kkirch22

[ChefEd]

B-17G: Angry Ari

Position	Rank / Name
Pilot	1st Lt. Kyle Kirch
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Andrew Walker
Navigator	2nd Lt. Richard "Dick" Roden
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Joe McChesney
Engineer	T/Sgt. Roy Schultz
Radio Operator	Sgt. Eli Stone
Ball Gunner	Sgt. Lais Laifeng
Right Waist	Sgt. Matthew Gabriels
Left Waist	Sgt. Tom Settler
Tail Gunner	Sgt. Ned Green

[kkirch22]

HARDSTAND FOR ANGRY ARI, B-17G-20BO-42-31598:

Aircraft Commander: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch.
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group.
MISSIONS FOR THIS BOMBER: 4

Current Crew:
(Missions Complete) - [Prior kills] - {Stress Points}
Pilot: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch (4) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. William "Bill" Potter (6) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Joe McChesney (4) [0] {1}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Richard "Dick" Roden (4) [0] {1}
Engineer: T/Sgt. Roy Schultz (4) [0] {0}
Radio Operator: S/Sgt. Brent "The Wickster" Wickie (10) [0] {1}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. Lais Laifeng (4) [0] {1}
Port Waist: Sgt. Ralph "Ralphie" Taylor (9) [1] {1}
Starboard Waist: Sgt. Matthew Gabriels (4) [0] {2}
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ned Green (4) [0] {0}

In Hospital:

2nd Lt. Andrew Walker (4) {1}. RFD: 16 APRIL 1944.
Sgt. Tom Settler (3) [0] {1}. RFD: 22 APRIL 1944

Sgt. Eli Stone (1) [0] {0}. RFD: 15 MAY 1944.

Medals:

Sgt. Eli Stone: Purple Heart.

S/Sgt. Brent "The Wickster" Wickie: Air Medal (x2)

Sgt. Tom Settler: Purple Heart

Sgt. Ralph "Ralphie" Taylor: Air Medal, Purple Heart (x2).
2nd Lt. Joe McChesney: Distinguished Flying Cross.

2nd Lt. Andrew Walker: Purple Heart.

[kkirch22]

MISSION 014 STEYR BALL BEARING PLANT DEBRIEF AND AAR FOR ANGRY ARI, B-17G-20BO-42-31598:

Aircraft Commander: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch.
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group.
High Squadron - Middle.
MISSION DATE: March 15, 1944.
MISSION NUMBER: 14 (This bomber: 1).
TARGET: Steyr, Austria – Ball Bearing Plant.
Repairs and Maintanence: NO MECHANICAL FAILURE ROLLS THIS MISSION

Crew:
(Prior missions) - [Prior kills] - {Stress Points}
Pilot: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch (0) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Andrew Walker (0) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Joe McChesney (0) [0] {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Richard "Dick" Roden (0) [0] {1}
Engineer: T/Sgt. Roy Schultz (0) [0] {0}
Radio Operator: Sgt. Eli Stone (0) [0] {1}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. Lais Laifeng (0) [0] {0}
Port Waist: Sgt. Tom Settler (0) [0] {0}
Starboard Waist: Sgt. Matthew Gabriels (0) [0] {0}
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ned Green (0) [0] {0}

Bomb Run: ON, 40%.

Casualties: Eli Stone SW, 8 Weeks.

Crew Chief: Sgt. Geoff Culver (0) (The Rookie).

Damage: 3 Hits. 1x Starboard Wing Superficial, 1x Rudder, 1x Radioroom SW crewman.

Peckham Points: 11, Overnight Repair.

Landing: Safe

Claims: N/A

Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart for Sgt. Eli Stone.

In Hospital: Sgt. Eli Stone (0) [0] {1}. Return to duty 15 MAY 1944.


AFTER ACTION REPORT NARRATIVE:
(Using QotS and Beery's Module.)

Our crew chief did a bang up job getting the bird ready for it's first mission, and she was smooth as butter for start up and take off. Formed up without incident and proceeded towards the target. Uneventful flight over the Adriatic until we crossed over into Yugoslavia, where we encountered some enemy fighters just inside the coast in Zone 6. Luckily an uneventful attack, with the enemy missing on their passes and one of them being damaged by Sgt. Gabriels in the Stbd Waist. We encountered another group of enemy fighters later on in zone 8, however these were chased off by defensive fire within the formation and we were able to continue to the target unhindered. Inbound to the target we encountered no enemy fighter resistance and only medium flak, none of which hit our aircraft.

The bomb run went surprisingly well considering our experience and the poor weather, with nearly half our bombs hitting the target. Will need to buy Joe a beer! After the bomb run we caught some nasty heavy flak and a few rounds punched into the aircraft, causing some light damage to our rudder and starboard wing. Worst of all was a piece that nicked our Radioman, Stone. It was a nasty wound to his abdomen but luckily he was able to stop the bleeding and insisted the rest of the crew remain at their stations and not worry about him for the flight home. Thankfully the trip back to Italy was even more uneventful than the trip to Austria. Despite lacking a radioman and the poor weather over the airbase, we were able to set the bomber down safely and get Stone off to the medical tent.

It was a tense few hours after the mission waiting to hear how his surgery went but it sounds like he pulled through alright, and will be in the Hospital here on base for about 2 months. Thankfully it sounds like he'll be able to return to the squadron, but in the meantime I have a new radioman to track down...

- 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch, 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bomb Group.

[kkirch22]

AAR FOR ANGRY ARI, B-17G-20BO-42-31598

Aircraft Commander: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch.
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group.
Low Squadron - Middle.
MISSION DATE: March 20, 1944.
MISSION NUMBER: 15 (This bomber: 2).
TARGET: Bolzano, Italy – Marshalling Yard.
Repairs and Maintenance: Rolled: 10. NO MECHANICAL FAILURE ROLLS THIS MISSION

Crew:
(Prior missions) - [Prior kills] - {Stress Points}
Pilot: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch (1) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Andrew Walker (1) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Joe McChesney (1) [0] {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Richard "Dick" Roden (1) [0] {0}
Engineer: T/Sgt. Roy Schultz (1) [0] {0}
Radio Operator: S/Sgt. Brent "The Wickster" Wickie (7) [0] {0}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. Lais Laifeng (1) [0] {1}
Port Waist: Sgt. Tom Settler (1) [0] {2}
Starboard Waist: Sgt. Matthew Gabriels (1) [0] {2}
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ned Green (1) [0] {0}

Bomb Run: ON/30%

Casualties: NONE

Crew Chief: Sgt. Geoff Culver (The Rookie).

Damage: NONE!

Peckham Points: 0, Overnight servicing.

Landing: Safe

Claims: N/A

Award/Promotion Requests: N/A

Currently In Hospital: Eli Stone (1) [0] {1}. Return to duty 15 MAY 1944.

AFTER ACTION REPORT NARRATIVE:
(Using QotS with Beery's Module.)

Another great job from Gulliver in keeping the plane in top shape, even though we had two false starts the past week on this mission and some unneeded wear on the airframe. Despite the poor weather, takeoff from base went without a hitch. We proceeded towards the target zone and encountered some enemy fighters over the sea, but the lone 109 who dove in on us at 12 O Clock High was promptly dispatched by our Little Friends. Over zone six we encountered some light and very inaccurate flak, no hits on the bomber thankfully. Over zone 8 is when our luck really seemed to start shining, as two enemy fighter waves jumped the formation and BOTH were chased off by the aerial gunnery of the rest of the 79th before they could even get close to our bomber! Flying in over the target was eerily easy as well with a total lack of fighter cover and not a speck of flak to be seen anywhere. 2nd Lt. McChesney lined us up for a beautiful bomb run and got 30% of our drop on the target despite the mild lack of visibility! After turning around things were still pretty clear, although by now it seems the flak batteries had woken up and started belching into our formation but none of the shells managed to hit us. The way home was nearly as uneventful as the flight there! In zone 6 we were jumped by another flight of enemy aircraft and just like before they were all driven off by the formation before they could close in on us. After that it was a smooth flight back to base and a gentle touchdown on the airfield and off to the debrief. I’m counting myself extremely lucky, I don’t expect to have another mission that easy again for a while and it almost makes me wonder what lady luck has in store for us in the future…

- 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch, 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bomb Group.

[kkirch22]

AAR FOR ANGRY ARI, B-17G-20BO-42-31598:

Aircraft Commander: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch.
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group.
Middle Squadron - Middle.
MISSION DATE: March 22, 1944.
MISSION NUMBER: 16 (This bomber: 3).
TARGET: Verona, Italy - Airdromes.
Repairs and Maintenance: Standard Repairs and Maintenance

Mission Crew:
(Prior missions) - [Prior kills] - {Stress Points}
Pilot: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch (2) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Andrew Walker (2) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Joe McChesney (2) [0] {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Richard "Dick" Roden (2) [0] {1}
Engineer: T/Sgt. Roy Schultz (2) [0] {0}
Radio Operator: S/Sgt. Brent Wickie (8) [0] {1}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. Lais Laifeng (2) [0] {1}
Port Waist: Sgt. Tom Settler (2) [0] {1}
Starboard Waist: Sgt. Matthew Gabriels (2) [0] {2}

Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ned Green (2) [0] {0}

Crew Chief: Sgt. Geoff Culver (-1 Mod.).

Bomb Run: ON/90%

Casualties: Sgt. Tom Settler, Serious Wound. Broken Ribs. RFD: 22 APR 44

Damage: Left Landing Gear Brake out. 2 Superficial Hits.

Peckham Points: 17, Overnight repair.

Landing: Safe at Base.

Claims:
2nd Lt. Joe McChesney: 1x Claim, Full Kill Awarded.
Sgt. Lais Laifeng: 1x Claim, Denied.
Sgt. Ned Green: 1x Claim, Full Kill Awarded.

Award/Promotion Requests:
Sgt. Tom Settler: Purple Heart (Auto Awarded)
2nd Lt. Joe McChesney: Distinguished Flying Cross (Auto Awarded)

Currently In Hospital:
Sgt. Eli Stone. RFD: 15 MAY 44
Sgt. Tom Settler. RFD: 22 APR 44

AFTER ACTION REPORT NARRATIVE:
(Using TfT, Ghost's Simplified/Less Deadly Tables, and Advanced Flak and New Bomb Run Procedures.)

Mission started off exciting with a brief jump on some gauges as we took off, after a moment of panic everything settled down and we coasted the bird into formation. No further mechanical issues arose, and we set out across the Adriatic.

Nothing to report until we got near the coast of Italy. 2 Bf109s jumped the bird from 12 O'Clock, one was chased off by our escort and the second was taken out by Green on a passing shot as he zipped around to our rear. As soon as we were feet dry, some coastal flak batteries put up light but accurate fire. One shell managed to hit our left landing gear and cut the brakes out, which caused some difficulty on landing but was a result much preferable to having a direct engine hit.

Coming over the target zone we once again had an eerily quiet run into the target itself, with sporadic and light flak, none of which hit our aircraft. These guys must have gone to a different school than the coastal gunners! We hit our IP satisfactorily and our cell lead "All In" set up a beautiful and textbook stable run for us! (Note to self, have Sgt. Culver bring 1st Lt. Gill some wine out of my... souvenir collection...) Despite a slightly obscured target, 2nd Lt. McChesney had no issues finding the target and put down a bomb run the likes of which I'd never even heard of, even stateside under perfect training conditions! Reports are saying 90% of his bombs landed on target, and he'll be put in for a DFC for the performance.

Turning around for the rally point, we faced an assault by enemy aircraft and saw further excitement as 2nd Lt. McChesney managed to gun down a fighter coming in for a 12 O Clock attack on the plane, sending the enemy spiraling out of control and in flames. Sgt. Laifeng in the ball turret claims to have shot down an Italian 109 as well, but the review board didn't see it that way sadly. In either case, top notch work from our gunners today kept our plane in good shape despite the more active attacks on us this mission.

Leaving Italy, headed for the coastline we got some more excitement from those Coastal Flak crews who really seemed to be on their damn game today, once again hitting our plane this time with 2 shells. One only caused superficial damage, but the second shell burst near the left waist and sent pieces of shrapnel punching through the aircraft into Sgt. Settler, who only suffered a broken rib thanks to his flak jacket but was still out of action for the remainder of the mission. He's expected to return in a months time.

The rest of the flight home was uneventful, with a few enemy fighter waves showing up but being chased off by defensive fire or friendly fighters before reaching our aircraft. Managed to set the plane down safely despite the failed landing gear brake, and had Sgt. Settler rushed off to the medical tent to have his wounds treated.

2nd Lt. McChesney's outstanding performance today will get him a DFC, but I hope he doesn't let it go to his head. It's still early days in this tour and I fear the crew might become complacent, even despite the injuries we've been taking. Stories from other pilots and squadrons tell me this kind of luck can't be milked forever. In any case, the men will get a few days rest (hopefully) and do some celebrating for the awarded kills and excellent bomb run and we'll be ready for action again whenever we get the call.

- 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch, 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bomb Group.

[kkirch22]

AAR FOR ANGRY ARI, B-17G-20BO-42-31598:

Aircraft Commander: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch.
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group.
High Squadron - Middle.
MISSION DATE: March 26, 1944.
MISSION NUMBER: 17 (This bomber: 4).
TARGET: Skopje, Yugoslavia - Marshalling Yard.
Repairs and Maintenance: Standard Repairs and Maintenance

Mission Crew:
(Prior missions) - [Prior kills] - {Stress Points}
Pilot: 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch (3) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Andrew Walker (3) {1}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Joe McChesney (3) [0] {1}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Richard "Dick" Roden (3) [0] {1}
Engineer: T/Sgt. Roy Schultz (3) [0] {0}
Radio Operator: S/Sgt. Brent Wickie (9) [0] {1}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. Lais Laifeng (3) [0] {1}
Port Waist: Sgt. Ralph Taylor (8) [1] {1}
Starboard Waist: Sgt. Matthew Gabriels (3) [0] {2}

Tail Gunner: Sgt. Ned Green (3) [0] {0}

Crew Chief: Sgt. Geoff Culver (-1 Mod.).

Bomb Run: ON/30%

Casualties:  
2nd Lt. Andrew Walker, Light Wound. Torn Flexor. RFD: 16 APR 44
Sgt. Ralph Taylor, Light Wound. Cut Thigh. RFD: Immediate.


Damage: #2 Engine Out, inboard left fuel tank hit and leaking, 1 right wing root hit, 13 Superficial hits.

Peckham Points: 97, Overnight repair +1 day transfer from Lecce.

Landing: Safe at Lecce Airfield.

Claims:
N/A

Award/Promotion Requests:
2nd Lt. Andrew Walker: Purple Heart (Auto Awarded)
Sgt. Ralph Taylor: Purple Heart (Auto Awarded)
S/Sgt. Brent Wickie: Air Medal (Auto Awarded)

Currently In Hospital:
Sgt. Eli Stone. RFD: 15 MAY 44
2nd Lt. Andrew Walker. RFD: 16 APR 44
Sgt. Tom Settler. RFD: 22 APR 44


AFTER ACTION REPORT NARRATIVE:
(Using TfT, Ghost's Simplified/Less Deadly Tables, and Advanced Flak and New Bomb Run Procedures.)

Takeoff normal, and nothing to report until we reach the target zone where all hell broke loose. The enemy fighters, which hadn't been making passes at our formation but could be seen at the edges suddenly were seen to dart skyward or below the formation. Ralphie got over the intercom "Bad sign. Flak will be up soon." I braced myself for the worst. S-2 said the flak today would be the heaviest we've seen so far. Considering my bar is pretty low after the last few raids, I wasn't exactly excited to see what the worst the Group had seen had to offer. There was a few minutes of eerie silence as the formation turned in and settled onto the bomb run. Then, all at once, storm clouds. Thick black flak puffs seemed to be erupting in every possible inch of sky around the aircraft. Within a matter of seconds it sounded as if a crew of fairies was outside the aircraft pitching fistfuls of nuts and bolts against the air-frame. Each burst we saw seemed to make the plane shudder and shake. I nervously darted my eyes between the cockpit window, craning my head to attempt to see around flak clouds and keep myself in position, and glancing at the instruments to make sure nothing had been punched.

This, I suppose, is where our luck runs out. Scanning the skies ahead of me through the flak, waiting as we creep closer to the target, I see a nightmare unfold. Formation lead "Gingersnap" is out ahead to my right side, guiding our cell. Suddenly a massive flak cloud erupts under the middle of her air-frame, and a great shower of flame and sparks can be seen. The aircraft instantly begins to fall out of formation and later Lais reports seeing the aircraft fall below the formation, enemy tracers streaming into it before turning the aircraft into a burning wreck. Some chutes are spotted, but I am too shocked to say anything. The squadron CO was on that aircraft... What the hell have we got ourselves into? Invadin' Maiden slides gently into the lead aircraft position and takes over for the cell lead but before I can think much more on what I've witness, a massive explosion to my left and below sends my ears ringing. Slightly dazed I look around to find the right side of the cockpit splashed with some blood and hear 2nd Lt. Walker over the radio "Shit! Shit! I'm hit, somewhere in my leg... It doesn't feel too bad though... Holy shit! Check the left wing skipper!" Sure enough, as I glance left my heart nearly jumps out of my throat. The #2 engine is beginning to spit flames! I immediately punch the extinguisher and watch the fire choke out of life. No sooner than the prop is feathered does the aircraft shake violently again, this time from a hit on the right side wing root reported by the Top Turret gunner. By this time we've made it over the target and McChesney works his magic, despite the heavy flak and shells knocking the aircraft around he still manages to drop some bombs on target! Only 30% sure, but given the circumstances I would have been happy to get those damn things out of my bombay with 0% accuracy.

The formation begins its turn back and a final barrage of flak is sent into the formation. This one shakes the aircraft just as bad as the first, and punches a hole through our left inboard fuel tank that fails to seal. A piece of shrapnel flying through the waist manages to hit our new replacement Ralphie as well, but does only superficial damage to his thigh and he's able to patch himself up. With the amount of fuel being lost, even with Schultz working full time on the transfer pumps we'd be hard pressed to make it to Giulia even on a straight run, so the emergency secondary airfield at Lecce is selected. Due to the circuitous route taken by the formation for this mission, if we want to land at Lecce we would have to leave the formation to do so. With a quick report to the cell that we will be attempting a solo return we are given well wishes and good-lucks and I turn the bomber on a heading more or less direct to Lecce. The return flight home is more disturbing than dangerous. A couple lone fighters jump us, but their half-hearted attempts at passes result in nothing but misses and them pulling away. Our gunners did their best but were unable to land anything but a disabling shot on a 110. By the time we reach Lecce the aircraft is damn near running on fumes, and I'm in no hurry to keep us airborne any longer than needed. As soon as I see the italian coast I begin to drop the aircraft out of the scattered clouds and into the safe confines of a US airbase. The landing was smooth thankfully, and the wounded crewmen including my copilot were sent out by ambulance to the aid tent.

Ralphie will be back in action right away and can catch the flight back to Giulia with us, but Walker will stay here for a few days recovering and be sent back up to the base after a few weeks. I hope S-1 doesnt mind all the replacements we've been needing... The loss of our CO will no doubt have mood around the squadron low when we get back to base, although I didnt know the Major very well, I know by the quality of the squadron that he was a high caliber officer and will be missed. I sincerely hope he was able to find his way into the arms of some partisans or at least a camp. Anything must be better than burning to death at 20K+ feet...

The men will rest here tonight while the base mechanics get our aircraft in flying order, which should thankfully only take the night. In the morning we'll set out for Giulia and rejoin the boys at base for a hopefully much less eventful mission #5 for our crew, and finally ditch our "Replacements" status.

- 1st Lt. Kyle Kirch, 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bomb Group.