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Post by limburger59 on May 4, 2024 13:33:02 GMT -8
to post To unlock 21 July 24 Turn in AAR's no later than 3 Aug 24 Next mission to post 2 Aug 24
MISSION DATE: 29 April 44 MISSION # 26TARGET: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet Briefing: Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 79th SQDN |
| MID | 80th SQDN |
| LOW | 78th SQDN | LEAD: | Fortunate Sons |
| LEAD: | Old Shep |
| LEAD: | Laid Back Lady | TAIL: | Beach Bum |
| TAIL: | Sunny Side Up
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| TAIL: | Sorcorer’s Apprentice
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WEATHER:
Takeoff: Good Target: Good Landing: Good GAZETTEERZone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | Good | 3 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | Good
| TARGET ZONE 4 Yugoslavia FLAK: Outbound: Light x3 Inbound: None | 0 | 50% Clouds/Moderate Target: Slightly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually
| Good
| 3 Adriatic Sea | -2 | 50% Clouds / Light
| Good
| 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None
| Good
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Shot Down: Over Water (if you didn't drown): Zones 2 to 3: you are rescued by the Royal Navy Over Land: If you have to bailout over Yugoslavia roll 1d6 for each surviving Crew member. 1-4 POW. 5-6 Escaped aided by Partisans. Escaped aided by Partisans: Two options: 1) Historical Option: When you return to Italy, your wounds will be treated, you will be debriefed and you will be sent back to the US. You know too much about the partisan locations, resources and operations. 2) Game Option: If you are really attached to a crewman, roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to the 509th. Calendar since last Mission:24-Apr-44 Mission 25 Ploesti, Romania - Romano/Americano Oil Refinery - Last Mission of the First Campaign 25-Apr-44 Practicing Formation Flying 26-Apr-44 Practice Cancelled by Bad Weather 27-Apr-44 Practice Cancelled by Bad Weather 28-Apr-44 Non-Operational Day 29-Apr-44 Mission 26 - Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 10, 2024 13:34:15 GMT -8
“After Ploesti, this is a blessedly short hop,” begins Maj Harlan Beech, 509th S2. “If the deception plan that Maj Stockwell will explain in a moment works, you shouldn’t run into any resistance until you reach the target. Of course, given the target is an airfield, you can expect the fighters based there to defend it vigorously. They’ll probably chase you back over the Adriatic on your way home.”
“Ammunition continues to be a problem for Jerry. This means flak is expected to be light on target ingress, with little ammuniton being expended once you’ve hit the target.”
“Metro is forecasting good weather for the entire mission profile with nothing heavier than 5/10 cloud cover.”
“Your escort for this mission will be our old friends from the 14th FG, flying P-38 Lightnings.”
“As I said, this is a short hop. There aren’t any alternate airfields if you run into trouble, though the RN will be on Lifeguard duty in the Adriatic. If you run into trouble over Yugoslavia, remember, much of it is under the effective control of the partisans and we don’t want to upset them. So, do not jettison your bombs over land, except for the target that is.” Maj Beech smiles.
“While our allies, the partisans may have different political views from us. Don’t engage in any activity that might create bad feelings. And of course, if you fall into German hands…”
“Remember the Geneva Conventions and the Fighting Man’s Code,” echoes the room.
Stepping up to the podium, 509th S3, Maj William Stockwell begins, “I want to echo Maj Beech’s warning about not bombing our allies. The life you save may well be your own.”
“As the S2 mentioned, there is a deception component to this mission. Your initial route is designed to make it look like you’re heading for the cluster of airfields in Hungary. This should make the Luftwaffe wait and martial their forces to attack when you’re further inland.”
“But, you won’t be going further inland. Just north of Brac,” SSgt Dewbury taps the city on the island on the big wall map, “You’ll turn to a heading of 880 true and make your run for Mostar. This should leave the only available defenders the aircraft stationed there. You’ll be bombing from Angles 20.”
“There being no need to deceive the enemy about your destination after bombing the target, you’ll make a beeline straight for Giulia.”
Closing his folder, Maj Stockwell adds, “We’ve got the Nazis on the run. Now lets clear them from the skies.”
“GIVE ‘EM HELL!” fills the briefing hall.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 211
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Post by tomt1999 on Jul 11, 2024 10:20:50 GMT -8
80th Bombardment Squadron Mission 26 Position Assignments
LEAD Old Shep TAIL Sunny Side Up
MARZ
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 17, 2024 14:39:40 GMT -8
For the 78th, for Mission 26 Lead: Laid Back Lady (crushedhat) Tail: Sorcorer’s Apprentice (Grondeaux) Garfield, Paul, Maj, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron (OOC - if assigned Lead or Tail, please submit your mission early in case someone else needs to take over those positions.)
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jul 18, 2024 17:53:45 GMT -8
For the 79th Squadron flying Mission 26
Lead will be Fortunate Sons. Tail will be Beach Bum
I will be flying with you today and I don't want to have to repack my parachute. SO, stay in formation, hit the target, and watch out for fighters.
Major Robinson
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 647
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Post by ChefEd on Jul 20, 2024 10:24:17 GMT -8
B-17G Sunny Side Up B-17G-20BO-42-31473 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Middle Aircraft Position: TEC Mission Date: 29 APR 1944 Mission Number: 26 This Aircraft: 10 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia, Airdrome CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 2nd Lt Mylo Boyle | 10 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Jaiden Frye | 10 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Abdullah Kane | 10 | 4.33 | AM+ | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Braxton MacAulay | 1 | 0 |
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| Engineer | S/Sgt Magnus Matthews | 10 | 3 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Radio Op | T/Sgt Gael Deadmon | 10 | 0 | AM+ | RTD | 1 | Rt Waist | T/3rd Blake Stanton | 10 | 1 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Nigel Harrell | 10 | 2.83 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Left Waist | T/4th Erik Templeton | 10 | 0.5 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Miles Rowland | 10 | 3.5 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 22 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %Casualties: None Damage: Superficial 2X Peckham Points: 4 Peckham Points, One (1) Day(s) to repair Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft: Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: None Awards: Air MedalPilot 2nd Lt Mylo Boyle, 2nd Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Jaiden Frye, 2nd Navigator/NT 2nd Lt Abdullah Kane, 2nd Engineer S/Sgt Magnus Matthews, 2nd Radio Op T/Sgt Gael Deadmon, 2nd Right Waist T/3rd Blake Stanton, 2nd Ball Turret T/3rd Nigel Harrell, 2nd Left Waist T/4th Erik Templeton, 2nd Tail Gunner T/3rd Miles Rowland, 2nd Promotions: Left Waist T/4th Erik Templeton to T/3rd AFTER ACTION REPORTExcept for rockets being lobbed through the formation, our only direct contact with the enemy were some minor scratches from flak on ingress to the target. Our rookie bombardier was able to put 30% on target, despite the buffeting we took from the flak. Kudos to our escorts and fellow bomber crews for keeping the enemy at bay. Submitted by, 2Lt Mylo Boyle, Pilot B-17G Sunny Side Up 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 284
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Post by rhreiss on Jul 20, 2024 13:00:05 GMT -8
AAR Quite a few changes for this mission, while Capt. Gill is sticking around the squadron as the XO, is 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
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 284
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Post by rhreiss on Jul 20, 2024 14:07:58 GMT -8
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
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 20, 2024 15:42:47 GMT -8
B24D: Laid Back Lady LLS Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group MISSION DATE: 29 Apr 44 MISSION NBR. 26/This Bomber 24 TARGET: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome SECONDARY TARGET: POSITION: Low Squadron, Lead
Crew Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield, (24) [0] LC LC Co-Pilot: 1LT Elliott Peterson, (24) [0] LC Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (24) [8 1/2] LC # Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison, (23) [5 1/6] LC # Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton, (23) [37 5/6] LC LC *## Radio Operator: SSgt Daniel (Danny) Garson, (24) [0] LC Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt Joseph (Joe) Blaston, (24) [18 5/6] LC LC Port Waist Gunner: SSgt Peter Carson, (24) [7 2/3] LC Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz (2) [1 1/2] # Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard, (24) [24 5/6] LC LC * * = 1 Kill This Mission # = Shared Kill This Mission
Fighters Encountered: Fw 190 5=2 KIA, 3 to P-38 (1 Ae, 1 Green) Me 109 3=2 KIA, 1 to P-38 (1 Ace, 1 Green) 8
Claims: Only credited kills reported here Navigator: Navigator: 1LT Bruce Ellison: ½ Me 109 Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: 2 ½ Me 109 Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt Allen Wentz: ½ Me 109 Tail Gunner: SSgt Douglas (Doug), Richard: ½ Fw 190
Bomb Run: On Target, 20%
B-24 Damage: Suit Heat System: Mechanical Failure (10), Rt Wing Root x1 (20) = 30 Peckham Points, AC ready 30 Apr 44. Peckham Points: 30 Peckham Points, AC ready 30 Apr 44.
Casualties: None
Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia
Awards/Promotion Requests: Engineer: MSgt Michael Newton: Mention for achieving Qui9ntuple Ace status with 25 confirmed KIA.
Sitting Out: None
In Hospital: None
Completed 25 Missions: None
After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“Major. It’s getting’ kinda cold back here,” tail gunner SSgt Doug Richard informs Maj Paul Garfiled.
“Here too,” both SSgt Pete Carson and Sgt Allen Wentz, the two waist gunners chime in.”
“Me too,” adds SSgt Jope Blaston in the ball turret.
MSgt Micheal Newton drops down out of the top turret to check the situation out. A minute later he’s at Garfield’s shoulder. “The suit heat system’s gone down.”
Getting on the intercom, Maj Garfield informs the crew, “Looks like the gremlins have gnawed their way through the heat lines. “We’ll stick with the formation till we’ve cleared the coast and any pursuing fighters, then drop to a warmer altitude.”
Takeoff and assembly went well and we took up our position at the head of the low squadron. Things remained quiet and once over Brac we turned for the target.
As we hit the IP (Zone 4) the boys in the back half of the plane started to complain about being cold. MSgt Newton checked things out and determined the suit heat system had failed. I promised the crew we’d drop to warmer temps once the threat of enemy fighters was over.
We didn’t face nay enemy fighters on target ingress, but the Flak though light, was accurate. The right wing root took a hit. 1LT Martell put 20% of payload on the airfield itself. While there was no flak on target egress, there were plenty of enemy fighters, three waves attacking. First in was a trio of 190s and a 109. The Lightnings chased off tow bandits and we flamed the other two, though 1LT Ellison reported the right check gun jamming. Next up were a 190 and a 109. Again we split the job of sweeping the skies clean with the 14th FG. The third wave was repeat of the second, with the same results.
We headed out over the Adriatic (Zone 3), but no EA bothered us and so I informed the formation we were dropping below Angles 10. Someone else would have to take over the lead. Able to shed his gloves, 1LT Ellison managed to unjam the left cheek gun (Zone 2), even though it was no longer needed.
We returned to Giulia on our own. I have instructed TSgt Mason to thoroughly go over the heat system before our next mission, although Lady is the only D model still regularly flying misisons. Also, the Gunnery Review Board has bestowed Quintuple Ace status on MSgt Newton, an achievement worthy of mention.
Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding B24D Laid Back Lady 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
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kageyone
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 148
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Post by kageyone on Jul 20, 2024 18:42:15 GMT -8
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kageyone
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 148
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Post by kageyone on Jul 20, 2024 19:13:21 GMT -8
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 343
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Post by mpgutis on Jul 21, 2024 3:25:01 GMT -8
Mission date: 29 April 44 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Aerodrome Mission/Bomber: 26/12 B-17G The A Train 80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force Formation: Middle Squadron Position: Middle
Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards Pilot: 1LT Dirk Ellington (12) (-) PH, AM x2 Co-Pilot: 2LT Edward Reese (12) (-) AM x2 Bombardier: 2LT Reed Williams (12) (2.75) DFC, AM x2 Navigator: 2LT Mark Ventura (12) (1.83) PH x2, AM x2 Engineer: SSG Stanley Ruzinski (12) (4.25) PH, AM x2 Radio Operator: SGT Fred Conway (12) (0.5) AM x2 Ball Gunner: SGT Malcolm Kovacs (12) (1.66) AM x2 Port Waist Gun: SGT Randy Peterman (12) (1.0) PH, AM x2 Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Vincent Meoli (12) (2.5) PHx3, AM x2 Tail Gun: SGT Sheldon Thomas (12) (3.41) AM x2
Bombing: On target, 50%
Damage: None
Casualties: None
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Destroyed / Credited None
Awards: None
Flown with TFT
After the horror that had been the mission to Ploesti, it was a pleasure having both a short mission and one that was a milk run. As it turned out, the only times our machine guns were fired was to test them.
Takeoff was in the clear but the engines seemed to be not providing as much power as normal and while we got off the runway, we used up almost all of it. Assembly went well.
Zones 2 - 3: Nothing to report.
Zone 4 (Target): Three FW-190s attempted to take runs at us but all were intercepted by the Lightnings. Flak was light and missed us entirely. The bomb run went well and we put an estimated 50% in the box.
Zone 4 (Inbound): Flak abated entirely and we picked up no enemy aircraft post-strike.
Zone 3: An Me-109 took a run but was intercepted.
Zone 2: Nothing to report.
Landing went without a problem and another mission was in the books.
Dirk Ellington, 1LT Aircraft Commander, The A Train 80th Bombardment Squadron
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Post by medic1 on Jul 21, 2024 5:31:22 GMT -8
B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507 Pilot: 1st Lt Ted Masini Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force High Squadron: Middle Mission Date: 29 April 44 Mission Number: 026 Missions This Bomber: 1 Target: Ploesti, Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome
Crew/Position/Rank | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress Points | Status | Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici | 17 | 2.5 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | PSW Sgt Noreno Costa | 17 | 1 | 0 | 1 | RTD | SWG Sgt Tim Walton | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | TG Sgt Mark Riley | 16 | 4 | 0 | 1 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 40% B-17 Damage: 0 Hits Peckham Points: 0 Repair Time: Routine Maintenance Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier) Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Bf-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Bf-110 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | IAR-80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
Confirmed Claims: 1 S/Sgt Dan Lansky 1 x Fw-190 Casualties: 0 Stress Points after mission: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: 0 Promotion Review: 0
After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules) Zone 1: A new plane with a mostly new crew, and my first mission in the left seat. We took off on time and without any issues and formed up. Zone 2-3: Nothing to report. Zone 4: As we approached the IP, two 109 targeted us but our escorts had other ideas and ran them both off. The flak started up but it was light and inaccurate, not causing a problem for Kellici who dropped for 40%.
INBOUND
There was a lack of flak which gave more time for fighters to do their work, and we faced off against three waves. The first wave saw a single 190 high above us who appeared to be lining us up to drop a bomb but he fell to a P-38.
A second wave had three 190 and two were engaged by our little friends while the third fighter was shot down by Kelliki (denied that interrogation).
In the third wave there were five 190. Our escorts were highly effective and all over the sky engaging enemy fighters, driving off three of our would be at attackers. Our new engineer, Lansky scored his first victory on his first mission as he shredded the canopy of a 190 at 7:30 high, the fighter spiraling out of control towards the Earth. Zone 3-2: Nothing to report. Zone 1: We affected a textbook landing and made our way to our hard stand.
This was a milk run, thanks to the fine work of the 14th FG. Our new bird Sunday Punch came home unscratched, we hit the target and one of our new gunners scored his first victory. All in all, a good day.
1st Lt Ted Masini, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Post by medic1 on Jul 21, 2024 5:37:05 GMT -8
B-24J THE GRIM REAPER (B24J-CF-42-100404)Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron Low Squadron: Middle Mission Date: 29 April 1944 Mission Number: 026 Mission This Bomber: 04 Mission Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister | 16 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon | 14 | 4.5 | 0 | 2 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne | 15 | 0 | 0 | 3 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison | 15 | 5.5 | 1 | 0 | RTD | PWG Sgt Phil Merrick | 12 | .5 | 0 | 0 | RTD | SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Larry Sharp | 12 | 7 | 0 | 0 | SW |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 20% B-24 Damage: 11 Hits Superficial x 1 (2) Port Wing x 2 -superficial (2) -flap inop (10) Starboard Wing x 4 -superficial x 2 (4) -#3 engine oil tank fire, two fire extinguishers, out & feathered (115) -#3 engine N/E (15) Bomb Bay x 2 -superficial (2) -life rafts (10) Tail x 2 -gunner SW (5) -oxygen N/E (5) Peckham Points: 170 Repair Time: 3 days
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod) Landing: SafeE/A TYPE | ENCOUNTERED | DESTROYED | PROBABLE | DAMAGED | INTERCEPTED | Bf-109 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Bf-110 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-205 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | G-50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 15 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 10 |
Confirmed Claims: 2 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood 1 x Fw-190 Sgt Mark Harrison 1 x Fw-190 Casualties: 1 Sgt Larry Sharp, SW – Broken scapula. Hospital. RTD 10 June 44 Award/ Promotions Requests: PH Sgt Larry Sharp OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) 1st Lt Jerry Burch OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Bill Payne OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) Sgt Mark Harrison OLC to AM (2nd Awarded) Sgt Larry Sharp Promotion Reviews: S/Sgt Bill Payne hX1crqa|1-6 Sgt Mark Harrison 1-6 Sgt Larry Sharp 1-6 Stress Points this Mission: 10 Entire crew Mission Notes:
After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules): Zone 1: Beautiful weather promised a beautiful day and we took off in the wild blue yonder to form up. Zone 2-3: Nothing to report. Zone 4: Once in the target zone the 14th FG proved they were on the ball as they chased off a diving 190.
The flak was light and inaccurate, and we dropped for 20%, somewhat disappointing.
INBOUND
The absence of flak gave the fighters more time to rip through the squadron, and we were picked on by three waves.
First wave: Two 109 and a 110 that were all chased off by P-38s. Second wave: Four 190, with three of them flown by obviously green pilots. Our escorts chased off two to cut the odds in half. Harrison in the ball turret placed some accurate fire into one at 12 low hitting the fighter’s engine and canopy area. It fell towards the Earth trailing heavy black smoke. Dillon in the top turret shot down the other at 12 level (denied that interrogation). Third wave: Four 190 with our little friends chasing off three of them. Lockwood hammered the remaining fighter at 12 high, ripping a wing off. Zone 3: Three 190 appeared with one an ace. A P-38 tangled with the ace leaving one at 6 high and another at 9 low. Harrison pumped some accurate fire into the 9:00, shooting him down (denied at interrogation), but the Krauts return fire before he dropped did a lot of damage, knocking out the number three engine, setting it’s oil tank on fire which we needed two extinguishers to get under control, destroying our life rafts, a hit to our oxygen system which continue to function, and severely wounding tail gunner Sharp, breaking his shoulder blade.
The 6:00 o'clock fighter walked hits along both wings rendering the left wing flapping operable. Zone 2: Nothing to report. Zone 1: Approaching Giulia, because the #3 engine was out, we had no hydraulics and I had Dillon use the hand crank to drop the landing gear. The lack of brakes were a concern as well as the lack of flaps there was a slight response to both but not enough to make anyone feel very comfortable. I ordered the crew to rig up parachutes to slow us down on landing. We fired off red and yellow flares and everyone assumed crossed positions.
"Dillon. Start cranking the gear down. Hank - Get me all the flaps you can." Burch remembered hearing a story during training. "Merrick! Tarallo! Tie your chute harnesses to the gun mounts. As soon as we touch all wheels down - and I mean that instant, pull the ripcords. Then get your asses into crash positions." McAlister was furiously working the hand pump to lower the flaps. "Kind of ironic to survive 15 missions only to die in a landing accident, don't you think?" "Shut up, Hank." "Nothing like going out in a blaze of glory. You know that without brakes we could roll forever, right?" "Didn't I just tell you to shut up? Merrick. Tarallo. Remember - pull the chute cords AS SOON as we touch down!" Tarallo checked his lashings of his parachute harness. "Say, Phil. Did I ever thank you guys for picking me for permanent assignment to this crew?" "I accept your humble thanks." Merrick said grimly as he finished checking over his. Harrison moved passed them to help Sharp to get them both in crash position. "Care to bet on our survival?" Harrison asked. "I'll give odds of 3-1 against." "That good?" In the nose Lockwood activated the bomb bay doors to vent any gas build up and then braced himself as best as he could with Towns. Dillon confirmed that the wheels were down and locked. Prepared the best they could, Burch and McAlister set down. The wheels touched and the lashed down parachutes were deployed. "Shut her down!" Burch cried as he started to cut every switch he could reach followed by McAlister just as frantically following suit. They shut down the engines and worked the rudders. They chewed up a lot of the 6,000 foot runway, but the bomber started to slow down and they were able to turn off to a taxi strip and finally rolled to a stop. Everything on board was quiet. Then the crew cheered loudly
The landing was a bit dicey, but we didn’t crack up. The ambulance rushed Sharp off to the hospital and the word is that he will be out 6 weeks. The doctor said he was extremely lucky as the operation was touch and go there for a bit and at one point he thought that he would have to send Sharp home. But the doctor’s skills were able to repair the damage to the point that he was confident Sharp will make a full recovery and return to us after some time in the hospital where he’ll concentrate on bagging a nurse instead of enemy fighters
The ground crew will have the work cut out for them as the Grim Reaper needs about three days of hard work to get her back to flying duty
1st Lt Jerry Burch, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF
1-6·1-6·1-6
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 284
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Post by rhreiss on Jul 21, 2024 7:34:32 GMT -8
AARwhile 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
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 284
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Post by rhreiss on Jul 21, 2024 8:12:09 GMT -8
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
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Post by caodwolf on Jul 21, 2024 8:46:21 GMT -8
B-17G: Honey Bun Pilot: 1Lt. B. Pease Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 29-April-1944 Mission No.: 26 Mission this Bomber: 1 Target for Today: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome Squadron Position: Mission Cell Leader Result: On-Target: 30% Our new B-17G still had that factory floor smell as we lifted off on her first combat sortie, as Mission Cell Leader. All the action was centered around Mostar where German resistance stiffened. Most were driven away and others engaged. Flak was very light. Lt Tharpe the Bombardier assumed control guiding us to the target. A moment later the Ball Turret gunner squawks the squadron has dropped their bombs but we haven't. Immediately Lt Labelle manning the cheek guns checks and finds Tharpe passed out. Quickly he releases the bombs and the bomber lurches upward.
Joined by the Engineer they revive Tharpe with portable oxygen while they unclog his hose line. This is done while we prepare for another combat round.
Bombs were still dropped on target thanks for the quick action of the crew. A C-205 snuck in and damaged the control cables but that was it.
Landed back at base.
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | B. Pease | 25 | --- | --- | AM, PH | OK-25th | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | J. Boyer | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | A. Tharpe | 11 | --- | 2 | AM, PH | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | J. Labelle | 2 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | S/Sgt | G. Burdash | 25 | --- | 6 | AM, ACE | OK-25th | Radio Op | S/Sgt | K. Whitmore | 14 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Port Waist | S/Sgt | J Dix | 4 | --- | --- |
| OK | Stbd Waist | S/Sgt | H. Dowdy | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | S/Sgt | M. Lesjack | 18 | --- | 4 1/2 | AM | OK | Tail Turret | S/Sgt | K. Taylor | 11 | --- | 1 | AM | OK |
HOSPITAL S/Sgt W Comerota RTD: 15-May S/Sgt J Shoemaker RTD: 1-May 2Lt J Pate RTD: 1-June 2Lt M Yezzi RTD: 15-May 2Lt D Diluzio RTD: 1-May-1944
KIA
NoneWIANone
25th Mission
1Lt. B. Pease S/Sgt G. Burdash
Awards
DFC
1Lt. B. Pease
S/Sgt G. Burdash
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | ME-109 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | --- | FW-190 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 1 | --- | C-205 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 14 | 7 | 6 | 3 | ---- |
B-17G Damage: * 20 *
-Control cable hit -Ox Line froze
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Post by royalblue on Jul 21, 2024 9:35:30 GMT -8
B-17G - Northern Queen80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force
Pilot: 1Lt William Rose Mission Date: 29 April 1944 Mission: 26 Previous Missions in Bomber: 0 Target: Mostar, Yogslavia Target Type: Airdrome
Formation: Middle Position: Middle CREWPosition | Rank/Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt William Rose
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD | Co-Pilot | 2Lt Nelson Clark
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD | Bombardier | 2Lt Philip Blair
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD | Navigator | 2Lt Louis Clement
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD | Engineer | T/Sgt Thomas Franklin
| 1
| 2 | 2 | -
| RTD | Radio Op. | S/Sgt Samuel Holland
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD | Ball Gunner | Sgt Felix Silva
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD
| Port WG | Sgt Leonard Kuiper
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD
| Starboard WG | Sgt Martin Owens
| 1
| 1 | 1
| -
| RTD | Tail Gunner | Sgt Maks Marchenko
| 1
| 0
| 0
| -
| RTD
|
Bomb Run: On target - 60%
Enemy Aircraft:
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 3
| 2
| 1
| 0
| Bf-109 | 2
| 0
| 2
| 0
| Me-110
| 1
| 1
| 0
| 0
| Total | 6
| 3
| 3
| 0
|
Claims:
- T/Sgt Franklin, x1 Bf-109, x1 Fw-190
- Sgt Owens, x1 Bf-109
Damage:- Superficial x1
- Pilot compartment flap controls inoperable Peckham Points: 11 - Repaired overnight. Casualties: - N/A
Awards:
- N/A After-Action Report: OUTBOUND
Takeoff/Zone 1: Easy takeoff. Zone 2-3: Nothing to report. Zone 4/Target: Over the target we were greeted by a pair of 109s and a 190. Our little friends got to the 190 first, but both 109s came in close enough to take a swing at us. We traded blows with one from our 1:30 level and came away from it with some shot-up flap controls. His wing-man wasn't so lucky though, and T/Sgt Franklin managed to bring him down from our 3 level. When the first one came around again some concentrated fire from both Frank and our Starboard Waist Gunner, Sgt Owens, forced him to bail before he could hit us again. Once the enemy fighters had cleared the skies the flak started up. I'll be honest, it was a bit nerve-racking that first time, but we made it over the target unscathed. 2Lt Blair landed a solid 60% of our ordnance on the airdrome; an impressive first run if I may say so myself.
INBOUND Target/Zone 4: As we turned for home the enemy made one last halfhearted attempt to stop us, and I really have to hand it to the boys from the 14th, as our fighter cover took down all but a singular 190 that tried to approach us. Fortunately T/Sgt Franklin was able to make short work of him and we made it out otherwise unbothered.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report. Zone 1/Landing: Shortly before landing I noticed our intercom system had gone out. Fortunately it happened late enough in the mission that it didn't hinder our performance, but I am inclined to believe it was the result of a mechanical failure and not enemy action so it seems I will have to keep a closer eye on our mechanics than I would have hoped. As for the landing, our inoperable flap controls made it a little rough but with no other damage to the plane we were able to land without more than a little extra sweat and a few bumps.
All in all I'm proud of my crew's first performance. The boys of the Northern Queen acquitted themselves well today. Some of the more experienced crews have already told us this was as much of a milk run as they come, but either way I think we're ready for whatever the Germans can throw at us next time.
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Post by Grondeaux on Jul 21, 2024 13:12:10 GMT -8
B-24J-135-CO 42-110107 Sorcerer’s Apprentice78th Bombardment Squadron Bomber Position: Low squadron, TEC Mission Date: 29 April 1944 Mission #: 26 Aircraft Mission #: 6 Target: Airdrome, Mostar, Yugoslavia Crew at Mission StartPosition | Rank | Name | Missions | Credits | Stress | Awards | Notes | Pilot | 1LT
| John Kane
| 5 |
| 2 | AM |
| Copilot | 2LT
| Ralph Emerson
| 5 |
| 0 | AM |
| Bombardier | 2LT | Jasper Johns | 5 |
| 1 | DFC, AM | | Navigator | 2LT | Louis Clark
| 5 |
| 0 | AM | | Nose Turret Gunner | SGT | Desmond Dekker | 0 |
| 0 |
|
| Flight Engineer | TSGT | Colin Ferguson
| 5 | 1 | 1 | AM |
| Ball Turret Gunner | SGT | Guido Scarponi | 5 |
| 1 | AM |
| Left Waist Gunner | SGT | Herman Holt | 3 |
| 0 |
| Replacement | Right Waist Gunner | SSGT | Kevin McNamara
| 4 |
| 0 | PH |
| Tail Turret Gunner | SGT | Jerome Wright
| 4 |
| 1 |
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Crew Chief: SGT Gary Woods (35 skill points; roll every even-numbered zone) Bomb Run: On target, 30% Casualties: 1LT John Kane: ruptured stomach/spleen (KIA) SGT Herman Holt: broken rib, inflamed lung (SW) SSGT Kevin McNamara: torn lt. deltoid (LW) Attackers: 17Type | Spotted | Destroyed | Damaged | Driven Off by Escort | ME-109 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 | FW-190 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 1 | ME-210 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | ME-410 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Claims: TSGT Colin Ferguson: 1 x ME-109 SGT Jerome Wright: 1 x ME-109 Credits: TSGT Colin Ferguson: ½ x ME-109 Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal for completing five missions: SSGT Kevin McNamara, SGT Jerome Wright In Hospital/Recovery: SGT Herman Holt, RTD 26 June SSGT Kevin McNamara, RTD 7 May Aircraft Damage: 67 Peckham points (left waist heat, 1 x KIA, 1 x serious wound, 1 x light wound, 20 x superficial). Aircraft ready 30 April. AFTER ACTION REPORT – Using TFT (Variants used: TFT Axis Fighter Aircraft Add-on Module, Jasta 6’s Table 5-3 Placement Variant, Variant Tables for Take-Off and Mechanical Failure, Bruce Peckham’s German Fighter Pilots variant, Fuel Tank Fires, Seriously Wounded Bail Out, On the Subject of Bombs, my variation to Nolan Bryant’s Crew Chiefs, Combat Fatigue, Chris Riches’ Enhanced Fighter Attacks (Simple Version) ----------------------------------------------------- 2LT Emerson takes a drag off his Lucky Strike, followed by a swallow of steaming black coffee. His hands are shaking. The debriefing officer patiently waits. The remaining crew members of Sorcerer’s Apprentice… there are only seven in all.. look stunned. “It was routine until Mostar,” says Emerson. “Then the Jerries came out to play. A lot of them. Holt and McNamara got hit as we started our bombing run. “Which was also routine,” adds Johns. “Coming off the target.. ” continues Emerson, “ … more krauts. We held our own, though. Nothing serious. But everything went to hell over the Adriatic. A pair of FW-190 aces jumped us.” “Aces? Really?” “Really. The bastards passed close enough we got a great view of them...lots of tally marks on their tails. One of them put a 20 mm round into Kane’s abdomen. Not a damn thing I could do about it. He was gone by the time Ferguson came down out of his turret to help. Once the fighters left, Ferguson helped me land. End of story.” There’s another pull off his cigarette. The smoke joins the blue haze surrounding the crew members. “Guess I get to write a letter tonight, don’t I?”
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sparky
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 9
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Post by sparky on Jul 21, 2024 15:47:53 GMT -8
Mission #26 4-29-1944...Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia, Airdrome...79th Bomb Squad. B-17G Beach Bum...High Cell, Tail End
Mission # ( ) Previous Kills [ ] Kills this Mission { }
Pilot......................1st Lt Ken Day....................( 2 )
Co-Pilot................2nd LT Rick Miesner..............( 2 )
Bombardier..........2nd LT Marvin Johnson...........( 2 ) [ ] { }
Navigator.............2nd Lt James Redmond..........( 2 ) [ 1/3 ] { }
Engineer (Top Tur)..............S/SGT John Ridings ( 2 ) [ 1/3 ] {1\3 }
Radio...................S/SGT Lester Smith..............( 2 ) [ ] {1\3 }
Ball Turret............SGT Jerry Cassano................( 2 ) [ 1 ] { }
Port Waist............SGT Nathan Isbell.................( 2 ) [ ] { }
Starboard Waist...SGT Bill Pilgrim......................( 2 ) [ 1/3 ] { }
Tail Gunner..........SGT Timothy Conover.............( 2 ) [ ] {1,1\3 }
AFTER ACTION REPORT
Beach Bum took off and joined formation without incident. Zones 2 and 3...everything was smooth and the only planes in sight were friendlies
Zone 4 (Target)...as we closed on the target we were jumped by 3 ME-109's and 1 FW-190. Our little friends drove off 2 of the 109's. SGT Conover put a full burst into the remaining 109 at 6 o'clock high and the enemy plane immediately caught fire. He went down and no chute was seen. The FW-190 performed a high speed vertical dive on us and S\SGT Ridings was able to get a solid enough hit on him that his aim was off and he did no damage and left the fight. Intelligence was right and the flak was light and posed no problem for our aircraft. Things continued to go our way and we were on target and were able to put 50% of our payload on the target. We turned around and headed for home and just as we finished our turn we were attacked by 3 enemy aircraft. Our escorts engaged 2 FW-190's and drove them away from us and the remaining ME-109 must have been a rookie pilot because he took too long trying to line us up from the 6 o'clock position and SGT's Ridings, Smith and Conover shared a kill when the enemy began trailing thick black smoke from his engine. The pilot was observed bailing out and probably survived.
Zones 3, 2 and 1...nothing to report and we landed safely in good weather.
Both kills were confirmed by the review board which happily surprised everyone. My crew has only flown 2 missions together but I feel we're beginning to feel and work like a team. I'm proud of the men.
Respectfully submitted by 1st LT Ken Day
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jul 21, 2024 17:56:43 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Maumee River (4) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. F Sawyer Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle
Mission Date: 29 April 44 Mission #: 26 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. F Sawyer (4) {0} Co-Pilot: Maj. WW Robinson (16) {0} SS, AM: 3, PH: 2 Bombardier 2nd Lt. J Travis (4) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. SF Poorman (4) {2} Engineer: MSgt. N Backus (4) {3} Ball Gunner: Sgt. S Therwachter (4) {2} Radio Oper.: Sgt. LS Baker (4) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. WW Miller (4) {0} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. EM Smith (4) {1} Tail Gunner: Sgt. JC Welch (4) {0}
Bomb Percentage: 20%
Bomber Disposition: No damage (0 Peckham Points)
Casualties: n/a
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: n/a
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. F Sawyer, pilot commanding
I came walking back from the briefing this morning and found the crew lounging under one of the wings. They had done their usual efficient job of getting the Maumee River ready to fly and were enjoying a few quick winks before the flight. Lt. Travis opened his eyes and noticed that Major Robinson was with me. “Shit” he muttered. Then loudly commanded “Attention!” The crew scrambled to their feet and lined up in front of the plane. I successfully hid a smirk from the Major. The crew was not used to the Major being out here on the flight line before a takeoff. He was smart enough to stick to the tower and let us get to work. “At ease, boys” the Major smiled. “Lt. Miller needs a couple extra days in the hospital, so I will be pinch hitting as your co-pilot. Lt. Sawyer is in command of this plane and you will defer to his leadership on this mission. I will be commanding the squadron in the air.”
We took off without incident and settled into the formation. The Major is one heck of a pilot and quickly shook of the rust of not flying for a month.
It was a quick and quiet run across the Adriatic. We saw a single 109 in the target zone. We missed him and he missed us. Flak was light Travis was right on target. Following a quiet flight home we landed safely at base.
While the Major and I were doing the postflight, Sgt. Therwachter came up and shook the Major’s hand. “Sir, no damage, no casualties, and on target! You are some sort of good luck charm. As far as I care, you can fly with us any day!”
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superbee
79th Bomber Squadron
CO: 79th Bomb Squadron
Posts: 668
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Post by superbee on Jul 22, 2024 12:56:33 GMT -8
Mission 26 29 April 44 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia (airdrome) B-17G Quincy Queen (6) 79th Squadron Formation: high sqdn Pilot: 1Lt Jim Norton Post Mission Status: bombed target; shot down by enemy aircraft over target; entire crew MIA
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| Credited Missions Flown
| AE destroyed
| decorations | status
| pilot
| 1Lt Jim Norton
| 8
| 0 | PH, AM
| MIA
| co-pilot | 2Lt Curt Tobin
| 8
| 0 | AM
| MIA
| bombardier | 2Lt Steve Morton
| 6
| 1
| AM
| MIA
| navigator
| 2Lt Dan Beam
| 8
| 2½
| PH, AM
| MIA
| flight engineer
| S/Sgt Elmer Dayton
| 8
| 5
| PH*, AM, DFC
| MIA
| radio operator
| S/Sgt Mitch Crew
| 8
| 0 | AM
| MIA
| ball turret gunner
| Sgt Mickey Smith
| 8
| 3
| AM
| MIA
| port waist gunner
| Sgt Anton Ourada
| 8
| 0 | PH, AM
| MIA
| starboard waist gunner
| Sgt Bob Aiello
| 8
| 1
| PH*, AM
| MIA
| tail gunner
| Sgt Tom Carey
| 4
| 3
|
| MIA
|
Casualties: entire 10 man crew is MIA (2 airmen successfully baled out of the burning plane and were captured.) Bomb Run: 0% (bombed, but missed the target) Damage to B17G: shot down by enemy fighters over target (fuel tank explosion)
| encountered
| intercepted by escorts
| destroyed by gunners
| FCA | FBOA | FW 190's
| 12 | 8 | 0
| 2 | 0 | Me109's | 1 | 0 | 1
| 0 | 0 | totals | 13 | 8
| 1 | 2 | 0 |
Claim: Sgt Mickey Smith (Me109) Award Recommendations: none Mission Narrative:
Immediately after the bomb run, Quincy Queen was attacked by 5 FW190's. A 20 mm cannon shell struck the inboard fuel cell within the starboard wing. The resulting explosion severed the wing from from the fuselage, which was burning furiously. The burning hulk rolled to its back and entered a steep angle dive from which it never recovered. Two parachutes were observed.
OOC notes: This tragedy was somewhat unusual in how it all played out. Quincy Queen encountered 13 enemy fighters, 12 of them being FW190's, in the target zone; 8 prior to the bomb run and a flight of five FW's following the bomb run. All of those FW's - you just know that is not going to end well.
The fighter escorts actually performed well this mission, as they chased off 8 German fighters. Quincy Queen's gunners also did a credible job of defending their bomber - shooting down one EA, damaging two and driving off another before it could attack.
The damaged FW which delivered the fatal blow, attacking from 6 o'clock level, rolled a damned "12" on table B-4 (Shell Hits By Area): 10 total hits after applying the 1½ FW 190 multiplier - much worse than walking fire! And five of them were wing hits.
Even so, the doomed B17 survived the first 8 hit resolutions without much actual damage before rolling up the dreaded fuel tank hit --> fire--> explosion sequence. (You know when the "fire" is rolled that the jig is up. The "explosion" result is like a final kick in the nuts.)
One final note of interest: During the skirmish with 8 EA just prior to the bomb run, Quincy Queen - with a bomb bay full of bombs - survived two bomb bay hits.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jul 22, 2024 17:26:00 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Pecatonica (2) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: High Position: Middle
Mission Date: 29 April 44 Mission #: 26 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips (2) {0} PH Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. A Campbell (2) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. O Guernsey (2) {0} PH Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Bean (2) {0} PH Engineer: MSgt. I Clapp (2) {2} PH Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Hart (2) {1} Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Gunkel (2) {0} PH Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Phinney (2) {0} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. M Sheehan (2) {1} PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. H Turner (2) {3} PH
Bomb Percentage: 50%
Bomber Disposition: Rudder, Superficial Damage (17 Peckham Points)
Casualties: A Bean: LW – 1 day in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (4:109, 1:190, 2:110) Damaged: (1:109, 0:190, 1:110) Destroyed: (1:109, 1:190, 1:110) H Turner: 190 C Hart: 110 I Clapp: 109
Special Note: 2nd Lt. A Bean: PH
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. SJ Phillips, pilot commanding
With a practice flight and a few more days together the crew of the Pecatonica are really starting to come together as a team. When Campbell and I came back from the briefing this morning the crew were waiting for us. They were relieved that the mission was going to be much shorter today.
We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation. The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. Over the target we were attacked by four waves of fighters. Two on the way in and two on the way out. Turner, Hart, and Clapp made the enemy pay for some very minimal damage to our bomber. Bean did get hit with a stray piece of shrapnel, but the wound was so minor that he will be back with us in a day. Guernsey was right on target today. All in all a solid outing for us today.
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Post by limburger59 on Jul 23, 2024 10:23:05 GMT -8
B-17F THE LOST ANGEL Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Middle Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 29 April 44 MISSION # 26 TARGET: Mostar, Yugoslavia
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Charles "Charlie" Hawkins (1) Co-Pilot: 2LT Cody "M&Ms" Marsh (9) AM PH+ Navigator: 2LT Lawrence "Larry" Greene (5) Bombardier: 2LT Benjamin "Shermy" Sherman (10) AM Engineer/TT: S/SGT Matthew "Pyro" Lowne (15) [5.33] AM+ DFC “Ace” Radio Op: S/SGT Herbert "Herbie" Kelvin (1) Ball Turret: SGT Lorne "Kirk" Kirkendall (3)[1] Right Waist: SGT Jessup "Pecan Pie" Spears (6) AM Left Waist: SGT Thomas "Portland" Baker (3) Tail Gunner: SGT Theodore "Teddy" Swanson (1)
Bomb Run: On Target = 20%
Casualties: None
B-17 Damage: Port Wing Root (25)
Peckham Points: 25
Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia
Attackers: 2 2x Bf-109: 1 Driven Off
Award/Promotion Requests: [/b]Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: 2LT Lawrence "Larry" Greene Air Medal - First Oak Leaf Cluster for 10 Completed Missions: 2LT Benjamin "Shermy" Sherman Air Medal - Second Oak Leaf Cluster for 15 Completed Missions: S/SGT Matthew "Pyro" Lowne
AFTER ACTION REPORT: (QOTS - Beery) A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
Would have been a Milk Run except for that one shell fragment.
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Post by limburger59 on Jul 23, 2024 10:24:11 GMT -8
B-24D TEMPTACIOUS Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 29 April 44 MISSION # 26 TARGET: Mostar, Yugoslavia
CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission) Pilot: 1LT Tobias Tanner (5) Co-Pilot: 2LT Andrew Doherty (7) AM Navigator: 2LT Oliver Curtis (5)[.33] Bombardier: 2LT Charles Freya (5)[1] PH Engineer/TT: S/SGT Irvin Marshall (10) [5.25] AM DFC “Ace” Radio Op: S/SGT John Gallows (8) Ball Turret: SGT Jason Ash (6)[1] AM Right Waist: SGT Kaiden Williams (9) AM Left Waist: SGT Merle Hawkins (1) Tail Gunner: SGT Evan Fryberger (3)[.5]
Bomb Run: On Target = 20%
Casualties: None
B-24 Damage: None
Peckham Points: 0
Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia
Attackers: 8 4x Bf-109: 4 Driven Off 4x FW-190: 4 Driven Off
Award/Promotion Requests: Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: 1LT Tobias Tanner, 2LT Oliver Curtis, 2LT Charles Freya Air Medal - First Oak Leaf Cluster for 10 Completed Missions: S/SGT Irvin Marshall
AFTER ACTION REPORT: (QOTS - Beery)
A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
Milk Run thanks to our Little Friends who ran off every attacker who tried to point their noses at us.
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 211
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Post by tomt1999 on Jul 23, 2024 11:48:28 GMT -8
MISSION DATE: 29 April 44 MISSION # 26TARGET: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet DUCK SOUP B-17G-45BO-42-97236 Group 509 Squadron 80CREW Pilot - Roland "Rollie" Howell of Upper Nyack, NY Co-Pilot - Ludomir "Woz" Wozniak of Posen, Mich Bombardier - Glen "Woody" Woodard of New London, O Navigator - Bernard "Barney" Trasdale of Bend, Ore. Engineer - Victor "Vic" Summers of Golden, Colo Radio Op - Walter "Sparky" Moody of Roberts, Mont Ball Gunner - Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz of San Diego, Calif. Port Waist - Lyle "P.O." White of Waterville, NY Starb Waist - Samuel "Coop" Cooper of Dayton, O. Tail Gunner - Janus "Yawn" Swoboda of Johnson City, Tex
BOMBING ON target 30%
CLAIMS Sgt Janus Swoboda, 1 kill Me110 Sgt Vic Summers 1/2 kill Ju88 Sgt Sam Cooper 1/2 kill Ju88
DAMAGE 0
ENEMY AIRCRAFT 3x Me110 1 DEST, 1 DAM 2 Ju88 1 DEST
AAR
Our first mission is in the books and let me tell you, we were a little nervous. Glad that this was a short one, not one of those marathon missions the other guys had told us about.
The only action we saw was over the target. The flak missed us, but we ran into three 100s and 2 Junkers 88s and destroyed one of each. We received no damage.
Bombing was ON target with estimated 30% in the zone.
The flight home was uneventful and we landed safely.
1st Lt Rollie Howell, "Duck Soup"
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 647
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Post by ChefEd on Jul 24, 2024 7:30:04 GMT -8
B-24J Next Objective B-24J-15-CF-42-99776 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Low Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 29 APR 1944 Mission Number: 26 This Aircraft: 15 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia, Airdrome CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Missions | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Alexis Vaillancourt | 13 | 0 | AM+, PH+ | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Arlo Perot | 14 | 0 | AM+, PH | RTD | 1 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Callahan Quinn | 10 | 1 | PH | RTD | 3 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Benjamin Galardi | 12 | 0 | AM+, PH | RTD | 1 | Engineer | T/Sgt Abraham Leeker | 14 | 1.83 | AM+ | RTD | 1 | Radio Op | T/Sgt Bruce Woodward | 14 | 1.5 | AM+, PH | RTD | 1 | Rt Waist | Sgt Walter "Wally" Heath | 12 | 0.5 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Tristen Townsend | 14 | 2 | AM+, PH | RTD | 2 | Left Waist | T/4th Brendan Burgess | 14 | 0.5 | AM+, PH | RTD | 2 | Tail Gunner | T/3rd Finnley Griffith | 14 | 1.5 | AM+ | RTD | 0 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Dan Hitchcock | 1 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 40 % Casualties: None Damage: None Peckham Points: None Landing: Safe Enemy AircraftType | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Fw-190 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-110 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: None Awards: Air MedalNone Purple HeartNone Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORTA milk run if ever there was one. A single enemy fighter broke through the escort’s cordon. We drove him off and took no damage. Flak was weak at best, nowhere close. Lt Galardi was unperturbed and laid 40% of our eggs on target. Submitted by, 1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt, Pilot B-24J Next Objective 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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Post by kozzackkelt on Jul 24, 2024 12:08:36 GMT -8
B-17G: YADKIN RIVER QUEEN (B-17G-5297TX-44- 32664) Pilot: 2LT. Jefferson McCray Missions for this bomber: 6 Squadron: 80th Formation/Position: Middle Mission Date: 29 April 1944 Mission Number: 26 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia / Airdrome
CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Jefferson McCray (6) {2} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Albert Petersen (6) {1} [B%: 50 ] Bombardier: 2Lt. William Pierce (1) {-} [B%: 40-] Navigator: 2Lt. Gus Sandavol (1) {-} Engineer: Sgt. Jason Berry (6) {1} [+] Radio Operator: Sgt. Nelly Henderson (6) {} Ball Turret: Sgt. Gregory Palouse (6) {1} [+-] PWG: Sgt. Felipe Grosso (6) {} {-} SWG: Sgt. Charles Brownly (6) {1} Tail Gunner: Sgt. David Hoffman (5) {1} [+]
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 40%
Enemy Aircraft Encountered: 0 0xFw190, 0xMe109, 0xMc205, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xMe410, 0xIAR80
E/A Damaged: 0 E/A Probable: 0 E/A: Destroyed: 0 E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 0
Condition of B-17G ~ YADKIN RIVER QUEEN: Damages - None ( Reported by Lt. McCray to maintenance crew chief MSgt. Evert Barber ) Repairs or replacements, routine maintenance and inspections will be performed.
Mission AAR: YADKIN RIVER QUEEN took off on time and smoothly into the clear blue skies. We formed up with rest of the 80th in the "Middle" squadron. Flew to target, encountered no E/A, not hit by flak. New bombardier Lt. Sandavol hit target (Airdrome) with estimated 40% of our payload (based on photographic record). Returned to base, landed safely. MSgt. Barber, maintenance supervisor, said YADKIN RIVER QUEEN will be ready for next mission.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jefferson McCray, 2LT, USAF Pilot- B-17G YADKIN RIVER QUEEN 80th BS / 509th BG Guilia, Italy
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Jul 24, 2024 16:31:14 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Miss Keweenaw (1) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. C Smith Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 29 April 44 Mission #: 26 Target: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. C Smith (1) {0} Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. CA Hoyt (1) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. W Hutchinson (1) {0} Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Axtell (1) {0} Engineer: MSgt. J Anderson (1) {0} Ball Gunner: Sgt. J Brewbaker (1) {0} Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Cook (1) {0} Pt Waist G: Sgt. L Flint (1) {0} Stbd Waist G: Sgt. R Heron (1) {0} Tail Gunner: Sgt. R Lewis (1) {0}
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: None (0 Peckham Points)
Casualties: n/a
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: n/a
Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. C Smith, pilot commanding
About a week ago I was asked to put together a brand-new bomber crew. We flew a shake down cruise with the 80th Squadron and today is our first combat mission.
We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation for the short trip across the Adriatic. The escorts kept the fighters away in the target zone. Light flak missed us. Unfortunately, it was a day of misses because Hutchinson missed the target too.
The flight home was quiet and we landed safely. With the first mission jitters out of the way we are looking forward to greater success in the future.
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Post by caodwolf on Jul 24, 2024 18:31:19 GMT -8
B-24J: Lovely LadiesPilot: 1Lt. M Kucek Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron Mission Date: 26-April-1944 Mission No.: 26 Mission this Bomber: 1 Target for Today: Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome Squadron Position: Mow Result: On-Target: 40% At take off engine #3 ran rough, belched some white smoke then settled down. We continue with the formation alignment.
German resistance was very light with our Escorts driving away most. Sgt Lauer manning the ball turret claimed a ME-110, making it his 4th kill.
There was Flak but it was ineffective and ordnance was dropped with good effects.
Laid Back Lady, flying Lead for the 78th drops out of formation over the Asiatic Sea inbound. The Lovely Ladies assumes Low Cell Lead and bring the boys home.
Over and out....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | M., 'Slim' Kucek | 6 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | S. McDonald | 6 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | D. Grahek | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | C. Stesney | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | S/Sgt | D. Baker | 6 | --- | 1 | AM | OK | Radio Op | Sgt | D. Hilferty | 3 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Chin Turret | S/Sgt | D. 'Pritz' Prutzman | 6 | --- | 2 | AM | OK | Stbd Waist | Sgt | M. Abrabat | 1 | --- | --- | --- | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | J. Lauer | 6 | 1 | 4 | AM | OK | Tail Turret | S/Sgt | T. 'Stretch' Herbon | 6 | --- | 1 | AM | OK |
2Lt S Zell. Navigator, RTD: 20-May-1944 Sgt. Al Weiss. Waist Gunner: RTD 10-May-1944 Sgt B Peterson, Radio: RTD 20-July-1944 S/Sgt B Burgess. Bombardier: RTD 28-May-1944 Sgt. B Gilbert, Waist Gunner RTD 6-May-19444
None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | FW-190 | 1 | 1 | --- | --- | --- | ME-109 | 1 | 1 | --- | --- | --- | ME-110 | 4 | 2 | 1 | --- | 1 1 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 6 | 4 | 1 | --- | 1 1 |
-Rough Engine
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