chefed

[ChefEd]

B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
B24J-CF-42-64297
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 13 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 70
This Aircraft: 5
Target: Ploesti, Romania, Spreantza Refinery

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Bruce Pennel (12)
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White (5) AM
Navigator 2Lt William "Willie" Young (5) AM
Bombardier 2Lt Samuel Watson (5) AM
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (5) [1.5] AM
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (5) AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (5) [1] AM
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (6) AM
Right Waist S/Sgt Stanley Campbell (5) AM
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (5) [.33] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez 17

Bomb Run: Off Target, 0%

Casualties:
S/Sgt Stanley Campbell, Rt Waist, Convalesce Four Weeks, RTD 10 JUN 1944

Damage:
Nav Equip Out
Pilot O2 Out
Radio Op O2 Out
Outboard Fuel Tank Leak
#3 Engine Hit

Peckham Points: 76 Points, Ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
ME-109 1 0 0 1 1
FW-190 2 0 0 2 1
ME-109 (Ro) 1 0 0 1 .33

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Nose ME109 1 / 1, FW190 1 / 0
RW FW190 1 / 1
LW ME109 (Ro) 1 / .33

Awards:
Air Medal
2Lt Lester White, Co-Pilot
2lt Romano Neri, Nav
2Lt Juan Pendas, Bombardier
T/Sgt Lee Morris, Eng
S/Sgt Joseph Peterson, Radio
S/Sgt Stanley Campbell, Rt Waist
S/Sgt Russell Nelson, Ball
S/Sgt Roy Bellucci, Left Waist
Sgt Harry Allen, Tail

Purple Heart
S/Sgt Stanley Campbell, expected 4 weeks recovery


AFTER ACTION REPORT
In hindsight the build up to this mission was more smoke and mirrors than substance. No mission is completely free of risk, but this one seemed easier than most.

Weather was terrible, rain, clouds, darkness, wind.

The entire flight to the target was without incident. We occasionally saw enemy aircraft pestering the other aircraft of the squadron, but none near us.

Lt Neri could not guarantee the target was where it needed to be, due to the weather. Control was handed to Lt Pendas, who was also luckless in spotting the target. He released our bomb load as he saw the aircraft ahead us do the same. Apparently crossing your fingers won’t help accuracy on a bomb run. It sure didn’t this time, as we were informed 0% on target.

After the run, and we began our turn for home, rockets were seen in the vicinity of Flying Eight Ball. It was also noted that Miss Jackson County was dropping out of formation.

With Miss Jackson County out of formation, we were hard pressed to maintain mutual coverage.

As Belgrade was passing to our right a flight of three enemy bandits attacked, a pair of Fw190s and a Romanian 109. Our escorts were apparently busy elsewhere, as none were seen in our vicinity. The first 190 came in from 12 high. Lt Neri, operating the nose turret shredded its right wing, forcing into an uncontrolled roll. Its pilot was seen bailing out. Meanwhile the other 190 made its pass from 130 high. T/Sgt Morris missed, but S/Sgt Campbell didn’t. Sgt Loew’s rounds destroyed the controls on its left wing, forcing it to roll over and head to the earth. Its pilot was also observed bailing out. The Romanian 109 came in from anil advised 6 level approach. Sgt Allen missed the fat target, however the 109 stitched us up from tail to nose. He took out the pilot and radio op O2s, the nav equipment, holed the left outboard fuel tank, and hit the #3 engine. Worst of all, he wounded S/Sgt Campbell in the back with splinters.

The Romanian pressed his luck and came around again from 1030 high. We opened with the nose turret, top turret, and left waist gun positions. T/Sgt Norris and S/Sgt Bellucci each got hits on the 109. Like the other two enemy fighters, the 109s left wing control surfaces were destroyed, forcing the aircraft to lose control and begin to dive. Its pilot also bailed out.

Three for three.

We had a moment, a very brief moment, where we thought we could catch our breath. No sooner had we started to survey the damage when a lone 109 came in from dead ahead. T/Sgt Morris missed, from the top turret, but Lt Neri didn’t from the nose. Another wing shredded, and another enemy pilot bailing out.

Four for four.

With O2 out, we descended below 10,000 feet. S/Sgt Bellucci attended to S/Sgt Campbell’s wound, and T/Sgt Morris worked with us to figure out how far we could get with our rapidly diminishing fuel supply. We calculated we would have just enough to get to Giulia. We were indeed running on vapors as we landed.

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: 16 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 71
This Aircraft: 5
Target:La Spezia, Italy, Marshaling Yards

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (5) AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (5) AM
Navigator/NT 2Lt Albert Bennett (5) [1.5] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (5) AM
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (5) AM
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Roy Kyle (5) AM
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (5) [.5] AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (5) [2.]5 AM
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (5) AM
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (6) AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green (11)

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Engine feathering controls

Peckham Points: 12, ready for service next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Fw190 2 1 1 0 0 1
Me109 (It) 1 1 0 0 0 0
Me109 2 2 0 0 0 0
C205 1 1 0 0 0 0
Re2005 1 0 0 0 0 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded/Probable)
Nav Fw190 0 / 0 / .5
RW Fw190 0 / 0 / .5

Awards:
Air Medal
1Lt Jack Bentley
2Lt John Hendrix
2Lt Albert Bennett
2Lt Lloyd Carney
T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams
T/Sgt Roy Kyle
T/3rd Theodore Epps
S/Sgt Craig Nattinger
Sgt Eugene Wagner

AFTER ACTION REPORT
We were greeted by a clear and sunny sky, this morning. It helped the group mood. The crew was a bit more jovial this morning. Hopefully an omen for today’s mission.

The skies remained empty of clouds and the enemy, at least around us, as we made our way north, up the west coast of Italy. We were halfway up the Tyrrhenian when we spotted any enemy aircraft that posed a threat. Fortunately, they had their attention drawn elsewhere.

Corsica was falling away behind us when the cockpit gauges and indicators flashed off and on. We did a quick check of systems and noted nothing out of sorts.

The IP was coming up, and I was about to hand control off to Lloyd when we had our first real threat. A pair of 190s and an Italian 109 winged in for an attack. Our escorts intercepted one of the Focke-Wulfs and the 109. The remaining 190 was targeted by Lt Bennett, T/Sgt McWilliams, and T/3rd Epps. Bennett and Epps both got solid hits on the enemy fuselage. The pilot was reported to slump over his controls and begin a slow descent, failing to push home his attack. [Review board later gave the crew a probable.]

I passed control over to Lloyd, as we entered the flak belt. We experienced nothing more than pebbles on a tin roof, not enough to cause anyone to blink. Lloyd brought us in and was rewarded with 40% on target.

Our smooth flying continued, as we followed our looping course, back to base, as we flew down the Adriatic. Somewhere south of Rimini, as we checked our course and bearings, we somehow ended up in the lead position, albeit not for long.

The group was making its final major course adjustment when we were set upon by a pair of flights of enemy. First at bat was an me109 and an Italian C205. Both were intercepted by our escorts. Next at bat was anther 109 and an Re2005. The Me was driven off, while the Italian was left to push home his attack. Both sides opened up, at each other, with negative results all around. Apparently, the Italian pilot didn’t have much heart to really press his attack, as we didn’t see him again.

Once the damaged aircraft, and those with wounded made their landings the group made an orderly approach pattern, with us making a clean and safe landing.

I notified S/Sgt Green about the brief outage of our instruments, for him to check. He later informed me that all of the systems were functional, save one—our feathering controls shorted out. Apparently "Brutus", from Roll N Tuck made us a visit. A loss of any one engine would surely have meant the loss of Dragon Lady.

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: 16 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 71
This Aircraft: 6
Target: La Spezia, Italy, Marshaling Yard

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Bruce Pennel (13)
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White (6) AM
Navigator 2Lt William "Willie" Young (6) AM
Bombardier 2Lt Samuel Watson (6) AM
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (6) [1.5] AM
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (6) AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (6) [1] AM
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (7) AM
Right Waist S/Sgt Stanley Campbell (6) AM
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (6) [.33] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez (18)

Bomb Run: On Target, 50%

Casualties:
None

Damage:
None

Peckham Points: 0 Points, Ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
None

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
None

Awards:
None


AFTER ACTION REPORT
As active as the last mission was for us, this mission was quiet. The proverbial “milk run”.

Weather was clear and dry, nary a cloud in the sky. Nor were there any enemy aircraft…at least for us. Buried in the middle of the squadron we were spared the brunt of any attacks, today. We could see the other squadron aircraft hammering away at charging enemy. Our escorts could be seen darting in and out like angry hornets, attacking anything they perceived as enemy. We were flying in our on little cocoon, safe from the tumult around us.

With the IP ahead, we were greeted by flak. We took a few dings, but nothing the ol’ girl couldn’t shake off.

We hit the IP, and I handed control to Lt Watson, who delivered 50% of our load on target. Lester and I will be buying tonight.

On egress from target Sgt Allen, tail, noted an unrecognized B-17 far behind us. Lost, no doubt.

Outside of the flak, the only other excitement was a sudden dip in oil pressure on #3, as we sighted the Foggian coast. Normal pressure returned after a few moments. S/Sgt Ramirez, crew chief, later noted a coupling had come loose, and would be secured.

Fingers crossed the rest of the war will continue like today.

Submitted by,
1Lt Bruce Pennel, Commanding
B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
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: 19 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 72
This Aircraft: 7
Target: Weiner-Neustadt, Austria, Airfield

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Bruce Pennel (14)  AM+
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White (7)  AM
Navigator 2Lt William "Willie" Young (7) [1] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Samuel Watson (7)  AM
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (7) [1.5] AM
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (7)  AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (7) [1] AM
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (8)  AM
Right Waist S/Sgt Stanley Campbell (7)  AM
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (7) [.33] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez 19

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

Casualties:
None

Damage:
Superficial

Peckham Points: 2 Points, Ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
Me110 5 5 0 0 0 0
Fw190 1 1 0 0 0 0
Me109 12 4 1 5 3.5 0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded)
Nav 2 / 1.5
Top 1 / 1
Tail .5 / .5
RW .5 / .5

Awards:
Air Medal

2Lt Romano Neri

2Lt Juan Pendas


AFTER ACTION REPORT
We kept our fingers crossed for another “easy” mission. We had that “easy” mission. Easy, with a qualifier. No injuries, no real damage to Maggie. We had excellent escort support. They drove off 10 of the 18 enemy fighters that approached us. Of the remaining 8 we contributed to shooting down 5. A good day. Considering the terrible visibility around the target, we did drop a reasonable 20% on target.

Flying conditions were adequate, for the mission. 5/10 cloud cover was expected the entire trip out and back for the mission. Conditions at Giulia would be clear.

We did not encounter any enemy aircraft until south of Zagreb. Of the two Me110s that made their approach both were driven off by the Lightning escorts.

We did not encounter any other enemy until we made our turn to port, to Weiner-Neustadt. A flight of five Me109s came in from around the compass. One was driven of by our escorts. One took advantage of T/Sgt Morris being distracted by a 109 coming in at 3 o’clock. We didn’t know it was there until after it zoomed past us, in its dive. It was just as well, as T/Sgt Morris contributed to the downing of one of the three 109s we shot down in this wave. Morris, as well as 2Lt Neri, Sgt Loew, and Sgt Allen each got some credit in the downing of these three enemy aircraft.

As soon as the sky cleared, reports started coming in from around the bomber. Chattanooga Choo-Choo was seen dropping out of formation, as did Yo-Yo. Roll n Tuck II was seen going down, after a 109 collided with it, shearing off her tail. Sgt Allen, in the tail, noted four or five chutes. He also reported that Dragon Lady was sliding back to take over the TEC. With two aircraft out of formation, we were left in a bad position, weakening our defensive fire coverage. To top it off Sgt Allen noted a stray Fortress a ways back. He noted it being odd since no enemy aircraft were paying it any attention.

After the IP I handed control over to 2Lt Pendas for the run in. It was at this point that the flak found its range. We took a few near misses. We later discovered the bomb bay doors had been penetrated. The lack of a detonation indicated nothing vital had been hit.

Juan, 2Lt Pendas, was able to just make out the target, and lay about 20% of our eggs on target.

Flak on egress was off target. As soon as we cleared the flak belt the enemy resumed their assault on us. A lone 110, a lone 190, and five more 109s made passes at us. Escorts drove off the 110, the 190, and one of the 109s. 2Lt Neri sent one of the 109s hurtling to the earth. We did hit one other 109, but not enough to send him on his way. The surviving 109s all missed. One even had the audacity to skim close to us. Not pleasant being able to read serial numbers off the belly of a Messerschmitt as it passes over the cockpit canopy.

Passing Zagreb, on the return leg, a pair of Me110s found us. As before, the Lightnings did their work, and drove off the Zerstörers.

Later, still over Yugoslavia, a trio of 109s appeared. In their usual fashion the Lightnings drove off two of the interlopers. The third was dispatched by 2Lt Neri, and T/Sgt Morris. Maggie’s Drawers five, Germany zero.

The rest of the flight was quiet. We joined the bombers in the waiting pattern, to let the damaged bombers and planes with wounded land first. Landing was uneventful. S/Sgt Ramirez was appreciative that his crew had little work to do on Maggie. He will take his crew around to see where they can help the other ground crews.

We will be lifting a few tonight for missing friends and comrades.

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: Middle Squadron, Middle/TEC
Mission Date: 19 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 72
This Aircraft: 6
Target: Weiner-Neustadt, Austria, Airfield


Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (6)  AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (6)  AM
Navigator/NT 2Lt Albert Bennett (6) [1.5] AM, PH
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (6)  AM, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (6)  AM
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Roy Kyle (6)  AM
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (6) [.5] AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (6) [2.5] AM
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (6)  AM
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (7)  AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green (12)

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

Casualties:
Bombardier, 2Lt Lloyd Carney. Light Wound, Thorax, cracked rib, moderate bleeding, 1 week recovery
Nose turret gunner, Navigator, 2Lt Albert Bennett. Serious Wound, Abdomen, inflamed liver and kidney, Bleeding controlled, Survived surgery, Discharged

2Lt Ben Wishinski has been assigned to the Dragon Lady, to replace 2Lt Bennett.

Damage:
Superficial

Peckham Points: 2, ready for service next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109      5     2     2     0     0     0
FW-190      9     4     3     2     1.5     0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded/Probable)
Nav Fw190     1 / .5 / 0
RW Fw190      1 / 1 / 0

Awards:
Purple Heart
2Lt Lloyd Carney
2Lt Albert Bennett

AFTER ACTION REPORT
We weren’t looking forward to this mission. Then, what mission is looked forward to?

Intel sometimes gets it right. Enemy fighter opposition was ever present. So too was our escort coverage.

As soon as we crossed the Yugoslav coast enemy aircraft were ever present. Though we did not have much direct contact, we could see the havoc they were wrecking on the squadron. Between the coast and the IP our escort drove off three of the four enemy aircraft that tried to make passes at us.

At the IP Sgt Allen, tail gunner, called out that Roll n Tuck had its tail sliced off by a ramming German aircraft, and was spinning to the ground. He thinks he saw five chutes. I slipped Lady into the TEC position, vacated by Roll n Tuck. The result was a hole in the formation that never quite closed up, weakening the integrity of our mutual fire support.

As soon as we filled the TEC three 190s made runs against us. Escort drove off one. Sgt Wagner flamed a second one, no chute sighted. The final Fw was caught in the crossfire from 2Lt Bennett and T/3rd Epps. Their fire shredded the enemy’s tail and left wing. That Fw’s fire was affected, causing him to miss us completely, and he disappeared below us.

Following that trio of Fws a second trio of Fws tried to take their turn with our Lady. Same results, one driven off, one shot down, the third damaged.

Once we cleared these enemy fighters, we crossed into the flak belt. Flak was as predicted, but they were firing off the mark.

I transferred control to 2Lt Bennett. Despite the smoke pots, and smoke from the results of the other bombers, Al was able to deliver 20% on target.

Clearing the target we faced flak again. They were still off target.

Once clear of the flak a swarm of five Me109s came in from all points of the compass. Escort coverage was weaker than earlier, and they were only able to drive off one of the enemy fighters. In the exchange very little damage was caused by either side. However, the 109 coming straight at us from 12 level succeeded in wounding Lts Bennet and Carney. Lloyd reported that Al was hit bad, taking shrapnel to the lower abdomen. He was able to stem the bleeding, but Al was in a bad way.

Crossing into Yugoslavia, again, our escorts were able to drive off the sole Me109 that had started to line up on us.

Passing to the west of Zagreb a flight of enemy aircraft were sighted off to our left, but seemed to just be milling about, not sure what to do.

The rest of the flight was uneventful, as no new enemy aircraft were able to get near us.

We signaled with flares that we were carrying wounded and took our turn in the priority approach. We were met by the meat wagon, and Al and Lloyd were taken to hospital. Al survived surgery, due to Lloyd’s ministrations, but will be invalided home. Lloyd suffered a cracked rib and is expected to be out of the hospital in about a week.

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/TEC
Mission Date: 22 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 73
This Aircraft: 7
Target: Porto Marghera, Italy, Oil Storage

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (7) AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (7) AM
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (2)
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (7) AM, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (7) AM
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Roy Kyle (7) AM, PH
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (7) [.5] AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (7) [2.5] AM
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (7) AM
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (8) AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green (13)

Bomb Run: On Target, 50%

Casualties:
Radio Op T/Sgt Roy Kyle, KIA

Damage:
Superficial

Peckham Points: 75, ready for service next day
#3 Engine Out
Bomb Bay Doors
KIA

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
FW-190   7     5     2     0     0     0
JU-88      2     0     1     1     1     0

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded/Probable)
Top JU-88 .5 / .5 / 0
RW JU-88 .5 / .5 / 0

Awards:
Purple Heart
T/Sgt Roy Kyle, Posthumously

AFTER ACTION REPORT
It was good flying weather. For both sides. Visibility was good, which meant Gerry could find us, easily.

We were looking forward to this short hop. Less stressful, with the shorter flying time. As it turned out, it allowed Gerry to concentrate hos forces in a much smaller area. We were lucky, as far as enemy aircraft were concerned. Our little friends kept most of the enemy aircraft away from us. Unfortunately, it was the flak that became our biggest concern.

We encountered no enemy aircraft until we were recrossing the Italian Coast and making our turn to target. A pair of ju88s sneaked passed our escorts. The first, coming in from 1:30 low was missed, and he missed us. The second, attacking from 3 level, was made short work of by T/Sgt McWilliams and T/3rd Epps. Between them they destroyed the tail surfaces and the control surfaces of the left wing. Only one chute was spotted.

We suffered damage from two flak bursts. One aerated the cockpit, the other shattered the left shoulder of T/Sgt Kyle, our radio op. He bled out before we knew he was injured.

I passed control over to 2Lt Carney, who took us in and delivered 50% on target.

Upon egress from the target flak found us again. This time they hit the #3 engine. We were able to extinguish the subsequent fire on the first attempt, and successfully feather the prop.

Out of the flak belt, we encountered two waves of Fw190s, totaling seven planes. Escorts drove off five of them, while we damaged the remaining two. Neither of these two 190s were able to get any hits on us.

The rest of the flight was quiet, both from the enemy and from us, as we pondered the loss of our crewmate, and our own mortality.

S/Sgt Green says our Lady should be ready for the next mission. He noted that the bomb bay doors were jammed shut. Must have happened when we closed them, or possibly from the shocks of the flak hits.

As a side note, 2Lt Carney needs to be commended or punished. He slipped out of hospital and made his way to Dragon Lady on his own. Bumped our temporary bombardier and took his position in the nose. It was too late to replace him. The fact that he spent the entire mission in the prone position, with cracked ribs, AND dropped 50% on target, is a testament to the man. However, as an officer and a member of the US Army Air Forces, he knows better.

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: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 22 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 73
This Aircraft: 8
Target: Porto Marghera, Italy, Oil Storage

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Bruce Pennel (15)  AM++
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White (8)  AM
Navigator 2Lt Romano Neri (6) [2.5] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Juan Pendas (6)  AM
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (8) [2.5] AM
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (8)  AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (8) [1] AM
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (9)  AM
Right Waist S/Sgt Stanley Campbell (8) [.]5 AM
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (8) [.83] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez (20)

Bomb Run: On Target, 20%

Casualties:
None

Damage:
None

Peckham Points: Ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded:
JU-88 2 2 0 0 0 0
FW-190 6 3 1 0 0 2
RE-1005 1 1 0 0 0 0


Claims: (Claimed / Awarded / Probable)
Nose 1 0 1
Ball .5 0 .5
RW .5 0 .5

Awards:
1Lt Bruce Pennel, Air Medal, 15 Missions

AFTER ACTION REPORT
I have to hand it to those fighter jockeys. Even though we only faced nine enemy aircraft, our escorts drove off fully two-thirds of them. Of the three that got through the screen, we shot down two. Gunnery board disputes that number, but we know what we did.

Our flight to the target was eerily quiet. We could see the conflict between our escorts, our gunnery, and the enemy. Everywhere but within our little bubble. Like a dream.

That dream ended abruptly as we approached the target. A pair of Junkers caught sight of us, unmolested, and thought they would take a turn. Our escorts thought otherwise and sent them packing.

Flak on ingress to the target was minimal, with no effect. Even with minimal distraction Juna was only able to drop 20% on target. Egress flak was as ineffective.

Of the nine enemy aircraft we faced, seven swarmed us as we exited the target area. Escorts drove off 4, we shot down two, and the last missed us.

Then, it was quiet again. We were left alone for the remainder of the mission.

We awaited our turn to land, finally handing over Maggie to S/Sgt Ramirez, and his crew, to prep for the next mission.

Submitted by,
1Lt Bruce Pennel, Commanding
B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
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: 24 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 74
This Aircraft: 9
Target: Munich, Germany - Bayerische Allach Motornworks (BMW)

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Bruce Pennel (16)  AM++
Co-Pilot 1Lt Lawrence Fairchild (10) AM+
Navigator 2Lt Romano Neri (7) [2.5] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Juan Pendas (7)  AM
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (9) [2.5] AM
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (9)  AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (9) [1] AM
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (10)  AM+
Right Waist Sgt Barney Loew (10) [.5] AM+
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (9) [.83] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez (21)

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

Casualties:
None

Damage:
Ball Turret, Power Out - 10
Autopilot, N/E - 5
Left Wing Root - 25
Pilot Compartment Window, One Hit - 25
Bomb Release Mechanism Failure - 10

Peckham Points: 75 points, Ready next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable:
FW-190      4 / 3 / 0 / 1 / .5 / 0
ME-109      5 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0


Claims: (Claimed / Awarded / Probable)
Top     1 / .5 / 0

Awards:
1Lt Lawrence Fairchild, Air Medal
Waist Gunner S/Sgt Roy Bellucci, Air Medal
Waist Gunner Sgt Barney Loew, Air Medal

Promotions
Sgt Barney Loew, Denied
S/Sgt Roy Bellucci, Approved, to T/Sgt

AFTER ACTION REPORT
This is my last flight with this crew. I fine group of men if there ever was one. Larry Fairchild is flying right seat today, after an extended stay in hospital. He will be taking over Maggie on the next mission.

I let Larry take her up, with me keeping a “light” hand on the yoke. “Just like riding a bike”, he said, “a 30-ton, lumbering, freight train with high explosives bike.”

Even with 5/10 cloud cover it was a bright spring day. Visibility was near limitless, at altitude.

“Radio to pilot. Dragon Lady just signaled to lead. Electrical fire on board. Aborting. Returning to base. Over.” “Thanks Pete.” Larry and I looked at each other, then back forward.

We had just recrossed the Italian coast between Venice and Trieste, “Skip…problem, here.” “Who is this?” “Nelson, sir. Just lost power to the ball.” “Loew, Bellucci, check on it.” A few minutes later, “Skip, Loew, here. No go.” “Morris, anything at your end?” Another few minutes, “All is green at my end, sir.” “Nelson, hang in there. We’ll get you out on the way back.” Silence. “Nelson?” Silence. “Nelson?!” “Roger.”

“Bandits!” Three FWs came in from 12, 1:30 and 6. Our little Red Tailed friends drove off two, leaving the one at 12 high for us. Peterson, in the nose, and Morris in the top sprayed the incoming Focke-Wulf. Morris shattered the enemy cockpit, killing its pilot.

Three more enemy aircraft followed on their heels, another FW and two Me109s. Escorts drove off the FW, leaving the two MEs. No hits on either end.

“Pilot to crew, Alps ahead. Double check heating and O2.” Transit across the Alps was smooth, for us.

Coming down the other side into Germany, “Germany, boys.”

Our escorts must have been very busy. Not a single enemy aircraft came near us the entire time we were in the target area. Flak, on the other hand, was quite busy, and accurate. We were hit going in and coming out. In between we dropped 30% on target. We took some hits to the left wing and tail, and, causing a wide-eyed moment sudden spiderwebbing of some of the cockpit glazing. What we didn’t need was an open cockpit crossing the Alps.

Speaking of the Alps, “Pilot to crew, Alps, again. Check your systems.”

“Pilot to Waist, get Nelson out.” “Roger, Skip.”

Not sure what they were thinking, but a trio of Me109s took aim our little girl, while over the Alps. Air seems a bit thin at this altitude for aerobatics. However, true to their reputation, the 332nd was there, and shooed all three MEs away.

Dropping down the other side of the Alps, and into Italy, “BINGO!” “Waist to Pilot, Loew, here. Nelson is out.” “Roger.”

Skies, around us, remained clear the rest of the flight home. About halfway down the Adriatic, “Tail to Pilot.” “Go ahead.” “There seems to be a stray B-17 a few miles back. Too far to make out unit.” “Roger, keep an eye open.”

Back at Giulia we stayed in orbit until the damaged and wounded landed first, then waited our turn. Upon exiting the aircraft Nelson immediately approach S/Sgt Ramirez, and began a very animated, but controlled conversation about making sure the ball turret did NOT lose power again.

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, TEC
Mission Date: 24 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 74
This Aircraft: 7 – No change, mission does not count toward total
Target: Munich, Germany - Bayerische Allach Motornworks (BMW)

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (7)  AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (7)  AM
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (2)
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (7)  AM, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (7)  AM
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Roy Kyle (7)  AM, PH
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (7) [.5] AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (7) [2.5] AM
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (7)  AM
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (8)  AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green 13

Bomb Run: DNB, Abort

Casualties:
None

Damage:
Superficial

Peckham Points: 10, ready for service next day
Electric Suit Heater - System out

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Claims: (Claimed/Awarded/Probable)
None

Awards:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
The best news about this mission was we were to be escorted by the 332nd “Red Tails”. Preflight check went without a hitch. All systems were go. Every step of startup, taxiing, takeoff, climb and form-up went smoothly. Then, it happened…

“OK, gentlemen, we are passing 8,000. Check your heating and O2.” The perfunctory affirmative responses came back over the intercom. Within moments the cockpit started to fill with smoke. That sharp, acrid smoke accompanying an electrical fire. Curtis was on it immediately. A quick blast with the extinguisher, at the Engineer’s station, and the fire was out. (Post flight inspection suggested that the entire crew turned on their compartment and suit heaters at the exact same moment. The circuit breakers failed to handle the surge AND failed to “break” causing an overload, and subsequent fire.) “Well, shit!” came over the intercom. “What is it, Curtis?” “Heating is out.” “Well, shit! Gwyn, signal the lead that we are dropping out and heading home. Apprise them of the situation.”

I brought us down below 8,000 and started the turn back home. Before recrossing back over the Italian coastline, I had Lloyd jettison our load over the Adriatic.

It was a short and quiet return trip to Giulia.

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: 27 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 75
This Aircraft: 8
Target: Marseilles, France, Rail Marshalling Yards

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (8)  AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (8)  AM
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (3) [1]
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (8)  AM, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (8) [.5] AM
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Roy Kyle (8)  AM, PH
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (8) [1.83] AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (8) [2.83] AM
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (8)  AM
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (9) [.5] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green 14

Bomb Run: On Target, 60%

Casualties:
None

Damage:
Superficial X2

Peckham Points: 4, ready for service next day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109      2 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0
FW-190      7 / 3 / 1 / 1 / 1 / 0
JU-88         2 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose     .5 / 0 / 0
Top       .5 / 1 / 0

Awards:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
If all went well, today would be a test of our endurance…if not, a test of our aerial gunnery.

Once airborne, Lt Wishinski (Nav) moved to the Radio Room, T/Sgt Kyle (Radio) manned the right waist gun, and T/3rd Epps (Nose/Waist) headed to the nose turret.

Not a single enemy aircraft came within range of our .50s until after we were past Corsica. A lone 109 came in from the west, but was intercepted by the Red Tails.

“Nav to pilot.” “Pilot, here.” “IP coming up.” “Roger. Okay, Lloyd, you’re up.” We made our turn at the IP. I was ready to hand off control to Lloyd when a trio of bandits came in from ahead and the right. The Red Tails drove off two, leaving the third for Epps and McWilliams. Both connected with and shredded the 190, tearing off a wing, and engulfing the enemy cockpit in flames. Need less to say, no chute was spotted. [Though both contributed to the kill, McWilliams with the engine and cockpit hits got the full credit. Much to the dismay of Epps, … and McWilliams.]

“Pilot to bombardier, you have control.” “Bombardier to pilot, I have control.” Lloyd took control and started our run. Flak was heavy, as predicted. Even with flak hits to the nose, it did not faze Lloyd, as he dropped 60% on target.

Flak was light on egress. They didn’t appear to have the range.

The skies were eerily quiet for the next hour. Which was fortunate, as we had no fighter cover.

With the French coast visible in the far distance, we finally met up with our escorts, from the 8th. Right after joining up four Butcher Birds came at us. Escorts drove off one, leaving the rest for us. A lot of lead flying for no results on all sides.

The French coast, and the Channel were now quite clearly defined. A pair of Junkers made runs at us, but both were driven off by our escorts.

We encountered some light flak, as we crossed the French coast, but once again they did not have the range. A solitary 109 seemed to be making a half-hearted run at us but was deterred by our escorts.

Soon the English coast, and lush countryside passed below us, as we steered toward our new home. As we crossed the mouth of the Thames, hazy London could be seen to our left. “Should be good liberty, boys!” “Pipe down!” “Yes, sir.” “You are right, though.” “Yes, sir.”

We took our place in the pattern, eventually touching down. We followed our guide to our new hardstand, shutting down, and deplaning. We all stood and stared. We had just left the brown, dusty, muddy, and scorching scenery and weather of Southern Italy. We were now surround by lush green, and likely more dust and mud. But it is green. A welcome change.

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, Middle
Mission Date: 27 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 75
This Aircraft: 10
Target: Marseilles, France, Rail Marshalling Yard

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Lawrence Fairchild (11)  AM+, PH
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White (9) AM
Navigator 2Lt Romano Neri (8) [2.5] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Juan Pendas (8)  AM
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (10) [2.5] AM+
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (10)  AM+
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (10) [1] AM+
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (11)  AM+
Right Waist Sgt Barney Loew (11) [.5] AM+
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (10) [.83] AM+

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez 22

Bomb Run: On Target, 36%

Casualties:
None

Damage:
Superficial

Peckham Points: 10 points, Ready next day
Flap Controls, Gremlins

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable:
None

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Awards:
T/Sgt Lee Morris, Air Medal, 2nd
S/Sgt Joseph Peterson, Air Medal, 2nd
S/Sgt Russel Nelson, Air Medal, 2nd
Sgt Harry Allen, Air Medal, 2nd

Promotions:
T/Sgt Lee Morris, Passed over
S/Sgt Joseph Peterson, Passed over
S/Sgt Russell Nelson, Promoted to T/Sgt
Sgt Harry Allen, Promoted to S/Sgt

AFTER ACTION REPORT
We were leaving sunny Italy for foggy England. We had a long flight ahead of us, with a good portion without fighter cover. We were expecting 5/10 cloud cover the whole way, which should not be any hindrance on the mission.

All in all, it was a very boring mission. Not a single enemy fighter came anywhere near us, the entire flight. The only enemy damage was some chipped paint from flak, on ingress to the target.

Approaching the French coast there was a brief rocket barrage, but nothing close enough to cause a sweat.

Lt Pendas took us in to the target and dropped 36% on target.

Between Marseilles and England not a single enemy aircraft got near us. A strange feeling indeed.

Somewhere during the flight, we lost flap controls. Not a pleasant discovery when making a landing approach. We were able to bring her down safely.

Looking forward to settling in, and our first liberty.

Submitted by,
1Lt Lawrence Fairchild, Commanding
B-24J Maggie’s Drawers
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: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 6 JUN 1944
Mission Number: 76
This Aircraft: 11
Target: Caen, France, Bridge

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Lawrence Fairchild (12)  AM+, PH+
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White (10)  AM, PH
Navigator 2Lt Romano Neri (9) [2.5] AM, PH
Bombardier 2Lt Juan Pendas (9)  AM, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris (11) [2.5] AM+, PH
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson (11)  AM+, PH
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson (11) [1] AM+, PH
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci (12)  AM+, PH
Right Waist Sgt Barney Loew (12) [.5] AM+, PH
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen (11) [.83] AM+, PH

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez (23)

Bomb Run: DNB

Casualties:
Pilot 1Lt Lawrence Fairchild,  KIA
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White,   KIA
Navigator 2Lt Romano Neri,  KIA
Bombardier 2Lt Juan Pendas,   KIA
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris,  KIA
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson, KIA
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson,  KIA
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci,  KIA
Right Waist Sgt Barney Loew,  KIA
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen,   KIA

Damage:
Complete destruction of aircraft

Enemy Aircraft Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable:
Me110     2     2     0     0     0     0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Awards:
Purple Heart
Pilot 1Lt Lawrence Fairchild,  Posthumously
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White,  Posthumously
Navigator 2Lt Romano Neri,  Posthumously
Bombardier 2Lt Juan Pendas,   Posthumously
Engineer T/Sgt Lee Morris,  Posthumously
Radio Operator S/Sgt Joseph "Pete" Peterson, Posthumously
Ball Turret S/Sgt Russell Nelson,  Posthumously
Left Waist S/Sgt Roy Bellucci,  Posthumously
Right Waist Sgt Barney Loew,  Posthumously
Tail Gunner Sgt Harry Allen,   Posthumously

Air Medal
Co-Pilot 2Lt Lester White Posthumously

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Maggie’s Drawers, and her crew, was on her first mission in a new theater of operations. Their mission was to bomb a key bridge in support of the amphibious operation that was part of operation Overlord, the invasion of Europe, at Normandy, France.

Her mission would take her southwest across England, before turning south across the Channel, before turning southeast, east of the Cotentin Peninsula, then east to Caen. The route was designed to avoid the combat in the immediate landing zone, as well as reduce the risk of accidentally bombing the Allied positions on and immediately behind the beaches.

The weather was lousy for flying rainy and cloudy over England, and expected to be 5/10 cover, at best, the entire route there and back. Normally that wouldn’t matter as the bombers would be flying over the weather. On this mission they would be flying through it most of the way and back. Escort coverage was expected to be excellent, as the 8th Air Force and Royal Air Force had pretty much mastery of the skies over Western Europe.

The crew were awakened at 0200 for an 0330 briefing, before heading to their planes. The crew was seasoned and went through all the steps of all the procedures quickly and efficiently. It wasn’t long before they were aloft and on their way. They were one plane, one crew of hundreds, if not thousands of Allied aircraft aloft that day. Like all the rest, they had a key role to play that day.

The bomber, nestled safely in the middle of the squadron, mimicked the rest of the flight, gradually increasing altitude as they neared the target. Briefly, Maggie’s Drawers began to leave tracks in the sky, the dreaded telltale contrails, as they passed 10,000 feet to 12,000 feet over the Channel.

Briefly, as the crew approached the target a pair of Messerschmitt Bf110 twin engine fighters made an appearance. As quickly as they appeared, they were driven off by the ever present and effective escorts.

Barely a few minutes after the near interlude with the enemy fighters the bomber was greeted by enemy flak. A most disagreeable greeting. The enemy had zeroed in on the bomber’s altitude, and quickly targeted the ship. One of these flak shells found its way through the fuselage and into the bomber’s bomb bay. This errant shell struck one of the general-purpose bombs aboard, detonating it, along with the rest of the payload, destroying the aircraft, and killings its crew, instantly.

[ChefEd]

B-24J Dragon Lady
B24J-CF-42-64391
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 6 JUN 1944
Mission Number: 76
This Aircraft: 8
Target: Caen, France, Bridge

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (9)  AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (9)  AM
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (4) [1]
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (9)  AM, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (9) [.5] AM
Radio Op / Waist S/Sgt Eri Gwyn (7)  AM, PH
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (9) [1].83 AM
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (9) [2].83 AM
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (9)  AM
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (10) [.5] AM+

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green (15)

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

Casualties: None

Damage: None

Peckham Points: None

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Me110      3     2     1     0     0     0
Fw190      8     4     1     1     1     0
Me410      1     0     1     0     0     0
Me109      2     2     0     0     0     0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Ball Fw190          .5     .5     0
Left Waist Fw190 .5     .5     0

Awards:
S/Sgt Nathan Cainer, Air Medal, 2nd Award

AFTER ACTION REPORT
We landed in England 10 days ago. Newcomers. Other Americans, and our Allies have been in England for two to four years waiting for this day. We can only hope we do our part well.

Yesterday, we all received a copy of a missive from General Eisenhower. It begins…

“Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. …”

We knew this coming in and are ready to continue.

We were rudely awakened at 0200, for an 0330 briefing. The adrenaline began early, taking away any appetite. We forced down some coffee and toast and headed to the briefing.

We would be bombing a bridge behind enemy lines. A bridge on a major reinforcement route. If we could knock it out, we could delay, maybe stop any armor reinforcements coming from the enemy rear.

Weather was terrible and would not improve through the day. We would fly a gradually ascending route to target, then descend gradually back to base. We would only need heat and oxygen for less than half the time in the air.

Once we passed 10,000 feet, we had contrails most of the flight above that altitude. Our flight was quiet until we approached the target. Gerry was waiting for us. Three waves of bandits attacked us. Our escorts were practically non-existent. Of the seven enemy aircraft that attacked us, only one was driven off by our escorts.

As it worked out it didn’t matter, the enemy’s attacks were wide of the mark. Not a scratch on us. We did damage a Bf110, an Fw190, and an Me410, while shooting down another Fw190, killing its pilot.

Flak in and out of the target were wide of the mark, giving Lt Carney a nice stable platform, to drop 30% of our delivery on target.

Our escorts reappeared after the target, driving off all seven enemy aircraft that approached us.

Once we set down, and debriefed, the rest of the day was spent discussing what was going on at the beaches, wondering how the invasion was fairing.

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: High Squadron, Lead
Mission Date: 14 JUN 1944
Mission Number: 77
This Aircraft: 10
Target: Nantes, France, Airdrome

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (10)  AM+, PH
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (10)  AM+
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (5) [1] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (10)  AM+, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (10) [3.88] AM+
Radio Op / Waist S/Sgt Eric Gwyn (8)  AM
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (10) [2.67] AM+
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (10) [4.33] AM+
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (10) [.5] AM+
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (11) [.5] AM+

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

Casualties: 1Lt Jack Bentley, LW, Head, grounded four days

Damage:
#2 Engine Caught Fire, Out
Radio Out
Superficial 2X
Light Wound

Peckham Points: 60 Points, Ready Next Day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109      12     6     1     4     1.17     0
FW-190       6      4     1     1      .5       0
ME-410       1      0     0     1     1         0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose     2       .84     0
Top       2     1.33     0
Ball       1       .5      0
Tail       1      0        0

Awards:
Air Medal
1Lt Jack Bentley, Second
2Lt John Hendrix, Second
2Lt been Wishinski, First
2Lt Lloyd Carney, Second
T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams, Second
T/3rd Theodore Epps, Second
S/Sgt Craig Nattinger, Second
Sgt Eugene Wagner, Second

Purple Heart
1Lt Jack Bentley, First

Promotions
T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams, Denied
T/3rd Theodore Epps, Denied
S/Sgt Craig Nattinger, Denied
Sgt Eugene Wagner, Denied
S/Sgt Nathan Cainer, Approved, T/Sgt

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Lt Bentley is on doctor mandated bed rest for a few days, post mission, recovering from a slight head wound.

It has been quite the experience, the last four days. We participated in what was one of thousands of sorties, on D-Day. Over the past four days we have sought out every scrap of information on how the landings have gone. For the most part it has all been good. Seems it is only a pure matter of chance that separated us “fly boys” from the “dog faces”. Not sure what would be worse, facing the enemy at 20,000 feet altitude or 200 feet across a field.

Weather was bad. Could cover was 10/10 to 5/10 all the way to the target. By afternoon most had burned away, leaving fog and haze most of the way back. Upon landing we would be flying under the 10/10 cloud cover, but it would be daylight.

“The Lady” was flying lead of the high squadron. We weren’t leading the group, but we did feel the responsibility of ensuring the squadron hit the target on time.

The flight down England and across the Channel was quiet for us. Not until we hit the coast did we encounter any activity, and that was light flak, that was short and wide. Once we were over France proper the enemy didn’t let up until we were approaching the English coast, on the return leg.

Once we went above 10,000 feet we started leaving contrails. Like a giant neon sign saying, “Here we are, come and get us.” The contrails let up at 20,000 feet, but by then it was too late. Gerry had found us.

Somewhere between Rennes and Angers a pair of 109s were driven off by our escorts. A welcome sight, indeed.

We made our turn south of Angers and headed west into Nantes. As we did our contrails returned. We were greeted by a not so friendly flight of 109s. Our escorts drove off one, leaving the remaining three to us. There approach was such that we could only target two of the enemy aircraft. The two we targeted were both shot down, with both enemy pilots killed. The remaining 109, coming in from 12 o’clock high, missed us as he passed and did not return.

Flak found us after the IP. One burst punctured the left outboard fuel tank, which, thankfully, self-sealed.

Despite the buffeting from the flak, Lloyd was able to put 30% of our load on target.

Flak on target egress was off, missing us low and wide. We did get quite a shock when 100 pounders began dropping around us. Not many, but enough to make us sit up and take notice. None hit.

West of Nantes, with Saint-Nazaire to our left, a mixed flight of a 190, a pair of 109s and a 410 made an appearance. Escorts drove off what appeared to be their flight leader, as he appeared to have quite a few kill markings on his tail. T/Sgt McWilliams flamed the 410, with no chutes observed. The remaining two fighters missed and did not reappear.

Right on the heals of the last flight, another flight of three 109s led by a 190 tried to have their way with us. Defensive gunfire immediately shot down the 190 and one of the 109s. One of the 109s came in from directly above, flaming #2 engine. We extinguished the flames and feathered the prop. The remaining 109 came in from 12 level, wounding Jack, and taking out the radio.

The first 109 came back around from 3 high, with T/Sgt McWilliams getting a few hits on him, and Gerry’s attack missed. The last 109 came back around from3 level. S/Sgt Nattinger shot him down, destroying the tail surfaces. No chute was observed. S/Sgt Nattinger is less than one kill from being an Ace.

Approaching the coast northeast of Saint-Brieuc light coastal flak found us. Their fire was as ineffective as the egress flak.

Four more enemy aircraft made approaches against us, but our escorts convinced them it wasn’t a good idea.

Out over the Channel, two more enemy fighters took their chances against us. Our escorts once again said no, not this time.

The rest of the flight was quiet. The only drama being Jack complaining about his massive headache, from the glancing shrapnel. Even with 10/10 cloud cover, there was no rain, and the field was dry when we landed.

Jack is expected to be grounded for about four days. He expects to be cleared for flight duty on or about the 18th.

Submitted by,
2Lt John Hendrix, Co-Pilot
B-24J Dragon Lady
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Lead
Mission Date: 14 JUN 1944
Mission Number: 77
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Nantes, France, Airdrome

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Grahame Skinner 1
Co-Pilot 2Lt Augustus Hernandez 1
Navigator/NT 2Lt David Coleman 1
Bombardier 2Lt Ronald Crypto 1
Engineer/TT T/Sgt Charles Fletcher 1
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Holden Phelps 1
NT / Waist T/3rd Walter Preston 1
Ball Turret T/4th Zain Hoffman 1
Left Waist / NT T/3rd Jaime Murch 1
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Julian Lassen 1

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez 24

Bomb Run: On Target, 50%

Casualties: None

Damage:
#1 Engine Hit, No Effect

Peckham Points: 20 Points, Ready Next Day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109      3     3     0     0     0     0
FW-190      1     1     0     0     0     0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Awards:
Air Medal
None

Purple Heart
None

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
The gods of war were certainly smiling at us, this day.

We are newcomers here. Fresh from the States. Yet, we have been around long enough to make out who has been around, and who hasn’t. Walking around base these past few days and getting a closer look at the crews at this morning’s briefing, there seemed many fewer veterans than expected. There were clearly many new crews. It was good to not feel being such a minority. Yet, with so many new crews we were concerned about our overall chances of success and survival.

The weather left much to be desired. “Pilot to navigator.” “Navigator.” “Dave, you think you can find your way in this?” “Sir.” All we had to do was stay in the middle of the flock, and we would make it there. However, you never know. The skies were heavily overcast, with squalls passing through as the Group took off, joined up, and headed off to our target.

We had a quiet flight up to the French coast. We could see enemy activity around the squadron, but nothing aimed at us.

Hitting the French coast light flak opened up, but was wide of us, by quite a bit. Right after the flak a lone Bf109 began to make a move on us but was driven off by our ever-present escorts.

Beginning our approach to the target flak opened up again. We took a hit to #1 engine. T/Sgt Fletcher assured us the engine was still working as promised by Messrs Pratt and Whitney.

I handed control over to Lt Crypto, who took us in for a respectable 50% on target. Not bad for a rookie.

Flak on egress was light, and wide of the mark.

Still no enemy aircraft bothering us. With the target receding behind us, T/Sgt Fletcher reported his turret power quit. Not good, but with few to no bandits bothering us, we didn’t sweat too much.

Saint-Brieuc was to our left, as we crossed the French coast when we were greeted once again by enemy flak. It was still off the mark. Once we crossed the coast a trio of bandits began an approach in our direction. As before, our escorts made them think better of it, and they turned tail.

The rest of the flight was quiet. The weather had improved, making it easier to keep visual track of our progress. That is, until we were over England, and the weather turned again. Increasing cloud cover, and periodic rain made us began to thing Metro was wrong about landing conditions.

Even with the 10/10 cloud cover, there was no rain, and no wind to speak of. The ground was fairly dry, by this point, giving us a good bite as we landed.

We were all quite happy that we had survived our first combat mission. Somehow, as a group, we silently agreed it was not a moment to celebrate. The mission was quite easy and quiet, from our perspective, but it was only the first, of what we hoped would be many.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
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, Middle
Mission Date: 18 JUN 1944
Mission Number: 78
This Aircraft: 11
Target: Hamburg. Germany, Oil Refinery

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (10)  AM+, PH
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (10)  AM+
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (5) [1] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (10)  AM+, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (10) [3.88] AM+
Radio Op / Waist S/Sgt Eric Gwyn (8)  AM
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (10) [2.67] AM+
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (10) [4.33] AM+
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (10) [.5] AM+
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (11) [.5] AM+

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green (17)

Bomb Run: DNB, Abort

Casualties: None

Damage:
#1 Engine Caught Fire X1 20
#1 Engine Out X1 35
Extinguisher X1 25

Peckham Points: 80 Points, Ready Next Day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Awards:
Air Medal
None

Purple Heart
None

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
We’ve been back from our three-day pass for a few days, now. Per the CO’s orders, none of my crew spent any time with the MPs. That isn’t to say the men didn’t celebrate to the fullest. The highlight of the trip was Sergeants McWilliams and Gwyn dragging a drunken T/3rd Epps back by each arm. Epps was mostly incoherent, but we were able to sort out “Maggie”, “love”, and “marriage” between his slurring the rest of his words. Epps and Sergeant Wagner, our two youngest crewmen, had wandered off on their own. Wagner came running looking for any of the rest of the crew to get Epps. Wagner kept saying how we had to rescue Epps from himself. Apparently, Epps latched on to some “nickel hopper” (taxi dancer), handing her a whole string of tickets for her to dance with him all night. Wagner led McWilliams and Gwyn to some seedy dance hall, where they found Epps clinging to his partner. They politely separated the two, and escorted Epps back to their hotel, to sleep it off. The men have started to call Epps “Cradle Robber”. Apparently through his beer goggles, it turned out the girl Epps fell in love with was old enough to be his mother. Poor Epps blushes every time the subject is brought up.

I took it easy in London. Still feeling the effects of my head wound, I stayed away from having more than one drink, … at a time. The bandage still on my head did bring some welcome attention, but gentlemen don’t kiss and tell.

We were headed to Germany, today. The men were itching to get back there.

The weather was terrible. Classic, in the sense of stereotypical, weather for England, wet and rainy, with 10/10 cloud cover. Even with the bad flying conditions, we were able to get the Lady up and into formation without difficulty.

We were just passing 10,000 feet when number two engine started acting up. In a matter of moments, she caught fire, with flames and black smoke trailing across the wing. T/Sgt McWilliams managed to suppress the fire, but #2 was out for the count. I radioed to lead that we were dropping out and turning home.

Once we were safely clear of the formation, and headed westward, we dropped our load over the North Sea.

Weather was still bad when we reached Sudbury. Even in the bad conditions we landed safely. We turned the Lady over to T/Sgt Green and his crew, for repairs.

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

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 18 JUN 1944
Mission Number: 78
This Aircraft: 2
Target: Hamburg, Germany, Oil Refinery

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Grahame Skinner (2)
Co-Pilot 2Lt Augustus Hernandez (2)
Navigator/NT 2Lt David Coleman (2) [0]
Bombardier 2Lt Ronald Crypto (2) [0]
Engineer/TT T/Sgt Charles Fletcher (2) [0]
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Holden Phelps (2) [0]
NT / Waist T/3rd Walter Preston (2) [0]
Ball Turret T/4th Zain Hoffman (2) [0]
Left Waist / NT T/3rd Jaime Murch (2) [0]
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Julian Lassen (2) [0]

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez 25

Bomb Run: On Target, 30%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Left Rudder, N/E 1X 2
Top Turret/Radio Room – Top turret guns out 1X 20
Left Wing – Outboard fuel tank, Self-sealed 1X 10
Top Turret Power Failure 1X 10

Peckham Points: 42 Points, Ready Next Day

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
FW-190      2     1     0     0     0     0
BF-110       4     2     2     0     0     0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Awards:
Air Medal
None

Purple Heart
None

Promotions
S/Sgt Calvin Ramirez, Crew Chief, Promoted to T/Sgt, after 25 missions as crew chief, for three different aircraft.

AFTER ACTION REPORT
If the rest of our missions were like this, we could all sleep easy, every night. Then we wake up and know that isn’t the case.

We were left alone by enemy activity until we were passing Kiel, to our left. We were harassed by a hail of rockets, one of which hit the port rudder, but with no effect on performance.

With Lubeck to our left as we turned south, before hitting Hamburg from the west, we encountered our first direct threat from an enemy aircraft. A Bf110 began an approach from 1:30. An escort spotted him and drove him before he could get within range.

With the target in sight, and Lt Crypto guiding us in, a trio of Bf110s came at us. This time our escorts were sparse and only one of the enemy aircraft was driven off. We were able to get substantial hits on both 110s. One missed us, with the second one taking out our top turret guns and opening a hole in our left outboard fuel tank. Being damaged, neither 110 made a reappearance. The tanks self-sealed, allowing a sigh of relief from all aboard, as those who could kept a vigilant eye on the leak, praying no fire would result.

Even with the buffeting from the enemy attack, Lt Crypto dropped a respectable 30% on target.

Flak, in and out of the target, was off the mark, and ineffective.

Crossing back to the North Sea, with the Elbe River and German coast below us, a pair of Fw190s attacked. Escorts drove off the 190 at 12 but were unable to drive off the one attacking from directly above. With no top turret guns to defend ourselves, we were at the mercy of the Focke-Wulf. I began evasive maneuvers, climbing, diving, and yawing within my limited area. Apparently, that was enough as the enemy missed.

Out over the North Sea, T/Sgt McWilliams reported a loss of power to the top turret. Not that it mattered, with the guns out. A half our later he reported the turret power back.

We took our turn landing. S/Sgt, now T/Sgt Ramirez showed up to the pad with his new (long overdue) stripes. After a round of congratulations, he and his crew began repairing our girl. They made short work of it. He and his crew joined the crew of the Witch for celebratory drinks at the E Club.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
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, Middle
Mission Date: 5 JUL 1944
Mission Number: 79
This Aircraft: 11
Target: Gilze Rijen, Holland, Airfield

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (11)  AM+, PH
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (11)  AM+
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (6) [1] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (11)  AM+, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (11) [3.88] AM+
Radio Op / Waist S/Sgt Eric Gwyn (9)  AM
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (11) [2.67] AM+
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (11) [4.33] AM+
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (11) [.5] AM+
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (12) [.5] AM+

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green (18)

Bomb Run: On Target, 22%

Casualties: None

Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0 Peckham Points, 0 days to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109      2     1     1     1     0.33     0
FW-190      4     2     1     0     0          0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose      1     .33 0

Awards: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
A short hop today. Quicker than a round trip to Ipswich.

We didn’t need to be concerned about the enemy fighters until we crossed the Dutch coast.

A trio of Fw190s jumped us as we passed Rotterdam. Escorts drove off one, leaving the remaining pair for us. T/Sgt McWilliams missed the one at 12 high, which subsequently missed us. T/3rd Epps raked the right wing, throwing off his return fire.

Coastal flak was present, but ineffective.

As we approached the target a lone Fw was driven off by our escorts. The sky was filled with AAA, but nothing near us more than a pelting of spent shrapnel.

Lt Carney brought us in straight and true, but his timing was bit off. Intel says about 22% on target.

Upon egress another single Fw was driven off by our escorts.

Approaching the coast, a pair of Bf109s made an approach. One was driven off by our escorts. The second was hammered by T/3rd Epps, from the nose. Direct hits to the 109’s engine seized it solid, stalling the aircraft. No chute was seen as it the plane rolled over and headed to the earth.

Coastal flak was once again ineffective.

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

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 5 JUL 1944
Mission Number: 79
This Aircraft: 3
Target: Gilze Rijen, Holland, Airfield

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Grahame Skinner (3) [0]
Co-Pilot 2Lt Augustus Hernandez (3) [0]
Navigator/NT 2Lt David Coleman (3) [0]
Bombardier 2Lt Ronald Crypto (3) [0]
Engineer/TT T/Sgt Charles Fletcher (3) [0]
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Holden Phelps (3) [0]
NT / Waist T/3rd Walter Preston (3) [0]
Ball Turret T/4th Zain Hoffman (3) [0]
Left Waist / NT T/3rd Jaime Murch (3) [0]
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Julian Lassen (3) [0]

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez 26

Bomb Run: On Target, 60%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Superficial 1X                       2
Cockpit Window                  10
Aileron Controls                  10
Elevator Controls                10
Tail Turret Power                 10
O2 Fire 1st Extinguisher      25
O2 Fire 2nd Extinguisher     50
Bomb Controls Out             10

Peckham Points: 127 Peckham Points, Two (2) days to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109      6     2     2     1     0.33     0
FW-190      6     3     0     1     1         0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose     1
Top       0.33

Awards:
None

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
The crew scoffed at the idea of Gremlins. The very thought that some impish creature would sneak in and sabotage parts and systems in a plane,…just because, seemed ludicrous, at best. After today’s mission, we aren’t so sure.

During run up, in preparation for taxiing and takeoff, #1 engine dials all pegged at zero, momentarily. They immediately returned to normal. If we weren’t looking at the gauges, we would never have known anything, as the engine never missed a beat. For the rest of the mission not a hiccup from #1.

As we were crossing the North Sea, about mid-way, we lost elevator control.

Crossing the Netherlands’ coast, we lost aileron control. A quick discussion between Lt Hernandez, T/Sgt Fletcher, and myself we agreed manipulation of the engines, coupled with a short mission and sufficient fuel, we could manage to keep the Witch in formation, accomplish the mission, and get home, again.

Coastal flak was ineffective.

We did encounter four Bf109s, with two being driven off by escorts, and one being driven off by our gunnery. We suffered no hits.

Entering the target zone, a trio of Fw190s all came in from ahead. Escorts drove off one, and T/Sgt Phelps lit up a second, hitting its fuel tank, causing an explosion, killing its pilot. The third missed and continued on its arc away from us.

Gus and I received a few calls from around the ship to keep a close eye out on the other planes in the squadron. It seemed everyone was bunching up a bit, tightening the formation.

Flak at the target was also ineffective, firing wide and low. I passed control over to Lt Crypto. Once again, he showed is competency and laid 60% of our eggs into the nest below.

Upon target egress a single Fw190 with a pair of Bf109s came at us from the nose, the tail, and above. No where to turn. S/Sgt Lassen, in the tail, clipped his 109, who missed us. T/3rd Phelps, in the nose, missed his target, as did the target us.

T/Sgt Fletcher was unable to get a bead on the 109 diving straight down on us. That 109 got a few good licks on us. He took out the bomb controls, spiderwebbed the cockpit glazing, and started an O2 fire in the radio room. 2Lt Coleman, running his navigation from the radio room, was finally able to put out the fire with a second extinguisher.

This 109 came back around again from 3:00 level. T/Sgt Fletcher didn’t miss this time. Once again, we set of a fuel tank fire and explosion, killing the enemy pilot. T/3rd Preston, firing from the right waist claims hits on the enemy’s right wing. Only T/Sgt Fletcher got any credit, and only a third.

Recrossing the Dutch coast S/Sgt Lassen and T/Sgt Fletcher observed a B-17 straggling a few miles behind us. They could not make out its unit markings, at that distance.

The rest of the flight was quiet. Almost. With the English coast ahead, S/Sgt Lassen reported a power outage for the tail turret.

With ailerons and flaps malfunctioning, through a judicious use of throttle manipulation and extra flaps, we landed long, and bumpily, but safely.

Gus and I reported all the “issues” we experienced to T/Sgt Ramirez, for his crew to check. When he got back to us the next day, he reported that all the non-battle damage issues were negative. They found nothing amiss.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
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, Middle/TEC
Mission Date: 12 JUL 1944
Mission Number: 80
This Aircraft: 12
Target: Munich, Germany

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (12)  AM+, PH
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (12)  AM+
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (7) [1] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (12) [0] AM+, PH
Engineer TT T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (12) [3.88] AM+, ACE
Radio Op / Waist S/Sgt Eric Gwyn (10) [0] AM+
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (12) [2.67] AM+
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (12) [4.33] AM+
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (12) [.5] AM+
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (13) [.5] AM+

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green 19

Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %

Casualties:
T/3rd Epps, LW. Right Leg

Damage:
Nose guns inoperable
Ruder Controls Out
Nose Turret Power Out
Crew LW

Peckham Points: 42 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109      4     2     0     2     1     1
FW-190      2     0     0     2     0.33 1
ME-110      1     0     0     1     0     1
ME-210      1     0     0     1     1     0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose          2     0       1
Top            4     1.83  1
Tail            2     0.5    0
Ball           1     0        1
RW            0     0       0
LW            0      0       0

Awards:
Air Medal
S/Sgt Gwyn, Second Award

Purple Heart
T/3rd Epps

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
“I don’t like it, Jack”, griped John, as we waited for our ride to the ‘Lady’. “It isn’t our business to like or dislike”, I replied. “It’s bad enough dropping GPs on civilians, but incendiaries, to boot!” “Remember your Tennyson.” “Sure”, retorted John, “an over-glorification of a useless, mindless, and tragically wasteful charge.” “John, not to sound like a recruiting poster, but we didn’t start this.” “I know. Still don’t like it.”

The Dodge four-by-four arrived in time to end the debate. The crew of ‘Dragon Lady’ squeezed into the Dodge for our ride out to the tarmac.

“Hey, Sparks.” “What, Nate?” “Eric, see if you can tune into something other than the BBC, today.” “I don’t control the atmospherics. See what I can do.”

“Theo, butt me”, demanded McWilliams. “You got your own”, retorted Theo Epps. “Yeah, but you don’t smoke.” “Maybe not, but American cigarettes are currency in town.” “What do you have to bargain for, kid?” “Never you mind.” “I hear he is sweet on some local young thing”, chimed in S/Sgt Nattinger. “Mind your business!”, came the reply from Epps. The rest of the crew burst out laughing.

Arriving at our plane, “Alright, by the numbers today. I don’t want anything missed.” “Yes, sir”, chorused the crew.

With the efficiency honed from over a dozen combat missions, the crew was both thorough and speedy in their pre-flights.

Rain, clouds, wind…a terrible day to fly. A better day to fly in combat. We may have had difficulty finding our way, but so would the enemy in their pursuit of us.

Once we were at cruising altitude the skies were clear. Below us was a dark, angry mass of clouds. Occasionally breaks in the clouds would provide Magellan with enough of a glimpse to confirm we were on course…assuming the lead ship knew where we were.

Half-way across the North Sea Sparks called out over the intercom, “Gentlemen, direct from AFR, the Andrew Sisters, dedicating the following to our illustrious flight deck.”

“…The buzzard told the monkey, you're choking me
Release your hold and I'll set you free
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
Your story's touching, but is sounds like a lie

Straighten up and fly right, straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right, cool down papa, don't you blow your top

The buzzard told the monkey, you're choking me…”

Laughter erupted among the crew. A grateful lightening of the mood.

“Funny, Gwyn, funny”, I chimed in, “See me after class.” More laughter.

Flying in the center of the squadron gave some comfort. Having two near Ace gunners on an experienced crew gave even more comfort.

“Coast ahead, Skip”, called out Lt Wishinski. “Roger. Watch out for flak.”

Crossing the North Sea, no enemy aircraft. Crossing Belgium, no enemy aircraft. Crossing France, no enemy aircraft. Into Germany, still no enemy aircraft. Further, little to no sight of escorts, either.

There was little no chatter as we progressed on our track. Nothing more than professional commentary appropriate to the moment. No more, no less. Efficient.

Lt Wishinski broke the silence, “IP coming up, Skip.” “Roger, Ben.” “Ready Lloyd?” “As ever I can be, sir.” “Good.”

As we approached the IP, we finally spotted enemy aircraft that had also spied us. A pair of 109s with a tag-along 210 put their collective sights on us. As the enemy lined up on us an escort appeared driving off a 109 coming in from 9 o’clock.

The other 109 made an ill-advised attack from directly below. S/Sgt Nattinger chirped, “Like he’s just sitting on his tail.”, as he opened fire on the enemy. His accurate fire shredded the 109’s right wing, causing it to lose control, and forcing Gerry to bail.

The remaining 210 came in from 6 high, also ill-advised, as both the top and tail turrets could bead in on him. Both gunners shared in the kill, as the plane’s fuel caught fire and exploded, killing the pilot.

The IP came and went, and Lloyd took control of the run. Once again, he was cool-headed as he ignored the enemy planes and flak. His keen eyesight pierced the gloom below, with enough information to drop 40% on target.

As I took back control of the ‘Lady’, T/Sgt Cainer called out, “Big Bad Wolfe is dropping out.” “Ben, you know how to use that thar wireless?” A low growl was returned in response. “Let Lead know we are dropping back to TEC.” Another growl.

“Nate, how does Wolfe look?” “Hard to say. I don’t see any fire or smoke. She is headed south, south-west. Switzerland?” “Maybe.”

As we began to drop back into the slot… ”Pull up!” I added throttle as John and I pulled up on the yokes. “What’s up?” “SV II pulled in below us”, replied S/Sgt Nattinger.

We kept our new altitude, as we slid back to the shared TEC.

We faced flak for the third time, and as before, not a scratch. Not even the patter of rain on the skin of the airplane.

As it turned out, flak was not to be our true concern. A pair of Fw190s with a trailing 109 made passes at us. Escorts drove off the 109. The 190 coming in at 12 high was met by .50 cal fire from the nose turret. Epps tore out a few chunks from its wing. In return, the 190 wounded Epps, and knocked out our rudder controls.

The second 109 made a diving attack on us. T/Sgt McWilliams shredded its left wing, putting it into a spin. No chute was sighted as the uncontrolled aircraft plummeted below us.

The surviving 190 came around from 12 o’clock again. Epps and McWilliams teamed up on him and shot him out of the sky.

With France on the horizon Epps called out he has lost power to the nose turret. A short while later, with Germany in the rear-view mirror, Epps informed us power was restored to the turret.

The North Sea was beckoning us as a 109 and a 110 tried to take parting shots, as we left the continent. Epps got a clear shot on the 110. His rounds burst the enemy’s fuel tanks, igniting the fuel, and blowing up the airplane. No chutes were sighted from the burning plane.

The 109 made a pass from 6 o’clock high. McWilliams and Cainer both got solid hits on the enemy plane. Fuel could be seen spraying from the aircraft, while the engine seized, and the prop froze. A chute was seen.

Apart from the ineffectiveness of the coastal flak, the rest of the flight was quiet.

Landing was dicey, with the loss of rudder control. Maneuvering in the wind and rain took both of us to muscle the ‘Lady’ to a rough but safe landing. [6+6DR of 2, -1DRM]

T/3rd Epps will be in hospital overnight, to stitch up his leg.


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

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 12 JUL 1944
Mission Number: 80
This Aircraft: 4
Target: Munich, Germany

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Grahame Skinner (4) [0]
Co-Pilot 2Lt Augustus Hernandez (4) [0]
Navigator/NT 2Lt David Coleman (4) [0]
Bombardier 2Lt Ronald Crypto (4) [0]
Engineer/TT T/Sgt Charles Fletcher (4) [0]
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Holden Phelps (4) [0]
NT / Waist T/3rd Walter Preston (4) [0]
Ball Turret T/4th Zain Hoffman (4) [0]
Left Waist / NT T/3rd Jaime Murch (4) [0]
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Julian Lassen (4) [0]

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez 27

Bomb Run: On Target, 20 %

Casualties: None

Damage:
Superficial X3 6pts

Peckham Points: 6 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
ME-109          2     1     0     2     0        2
FW-190          3     2     0     1     1        0
ME-110          2     0     1     1     0.5     0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose             0       0      0
Top               2       1      1
Tail               0       0      0
Ball               2      0       0.5
RW               1       0.5   0
LW                2      0      0.5

Awards:
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
If this is summer in England, I hate to see winter. Terrible flying weather.

Our corner of the sky was quiet until we reached the Belgian/French border. A pair of 190s and a single 109 started sizing us up, when our escorts dove in and herded them out.

Sporadic flak probed the skies around us but failed to find us until we were approaching the target. Those hits were minor, causing little more than scratched paint.

Lt Crypto brought us in to the target, dropping about 20% on target. Not bad considering the heavy cloud cover over the target. As we pulled from the target a pair of 109s attacked from 9 and 12. Murch got a probable on the 109 at 9, despite the clear kill of the pilot.

Defensive fire missed the remaining 109. That 109 also missed.

The remaining 109 came in for another pass from 12. Fletcher, in the top turret shattered the nose of the 109, engulfing the fighter in flames, clearly killing its pilot. Another probable, despite the evidence to the contrary.

Back over France, passing Neufchateau, a pair of 110s got through the escorts. Hoffman and Phelps got clean hits on the 110 at 3 low, shattering the cockpit, and killing its occupant. Only Phelps received any credit.

The second 110 got through our defensive fire but missed us and continued its climb away from us. Not to return.

As soon as the 110s were cleared away a barrage of rockets passed through the formation. None hit us.

A lone Fw190 tried to sneak in from 9 high. Fletcher cracked open its cockpit killing the pilot. Full credit was awarded, this time.

The rest of the trip was quiet.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 23 JUL 1944
Mission Number: 81
This Aircraft: 5
Target: Creil, France

Crew
Position Rank/Name (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Awards
Pilot 1Lt Grahame Skinner (5) [0] AM
Co-Pilot 2Lt Augustus Hernandez (5) [0] AM
Navigator/NT 2Lt David Coleman (5) [0] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Ronald Crypto (5) [0] AM
Engineer/TT T/Sgt Charles Fletcher (5) [0] AM
Radio Op / Waist T/Sgt Holden Phelps (5) [0] AM
NT / Waist T/3rd Walter Preston (5) [0] AM
Ball Turret T/4th Zain Hoffman (5) [0] AM
Left Waist / NT T/3rd Jaime Murch (5) [0] AM
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Julian Lassen (5) [0] AM

Crew Chief S/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez 28

Bomb Run: On Target, 20 %

Casualties: None

Damage:
#4 Engine, Hit, runaway, feathered 55pts

Peckham Points: 55 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
FW-190          4     1     0     2     2     0

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose              0     0     0
Top                1     1     0
Ball                1     1     0
RW                0      0    0
LW                 0     0     0
Tail                0     0     0

Awards:
1Lt Grahame Skinner AM
2Lt Augustus "Gus" Hernandez AM
2Lt David Coleman AM
2Lt Ronald Crypto AM
T/Sgt Charles Fletcher AM
T/Sgt Holden Phelps AM
T/3rd Walter Preston AM
T/4th Zain Hoffman AM
T/3rd Jaime Murch AM
S/Sgt Julian Lassen AM

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Practically back in time for lunch. A late lunch. The mission was a clockwise loop to the target, pass above Paris, and back home.

The skies were clear of enemy, for the most part, probably due to the terrible flying conditions. Take off was dicey, 10/10 coverage made sighting landmarks near impossible, much less the target.

We were making a run into the target when a foursome of Fw190s made an appearance. Fortunately, so did our escorts, who drove off one of the bandits.

Defensive fire shot down two of the enemy but missed the third. With two of his comrades shot down the surviving pilot apparently lost his nerve and fired way wide of the mark.

Flak was light, as predicted, but was accurate. Number 4 engine took a hit. We successfully feathered her. Being right on top of the target ensured that we would not be left behind by the group.

Lt Crypto was not up to his earlier accuracy, no doubt due to the loss of #4.

The return flight was quiet for us, with no immediate enemy activity or accurate flak.

Even with the god forsaken weather we were able to land safely.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
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, Middle
Mission Date: 23 JUL 1944
Mission Number: 81
This Aircraft: 13
Target: Creil, France, Aerodrome

Crew
Position Rank/Name Current Mission Previous Kills Awards
Pilot 1Lt Jack Bentley (13)  AM+, PH
Co-Pilot 2Lt John Hendrix (13)  AM+
Navigator/NT 2Lt Ben Wishinski (8) [1] AM
Bombardier 2Lt Lloyd Carney (13)  AM+, PH
Engineer T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams (13) [5] AM+, ACE
Radio Op / Waist S/Sgt Eric Gwyn (11)  AM+
NT / Waist T/3rd Theodore Epps (13) [2.67] AM+
Ball Turret S/Sgt Craig Nattinger (13) [4.83] AM+
Left Waist / NT Sgt Eugene Wagner (13) [.5] AM+
Tail Gunner S/Sgt Nathan Cainer (14) [.5] AM+

Crew Chief S/Sgt Jesse Green 20

Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %

Casualties: None

Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0 Peckham Points, \0 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

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

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
Nose              0     0     0
Top                1     1     0
Ball                0     0     0
RW                 0    0     0
LA                  0    0     0
Tail                0     0     0

Awards:
Air Medal
None

Purple Heart
None

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Metro and Intel were correct in their assessments of the mission. Weather kept the enemy fighters and the flak at bay.

We had no enemy threats until we reached the target zone. A trio of Fw190s made an appearance, with two driven off by our escorts.

The third was summarily shot down by T/Sgt McWilliams, adding to his Ace status.

Lt Carney was able to put 30% on target, even through the carpet of rain clouds below us.

The return flight was equally as quiet as the flight in.

Enemy activity over the target notwithstanding, the most excitement was takeoff and landing. The weather was a very detrimental influence on both. Both required a very heavy hand by both Lt Carney and me to keep our ‘Lady’ straight and steady, and keeping her on the field. [2d6 DRs of 3 for both]

Submitted by,
1Lt Jack Bentley, Commander
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: Low, Middle
Mission Date: 4 AUG 1944
Mission Number: 82
This Aircraft: 14
Target: Peenemunde, Germany, Luftwaffe Experimental V-Rocket Station

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	1Lt Jack Bentley	13		AM+,PH+
Co-Pilot	2Lt John Hendrix	13		AM+
Navigator / NT	2Lt Ben Wishinski	8	1	AM, PH+
Bombardier	2Lt Lloyd Carney	13	0	AM+, PH+
Engineer	T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams	13	6.17	AM+, PH+, Ace
Radio Op / Waist	S/Sgt Eric Gwyn	11	1	AM+
NT / Waist	T/3rd Theodore Epps	13	2.5	AM+, PH+
Ball Turret	S/Sgt Craig Nattinger	13	3.83	AM+
Left Waist / NT	Sgt Eugene Wagner	13	1.5	AM+, PH+
Tail Gunner	T/Sgt Nathan Cainer	13	1	AM+, PH+
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Jesse Green	20

Bomb Run: DNB

Casualties: 
1Lt Jack Bentley
2Lt Ben Wishinski
2Lt Lloyd Carney
T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams
T/3rd Theodore Epps
Sgt Eugene Wagner
S/Sgt Nathan Cainer

Damage: None

Peckham Points: Total

Landing: Crashed



Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Awards:
Air Medal
None

Purple Heart
1Lt Jack Bentley, Posthumous
2Lt Ben Wishinski, Posthumous
2Lt Lloyd Carney, Posthumous
T/Sgt Curtis McWilliams, Posthumous
T/3rd Theodore Epps, Posthumous
Sgt Eugene Wagner, Posthumous
S/Sgt Nathan Cainer, Posthumous

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
It wasn’t the worst conditions for our takeoff, but it was still uncomfortable.

We were about an hour into the mission. As we passed 10,000 feet, we switched to oxygen, and turned on the heat. Not sure if there was a correlation but that was when our electrics blew out in a most spectacular manner. Everything was out. Jack called for an immediate bail out, over the North Sea. A verbal command was passed through each station to bail.

Between S/Sgt Gwyn, S/Sgt Nattinger, and myself, we believe we all safely exited the aircraft.

One of the other aircraft in the squadron must have put out a distress call for us, as it wasn’t too many hours before rescue. I was able to spot a rescue buoy as I floated down to the sea’s surface. Boarding the buoy, I realized it was property of the Luftwaffe. I was hoping it was supplied, and unoccupied. Inside I found S/Sgt Nattinger making coffee, which was a terrible ‘ersatz’ coffee.

After the coffee, I ran up the flag indicating the buoy was occupied. Being about midway across the North Sea, we weren’t sure who would pick us up.

It was late after noon when we were hailed, in English. A British Air-Sea Rescue boat approached and took us off. Already aboard was S/Sgt Gwyn, no worse for the wear, considering he wasn’t as fortunate as us, having spent many hours in the water.

Also aboard was the body of T/Sgt McWilliams. The crew of the launch informed us no other crew was spotted or recovered.

Submitted by,
2Lt John Hendrix, Co-pilot
B-24J Dragon Lady
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle/Lead
Mission Date: 4 AUG 1944
Mission Number: 82
This Aircraft: 5
Target: Peenemunde, Germany, Luftwaffe Experimental V-Rocket Station

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	1Lt Grahame Skinner	5	0	AM
Co-Pilot	2Lt Augustus "Gus" Hernandez	5	0	AM
Navigator / NT	2Lt David Coleman	5	0	AM
Bombardier	2Lt Ronald Crypto	5	0	AM
Engineer	T/Sgt Charles Fletcher	5	2.33	AM
Radio Op / Rt Waist	T/Sgt Holden Phelps	5	0.5	AM
NT / Waist	T/3rd Walter Preston	5	1	AM
Ball Turret	T/4th Zain Hoffman	5	1	AM
Left Waist / NT	T/3rd Jaime Murch	5	0	AM
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Julian Lassen	5	0	AM
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez	28

Bomb Run: Abort, DNB

Casualties: None

Damage:
#2 Engine, Fire, Extinguished 50pts

Peckham Points: 50 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	7	3	1	2	2	0
Ju-88	1	1	0	0	0	0

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Nose	1	1	0
Right Waist	1	1	0

Awards:
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
After five successful missions, our first and only five, Gremlins did us dirty.

We had only been over the North Sea when lead aircraft Filthy Mc’Naughty dropped out of formation with engine troubles. We slid into lead to fill the gap.

A short while later several crew members point out that Dragon Lady has also dropped out of formation, without any radio chatter as to the reason. (We later discover she lost all electrical power and crashed into the North Sea, with one known fatality and six missing in action, presumed dead.)

We encountered some flak as we crossed the German coast. The flak was light as well as inaccurate.

With Kiel lying to our front and left #2 engine caught fire. We extinguished the fire on the first attempt. Down an engine the decision was to continue, without our bombs, or turn around and fly solo home. Gus and I decided to abort, drop our bombs and fly home knowing we would face many fewer enemy fighters if we headed back immediately.

We notified the squadron we were done and slipped out of formation. Lt Crypto dropped our bombs somewhere near Neumunster as we turned around and headed home.

Right after releasing our bomb load, we were hit with three waves of enemy fighters. So much for fewer enemy encounters.

We were lucky that several escorts remained with us as we turned toward home. Both Bf-109s in the first wave were turned back. Right on their heals a foursome of Bf-109s came in, with the escorts driving off one of those. Of the remaining Messerschmitts, we damaged one, while it and another missed us. The remaining 109 was shot down by T/Sgt Phelps, at the right waist.

The final wave was a duo of a Junkers 88 accompanied by another Bf-109. Escorts drove off the Junkers, with T/3rd Preston shooting down the 109 from the nose. Both kills received full credit.

As we crossed the German coast, heading westward, a final pair of Bf-109s made their approach, but were intercepted by our escorts.

Coastal flak was once again light and inaccurate.

The rest of the flight was quiet, with a safe landing back at Sudbury. T/Sgt Ramirez indicates the Witch should be flight ready in about a day.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Lead
Mission Date: 11 AUG 1944
Mission Number: 83
This Aircraft: 6
Target: Brest, France, Coastal Batteries

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	1Lt Grahame Skinner	6	0	AM
Co-Pilot	2Lt Augustus "Gus" Hernandez	6	0	AM
Navigator / NT	2Lt David Coleman	6	0	AM
Bombardier	2Lt Ronald Crypto	6	0	AM
Engineer	T/Sgt Charles Fletcher	6	2.33	AM
Radio Op / Rt Waist	T/Sgt Holden Phelps	6	1.5	AM
NT / Waist	T/3rd Walter Preston	6	2.33	AM
Ball Turret	T/4th Zain Hoffman	6	1	AM
Left Waist / NT	T/3rd Jaime Murch	6	0	AM
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Julian Lassen	6	0	AM
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez	29

Bomb Run: On Target, 50%

Casualties: None

Damage:
Multiple Superficial 8pts
Fuel Tank Hit, No Leak 5pts

Peckham Points: 13 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Claims

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	6	2	3	1	0.33	0

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Nose	1	0.33	0

Awards:
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
A relatively quiet mission, today. Encountered flak was ineffective.

No enemy aircraft were encountered until we hit the target zone. Four Bf109s came in from around the compass. Defensive fire dinged two, while a third was shot down by T/3rd Preston, manning the nose turret. The fourth managed to scratch some of our paint, and puncture the port inboard fuel tank, which self-sealed. On his second pass T/3rd Murch, left waist, managed to get hits on the enemy cockpit. Not enough to shoot him down, but enough to make him pull off.

Even with the buzz of enemy attacks 2Lt Crypto managed 50% on target,

The next time we spotted any enemy aircraft that might be a threat they were driven off by our escorts.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Wolverine
B24J-CF-42-64391
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: High Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 11 AUG 1944
Mission Number: 83
This Aircraft: 6
Target: Brest, France, Coastal Batteries

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	2Lt John Hendrix	14		AM+
Co-Pilot	2Lt Scott MacLeod	6		AM
Navigator / NT	2Lt Emmet Elmer	7	0	AM
Bombardier	2Lt Fred Wray	13	0.5	AM+
Engineer	T/Sgt Bryon Garbowski	11	2.5	AM+, PH
Radio Op / Waist	S/Sgt Eric Gwyn	12	1	AM+
NT / Waist	Sgt Vinny Muniz	11	0	AM+
Ball Turret	S/Sgt Craig Nattinger	14	3.83	AM+
Left Waist / NT	Sgt Mario Ferretti	10	0	AM, PH
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Glen Scoles	10	1	AM
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Jesse Green	20

Bomb Run: On Target, 18%

Casualties:
Left Waist Sgt Mario Ferretti SW, Broken Sternum, RTD 8 SEP 1944

Damage:
Cockpit Window 10pts
Superficial Hits X2 4pts
Serious Wound 5pts

Peckham Points: 19 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	1	1	0	0	0	0
Me-110	2	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	1	1	0	0	0

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Tail	1	0	1

Awards:
Air Medal
Sgt Mario Ferretti
S/Sgt Glen Scoles

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
This was the first mission for me and S/Sgts Gwyn and Nattinger since we lost Dragon Lady. I was able to cobble together an experienced crew and wrangle a broken in B-24 from the pool.

The mission was pretty quiet throughout. Flak was accurate, but inconsequential.

We didn’t have to fend off any enemy aircraft until after we egressed the target. A pair of 110s made their approach. S/Sgt Scoles knocked down one of the 110s, with two chutes observed. The other 110 got a few hits in on its first pass, but little more than scratched paint. On its second pass it found Sgt Ferretti, wounding him in the chest.

Approaching the English coast, we faced a pair of Focke Wulfs. One was driven off by the escorts. The other we exchanged fire, with each hitting the other, but with no critical damage.

After landing Sgt Ferretti was taken away by the meat wagon. Hospital expects him to be resume flight duties in about a month.

Submitted by,
2Lt John Hendrix, Pilot
B-24J Wolverine
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Wolverine
B24J-CF-42-64391
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 27 AUG 1944
Mission Number: 84
This Aircraft: 2
Target: Esbjerg, Denmark, Airfield

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	2Lt John Hendrix	15	0	AM++
Co-Pilot	2Lt Scott MacLeod	7	0	AM
Navigator / NT	2Lt Emmet Elmer	8	0	AM
Bombardier	2Lt Fred Wray	14	0.5	AM+
Engineer	T/Sgt Bryon Garbowski	12	2.5	AM+, PH
Radio Op / Waist	S/Sgt Eric Gwyn	13	1	AM+
NT / Waist	Sgt Vinny Muniz	12	0	AM+
Ball Turret	T/Sgt Craig Nattinger	15	3.83	AM++
Left Waist / NT	Sgt Harvey Mariner	9	0	AM
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Glen Scoles	11	1	AM+
Crew Chief	Sgt Mario Ferretti	21

Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %

Casualties: None

Damage:
#3 Turbo Supercharger regulator failure
Superficial

Peckham Points: 12 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Driven Off / Damaged / Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Claims: Claimed / Awarded / Probable
None

Awards:
Air Medal
2Lt John Hendrix, 3rd Award
S/Sgt Craig Nattinger, 3rd Award

Promotions:
S/Sgt Craig Nattinger promoted to T/Sgt

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Dare I say it, it was a boring mission. Not one single enemy aircraft approached us.

Flak didn’t find us until egress, and that was little more than the enemy gunners saying, “Hey, we’re still here.”

Any real excitement was pretty inconsequential. On the return leg, out over the North Sea, #3 turbo supercharger regulator failed. T/Sgt Garbowski fixed it quickly. It didn’t really matter as we are at 10,000 feet, so the superchargers weren’t in use.

Upon our return S/Sgt Nattinger was informed he had been approved for promotion to T/Sgt. Looks like his latest pay will take a hit when he buys drinks for the crew, to celebrate.

Submitted by,
2Lt John Hendrix, Pilot
B-24J Wolverine
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Middle Squadron, Lead
Mission Date: 27 AUG 1944
Mission Number: 84
This Aircraft: 7
Target: Esbjerg, Denmark, Airfield

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Awards
Pilot	1Lt Grahame Skinner	7	0	AM
Co-Pilot	2Lt Augustus "Gus" Hernandez	7	0	AM
Navigator / NT	2Lt David Coleman	7	0	AM
Bombardier	2Lt Ronald Crypto	7	0	AM
Engineer	T/Sgt Charles Fletcher	7	2.33	AM
Radio Op / Rt Waist	T/Sgt Holden Phelps	7	1.5	AM
NT / Waist	T/3rd Walter Preston	7	2.33	AM
Ball Turret	T/4th Zain Hoffman	7	1	AM
Left Waist / NT	T/3rd Jaime Murch	7	0	AM
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Julian Lassen	7	0	AM
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez	30

Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %

Casualties: None

Damage:
Right wing flap
Superficial

Peckham Points: 12 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Ju-88	1	1

Claims: None

Awards: None

Promotions: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Quiet flight, until target egress.

Flak found us, damaging the right flap, and little more.

Shortly after crossing the Danish coast, toward England, a lone Ju88 looked to be sizing us up. That didn’t last long as our escorts had other ideas, and drove the Junkers off.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Witch's Tit
B24J-CF-42-64320
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Aircraft Position: Low Squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 10 SEP 1944
Mission Number: 85
This Aircraft: 8
Target: Stuttgart, Germany, Marshalling Yard

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Current Mission	Kills	Awards
Pilot	1Lt Grahame Skinner	8	0	AM
Co-Pilot	2Lt Augustus "Gus" Hernandez	8	0	AM
Navigator / NT	2Lt David Coleman	8	0	AM
Bombardier	2Lt Ronald Crypto	8	0	AM
Engineer	T/Sgt Charles Fletcher	8	3.83	AM
Radio Op / Rt Waist	T/Sgt Holden Phelps	8	1.5	AM, PH
NT / Waist	T/3rd Walter Preston	8	3.33	AM
Ball Turret	T/4th Zain Hoffman	8	1	AM
Left Waist / NT	T/3rd Jamie Murch	8	0	AM, PH, IH
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Julian Lassen	8	0	AM
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Calvin “Cal” Ramirez	31

Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %

Casualties:
T/3rd Jaime Murch, SW, Invalided Home
T/Sgt Holden Phelps, LW, RTD 17 SEP 1944

Damage:
Flap Controls Failed
Suit heater System Failed
Superficial X2

Peckham Points: 24 Peckham Points, 1 day(s) to repair

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	14	8	1	3	2	1
Me-110	1	1	0	0	0	0

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Nose	1	1	1
Top	2	1.5	0
Tail	1	0	0

Awards:
Purple Heart
T/3rd Jaime Murch, SW, Invalided Home
T/Sgt Holden Phelps, LW, RTD 17 SEP 1944

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
It was not turning out to be a good day. We had been airborne less than an hour when flap controls failed.

We were about 20 minutes out from the French border when we encountered our first enemy fighters of the day. A lone Me110 was sizing us up when one a pair of our little friends convinced him to look elsewhere.

Shortly after S/Sgt Lassen, in the tail noted a straggler B-17 trailing the 78th. Too far out to make out its unit.

As soon as S/Sgt Lassen stopped speaking a pair of 109s made an appearance. With our escorts busy shooing away the 110, it was up to us. Sgt Mariner, left waist, shredded the tail surfaces of one 109, which subsequently lost control, missing us with its guns as well as itself as it passed close enough to see the color of the German pilot’s eyes. The remaining 109 faired no better as it passed us nose to tail. S/Sgt Lassen, in the tail, missed the fighter as it passed behind us. Crossing the French border several crewmembers harmonized, “ROCKETS!”. Fortunately, they passed harmlessly below us.

Immediately on the tail of the rockets a pair of 109s made an appearance. Escorts drove off one, leaving the one at 12 o’clock for our forward-facing guns. T/3rd Preston was the only one to get any hits, but it was enough. He chewed off the right wing of the fighter, sending it into an uncontrolled spin, trapping its pilot. Preston received full credit for the kill.

We were fully into Germany before any more enemy aircraft attacked us. A pair of 109s came in at us. T/3rd Preston got a probable on one, and T/Sgt Fletcher, top, only received a half credit for his.

Flak on ingress to target was accurate, getting several but inconsequential hits on us.

Despite the flak hits, 2Lt Crypto was able to put 40% of our delivery into the box.

Flak on egress was just as accurate as going in. This time the hits were telling. Left waist Sgt Murch took a direct shrapnel hit to the hip, shattering his pelvis, and right waist T/Sgt Phelps took a ricochet to the ribs. Phelps attended to Murch, stopping the bleeding, and working to make sure Murch was kept warm, on O2, and as comfortable as possible.

The next hour was quiet.

We did not have any more issues until we were exiting France. Apparently, some latent flak damage caused the suit heater system to quit. I immediately started dropping to 10,000 feet. This move opened us up to a quartet 109s.

We lucked out that our escorts observed all of this and were able to drive off three of the bandits. The fourth, making a vertical dive eluded the escorts. The enemy managed a few minor hits on us. He pulled in from our six for another pass. T/Sgt Fletcher and S/Sgt Lassen opened fire simultaneously on the 109. S/Sgt Lassen’s rounds ignited the fighter’s fuel, while T/Sgt Fletcher’s rounds struck the enemy fighter’s engine, causing it to smoke and sputter. Fletcher got credit, while Lassen was snubbed.

A pair of escorts stayed with us. Fortuitous as they were able to drive off two more 109s trying to take advantage of our precarious position.

Finally, with the English coastline in view a lone 109 tried to make a head on attack. Our escorts, still protecting us, made the enemy think better of his actions, driving him off.

Despite no flaps, we made a safe landing. The meat wagon was waiting for us and took Sgts Murch and Phelps to the hospital. Murch survived his surgery. He will be sent back home to Michigan as soon as he has recovered sufficiently. We expect to see Sgt Phelps back at work in about a week.

Submitted by,
1Lt Grahame Skinner, Pilot
B-24J Witch’s Tit
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF