome. Our escorts made short work of them, as they never got within range.

Skies were clear of enemy Aircraft until we hit the target zone. A flight of three ME109s and a single ME210 had a go at us. Our escorts drove off the ME210. However, the three 109s got through, to try and have their way with us.

S/Sgt White got his licks in on a 109 coming in from 9 level, taking some chunks out of his wing. Sgt Allen was able to get some hits on a 109 coming at as from below, but little more than chip some paint. Sgt Harris, having better luck, shattered the engine of the 109 at 6 high, forcing its pilot to bail out.

The 109 at 9 level really raked the nose. His shells took out the flap controls. Most importantly, Navigator 2Lt Howard had his legs smashed, the shock killing him, and, Bombardier 2Lt Miller took a blow to his head, rendering him unconscious. S/Sgt Barquero immediately made his way to the nose to render first aid and take over for 2Lt Miller.

The 109 coming in from below missed us completely.

The first 109 came back from 1:30 level. S/Sgt White got some hits on his vertical stabilizer, but not enough to slow him down, though the 109 did miss us on that pass.

“Target coming up. Rafe, do you think you can drop these eggs as planned?” “I’ll try Skip!”

Flak was as advertised. We took some damage to the bomb bay, giving us a moment where we held our collective breath. Fortunately, the frags had spent themselves causing nothing more than the sound of a heavy rain on the bomb bay doors. The same burst did, however, penetrate the ball turret wounding Sgt Wood in the arm. Sgt Wood, “I’m hit Skip, but not too bad.” “Roger. Keep me posted.”

We cleared the flak belt and made our run. With so much working against us, S/Sgt Barquero excelled, taking over for the unconscious 2Lt Miller. By all accounts he was able to drop 40% of our load on target.

We made our turn toward home when Uncle Adolph’s spawn came at us with a vengeance.

Our escorts were able to drive off two of three ME109s. The surviving 109 came in at 6 high. Sgt Harris missed, but the 109 didn’t. His pass took out the rear guns and Sgt Harris’ O2.

One the 109’s second pass, he tried 3 low. Sgt Hughes’ wound didn’t affect him. He solid burst to the 109’s nose, and the engine burst into flame, killing its pilot.

No sooner had we driven off this wave when a second of two FW190s and a single ME109 tried their hand. One of the 190s was driven off, leaving one coming at us from below, and the 109 coming in at 6 high.

All our gunnery missed these bandits. The 190 got a few hits on the cockpit, but nothing to write home about. The 109 missed.

The 190 came around again at 10:30 level. S/Sgt Barquero firing from the left cheek took some chunks out of the 190. S/Sgt White made the killing blow shooting up the left wing, forcing the 190 to spin out of control. No chute was sighted.

No time to catch our breath. Another pair of 190s and another single 109 came at us. Our escorts drove off the 190 coming in from 10:30.

S/Sgt White was hot today. He took out the 190 diving from above, with another engine shot, igniting the 190’s fuel. Again, no chute sighted.

With no tail guns to protect us, the 109 at 6 raked us. No one was injured in this pass, but we lost O2 for the pilot and the Radio Op and took out the right waist gun.

The 109 made a second pass from 1:30 low. Our gunnery missed, but he didn’t. S/Sgt White took a glancing shot off his thigh.

The 109 made another pass from 6 level. S/Sgt White couldn’t work his magic this time, only scratching the 109’s paint. Fortunately, it seemed to be enough to force him to miss us as well.

Sgt Harris remained in the tail gun position. Even if he couldn’t shoot back, he felt by moving the tail guns around it might discourage and enemy attacks from that quarter.

As we crossed the Italian coast, we dropped altitude. Several of our escorts followed us down, to keep us company for a bit. That proved fortuitous as we encountered a pair of ME109s. Both were driven off.

All was quiet for a little while, as we licked our wounds, and surveyed the damage to ourselves, and our ship.

As the Italian coast came into view, “Bandits!” Another trio of ME109s came at us. A red nose was coming in from 1:30 low, with a 109 coming in from 12 low, and another red nose making a vertical dive attack on us.

Sgt Hughes took out the ace at 1:30, shredding his wing. A chute was observed. The other two 109s evaded our defensive fire. The 109 at 12 low missed, but the ace diving on us worked us over from stem to stern. Surprisingly very little damage to the plane. However, S/Sgt Barquero is now sporting a broken nose, and Sgt Roberts also took one to the head, rendering him unconscious.

This 109 made his second pass from 6 low. Sgt Hughes got a few hits on him, but not enough to drive him off. A single hit took out the bombardier heat.

His third pass was from 10:30 low. Our defensive fire missed again. He, however, did not miss. He punctured one of the inboard fuel tanks, but they sealed. A direct hit on the #2 engine lit it on fire. Fire suppression only took one shot to extinguish it. We successfully feathered the prop.

As suddenly as they appeared it was over. We took a bad beating.

S/Sgt Barquero made his way back to the radio and called in our situation. We were cleared priority and made our landing. We were met by the meat wagon. With six wounded or dead, it was a crowded ride to the hospital.

S/Sgt Ramirez estimates about three days to make all repairs. It will take longer than that to recover from our wounds and losses. I have another letter to write. I thought one was too much. Now I am writing my second. No doubt it will not be my last.

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
MISSION DATE: 27 JAN 1944
MISSION NUMBER: 60
TARGET: Istre, France, Airdrome

Crew
Position – Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot – 1Lt Ed “Chef” Brown (5) PH, AM
Co-Pilot – 2Lt Larry Fairchild (5) AM
Navigator – 2nd Lt Steve Liotti (4) [0]
Bombardier – 2nd Lt Quinton Seagrave (4) [2]
Engineer – S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (5) [3.5] PH, AM
Radio Operator – S/Sgt Rafael “Rafe” Barquero (5) [0] PH, AM
Ball Turret – Sgt Noreno Cuadrado (8) []
Left Waist – Sgt Frank “Woody” Wood (5) [1], AM
Right Waist – Sgt Judd Peters (4) []
Tail Gunner – Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (5) [0], AM

Bomb Run: On Target 56%

Casualties: Pilot LW, 4 weeks recovery

Damage:
Elevator controls
Left elevator
Superficial – 7x
LW
Left Flap – No Effect

Peckham Points: 56
Back in service in 24 hours

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
ME-109 1
FW-190 3

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards:
1Lt Ed Brown – PH, AM
2Lt Larry Fairchild – AM
S/Sgt Cal White – AM
S/Sgt Rafe Barquero – AM, DFC (for actions on 18 JAN 1944)
Sgt Norena Cuadrado – AM
Sgt Frank Wood – AM
Sgt Judd Peters – AM
Sgt Mike Harris – AM

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Many new faces on the Phyllis, today. I had hoped a shorter mission to break in the new crew members. They all have some experience, so perhaps all will go well.

After mission brief the crew assembled at Phyllis for preflight. S/Sgt Ramirez went over repairs from last mission and expected no problems.

On our take-off roll there was a sudden power drop off, but it was momentary. We reached 110 knots well before the end of the runway, and rose stiffly, but confidently into the air. Climb to altitude and form up were uneventful.

The skies were surprisingly empty of threatening enemy aircraft all the way to the target. None ever came close enough to identify type.

Approaching the target, the formation was disrupted by enemy aircraft. It may have been just us.

Our first direct contact with the enemy was a pair of FW190s, from 12 high, and in a vertical dive.

Our gunnery was abysmal. Our fire never came close.

The 190 at 12 missed us completely and passed astern. Sgt Harris took a parting shot, from the tail, and missed.

The 190 in its vertical dive got four hits on us. It took out the elevator controls, and some shrapnel hit me in the right leg. Everything else did little more than add a little daylight to the wings.

This 190 came back around from 12 high. Lt Seagrave stitched up the 190’s right wing, but not enough to throw off his aim. He was one cool customer.

The 190 got three more hits on us, but only one did any damage, taking out the left elevator. Sgt Harris got another try at a passing shot, and missed, again. Sgt Harris reported that the 190 narrowly missed our tail fins as he passed behind us.

Medium flak greeted us, but only managed to damage the nose gun. Nothing else came close.

Despite the close call in the nose, Lt Seagrave maintained a professional coolness, as he controlled the aircraft to the target. So cool, he was able to drop 56% of our load on target.

We finished our target run, then made the turn to home. Flak was light, as predicted, and again little came near us, and we passed unscathed.

We encountered no enemy aircraft as we made the turn to home.

Crossing the French coast, we encountered a single FW190, trying to make a pass at us from 12 level. S/Sgt White was the only one who could bring guns to bear. He missed. Fortunately, so did the 190 pilot, As he passed astern, Sgt Harris got his third try at a passing shot. No joy.

The skies were alarmingly empty as we continued the flight home. Not until we passed Corsica, and about half between Corsica and Giulia did we encounter another enemy aircraft. A solo ME109 came in from 10:30 high.

I swear I am going to send my crew back to gunnery school. Both S/Sgt White and Lt Seagrave missed the 109. Again.

The 109, however, did not miss us. He did get a few hits on the port wing, doing nothing more than add a few more holes to the wing and the port flap.

The 109 came around again from 3 level. Finally, we got a hit. Sgt Cuadrado, our new ball gunner, got a hit on the 109s starboard wing, just enough to dissuade its advance. S/Sgt White missed, again, as did Sgt Peters, our new right waist gunner. Despite the 109 still bearing down on us, his gunnery thrown off, only scratched the paint.

The rest of the flight was uneventful.

Without the elevators, landing was a near thing. We hit hard, nose gear first, and took a few bounces. Gotta hand it to Consolidated for a robust landing gear. S/Sgt Ramirez’ inspection of the nose gear found no damage from the hard landing.

The meat wagon took me straight to hospital, where I wrote my report, and had my debrief.

Commendation to 2Lt Seagrave for bombing at 56%, on his first mission with us, while receiving direct enemy fire to the nose during the run up to target.

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

Recommendation for the Distinguished Flying Cross

Crew Members Name: Rafael Barquero

Crew Members Rank: S/Sgt

Mission Number: 4

Mission Date:18 JAN 1944

Award Requested: Distinguished Flying Cross

Award Paragraph: S/Sgt Rafael Barquero distinguished himself with the highest of professionalism, while remaining calm and steady in aerial combat with the enemy.

S/Sgt Barquero was manning his position in the radio room when the B-24D Phabulous Phyllis took multiple enemy cannon shell hits to the aircraft’s nose. This attack resulted in the death of 2Lt Walter Howard, navigator, and the severe wounding of 2Lt Arnold Miller, bombardier, rendering 2Lt Miller unconscious.

S/Sgt Barquero immediately vacated his position in the radio room and made his way to the nose to render assistance to the stricken officers. During this aerial combat, S/Sgt Barquero administered first aid to 2Lt Miller, then assumed 2Lt Miller’s position, not only to man the nose weaponry, but took 2Lt Miller’s place as bombardier for the imminent bomb drop.

Despite the steady onslaught from the enemy aircraft, and bursting anti-aircraft fire around the aircraft, S/Sgt Barquero remained calm, communicating consistently and professionally with the command crew, leading up to the approach to and bombing of the enemy target.

S/Sgt Barquero was able to achieve 40% of ordnance on target despite his lack of experience as bombardier.

Following the bomb run, S/Sgt Barquero remained in the nose to continue administering to wounded 2Lt Miller, as well as man the forward machine guns. S/Sgt Barquero, in this capacity, assisted in the shooting down of an enemy aircraft, though later denied credit.

S/Sgt Barquero made is way back to the radio room and signaled our field of the damage to the aircraft and the need for an ambulance upon landing.

S/Sgt Barquero has epitomized the professionalism and grit of the American Airman in his actions on this date.

Rank and Name Requesting this award: 1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding, B-24D Phabulous Phyllis, 78 Squadron, 509th BG (H)

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Lead
Mission Date: 2 FEB 1944
Mission Number: 61
This Aircraft: 6
Target: Maribor, Yugoslavia, Airdrome


Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Andy Zanotti (1)
Co-Pilot 2Lt Larry Fairchild (6)  AM
Navigator 2nd Lt Steve Liotti (5) [0] AM
Bombardier 2nd Lt Quinton Seagrave (5) [2] AM
Engineer S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (6) [3.5] AM, PH
Radio Operator S/Sgt Rafael “Rafe” Barquero (6) [0] DFC, AM, PH
Ball Turret Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes (5) [2] AM, PH
Left Waist Sgt Frank “Woody” Wood (6) [1] AM, PH+,KIA
Right Waist Sgt Judd Peters (6) [ ] AM, PH
Tail Gunner Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (6) [0] AM

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%


Casualties:
Sgt Frank Woody, KIA, Head
Sgt Judd Peters, LW, shoulder


Damage:
Left rudder – 25
Right elevator – 25
Superficial X4 – 8
KIA – 10
LW – 2

Peckham Points: 70, repaired for next day


Landing: Safe


Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
ME-109 X2
FW-190 X5
JU-88 C-6X2


Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Navigator – ME-109 .5/.5
Ball Turret – ME-109 .5/.5
Top Turret – JU-88 C-6 1/1


Awards:
2Lt Steve Liotti – AM
2Lt Quintin Seagrave – AM
Sgt Allen Hughes – AM
Sgt Frank Wood – PH, posthumously
Sgt Judd Peters – AM, PH, RTD



AFTER ACTION REPORT
It was cold, windy, with intermittent squalls as we made our way to chow, then our briefing, then the ride to our dispersal point. No one was looking forward to climbing through this cold and wet weather, just to end up in sub-freezing temperatures.

S/Sgt Ramirez assured me Phyllis was trim and ready to go. True to his word, Phyllis gave us no problems during the mission.

Preflight complete, we started our runup. Then we waited. First flare. We pulled out to the taxiway and joined the line to the end of the assigned runway. Then we waited. The go flare was fired. We started our roll out. It was impressive feat of coordination and professionalism as plane after plane rolled to the end of the runway lined up and started its takeoff roll without stopping.

Visibility was limited, but we made a clean takeoff, and climb to assembly. We continued our circling the base until assembly was completed. I then led the squadron toward the group assembly, climbing all the while.

All the way up the Adriatic it was cold, dark, wet, and quiet. Even as we crossed the Italo/Yugoslav coast it was quiet, for us.

“IP coming up.” “Thanks, Steve.” “Q, get ready.” “Roger.” “We have flares.” Lead group made their turn. “20, 19, 18,…3, 2, 1, turning now.” We turned leading the squadron in the turn to target. “Okay, Q, she is all yours.” Roger, taking control. I turned control over to 2Lt Seagrave, for the run to target.

This was when we felt most vulnerable. We had had to hold steady and straight into the target. “Flak!” Flak was light, nothing more than a few pings, like hail on a tin roof.

We cleared the flak belt, on course to target. “Bomb bay doors open. Radio, turn on the camera.” “AP coming into view. Steady, steady,…steady, away!” 2Lt Seagrave turned control back over to Larry and me. We made the prescribed turn, and led the squadron to the assembly point, for the flight home. [Intelligence review of the bombing film showed a success of 20% on target. A lot of room for improvement.]

As briefed, flak was nonexistent inbound. However, enemy aircraft were thick as flies. “Bandits!” No sooner had we cleared the target when we were beset by four FW190s. They came in from all attitudes and directions from 9 to 12 to 3. Larry and I began evasive maneuvers, jinking all over the sky.

2Lt Liotti got a hit on one 190 from the left cheek, everyone else missed. The first three 190s also missed on their runs, and continued past us, presumably for other targets. Sgt Harris, in the tail took a parting shot at one 190 but missed. The last 190, with marking that indicated an ace came in from 9 high. His pass wounded Sgt Peters, right waist gunner, and killed Sgt Wood, left waist gunner, outright. This 190 came in again from 10:30 low. Defensive fire missed, as did he, before he flew off.

No sooner had this wave of 190s left when a pair of ME109s tried their hand with us, coming in at 12 high and 9 level. Sgt Peters crossed to the left waist position to cover against that quarter. He and Sgt Hughes both missed, as did the 109. S/Sgt White, in the top turret shredded the right wing of the 109 at 12 high, destroying its control surfaces, The 109 began a spinning dive. A chute was observed.

We hadn’t had a moment to exhale when a pair of JU88s attacked form 1:30 low and 3 level. Sgt Hughes 2Lt Liotti both hit the 88 at 1:30 low, destroying the aircraft’s left wing, forcing it into an uncontrolled dive. A chute was observed. The remaining 88 shot wide, as did we. And it was done.

Still over Yugoslavia, with the Adriatic coast visible, a lone FW190 made a run at us from dead astern. Larry and I started evasive maneuvers again. S/Sgt White got a few hits on the 190, but not enough to dissuade his unwanted advances toward our girl. This pilot got a few hits on us, causing some damage to our left rudder and right elevator. This greatly worsened the handling of an already demanding aircraft.

He came around again, but to no effect.

The rest of the flight was uneventful.

Approaching the field, we fired flares. With Larry and I both struggling with the controls, we were just able to keep her on the strip, as we landed. An ambulance met us at our dispersal point, to take Sgt Wood to the morgue. Sgt Hughes rode with us back to debrief. He walked over to hospital for some first aid, then rejoined us for the debrief.

My first mission with this crew, and I lost a man. How do people deal with this?

Respectfully,
1Lt Andrew Zanotti, Commanding, Temporary
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24: The Four Horsemen B-24D
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 2 FEB 1944
Mission Number: 61
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Maribor, Yugoslavia, Airdrome

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot - 1Lt George James (1) PH
Co-Pilot - 2Lt Joseph Sanders (1) PH
Navigator - 2Lt Leroy Powell (1) [ ] PH
Bombardier - 2Lt Edgar Wright (1) [ ]
Engineer - T/Sgt Bill Robinson (1) [ ] PH
Radio Operator - S/Sgt David Alexander (1) [ ] PH
Ball Turret - Sgt Leroy Henderson (1) [ ] PH
Left Waist - S/Sgt Bill Peterson (1) [ ] PH
Right Waist - Sgt Gilbert Green (1) [ ] PH
Tail Gunner - Sgt Charlie Adams (1) [ ]

Bomb Run: DNB

Casualties:

Enemy Fire
Pilot - KIA Frontal lobe, jugular, LW thigh
Co Pilot - LW Right calf muscle
Right Waist - LW Torn gluteus

Other
Navigator - Drowning
Engineer - Drowning
Radio Operator - Drownin
Left Waist - Drowning
Right Waist - Drowning
Ball Turret - Drowning

Damage: Crashed into Adriatic Sea

Peckham Points: Totaled

Landing: Water

Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
FW-190 X3

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards:
Pilot - 1Lt George James , PH Posthumously
Co-Pilot - 2Lt Joseph Sanders, PH
Navigator - 2Lt Leroy Powell, PH Posthumously
Engineer - T/Sgt Bill Robinson, PH Posthumously
Radio Operator - S/Sgt David Alexander, PH Posthumously
Ball Turret - Sgt Leroy Henderson, PH Posthumously
Left Waist - S/Sgt Bill Peterson, PH Posthumously
Right Waist - Sgt Gilbert Green, PH Posthumously

AFTER ACTION REPORT
14 FEB 1944

The weather was bad, with some rain. The skipper got us up and into formation according to Hoyle.

We [the squadron] were still climbing in formation to join the rest of the group when three FW190s attacked from 12, 3 and 9. I felt the plane get wracked by numerous shell and bullet hits.

I heard someone screaming the skipper was dead, and to bailout. I didn’t need to be told twice. I saw only 7 or 8 other chutes, through the rain. The wind was blowing us everywhere. When I hit the water, I discarded my chute and inflated my Mae West. I didn’t see anyone near me.

I was in the water a few hours when an Italian fishing boat found me. I didn’t know if they were friendly, or not, and I don’t speak the lingo. They pulled me aboard and covered me with tarps and netting.

Sometime after dark we beached, and they pulled me out of the boat. I was brought to some outbuilding, like a shed. I was given a dry blanket and some thin soup. Before dawn they took me from the shed and put me into the back of a hand drawn cart. I spent the next ten days being moved from location to location, until they could hand me over to some British troops. They got me here about two days later.

Related by,
Sgt Charles Adams, Tail Gunner
B-24D The Four Horsemen
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF


17 JUN 1945

Every step from wake-up to climbing to formation was as smooth as could be. Until we crossed the Italian Coast into the Adriatic.

Three FW190s came at us. The only one I could see was from 12 high. We didn’t touch him. Two short bursts from him, and we were done for. Shells and bullets ripped through the front of the ship. Feathering controls were shot up, and we lost control of #1 engine. We could hear calls from Sgt Green that he had been hit, and S/Sgt Robinson [flight engineer] had also been hit.

The flight deck was a mess. I took some shrapnel to the left calf. While I was checking my wound, I asked George [1lt, George James] if he was alright. Silence. I looked over. All I saw was blood. He took a hit to the forehead and the throat. All I could see of his face was his mouth opening and closing like a fish, as he bled out. It only took a moment.

I turned back to the controls and instruments. We had lost control of #1 engine. I passed the word to bail out. I hoped we were close enough to base to picked up by friendly locals, or the Royal Navy.

I was picked up by some Italian fishermen, sometime in the early afternoon. Edgar [2Lt Wright, bombardier] was already in the boat. There were two or three bodies covered in tarps and blankets. The fishermen wouldn’t let us see who they were.

Once we were ashore, we were handed over to the Germans. My leg was treated, and we were shipped north, for the rest of the war. It was only after we were repatriated that we heard that Sgt Adams [tail gunner] was the only other survivor.

Related by,
2Lt Joseph Sanders, Co Pilot
B-24D The Four Horsemen
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF


From the Unit Archives, 78 Squadron, 509th (H) Bomb Group, 15th Airforce

Disposition of crew of B-24 D The Four Horsemen, shot down over the Adriatic Sea, 2 FEB 1944.

Sgt Charles Adams – Rescued by local fishermen, returned to Allied lines, returned to duty.
2Lt Joseph Sanders – Rescued by local fishermen, handed over to German Forces. Incarcerated for the duration of hostilities.
2Lt Edgar Wright – Rescued by local fishermen, handed over to German Forces. Incarcerated for the duration of hostilities.
1Lt George James – KIA from enemy fire, went down with the aircraft into the Adriatic Sea, and sank with the plane.
2Lt Leroy Powell – Presumed drowned after parachuting from the stricken aircraft. Body not recovered.
T/Sgt William Robinson – Drowned after parachuting from the stricken aircraft. Body recovered and turned over to German forces.
S/Sgt David Alexander – Drowned after parachuting from the stricken aircraft. Body recovered and turned over to German forces.
Sgt Leroy Henderson – Presumed drowned after parachuting from the stricken aircraft. Body not recovered.
S/Sgt William Peterson – Presumed drowned after parachuting from the stricken aircraft. Body not recovered.
Sgt Gilbert Green – Drowned after parachuting from the stricken aircraft. Body recovered and turned over to German forces.

[ChefEd]

The Jolly Rogers B-24D
B24D-CO-41-11631
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 2 FEB 1944
Mission Number: 61
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Maribor, Yugoslavia, Airdrome

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot- 1Lt Harvey Rogers (1)
Co-Pilot - 2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez (1)
Navigator - 2Lt Alfred Williams (1) [ ]
Bombardier - 2Lt Benjamin Cook (1) [ ]
Engineer - T/Sgt Milton Clark (1) [ ]
Radio Operator - S/Sgt Herbert Hall (1) [ ]
Ball Turret - Sgt Clarence Adams (1) [ ]
Left Waist - S/Sgt William Young (1) [ ]
Right Waist - Sgt Wallace Hall (1) [ ]
Tail Gunner - Sgt Marvin Barnes (1) [ ]

Bomb Run: Off Target, 0%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Ball Turret Out – 20
Tail O2 Out – 10
Tail Heat Out – 10
Superficial – X3 – 6

Peckham Points: 46 points, ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Claimed / Awarded / Driven Off:
ME109 – 6 / 1 / 1 / 3
ME-110 – 2 / 2 / 1 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Nose: 1X ME109 / .5X ME109
Top: 1X ME 109 / 0X ME110
Ball: 1X ME110 / 1X ME110
Right Waist: 1X ME110 / 0X ME110
Tail: 1X ME110 / .5X ME110

Awards: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
I never dreamed there could be so much rain and mud. Who knew it could be so cold in Italy?

Being rookies, we kept quiet and to ourselves during breakfast and the briefing. A few greetings, here and there, but pretty much mum.

The crew has been together for a few months now, so we are fairly comfortable as a team. As a group, the consensus is we are glad our first combat mission is a short one.

I met our crew chief, S/Sgt Jesse Green, shortly after being assigned to our D model. Seems competent enough, he certainly made me feel comfortable when discussing the plane.

When we arrived at our dispersal point, the crew surprised me with an unveiling of the freshly painted name of our aircraft, The Jolly Rogers. One can only hope. Jesse and I discussed the prepping for the plane, and any issues he thought we might need to be aware of. Fortunately, it was a short list. I finished my walk around with Larry, while the rest of the crew went through their own pre-flights.

Larry and I boarded the plane, and Jesse closed her behind us. We went through our own pre-flight checks and awaited the first signal. We didn’t have to wait long. From start up to taxiing to takeoff to form up it was quite impressive to see the skills of our fellow aircrews and the ground crews in getting a group into the air so quickly, and seemingly, effortlessly.

Once the Squadron was formed up we headed out over the Adriatic, climbing steadily to final altitude, as we joined the rest of the Group.

Halfway up the Adriatic we saw our first enemy aircraft. Three ME109s looked like they were sizing us up, when they were broken up by a flight of Jugs.

We didn’t see any more enemy aircraft (that we needed to be concerned about) until over Yugoslavia and approaching the IP. A pair of ME110s came at us from 3 and 6, in a hammer and anvil attack. Sgts Hall and Adams got solid hits on the 110 at 3 low, shredding the control surfaces on the tail and the right wing, sending the plane into an uncontrolled spin. A chute was observed, though how, we don’t know.

Sgt Barnes nearly sliced off the tail of the second 110 coming in from 6 low. A chute was observed.

As soon as we dispatched the pair of 110s, a pair of Ace ME109s, both coming in from 6 o’clock, tried their hands at us. Sgts Clark and Barnes took a few pieces out of them, but not enough to affect their aims. The 109 at 6 level came in first, getting a few telling hits. He knocked out Sgt Barnes’ O2, and jammed up the entire ball turret, effectively trapping Sgt Adams inside, and rendering the turret useless. The second 109 followed from 6 high, also getting a few hits, and knocking out Sgt Barnes’ heat. Apparently, our hits did enough damage that both 109s decided not to make a return engagement.

We finally made the turn at the IP and started our run. Flak was light, as predicted, and was quite ineffective.

Metro’s weather prediction was also accurate, as we could barely make out the target. 2Lt Cook was unable to drop a single bomb on the target. Nerves, weather, the enemy defenses, doesn’t matter. We need to do better next time.

I didn’t want to lose the safety of the squadron formation, so I had Sgt Barnes make is way to the radio room for O2 and heat.

Passing beyond the target, and the Squadron making our turn to regroup with the Group, we ran into two more ME109s. The first 109 was missed by Sgt Young, but the second at 12 high wasn’t. T/Sgt Clark got a good clean burst hitting the 109’s fuel and blowing it up. No chute was observed. 2Lt Cook, manning the nose gun, also got a piece of the 109, hitting it in the right wing.

The surviving 109 made his run, and missed, and failed to return.

Still over Yugoslavia, with the Adriatic appearing on the horizon, another pair of ME109s made an appearance, both coming in at 12, high and level. T/Sgt Clark aerated its left wing, but little more. Everyone else missed.

We were fortunate that the two ME109s also missed us.

We saw no more enemy aircraft, or escorts, for the rest of the mission, as we made our way down the Adriatic.

Making our approach to land, our verbal landing checklist was punctuated by periodic mumblings of prayers from Sgt Adams, stuck in the ball turret. After landing, S/Sgt Green broke out his can opener to extricate Sgt Adams.

Submitted by,
1Lt Harvey Rogers, Commanding7
B-24D The Jolly Rogers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 15 FEB 1944
Mission Number: 62
This Aircraft: 7
Target: Monte Cassino, Italy, OP


Crew
Position, Rank/Name, Current Mission, Previous Kills, Awards
Pilot - 1Lt Andrew “Andy” Zanotti, (2)
Co-Pilot - 2Lt Lawrence “Larry” Fairchild, (7)  AM
Navigator - 2nd Lt Steven Liotti, (6) [0] AM
Bombardier - 2nd Lt Quinton “Q” Seagrave, (6) [2] AM
Engineer - S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White, (7) [3.5] AM, PH
Radio Operator - S/Sgt Rafael “Rafe” Barquero, (7) [0] DFC, AM, PH
Ball Turret - Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes, (6) [2] AM, PH
Left Waist - S/Sgt Peter Borg, (17) [0] AM+, PH+
Right Waist - Sgt Theodore “Teddy” Roberts, (5) [0] PH+, AM
Tail Gunner - Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris, (7) [0] AM

Crew Chief - S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez, (8)  +2 SKill

Bomb Run: On Target – 40%

Casualties: None

Damage: None

Peckham Points: None

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
FW190 X1, driven off by escorts

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards:
Sgt Roberts – Air Medal


AFTER ACTION REPORT
The sun Is finally shining. It was good to be awoken for breakfast and briefing without having to pull on rain gear, that didn’t keep you dry. Despite the bright sun, and piercing blue sky, the temperature was freezing. Much of the muddy ground had frozen, and as much a hazard as the mud, as we moved from our tents to chow.

After chow, the officers headed to the briefing, while the crew headed out to get their flying gear, and locker up their personal items.

A short hop today, so short, we will barely break 10,000 feet when we hit the target, and lucky to even be in standard formation by that time. Apparently, we will be bombing some ancient monastery, that has been identified as a German O.P. Rumors are circulating that it may be empty. However, orders are orders. “Ours is not to reason why…” With such a short distance, take off would be much later than usual, close to 0900.

The entire crew met up after the briefing to get a ride out to our dispersal point. It was a welcome change to arrive at our aircraft with at least some daylight. Each crewmember went through their preflight checks, and we waited.

Startup signal was made, and S/Sgt Ramirez put us through our engine startups. Each engine turned over, in turn, as if it just came out of the plant at Willow Run. A good start.

The signal to line up for takeoff was given, and we moved out in our turn. Like our start up take off and climb to formation went as smooth as the “boxcar” could be expected.

We were still climbing and forming up as we hit the IP and started out bomb run.

We spotted a few contrails in the distance, yet we left no tracks ourselves.

Intelligence indicated we could expect substantial enemy defense of the skies, no bandits came anywhere near us, courtesy of our little friends. Other aircraft in the squadron were not so lucky. Pink Flamingo, in the lead, seemed to be in a constant swarm of bandits, as was The Jolly Rogers. Likewise, flak was ineffective allowing “Q” a clear approach to target. Without enemy interference “Q” was able to drop 40% of his eggs on target.

We continued our ran past the target, then made out turn home.

We finally saw a lone FW190 approaching from 3 o’clock, that thought better of it when our escorts pounced.

When we finally taxied into our hard stand, it wasn’t even lunch time. Cal was quite pleased that he and his crew had little more to do then wipe down the windshield, check the oil, and kick the tires.

Respectfully,
1Lt Andrew Zanotti, Commanding, Temporary
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

The Jolly Rogers B-24D
B24D-CO-41-11631
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 15 FEB 1944
Mission Number: 62
This Aircraft: 2
Target: Monte Cassino, Italy, OP


Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot - 1Lt Harvey Rogers (2)
Co-Pilot - 2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez (2)
Navigator - 2Lt Alfred Williams (2)
Bombardier - 2Lt Benjamin Cook (2) [.5]
Engineer - T/Sgt Milton Clark (2) [.5]
Radio Operator - S/Sgt Herbert Hall (2)
Ball Turret - Sgt Clarence Adams (2) [1]
Left Waist - S/Sgt William Young (2)
Right Waist - Sgt Wallace Hall (2)
Tail Gunner - Sgt Marvin Barnes (2)

Crew Chief - S/Sgt Jesse Green (2)

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

Casualties: None

Damage: None

Peckham Points: None

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Awarded:
ME109 – 2 / 1 / 1 / 0
FW190 – 4 / 1 / 0 / 0
JU88 C-6 – 4 / 4 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
ME109 1/0

Awards: None


AFTER ACTION REPORT
Interesting briefing, today. Reactions to the selected target were greatly mixed. For or against, even those for the target were quite subdued, compared to the last briefing.

The morning routine was just that. Everything went as hoped for, with little to note, up until form up and course change at IP. We thought we would need to abort a supposed milk run. We had a shimmy out of #3, that passed as quickly as it happened, with no repeat for the remainder of (the short) mission.

In a near cloudless sky visibility was exceptional. So exceptional we were able to spot bandits much sooner than last mission. As such, our defensive fire was ready, as was the coverage of our escorts.

On approach to target, we noted three waves of bandits, The first was a pair of JU-88s that never got within gun range, as they were swept from the skies by our escorts.

No sooner had the 88s been dealt with, a quartet of FW190s made inappropriate advances against the Rogers. Having just finished with the 88s, our escorts were only able to drive off one of the 190s. Our defensive gunnery was accurate, damaging two of the 190s. Even with significant damage to the enemy, a smoking engine, and a solid cockpit hit, all three continued their runs. None of the three hit us, even though two of the 190s had markings indicating aces.

The 190s were followed up by a pair of ME109s coming in from 6 o’clock. Escorts drove off one, with our tail and top turrets flaming the remaining 109, with no chute observed.

Approaching the target flak looked as advertised, but not in our vicinity. Suffering no hits, and near absent flak, Ben was able to bring us in well enough to score 40% of our bomb load on target.

Outbound flak was as ineffective as inbound.

A second pair of JU88s tried to press their luck, and as before were driven off by our escorts.

If it weren’t for people trying to kill us it was perfect day for flying.

Another mission without injuries. We’ll take it.

Submitted by,
1Lt Harvey Rogers, Commanding
B-24D The Jolly Rogers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 11 MAR 1944
Mission Number: 63
This Aircraft: 8
Target: Toulon, France, Sub Pens

Crew

Position	Rank/Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	1Lt Edward Brown	6		PH, AM
Co-Pilot	2Lt Lawrence Fairchild	8		AM
Navigator	2Lt Steven Liotti	7	0.5	AM
Bombardier	2Lt Quinton Seagrave	7	2	AM
Engineer	S/Sgt Calvin White	8	3.5	PH, AM
Radio Op	S/Sgt Rafael Barquero	8	0	PH, AM, DFC
Ball Turret	Sgt Allen Hughes	7	2.5	PH
Left Waist	S/Sgt Peter Borg	18	0	PH+, AM+
Right Waist	Sgt Theodore Roberts	6	0	PH+, AM
Tail Gunner	Sgt Michael Harris	8	0	AM
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez	9

Bomb Run: On Target, 21%

Casualties: None
Damage:
Nose Wheel
Right inboard fuel tank, self-sealed

Peckham Points: 20 points, ready in 24 hours

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Awarded:
ME-109 – 2 / 1 / 1 / 0
JU88C-6 – 2 / 0 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Top: 1 / 0

Awards: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Good to be back in the saddle. Thanks to Lt Zanotti for covering while I recuperated. He piloted two successful missions in the Phyllis and came back with everyone safe and sound.

Much like prior missions everything was routine. Early morning light-in-the-eyes wake-up. Hot but brief breakfast. A cigarette on the way to the briefing. Mission details and a pep talk. Bagging, tagging, and stowing our personal effects. Ride out to dispersal. Walk around the Phyllis with S/Sgt Ramirez and 2Lt Fairchild. Crew pre-flighting their stations. Larry and I going through our own pre-flight. Signal. Cal guiding us through startup. Signal. Rollout into takeoff order. Signal. Takeoff. Climbing into the circuit as the squadron gathers. Heading to the Group assembly, climb to altitude, and on our way. O2 checks. Weapon checks.

The sun was bright, this early March day. Below us 5/10ths cover for most of the flight to target.

It was deceptively peaceful. Not until we were approaching the IP did we have any enemy aircraft come anywhere near enough to us to warrant any defensive activity.

“Skipper, Harris here.” “Pilot here, What’s up “Bomber”?” “Any word on a stray from 79 or 80?” “No, why?” There is a B-17 a few miles back, on our heading and altitude. Doesn’t seem to be trying to gain ground on us.” “Roger. Keep an eye on it.” “Roger.”

“Nav to pilot.” “Go ahead nav.” “IP coming up.” “Pilot to bomb.” “Bomb here.” “Get ready to take over.” “Roger.”

It is quite the site to see single planes rise in the air to form up as a squadron, then the squadron form up as a group, then flying in formation. Surpassing that are squadrons in a stepped and synchronized turn toward the target.

“Pilot to bomb.” “Go ahead skipper.” “She is yours.” “Plane is mine.”

It was still quiet for us, though we could see plenty of enemy skirting the formation, probing our defenses. Flak, however, was close, though nothing more than the pitter pat like the sound of rain.

2Lt Liotti maintained his steely focus, making his adjustments as we neared the target, with the pitter pat of flak continuing to rain down on us. “Steady…steady…steady…gone. Get us out of here, skip,” as he handed over control back to the command deck.

As control passed back from 2Lt Liotti we took two hits from flak, one in the nose the other the right wing. “Pilot to crew…report.” “Engineer to pilot.” “Inboard fuel leak, starboard wing.” “Nav to pilot, we took one to the floor. We are okay.” “Pilot to engineer, do a sweep.” “Roger.” S/Sgt White did a quick systems check. “Skipper.” “Yeah, “Craps”. “Nose gear is red. Wing fuel leak has stopped.” “Roger. When we are clear, check the nose gear.“ “Yes, sir.”

No sooner at S/Sgt White resumed his position in the top turret when we finally received some heat. A pair of 109s approached from 9 and 12. Our little friends came to our rescue and drove off the 109 at 12 high. The 109 at 9 level took a full burst to the cockpit from S/Sgt White, sending it into an uncontrolled spin. No chute was noted.

Right on their heals a pair of 88s took their turn, from 1:30 and 3. We missed the one at 1:30, with Sgt Roberts getting a few hits on the 88 at 3 level, but did not slow it down. Both 88s missed their opportunity with us and left.

Once clear of France, and back over water, the skies cleared of the enemy. S/Sgt White started a survey of the damage. He reported no further leakage from the right wing. He could not ascertain the exact damage to the nose wheel. We’ll find out when we attempt to land.

The 5/10ths cloud cover gave way to haze, as the sun tried to burn off the cloud cover.

The rest of the flight the skies were still clear of enemy, for us.

Approaching the Italian coast we notified the CO and control of the nose gear damage. We had enough fuel to wait our turn. With gear down the nose still showed red. “Pilot to crew. Clear the nose and prepare for a rough landing.” The command crew moved to the radio room and waited. I kept a nose up attitude as we approached, and kept her up as long as possible, once we touched. The crew kept braced as we sped down the runway. The nose began to drop slowly as our airspeed fell. The gear held [DR was a modified “2”.]. We did require a tow once we were clear of the runway.

S/Sgt Ramirez tells me the Phyllis will be ready to fly again by tomorrow.

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

The Jolly Rogers B-24D
B24D-CO-41-11631
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 11 MAR 1944
Mission Number: 63
This Aircraft: 3
Target: Toulon, France, Sub Pens

Crew

Position	Rank/Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	1Lt Harvey Rogers	3
Co-Pilot	2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez	3
Navigator	2Lt Alfred Williams	3
Bombardier	2Lt Benjamin Cook	3	.5
Engineer	T/Sgt Milton Clark	3	.5
Radio OP	S/Sgt Herbert Hall	3
Ball Turret	Sgt Clarence Adams	3	1
Left Waist	S/Sgt William Young	3
Right Waist	Sgt Wallace Hall	3
Tail Gunner	Sgt Marvin Barnes	3
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Jesse Green	3

Bomb Run: On Target 30%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Right Cheek gun out - 10
Right Waist gun out - 10
Ball Turret guns out - 20
Bomb controls out - 10
Radio out - 10
Autopilot out - 10
Superficial X10 - 20

Peckham Points: 90, repaired for next day

Landing: Good

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190 11 / 7 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
It is a long one today. The longest for my crew, anyway. Heading to the German sub pens in Toulon, France. Almost the entire trip will be over water. At least water we mostly control. Met says we will have 5/10ths cloud cover most of the way to the target but starting to burn off as we head home.

We may control the seas, but Gerry is still contesting the air. We had just cleared the Italian coast when we were jumped by a trio of ME109s. Our escorts were able to drive off one of the enemy, but the other two were to be undeterred in their goal.

T/Sgt Clark, in the top turret, got a fuel tank hit on the 109 at 12 high, but it did not leak. That 109 made his pass, missed, and left.

Sgt Barnes, in the tail, completely missed the 109 at 6 level. That 109 got 6 cannon hits on us. Most of the hits caused no damage, but he did knock out the bombardier’s bomb release.

The 109 came around, this time from 9 high. T/Sgt Clark got a good hit on the 109’s cockpit, apparently wounding the pilot. {Later, T/Sgt Clark claimed to see blood splatter inside the enemy’s cockpit.} Wounded or not, this pilot stitched us up from nose to tail. A lot of superficial damage, but he did take out the right cheek gun, the ball turret guns, and the autopilot.

The skies were pretty quiet until we were in the target zone. A trio of FW190s tried to have their way with us, but our escorts would have none of that, defending our girl’s honor quite decisively. A pair of FW190s followed close behind, with our escorts able to drive off one of them. T/Sgt Clark continued his accurate gunnery, claiming a good wing hit on the 190 that was able to get through from 12 high. His gunnery was enough to throw off the aim of the 190’s pilot, as he missed, and continued his dive past us.

Out of the clear blue we took three hard hits. “Rockets!” No sign of the shooter. It was a tight cluster, all hitting the same are of the ship. Fortunately, maybe, only the radio suffered any damage. S/Sgt Hall says it is out for the duration.

We weren’t bothered by any of the flak. 2Lt Cook took us into the target, released our load, and landed 30% on target, despite no autopilot and us having to release the bombs manually.

Flak leaving the target was light, as expected, and missed us.

Once clear of the flak belt a pair of 190s came after us. Escorts drove off one. 2Lt Williams, manning the left cheek shredded the rudder of the remaining 190, throwing off his aim, and driving him off.

A solo 190 tried to sneak in on us, but an eagle-eyed escort denied him that opportunity.

No further enemy aircraft were encountered for the rest of the flight.

Our landing was clean.

S/Sgt Green surveyed the damage, and assured me his crew will have her ready again in 24 hours.

Submitted by,
1Lt Harvey Rogers, Commanding
B-24D The Jolly Rogers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 29 MAR 1944
Mission Number: 64
This Aircraft: 9
Target: Bolzano, Italy, Marshaling Yard

Crew

Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards

Pilot                     1Lt Edward “Chef” Brown             7           AM
Co-Pilot                2Lt Lawrence “Larry” Fairchild      9           AM
Navigator             2nd Lt Steven Liotti                     8     0    AM
Bombardier          2nd Lt Quinton “Q” Seagrave        8     2    AM
Engineer              S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White           9     4    AM, PH
Radio Operator     S/Sgt Rafael “Rafe” Barquero        9     0    DFC, AM, PH
Ball Turret            Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes       8  2.33  AM, PH
Left Waist            S/Sgt Peter Borg                         19    0    AM+, PH+
Right Waist          Sgt Theodore “Teddy” Roberts       7     0    PH+, AM
Tail Gunner          Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris          9    0   AM

Crew Chief           S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez          10         +2



Bomb Run: Off target, 0%

Casualties:
2Lt Lawrence Fairchild, Co-pilot, SW, broken ribs, inflamed lungs, 8-week recovery
S/Sgt Rafael Barquero, Radio Op, LW, shoulder scratch, RTD

Damage:
Bomb Controls X2 – 15
Norden Bombsight – 10
Flap Controls – 10
Aux Hydraulics Out – 10
Right Elevator Out – 25
Tail O2 Out – 10
Co-Pilot SW – 5 (broken rib, lung inflammation) 8 weeks recovery, RTD 24 MAY 1944
Radio Op LW – 2 (shoulder cut superficial) RTD
Bomb Bay Superficial X2 – 10
Superficial X3 – 6

Peckham Points: 113 Peckham Points, Two days repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Credited:
ME-109 (It) 1 / 0 / 1 / .5
FW-190 9 / 0 / 1 / .33
ME-110 3 / 3 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Right Cheek: .5 / 0
Top: .5 / .5
Ball: 1 / .33

Awards:
2Lt Lawrence Fairchild – PH
S/Sgt Rafael Barquero – PH

AFTER ACTION REPORT
“Gather ‘round.” The crew stopped what they were doing and gathered behind the ¾ ton that would take us to our dispersal point. “No doubt you heard the dope. We are headed to Bolzano, in northern Italy, close to Austria. Mostly over water. Cloud cover is expected to be 5/10ths there and back, with clear skies over the target and Giulia. We should expect decent escort coverage most of the round trip. Intel believes we should expect moderate to heavy enemy resistance while over Italian soil, with light flak going in and out of the target. Oh, and we are low squadron, today. Keep your eyes open. Questions?” “No, sir”, was the reply in unison. “Good, let’s go.”

As we pulled up to Phyllis, the driver pulled up short, and told us to get out. “Is there a problem?” “No, sir.”

As we climbed out of the truck, S/Sgt Ramirez met us. “Can you come with me, sir? You need to see this.” That’s all we needed, something to scrub the mission before we even got airborne. “What is it?” “You just need to see it, sir.” As we walked around the nose, Cal said, “This, sir”, as he pointed up toward the cockpit. I was speechless. There, in brand new paint, was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Cal scrounged up one of the squadron artists and had “Phabulous Phyllis” painted on the nose. “No words, Cal. No words. Thank you.” Each crew member then shook my hand as he climbed abord for the preflight checks.

Cal, Larry, and I did our walk around, before climbing aboard. “Cal, when did you plan this?” “Not me, sir. It was Lt Fairchild’s idea.” “Not me”, replied Larry, it was the crew’s idea.” “Well, I guess the drinks are on me tonight.” “Cal, can we get a picture of this, for my wife?” “Already done, sir”, as he handed me a snapshot. I handed it back to Cal, to bring back to my quarters.

Larry and I climbed aboard, and went through our preflight, and when signaled, did our start up.

Take off, and assembly were smooth. Larry noted that Darwin’s Dilemma was dropping out of formation before we even hit the Adriatic. (We discovered later they had a crew emergency requiring immediate medical attention.) We climbed through the scattered cloud cover, into an icy blue sky. A color that truly reflected the subzero temperatures at altitude.

Intel was spot on, regarding enemy activity. Nothing until we recrossed the Italian coastline. Then all hell broke loose.

Passing over the Veneto a single 190 tried to make a head-on pass against us. A pair of Lightnings made him think better of it. He made a hard roll to the right and dove for cover below the clouds.

Crossing Trento into Bolzano the skies came alive. It looked like we kicked a hornet’s nest. Between the tracers, bits of aircraft, and puffs from cannon fire the sky looked like it was filled with confetti.

First at bat were a pair of ANR* ME-109s. The one at 12 was driven off by P-38s, leaving one at 1:30. 2Lt Liotti, manning the right cheek MG and S/Sgt White in the top turret opened fire. S/Sgt White’s tracers could be seen tearing into the 109’s nose blowing off panels and parts of the engine, and engine fluids spraying like a blown artery. The 109 rolled over and plunged smoking below toward the earth. No chute was observed.

Close on the heals of the 109s were a trio of FW-190s, coming in from 10:20, 12 and 1:30. With 2Lt Seagrave focusing on bomb run preparation left 2Lt Liotti and S/Sgt White as the only guns which could bear on these three aircraft. Steve (Lt Liotti) took the nose gun and fired at the 190 at 12, getting a few hits on the cockpit. That pilot appeared to be hit, but he continued his pass. His pass took out Q’s (2Lt Seagrave) bomb release controls, sent a splinter into Larry’s side, pierced the bomb bay, and took out Sgt Harris’ O2 in the tail.

The 190 at 10:30, uncovered by machine guns missed.

The 190 at 1:30 was targeted by S/Sgt White. He got another engine hit, and like before, the 190 was not deterred. We took another shell through the bomb bay, a hit to the right elevator, and worst of all shattered the Norden sight.

The 190 that had come in at 1:30 came back around from 9 high. S/Sgt Bong got a solid burst on its left wing, shredding its control surfaces, with S/Sgt White missing. The 190 also missed us, and sped away, somewhat unstable.

The last 190 came back in at 3 level. Sgt Roberts, in the waist missed, but Sgt Hughes, in the belly, sheared its tail off, sending it embed itself in the earth below. No chute was observed.

It seemed these first two waves were just the warmup. Five more FWs came at us from all points of the compass, as well as out of the sun.

The first came in from 12 high. Q manning the nose gun shredded his left aileron, and S/Sgt White missed, but the 190 didn’t miss. His pass took out our flap controls, as well s sending another round through the bomb bay, taking out the auxiliary hydraulic pump.

Steve manning the left cheek got some hits on the 190 coming in from 10:30, throwing off its aim.

Sgt Hughes and S/Sgt Borg targeted the 190 at 9 level, getting some wing hits, but nothing too serious. Enough however to throw his aim off as well.

Sgt Harris shredded the horizontal stabilizer of the 190 at 6 high, throwing his aim off as well.

Finally, the fifth 190 coming out of the sun remained unseen and was able to get two solid hits. He hit the already damaged bomb controls and sent ANOTHER round through the bomb bay. That round took out the autopilot.

The 190 that had come in from 12 returned at 1:30. S/Sgt White missed his shot, but Steve, at the right cheek stitch up its fuselage, but appeared to miss anything vital. Enough though to cause him to miss us. Sgt Harris took a parting shot as the 190 passed us astern but missed.

The last 190 came back from 9 high. S/Sgt Borg got a few hits on his left wing. It continued its arc toward us but missed.

The skies were suddenly empty of enemy aircraft, only to be replaced by the angry black bursts of flak. Since the flak was light, as predicted, we took this time, as short as it was, to self-assess and gather ourselves.

Sgt Harris had grabbed a portable O2 bottle, so was OK for now. I called S/Sgt White and S/St Barquero to the cockpit. Larry had taken a splinter to his ribs and was having trouble breathing. Rafe got there first and looked at Larry’s wound. He noted that there was no bleeding. Apparently, the splinter had lost some velocity, and was stopped by the Mae West and flight jacket, enough to prevent penetration. However, it had enough force to break a rib or two. I had Rafe take Larry back to the Radio Room and try to make him comfortable. I had S/Sgt White sit in the second seat, and called Sgt Harris up to the flight deck, and take the top turret, for the remainder of the mission.

While we were gathered in the cockpit a flak splinter entered the Radio Room, embedding itself next to S/Sgt Barquero’s seat.

Without bomb controls, autopilot, and a destroyed bomb sight, 2Lt Seagrave headed to the bomb bay for a manual release of our load. As we approached the target, I relayed to Q the bombing progress of the bombers ahead of us. When I saw The Jolly Rogers release, I gave Q the command to release. Bad timing. Zero percent on target, as we were to discover. Once the bombs were released, Q resumed his position in the nose.

As Rafe was getting Larry settled, another flak splinter entered the radio room, hitting Rafe in the left shoulder. Turned out be barely a scratch. Not even worth sutures.

As we began our turn to home, the crew started reporting that the squadron appeared to be tightening up.

Crossing Lombardy, we weren’t bothered by anymore enemy aircraft. Not until we were over Piedmont did we encounter any enemy aircraft. A trio of ME-110s tried to hammer and anvil us, coming in from 12, 6 and below. Fortunately for us a flight of P-38s swooped in and drove them off.

We were unmolested for the rest of the flight home. 2Lt Seagrave spent this time seeing if he could repair some of the nose damage. He only made things worse by further damaging the bomb release.

Despite the damaged elevator, our landing was clean.

S/Sgt Ramirez was not happy with the repairs that were needed. Nothing serious, but a lot of little things that needed time to repair, replace and test.

The meat wagon met as at our hardstand and took Larry to the hospital. I was told later that he would be laid up about 8 weeks, as his ribs healed, and should be fit for duty again. S/Sgt Barquero’s wound need little mor than Mercurochrome, and some tape.

Back at my quarters, I found Cal at left the photo on my desk. I enclosed it with a long letter to my wife.

I walked over to the NCO club, requested permission to enter, then left cash on the bar for the crew. I met up with Lts Liotti and Seagrave, and we headed over to see Larry.


* Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (Italian National Republican Air Force)

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

The Jolly Rogers B-24D
B24D-CO-41-11631
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 29 MAR 1944
Mission Number: 64
This Aircraft: 4
Target: Bolzano, Italy, Marshalling Yard

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot                     1Lt Harvey Rogers          4
Co-Pilot                2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez    4
Navigator             2Lt Alfred Williams          4
Bombardier          2Lt Benjamin Cook          4     .5
Engineer              T/Sgt Milton Clark           4     .5
Radio Operator     S/Sgt Herbert Hall           4
Ball Turret            Sgt Clarence Adams        4     1
Left Waist            S/Sgt William Young        4
Right Waist          Sgt Wallace Hall              4
Tail Gunner          Sgt Marvin Barnes           4

Crew Chief           S/Sgt Jesse Green           4

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Right Waist heat out - 10

Peckham Points: 10 Points, ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Awarded:
ME109        5 / 3 / 0 / 0
FW-190       4 / 0 / 1 / 1
G-55           1 / 0 / 0 / 0
ME110        3 / 1 / 2 / 1
ME109 (It)  1 / 0 / 0 / 0
JU88C6       1 / 0 / 0 / 1

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Nose: 1/.5
Top: 1/1
Ball: 1/.5
Tail: 1/1

Awards: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Another long mission, today. Metro predicts 5/10ths cloud cover most of the way there and back, with clear skies over the target and base. Intel expects light enemy activity while over water, but heavy over Italy. Flak is expected to be light in and out. We’ll be flying in the middle of the low squadron. We have been promised tight escort there and back.

The ride out to the hardstand was quiet. Everyone seemed to be avoiding eye contact. Odd. When we arrived at our plane the crew rapidly exited the truck and boarded the aircraft, leaving me, Larry and S/Sgt Green to do our walk around. “What’s that”? “What’s what, Skip?” “That…” “That?” “Yes, that!” “Oh, that.” “Well?” “Um, a gift from the crew, sir.” Greeting us, this fine brisk morning, was a piece of fresh art, painted on the nose of our aircraft. “The crew felt is was time to christen her officially, sir.” There, emblazoned for the whole world to see, was a comely piratess, carrying the Jolly Roger, surrounded by “The Jolly Rogers”. “Welcome home, sir.” “Well, let’s take good care of her.” “Yes, sir!”

The sun was bright and warming, as it hung low in the sky, promising to be a lovely day. Lovely, if we didn’t have such deadly business at hand.

Pre-flights complete, engine startup smooth, and off we go. As we were leaving the ground, Larry chirped, “I’m feeling lucky today, Harv.” “I hope so.”

As predicted, the only aircraft we could see were our bombers, and the fleeting of the Lightnings, as they patrolled around us like sheep dogs.

We spotted our first enemy aircraft as we approached the IP. Four Focke-Wulfs were intend on giving us a warm welcome. Our little friends quickly drove off two 190s, leaving the remainder to approach from 12 high and 1:30 level. 2Lt Cook took a shot at the one at 12, from the nose, with no luck. Neither did that pilot, as he continued passed on and toward other prey. 2Lt Williams manning the right cheek and T/Sgt in the top turret took their turn with the remaining FW. T/Sgt Clark got a few hits on its nose, enough to throw off the FW’s aim.

2Lt Cook left the nose gun and took up his station at the Norden sight.

Flak was light as expected, and quite inaccurate. Ben seemed to have a good bead on the target. (So, we thought. Intelligence says 20%.)

Flak was still light, and inaccurate, despite our flying straight and level for so long.

We began our turn to home and adjusted ourselves back into the box. Just in time as we faced a 109 and an ANR* G-55. The 109 tried to come in out of the sun, but T/Sgt Clark spotted him, and squeezed of a few rounds. No luck. The 109 got a hit knocking out Sgt Hall’s heat, in the waist.

The G-55 made a run in from 9 o’clock low. Sgt Young missed, with Sgt Adams getting solid engine hits, from the ball. The G-55 missed, and continued its climb, presumably to nurse his wounds.

The 109 came back around from 3 high. We missed him, as well as he us.

I had Sgt Hall move to the radio room. We felt safer flying in the box short a gun, then being fully manned flying alone. Sgt Young would cover his gun as well as Sgt Hall’s on the right side.

Passing northwest of Verona, a trio of ME110s came at us from 12, 6, and from below. A single escort drove off the 110 at 6 o’clock. 2Lt Cook, back at the nose gun, got a solid burst on the ME’s nose, coming from 12 high, sending it into a spin. Sgt Clark missed. A single chute was observed. Sgt Adams took careful aim at the 110 climbing to meet us, from below. A solid burst sheared off the 110’s right wing, just outboard of the engine, sending it into an uncontrolled dive. Again, a single chute was seen.

The box continued to tighten up, giving us a bit of extra comfort. If that was possible. At 20,000 feet. And people trying to kill us.

A single 190 and an ANR 109 came in from 12 and 1:30. Lt Cook got a hit on the 190’s nose, which threw off its aim. Lt Williams, manning the right cheek, got a few scattered hits on the ANR 109, throwing his aim off, as well. Sgt Clark missed the 190.

Both aircraft continued their runs past us and continued on their way. Sgt Barnes, in the tail, took a passing shot at the 190, got hits on the left wing, but nothing to deter the 190.

It got quiet again, as we crossed the coastline.

Halfway between Corsica and Giulia Gerry tried one last time to take us down. A sole 109 came in from 10:30 high. Lt Williams at the left cheek, now, got a hit on its right wing. Sgt Clark missed, again. The 109 also missed. As it passed us astern Sgt Barnes took another crack at a passing shot. He got some solid hits on the left wing, but the aircraft appeared to maintain control and sped away.

Following the 109, a Junkers 88 tried to come up from below at 6 o’clock. Sgt Adams got a few rounds in him, but Sgt Barnes made the coup de grace, shearing off its left wing. No chutes were seen.

It was quiet again, after that last attack.

Landing was clean, after waiting our turn to allow damaged bombers and aircraft with injured to land.

Larry was right. It was a lucky day. Four enemy aircraft destroyed, even though credited for three, and no one was hurt. Again. We do, however, need to up our game for bombing accuracy.

* Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (Italian National Republican Air Force)

Submitted by,
1Lt Harvey Rogers, Commanding
B-24D The Jolly Rogers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

The Jolly Rogers B-24D
B24D-CO-41-11631
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Tail End Charlie
Mission Date: 5 APR 1944
Mission Number: 65
This Aircraft: 5
Target: Ploesti, Romania, Oil Refineries

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot                     1Lt Harvey Rogers            5                AM
Co-Pilot                2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez     5                 AM
Navigator             2Lt Alfred Williams            5                AM
Bombardier          2Lt Benjamin Cook            5     1         AM
Engineer              T/Sgt Milton Clark             5     1.5       AM
Radio Operator     T/Sgt Herbert Hall             5                AM
Ball Turret            Sgt Clarence Adams          5     1.5      AM
Left Waist            S/Sgt William Young          5               AM, PH
Right Waist          Sgt Wallace Hall                5                AM
Tail Gunner          Sgt Marvin Barnes             5     1         AM

Crew Chief          S/Sgt Jesse Green             5

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

Casualties:
Right Waist, Sgt Young, PH

Damage:
Radio Out – 10
Rubber Rafts Destroyed – 10
Right Waist Heat Out – 10
Bombardier Heat Out – 10
Right Wing Flap – No Effect – 5
Superficial Hits – X4 – 8
Right Elevator – 25
Left Aileron – No effect – 5
Left Waist – LW – 2

Peckham Points: 85 Peckham Points, One day to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Awarded:
ME-109 (Ro) 1 / 0 / 1 / 1
FW-190 4 / 1 / 0 / 0
ME-110 3 / 0 / 1 / 1
ME-210 1 / 1 / 0 / 0
ME-109 11 / 0 / 4 / 3.5
IAR-80 (Ro) 1 / 1 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Bomb: 1 / 1
Nav: .5 / .5
Top: 1.5 / 1.5
Ball: 1.5 / 1
Left Waist: 0 / 0
Right Waist: .5 / .5
Tail: 1 / 1

Awards:
Air Medal for each crew member
1Lt Harvey Rogers
2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez
2Lt Alfred Williams
2Lt Benjamin Cook
T/Sgt Milton Clark
T/Sgt Herbert Hall
Sgt Clarence Adams
Sgt William Young
Sgt Wallace Hall
Sgt Marvin Barnes

Purple Heart
Sgt Young


AFTER ACTION REPORT
“Men, gather ‘round. We have a long, tough one, today. We are heading to Romania, to bomb, again, the refineries at Ploesti.” I was interrupted by some grumbling, overhearing a few comments about how badly the earlier Ploesti missions had gone. “All right, back to it. I know you have all heard about the earlier missions. This time we will have air cover there and back, except…except over the target. Ploesti is just outside of escort range. We will have Mustangs there and back. Oh, and we are Tail End Charlie for the high squadron.” More groans. I related the rest of the briefing and ordered the men to get ready.

It was a long slow climb to altitude, not reaching altitude until deep into Yugoslavia. With Romania on the horizon, we encountered our first direct threats from enemy aircraft. Our first threat was a pair of me210s, coming in from 12 and 1:30. Escorts drove off the 210 at 1:30, leaving the remaining one for us. 2Lt Williams, manning the nose gun, heavily damaged the control surfaces of the remaining 210’s tail, enough to throw off his aim. T/Sgt Clark, in the top. Missed. The 210 just missed us as its ped passed us, as it began to lose stability.

A trio of me110s were next on the menu, coming in at 12, 6 and from below. Lt Williams and T/Sgt Clark both hit the 110 at 12. Enough to throw off its aim. Sgt Barnes, in the tail, missed the 110 at 6, allowing it to get some minor hits on us. Sgt Adams, in the ball took a few pieces out of the remaining 110, throwing it’s aim off. The second 110 came back around from 6, again, this time high. Sgt Barnes, and T/Sgt Clark both got solid hits. Sgt Barnes claimed to tear up the 110’s cockpit and killing the pilot. T/Sgt Clark stated his rounds burst the 110’s fuel, igniting it, and causing a subsequent explosion. Definitely no chutes.

After the attack from the 110s we noted our escorts staying much close to us, exhibiting more aggression.

Entering Romania, we were met by a trifecta of Me109s, from 10:30 to 12 to 3. 2Lt Williams, manning the left cheek missed his 109. 2Lt Cook, took aim on his 109, at 12 getting clear hits on its engine, sending it into a dive. A chute was observed. Sgt Hall, in the right waist, and T/Sgt Clark sent the third sent the third 109 plummeting to the earth. T/Sgt Clark blew off the left-wing control surfaces, and Sgt Hall shattered the cockpit area. No chute was observed.

The first 109 lightly wounded Sgt Young, the left waist gunner, and [later we discovered] the life rafts, as well as a hit on the right-wing flap. This 109 came back in from 1:30 low. Only Lt Williams got any lead on target, damaging the 109’s tail. The 109 got a few minor hits. He returned from 10:30 high, with all gunners missing. His damaged tail must have thrown him off, as he missed us as well. Sgt Barnes took a passing shot as the 109 passed astern, but to no effect.

We were nearing the end of our escort coverage when bombs began to drop around us. Being the tail end of the high group, it couldn’t be any friendlies. Shortly following this a pair of 109s began to approach from 9 and 1:30. Our escorts had other ideas and drove both off. No sooner had the escorts driven off the 109s Sgt Barnes reported rocket trails headed our way. He indicated they were beginning to tail off, so no jinking was needed.

We bade our little friends goodbye, as we made our way to the IP. Approaching the IP a pair of 109s came at us from our front. Lt Williams damaged the nose and prop of the 109 at 1:30, and we missed the 109 at 12. Both 109s missed us.

Hot on the tail of the 109s was an Fw190 accompanied by a pair of 109s. The 10 came at us from dead ahead. Lt Cook got a few hits on its nose, apparently enough to throw off the pilot’s aim. As the 190 passed astern Sgt Barnes took a parting shot and missed. Lt Williams and T/Sgt Clark teamed up to blow up the 109 coming in from 1:30, killing its pilot. Sgt Hall and Sgt Adams zeroed in on the 109 at 3 low, damaging its engine and prop. That 109 missed and continued on its way.

No rest for the weary, as a Luftwaffe 109 coming in at 12 high was partnered with a Romanian ARR* 109 trying to sneak in from 6 low. Lt Cook and T/Sgt Clark joined their fire against the head on 109, damaging its rudder. The resultant damage caused it to miss us. Sgt Barnes and Sgt Adams teamed up again to literally disintegrate the ARR* 109, killing its pilot.

The skies cleared of enemy aircraft as we entered the flak belt. Flak was heavy as predicted by intel. We took a few hits to control surfaces, with the right elevator being the most serious damage.

2Lt Cook took us in to the target, dropping 30% into the bull’s eye.

Fak was heavy again, as we exited the target. Once again, they hit their mark, this time taking out Lt Cook’s heat. Rather than leave our position as tail end Charlie, I had Ben move to the radio room.

Clearing the flak belt, we were greeted by a pair of Fw190s and a pair of me109s. With the 190s coming in from ahead, and the 109s from direct astern, there was nowhere to move. We missed the 190 at 12 high, but he took out Sgt Hall’s suit heat. Lt Williams got another hit on an enemy aircraft, but not enough to turn him away. That 190 got a few hits on the pilot compartment and the radio room, taking out the radio. As Sgt Barnes took on the 109 at 6 level, one of his guns jammed. Just as well as that 109 missed us and left the scene. The second 109 from 6 came in low. Sgt Adams got a clean burst setting the engine on fire, which engulfed the cockpit. No chute was seen.

The first 190 came back in from 10:30 level, with ours and his gunnery missing. The second 190 came in from 6 level. Sgt Barnes got fuselage hits, with the one working .50. That 190 missed, and also left the scene.

I had Sgt Hall also move to the Radio Room, as I didn’t want to have to leave our position.

Passing over Bulgaria all four superchargers quit. T/Sgt Clark immediately left the top turret to check his board. It only took him a few moments to locate the issue and remedy it.

Crossing the Yugoslav border, T/Sgt Clark noted a straggling B-17 some distance behind us. Without a radio we couldn’t call to check in. Sgt Clark said the Fort was not making any effort to close on us.

The skies were clear the rest of the way home. Despite the damaged elevator, the landing was clean.

We completed our fifth mission. We doubled our kills score, with the Gunnery Review Board seeming very generous today, allowing 5.5 kills of 6 claims. Even though we supposedly had good escort coverage, our escort only drove off 4 of 21 enemy aircraft which we directly faced. Of those remaining, we shot down fully one-third of those. A good day. We suffered our first injury, though it was little more than a scratch. It still earned Sgt Young a Purple Heart.

* Aeronautica Regală Română (ARR) [Royal Romanian Airforce]

Submitted by,
1Lt Harvey Rogers, Commanding
B-24D The Jolly Rogers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 5 APR 1944
Mission Number: 65
This Aircraft: 10
Target: Ploesti, Romania, Oil Refineries

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Edward “Chef” Brown 8 AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt Cole Leavitt 7 AM
Navigator 2nd Lt Steven Liotti 9 .5 AM
Bombardier 2nd Lt Quinton “Q” Seagrave 9 2 AM
Engineer S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White 10 4 AM, PH
Radio Operator S/Sgt Rafael “Rafe” Barquero 10 0 DFC, AM, PH
Ball Turret Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes 9 2.33 AM, PH
Left Waist S/Sgt Peter Borg 20 0 AM+, PH+,KIA
Right Waist Sgt Theodore “Teddy” Roberts 8 0 PH+, AM
Tail Gunner Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris 10 0 AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez 11 +2

Bomb Run: Off Target, 0%
Autopilot out
Bomb release controls out
Obscured target
Rolled Snake Eyes (1,1) with -6drm

Casualties:
S/Sgt Peter Borg, KIA
Sgt Michael Harris, LW

Peckham Points: 273 Peckham points, dr100 – 10, repairable, five (5) days

Damage:
Landing Gear Up - 91
Aileron out, Left Wing - 25
Autopilot mechanism out - 10
Autopilot mechanism, already out - 5
Aux Hyd Pump, superficial, Bomb Bay - 10
Bomb controls out - 10
Flap, no effect, Right Wing - 10
Fuel Tank, Outboard, Self-seal, Right Wing - 10
Heat out, Pilot Compartment - 10
Landing gear controls, Instruments - 10
Tail turret out - 10
Wing root, Left wing - 25
Wing root, Right Wing - 25
Wound - KIA, Left waist gunner, shattered ribs, punctured lung - 10
Wound - LW, Left Waist (Tail Gunner) Light Wound, superficial cut to face - 2
Superficial X5 - 10

Landing: Safe landing, gear up, aircraft is repairable

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Credited:
ME-109       10 / 4 / 2 / 2
FW-190      10 / 4 / 0 / 0
ME-210        2 / 0 / 1 / 0
ME-109 (Ro) 1 / 0 / 1 / 1

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Top        1 / 1
RW        1 / 0
Nav       1 / 1
Ball    0.5 / 0.5
LW     0.5 / 0.5

Awards:
Air Medal
S/Sgt Calvin White, 10 missions
S/Sgt Rafael Barquero, 10 missions
Sgt Michael Harris, 10 missions
S/Sgt Peter Borg, 20 missions, Posthumous

Purple Heart
Sgt Michael Harris, LW
S/Sgt Peter Borg, Posthumous

Promotions
S/Sgt Calvin White to T/Sgt
S/Sgt Peter Borg to T/Sgt, Posthumous

AFTER ACTION REPORT
We weren’t here for the earlier Ploesti raids, but we have ben here long enough to have heard about them. We are not looking forward to this.

The mission morning ritual has become routine. We must remember not to get complacent, though. No mission is routine. Every one is different.

It was a long slow climb to altitude, as we crossed the Adriatic and over Yugoslavia, to finally pass over the mountains into Romania. However, before we reached the mountains a pair of Fw190s decided to lay out the welcome mat. One was driven off by our escorts, but the second came in from straight above, allowing only our top guns to bear. S/Sgt White was unable to hit the 190, as well as the 190 missing us, as it careened past us.

The Southern Carpathians were beginning to loom in the distance as we encountered 4 Fw190s. Air escort, so far, was as promised. Three of the 190s were driven off, leaving an apparent ace coming in from 1:30 high. We unleashed a broadside, getting multiple hits, including an oil leak that covered the enemy windscreen. Enough to throw off his aim.

With the Carpathians to our left, and our IP approaching, we were jumped by a pair of Me210s. The first, coming in from 12 high, raked us from stem to stern, hitting the starboard outboard fuel tank (which self-sealed), took out the pilot compartment heat, knocked out the autopilot, and finally the tail turret. The second 210 was taken out by Sgt Harris, in the right waist, hitting his fuel tanks, blowing up the airplane, and killing its crew. The first 210 came back around from 6 level. Without any tail guns, he was unmolested. His aim was true, again, getting hits on the left-wing root, knocking out the bomb release controls, another hit on the autopilot, taking out the left aileron, and killing S/Sgt Borg, at the left waist.

With the cockpit heat out, I took her down below 10,000. I decided we were going to complete the mission, no matter what. We didn’t come this close to turn around now.

I had Sgt Harris move from the tail to the left waist.

With the IP nearing, we left the umbrella of our little friends’ protection. Enemy activity increased noticeably. However, there did not seem to be any real coordination in their movements. We did get swarmed by four Fw190s and a lone Me109, coming in between 9 to 12 to 3. The 109 seemed lost, and did not press home its attack, and took off elsewhere.

Of the remaining Fws, we did get some hits on a few, and only one was able to cause any damage, knocking out our landing gear controls, and a minor hit on the right flap.

The bandits left as we hit the flak belt. AT this low altitude we were susceptible to low level and high level flak. We took a hit to the right wing root, with no hits from the light flak.

With the autopilot out, the bomb release damaged, and the obscured target, we were massively off target, getting none of our eggs in the basket. [Note: rolled snake eyes with a -6 drm].

Flak was still damaging as we made our way home. We did get hit by the light flak, slightly wounding Sgt Harris, and dinging the aux hyd pump. The heavy flak couldn’t seem to find us, this time.

Leaving the flak belt a trio of Me109s came in from three directions. The 109 trying to position for a top down attack couldn’t seem to make up its mind. The left waist and ball shot down the 109* coming in from 9 low, literally taking off both wings. No chute was observed. The nose and top connected with the 109 at 12 level, throwing off his aim.

Passing Bucharest, we were targeted for some air-to-air missiles, which missed wide.

We had just crossed into Yugoslav airspace where we were met by five Me109s. There still seemed to be some problem with the enemy coordinating their attacks. One of the 109s went off, presumably, to look for other targets. A second 109 was driven off by a Mustang. Our defensive gunnery hit all three remaining 109s. Lt Seagrave shot down the 109 at 12 high, shattering the cockpit, killing the pilot. The remaining pair of 109s both missed us.

A pair of 109s followed up on the preceding attack. Again, they didn’t seem to have much heart, with one Me wandering off uncommittedly. The remaining 109 was shot down by S/Sgt White, destroying its right wing control surfaces. No chute was seen.

No further enemy were encountered for the remainder of the flight.

I had the crew gather in the radio room or waist of the aircraft, in preparation for a crash landing. If I do say so myself, it was my smoothest approach, ever, with a picture perfect flare, just at the right time, for as smooth a landing as could be made with no gear down.

We were met by the meat wagon. The medics carefully removed S/Sgt Borg to the hospital, then eventually to the morgue. The rest of us watched silently as the meat wagon left us. Once the ambulance was out of sight, we all turned toward Phyllis. We all assumed she was a write off. She served us well.

2Lt Leavitt and I waited for S/Sgt Ramirez to arrive and survey the damage. We walked around Phyllis to make our assessment. Cal thought we might be able to resurrect the old girl. We left as the recovery crew arrived, to do their assessment. The next day I was relieved to hear that Phyllis could be repaired, and she should be ready in about five days. We weren’t ready to abandon her. She had a mission to finish.

* Aeronautica Regală Română (ARR) [Royal Romanian Airforce]

Respectfully,
1Lt Edward Brown, Commanding
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
B24D-CO-41-11597
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 16 APR 1944
Mission Number: 66
This Aircraft: 11
Target: Brasov, Romania, Marshaling Yards

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot                    1Lt Edward “Chef” Brown (9)  AM, PH
Co-Pilot              2Lt Cole Leavitt (8)  AM
Navigator           2nd Lt Steven Liotti (10) [1.5] AM
Bombardier        2nd Lt Quinton “Q” Seagrave (10) [2] AM
Engineer             S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White (11) [4.5] AM+, PH
Radio Operator  S/Sgt Rafael “Rafe” Barquero (11) [0] DFC, AM+, PH
Ball Turret          Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes (10) [3] AM, PH
Left Waist           Sgt Naholo Imastabi (7) [1.5] AM
Right Waist        Sgt Theodore “Teddy” Roberts (9) [0] PH+, AM
Tail Gunner        Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris (11) [0] AM+

Crew Chief          S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez 12 +2

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

Casualties:
1Lt Edward “Chef” Brown – KIA
2Lt Cole Leavitt – POW
2nd Lt Steven Liotti – POW
2nd Lt Quinton “Q” Seagrave – POW
S/Sgt Calvin “Craps” White – POW
S/Sgt Rafael “Rafe” Barquero – POW
Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes – POW
Sgt Naholo Imastabi – POW
Sgt Theodore “Teddy” Roberts – POW
Sgt Michael “Bomber” Harris – POW

Peckham Points: Category-E
Shot down over Romania

Damage:
Totaled

Landing: Shot down

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Credited:
ME-109 4 / 1 / 2 / 2
FW-190 6 / 1 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Ball 1 / 1
Tail 1 / 1

[Both awarded post repatriation debriefing.]

Awards:
Air Medal
2nd Lt Steven Liotti, In absentia
2nd Lt Quinton “Q” Seagrave, In absentia
Sgt Allen “Hollywood” Hughes, In absentia

Purple Heart
1Lt Edward Brown, Posthumously

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Submitted by 2Lt Leavitt following repatriation, 1945.

The Ploesti mission was a nightmare. The Phyllis was so badly damaged, we figured she wouldn’t fly again. Staff Sergeant Ramirez, his crew, and the recovery crew did wonders in getting her back in shape for the next mission. It turned out we were just delaying the inevitable.

We knew we were going to be in for another long mission. Intelligence said we should expect light defenses there and back. For the most part they were correct. We did encounter a trio of Bf109s as we crossed the Yugoslavian coast. We heavily damaged one coming in from 1:30 high. He missed us, but was shot down by Sgt Harris, in the tail, as it passed by us. No chute was observed. A second coming in from 12 low was quickly dispatched by Sgt Hughes, in the ball turret. That pilot was apparently killed in his burst of .50 cal hitting the cockpit area, as the 109 suddenly rolled over, and began a spin toward the ground. The third 109 was making a vertical dive, on us. T/Sgt White missed him, as the 109 got several hits on us, including a lucky miss in the bomb bay. That 109 made another pass from 6 level. Everyone missed.

We didn’t encounter any more enemy aircraft until we were approaching Romania. A pair of Fw190s came in, with one being diverted by our escorts. The remaining 190 came in from 12 high and was missed by our defensive gunnery. He however, knocked out the pilot compartment heat. He came around again from 10:30 low. We did get a few hits on him, but it did not deter him. He, however, missed us, on his pass. We were closer to the target than we were to base, all offensive systems were fully operational, and no one was injured. Weighing all of that, Ed and I decided to continue the mission, even when we dropped out of formation, due to the cold.

As the Carpathians loomed to our right, we dropped to 10,000 feet. There was some light flak, but it constantly shot wide.

We were passing Sibiu, to our right, when local flak found us. We suffered negligible damage to the left flap. We hit the IP and made our turn to the target. The Luftwaffe must have been busy with the Group, as we didn’t encounter any enemy aircraft over Romania, on our way into the target. Flak at the target missed us, giving us a smooth run in. Steve hit the target, estimating 30% accuracy.

Leaving the target was when all hell broke loose. Flak finally found us, taking out Sgt Harris’ heat in the tail, not that it mattered at this altitude. To compound that insult, to Phyllis, a flight of four Fw190s with a tagalong Bf109 came in split between 6 o’clock and twelve. A roaming P-51 spotted us and was able to drive off the 109. Of the remaining Focke-Wulfs, only one was able to get any hits on us, and they were telling. He slammed a few rounds through the flight deck, taking out our electrical control panel. We lost everything.

Ed immediately ordered everyone to bail out. Since there was still some control left in the old bird, everyone was able to exit the plane. I did see one streamer. Later, we were to learn it was Ed. His canopy failed to deploy. I hope I never cross paths with his rigger.

Respectfully,
2Lt Cole Leavitt, Senior Surviving Crew
B-24D Phabulous Phyllis
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

The Jolly Rogers B-24D
B24D-CO-41-11631
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Tail End Charlie
Mission Date: 16 APR 1944
Mission Number: 66
This Aircraft: 6
Target: Brasov, Romania, Marshaling Yards

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Harvey Rogers (6)  AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez (6)  AM
Navigator 2Lt Alfred Williams (6)  AM
Bombardier 2Lt Benjamin Cook (6) [1] AM
Engineer T/Sgt Milton Clark (6) [1.5] AM
Radio Operator T/Sgt Herbert Hall (6)  AM
Ball Turret Sgt Clarence Adams (6) [1.5] AM
Left Waist S/Sgt William Young (6)  AM, PH
Right Waist Sgt Wallace Hall (6)  AM
Tail Gunner Sgt Marvin Barnes (6) [1] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green (6)

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

Casualties:
None

Damage:
Superficial Hits – 2X

Peckham Points: 4 Peckham Points,

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190 5 / 5 / 0 / 0
ME-210 2 / 2 / 0 / 0
ME-109 3 / 2 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
In hindsight, no mission could have been easier, for us. Not so lucky for the Lola and the Phyllis, both lost near the target.

We had smooth and clear flying all the way to the Romanian border. The squadron was flying tight, as if a single hand was controlling every movement.

As we approached the Romanian border, w faced our first enemy aircraft of the mission. A trio of Bf109s targeted us. Two were driven of by Mustangs, with the third missing us.

Into Romania proper, we could see enemy aircraft swarming the rest of the squadron, but their flying seemed uncoordinated, as if they couldn’t make up their minds where to go or who to attack. T/Sgt Hall chirped over the intercom that he received a call from Phabulous Phyllis that she was dropping out of formation, due to heating loss.

We were passing Sibiu when a threesome of Fw190s made an appearance. Our escorts drove off two, and third seemed to be wandering aimlessly, outside of our defensive fire protective cones.

Flak was light, as we neared Brasov, peppering us with some shrapnel, but nothing serious. The flak was so minor that it didn’t throw off Lt Cook, as he guided 40% of our eggs into the basket.

Flak was still ineffective, as we exited the target area. Likewise, was their air cover, as our escorts kept them at bay. It was at our turn south, toward home, when we heard that Phyllis was going down. Nine chutes were reported. It was about this time Lola was also reported going down, but with only two chutes spotted.

Somewhere over Yugoslavia, coast visible on the horizon, Sgt Adams started screaming. “Climb, climb!” Another B-24 started rising into us. Sgt Adams thought he was done for. Fortunately, no harm done, and the formation remained intact.

We remained unaccosted by any enemy aircraft, until we were approaching the Adriatic. A pair of Me210s tried to muscle in but were driven off by escorts.

The rest of the flight was as quiet as most of the preceding hours.

We landed safely. After our post-flight routines, we headed off to the NCO and Officer clubs to drink to absent friends.

Submitted by,
1Lt Harvey Rogers, Commanding
B-24D The Jolly Rogers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
B24J-CF-42-64297
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 16 APR 1944
Mission Number: 66
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Brasov, Romania, Oil Refineries

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Bruce Pennel (1)
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White (1)
Navigator 2Lt William "Willie" Young (1)
Bombardier 2Lt Samuel Watson (1)
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (1)
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (1)
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (1)
Left Waist Sgt Jesse Griggin (1)
Right Waist S/Sgt Stanley Campbell (1)
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (1)

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

Casualties: None

Damage: Superficial Hits – 2X

Peckham Points: 4 Peckham Points,

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190 5 / 2 / 1 / 1
ME-110 4 / 2 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Top Turret Me109 .5 / 1
Nose Turret Me109 .5 / 0

Awards: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
We were expecting a baptism of fire. This is the first mission for the rest of the crew, and it is a long one, even if Intel says we should expect light resistance.

Much of the rest of the squadron was actively beating away the enemy, we did not face any enemy aircraft until the target zone. We first faced a pair of ME110s. One was driven off by P-51s, while the other missed us. Shortly after the 110s, rockets passed us from the rear, fortunately going very wild away from us. Following the rockets, a lone 190 came in head-to-head. 2Lt Young and T/Sgt Morris targeted the FW, with T/Sgt Morris getting the kill, his first. No chute was seen.

Flak was light, as expected, and off the mark.

Despite the excitement approaching the target 2Lt Watson kept his cool and dropped 40% on target.

Leaving the target flak finally found us, taking out the left elevator.

We weren’t bothered by any more enemy aircraft until we were approaching the Adriatic coast. We faced three waves, starting with a pair of ME110s. Escorts drove off one, while we got a few hits on the other. That 110 missed us. The second wave had three FW190s, with escorts driving off one of them. We managed a few hits on one but missed the other. Both missed us. The last wave was a lone 190 which was intercepted by our escorts.

Landing was clean. A good day. I brought everyone home.

Submitted by,
1Lt Bruce Pennel, Commanding
B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

The Jolly Rogers B-24D
B24D-CO-41-11631
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 24 APR 1944
Mission Number: 67
This Aircraft: 7
Target: Ploesti, Romania, Marshalling Yards

Crew

Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Harvey Rogers 7 AM, PH
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez 7 AM
Navigator 2Lt Alfred Williams 7 1 AM, PH
Bombardier 2Lt Benjamin Cook 7 2 AM, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Milton Clark 7 4 AM, PH
Radio Operator T/Sgt Herbert Hall 7 0 AM, PH
Ball Turret Sgt Clarence Adams 7 3 AM, PH
Left Waist S/Sgt William Young 7 0 AM, PH
Right Waist Sgt Wallace Hall 7 .5 AM, PH
Tail Gunner Sgt Marvin Barnes 7 2.5 AM, PH

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green 7

Bomb Run: Off Target, 10%

Casualties:
Pilot: KIA
Co-Pilot: POW
Navigator: KIA
Bombardier: KIA
Engineer: KIA
Radio Operator: KIA
Ball Turret: KIA
Left Waist: KIA
Right Waist: KIA
Tail Gunner: KIA

Damage: Shot Down over Romania
Bomb Door mechanism Out
Bomb Release Mechanism Out
Autopilot Out
Fuel Transfer Out
Rubber Rafts Destroyed
Right Wing Spar Destroyed - Catastrophic
Left Waist: LW, Cut, left thigh
Left Waist: LW, Cut, left leg
Right Waist: LW, Broken nose
Left Waist: LW, Cut, right thigh
Right Waist: SW, Broken hand, left
Superficial: 3X

Peckham Points: Shot Down over Romania

Landing: None

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190 10 / 3 / 6 / 3 / 2.33
ME-109 Ro 1 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0
ME-110 4 / 0 / 2 / 2 / .33

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Top ME110 .5 / 0
Top ME110 .5 / 0
Top FW190 .5 / .5
Ball FW190 1 / 1
Ball FW190 .5 / .33
Ball FW190 .5 / 0
LW ME110 .5 / 0
LW ME110 .5 / .33
Tail FW190 .5 / .5

Awards:
Pilot: PH, Posthumous
Navigator: PH, Posthumous
Bombardier: PH, Posthumous
Engineer: PH, Posthumous
Radio Operator: PH, Posthumous
Ball Turret: PH, Posthumous
Left Waist: PH, Posthumous
Right Waist: PH, Posthumous
Tail Gunner: PH, Posthumous

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Interpreted from eyewitness accounts.

The Jolly Rogers were last seen in an uncontrolled dive, having lost its right wing to enemy fire. The Jolly Rogers faced a constant swarm of enemy aircraft, after taking multiple flak hits. The coup de grace was an enemy Focke-Wulf 190 which collided with The Jolly Rogers as its right wing folded on it. A single parachute was sighted.

Post war condensed report of The Jolly Rogers last mission, as remembered by 2Lt Lawrence Gonzalez, Co-Pilot.

The flight to Ploesti was “uncharacteristically” quiet. No enemy aircraft were encountered until closing in on the IP. Two Fw190s were driven off by escorts.

Entering the target area a single Fw190 was encountered, with little to no damage on either side.

Flak into and out of Ploesti was accurate, though only affecting our autopilot.

Between the weather, the smoke pots, and the SNAFU autopilot we were only able to drop about 10% on target.

Once we left the flak belt, on our way home, it became a “blur”. The intercom was abuzz with chatter and screams. We were able to shoot down three of the enemy, while taken hit after hit. We were like two heavy weights exchanging blow after blow. Both our waist gunners had been hit multiple times. From what I could tell, S/Sgt Young had succumbed to his accumulated wounds, and Sgt Hall was unable to man his weapon.

Before bailing out, the last things I remembered was the plane shuddering and being pushed to the side, as we took multiple cannon hits to the wings. We began a hard roll to starboard as the right wing collapsed, while simultaneously getting rammed by a 190 that had been hit hard by T/Sgt Clark, in the top turret.

I do not know how I got out. I could not see any other chutes. As I later discovered later, no other survivors were found from The Jolly Rogers.

[ChefEd]

B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
B24J-CF-42-64297
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 24 APR 1944
Mission Number: 67
This Aircraft: 2
Target: Ploesti, Romania, Marshalling Yards


Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Bruce Pennel 2
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White 2
Navigator 2Lt William "Willie" Young 2
Bombardier 2Lt Samuel Watson 2
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris 2
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson 2
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson 2
Left Waist Sgt Jesse Griggin 2
Right Waist S/Sgt Stanley Campbell 2
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen 2

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez 13

Bomb Run: Off Target, 9%

Casualties:
Left Waist: LW, torn vastus, left leg – 4 weeks recovery, RTD 22 MAY 1944
Right Waist: LW, abdomen scratch, superficial – RTD
Navigator: LW, Torn vastus, left leg – 5 weeks recovery, RTD 29 MAY 1944
Navigator: LW, Broken nose – (2 weeks recovery), RTD 29 MAY 1944
Bombardier: SW, Broken sternum, inflamed heart – 8 weeks recovery, RTD 19 JUN 1944

Damage:
Nose Guns Out
Tail Plane – No Effect
Pilot Compartment Heat Out
Bomb Bay Doors Inop
Left Waist Heat Out
Nav Equip Out
Left Wing - Inboard Fuel Tank – Self-Sealed
#1 Engine Runaway – Feathered
Right Wing – Wing Root
Right Wing – Wing Root
Propeller Feathering Controls Out
Superficial – 6
Left Waist – LW
Right Waist – LW
Nav – LW, LW
Bombardier – SWs

Peckham Points: 220 Points, 2 days to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190 18 / 0 / 11 / 3 / 1.83
ME-110 4 / 0 / 2 / 2 / 2
ME-109 5 / 5 / 0 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Top Turret ME110 .5 / .5
Top Turret ME110 .5 / .5
Top Turret FW190 .5 / .5
Ball Turret FW190 2 / 1
Tail Turret FW190 .5 / .33
Left Waist ME110 .5 / .5
Left Waist ME110 .5 / .5

Awards:
Bombardier, 2Lt Samuel Watson, Purple Heart
Navigator, 2Lt William Young, Purple Heart
Left Waist, Sgt Jesse Griggin, Purple Heart
Right Waist, S/Sgt Stanley Campbell, Purple Heart

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Can’t think about it. Just have to do it. Can’t think about tomorrow. If we do, we won’t make through today. Back to Romania.

Skies were clear until we got into Romania. We were greeted by a barrage of rockets, which wounded both waist gunners.

Skies cleared again until we hit the target area.

We were jumped by a pair of Me110s. We hit both hard, shooting down one of them. The other missed us.

This pair was followed up by five Fw190s and a single Me109. We got hits on all of the enemy, but not shooting down any of them. One 190 came in from a vertical dive, taking out the nose gun and wounding our navigator 2Lt Young. It came around again, with misses from both sides.

Five more Fw190s with a tag-a-long Me109 tried their luck with us. Most of our gunnery got hits on the enemy, and most of them missed us. The one 190 that got us knocked out the pilot cockpit heat, took out the bomb bay door controls, and wounded both the bombardier and navigator. When that 190 came back around S/Sgt Nelson, in the ball took it down.

Flak was heavy but off the mark.

With the bomb bay doors jammed, 2Lt Watson out with a chest wound, and German smoke pots, we got 9% on target.

Flak leaving the target was also heavy, but still wide.

We began dropping altitude and were jumped by another pair of 110s and a 109. T/Sgt Morris, in the top turret, took out one of the 110s, no chutes spotted. We missed the other 110 and the 109, and they missed us.

We dropped down below 10,000 and continued heading home. We continued to dodge the local flak.

Approaching Yugoslavia, we faced four more Fw190s and a lone Me109. Lee, in the top turret, got another claim shooting down a 190. A collection of hits and misses, and the remaining enemy left, with no damage to Maggie.

Before laving the area four more 190s and another 109 made advances. S/Sgt Nelson, in the ball shot down one of the 190s, with some help from Sgt Allen, in the tail. More mixed results on both sides, with one of the 190 getting some critical hits. We lost heat in the waist, nav equipment was shot out, took a left-wing fuel tank hit (self-sealed), #1 engine ran away (feathered), and two wing root hits.

No more enemy aircraft were encountered the rest of the trip. Local flak was still ineffective.

Leaving Yugoslavia, we lost feathering controls. Luckily it didn’t become an issue.

The meat wagon met us at our hard stand. Lieutenants Young and Watson and Sergeant Griggin were taken to hospital. S/Sgt Campbell refused treatment.

Submitted by,
1Lt Bruce Pennel, Commanding
B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Dragon Lady
B24J-CF-42-64391
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 24 APR 1944
Mission Number: 67
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Ploesti, Romania, Marshalling Yards

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley 1
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix 1
Navigator/NT 2Lt Albert Bennett 1
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney 1
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams 1
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Roy Kyle 1
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps 1
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger 1
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner 1
Tail Gunner S/Sgt William Thomas 1

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green 7

Bomb Run: Off Target, 0%

Casualties:
Tail Gunner S/Sgt William Thomas, KIA

Damage:
Nav Equip Out
Norden Out
Intercom Out
Tail Guns Out
Nose One Gun Out
Rubber Rafts
O2 Out
Control Cables – 1 hit
Superficial – 17X
Wing Root – 2X
Engine #4 Out
Crew KIA – 1X
Fuel Transfer - N/E – 1X

Peckham Points: 224 Points, 4 days to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190 12 3 2 3 .5
ME-110 2 1 1 1 1
ME-109 6 1 3 2 2
ME-410 1 1 0 0 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Nose/Nav 1 1
Top 1 0
Ball 2 2
Rt Waist 2 .5

Awards:
Tail Gunner S/Sgt William Thomas, Purple Heart, Posthumous

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Our first mission, and we were definitely thrown into the deep end. We thought we were safely tucked away in the middle of the squadron. That seemed to be the case until we approached Bulgaria.

We were approaching the Yugoslav/Bulgarian border when we were attacked by a pair of Fw190s. Our escorts were able to drive off one of the enemy aircraft, but not the one making a diving attack from direct above. He raked us from nose to tail. Most of the hits did little more than leave ventilation our shiny new bird. Despite the minimal damage, we received our first blooding. S/Sgt Thomas, tail gunner, took a shell to the shoulder, which also took out both guns. The 190 made a second pass from 6 level but missed. Sgt Wagner, left waist, went back and pulled S/Sgt Thomas out of the tail, to treat him, and try to make him comfortable. Gene reported that Bill was bleeding bad from the shoulder but seemed to stop the bleeding. S/Sgt Thomas seemed stable, and we were close to the target, so we continued our mission.

All was quiet over Bulgaria.

Entering Romania, the formation seemed to loosen up. We were attacked by a pair of Fw190s and an Me410. All three were driven off by the escorts.

As we neared the target, and lost our fighter escort, we realized what we had been hearing was true, it was hell. To top it all off, our nose turret seized up. A trio of Fw190s came in from 12, 1:30 and 3. T/Sgt McWilliams, in the top, raked on 190’s cockpit. He reported seeing the pilot slump over, and the 190 roll over, and head to the earth. No chute was seen. T/3rd Epps blew up the engine on the second 190, sending it into an uncontrolled dive. No chute was seen. The third 190 came in unopposed but missed us.

No sooner had we dispatched these three 190s five more appeared. Teddy Epps quickly dispatched another 190, with another engine hit. That pilot was seen bailing out. Curtis McWilliams missed his bird. Sgt Wagner, in the left waist, missed his target. We had no other guns to bear on the remaining two enemy. The 190 at 6 high, got a few hits, with the only serious damage being the loss of our O2 system. The 190 at 9 high took out the Norden sight, the #4 engine, and 2Lt Bennett’s nav equipment.

The 190 that was at 6 high, came back at 9 level. We got some hits on him, enough to cause him to miss us. The 190 that had been at 9 high, returned at 6 high. Curtis got a hit on him, but not enough to deter him. His pass got two solid hits on the port wing root.

The enemy dissipated as we entered the flak belt. Flak was heavy as predicted but did us no damage.

With the Norden sight out it became a guessing game. We guessed wrong and missed the target completely.

We got the nose turret operational again, just in time. With the O2 out, we dropped altitude. Further compounding our situation, with no nav equipment, and not being with the squadron, Al started using dead reckoning to get us home. “Head West, he said.”

Leaving the target area, we were set upon by a trio of 109s. S/Sgt Nattinger, in the ball turret, quickly shot down one, blowing up its fuel tank. With our repaired nose turret, Al shredded up the left wing of another 109, which subsequently missed us. Curtis, T/Sgt McWilliams, damaged the third 109, but not enough to affect its aim. He took out or intercom. That 109 came around again, and we all missed.

Skirting the Carpathians, we began a slight zig zag course, searching out landmarks for Al to navigate by.

A lone 109 tried his luck with us but was driven off by an escort that picked us up. While our escort was chasing away that 109 another made inappropriate advances against our girl. Al quickly dispatched that 109, with a solid burst into its cockpit. The sudden shading of the cockpit glazing with crimson made it clear it was a kill. It also helped to watch the 109 go into an uncontrolled spin. To compound everything, it began raining bombs. Luck was with us, and none found their mark.

The slow transit, due to no nav equipment, brought us another attack. A lone 109 made a pass at us. We got multiple hits on it, throwing off its aim.

Local flak was trying to get a bead on us, but couldn’t zero in.

Still looking for landmarks

Still in Romania, we had a brief respite from enemy attacks. The break was short lived as we entered Yugoslavia. A pair of Me110s and an Me109 swooped in un us. They must have thought we were unprotected. We certainly thought we were. As the enemy made their moves, a lone escort dove in and drove off one of the Me110s. Craig, in the ball turret, quickly shot down the remaining 110. Shells were seen striking the enemy cockpit, when the 110 turned over on its back, and dove toward the earth. No chutes were seen. We got a few hits on the 109, and he missed us.

Local flak was still probing for us, but none found us.

The skies remained clear of the enemy for the rest of the flight.

Al was finally able to make out a few identifiable landmarks and gave us a bearing to get us home. He was spot on.

It was getting dark when we finally reached base. We fired off flares indicating wounded. We were met at our hardstand by the meat wagon. S/Sgt Thomas was taken to hospital. We heard late that night he did not survive the surgery.

Submitted by,
1Lt Jack Bentley, Commanding
B-24J Dragon Lady
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
B24J-CF-42-64297
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 29 APR 1944
Mission Number: 68
This Aircraft: 3
Target: Toulon France, Shipping

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission (Previous Kills) [Awards]
Pilot                    1Lt Bruce Pennel                         3
Co-Pilot               2Lt Lester White                         3
Navigator            2Lt William "Willie" Young            3
Bombardier         2Lt Samuel Watson                     3
Engineer             T/Sgt Lee Morris                         3
Radio Operator     S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson      3
Ball Turret           S/Sgt Russell Nelson                   3
Left Waist            S/Sgt Roy Bellucci                      3
Right Waist         S/Sgt Stanley Campbell               3
Tail Gunner         Sgt Harry Allen                            3

Crew Chief         S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez                  15

Bomb Run: On Target, Two (2) Tankers damaged, 6,700 tons each

Casualties:
None

Damage:
Right wing, superficial, unexploded flak shell (B.I.P., Superficial)
Autopilot out
Superficial

Peckham Points: 22 Points, Ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190          4 / 3 / 1 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
It was a relatively quiet morning. Between Giulia and Toulon, the only thing out of place was a solitary B-17 spotted a few miles back of us. Too far away to identify, and not making any effort to join up with us, or the other squadrons of the 509th.

Approaching Toulon, three Fw190s thought they could jump us. Two were driven off by our escorts, leaving the remaining Fw for us. We managed a few good hits, but not enough to turn him away, but enough for him to miss.

Heading into Toulon’s harbor, enemy ships were easy to make out. Filled with varied shipping, we targeted a pair of tankers, about 6,700 tons each, that were moored near each other. As we moved in we were buffeted by flak. One particularly close burst under the right wing knocked us about. Despite the near miss, we were able to bomb both tankers quite accurately. We hit one directly, damaging but not sinking her, and near missing the other. We could see the second tanker lift from the explosion, then settle back.

We flew past the target, then made our turn toward home. Flak found us again, this time hitting the bomb bay, taking out the autopilot.

Flak must have been heavy for the whole squadron, as we noticed we weren’t flying as tightly as before.

No other enemy aircraft were within range of us for the remainder of the flight home.

Upon our return, Lester and I checked the damage with S/Sgt Ramirez, our crew chief, to survey the flak damage. Upon closer inspection of the right wing, we immediately called in the bomb disposal unit. What we thought was a close burst on the right wing was a direct hit from a flak shell. The shell was embedded inside the wing, which luckily did not explode.

I think an extra round, or three, at the O-club is warranted.

Submitted by,
1Lt Bruce Pennel, Commanding
B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Dragon Lady
B24J-CF-42-64391
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 29 APR 1944
Mission Number: 68
This Aircraft: 2
Target: Toulon, France, Shipping


Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot                            1Lt Jack Bentley               2
Co-Pilot                       2Lt John Hendrix              2
Navigator/NT               2Lt Albert Bennett            2         1
Bombardier                 2Lt Lloyd Carney               2
Engineer                     T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams     2
Radio Op / Waist          T/Sgt Roy Kyle                 2
NT / Waist                   T/3rd Theodore Epps         2         .5
Ball Turret                   S/Sgt Craig Nattinger        2         2
Left Waist / NT            Sgt Eugene Wagner           2
Tail Gunner                 S/Sgt William Thomas        2

Crew Chief                 S/Sgt Jesse Green             8

Bomb Run: On Target, One (1) Tanker damaged, about 6,700 tons

Casualties:
None

Damage:
None

Peckham Points: None

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190       3 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 0
JU-88          2 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 1

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Nose/Nav 1.5 .5
Ball .5 .5

Awards:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
After Ploesti, anything had to be better. As luck would have it, it would be today.

The only real “excitement” we had was having another bomber swing in too close, as we passed the Italian coast, heading out over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

After that, the skies were pretty clear, for us, until we hit the target zone. As we sighted the target area, a pair of Ju88s tried to make passes at us. Escorts drove off one, and 2Lt Bennet shot down the second, holing its left wing, and ripping off those control surfaces. Two chutes were spotted. S/Sgt Nattinger, ball turret, also got a few hits on the Ju’s right engine.

Closing in the harbor, flak was evident, but not near us. We targeted a pair of tankers, seriously damaging one. We could see a large oil slick developing along the right side of the tanker, as we left.

Pulling away from the targets, we were greeted by flak again, and again, not suffering any damage.

Immediately clearing the flak belt a trio of Fw190s greeted us. Two were driven off by our ever-present escorts. The third was handily dispatched by 2Lt Bennett. His rounds were observed hitting the enemy cockpit, and the pilot slumping over as the Fw veered off and headed down toward the sea.

Clearing the target area, the squadron seemed to tighten up, as we headed home.

No more enemy aircraft came near us as we made a beeline back to the hive.

Upon our return, S/Sgt Green, our crew chief, was very happy, knowing he and his crew could get a good night’s rest.

Submitted by,
1Lt Jack Bentley, Commanding
B-24J Dragon Lady
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Dragon Lady
B24J-CF-42-64391
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 7 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 69
This Aircraft: 3
Target: Reggio Emilia, Italy, Railyard

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot: 1Lt Jack Bentley (3)
Co-Pilot: 2Lt John Hendrix (3)
Navigator: 2Lt Albert Bennett (3) [1.5]
Bombardier: 2Lt Lloyd Carney (3)
Engineer: T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (3)
Radio Op: T/Sgt Roy Kyle (3)
Right Waist: T/3rd Theodore Epps (3) [.5]
Ball Turret: S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (3) [2.5]
Left Waist: Sgt Eugene Wagner (3)
Tail Gunner: S/Sgt William Thomas (3)

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jesse Green (9)

Bomb Run: On Target, 50%

Casualties: None

Damage:
#3 Engine Out – 20 +35 = 55
Pilot Comp Heat Out – 10
Superficial – X2 – 4

Peckham Points: 69, 1 day to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
ME-1109 (It)   1 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0
FW-190          5 / 2 / 1 / 1 / .83
C205 (It)        1 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Nose FW190 .5 / .33
Top FW190   .5 / .5

Awards: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Will never get used to these wake-ups at O’dark-thirty. Today’s wake-up was worse. We were greeted by rain, wind, and a heavy overcast. “Who ordered this weather?”, asked Al (Lt Bennett), as we made our way to breakfast? “There is a general that looks at the projected weather, and orders missions based on the worst conditions.”, quipped Lloyd (Lt Carney). “I thought it was some private throwing darts, while blind-folded.”, retorted Al.

Today we are heading to Reggio, Emilia, somewhere north of Bologna, in the plains between the Apennines and the Alps. Good news from Intel this time, light opposition, there and back, and over the target. Bad news from Met, shitty weather there and back, and over the target. Fighter support will be available round trip, so there is that.

Despite the conditions, John (Lt Hendrix) and I got the ol’ girl up and into formation, with little difficulty. Shortly after form-up, the intercom buzzed, with several crew commenting that Big Bad Wolfe was nowhere to be seen. We were about halfway to target when the intercom buzzed again, with multiple comments from the crew. John and I were asked, pleaded with, to keep eyeballs on the rest of the squadron. Seemed the crew was a bit uneasy about how tight the squadron formation was getting. John and I surmised it was due to the absence of Wolfe.

Enemy aircraft were spotted, sporadically, but none made any moves toward the Lady. Approaching the IP an Fw and an Italian C205 looked to be lining us up but were driven off by our escorts. We were buffeted a bit by the light flak, with nothing more than scratched paint, to show for it.

I handed control over to Lt Carney. I don’t know how he did it, but he managed 50% on target. Remarkable under these conditions.

“Okay, lets get her home.” Flak was wide, and light, as we made our turn to assembly.

Enemy fighters finally broke through our escort umbrella. A pair of 190s and a 109 came in from our front. One 190 was driven off by our escorts, leaving a 190 at 12 and what turn out to be an Italian 109 from 1030. We got hits on both enemy aircraft, enough, I guess, to throw off their aims, as they both missed.

While our escorts were busy, two more 190s slipped through. T/Sgt McWilliams, engineer, heavily damaged the right wing of the lead 190. (From observations of the crew, both 190s must have been Aces, based upon the hash marks on their tails). I had to agree, because despite the damage to his control surfaces, the first still managed to take out engine #3, and knock out our heat in the cockpit. The other 190 missed us, completely. The first 190 made another pass at us. T/Sgt McWilliams clipped him again, this time completing what he started in the first pass and finishing the destruction of the 190’s right wing. T/3rd Epps assisted in the kill, with hits to the 190s fuselage. He reported seeing fuel spray from the hits. The pilot was seen to bail out.

With the heat out, we dropped below 10,000 for the flight home. Luck was with us, as no more enemy aircraft were encountered for the remainder of the mission.

Bad weather and one engine out did not affect our landing. Miss Jackson County was observed circling the field, bailing out the crew. It was later learned she was unable to deliver her crate of eggs and had to land fully loaded. She was able to land without further incident.

Submitted by,
1Lt Jack Bentley, Commanding
B-24J Dragon Lady
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
B24J-CF-42-64297
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, TEC
Mission Date: 7 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 69
This Aircraft: 4
Target: Reggio Emilia, Italy, Railyard


Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot: 1Lt Bruce Pennel (11) AM
Co-Pilot: 2Lt Lester White (4)
Navigator: 2Lt William "Willie" Young (4)
Bombardier: 2Lt Samuel Watson (4)
Engineer: T/Sgt Lee Morris (4) [1.5]
Radio Operator: S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (4)
Ball Turret: S/Sgt Russell Nelson (4) [1]
Left Waist: S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (5)
Right Waist: S/Sgt Stanley Campbell (4) PH
Tail Gunner: Sgt Harry Allen (4) [.33]

Crew Chief: S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez (16)

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Superficial

Peckham Points: 2 Points, Ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
FW-190 2 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards: 
S/Sgt Roy Bellucci, Air Medal

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Not much to say about this mission. Weather was terrible. Escort coverage was good. Lt Watson hit the proverbial pickle barrel. A few flak-induced small holes in the wing. A flight of enemy rockets through the formation. Oh, and S/Sgt Nelson verbalizing his will when the ball turret power failed, off Rimini. A quiet day at the office.

Mission briefing was a mixed bag of good and bad news: Bad news – terrible weather for the entirety of the mission. Good news – escort coverage the entire trip. Under other circumstances, being assigned Tail End Charlie is usually bad news. However, being in the middle squadron, this was not as bad as it could be.

Even with the squalls, wind, and terrible visibility, we were able to take off and join up with the squadron without incidence. Once formed up it was observed that Big Bad Wolfe was nowhere to be seen.

All was quiet, for us, until we were passing Rimini, making ready for our next course adjustment. “Skip, ball here.” “What’s up Nelson?” “I lost power.” “Repeat.” “I lost power to the turret. I am stuck.” “Bellucci, Campbell, one of you see what you can do.” “Roger, skip”, they chimed in. A few minutes later S/Sgt Bellucci reported that the power coupling came loose. He reconnected it, and S/Sgt Nelson reported full functionality, not to mention a few select words directed at S/Sgt Ramirez and his crew.

The skies around us remained quiet until approaching the target. Still no enemy aircraft, but a barrage of rockets streaked passed us by.

Approach to target was punctuated by sporadic and inaccurate flak, even with getting a few pinholes in the left wing.

I passed control to Lt Watson, who, despite the heavy cloud cover, was able to deliver 40% of our eggs on target.

Flak, upon target egress, was still light and inaccurate.

Two Focke-Wulf 190s had their eyes upon us but were thwarted by our little friends.

After the rally point the squadron seemed to be flying loosey-goosey. Didn’t matter to us in the end. No more enemy aircraft were seen near us, for the remainder of the flight.

Approach and landing, due to the poor weather conditions, were dicey, however we landed safely. S/Sgt Nelson was bolting from the plane before we finished shutting down. T/Sgt Morris anticipating S/Sgt Nelson’s action, cut him off, and tackled him in the mud. S/Sgt Nelson was making a beeline to S/Sgt Ramirez. No doubt he planned to put action behind his earlier words. I took S/Sgt Ramirez aside and explained S/Sgt Nelson’s action. S/Sgt Ramirez displayed his honest shock and swore that would never happen again. I heard later that S/Sgt Ramirez and his entire crew each bought a round for S/Sgt Nelson at the NCO club. Other than complaining about a massive headache the next day, S/Sgt Nelson never uttered another word about the incident.

Submitted by,
1Lt Bruce Pennel, Commanding
B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Dragon Lady
B24J-CF-42-64391
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 13 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 70
This Aircraft: 4
Target:Ploesti, Romania, Spreantza Refinery


Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (4)
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (4)
Navigator/NT 2Lt Albert Bennett (4) [1.5]
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (4)
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (4)
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Roy Kyle (4)
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (4) [.5]
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (4) [2.5]
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (4)
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (5) AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green 10

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

Casualties: None

Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0, ready for service

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:

JU-88C6     1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / .83

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)

Tail JU88 .5 / .5
Ball JU88 .5 / .33

Awards:
Air Medal – S/Sgt Nathan Cainer

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Doesn’t forbode well. The skies were low and black with a cold wind, and sporadic rain. Metro forecast more bad weather to the target and back. Intel was predicting light resistance and light flak. The target: Spreantza Oil Refinery, at Ploesti, Romania. The name Ploesti was enough to give anyone a chill, having heard the many horror stories of the past raids. The only bright spot is Intel’s analysis…if they are correct.

In spite of the weather, we were able to take off, join up, and begin our flight to the target without incident.

Skopje was passing to our right as the intercom came alive…. ”Junkers! 6 low!”, called out by S/Sgt Nattinger, in the ball turret. He and S/Sgt Cainer, in the tail, opened up on the bandit. Both reported hits, but S/Sgt Cainer got the coup de grace, ripping open the cockpit, killing the crew outright.

Someone once said war is extended boredom punctuated by moment of extreme violence. Except for the pitiful flak over the target, we didn’t encounter another enemy aircraft for the rest of the mission.

The target was completely obscured by cloud and smoke. Lt Carney brought us in and successfully deposited 30% of our load on target.

As stated, it was quiet all the way back to base. Weather at Giulia was as bad as we had seen. Landing was a bit dodgy, not text book, but we all walked away from it, without injury or damage to the aircraft.

Submitted by,
1Lt Jack Bentley, Commanding
B-24J Dragon Lady
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF