rhreiss

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF Mission 17 Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 26 March 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #15)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission

509th BG, 15AF Mission 17 Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 26 March 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #15)
Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle
TARGET: Marshalling Yard

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	17	AM++		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	12	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Johnny Marcum	17	AM++	.25	RFD
Navigator	2LT	Pat Tobin	17	AM++	.25	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Sam Harshaney	14	AM++, PH	5.83	RFD
Radio/ RW	T/SGT	John Whitehead	17	AM++	1.37	RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bill Trotter	17	AM++, PH	3.03	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Harry Kimberlin	17	AM++	2	RFD
Nose Gunner	SGT	Tommy Thompson	12	AM+	5.08	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dave Short	17	AM++	1.16	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) skill +1 17th mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.

Bomb Percentage: Off-target, 0%
Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight repair and maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
2 x Superficial Damage 4
Rubber rafts 10
Norden Bombsight 10
Pilot Compartment no effect 5
Bomb Bay no effect 5
Radio Room no effect 5
ball turret inop gunner trapped 20
1 hit left rudder 10
Top turret power temp out 5
Tail gun power temp out 5
Peckham Points: 79
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 12

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	1	3			1	2	7
Undamaged		1					1
Damaged	1	2					3
Probable/Denied		1					1
Destroyed

Casualties:
Claims:
Fw190 S/SGT Harshaney and SGT Thompson Denied
Awards:

AAR

OUTBOUND
Took off without any problems and with the weather it took a little longer than normal to asembl;e the formation. As we did our systems checks, a Top Turret power failure was discovered but Sam got everything working ok as we headed out over the Adriatic Sea
As we approached the Pristina area, Dave reported that the tail gun controls were not working. Right on cue a Me109 attacked at our 12. Both Sam and Tommy scored hits, the Me109 missed and did Dave’s attempt at a passing shot. Just before we got to the target area Dave reported the tail gun problem was fixed. Will need to talk to our crew chief about these power issues when we get back.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, we were attacked by 3 Fw190s. The guys from the 82FG took care of one. Tommy in the nose turret traded shots with the one at our 12, with all involved missing, as did Dave’s try at a passing shot. Sam in the top turret hit the Fw190 at our 9, but the Fw190 pressed the attack and scored multiple hits on us, breaking off after the one pass. Along with the superficial damage we took hits to pilot compartment, bomb bay, radio room for no effect, had our rafts shot up, a hit to the left rudder and had our bombsight knocked out. The most serious damage was to the ball turret. It was knocked out of action and jammed so that Bill was trapped in it.
There was medium intensity flak but it did hit us. With the bombsight out Johnny released when we saw everyone releasing their loads but missed the aim point.
After the bomb run the fight attacks resumed but the Lightings did their share to keep them off us. They intercepted a Me109 and a Me-410. They were followed by a pair of Fw190s with the Lightings picking one off while Sam and Tommy claimed the second one. For the finale a second pair of Fw190s made a run at us, once again out little friends took care of one while Sam and Tommy damaged the second at 1:30 H damaging it enough that it missed and broke off the attack.

INBOUND
As we departed the target area and started back to base our escorts ran off a pair of Ju88C-6s. After that it was a quite flight back to base. The crew tried without success to get Bill out of the ball turret. We had to do the landing with him stuck in the turret. Fortunately, it was a good landing and once down the ground crew got him free. Bill was shaken by the incident, and I told our senior NCOs John and Sam to keep an eye on him for the next couple of days. Bob has been a good crew chief, so I made it a point of emphasis and asked him to pay extra attention to the controls/power for the turrets and tail gun. He assured me he would and that the Bama Beauty would be ready for the next mission after overnight repair and maintenance.



1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 18 Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 29 March 44
B-17F All In (Mission #18)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles available from prior missions. Not used this mission


AAR

509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 18 Sofia, Bulgaria - Marshalling Yard
B-17F All In (Mission #18)
Crew Commander: 1LT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle
TARGET: Marshalling Yard

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George Gill	18	AM++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	7	AM		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	4			RFD
Navigator	2LT	Myril Hoag	18	AM++,PH	1.5	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Roy Hughes	7		1.5	RFD
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Vern Kennedy	18	AM++	1	RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	18	AM++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	18	AM++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Jim Walkup	10	AM	.66	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	5			RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (Dedicated) 18th mission skill 2
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50%
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance and repairs
Bomber Damage:
Ball turret power failure 10
Peckham Points: 10
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 6

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Re2001	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept		1	2				3
Undamaged			1				1
Damaged		1	1				2
Probable/Denied
Destroyed

Casualties:
Claims:
Awards:
Air Medal SGT Walkup
Air Medal SGT Pyle
Promotions:



AAR
Despite the poor weather, takeoff and joining the formation went smoothly but a little slowly.

OUTBOUND
Flight to target area was uneventful.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area we encountered no fighter activity and medium intensity which did no damage. Billy was on-target again assessed at 50% effectiveness. No flak on the way to the RP. As the formation started back our escorts chased off a Fw190 that was setting up for an attack.

INBOUND
As the formation headed back to base a trio of Fw190s made a sudden appearance, our fettle friends jumped one. The other two attacked one at our 12 and one at our six. Everything happened quickly that all out gunners missed as did the two fighters before going off to find other targets. While we were over Albania a pair of Me110s tried their luck. The boys from the 82th FG took acre of one. Russ and Ernie did enough damage to the one at our six that he took a wild long range shot that missed and broke off the attack. Just before we got to the coast Russ reported power loss in the ball turret. The crew couldn’t get the issue fixed but Moose and Jim were able to get Russ out of the turret. We had a saft landing at Giulia Airfield. T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance and repairs He said that several of the crew chiefs have said their bombers have had mechanical issues the last couple of missions. They are speculating that something is wearing out sooner that it should.




1LT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF Mission 18 Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 26 March 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #15)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission,


AAR

509th BG, 15AF Mission 18 Skpolje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 26 March 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #15)
Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle
TARGET: Marshalling Yard

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	17	AM++		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	12	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Johnny Marcum	17	AM++	.25	RFD
Navigator	2LT	Pat Tobin	17	AM++	.25	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Sam Harshaney	14	AM++, PH	5.83	RFD
Radio/ RW	T/SGT	John Whitehead	17	AM++	1.37	RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bill Trotter	17	AM++, PH	3.03	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Harry Kimberlin	17	AM++	2	RFD
Nose Gunner	SGT	Tommy Thompson	12	AM+	5.08	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dave Short	17	AM++	1.16	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) skill +1 17th mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.

Bomb Percentage: Off-target, 0%
Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight repair and maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
2 x Superficial Damage 4
Rubber rafts 10
Norden Bombsight 10
Pilot Compartment no effect 5
Bomb Bay no effect 5
Radio Room no effect 5
ball turret inop gunner trapped 20
1 hit left rudder 10
Top turret power temp out 5
Tail gun power temp out 5
Peckham Points: 79
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 12

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	1	3			1	2	7
Undamaged		1					1
Damaged	1	2					3
Probable/Denied		1					1
Destroyed

Casualties:
Claims:
Fw190 S/SGT Harshaney and SGT Thompson Denied
Awards:

AAR

OUTBOUND
Took off without any problems and with the weather it took a little longer than normal to asembl;e the formation. As we did our systems checks, a Top Turret power failure was discovered but Sam got everything working ok as we headed out over the Adriatic Sea
As we approached the Pristina area, Dave reported that the tail gun controls were not working. Right on cue a Me109 attacked at our 12. Both Sam and Tommy scored hits, the Me109 missed and did Dave’s attempt at a passing shot. Just before we got to the target area Dave reported the tail gun problem was fixed. Will need to talk to our crew chief about these power issues when we get back.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, we were attacked by 3 Fw190s. The guys from the 82FG took care of one. Tommy in the nose turret traded shots with the one at our 12, with all involved missing, as did Dave’s try at a passing shot. Sam in the top turret hit the Fw190 at our 9, but the Fw190 pressed the attack and scored multiple hits on us, breaking off after the one pass. Along with the superficial damage we took hits to pilot compartment, bomb bay, radio room for no effect, had our rafts shot up, a hit to the left rudder and had our bombsight knocked out. The most serious damage was to the ball turret. It was knocked out of action and jammed so that Bill was trapped in it.
There was medium intensity flak but it did hit us. With the bombsight out Johnny released when we saw everyone releasing their loads but missed the aim point.
After the bomb run the fight attacks resumed but the Lightings did their share to keep them off us. They intercepted a Me109 and a Me-410. They were followed by a pair of Fw190s with the Lightings picking one off while Sam and Tommy claimed the second one. For the finale a second pair of Fw190s made a run at us, once again out little friends took care of one while Sam and Tommy damaged the second at 1:30 H damaging it enough that it missed and broke off the attack.

INBOUND
As we departed the target area and started back to base our escorts ran off a pair of Ju88C-6s. After that it was a quite flight back to base. The crew tried without success to get Bill out of the ball turret. We had to do the landing with him stuck in the turret. Fortunately, it was a good landing and once down the ground crew got him free. Bill was shaken by the incident, and I told our senior NCOs John and Sam to keep an eye on him for the next couple of days. Bob has been a good crew chief, so I made it a point of emphasis and asked him to pay extra attention to the controls/power for the turrets and tail gun. He assured me he would and that the Bama Beauty would be ready for the next mission after overnight repair and maintenance.



1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 19 San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations
MISSION DATE: 2 April 44
B-17F All In (Mission #19)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles available from prior missions. Plus Lady Luck Smile that can be used to try and mitigate one mechanical oriented damage result this mission.


509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 19 San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations
MISSION DATE: 2 April 44
B-17F All In (Mission #19)
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle
TARGET: Harbor Installations

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	19	AM++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	8	AM		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	5			RFD
Navigator	2LT	Myril Hoag	19	AM++,PH	1.5	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Roy Hughes	8	AM	1.5	RFD
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Vern Kennedy	19	AM++	1	RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	19	AM++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	19	AM++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Jim Walkup	11	AM+	.66	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	6	AM		RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (Dedicated) 19th mission skill 2
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure plus a Lady Luck Smile that can be used to try and mitigate one mechanical oriented damage result this mission.
Bomb Percentage: on-target,
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance and repairs
Bomber Damage:
Superficial flak 1
Right wing flap no effect 5
Peckham Points: 4
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 2

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Re2005	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	1			1			2
Undamaged
Damaged
Probable/Denied
Destroyed

Casualties:
Claims:
Awards:
Air Medal 2LT Sullivan
Promotions:


AAR

OUTBOUND
Despite the poor weather, we took off without a problem and joined up with the formation.
The flight to target was uneventful.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, we had no interference from enemy fighters, prior to the IP. When we started our bomb rum we were greeted by medium intensity flak. A couple of shells burst close enough to do some minor damage. Billy stayed focused and was on target assessed as 40% effectiveness. As we approached the RP a Me109 and a Re2005 tried to set up for an attack but both were chased off by the boys from the 1FG.

INBOUND
No additional enemy fighter activity against us during the flight back to base, with a safe landing at Giulia Airfield. T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance and repairs


CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF Mission 19 San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations
MISSION DATE: MISSION DATE: 2 April 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #16)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission, not needed this mission. After the bomb run had a random event for a near mid-air with no serious effects.


509th BG, 15AF Mission 19 San Stephano, Italy - Harbor Installations
MISSION DATE: 2 April 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #15)
Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle
TARGET: Harbor Installations

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	18	AM++		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	13	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Johnny Marcum	18	AM++	.25	RFD
Navigator	2LT	Pat Tobin	18	AM++	.25	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Sam Harshaney	15	AM++, PH	5.83	RFD
Radio/ RW	T/SGT	John Whitehead	18	AM++	1.37	RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bill Trotter	18	AM++, PH	3.03	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Harry Kimberlin	18	AM++	2	RFD
Nose Gunner	SGT	Tommy Thompson	13	AM+	5.08	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dave Short	18	AM++	1.16	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (Good) skill +1 18th mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure rolls during this mission.
Bomb Percentage: On-target, 40%
Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
Peckham Points:
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 0

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept
Undamaged
Damaged
Probable/Denied
Destroyed

Casualties:
Claims:
Awards:
Air Medal S/SGT Harshaney

AAR
This was as close to a milk run mission as we could hope to have.

OUTBOUND
Took off and joined the formation without any problems, despite the bad weather. The boys from the 1FG showed up on schedule. We had an uneventful flight to the target area.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, we had no fighter attacks attempted and the flak was ineffective. Johnny took over at the IP and his bomb run was on target and assessed as 40% coverage. There was no flak of fighter activity against us after the bomb run but we had to maneuver sharply to avoid another bomber reacting to fighters attacking it.

INBOUND
Flight back to base use uneventful with good weather and a smooth landing at Giulia Airfield. T/SGT Patrick says we will be ready to go after overnight maintenance.



1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 20 Ploesti, Romania - Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage MISSION DATE: 5 April 44
B-17F All In (Mission #20)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles available from prior missions, used this mission to reroll results from a cockpit hit. Otherwise, the All In would have been all gone. As it was there were two crew lost and two with serous wounds, almost 200 points of damage. Only 4 of the original crew are left and two of those are out for a month.


AAR

509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 20 Ploesti, Romania - Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage
MISSION DATE: 5 April 44
B-17F All In (Mission #20)
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Lead
TARGET: Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	20	AM++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	9	AM		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	6	AM		RFD
Navigator	2LT	Myril Hoag	19	AM++,PH	1.5	KIA
Engineer	S/SGT	Roy Hughes	9	AM	1.5	SW - 4 weeks
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Vern Kennedy	20	AM++	1	SW - 4 weeks
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	20	AM++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	20	AM++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Jim Walkup	12	AM+	.66	KIA
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	7	AM		RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (the Mechanic) 20th mission skill 3
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure
Bomb Percentage: on-target,
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In need 5 days to complete repairs before it is mission ready
Bomber Damage:
2LT Hoag KIA 10
S/SGT Hughes SW 5
S/SGT Kennedy SW 5
SGT Walkup SW- died of wounds  5
Left wing flap inop 10
Elevators controls inop 10
Waist no effect 5
Superficial damage x 3
Nose gun inop 10
Tail guns inoperable 20
Top Turret guns inop 20
1 x right wing root hit 25
1x hit rudder 10
Fuel Transfer Pump – no effect 5
Radio Room- oxygen out 10
Right Waist Gunner heat out 10
Navigator heat out 10
radio inop 10
Bomb Bay door- inop 10
bomb bay no effect 5
Peckham Points: 198
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 16

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Re2005	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	3	2	1				6
Undamaged	1						1
Damaged	4		3				7
Probable/Denied	1		1				2
Destroyed

Casualties:
2LT Hoag KIA
SGT Walkup KIA Abdomen punctures abdominal cavity died in surgery
S/SGT Hughes Broken ribs, return to duty in 4 weeks
S/SGT Kennedy Abdomen injury return to duty in 4 weeks
Claims:
S/SGT Hughes Me109 Denied
2LT Heffner and S/SGT Hughes Fw190 Denied
Awards:
2LT Hoag PH AM(oak leaf cluster)
S/SGT Hughes PH
S/SGT Kennedy PH AM(oak leaf cluster)
SGT Walkup PH
CPT Gill 20 AM(oak leaf cluster)
SGT Van Atta AM(oak leaf cluster)
SGT Solters AM(oak leaf cluster)
Promotions To:
S/SGT Julius “Moose” Solters

AAR

OUTBOUND
With the good weather, we took off without a problem, the rest of the squadron formed up on us and then we joined up with the formation. As we were in the vicinity of Novibazur, a pair of Me109s tried to attack and were intercepted by the jugs from the 325th. As we were crossing from over Bulgaria into Romania two Me109s attacked. The Jugs were near the end of their combat range and starting to depart but a couple were able to pick off one of the Me109s. Roy in the Top Turret turned the other into a fire ball. Just before we got the the target area we were attacked by a flight of 4 Me109s. The one at our twelve traded shots with Billy on the nose gun with both missing. Jim the right waist gunner did enough damage to the one at our 3 that it missed and broke off the attack. Roy in the top turret did enough damage to the one at 9/H that the engine was smoking as it broke off the attack. While Rus damaged the one at 9/Lo it raked us, hitting the nose and waist with no injuries reported and knocking out our elevator controls and left wing flap. When it tried to reattack Russ hit its engine causing it to miss and break off the attack.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, about half way to the IP, we were attacked by a Fw190 and a Romanian Me109. Billy and Roy shot up the Fw190 with a chute observed as it started down. Jim hit the Me109 which took a wild off target shot at us before breaking off the attack. There was heavy flak but not calibrated to our altitude on the bomb run to the target. Billy was on-target assessed as 30% effective. The flak after the bomb run had made their adjustment and we took a couple of hits for superficial damage, a hit that took out our nose gun and a hit to the right wing root.

INBOUND
As we departed the target area Myril our navigator reported that the hit of the nose just before we were in the target area had taken out the heat to his suit but that he was doing fine. As we passed in the vicinity of Craiova, a pair of Me110s made an appearance but the Lighting from the 1FG had joined up with us and quickly saw them off. Things were quite until we were over Yugoslavia. Billy reported that Myril appeared to be suffering severe frostbite. But Myril said he was good enough that we should stay in formation. Shortly afterwards we were jumped by a flight of 4 Fw190s. Three got through the escorts. Roy damaged the one at our 12 and it broke off the attack after missing us. The other two attacked at our 6. We missed the Fw190 coming in low and it hit the radio room knocking out the radio, seriously wounding Vern in the abdomen, and. hitting the bomb bay for no effect. Ernie did some major damage to the other coming in high but it pounded us as it made it’s one attack: taking out the tail guns, a hit on the rudder, damaging the Fuel Transfer Pump, jamming the bomb bay doors shut, taking out the top turret guns, and seriously wounding Roy, seriously wounding Jim and taking out his suit’s heat, knocking out the Oxygen in the radio room, and killing Myril. As we came over the coast I decided to drop out of the formation and descend to 10,000 feet. With the radio out I wasn’t able notify the squadron that someone needed to take over the lead.

Despite the damage to multiple control surfaces we were able to make an acceptable landing at Giulia Airfield. The ambulances were quick to arrive, but we were told that SGT Walkup died in surgery, too much blood loss from his abdominal wound. S/SGT Hughes and S/SGT Kennedy will recover but it will be a month before they are back on flight status.

T/SGT Johnson reports the All In need 5 days to complete repairs before it is mission ready
Off to have some bourbon and write letters to Myril’s and Jim’s families. Moose and I will be the only original crew members flying the next time we go up. The good news is the Moose was promoted to S/SGT.


CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF Mission 20 Ploesti, Romania - Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage
MISSION DATE: MISSION DATE: 5 April 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #17)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission, not needed this mission. I thought this was going to be a rough mission and it turned out to have much lower than average damage than the rest of the group for this mission. There were some luck rolls. When I rolled 6 flak hits over the target I thought this is it but 3 were superficial damage and one no effect. When the fighters attacked the gunners were exceptionally effective, and when I had fighter cover they were just good enough.


AAR
509th BG, 15AF Mission 20 Ploesti, Romania - Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage
MISSION DATE: 5 April 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #17)
Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle
TARGET: Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	19	AM++		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	15	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Johnny Marcum	19	AM++	.25	RFD
Navigator	2LT	Pat Tobin	19	AM++	.25	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Sam Harshaney	16	AM++, PH	5.83	RFD
Radio/ RW	T/SGT	John Whitehead	19	AM++	1.37	KIA
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bill Trotter	19	AM++, PH	3.03	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Harry Kimberlin	19	AM++	2	RFD
Nose Gunner	SGT	Tommy Thompson	14	AM+	5.08	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dave Short	19	AM++	1.16	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (The Dedicated) skill +1 19th mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure rolls during this mission.
Bomb Percentage: On-target,
Bomber Disposition: Ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
Superficial Damage X 3 6
T/SGT Whitehead KIA 10
Right Wing No effect 5
Ball Turret Gunner heat out 10
Peckham Points: 31
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 14

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	3	3					6
Undamaged
Damaged	1		1				2
Probable/Denied	1						1
Destroyed	1	1	3				5

Casualties:
T/SGT Whitehead KIA
Claims:
S/SGT Harshaney Me109 Shared 1/3 Victory Credit Awarded
S/SGT Harshaney Me110 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit
S/SGT Harshaney Fw190 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit
S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Thompson Me109 Denied
SGT Thompson Me110 Full Credit Awarded
SGT Trotter & SGT Short Me110 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit
Awards:
T/SGT Whitehead Purple Heart
Air Medal 2LT Howard Mills

AAR
This was a tough mission for the entire group. Even though we didn’t have much damage to the Bama Beauty, we lost our senior NCO T/SGT Whitehead. He was a leader looked up to by the rest of the enlisted crew and respected by myself and other officers. His loss has hit the crew hard.

OUTBOUND
With the good weather we took off and joined the formation without any problem. Once over Yugoslavia a pair of Me109s attacked. A jug from the 325th took care of one and Sam turned the other into a fireball. As we neared Novibazur area a Fw190 was seen off by the boys from the 325th. After that nothing until the jugs had to turn back and we were in the Slatina-Gratia area. First a trio of Me110s attacked Sam and Tommy each claimed a kill on the two attacking from our front and Dave claimed the one at our six. They were followed by a Fw190 whose wing was shot up by Sam with a chute observed. Finally just before the target area a pair of Me110s tried their luck, damaged one which missed us and Bill and Dave shot the second one up with a chute observed.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, rockets were fired into our formation, one bursting near us but no damage. The flak on bomb run was heavy but effective. While Johnny was on-target, it was assessed as only 20% effective. On the way to the IP the flak continued to be heavy and the gunners had found our altitude. We were hit multiple times, about half of them for superficial damage, a hit on the right wing, as we found out later taking out heat to the ball turret, and shrapnel hitting out radio operator T/SGT Whitehead in the head killing him. As we reformed at the RP a Fw190 and a Romanian Me109 attacked at our 12 and 1. Sam and Tommy each did enough damage to their target that both fighters missed us and broke off the attack.

INBOUND
We started back Bill reported that he has lost heat in the ball turret, and bombers with damage started leaving the formation to drop down to lower altitudes. I decided to join them. Once down to under 10,000 feet we could see Laid Back Lady & Pleasant Surprise from our squadron along with Irascible Girl from the 79th. Shortly after that the boys from the 1FG showed up and some of them were paying attention to those of us at the lower altitudes. A flight or 4 Me109s tried to attack us and our little friends intercepted three of them. Sam and Tommy turned the fourth one into a fireball. Shortly before we got to the Adriatic coast our escorts took out a pair of Fw190 that tried to attack.
We circled the field while those with wounded abord landed in front of us until there was a break in traffic. We had good landing at Giulia Airfield. The crew gathered round as John’s body was removed. T/SGT Patrick says we will be ready to go after overnight repair and maintenance.


1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF Mission 21 Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Aircraft Assembly Plant
MISSION DATE: 12 April 44
B-17F All In (Mission #21)

Game notes:
two crew out until 26 April 1944 - S/SGT Roy Hughes & T/SGT Vern Kennedy
Both of the two new crew members got a PH this mission. One is one and done sent home with a shattered ankle.

AAR

B-17F All In (Mission #21)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 21 Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Aircraft Assembly Plant
MISSION DATE: 12 April 44
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Lead
TARGET: Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	21	AM++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	10	AM		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	7	AM		RFD
Navigator	2LT	Jake Wade	1			LW-1wk
Engineer	S/SGT	Edward "Judge" Justice	7	AM, PH	1.83	C
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Zander "Ham" Berger	7	AM		RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	21	AM++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	21	AM++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Mel Almada	1			SW-IH
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	8	AM		RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (the Mechanic) 21th mission skill 3
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure rolls during this mission.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 20%
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready in two days
Bomber Damage:
  Superficial damage 5x 5
  2LT Jake Wade LW 2
  SGT Mel Almada SW 5
  Top Turret guns inoperable 30
  Right cheek gun inoperable 10
  Intercom out 10
  Radio No Mayday 10
  Radio Room- no effect 5
  Bomb Bay door no effect , 5
  Tail – no effect 5
  Left wing- no effect 5
  Right elevator inoperable 10
Peckham Points: 102
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 15

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Ju-88C	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	3	1	1	2			7
Undamaged	1		1				2
Damaged	1	1		1			3
Probable/Denied	1						1
Destroyed	1	1					2

Casualties:
SGT Mel Almada shattered tarsal bones invalided Home.
2LT Jake Wade broken nose, face cut RTD in 1 week
Claims:
SGT Pyle Me109 approved
SGT Pyle Me110 approved
S/SGT Russ Van Atta Me109 denied
Awards:
Air Medal 2LT Don Heffner
Purple Heart 2LT Jake Wade
Purple Heart SGT Mel Almada

AAR
With the bad weather scrubbing a couple of missions we had some time to get our two new crew members and are to spare crew members settled into their duties and the crew routine. Sgt. Justice had served as a spare crew member with us earlier so he could help getting the other three new people settled in.



OUTBOUND
with the good weather we were able to take off and join up with the formation without any problems. The boys from the 52nd fighter group showed up on time and is forecast the Krauts showed up as we started into Yugoslavian airspace. Our little friends took care of a FW 190 the try to attack that are 12 but were unable to stop another one coming in in a vertical dive. It is a couple times causing superficial damage and breaking our navigator’s nose and cutting his face. A lot of blood but nothing serious. After that it was a quiet flight until we were approaching the target area. Then we are met by a pair of JU-88s. I little friends took care of one of them. Judge and Russ did enough damage to the one at our three that it missed and broke off the attack.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, our escorts ran off another JU-88. And as we made our bomb run there was heavy flak in the vicinity but none near us. Billy was on target but assessed as a disappointing 20% coverage. After bomb run the flight dropped in intensity and continued to be ineffective. Our escorts took care of an Me109 that was nosing around.

INBOUND
The flight back use uneventful until we approached the Zadar-Knin line, then we were swarmed. First, our little friends picked off a Me109, it was quickly followed by 4 more of them. The boys from the 52th took care of one of them. The second at our 12 was missed by Billy manning the nose gun. It missed us but Ernie recorded his first kill getting it with a passing shot. The other two hammered us. Russ and Moose damaged the one at our 9 but it it scored multiple hits on us most for ne effect but also taking out t=our right rudder. When it tried a reattack at our 3 Russ hit it again taking a wing off as its’ final shots missed us. We didn’t get a hit on the one at our 9 and it scored multiple hits, taking out the Top Turret and Right Waist guns, Shattering Mel’s ankle, knocking out the intercom, and four hits that have no effect. It came back around also at our 3 their was on one to engage it and the Kraut took out our main radio. On its’ final pass at our it missed despite our guns that could engage being out of action.
The final attack was by 3 Me110s. Our escorts took care of one. Ernie got his second kill taking care of the one at our 6, with a chute observed. Billy managed to hit the one at our 12 doing enough damage that it missed and broke off the attack.
After that the rest of the flight was uneventful with a safe landing at Giulia Airfield.
Jake will need a week before he can fly.
Mel is going home after one mission to recover. While he most likely will be able to walk without a cane he he has played his last baseball game.
T/SGT Johnson reports that it will take two days to complete repairs on the All In.



CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF Mission 20 Ploesti, Romania - Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage
MISSION DATE: MISSION DATE: 5 April 44
B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #18)

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission, not needed this mission. A surprisingly quite mission, with several promotions at the 20 mission mark.


AAR


B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #18)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 21 Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Aircraft Assembly Plant
MISSION DATE: 12 April 44
Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Lead
TARGET: Marshalling Yard / Oil Storage

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	20	AM++		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	16	AM++		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Johnny Marcum	20	AM++	.25	RFD
Navigator	2LT	Pat Tobin	20	AM++	.25	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Sam Harshaney	17	AM++, PH	7.16	RFD
Radio/ RW	S/SGT	Chet Laabs	1			RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bill Trotter	20	AM++, PH	3.28	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Harry Kimberlin	20	AM++	2	RFD
Nose Gunner	SGT	Tommy Thompson	15	AM+	6.08	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dave Short	20	AM++	1.31	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (The Dedicated) skill +2 20th mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: On-target, 40%
Bomber Disposition: ready after routine overnight maintenance
Bomber Damage: none
Peckham Points: NA
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 6

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	1	2					3
Undamaged	1						1
Damaged	1						1
Probable/Denied
Destroyed	1						1

Casualties:
Claims:
  S/SGT Harshaney & SGT Thompson Me109 approved
Awards:
Air Medals (Oak leaf cluster) to
  1LT McQuinn, 2LT Marcum, 2LT Tobin, SGT Trotter, SGT Kimberlin SGT Thompson SGT Short
Promotions
  To 1LT Johnny Marcum & Pat Tobin
  To S/SGT Bill Trotter, Harry Kimberlin, Dave Short & Tommy Thompson

AAR
With a week since the last mission there has been time for T/SGT Whitehead’s replacement S/SGT Chet Laabs to get settled in and accustomed to his role. S/SGT Harshaney has picked up the senior NCO duties and is doing well.
After the mission we had some promotions to celebrate Johnny and Pat to 1LT, and Bill, Harry, Dave & Tommy to S/SGT


OUTBOUND
We were assigned lead for this mission and with the good weather we had an easy takeoff and we able to quickly meet up with the assembly ship as the rest of the group filled into formation.
As forecast we encountered enemy resistance as we entered Yugoslavian air space. A pair of Fw190’s at our 12 were intercepted by the boys from the 52ndFG. A Me109 snuck in right behind them, and we and the Me109 were pas each other before anyone could hit anything. The rest of the flight to the target area was uneventful.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, there was no fighter activity near us and while there was heavy flak on the run from the IP to the target it wasn’t close to us. Johnny was on-target assessed as 40% coverage. As bomb release the flak lessened somewhat and continued to be off set from us. As the format reformed at the RP it seemed to be a little loose, but no enemy fighters were near us.


INBOUND
AS we started back, a trio of Me109s tried their luck. Our little friends took care of one of them. Sam and Tommy added to their kill count taking the right wing off one at our 12. Bill damaged the tail of the one at out 9 doing enough damage that it missed and broke off the attack. After that we had an uneventful flight back to base with a safe landing.
T/SGT Patrick says the Bama Beauty will be ready after routine overnight maintenance.


1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 22 Budapest, Hungary - Vecses Airdrome
MISSION DATE: 15 April 44
B-17F All In (Mission #22)

Game notes:
Navigator 2LT Jake Wade out until 19 April 1944; two crew out until 26 April 1944 - S/SGT Roy Hughes & T/SGT Vern Kennedy

AAR


B-17F All In (Mission #22)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 22 Budapest, Hungary - Vecses Airdrome
MISSION DATE: 15 April 44
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle
TARGET: Airdrome

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	22	AM+++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	11	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	8	AM		RFD
Navigator	2LT	Richard "Rick" Morrow	4			RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Edward "Judge" Justice	8	AM, PH	1.83	RFD
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Zander "Ham" Berger	8	AM		RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	22	AM+++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	22	AM+++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Emil "Hill Billy" Bildilli	1			RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	9	AM	2	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (the Mechanic) 21th mission skill 3
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50%
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
Superficial Damage x 4
Radio no mayday
Peckham Points:
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 16

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Ju-88C	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	2	2	1				5
Undamaged	1		1				2
Damaged	1		3				4
Probable/Denied	1						1
Destroyed		1	1		2		4

Casualties:
Claims:
  S/SGT Van Atta Me210 Shared - 1/3 Victory Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Berger and SGT Pyle Me210 Approved - Full Credit Awarded
  SGT Pyle Me109 Denied - No Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Van Atta and SGT Pyle Me110 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Solters Fw190 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded

Awards:

AAR
Our new gunner "Hill Billy" Bildilli only had a day to get familiar with his duties before this mission. 2LT Rick" Morrow our navigator from the spare crew has 3 missions under his belt which was some help. With one new crew member and 3 Temporary replacement crew for this mission, Russ our senior NCO, Fred our crew chief and I spend extra time making sure everything was ready for this mission. With this mission the All In will have had 21 different crew members on board and only three of the original crew flying this mission.

OUTBOUND
Miserable weather but we were able to take off and join up with the formation without any problems. Our friends from the 31FG showed up on schedule. The rest of the flight to the target area was without incident.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, things got lively. Our little friends took care of a Me109 but a Me109 in a vertical climb and a Hungarian Me210 at our 6 got through. Russ dinged the Me109 which missed us and when hunting elsewhere. With our radioman and waist gunners busy with the window/chaff stuff, Ernie missed the Me210. He hit the control cables, knocked the radio out, plus some additional superficial damage. When he tried to come back for a second round Russ turned the Me210 into a fireball. That chaff stuff seemed to work the flak was ineffective. Billy took over at the IP for the bomb run and was on-target assessed as 50% coverage. As we reached the RP and started back 2 Fw190s and a Hungarian Me210 tried their luck. The boys from the 31FG took care of one. Billy and Hill Billy both did enough damage to the 2nd Fw190 the it missed and broke off the attack. Ernie and Ham set the Me210’s engine on fire with a chute observed as it went down. They were followed by a Fw190 and a pair of me109s. Everyone missed the Fw190 at our 12 as did the Fw190. Ernie turned the Me109 at our 6 into a fireball. The last Me109 had a clear shot in a vertical dive attack but must have been green and nervous, as he wasn’t even close with his attack.


INBOUND
The fight continued as we started back to base. Our little friends took care of a pair of Me110s and Russ and Ernie took the wing off a third one. They were followed by 4 Fw190s. The escorts took care of one, Russ and Hill Billy damaged the one at our 3 causing it to break off the attack, Moose took out the one at our 9. Billy and Judge missed the one at our 12 which hit a couple of time but only for superficial damage. When it tried a reattack at our 12 both our gunners and the fighter missed ending the engagement. The rest of the flight back was quite.
Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.



CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #19)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 22 Budapest, Hungary - Vecses Airdrome
MISSION DATE: 15 April 44

Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission, not needed. A quite mission except for the target area. Great marksmanship by the crew but the review board denied all claims.

AAR


B-17F All In (Mission #22)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 22 Budapest, Hungary - Vecses Airdrome
MISSION DATE: 15 April 44
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle
TARGET: Airdrome

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	22	AM+++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	11	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	8	AM		RFD
Navigator	2LT	Richard "Rick" Morrow	4			RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Edward "Judge" Justice	8	AM, PH	1.83	RFD
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Zander "Ham" Berger	8	AM		RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	22	AM+++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	22	AM+++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Emil "Hill Billy" Bildilli	1			RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	9	AM	2	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (the Mechanic) 21th mission skill 3
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50%
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
Superficial Damage x 4
Radio no mayday
Peckham Points:
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 16

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Ju-88C	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	2	2	1				5
Undamaged	1		1				2
Damaged	1		3				4
Probable/Denied	1						1
Destroyed		1	1		2		4

Casualties:
Claims:
  S/SGT Van Atta Me210 Shared - 1/3 Victory Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Berger and SGT Pyle Me210 Approved - Full Credit Awarded
  SGT Pyle Me109 Denied - No Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Van Atta and SGT Pyle Me110 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Solters Fw190 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded

Awards:

AAR
Our new gunner "Hill Billy" Bildilli only had a day to get familiar with his duties before this mission. 2LT Rick" Morrow our navigator from the spare crew has 3 missions under his belt which was some help. With one new crew member and 3 Temporary replacement crew for this mission, Russ our senior NCO, Fred our crew chief and I spend extra time making sure everything was ready for this mission. With this mission the All In will have had 21 different crew members on board and only three of the original crew flying this mission.
OUTBOUND
Miserable weather but we were able to take off and join up with the formation without any problems. Our friends from the 31FG showed up on schedule. The rest of the flight to the target area was without incident.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, things got lively. Our little friends took care of a Me109 but a Me109 in a vertical climb and a Hungarian Me210 at our 6 got through. Russ dinged the Me109 which missed us and when hunting elsewhere. With our radioman and waist gunners busy with the window/chaff stuff, Ernie missed the Me210. He hit the control cables, knocked the radio out, plus some additional superficial damage. When he tried to come back for a second round Russ turned the Me210 into a fireball. That chaff stuff seemed to work the flak was ineffective. Billy took over at the IP for the bomb run and was on-target assessed as 50% coverage. As we reached the RP and started back 2 Fw190s and a Hungarian Me210 tried their luck. The boys from the 31FG took care of one. Billy and Hill Billy both did enough damage to the 2nd Fw190 the it missed and broke off the attack. Ernie and Ham set the Me210’s engine on fire with a chute observed as it went down. They were followed by a Fw190 and a pair of me109s. Everyone missed the Fw190 at our 12 as did the Fw190. Ernie turned the Me109 at our 6 into a fireball. The last Me109 had a clear shot in a vertical dive attack but must have been green and nervous, as he wasn’t even close with his attack.


INBOUND
The fight continued as we started back to base. Our little friends took care of a pair of Me110s and Russ and Ernie took the wing off a third one. They were followed by 4 Fw190s. The escorts took care of one, Russ and Hill Billy damaged the one at our 3 causing it to break off the attack, Moose took out the one at our 9. Billy and Judge missed the one at our 12 which hit a couple of time but only for superficial damage. When it tried a reattack at our 12 both our gunners and the fighter missed ending the engagement. The rest of the flight back was quite.
Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.



CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-17F All In (Mission #23)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 23 Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 20 April 44

Game notes:
two crew out until 26 April 1944 - S/SGT Roy Hughes & T/SGT Vern Kennedy




B-17F All In (Mission #23)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 23 Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 20 April 44
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Lead
TARGET: Marshalling Yard

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	23	AM+++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	12	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	9	AM		RFD
Navigator	2LT	Jake Wade	2			RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Edward "Judge" Justice	9	AM, PH	1.83	RFD
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Zander "Ham" Berger	9	AM		RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	23	AM+++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	23	AM+++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Emil "Hill Billy" Bildilli	2			RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	10	AM	2	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (the Mechanic) 22th mission skill 3
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 40%
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
Superficial Damage
right elevator inop
Peckham Points: 11
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 3

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Ju-88C	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept				1
Undamaged
Damaged
Probable/Denied	1			1			2
Destroyed

Casualties:

Claims:
S/SGT Justice Me109 Denied - No Credit Awarded
S/SGT Solters Ju-88 Denied - No Credit Awarded

Awards:
SGT Pyle Air medal

AAR

OUTBOUND
With the good weather we were able to take off and take our position as high squadron lead without any problems. Our friends from the 31FG showed up on schedule. The rest of the flight to the target area was without incident.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, we had no fighter attacks and took one flak hit for superficial damage as we started our bomb run. Billy was on-target assessed as 40% coverage. After the bomb drop a flak burst took out the right elevator. After reaching the RP a pair of Ju-88 and a Me-109 tried their luck. The boys from the 31FG took care of a Ju-88. Judge took out the Me-109 at our 12 and Hill Billy got the Ju-88 at our 3.


INBOUND
It was a quite flight back to the base.
Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.



CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

AAR

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #20)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 23 Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 20 April 44


Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission, not needed.

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #20)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 23 Rome, Italy - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 20 April 44
Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Lead
TARGET: Marshalling Yard

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	22	AM+++		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	18	AM++		RFD
Bombardier	1LT	Johnny Marcum	22	AM+++	.25	RFD
Navigator	1LT	Pat Tobin	22	AM+++	.25	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Sam Harshaney	19	AM+++, PH	7.16	RFD
Radio/ RW	S/SGT	Chet Laabs	3			RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bill Trotter	22	AM+++, PH	3.28	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Harry Kimberlin	22	AM+++	2	RFD
Nose Gunner	SGT	Tommy Thompson	17	AM+++	6.08	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dave Short	22	AM+++	1.31	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (The Dedicated) skill +3 21th mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Percentage: off-target, 0%
Bomber Disposition: ready after routine overnight maintenance
Bomber Damage:
  Superficial Damage 2
  bomb release mechanism 10
  Left Wing no effect 5
  Right Rudder 10
Peckham Points: 27
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 6

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	2	2					4
Undamaged
Damaged	1						1
Probable/Denied
Destroyed	1						1

Casualties:
Claims:
S/SGT Harshaney & S/SGT Thompson Me109 Approved = Full Credit Awarded
Awards:
Promotions


AAR

OUTBOUND
after two days of bad weather new system moved in with nice clear weather. We got airborne without any problem and the squadron formed up on us. Our little friends from the 31st fighter group showed up on schedule. As we are approaching the target area we were greeted by a pair of FW190s, and a Me109. The boys from the 31st fighter group anxious for activity jumped all three of them.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, a trio of ME 190s a trio of Me109s made a run at us. A couple of the boys from the 31st were there to take care of one of them. Bill in the ball turret is enough damage to cause the one at our nine to miss and break off the attack. Tommy and Sam hammered the one at our 12, smashing the cockpit and shooting up the left wing. Being lead the flak had been quite adjusted itself and was ineffective. We got over the target Johnny found out the bomb release mechanism was broken and had to scramble to accomplish a manual release. As a result, he was off target a complete miss. Coming off the target and heading for the RP the flak had found its range and hit us three times. Doing some superficial damage, hitting the left wing for no effect, and hitting the right Rudder. After we reach the rally point and started back there were no further fighter activity.



INBOUND
Once clear of the target area we had an uneventful flight back to base with a safe landing.
T/SGT Patrick says the Bama Beauty will be ready after routine overnight maintenance.


1LT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-17F All In (Mission #24)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 24 Austria - Schwechat Aircraft Factory
MISSION DATE: 21 April 44

Game notes:
two crew out until 26 April 1944 - S/SGT Roy Hughes & T/SGT Vern Kennedy


B-17F All In (Mission #24)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 24 Austria - Schwechat Aircraft Factory
MISSION DATE: 21 April 44
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle
TARGET: Aircraft Factory

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	24	AM+++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	13	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	10	AM		RFD
Navigator	2LT	Jake Wade	3			RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Edward "Judge" Justice	10	AM, PH	1.83	RFD
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Zander "Ham" Berger	10	AM		RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	24	AM+++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	24	AM+++	.5	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Emil "Hill Billy" Bildilli	3			RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	11	AM+	2	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (the Mechanic) 24th mission skill 3
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure plus a Lady Luck Smile that can be used to try and mitigate one mechanical oriented damage result this mission.
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50%
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after overnight maintenance
Bomber Damage:
  3 x superficial damage
Peckham Points: 3
Lnding: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 11

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Ju-88C	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept		1	2				3
Undamaged	 		3				3
Damaged		1	2				3
Probable/Denied
Destroyed		1	1				2

Casualties:
Clams:
S/SGT Van Atta Fw190 Approved = Full Credit Awarded
S/SGT Van Atta Me110 Shared - 1/3 Victory Credit Awarded

Awards:
2LT Billy Sullivan Air Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster)
S/SGT Edward "Judge" Justice Air Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster) [failed promotion roll]
S/SGT Zander "Ham" Berger Air Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster) [failed promotion roll]

AAR
OUTBOUND
With the good weather we were able to take off without any problems. Our friends from the 31FG showed up on schedule. It was a quiet flight until we neared Zagreb, when we were attacked by a pair of FW 190s. The boys from the 31st took care of one of them, and Russ shredded the right wing of the other coming in at our 1030, with no chute observed as it started to fall out of the sky.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, we didn’t have any fighters try to attacked us on the run to the IP. However as we started our bomb run the flak started to find the range and we took some superficial damage. But it wasn’t enough to throw Billy off, he was assessed as on target with 50% coverage. After releasing bombs the flak increased in volume and was ineffective. After we reached the IP a trio of FW 190s tried their luck. Our little friends from the 31st care of one of them, the other
was on us so quickly that our gunners missed as did the fighters who then went off looking for other targets.

INBOUND
as we approached the Austrian Hungarian border we encountered 3 ME 110s, our little friends from the 31st care of one of them. Judge in the top turret did enough damage to the one at 12 that it missed and broke off the attack. Russ in the ball turret shot one attacking it are 6 low, it stalled and fell out of the sky with no chute observed. Good chance that he fatally wounded at the pilot. Shortly afterward a true of FW 190s tried their luck, getting through the boys from the 31st. Judge the top turret traded shots with the one coming in at 3 o’clock high with neither one doing damage to the other. Jake and Hill Billy managed at the one coming in at 1:30 doing enough damage that it missed and broke off the attack. Billy missed the one coming in at our 12 which hit us for superficial damage. It came around 3 attack from our 6 where Ernie and Judge did enough damage to it that it broke off attacked after hitting us for some more superficial damage. Rest of the flight home was uneventful.
Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after overnight repairs and maintenance.


CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #21)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 24 Vienna, Austria - Schwechat Aircraft Factory
MISSION DATE: 21 April 44


Game notes:
One lady luck smiles in hand from prior mission, used to reroll wing hit that would have taken out the bomber. McQuinn promotion to Captain after 20 missions as command pilot


B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #21)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 24 Vienna, Austria - Schwechat Aircraft Factory
MISSION DATE: 21 April 44
Crew Commander: 1LT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: middle
Position: middle
TARGET: Marshalling Yard

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	23	AM+++		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	19	AM++		RFD
Bombardier	1LT	Johnny Marcum	23	AM+++	.25	RFD
Navigator	1LT	Pat Tobin	23	AM+++	.25	RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Sam Harshaney	20	AM+++, PH	7.66	RFD
Radio/ RW	S/SGT	Chet Laabs	4			SW - 4 weeks
Ball Gunner	SGT	Bill Trotter	23	AM+++, PH	3.28	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Harry Kimberlin	23	AM+++	2	LW-1 week
Nose Gunner	SGT	Tommy Thompson	18	AM+++	6.58	RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Dave Short	23	AM+++	1.31	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (The Dedicated) skill +2 23rd mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure rolls during this mission
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 50%
Bomber Disposition: the Bama Beauty will need two days to complete all repairs and maintenance
Bomber Damage:
  2 x Superficial damage
  Pilot compartment no effect
  Right wing root 1 hit
  Left wing root 1 hit
  Bomb controls inop
  Bomb Bay no effect
  S/SGT Kimberlin LW
  S/SGT Laabs SW
Peckham Points: 102
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 9

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept		2	1				3
Undamaged		1					1
Damaged		3					3
Probable/Denied				1			1
Destroyed			1				1

Casualties:
  S/SGT Kimberlin LW Torn calcaneal tendon out until 28 April
  S/SGT Laabs SW Broken ribs, inflamed lung 4 weeks recovery and off flying status

Claims:
  S/SGT Trotter & S/SGT Short Me-110 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Harshaney & S/SGT Kimberlin Me-210 Denied
Awards:
  S/SGT Sam Harshaney Air Medal (Oak leaf cluster)
  S/SGT Kimberlin Purple Heart
  S/SGT Laabs Purple Heart
Promotions:
  1LT George McQuinn to Captain
  S/SGT Sam Harshaney to T/SGT

AAR

OUTBOUND
Sgt. Patrick had no problems getting the Bama beauty ready to go for a mission with overnight turnaround. With good weather we were able to take off and join up with the rest of the squadron without any problems. As we approach the Austrian Hungarian border a pair of Me110s tried their luck, the boys from the 31st care of one of them, and Bill in the ball turret and Dave the tailgunner took the wings off the other.

TARGET AREA
and of the fighters attempted to attack us when we first entered the target area. Once we reach the IP and started the bomb run we were rocked by a pair of flak hits, one ending the pilot compartment for no effect and a hit to the left wing root. Johnny managed to stay focused and was on target assessed at 50% coverage. The flight decreased in volume and effectiveness after the bomb release. As we reach the Fw190 was intercepted by our little friends when I try to set up for an attack.


INBOUND
As the squadron at home we encountered heavy resistance at the Austrian Hungarian border area. A Me 110 and a Me 210 made an initial attack. The boys from the 31st care of the 110 and Sam and Harry not the ME 210 out of the sky. Then we were swarmed by 5 Fw 190s. Our little friends took care of one of them but the rest got through our escorts. Tommy and the one at our 12 traded shots with everyone missing in the fighter breaking off the attack. Sam and the top turret did enough damage to the one at our 9 that it missed and broke off the attack. Dave managed to damage the one attacking at our 6 but it raked us before breaking off the attack. Doing superficial damage to the radio compartment and the Bombay area taking out the bomb controls in the nose, and wounding both of our waist gunners. Chet was severely wounded in the chest and Bill had a light wound to his ankle. The final one attacked at our 3 and Bill was wounded before he could get a hit on that one. On its first pastor did some superficial damage and hit the right-wing root. When it came around for re-attack at our 6 Bill and Dave did enough damage to it that it had to break off the attack. After the attack was over Sam dropped out of the top turret to render first aid to Harry and Chet.
Rest the flight back was uneventful with a safe landing.
GT Patrick says the Bama Beauty will need two days to complete all repairs and maintenance.
The flight surgeon says it will take Chet at least 4 weeks to heal and his flying days are over for the foreseeable future.
The good news got word that Sam’s promotion tech Sgt. my promotion to Capt. came through.


CPT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

Game notes:

two crew out until 26 April 1944 - S/SGT Roy Hughes & T/SGT Vern Kennedy



B-17F All In (Mission #25)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 25 Ploesti, Romania – Romano-Americano Oil Refinery
 MISSION DATE: 24 April 44
Crew Commander: CPT George Gill
Squadron 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

TARGET: Oil Refinery

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	CPT	George Gill	25	AM+++, PH		RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Don Heffner	14	AM+		RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Billy Sullivan	11	AM+		RFD
Navigator	2LT	Jake Wade	4			RFD
Engineer	S/SGT	Edward "Judge" Justice	11	AM+, PH	1.83	RFD
Radio Operator	S/SGT	Zander "Ham" Berger	11	AM+		RFD
Ball Gunner	SGT	SGT Russ Van Atta	25	AM+++	.5	RFD
Left Waist	SGT	Julius “Moose” Solters	25	AM+++	1	RFD
Right Waist	SGT	Emil "Hill Billy" Bildilli	4			RFD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ewald "Ernie" Pyle	12	AM+	2	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson (the Mechanic) 25th mission skill 3
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure this mission
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 40%
Bomber Disposition: T/SGT Johnson reports the All In will be ready after overnight repair and routine maintenance.
Bomber Damage:
  2LT Wade LW foot cut
  SGT Pyle LW leg cut, grazed
  Left Wing – no effect
  Fuel Transfer Pump no effect
  Bomb bay bombs no effect (dropped)

Peckham Points: 19
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 12

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	2	7					9
Undamaged		2					2
Damaged		1					1
Probable/Denied
Destroyed

Casualties:
2LT Wade LW foot cut 1 day recovery
SGT Pyle LW leg cut, grazed RDF
Claims:
Awards:
2LT Wade Purple Heart
SGT Pyle Purple Heart

AAR

OUTBOUND
With the good weather we were able to take off without any problems. The good weather now is quite a contrast to the rain and mud we suffered through in January and February. We had an uneventful flight to the target area. Even though we had him a couple of times he press the attacked and hit us damaging the fuel transfer pump and are bomb racks for no effect, fortunately Wade already released our palms. He also had her left wing twice for no significant damage. He tried to press around for a 2nd attack but missed us and broke off the attack. We had a mid air close call where our flight spacing got sloppy as the other bombers attempted to avoid enemy fighters pressing the attack.


TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, no enemy fighters attacked us on the approach to the IP. We took couple of flak hits during the bomb run to the target. One the tail because they light wound Ernie’s leg, and one to the nose compartment cut Jake’s foot. Billy was able to stay focused and deliver the bombs on target assessed at 40% coverage. After bomb release we took another flak hit to the left wing doing no effective damage. At we reach the rally point we were jumped by a trio of FW 190s. We miss the ones at our 3 in our 12, but they apparently were green pilots and also missed us. The 3rd was made of different stuff must’ve been an ace.

INBOUND
once the boys from the 31st fighter group hooked up with us they were on the ball keeping the enemy fighters away from us. As we passed over Romania they chased away 3 different groups of enemy fighters allowing none of them to get near us. And then chased away another group of FW 190s as we were getting close to the Yugoslav coast.
We had a routine landing at Giulia Airfield.
T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after routine overnight repair and maintenance. This marked my 25th mission and also the 25th missions for Russ and Moose. They will get a trip back to training units in the states, and I will stick around as the squadron XO. Don will move up to be the pilot and new crew assigned as needed.



CPT George Gill, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
XO 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF
[/font]

[rhreiss]

B-17G Chute the Works (Mission #1)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 25 Ploesti, Romania – Romano-Americano Oil Refinery
MISSION DATE: 24 April 44
Crew Commander: 1LT Les Scarsella
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle
TARGET: Oil Refinery

Crew Position Rank Name                         Mission# Prior Awards Prior confirmed Kills Status
Pilot               1LT Les Scarsella                    1                                                       RFD
Co-Pilot          2LT Charlie English                 1                                                       LW 1 wk
Bombardier     2LT Alex ‘AK’ Kampouris         1                                                       RFD
Navigator        2LT Jimmy Outlaw                 1                                                      RFD
Engineer         T/SGT Paul Gehrman              1                                                      RFD
Radio Operator T/SGT George ‘Whitey’ Moore 1                                                     RFD
Ball Gunner      S/SGT Jake ‘JK’ Mooty          1                                                      RFD
Left Waist        SGT Frank McCormick           1                                                       LW 3 wks
Right Waist      SGT Billy ‘Kid’ Myers             1                                                       Lw 2 wks
Tail Gunner S/SGT Gus Brittain                    1                                                         RFD

Crew Chief S/SGT Gene Schott (Average Joe) mission 2
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure rolls during this mission
Bomb Percentage: on target, 40%
Bomber Disposition: S/SGT Schott reports it will be a couple of days before Chute the Works is ready for another mission
Bomber Damage:
5 x superficial damage
bomb controls in operable
2 x waist compartment no effect
RWaist gunner LW torn gastrocnemius muscle (calf)
LWaist gunner LW torn gastrocnemius muscle (calf)
co-pilot LW vastus muscle,
pilot compartment O2 out in 3 zones
Bomb Bay no effect
Radio room no effect
Right wing no effect
Right WIng brakes out
Right Wing runaway engine – prop feathered
Control Cables 1 hit
Peckham Points: 93
Landing: safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 18

	Me109	Me110	Fw190	Ju-88C	Me210	G55;	TOTAL
Escort Intercept			3				3
Undamaged			1		1		2
Damaged			6	1			7
Probable/Denied	1		1	1	1		4
Destroyed			2				2

Casualties:
2LT English vastus muscle return to duty in one week
SGT McCormick torn gastrocnemius muscle (calf) return to duty in 3 weeks
SGT Myers torn gastrocnemius muscle (calf) return to duty in 2 weeks
Claims:
S/SGT Mooty & SGT McCormick Me109 Denied - No Credit Awarded
2LT Outlaw FW190 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
2LT Kampouris Ju88C-6 Denied - No Credit Awarded
S/SGT Mooty & SGT McCormick Me210 Denied - No Credit Awarded
S/SGT Brittain FW190 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
S/SGT Mooty FW190 Denied - No Credit Awarded

Awards:
2LT English Purple Heart
SGT McCormick Purple Heart
SGT Myers Purple Heart


AAR

We arrived in theater and met our new crew chief formally of the BLACK JACK. The crew just assembled right before we took off to deploy overseas. All the enlisted members except for the waist gunners have experience with the training squadron’s and are now being deployed to a combat zone. The other officers are fresh from their initial training.

OUTBOUND
We took off and join the formation without any problems. Sunny Italy sure beats the weather the guys in England have to face. As we approach the target area we were met with significant in the resistance. First we encountered a Fw190 and a Romanian Me109. JK and Frank took care of the Me109 our first kill. However the Fw190 managed to dodge our shots and raked us hitting us a couple times for no effect and as it turned out knocking out the bomb controls. When the Fw190 attempted to re-attack Jimmy got a lucky shot in and sending it spiraling out of sight. That was followed by a pair of Ju88’s. Alex managed to take out the one coming in at 130. And we did enough damage to the one are 3 that it missed and broke off the attack. They will followed by another pair of Fw190s. Our gunners managed to enough damage to both of them that they missed and broke off the attack.


TARGET AREA
Once in the target area we continue doing gunner stiff resistance. First a pair of Me210s attacked, one of them missing us. The other hit us doing multiple hits for superficial damage/no effect and giving a light one to Charlie in the leg. When I tried to re-attacked JK and Frank took a wing off of it. Finally a pair of Fw190s attacked. One of been a vertical dive must’ve been green since he missed us by a mile. We did enough damage to the other that it missed and broke off the attack also. As we started our bomb run at the IP we were it by flak in the pilot compartment oxygen and the right wing. After the bomb run we determined we had enough oxygen go about 3 zones before would have to drop down to 10,000 feet. And we later found out that the flak had taken out the brakes for the right wing. On the bomb run AK quickly realized that the bomb controls ran up and managed to do a manual release that was on target and assessed at 40% coverage. After bomb release we were it by additional flak doing superficial damage and causing a went away number 3 engine but we were successfully able to feather the prop.

INBOUND
we had to drop down to 10,000 feet about the time relieving the Romanian airspace. We periodically encountered light flak the rest of the way back, but it was mostly ineffective. As we were approaching the Yugoslavian coast we did take a fly kit to the radio room with no effective damage. We also encountered 4 Fw190s, 3 of which were taken care of by our escorts. The final one attacked at our 3 and we did enough damage to it that it missed and broke off the attack.
The battle damage, right wing engine out and white wing brakes out made the landing a little dicey but we kept her on the runway and stop before he ran out of runway.
We got our first mission under our belts, but 3 crew members have light wounds that will keep them out for 1 to 3 weeks. In the crew was bummed that they only got partial credit for 2 of their 6 claimed kills.
S/SGT Schott reports it will be a couple of days before Chute the Works is ready for another mission.



1LT Les Scarsella, Pilot Commanding
B-17G Chute the Works
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #22)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 25 Ploesti, Romania – Romano-Americano Oil Refinery
MISSION DATE: 24 April 44
Crew Commander: CPT George McQuinn
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: high
Position: middle
TARGET: Oil Refinery

Crew Position	Rank	Name	Mission #	Prior Awards	Prior Kills Awarded	Status
Pilot	1LT	George McQuinn	24	AM+++		LW-RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Howard Mills	20	AM++		KIA
Bombardier	1LT	Johnny Marcum	24	AM+++	.25	RFD
Navigator	1LT	Pat Tobin	24	AM+++	.25	RFD
Engineer	T/SGT	Sam Harshaney	21	AM++++, PH	7.66	RFD
Radio/ RW	S/SGT	Harlond 'HC' Clift	1			RFD
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	Bill Trotter	24	AM+++, PH	3.51	SW-IH
Left Waist	S/SGT	Harry Kimberlin	24	AM+++, PH	2	RFD
Nose Gunner	S/SGT	Tommy Thompson	18	AM+++	6.58	RFD
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Dave Short	23	AM+++	1.56	RFD

Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick (The Dedicated) skill +2 24rd mission
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: No Mechanical Failure plus a Lady Luck Smile for mechanical issues
Bomb Percentage: on-target, 20%
Bomber Disposition: The Bama Beauty will take a couple of days of work before it is ready for the next mission.
Bomber Damage:
  2 x Superficial damage
  2 x Waist—no effect
  CPT McQuinn LW cut chest
  2LT Mills SW Face & LW shoulder= KIA  
  S/SGT Trotter SW- broken rib, inflamed heart
  2 x nose-No effect
  3 x Pilot Compartment, - No effect
  Bomb Bay—no effect
  Fuel Transfer System fire successfully put out
  Rubber Rafts inop
  Left rudder 1 hit
  Right tail plane1 hit
  Engine fire extinguishers out
  Right Wing No effect
  Left Wing – no effect
Peckham Points: 181
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 26

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept	1	5		2			8
Undamaged	1	3		1			5
Damaged	1	9	1				11
Probable/Denied
Destroyed		1	2				3

Casualties:
  CPT McQuinn LW cut chest
  2LT Mills SW & LW = KIA Face and shoulder
  S/SGT Trotter SW- broken rib, inflamed heart 4 weeks and grounded
Claims:
  S/SGT Thompson Fw190 Shared - 1/3 Victory Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Thompson Me110 Approved = Full Credit Awarded
  S/SGT Short, Harshaney & Clift Me110 Approved = Full Credit Awarded
Awards:
Purple Heart to:
  CPT McQuinn
  2LT Mills
  S/SGT Trotter
Air Medal 2LT Mills

Promotions:

AAR

OUTBOUND
With good weather we were able to take off and join up with the rest of the squadron without any problems. And we had an uneventful flight to the target area. And then things got exciting.

TARGET AREA
Once we arrived in the target area we were jumped by a trio of Fw190s. We managed to damage 3 of them causing them to miss us and break off their attack. The 3rd one raked us, scoring minor hits along with taking out the engine fire extinguishers and seriously wounding Bill our ball turret gunner. Dave dinged it as it went past us and Tommy finished it off when it tried to come around for a re-attack. They were followed by a pair of FW190s. We managed to do enough damage to both of them that they missed and broke off the attack. As we are making our bomb run we were rocked by a flank to the left wing. Johnny managed to stay on target but just barely scoring only 20%. After bomb release we took another flank hit causing only superficial damage. As we approach the RP, to more Fw190s and a Romanian Me109 made a run at us. We managed to damage all 3 causing them to break off the attack without doing any damage to us. They were followed by a trio of Me110s, we damage to with them causing them to break off their attacks. One of them managed to cockpit wounding me and hitting Howard a couple of times killing him. The 3rd attacking in a vertical climb got a free shot at us since Bill was out of action and scored a walking hit. Most of the hits that no major damage, but he did score hit on the left rudder and started a fire with fuel transfer system which we were able to put out. When he tried to re-attack Dave, Sam, and HC is left-wing often shattered the cockpit.

INBOUND
As the squadron headed home, we would get Bill out of the ball to written treatise wounds. Things were quiet until we looked up with our fighter escorts near Craiova . Shortly afterwards we were attacked by 4 Fw190s, our escorts ran off 2 of them e managed to fend the other 2 off, doing enough damage that they broke off the attack without doing any damage in return. That was followed by a pair of Me109s, our escorts took care of one, we traded shots with the other no one doing any damage. But in Me210 snuck in scoring multiple hits mostly doing no significant damage but taking out a rubber rafts and hitting the right tail plane. It was unable to come back around to conduct a successful re-attack. After that it was quiet until we were in the vicinity of Niksic, where we encountered 2 weeks of fighters. Our escorts were on top of the issue. First chasing off 3 FW 190s and then running off a pair of Me210s.

Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

T/SGT Patrick said it will take a couple of days before the Bama beauty is ready to fly another mission.
I’ll be ready to fly again in a day, but the flight surgeon says that Bill’s war is over.


CPT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bob’s Rascals (Mission #1)
509th BG, 15AF MISSION # 25 Ploesti, Romania – Romano-Americano Oil Refinery
MISSION DATE: 21 April 44
Crew Commander: 1LT Bob Muncrief
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Formation: high
Position: middle
TARGET: Marshalling Yard
Crew
Position              Rank  Name                     Mission#   Status
Pilot                  1LT     Bob Muncrief            1            RFD
Co-Pilot             2LT     Bob ‘Happy’ Harris    1            RFD
Bombardier        2LT     Sig Gryska               1             RFD
Navigator          2LT      Eddie Silber              1            RFD
Engineer:          S/SGT Mel Mazzera              1            RFD
Radio / RW:       S/SGT Joe Grace                 1            RFD
Left Waist:         SGT     Joe ‘ Irish’ Gallagher 1            RFD
Nose Gunner      SGT    Mark Christman         1             RFD
Ball Gunner:      SGT    Hal Spindel                1             RFD
Tail Gunner        SGT   Bill Cox                      1             RFD
Crew Chief SGT Johnny Berardino The Rookie Skill –1
Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures
Bomb Percentage: on-target 60%
Bomber Disposition: SGT Berardino estimates it will take about 4 days to repair the damage.
Bomber Damage:
Right Wing landing gear inop
Tail Plane no effect
Engine #2 out & fire put out
wheels up landing
Peckham Points: 188
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 6

	Me109	Fw190	Me110	Me210	Me410	Ju88C-6	TOTAL
Escort Intercept		1					1
Undamaged		3					3
Damaged		1					1
Probable/Denied
Destroyed		1					1

Casualties:
Claims:
SGT Spindel & SGT Gallagher Fw190 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
Awards:
Promotions:

AAR
Ready to try to get our first mission in since we had to abort right after we took off due to an issue with the fuel transfer system for mission 24.


OUTBOUND
this time we were able to take off and join up with the formation without any problems. The flight to the target area was uneventful, although we could see other aircraft in the formation under attack.

TARGET AREA
as we entered the target area we were attacked by a pair of Fw190’s. They both appeared to be inexperienced pilots, one in a vertical dive misses us wide, and we did enough damage to the other that it broke off the attack without hitting us. Shortly afterwards another pair of Fw190s tried a similar attack with similar results. After we reached the IP and started our bomb run we took a flak hit in the right wing. We found out later that this took out the landing gear. Sig was steady on his bomb run, releasing the bombs on target with the 60% effectiveness rating. Like on the way to the RP was ineffective. As we approach the RP a loan Fw190 tried its luck, Hal and Irish shot it up scoring our first kill.

INBOUND
our fighter escorts met up with us in the vicinity of Craiova, and shortly afterwards ran off a Fw190 that attempted an attack. After that it was quiet until we were in the vicinity of Niksic. There an unknowing German aircraft wild rockets into the formation from our 6. We took the last damage hitting the tail plane for no effect and setting the number 2 engine on fire which we were able to successfully put out.

As we were preparing to land we discovered that the right Wing landing gear was out. After going around and preparing the crew for a rough landing Happy and I were able to bring the aircraft in without any injuries to the crew. But incurring additional damage as a result of the landing.
SGT Berardino estimates it will take about 4 days to repair the damage.


1LT Bob Muncrief, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bob’s Rascals
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-17F All In (Mission #26)

509th BG, 15AF Mission 26 - Mostar, Yugoslavia – Airdrome

MISSION DATE: 29 April 44


Game notes:

Former co-pilot now command pilot and promoted to first lieutenant at the end of this mission, CPT Gill the squadron XO will occasionally fly missions. 2 new crew members replacing those who had completed their 25 missions. Ball Gunner SGT Albert 'Al' Hollingsworth and Left Waist SGT Ernesto 'Big Ernie' Lombardi. A new copilot Co-Pilot 2LT Lewis 'Lew' Riggs, we had 2 random events on this mission but both of them had no effect, aggressive little friends and then ace for a day after all the fighter attacks were done. SGT Hughes failed his promotion role.

AAR
Quite a few changes for this mission, while Capt. Gill is sticking around the squadron as the XO, he has chosen to quit flying regularly and I am now the new command pilot for the All In. And we welcomed 3 new crew members. a new copilot Co-Pilot 2LT Lewis 'Lew' Riggs. Ball Gunner SGT Albert 'Al' Hollingsworth ND Left Waist SGT Ernesto 'Big Ernie' Lombardi. Sgt. Lombardi showed up going by Ernie, but since we already had an Ernie on the crew is now Big Ernie. And he is an appropriate replacement for Moose.

OUTBOUND
We were able to take off without any problems. And had an uneventful trip to the target area.


TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, a pair of Me109 and a Me 210 tried their luck. Our friends from the 14th FG took care of the Me210. Roy and Big Ernie shredded the wing of .the Me109 at our 9 with no sheet observed. Al in the ball turret damaged the other attacking in a vertical climb, it hit us for some superficial damage and broke off the attack. They were followed by an FW 190 which our little friends took care of. None of the flak on the run from the IP to the target was anywhere near us.
Our bomb run was on target and assessed as 60% effective. On the way back to the RP our little friends chased off a pair of me 109’s. Then an unknown aircraft to our rear lobbed rockets into the formation while we could see the bursts, none of them were near us.

INBOUND
Once we were out of the target area he was a routine flight back to the base.
We had smooth landing at Giulia Airfield.
T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after routine overnight repair and maintenance.
Big Ernie and Roy’s claim was approved, giving Big Ernie his first partial kill credit. And with completion of my first mission as a command pilot a promotion to 1LT.


1LT Don Heffner, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
XO 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #23)
509th BG, 15AF Mission 26 - Mostar, Yugoslavia – Airdrome
MISSION DATE: 29 April 44


Game notes: the Crew chief skill level saved a mechanical mishap during takeoff. Five crew members reached 25 missions at the completion of this mission. The 2 NCOs and one officer chose to return to the states, while the 2 officers decided to continue flying in theater for the time being. One wants to stick with the Bama beauty until he reaches 25 missions, and the command pilot wants to fly and tell the copilot has enough experience to take over his command pilot.

AAR
while this was a quiet mission it was an eventful one for the crew since 5 of us reached 25 missions flown. There would’ve been 6 of us if S/SGT Bill Trotter hadn’t been seriously wound her last mission. The next time we takeoff will have 6 crew members with less than 3 missions under their belt.


OUTBOUND
With good weather we were able to take off and join up with the rest of the squadron without any problems. And we had an uneventful flight to the target area. The boys from the 14 FG, provided close escort and nothing much seemed to be getting through.

TARGET AREA
Once we arrived in the target area a pair of Me109’s tried to set up for an attack but were chased off our little friends. It seemed like everyone closed up for an extra tight bombing formation as we were approaching the IP. The flack for the bomb run to the target was ineffective. For his 25th bomb run Johnny was on target and was assessed a 30% effectiveness. Once we were farming up at the RP, unknown enemy aircraft dropped bombs into the formation, fortunately none near us. As we were getting ready to leave the target area an FW 190 try to set up for an attacked and was run off our little friends.

INBOUND
As the formation started home seemed like the formation got a little loose. Other than that, it was an uneventful flight back to base we had a safe landing at Giulia Airfield. T/SGT Patrick said the Bama beauty will be ready after routine overnight maintenance.
With 5 of us reaching 25 missions there’s going to be a lot of turnover in the crew for the next mission. I will be staying until my Co-Pilot 2LT 'Rick’ Goodman has more missions and is ready to move to left seat as pilot. 1LT Pat Tobin says he will be staying at least until the Bama Beauty gets to 25 missions. 1LT Johnny Marcum will go back to states to train new Bombardier’s, S/SGT Harry Kimberlin will go back to states to an admin position, and S/SGT Dave Short will be going back to states to be a DI with basic training unit.

CPT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bob’s Rascals (Mission #2)
509th BG, 15AF Mission 26 - Mostar, Yugoslavia – Airdrome
MISSION DATE: 29 April 44

AAR
An uneventful mission, everything went smoothly except for poor accuracy score for our bombing coverage results. And the boys from the 14th FG right there to keep the few enemy fighters encountered away from us.

OUTBOUND
We were able to take off and join up with the formation without any problems. The flight to the target area was uneventful.

TARGET AREA
As we entered the target area a trio of Me109’s tried their luck and were quickly seen off by our little friends. As we were approaching the IP and FW 190 tried to set up for an attack and was picked off by our little friends. The flak as we made our bomb run was ineffective. Although Sig released on target, the assessment was only 20% effective coverage. As we were on our way to the rally point another FW 190 decided to try its luck and was started by the boys from the 14 FG. Sgt. Berardino says that he’ll have Bob’s Rascals ready to go after routine overnight maintenance.


INBOUND
as we started home we encountered a JU 88 C which I little friends quickly took care of. The rest of the flight home was uneventful with a safe landing at Giulia Airfield.



1LT Bob Muncrief, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bob’s Rascals
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-17G Chute the Works (Mission #2)
509th BG, 15AF Mission 26 - Mostar, Yugoslavia – Airdrome
MISSION DATE: 29 April 44


Game notes: 3 crew members from the spare crew pool this mission, for the bomb run rolled 11, but 3D 6 only summed to 5 and the multiplier was 5. Both of the fighter waves turned out to be a random event role with no random event.

AAR
After our first mission we are already having to use 3 members of the spare crew pool for the next few missions, with 3 of our crew wounded on the first mission we flew. This turned out to be the proverbial milk run that everyone dreams about but rarely experiences.

OUTBOUND
We took off and join the formation without any problems. Trip to the target area was uneventful with the 14 FG providing good escort coverage.


TARGET AREA
Once in the target area the flak we encountered on the run from the IP to the target was ineffective. AK showed some nervousness on the bomb run and while he was on target, we were only assessed as 25% effective. No fighters as we reformed at the RP.

INBOUND
The flight back to base was uneventful. We had a routine landing at Giulia Airfield. S/SGT Schott reports Chute the Works will be ready after routine overnight maintenance.



1LT Les Scarsella, Pilot Commanding
B-17G Chute the Works
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #24)
509th BG, 15AF Mission 27 - Larissa, Greece - Marshalling Yard
MISSION DATE: 2 May 44
MISSION # 27
TARGET: Larissa, Greece - Marshalling Yard
Bombing Altitude: 19,000 feet

AAR
we were Tail End Charlie, for this mission even though we had a lot of inexperienced crewmembers.

OUTBOUND
With good weather we were able to take off and join up with the rest of the squadron without any problems. The flight to the target area was uneventful until we reach the vicinity of Meteora where we were met with the only resistance we encountered this mission. We were engaged by a pair of Me109’s and a FW190. Tommy and the nose turret shot up the engine of the FW 190 for a claim to kill that was denied in review. Kelly and HC shot up a Me109 shooting up the wing with a chute observed as the Plane fell out of sight. Sam did enough damage to the other Me 109 that it missed us and broke off the attack.

TARGET AREA
once we were in the target area no enemy fighters attacked us in the flak was an effective. Despite the worsening weather Lee our new bombardier was on target and assessed as 40% effective. There was no flak and no fighters engaged us as the squadron reformed at the RP and headed home.

INBOUND
the flight back was uneventful with a safe landing at Giulia Airfield
T/SGT Patrick says everything will be ready to go after routine overnight maintenance.



CPT George McQuinn, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bama Beauty
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

AAR


OUTBOUND

We were able to take off and join up with the formation without any problems. The flight to the target area was uneventful until we reached the vicinity of Meteora where we were met with the only resistance we encountered this mission. We were engaged by a pair of Me109s. Hall and Joe shot up the wings of the one at our 1:30 and a chute was observed as it started to fall out of the sky. Mel and Irish put enough holes into the one one at four 9 that it missed us and broke off the attack.



TARGET AREA

NO additional enemy fighters attacked us once we were in the target area. The flak on the run from the IP to the target was ineffective and Sig released on-target assessed as 50% coverage. No fighters were encountered after the bomb run.


INBOUND

The flight home was uneventful with a safe landing at Giulia Airfield. Sgt. Berardino says that he’ll have Bob’s Rascals ready to go after routine overnight maintenance. The review board approved S/SGT Grace & SGT Spindel claim of a Me109.



1LT Bob Muncrief, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Bob’s Rascals
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

AAR

OUTBOUND
We were able to take off without any problems. As forecast when were near Meteora, we encountered some fighter resistance. A Fw190 tried its luck at our 3. Al and Roy put enough holes into its wing and tail that it missed us and broke off the attack.


TARGET AREA
Once we were in the target area we saw no fighter activity, but the weather had turned bad and the target was completely obscured. The flak on the run from the IP to the target was an effective, but with the bad weather Billy was a little late with his bomb release and while he was on target we were assessed as 20% effective. After bombs away no fighters or flak interfered with us as the squadron got organized at the RP.

INBOUND
flight back to the base was uneventful with a safe landing at Giulia Airfield.
T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance.


1LT Don Heffner, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
XO 79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

AAR
We got the word that Charlie would be back on flight status after this mission, and that instead of a copilot from the spare crew pool squadron XO had decided to fly with us as the copilot. More experienced pilots said don’t think of it as anything more than a check ride which didn’t help my nervousness at all.

OUTBOUND
We took off and joined the formation without any problems. The XO perform the copilot duties and other than that didn’t engage in much chit chat. As we neared Meteora we were attacked by a Me109 and a Me110. Paul and JK shot up the 109 with no parachute observed as it spiraled out of sight. AK turned the Me110 into a fireball.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, one of the other bombers was taking evasive action as it was attacked and we had to maneuver to avoid a mid air but were able to maintain our place in the formation. The flak was ineffective and despite the poor weather AK released on target and was assessed as 50% coverage. After bomb release there was no additional flak. After we reach the RP we encountered our most intense fighter resistance. A Me109 made the initial attack at our 9 and Paul managed to do enough damage to it that it broke off the attack without scoring a hit. After that it was a trio of Me109s all coming high. Bernie get the one at 1030 causing it to break off the attack. The one our 12 must of been pretty green as he broke off quickly after Paul dinged him. The final one at our 3 managed to score couple of hits doing superficial damage on his first pass. When he tried re-attack Paul and AK turned him in to a fireball.

INBOUND
The flight back to base was uneventful. We had a routine landing at Giulia Airfield. Once we were at the post mission debriefing the XO complemented me on the crew’s performance and combat discipline. He then thanked the crew for the opportunity to fly with them. S/SGT Schott reports Chute the Works will be ready after routine overnight maintenance.



1LT Les Scarsella, Pilot Commanding
B-17G Chute the Works
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-17F All In (Mission #28)
509th BG, 15AF Mission 28 - Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
Bombing Altitude: 24,000 feet


Game notes:

Bombing effectiveness role was a 2 which meant sum 3D6 and then multiply that by the result of a 1D6. There were 2 random events one after the bomb run which was the tailgunner became an ace for a day, and then on the inbound flight in zone 9 A German captured B-17 shadows your formation. SGT Pyle failed promotion roll.




B-17F All In
Commander 2LT Don Heffner
79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
28 combat missions flown
status RFD
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
Formation: middle
Position: tail

Crew Position Rank Name Combat Missions Flown Awards confirmed Kills Status
Pilot 1LT Don Heffner 17 AM+++,PH RFD
Co-Pilot 2LT Lewis 'Lew' Riggs 3 RFD
Bombardier 2LT Billy Sullivan 14 AM+ RFD
Navigator 2LT Jake Wade 7 AM, PH RFD
Engineer S/SGT Roy Hughes 12 AM+, PH 2.33 RFD
Radio Operator T/SGT Vern Kennedy 23 AM+++,PH 1 RFD
Ball Gunner SGT Albert 'Al' Hollingsworth 3 RFD
Left Waist SGT Ernesto 'Big Ernie' Lombardi 3 0.5 RFD
Right Waist SGT Emil "Hill Billy" Bildilli 7 AM RFD
Tail Gunner SGT Ewald "Ernie" Pyle 15 AM+, PH 2.75 RFD



                                        experence skill modifier level Reroll any result of a Mechanical Failure,
Crew Chief T/SGT Fred Johnson 27 1 Meticulous but all repairs take an extra day.

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 10
                          Me-109 Fw-190 Me-110 Me-210 Me-410 Ju88C-6 TOTAL
Escort Intercept         1           1                                                     2
Undamaged                           2                                                      2
Damaged                               3                                                      3
Probable/Denied                                                                             0
Destroyed                  1            1                   1                                3

Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Results: on-target 42%
Bomber Damage: Superficial Damage
Peckham Points: 1
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Bomber Disposition: Overnight maintenance

Casualties & status:

Claims:
SGT Hollingsworth & SGT Lombardi Me109 Approved = Full Credit Awarded
S/SGT Hughes & T/SGT Kennedy Me210 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
2LT Sullivan Fw190 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded

Awards:
SGT Pyle Air Medal

Promotions:

AAR

OUTBOUND

We were able to take off without any problems and take our position as Tailend Charlie for the squadron. We encountered our first resistance in the vicinity of Targu Jiu. First we think was a JU 88 lobbed rockets into the formation from our 6, they missed us but we could see the flak burst. That was followed by a pair of Me 109’s and a Me 210. Our fighter escorts took care of one of the 109’s. Al and Big Ernie shot up the other Me 109 with no chute observed. Roy and Vern combined to take the wing off the Me 210 sending it out of sight. Finally for FW 190s attacked, with our little friends taking care of one of them. Our gunners managed to hit the other 3 doing enough damage that they all missed and broke off their attacks.

TARGET AREA

Once we were in the target area we encounter more resistance. We are attracted by a trio of FW 190s. In all the confusion our gunners missed 2 of their fighters who in turn missed us and broke off their attacks. Billy managed to dock the 3rd FW 190 out of the sky. He had to scramble to get ready to take over for the bomb run as we hit the IP. In addition we were rocked by Flak doing some superficial damage but he was able to be on target and assessed at 42% coverage. Hike after bomb release was ineffective and no fighters attacked us as we were informed that the RP and started home.

INBOUND

as we started home we observed a B-17 liking the formation strange markings. Our attempts contact it went unanswered and then it disappeared as the formation linked up with her escorts for the trip home. The rest of the flight back to the base was uneventful with a safe landing at Giulia Airfield.

T/SGT Johnson reports that All In will be ready after routine overnight maintenance.


1LT Don Heffner, Pilot Commanding
B-17F All In
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-17G Chute the Works (Mission #4)
509th BG, 15AF Mission 28 - Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
Bombing Altitude: 24,000 feet


Game notes:

Random event lady luck which was used to reroll Zone 8 mechanical failure
Z8 engine #4. MALFUNCTION engine restarts but not at full power (may stay in formation only by jettisoning bomb load);

Chute the WorksChute the Works 79th BS manages to make it back to base with engine out, nose blown off (flak burst in nose section) before bomb run, and other damage. Did not Bomb. CAT-E. Two crew KIA, two wounded.



B-17G Chute the Works
Commander 1LT Leslie 'Les' Scarsella
79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
4 combat missions flown
status CAT-E flak damage BIP in Nose
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
Formation: middle
Position: middle

Crew Position Rank Name Combat Missions Flown Awards Kills
credited Status
Pilot 1LT Leslie 'Les' Scarsella 4 LW-2 weeks
Co-Pilot 2LT Charlie English 2 PH RFD
Bombardier 2LT Alex ‘AK’ Kampouris 4 KIA
Navigator 2LT James 'Jimmy' Outlaw 4 0.5 KIA
Engineer T/SGT Paul Gehrman 4 RFD
Radio Operator T/SGT George ‘Whitey’ Moore 4 RFD
Ball Gunner S/SGT Jake ‘JK’ Mooty 4 RFD
Left Waist SGT Bernard "Bernie" Fleming 4 RFD
Right Waist SGT Warren "Vegas" Crouch 4 RFD
Tail Gunner S/SGT Gus Brittain 4 3.5 LW-5 days

experience skill modifier level
Crew Chief SGT Gene Schott 4 0 Average Joe

Detached/ Convalescing Crew
Crew Position Rank Name Combat Missions Flown Awards confirmed Kills Status

Left Waist SGT Frank McCormick 1 PH RTD on 5/15/44 msn 32
Right Waist SGT Billy ‘Kid’ Myers 1 PH RTD on 5/8/44 msn 29


Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Results: DNB
Bomber Damage:
Right tail plane root hit 25
pilot LW 5
Tail gunner LW 5
Radio gun jammed 10
Radio No Mayday. 10
Control Cables 1 hit 10
RWing #3 engine out 25
Rwing SD 5
Rudder 2xhits 20
SDx3 3
BIP nose 100
Navigator KIA 10
Bombardier KIA 10
Compartment Heat 10
Norden Bombsight 10
Chin turret 20
Navigation equipment inoperable 10
Bomb controls inoperable 10
Oxygen Supply 10
Peckham Points: CAT-E Flak Burst in Nose 308
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Bomber Disposition: CAT-E Flak Burst in Nose
Casualties & status:
1LT Scarsella LW 2 weeks
2LT Kampouris KIA
2LT Outlaw KIA
S/SGT Brittain Lw 5 days
Claims:
SGT Crouch Fw190 Denied - No Credit Awarded
S/SGT Brittain Me410 Approved = Full Credit Awarded
S/SGT Brittain Me109 Approved = Full Credit Awarded
S/SGT Brittain Me109 Approved = Full Credit Awarded

Awards:
1LT Scarsella Purple Heart
2LT Kampouris Purple Heart
2LT Outlaw Purple Heart
S/SGT Brittain Purple Heart

AAR
Provided by Co-Pilot 2LT Charlie English

OUTBOUND
We took off and joined the formation without any problems. The first part of the flight to the target was uneventful until we reached the Bulgaria / Romania border area. Then an unknown enemy fighter launched rockets into the formation from our 6. We could see the bursts but no damage. That was followed by a Fw190 at our 12. Paul didn’t claim any damage but it missed us and broke off the attack.

TARGET AREA
Once in the target area, things got interesting. A pair of Fw190s and a Me410 started things off. Paul dinged the Me410 at our 12, it missed us and Gus finished it off with a passing shot as it went by with a chute observed as the pilot bailed out. AK hit the Fw190 also at our 12 doing enough damage that it missed us and disappeared. Vegas one of our spare crew members shot up the left wing of the second Fw190 at our 3 and saw a chute as it started its’ descent. They were followed by a Fw190 and a pair of Me109s. Paul once again hit the Fw190 at our 12 causing it to miss and break off the attack. Gus in the tail shot the right wing off the Me109 at our 6 with no chute observed. The final Me109 got a free shot attacking in a vertical dive but must have been a green pilot as he missed wide. Things were looking good as we hit the IP and started our bomb run. Then we were rocked by multiple flak bursts. We took a couple near the tail with hit the Right tail plane root hit and hit Gus in the head knocking him out of a few minutes. Another sent shrapnel into the cockpit hitting Les in the hand. The final one burst inside the nose compartment killing AK and Jimmy and blowing the nose section completely away and knocking us out of formation as we fought to regain control. Fortunately that got us out the flak, but we were attacked by a Fw190 at our 12 and a Me109 at 10:30 Low. Paul hit the Fw190 causing it miss and JK did the same to the Me109. After that we were able check on crew status. It took Gus a while to answer groggily but he said he didn’t need help.

INBOUND
As we headed back we were able to do a manual bomb dump and it was clear with the damage we couldn’t keep up with the formation, but we could at least keep altitude to make it easier to get help from our little friends once they showed up. Things were quite (other that the wind noise and cold from the missing nose) until we were approaching the coast near Niksic. We were jumped by four Fw190s and a Me109. Our little friends showed up in time to take care of two of them. Gus shot up the cockpit of the Me109 at our six with no chute observed. Paul damaged the Fw190 also at our 6 causing it to miss and break off the attack. JK hit final Fw190 also at our 6 but it hammered us Taking out our radio (no mayday), two hits on the rudder, knocking our #3 engine, hitting the control cables, a hit to the right wing for no effect, and others hits for superficial damage. It tried a reattack but was unsuccessful.
Once over base Les polled the crew to see who wanted to bail out and who wanted to stay for the landing. Paul said he preferred the odds staying for the landing and Gus said he didn’t want to jump with his head hurting. The rest of the crew agreed so we fired off the flairs for wounded and major damage. Les and I managed to put her down safely, but it was a near thing.
Les was hauled off the surgery, flight surgeon says he will probably loose a finger and need a couple of weeks to recovery before his flight status is known. Gus has some skin scraped off his head and a concussion, 5 days before he is cleared. With the nose gone and all the other damage Chute the Works is done, declared CAT-E and maintenance says we were lucky to make it back.

I plan on recommending Les for a Distinguished Flying Cross for bring a bomber with this level of damage home and landing it safely while having limi9ted use of one hand.

2LT Charlie English, Co-Pilot
B-17G Chute the Works
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF


Award Recommendation for
Crew Members Name: Leslie 'Les' Scarsella
Crew Members Rank: 1LT
Mission Number: 28 - Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
Mission Date: 5 May 1944
Award Requested: Distinguished Flying Cross
Award Paragraph: Why should this crewmen receive this award: While on a mission to Ploesti, Romania 1LT Scarsella’s plane was hit by multiple flak bursts blowing of the nose compartment, damaging other components, wounding crew members including himself in the hand causing loos of a finger and limiting his ability to use that hand. After regaining control of the aircraft he was able to navigate back to base while out of formation and without aid of a navigator. While returning to base his bomber suffered addition damage from fighter attacks including loss of an engine, damage to control cable and other control surfaces. He was able to safely land the aircraft which had sustained enough damage to be completely unrepairable an automatic CAT-E.
Rank and Name Requesting this award:
2LT Charlie English, Co-Pilot
B-17G Chute the Works
79th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[rhreiss]

B-24J Bama Beauty (Mission #25)
509th BG, 15AF Mission 28 - Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
Bombing Altitude: 24,000 feet

Game notes: shot down on what would have been the 25th mission for the Bama Beauty


B-24J Bama Beauty
Commander CPT George McQuinn
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
25 combat missions flown
status crashed ful leak from fighter attacks
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Formation: high
Position: middle

Crew
Position       Rank Name                  Missions Awards                   Kills    Status
Pilot            CPT George McQuinn        28      AM++++, DFC, PH           SW -KIA in crash
Co-Pilot       2LT Ival 'Rick' Goodman     3                                             LW- Escaped
Bombardier 2LT Lee Grissom                2                                             POW
Navigator    1LT Pat Tobin                   27      AM++++                 0.25  POW
Engineer/TT T/SGT Sam Harshaney     24      AM++++, PH           7.66   POW
Radio/ RW   S/SGT Harlond 'HC' Clift     5                                             Escaped
Ball Gunner SGT William 'Gilly' Campbell 3                                            Escaped
Left Waist    SGT Philip 'Phil' Weintraub   2                                            Escaped
Nose Gunner S/SGT Tommy Thompson  21    AM++++                  6.58 Escaped
Tail Gunner   SGT Baxter 'Buck' Jordan    2                                            POW

experence skill modifier level
Crew Chief T/SGT Bob Patrick 27 2 Mechanic

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 6

                Me-109 /Fw-190/Me-110/TOTAL
Escort Intercept 0/0/0/0
Undamaged 2/ 0/ 1/ 3
Damaged 0/ 1/ 0/ 1
Probable/Denied 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
Destroyed 1/ 0/ 1/ 2

Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Results: did not bomb
Bomber Damage: crashed fuel leak fighter damage
Peckham Points: N/A
Landing:
Bomber Disposition: Combat loss
Casualties & status:
CPT McQuinn SW  KIA in crash
2LT Goodman LW Escaped aided by Partisans.
2LT Grissom POW
1LT Tobin POW
T/SGT Harshaney POW
S/SGT Clift Escaped aided by Partisans.
SGT Campbell Escaped aided by Partisans.
SGT Weintraub Escaped aided by Partisans.
S/SGT Thompson Escaped aided by Partisans.
SGT Jordan POW

Claims:
SGT Campbell Me110
SGT Campbell Me109

Awards:
S/SGT Clift Air Medal
CPT McQuinn Purple Heart
2LT Goodman Purple Heart


Interview results with
2LT Goodman , S/SGT Thompson, S/SGT Clift after their successful escape and evasion.

Everyone was in good humor as we took off and started the mission. This was going to be the 25th mission for the Bama Beauty and for a flight engineer T/SGT Harshaney. Despite having flown 27 missions CPT McQuinn and LT Tobin are navigator had stayed to get the Bama Beauty and Sam to 25 missions. They were all looking forward to a final mission together. We joined up with the formation without any problems and had an uneventful flight to the Bulgarian Romanian border area. There we were swarmed by enemy fighters as our escorts had thinned out and none were available to assist us. The first to attacked us was an FW 190. Sam did enough damage to it that it broke off after doing multiple hits for superficial damage. I was followed by 2 Me110s. Sgt. Campbell in the ball turret shot one of them down, and Buck our tailgunner traded shots with the other one, both missing. They were followed by 3 Me109’s. Tommy and the nose turret and Sam in the top turret traded shots with 2 of them and once again everyone missed their targets. Filler left waist gunner dinged the other one but it hammered us shattering CPT McQuinn’s leg, doing light wound to my (Lt Goodman) leg, doing a couple hits for superficial damage and causing the wing fuel tanks to start leaking. When it tried a reattack Sgt. Campbell knocked it out of the sky. After taking a quick assessment of our situation and determining we did not have enough fuel to make it to the target and back, or the Turkey. CPT McQuinn decided to abort the mission try to make it as far as we could over Yugoslavia. We quickly dropped the bombs and made a run for home, but when we were about halfway back over Yugoslavia it was clear that we were out of fuel and CPT McQuinn ordered everyone to bail out. While we offered to help get him out of the aircraft he refused assistance and stayed with the aircraft to hold it steady while the rest of us bailed out. Then we were able to escape capture and  managed to hook up with the partisans and with their assistance make it back to base.