Mission 28: Ploesti, Romania

[ChefEd]

B-24J Lady in the Dark (Spare)
B-24D-25-CO-41-24227
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: High
Aircraft Position: Middle / TEC
Mission Date: 5 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 28
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Ploesti, Romania, Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1LT Everett Galloway	7	0	PH	RTD 3 JUN 1944	0
Co-Pilot	2LT Edward Cunningham	5	0	PH	RTD	1
Navigator / NT	2LT Rodney Towsley	11	0.33	AM(2) / PH	KIA	1
Bombardier	2LT Roman Dirigo	13	0	AM(2) / DFC	RTD	0
Engineer / TT	S/Sgt Jason Glasser	8	2.67	AM	RTD	2
Radio Op	S/Sgt Zander Berger	12	0.5	AM(2)	RTD	1
Right Waist	Sgt Lowell Price	10	1	AM(2) / PH	RTD	0
Ball Turret	Sgt Gavin O'Callahan	11	4.33	AM(2)	RTD	0
Left Waist	Sgt Lester Rose	6	0	AM / PH	RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Tony Marshall	13	0.5	AM(2)	RTD	1
Crew Chief	Sgt Emory Adara	1			Skill -1

Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %

Casualties:
1LT Everett Galloway, Pilot, LW, RTD 3 JUN 1944
2Lt Edward Cunningham, Co-Pilot, LW, RTD
2Lt Rodney Towsley, Navigator KIA

Peckham Points: 185 Peckham Points, four ( 4 ) Day(s) to Repair

Damage:

Nav Equip Out	10
Bomb Controls Out	10
Radio Out	10
Ball Turret Guns Out	20
Nose Wheel Out	25
Superficial X8	16
Light Wound X2	4
KIA X1	10
#1 Engine Out	25
Engine Hit	15
Fire Extinguisher X1 (#1)	25
Oil Leak	10

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Fw-190	9	2	2	1	0.5	0
Me-109(Ro)	3	1	1	0	0	0
Me-109	2	0	0	2	0.33	0
IAR.80	1	0	0	1	1	0

Claims

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Tail	1	0.5	0
Top	2	1.33	0
Ball	1	0	1

Awards:
Air Medal
S/Sgt Zander Berger, 2nd Award
Sgt Lowell Price, 2nd Award

Purple Heart
1LT Everett Galloway, LW, RTD 3 JUN 1944
2Lt Edward Cunningham, LW, RTD
2Lt Rodney Towsley, KIA, Posthumous

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
I got assigned an ad hoc crew. Ad hoc but very experienced, for such a long distance mission and always difficult target.

Skies were clear until we hit Bulgaria. Sgt Marshall, in the tail, noted what appeared to be a straggling B-17. A B-17 that did not appear to be in much of a hurry to catch up to the group. “Keep an eye on him.” “Yes, sir.”

As we entered Romanian air space we were attacked by a German FW-190 and a Romanian IAR.80. A single P-51 appeared and drove off the FW, leaving the IAR for us. Which was enough. Lt Towsley and S/Sgt Glasser opened fire on the Romanian fighter. We watched as the enemy fighter’s cockpit shattered and disintegrated before our eyes.

We had about 30 minutes of quiet before multiple crew reports of bombs falling through the formation. Being in the high Group we knew it wasn’t from friendlies. We took no damage. Sgt Marshall reported another B-17 at a distance behind the Group.

Once in the target zone we felt like we disturbed a hornet’s nest. For the next 40 minutes it was non-stop.

First at bat was an FW and a pair of 109s. The FW didn’t have much heart in him and kept a distance. The 109s were more aggressive. We shot both down, but not until after they got their licks in. #1 and #2 engines got hit. #1 caught fire, but we were able to extinguish the flames. Down to three engines would have been a problem if we weren’t already in line with the target. We also took several hits aerating the cockpit and dinging the right rudder.

Next up were a pair of FWs. Everyone’s fire was off, administering no damage on either side.

The flak was heavy, but inaccurate.

With the hits to the airframe and the engines Lt Dirigo was still able to put 30% on target. At this point we heard Dixie Belle was dropping away from TEC missing a wing. We dropped back into TEC.

Pulling away from the target and heading to the RP a pair of FWs and a 109 attacked. We did little but chip some paint on the enemy fighters. They, however, poured murderous fire into us. We lost bomb controls, nav equipment, and multiple hits to the empty bomb bay, the wings, and more holes in the cockpit. The whistling was deafening for the rest of the mission. The worst thing was Lt Cunninham and I taking some splinters.

Next up was a single FW and another 109. We hit the 109, leaving him smoking. The 190 made two passes at us. He peppered the nose and radio room on his first pass. One of the rounds in the nose hit Lt Towsley in the mouth and lodged in his brain, killing him instantly. On the second pass we took multiple hits to the wing, but nothing important was hit.

Next on the hit parade was another FW paired with a 109. The 109’s attack was ineffectual. The 190 raked us. (We would later find out that) the nose wheel was knocked out of commission. Lt Towsley took insult to injury as an enemy round found his dead body. As the 190 made his way aft he knocked out the radio, as well as the ball turret guns.

We got sweet revenge as the 190 passed astern. Sgt Marshall, in the tail, pegged the enemy fighter knocking out his engine, and sending him earthward. No one saw a chute.

Once the skies were clear, Sgt O’Callahan left the ball and headed to the nose to man the nose turret.

With the Bulgarian border in sight #4 engine began to leak oil.

With Romania behind us, and Bulgaria passing below the oil leak stopped.

We ran into more enemy fighters as we neared the Yugoslav coast. Another solo 190 with a tagalong 109 began attack runs on us. Both were driven off by our escorts.

We fired off flares indicating dead and wounded, taking our turn to land as instructed. It was then we discovered the nose wheel would not extend. Despite the handicap we made a two point landing. I have been informed it will take about four days for [Lady in the Dark. Lt Cunningham was treated and released from hospital. I will be in hospital for a few weeks and expect to be reinstated to flying status in about four weeks.

Lt Towsley will be interred in a few days.

Submitted by,
1Lt Everett Galloway, Pilot
B-24J Lady in the Dark (Spare)
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Maumee River (6)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. F Sawyer
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 5 May 44
Mission #: 28
Target: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. F Sawyer (6) {0} AM, PH
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. A Miller (5) {0} AM, PH
Bombardier 2nd Lt. J Travis (6) {1} AM, PH
Navigator: 2nd Lt. SF Poorman (6) {2} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. N Backus (6) {3} AM, PH
Ball Gunner: Sgt. S Therwachter (6) {2} AM, PH
Radio Oper.: Sgt. LS Baker (6) {0} AM, PH
Pt Waist G: Sgt. WW Miller (6) {0} AM
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. EM Smith (6) {1} AM, PH
Tail Gunner: Sgt. JC Welch (6) {2} AM, PH

Bomb Percentage: DNB

Bomber Disposition: Destroyed (n/a Peckham Points)

Casualties:
1st Lt. F Sawyer: KIA
2nd Lt. A Miller: KIA
2nd Lt. J Travis: KIA
2nd Lt. SF Poorman: KIA
MSgt. N Backus: KIA
Sgt. S Therwachter: KIA
Sgt. LS Baker: KIA
Sgt. EM Smith: KIA
Sgt. JC Welch: KIA
Sgt.WW Miller: MIA

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (2:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Welch: 109

Special Note:
1st Lt. F Sawyer: PH
2nd Lt. A Miller: PH
2nd Lt. J Travis: PH
2nd Lt. SF Poorman: PH
MSgt. N Backus: PH
Sgt. S Therwachter: PH
Sgt. LS Baker: PH
Sgt. EM Smith: PH
Sgt. JC Welch: PH

Mission Description: Filed based on reports from the 79th Squadron

Over the target zone the 79th Squadron encountered heavy flak. The Maumee River suffered a direct hit that blew off the tail. The Maumee River spiraled out of control and crashed. A single parachute was observed.

From a post war interview with Sgt. WW Miller

We were getting close the target and the flak was all around us. Shrapnel pelted the plane. Suddenly a shell exploded behind me. I must have been blown out of the plane by the explosion because the next thing I knew I was hurling through the air. I said a prayer and pulled my parachute cord. Thank the Good Lord it opened! I watched what was left of the Maumee River spiral down the earth hoping in vain that I would see other parachutes. It turns out I was the only one to get out of the plane. I floated down and somehow managed to land without injury.

I soon captured by some Romanian soldiers and taken to a POW camp. When the Red Army liberated the camp, all the American prisoners became “guests” of the Soviet Union. We were eventually turned over to the United States government and I got home after VE Day.

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Miss Keweenaw (3)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. C Smith
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 5 May 44
Mission #: 28
Target: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. C Smith (3) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. CA Hoyt (3) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. W Hutchinson (3) {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Axtell (3) {0}
Engineer: MSgt. J Anderson (3) {0}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. J Brewbaker (3) {1}
Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Cook (3) {0}
Pt Waist G: Sgt. L Flint (3) {0}
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. R Heron (3) {0}
Tail Gunner: Sgt. R Lewis (3) {2}

Bomb Percentage: DNB

Bomber Disposition: Port Flap, Rudder, Autopilot, Port Wing Root, Engine #2, Superficial Damage, Tail Turret (105 Peckham Points)

Casualties: n/a

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (3:109, 1:190, 2:110) 1:410
Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) 0:410
Destroyed: (1:109, 0:190, 2:110) 0:410
Lewis: 109

Special Note: n/a

Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. C Smith, pilot commanding

Outbound over Zone 4 we were attacked by a trio of ME 109s. One from the front and two from the rear. We missed the one out front. He missed us and flew away. Lewis got one of the ones coming from behind. The other one really lit into us in three passes and we incurred significant damage including Engine #2. Without four engines we were not able to keep up with the squadron. I decided to abort the mission. We jettisoned the bombs in the Adriatic and arrived safely back at base.

[limburger59]

B-17F UNFINISHED BUSINESS
        Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Middle Squadron – Middle
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania

CREW from the Spare Pool
Position – Rank                                        (Current Mission)
Pilot: 1LT Nathaniel "Nate" Sutherland                    (14) AM+ PH            
Co-Pilot: 2LT Joseph "Joey" Goodman                      (6) AM
Navigator: 2LT Forrest "Candy Man" Sweet              (7) PH AM
Bombardier: 2LT Steven "Stevie" Cox                      (7) [1.5] AM                      SW                           
Engineer/TT: S/SGT Emile "Plug" Putman                (17) [6.5] AM+ DFC “Ace”
Radio Op: S/SGT Christopher "Varnish" Varney         (8) AM
Ball Turret: SGT Patricio "Italy" Vechitto                   (5) [1] PH                                
Right Waist: SGT Sidney "Sid" Beck                        (13)[.5] AM+
Left Waist: SGT Glen "Mac" McPherson                     (5)
Tail Gunner: SGT Albert "Tiny" Plimson                     (6)[1] AM                               

Bomb Run: Off Target 0%

Casualties: 2LT Steven "Stevie" Cox: SW - broken ribs/inflamed lung - RTD 5 June 44

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x2 (2)
Control Cables (10)
Bombardier Heat out (10)
Serious Wound (5)

Peckham Points: 27 – Repairs to be completed 7 May 44

Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia.

Attackers: 0

Award/Promotion Requests: 
        Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: SGT Patricio Vechitto, SGT Glen McPherson
        Purple Heart: 2LT Steven Cox

AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-Beery):

        A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen

Being tucked away in the middle of the Middle Squadron kept the bandits away, but didn't deter the Flak. Our Bombardier was severely wounded less than a minute before "Bombs Away". After rallying we moved him to a heated casualty bag on the Radio Room floor, as LT Cox's heat was also knocked out by the same Flak burst.

[royalblue]

B-17G - Northern Queen
80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force

Pilot: 1Lt William Rose

Mission Date: 05 May 1944
Mission: 28

Previous Missions in Bomber: 2

Target: Ploesti, Romania
Target Type: Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Formation: Low
Position: Middle

CREW

Position	Rank/Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt William Rose	3	0	0	-	RTD
Co-Pilot	2Lt Nelson Clark	3	0	0	-	RTD
Bombardier	2Lt Philip Blair	3	1	1	-	RTD
Navigator	2Lt Louis Clement	3	1	1	PH	LW
Engineer	T/Sgt Thomas Franklin	3	1	3	PH	LW
Radio Op.	S/Sgt Samuel Holland	3	1	1	-	RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Felix Silva	3	0	0	-	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Leonard Kuiper	3	0	0	-	RTD
Starboard WG	Sgt Martin Owens	3	0	1	-	RTD
Tail Gunner	Sgt Maks Marchenko	3	0	0	-	RTD

Bomb Run: On target - 20%

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	17	1	2	10
Bf-109	5	1	1	2
Me-110	4	1	1	2
Total	26	3	4	14

Claims:

- 2Lt Blair, x1 Me-110

- 2Lt Clement, x1 Bf-109

- T/Sgt Franklin, x1 Fw-190

- S/Sgt Holland, x1 Fw-190

Damage:

- Superficial x13

- Radio destroyed

Peckham Points: 27 - new radio installed; aircraft repaired overnight.

Casualties:

- 2Lt Clement, LW - Leg cut, superficial. RTD in 24 hours.

- T/Sgt Franklin, LW - Shoulder grazed, superficial. RTD immediately.

Awards:

- 2Lt Clement, Purple Heart

- T/Sgt Franklin, Purple Heart

After-Action Report:

OUTBOUND

Takeoff/Zone 1: Easy takeoff.

Zone 2-8: Nothing to report.

Zone 9: We had our first contact of the mission shortly after entering Romania. Three Me-110s came to welcome us; but 2Lt Blair got first blood pretty quick, and the remaining two didn't find much success either as the rest of our gunners took aim to fend them off.

Zone 10: Nothing to report.

Zone 11: Things started to get truly hectic as we neared the target zone and got swarmed by a group of 190s. Our fighter cover helped a little bit this time but it felt like we'd really poked the hornet's nest now. We traded a few blows before they broke off and handed us off to the next team of 190s over the target.

Zone 12/Target: Approaching the oilfield we were greeted by another group of 190s. These three seemed to have just as bad of aim as the last group, but this time we managed to down one thanks to some good shooting by S/Sgt Holland. Fortunately our luck seemed to hold as the flak started up. Well, in fairness, 2Lt Clement did get a good cut on his leg from a near miss and we lost our radio, but after being told to expect heavy flak over the target I was just glad it wasn't any worse. Once over the oil field 2Lt Blair put about 20% of our payload on target. Not great, but not too shabby either I reckon.

INBOUND

Zone 12/Target: Leaving the target we got the usual send off with some more flak, but this time they managed to do little more than scratch the paint. The 190s that chased us out had about the same luck as the flak, but T/Sgt Franklin managed to knock one down for their trouble.

Zone 11: Once away from the target area we had a few more 190s show up. Unfortunately, this time one of them had slightly better aim than his compatriots and managed to give Franklin a good cut on his shoulder before breaking off.

Zone 10-5: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: We made our last contact with the enemy over the Adriatic coastline. Two 109s managed to slip past our fighter cover to make a pass at us; 2Lt Clement downed one and the other put a few more superficial holes into our airframe.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1/Landing: Easy landing. Fortunately our lack of a radio didn't cause in trouble coming in. I think I speak for my entire crew when I say we were all a little nervous hearing our target for the day was Ploesti, but for such a long mission I don't think I really could have asked for a better result. So here's hoping our luck holds for the next mission.

[kageyone]

B-17-G 43-39009 "Castle in the Sky" (airframe mission #3)
80th BS FORMATION: Low

DATE: 5 May 44 MISSION # 28 TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Position Rank Name            Missions Complete Kills this Mission Total Kills Awards Status Fit for Duty
Pilot 1stLt Archie Creighton        3                                                                                           FfD
Co-Pilot 2ndLt Bill Vincent           3                                                                  PH                     FfD
Bomb 2ndLt Austin Mathers        1                                                                                           KIA
Nav 2ndLt Vincent Black             1                              1                      1                                    FfD
Engr T/Sgt Beaton Donner         3                                                                                            FfD
Radio T/Sgt Billy Joe Elder Jr      3                                                                                             FfD
Ball T Sgt Ivar Skald                  3                               1                     2.3                                  FfD
Pt W Sgt Deek Bailey                3                               1                      1.3                                  FfD
Stbd W Sgt Don Mitchell            3                                                                                             FfD
Tail T Sgt Ivan Norman              3                            1 prob                                                       FfD
                                                                             3 / 1 prob              5

Enemy A/C Intrcptd B-17 Hits FCAB - FCA - FBOA - Destroyed Claims - Probable - Confirmed
FW-190 x5                   7                 - 2 - 2 - 1                                               1 - - 1
Me-210 x2                   4                   1 - - -
Bf-109 x2                                       - 1 - - 2                                                  2 - 1 - 1
Bf-109 x4 Rom                               - - 3 - 2                                                    2 - - 1
Flak                             3
Total - 13                   14                1 - 3 - 5 - 5                                             5 - 1 - 3
1x Lady Luck

BOMB RUN: 60%
CREW CASUALTIES & STATUS
Lt A Mathers - KIA shattered pelvis, ruptured intestines

DAMAGE: 129 points / 9x superficial = 9 / 1x KIA = 10 / 1x Rudder = 10 / Rafts = 10 / TT Power = 10 / Belly Landing = 80 /
AIRCRAFT DISPOSITION: Repairs and routine maintenance done by May 8
CREW CHIEF: S/SGT Fitzgerald "Fritzie" Cameron, 6 missions (Average Joe +1 level every 10 missions)
AWARDS & DECORATIONS:
Purple Heart - A Mathers (posthumous)
PROMOTIONS:

none

AFTER ACTION REPORT:
- A beautiful sunny day in the Mediterranean region. 4 years ago I was in high school dreaming of a vacation here some day. Today I’m hoping just to survive this day with no thoughts of the exotic locale.
Zone 4 - A wave of fighters was driven off by our formation. (Random Event #21 - Navigator Bonus) We experience a rocket attack but avoid damage.
Zone 5 - Mech Failure #42 Top Turret Power Failure
Zone 6 - Unable to restore power to TT
Zone 9 - Mech Failure #44 Top Turret Power Failure (no effect). 4 FWs attack, 2 from 12 and 2 from 6. Top cover AWOL. Mathers in the nose took shells in the guts and bled out quickly and Black, covered in Mather’s blood, took out one of theirs.
Zone 11 - 2 Me-210s dove on us from the front. One of them ventilated the cockpit, but nothing else of consequence in this encounter.
Zone 12 - It was hot over the target. First wave was a 190 and 2 109s, all high.After multiple passes Skald in the Belly shot the wing of a 109. Flak was accurate but at the time we thought nothing critical was hit. Black moved into position to bomb. I told him to watch the “Bonnie” and toggle when he saw their bombs drop. It worked!
INBOUND
Zone 12 - Flak continued to be accurate, although all it did was add damage to poor Mather’s body. We also observed bombs being dropped on us by enemy a/c.
Zone 11 - A couple of Romanian 109s attacked from our 9 and were discouraged by our guns. They were followed by 2 more of the same and both were claimed by my gunners.
Zone 4 - We managed to cross the coast without attracting attention.
Base - All was good until we entered the landing pattern and discovered that our landing gear had been shot out at some point and wouldn’t lower. I gave the crew the option to bail out and everyone chose to ride it in. We stalled just above the grass and eventually slid to a stop. Everyone was okay and our chief said the Castle wasn’t torn up too bad and should be ready to fly by the 8th. Mathers, our new bombardier, didn't even finish his first mission."
Submitted by Lt Archie Creighton

[kageyone]

"B-17-G 42-30123 ""Rosie"" (airframe mission #3)
80th BS FORMATION: Low
DATE: 5 May 44 MISSION # 28 TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery"

Position Rank Name            Missions Complete Kills this Mission Total Kills Awards Status Fit for Duty
Pilot 1st Lt Kurt Cousins           3                                                                                            FfD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Deacon Archer  3                                                                                            FfD
Bomb 2nd Lt Fred Johnston      3                                                                   PH                    KIA
Nav 2nd Lt Benjamin Brown     3                                  .5 prob                                               FfD
Engr T/Sgt Jake Scissons         3                                                      0.3                                 FfD
Radio T/Sgt Hardie van den Born 3                                                                                        FfD
Ball T Sgt Art Garden                3                                                     0.3          PH                   FfD
Pt W Sgt Andy Jennings           3                                                     0.3                                  FfD

Stbd W Sgt Bailey "Bailer" Easton 3                            1.5 prob                                             FfD

Tail T Sgt TJ Allison                   3                                                                                            FfD

Enemy A/C            Intrcptd           B-17 Hits
FW-190 x1
Bf-109 x3 Rom                                  6
Ju-88 x2
Bf-109 x2
Flak

BOMB RUN: 20%
CREW CASUALTIES & STATUS:
Lt F Johnston - KIA ruptured stomach, spleen

DAMAGE: 24 points / 4x superficial / 1x KIA = 10 / 1x Tailplane = 10 /
AIRCRAFT DISPOSITION: Repairs and maintenance will be overnight
CREW CHIEF: T/SGT Ted Kennedy 26 missions (Dedicated +3 Modifier to repairs and maintenance, +1 level every 10 missions)
AWARDS - Purple Heart (posthumous) Lt F Johnston
PROMOTIONS - none

AFTER ACTION REPORT
"Outbound (#10 = No Mech Failures this mission)
Zone 11 - We penetrated deep before we faced enemy a/c when 3 Romanian Messerschmitts dove on us. We drove them off, but not before my bombardier took shells to his stomach. We had to fight off 2 Ju-88s before we could tend to him. After dispatching both Junkers, our navigator found the bombardier breathing his last. Our navigator moved into the bombardier’s station and the radio operator up to man the cheek guns.
Zone 12 - We got lucky on approach as enemy a/c ignored us and the flak missed. We dropped with the rest of the squadron and hoped to get some hits.
In Bound
Zone 12 - An Fw and a couple of 109s hit us from above, limiting our defensive fire. However, the enemy didn’t press his attacks and we escaped unscathed.
Zone 11 - (Random Event #41 - Bomber Group disrupted until the end of next turn
Zone 4 - (Random Event #55 - Escort Diverted)
Base - Landed without incident after firing flares to notify the medics that we had a KIA on board. "
Submitted by Lt Kurt Cousins

Using TFT (Variants used: TFT Axis Fighter Aircraft Add-on Module (personal modification to not mix German and allied fighters. If a (I), (R), or (H) comes up, all fighters in that wave are the same nationality.) /Chris Riches' Variant Table for Mechanical Failure / Bruce Peckham’s German Fighter Pilots variant / Fuel Tank Leaks / Axis Aircraft Hit Effect Multipliers / Claiming Destroyed, Probable and Damaged Aircraft / Crew Chiefs / Jasta6 GAF Placement Variant / 509th Wound and Recovery

[kozzackkelt]

B-17G: YADKIN RIVER QUEEN (B-17G-5297TX-44- 32664)
Pilot: 2LT. Jefferson McCray
Missions for this bomber: 8
Squadron: 80th
Formation/Position: LOW
Mission Date: 5 May 1944
Mission Number: 28
Target: Ploesti, Romania / Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds
Pilot: 2LT. Jefferson McCray (8) {2} SW ~ DOW
Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Albert Petersen (8) {1} [B%: 50 ] POW: Liberated April'45
Bombardier: 2Lt. William Pierce (3) {-} [B%: 40-30-40] POW: Liberated April'45
Navigator: 2Lt. Gus Sandovol (3) {-} POW: Liberated April'45
Engineer: Sgt. Jason Berry (8) {1} [+] 1xMe109 POW: Liberated April'45
Radio Operator: Sgt. Nelly Henderson (8) {} POW: Liberated April'45
Ball Turret: Sgt. Gregory Palouse (7) {1} [++] KIA
PWG: Sgt. Felipe Grosso (8) {} {+} Rescued by Serbian Partisans, returned to US Military Forces in Italy
SWG: Sgt. Charles Brownly (8) {1} POW: Liberated April'45
Tail Gunner: Sgt. David Hoffman (7) {1} [++] POW: Liberated April'45

BOMB RUN: ON Target: 40%

Enemy Aircraft Encountered: 10 6xFw190, 1xMe109, 0xMc205, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xMe410, 3xIAR80


E/A Damaged: 1
E/A Probable: 1
E/A: Destroyed: 1
E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 0

Condition of B-17G ~ YADKIN RIVER QUEEN: Damages - This bomber ran out of fuel over East-Central Yugoslavia, crashing in the mountains.

DEBRIEFING of Sgt. Felipe Grosso, a surviving member of B-17 YADKIN RIVER QUEEN, 23 May, 1944

Lieutenant Sullivan from S2: Hello Sgt., I'm Lt. Sullivan. Please relax and in your own words, tell us about your last mission.

Sgt. Grosso: Well, we took off on time and smoothly formed up with rest of the 80th in the "LOW" squadron. We had really nice weather. 'Queenie, as we called our bomber, was flying well. We encountered single '109 near Bulgaria-Romania border; was shot down by Sgt. Berry. The German pilot bailed out. On approach to target, encountered four '190's. One '190 was shot down by nose guns. One of the 190's hit us hard knocking out engine 2, and hitting the pilots. Lt. McCray was real bad and Peterson lost a finger. That Jerry came around again, hitting the oxygen in tail section. He warn't done with us yet; a third pass killed Sgt. Palouse (BT Gunner), and holed out outboard port fuel tank. Lt. Peterson came on the intercom and said we were gonna bomb our target, then probably hafta ditch in Yugoslavia, unless something else bad happened to us. We got hit by flak, but it didn't hit anything vital. Bombed the target and turned with rest of squadron. We then dropped low so Hoffman didn't hafta use oxygen bottles. We were attacked by a couple more '190's; they did hit us, but did no more serious damage. They must of been short of ammo or fuel because they left pretty quickly. Lt. Sandavol, our navigator, announced we were over Yugoslavia. Lt. Peterson announced Lt. McCray had died and we needed to bail out, as we wouldn't survive a plane crash into the mountains we could see below us. We bailed out. I landed in the woods, luckily not getting tangled up in the trees. I could hear water nearby, so after wadding up my 'chute and hiding it, I hiked over to a stream. I figured it best to try to follow it down. I came to a wood cabin where suddenly I was surrounded by several bearded men armed with machine guns. "Ameriniki?" quietly asked one of them. I nodded yes. The guy put finger to his lips and shook his head "no" "Fascisniki" he quietly said, and pointed in several directions. One of the Serbs took off and we followed. Anyhow, a couple of weeks later, after alot of walking, being passed from one group of partisans to another, being in one ambush / fire fight with what they called Ustasi ? were ten of those "Ustasi" were killed. Along the way, we did pick up a couple of other people, two British airmen and another Yank. The four of us made it to the coast where a Royal Navy motor gunboat provided us a ride across the Adriatic Sea complete with tea and cookies.

Lt. Sullivan: Thank You, Sgt. That is a pretty good account of the mission. I have several quick questions for you; First, did you notice if everyone else evacuated your aircraft? Did you count the parachutes?

Sgt. Grosso: Well, no, I didn't count 'em. I saw several other parachutes, so I know some of the guys got out. I was busy looking down at where I might be landing.

Lt. Sullivan: Ok, thank you Sgt., Now for my second question; Are you sure Lt. McCray and Sgt. Palouse were dead? How did you know?

Sgt. Grosso: Well, we heard on the intercom from Lt. Patterson that Lt. McCray had died from his wounds. We knew Pally (Sgt. Gregory Palouse, Ball Turret gunner) was dead because he didn't answer the roll call check after we left the target zone. Then when Brownie (Sgt. Charles Brownly, waist gunner) checked the ball, there was blood on the inside of the ball turret hatch and Pally was dead in the ball.

Lt. Sullivan: Thank you Sgt. Do you need a short break before we continue?

Sgt. Grosso: Nah, I'm ok.

Lt. Sullivan: Ok Sgt., one last question: What happened to YADKIN RIVER QUEEN after you bailed out?

Sgt. Grosso: Well, the last I saw, she was dropping fast, flew outta sight over a mountain and I hit the ground. Then I heard an explosion in the distance. With all the trees around, I couldn't see any smoke or anything. Just heard an explosion.

Lt. Sullivan: Thank You for your report Sgt. As you know, you will no longer be flying combat. As explained to you when you returned to the 509th, there could be problems should you be shot down again and captured by enemy forces. I believe you will return to the States and be assigned another role in our war effort against the Axis. And, to perhaps help your mind be at ease about this whole incident, I am allowed to share with you that the following USAF personnel were reported by the International Red Cross to have been captured and interned in a Prisoner of War camp somewhere in German controlled Europe. They are (reading from a list): Albert Petersen, 2LT. USAF, William Pierce, 2LT., USAF, Gustavus Sandoval, 2LT., USAF, Jason Berry, Sgt., USAF, Nelson Henderson, Sgt., USAF, Charles Brownly, Sgt., USAF, and David Hoffman, Sgt., USAF.

OH, one last thing, Sgt., Please do not discuss with anyone, any details about your escape or the Yugoslavian partisans. You can, however, feel free to complain about the British tea and cookies the Royal Navy served you on your boat passage to Italy ( Lt. Sullivan laughs ). You will be staying at the transit barracks until your passage back to the states is arranged. Corporal Wilkinson, my assistant, will have your temporary orders for you when you leave this interview. Thank You Sgt., and good luck. Anything else you'd like to say or add?

Sgt. Grosso: No Sir. Thank you for letting me know the other guys are at least alive. Guess I got lucky.

[Keltos]

After-Action Report

B-17G-20BO-42-31444 – “Lady Liza”
79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force

Commander: 1st Lt. M. Adkins

Mission Date: 05 May 1944

Mission Number: 28

Mission of this bomber: 1

Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

Target: Ploesti, Romania
Target Type: Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Bomb Run: On Target - 56%

Lady Luck Smile #: 0;

CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status	Stress Point
Pilot	1st Lt. Mark Adkins	1	n/a	n/a		RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Roy Edwards	1	n/a	n/a		RTD	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Greg Swanson	1	0	0	PH	SW	0
Navigator	2nd Lt. William Hoagland	1	0	0	PH	LW	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Daniel Yelton	1	.5	.5		RTD	0
Radio Op.	T/Sgt Jerry Castillo	1	0	0		RTD	0
Ball Gunner	S/Sgt Steve McGowan	1	0	0		RTD	0
Port WG	Sgt Paul Morgan	1	.5	.5		RTD	0
Starboard WG	Sgt Jessie Henson	1	0	0		RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Norman Fisher	1	1	1		RTD	0

Crew Chief: s/Sgt Jasper Styers (Average Joe) - 1 missions;


E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	2	0	0	1
Me-109	7	1	1	3
Me-110	2	2	0	0
Me-210	2	0	1	1
--	0	0	0	0
Total	13	3	2	5

Claims:
- T/Sgt Daniel Yelton: 1 Me-109 claimed - 1/2 credit awarded
- Sgt Paul Morgan: 1 Me-109 claimed - 1/2 credit awarded
- T/Sgt Daniel Yelton: 1 Me-210 claimed - no credit awarded
- Sgt Norman Fisher: 1 Me-210 claimed - full credit awarded


Damage: 
- Radio out: 10
- LW x3: 6
- SW x1: 5
- Superficial x1: 1

Peckham Points: 22pts - overnight repairing

Casualties:
- 2nd Lt. Greg Swanson: torn vastus muscle and anoxia - 3 weeks in hospital - RTD on 27 May 1944
- 2nd Lt. William Hoagland: chest superficial cut - 2 days in hospital - RTD on 8 May 1944

Awards:
PH: 2nd Lt. Greg Swanson, 2nd Lt. William Hoagland.

Promotions:--


AAR (flown with TFT)

Baptism of fire for my crew and the ship "Lady Lola". Time to settle in the quarters, become familiar with the base and the other comrades and it is already time to leave for the first mission.


Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly ok.

Zone 2-8 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 9 Outbound: German fighters were sighted, which turned their attentions to the other bombers, ignoring us completely.

Zone 10 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 11 Outbound: Some rockets were fired into the formation, but did not cause any damage.

Zone 12 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): We were attacked by 3 Me-109s, one of which was from the Romanian Air Force: the latter was damaged and moved away, leaving a trail of black smoke behind it, while the other two chose other targets after an exchange of mutual fire that had no effect. 
Flak was instead very precise and fierce. The sky was full of black clouds that appeared in the sky around us very consistently. Some shrapnel knocked out the radio and opened a few holes in the fuselage.
Despite all the commotion and fear of being hit by the metal shrapnel that filled the sky, the 2nd Lt. Swanson maintained concentration and despite the smoke screens lit by the enemy to protect the refinery, he managed to hit the target with a good result.
Flak continued heavily and a shot exploded very close to the nose section, lightly wounding both the bombardier and the navigator. 
As this ceased, enemy fighters appeared: we were attacked by 2 Me-109s and one Me-210. The Me-109 9Lv was knocked down by the joint shots of the Top turret and the left gunner, while the other two, heavily damaged, preferred to interrupt the attack and moved away.
Then 2 Fw-190s appeared, one attacked us in vertical dive, but failed to hit us and continued its trajectory moving away, while the second was damaged and turned wide to get away from the range of our guns.
Without the support of escort fighters and with such an angry flak the situation was not pleasant.

Zone 11 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 10 Inbound: During a call shift to check on the crew's health, 2nd Lt. Swanson did not answer. The 2nd Lt. Hoagland approached to check and found the officer completely unconscious and with his oxygen mask completely frozen, who knows how long he had been in this condition. He was transported to the radio room and given first aid and attached to the O2 system. Radio Operator T/Sgt Castiilo took his place.

Zone 9-5 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 4 Inbound: We were attacked by a first wave consisting of 2 Me-110s which were intercepted by escort fighters. The second wave, consisting of 2 Me-109s and 1 Me-210, saw the 6H Me-210 be shot down, while one Me-109 preferred to escape after receiving a few hits to the fuselage. The Me-109 in vertical climb was instead attacked by two escort fighters.

Zone 3-2 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Giulia Airbase: Landed Safely.

-------------------------------------------------

Mark Adkins, 1st Lt., USAAF, 
Commanding B-17G: Lady Liza (B-17G-20BO-42-31444)
79th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[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.

[Keltos]

After-Action Report

B-24J-1-CF-42-64086 – “Black Shadow”
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force

Commander: 1st Lt. M. Armstead

Mission Date: 5 May 1944

Mission Number: 28

Mission of this bomber: 15

Formation: High
Position: Middle

Target: Ploesti, Romania
Target Type:  Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Bomb Run: On target - 30%


CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status	Stress Point
Pilot	1st Lt. Mitch Armstead	15	0	0	AM+	POW	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Paul Holden	4	0	0		POW	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt. John Griffis	15	0	.33	AM+ / PH	POW	0
Navigator	2nd Lt. Charles Rutherford	15	0	.33	AM+ / PH	POW	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Jim Grimsley	2	0	5.83	AM+ / DFC / PH	POW	0
Nose Gunner	Sgt Dennis Lindsay	14	0	4.33	AM+	POW	0
Ball Gunner	S/Sgt Erik Sinnott	14	0	2	AM+	POW	0
Port WG/Radio Op.	S/Sgt Lee Hanson	14	0	1	AM+ / PH	POW	0
Starboard WG	Sgt Bruce Fluker	6	0	0	AM	POW	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt James Rivera	14	0	3	AM+	POW	0

Crew Chief: T/Sgt John Ziegler (The Dedicated) - 15 missions


E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	4	0	1	3
Me-109	8	1	3	3
Me-110	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
Total	12	1	4	6

Claims:--

Damage: Bomb crashed

Peckham Points: Infinite peckam points

Casualties:--

Awards:--

Promotions:--

AAR (flown with TFT)

From the testimonies of the crews of other bombers, the "Black Shadow", after dropping bombs on the target, was hit at engine #2. The engine went out of control and the propellers were not feathered. All witnesses confirmed that they had seen 10 parachutes open in the wake of the plane.

[Grondeaux]

B-24J-135-CO 42-110107 Sorcerer’s Apprentice
78th Bombardment Squadron
Bomber Position: High squadron, Middle
Mission Date: 5 May 1944
Mission #: 28
Aircraft Mission #: 8
Target: Refinery, Ploesti Romania

Crew at Mission Start

Position	Rank	Name	Missions	Credits	Stress	Awards	Notes
Pilot	1LT	Ernest Pike	1		0
Copilot	2LT	Ralph Emerson	7		0	AM
Bombardier	2LT	Jasper Johns	7		0	DFC, AM
Navigator	2LT	Louis Clark	7		0	AM
Nose Turret Gunner	SGT	Desmond Dekker	2	0.5	1
Flight Engineer	TSGT	Colin Ferguson	7	2	1	AM
Ball Turret Gunner	SGT	Guido Scarponi	7		2	AM
Left Waist Gunner	SGT	Augustus Winstead	2		0	PH	Replacement
Right Waist Gunner	SSGT	Wilbur Ingram	2		0	PH	Replacement
Tail Turret Gunner	SGT	Jerome Wright	6		1	AM

Crew Chief: SGT Gary Woods (39 skill points; roll every even-numbered zone)

Bomb Run: DNB

Casualties:
    1LT Ernest Pike, KIA
    2LT Ralph Emerson, KIA
    2LT Jasper Johns, POW
    2LT Louis Clark, KIA
    SGT Desmond Dekker, POW
    TSGT Colin Ferguson, POW
    SGT Guido Scarponi, KIA
    SGT Augustus Winstead, KIA
    SGT Wilbur Ingram, KIA
    SGT Jerome Wright, KIA

Attackers: 3

Type	Spotted	Destroyed	Damaged	Driven Off by Escort
FW-190	3	0	3	0

Aircraft Damage: Lost due to fuel tank explosion.

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)
-----------------------------------------------------

From post-mission debriefings with other members of the 78th Bombardment Squadron, we learned that Sorcerer’s Apprentice was set upon by Focke-Wolfe 190s over Romania, but short of the Target Zone. The aircraft was seen to suffer multiple cannon hits to the bomb bay area, one of which ignited the wing fuel tank. The pilot put the aircraft in a steep dive in an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish the flames. It exploded shortly thereafter. Three parachutes were spotted, and those crewmen are believed to have been captured by enemy forces.

[OOC: Three 190s attacked from 6:00 high, 6:00 level, and 9:00 high. All were hit by the gunners, but none fatally. They nailed Sorcerer's Apprentice with a total of 7 cannon hits (each causing three damage rolls) and 6 machine gun hits. That's 27 damage rolls on their first pass and only pass. No need for a second. And only one of the FWs was an ace.]

[rhreiss]

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  Awards Kills         Status
                                                          Missions Flown           credited 
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  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  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 Nose  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 Bob's Rascals

Commander: 1LT Bob Muncrief
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
4 combat missions flown
status repaired in 2 days
MISSION DATE: 5 May 44
MISSION # 28
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
Formation: high
Position: middle

Crew
Position       Rank Name          Combat Missions Flown  Status
Pilot             1LT Bob Muncrief              4                     LW - 2 days
Co-Pilot        2LT Bob ‘Happy’ Harris      4                     RFD
Bombardier  2LT Sig Gryska                  4                    RFD
Navigator     2LT Eddie Silber                4                     RFD
Engineer/TT  S/SGT Mel Mazzera           4                    RFD
Radio/ RW    S/SGT Joe Grace               4                   RFD
Ball Gunner  SGT Joe ‘ Irish’ Gallagher   4                    RFD
Left Waist     SGT Mark Christman         4                     KIA
Nose Gunner SGT Hal Spindel               4                     RFD
Tail Gunner SGT Bill Cox 4 RFD



experence skill modifier level
Crew Chief SGT Johnny Berardino 4 -1 Rookie


Enemy Aircraft: Encountered: 17
                       Me-109 Fw-190  Me-210 Me-410 TOTAL

Escort Intercept      0            0         0        0         0
Undamaged            0            1         3         0         4
Damaged               3             3        1         0         7
Probable/Denied     0            0          1        0         1
Destroyed              4            0         1         0         5


Crew Chief Pre Mission Report: Standard mission and chances for Mechanical Failures.
Bomb Results: off-target 0%
Bomber Damage:
9 x superficial damage 18
Control Cables (1st hit no effect) 5
Right Waist Gun damaged inop 10
Fuel Transfer System fire put out 1st try 25
pilot LW forearm cut 2
Ailerons (-1 landing roll) 10
tail no effect 5
Leftwaist gunner KIA 10
pilot Compartment Heat out 10
Right Wing ne effect 5
Peckham Points: 100
Landing: Safe landing at Giulia Airfield
Bomber Disposition: two days to repair

Casualtie& status:
SGT Christman KIA
1LT Muncrief Light Wound 2 day recovery

Claims:
S/SGT Mazzera Me109 Shared - 1/2 Victory Credit Awarded
SGT Spindel Me210 Approved
SGT Cox Me109 Approved
S/SGT Mazzera & SGT Spindel Me109 Approved
SGT Christman & SGT Spindel Me210 Denied
SGT Spindel & SGT Gallagher Me109 Approved
Awards:
SGT Christman Purple Heart
1LT Muncrief Purple Heart

Promotions:





AAR





OUTBOUND

We were able to take off and join up with the formation without any problems. When we were in the vicinity of Targu Jiu we encountered our first resistance. We were attacked by a pair of Me109’s. Mel in the top turret took the first one out attacking it 6 high. Must’ve been a green pilot he didn’t show much finesse. The 2nd one also at our 6 came straight in and Bill our tailgunner hammered him doing significant damage, but he also got his hits in on us before breaking off the attack. Multiple hits for superficial damage, damage to the control cables, knocking out our right waist gun, and causing a fire in the fuel transfer system which we were able to quickly put out.



TARGET AREA

the attacks continued in intensity as we reach the target area. First where a trio of FW 190’s two coming from our front sector and one at our 6. Bill, Mel and Hal all managed to damage their fighters causing them to Mrs. and break off the attack. Next were a pair of Me210s in our front sector. Mel did enough damage to his that it broke off the attack, and Hal shattered the cockpit of the other one sending it into a spiraling decent clearly out of control. After that Hal traded shots with an Fw190 with no apparent damage by either party. Bill damaged a Me109 at our 6 causing it to miss us and break off its’ attack. Last one came at us in a vertical dive and scored multiple hits on us, some for superficial damage but also lightly wounding me in the arm knocking out our ailerons. When he came around for a reattack Mel and Hal shot his aircraft full of holes knocking him out of the sky. Motor making our bomb run just before we reach the target we were rocked by a couple of flak hits that shook us enough that our bombs were off target even though the hits did no significant damage, although Bill in the tail was a bit shaken by a near miss. After we reached the RP there was one final round of fighter attacks. Hal and Mark shot up a Me210 which managed to get a wild shot off at us before it started falling out of the sky. Mel traded shots with a Me 410 with both missing before it broke off its attack. Bill took the wing off a Romanian Me109 attacking at our 6. The 2nd Romanian me 109 also at our 6 managed to get through and score several hits, damaging the right wing for no effect, knocking out the heat in the pilot compartment, and killing Mark instantly.





INBOUND

we were forced to descend to 10,000 feet due to the heat being out in the pilot compartment. However we were able to keep up with the formation at higher altitude and as a result did not attract any additional enemy fighter activity. We managed a safe landing. Bill our crew chief says it will take couple of days to get all the repairs and maintenance done before were ready to fly again. After I get patched up by the flight surgeon I need to write a letter home to Bill’s family. First time doing this, the old hands it doesn’t get any easier with time.



1LT Bob Muncrief, Pilot Commanding

B-24J Bob’s Rascals

78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[eddie]

Mission 28 AAR
Mission Date: 5 May, 1944

Target: Ploesti, Romania – Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Bomber SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31468; "Miss Behavin"
80th Bomb Sqdn., 509th (H) Bombardment Grp., 15th AF

Formation position: Low Sqdn.

Pilot: 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway (Mission #10)
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Matt West (Mission #10)
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Ben Morrison (Mission: #10)
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Evan Jones (Mission #10)
Engineer: TSgt. Michael Godinez (Mission #10)
Radio Operator: SSgt. Andy Mize (Mission #10)
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt. Craig Wiseman (Mission #10)
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt. Ralph Taylor (Mission #9) (SPARE)
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt. Tommy Latimer (Mission #3)
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Robert Dyer (Mission #9)

Bomb Run: On/Off target, % HIT = Off Target, 0%

Bomber Damage Sustained: Ball Turrent heat out, Bomb controls inop, Tailplane hit, Waist Oxygen hit, Radio out, Starboard aileron out, Starboard wing root hit, Control Cables hit, multiple superficial hits (Peckham points =107)

Crew Casualties Sustained: 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway, Pilot – Light wound, left arm laceration (one day)

Enemy Aircraft Claims: 2: FW-190- TSgt. Michael Godinez, Engineer (Double ACE); FW-190- Sgt. Craig Wiseman, Ball Turret Gunner

I briefed the crew who were not happy about a return trip to Ploesti. I reminded them of the strategic importance of the target and that it has been tough both of the last two trips so to remain vigilant and prepare for it to be tough. The did not need to be reminded to bring extra flak jackets for this one.

After takeoff, we formed up with the rest of the Squadron as part of the low squadron formation.

We encountered no resistance until we were about 200 miles from the target. We were attacked by a Bf-109 that we damaged, it missed and flew on. The Me-110 was jumped by our escorts before he could make an attack.

Near the target zone, we were attacked again by a lone Bf-109 coming at us from 6 High. Our Tail gunner damaged the enemy aircraft so it’s attack on us was ineffective and after the first pass he disappeared.

Making the turn towards the IP, there was flak all over the sky. We took numerous hits all over the ship. Nothing too serious apparently and no injuries but the bomb controls were damaged and we had to drop manually. Between the smoke, the clouds, and the manual drop, our Bombardier, 2nd Lt. Morrison said it would be a complete miracle if we hit anything even close to the target. We took some minor flak on egress from the target zone and then someone kicked the hornet’s nest and there were FW-190’s everywhere we looked.

We had enemy coming in from 12 high, 3 level, 3 high, 10:30 level, just everywhere. Our Engineer, TSgt. Godinez killed one attacking from 3 high, blowing both the wings off the enemy fighter. His 10th kill but no one had time for congratulations. We were hit numerous times, losing heat to the Ball Turret and destroying the radio. My ball turret gunner, Sgt. Wiseman, said he would stay and fight but to get us out of there quick. He could already feel the cold.

Enemy fighters continued pouring in from all directions. Some we damaged and their attacks lessened. Then, Sgt. Wiseman, Ball turret, scored a kill on a fighter crossing underneath very close to us, less than 20 yards. It began to dive away, and our port waist gunner, Sgt. Taylor, reported the entire inside of the canopy was nothing but red.

We had one more fighter as we passed about 150 miles away from the target zone. A FW-190 dove in from 10:30 high, guns blazing, and peppered us. I took a wound to the arm but not bad. Then our escorts began to show up.

The remainder of the trip saw no more action for us, thankfully.

The following crew have flown 10 missions and I will put them in for Air Medals:

Pilot: 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Matt West
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Ben Morrison
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Evan Jones
Engineer: TSgt. Michael Godinez
Radio Operator: SSgt. Andy Mize
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt. Craig Wiseman

In addition, I would like to request a decoration for TSgt. Godinez, Engineer, as a two-time ACE.

I was told by the base Surgeon, I can return to duty tomorrow as the arm laceration is minor.

I would also like to request Sgt. Ralph Taylor, the Port Waist gunner for this mission who flew with us out of the spare pool, be assigned permanently to us. He fit in well with the crew.

Finally, my Crew Chief, MSgt. Creen reports there is a lot of damage but everything appears fixable. He should have us air-worthy in two days.

Respectfully submitted:
1st Lt. T. Hathaway, commanding
SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31468
80th Bomb Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group H, 15th AAF

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Ted Masini
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 5 May 44
Mission Number: 028
Missions This Bomber: 3
Target: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini	23	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman	3	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	19	2.5	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	3	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	3	1	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	3	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	3	0	0	0	RTD
PSW Sgt Noreno Costa	19	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Tim Walton	3	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	18	4	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-17 Damage: 16 Hits
Superficial x 1(1)
Nose x 1
- superficial (1)
Pilots Compartment x 2
- superficial (2)
Port Wing x 3
-superficial (1)
-wingroot (25)
-outboard fuel tank, sealed (5)
Starboard Wing x 1
-superficial (1)
Radio Room x 3
-radio inop (10)
-oxygen, N/E (5)
-rafts (10)
Bomb Bay x 1
-superficial (1)
Waist x 2
-superficial (1)
-both gunners LW (4)
Tail x 2
-starboard tailplane root (25)
-oxygen, N/E (5)
Peckham Points: 97
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	5	1	1	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	1	0	0	1	0
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	6	1	1	1	3

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 2
Sgt Noreno LW - Costa torn tricep RTD 12th May 44. (upper arm tear)
Sgt Tim Walton LW - torn vastus RTD 19th May 44. (torn muscle above the knee)
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests: 1
PH Sgt Noreno
PH Sgt Tim Walton
Promotion Review: 0
Mission Notes: Brutal flak! Nine hits inbound

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Due to a lot of things happening in RL and a demand on my time, I don’t have the time to give zone by zone report. 

[medic1]

B-24J THE GRIM REAPER (B24J-CF-42-100404)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jerry Burch
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 5 May 1944
Mission Number: 028
Mission This Bomber: 07
Mission Target: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jerry Burch	17	0	0	1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Hank McAlister	18	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Cliff Lockwood	7	1	0	1	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Emmett Towns	7	1	0	3	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Bart Dillon	16	6.5	.5	4	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Bill Payne	17	0	0	4	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Mark Harrison	17	6.5	1.5	2	RTD
PWG Sgt Phil Merrick	17	.5	0	1	KIA
SWG S/Sgt Jared Tarallo	4	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Donald Adkins	2	0	1	0	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 00%
B-24 Damage: 12 Hits
Superficial x 3 (6)
Nose x 2
-superficial (2)
-nav equipment inop (10)
Port Wing x 2
-superficial (2)
-ouboard fuel tank leak, sealed (5)
Starboard Wing x 3
-superficial x 1 (2)
-brake out (10)
-flap, N/E (5)
Waist x 1
-PWG KIA (10)
Tail x 1
- superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 54
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	4	2	1	0	0
Bf-110	1	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	1	0	1	0	0
Me-410	3	1	2	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	3	2	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Mark Harrison .5 x Bf-109, 1 x Bf-110
Sgt Donald Adkins 1 x Bf-109
S/Sgt Bart Dillon .5 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
Sgt Phil Merrick KIA – Head Trauma
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous Sgt Phil Merrick
Promotion Reviews:
Stress Points this Mission: 0
Mission Notes: Brutal flak! Nine hits inbound.

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Due to a lot of things happening in RL and a demand on my time, I don’t have the time to give zone by zone report.

[mpgutis]

80th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
Mission #28, Ploesti, Rumania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery
AAR

To say the least, the room was entirely subdued as Captain Marz called the men to attention. Little could be gleaned from the neutral look on Major Simmons' face as he strode to the front of the room. He turned and kept the men at attention as he looked around, noting the absence of three entire crews. His voice sounded a bit subdued as he called the men to at ease and seats.

"Gentlemen, I'm not going to try to sugarcoat this mission in any way. It was a stone...cold...bitch. We suffered three aircraft shot down and one shot up badly enough to force it to abort. We lost the entire crew of Sunny Side Up, one crewman with nine POWs on Angel on My Shoulder, and two men killed with seven POW on Yadkin River Queen. Three other men lost their lives on this mission. There's not much positive I can say about this mission." The men noticed that he left unspoken, "It could have been worse."

"Overall, bombing was 27.7% dropped in the box. Normally I'd complain about that but considering the conditions and the fact that you were Low Squadron, I'm proud of what you accomplished. Castle in the Sky tops the squadron at sixty percent. The A Train, Bonnie, Wild Child, and Yasmin River Queen all tied for second best at forty percent.

"Defensive fire accounted for 23 claims with 16.17 of them being confirmed. I'm also pleased to announce a DFC awarded to our newest ace, Staff Sergeant Stanley Ruzinski of The A Train, and second DFCs to Staff Sergeant Alex Timmerman of Wild Child and Tech Sergeant Michael Godinex of Miss Behaving'." That brought cheers, whistles, and back slapping.

"There's not much more I can say. You men did an excellent job on a tough mission. I'm proud of every one of you." He paused, looked down, and continued, "We'll be getting in newbies to replace our losses. Getting them integrated into the squadron, both on the ground and in the air, is crucial. Get some rest, get some relaxation. We've still got a long way to go."

Marz called the room to attention and Major Simmons walked out.

-----------------------------
STATISTICAL ADDENDUM

THE A TRAIN
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
3 EA claimed, 2 confirmed
SSG Stanley Ruzinski - DFC
SGT Randy Peterman - PH
SGT Vince Meoli - PH

BONNIE
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
SSG Dave Donners - PH

SUNNY SIDE UP - Shot down
Crew - PH, posthumous

ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER - Shot down
On target, 30%
1 PH, posthumous
9 POW

DUCK SOUP
Off target, 5%
TSG Victor Summers - PH, posthumous

BARBARA JEAN
On target, 30%
2 EA claimed, 0.5 confirmed
SSG Wayne Bonilla - PH

WILD CHILD
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
7 EA claimed, 4.67 confirmed
SSG Alex Timmerman - DFC

DOUBLE BOMB
Off target, 5%
1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed

HONEY BUN
On target, 30%
1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed 
2LT A. Tharpe - PH

MISS KEWEENAW
Aborted

NORTHERN QUEEN
On target, 20%
4 EA claimed, 4 confirmed
2LT Louis Clement - PH
TSG Thomas Franklin - PH

CASTLE IN THE SKY
On target, 60% - Best in squadron
4 EA claimed, 3 confirmed
2LT Austin Mathers - PH, posthumous

ROSIE
On target, 20%
2LT Fred Johnson - PH, posthumous

YADKIN RIVER QUEEN -Shot down
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
2LT Jefferson McCray - PH, posthumous
SGT Gary Palouse - PH, posthumous

MISS BEHAVIN'
Off target, 0%
1LT Tom Hathaway - PH, AM
2LT Matt West - AM
2LT Ben Morrison - AM
2LT Evan Jones - AM
TSG Michael Godinez - DFC, AM
SSG Andy Mike - AM
SGT Craig Wiseman - AM

[caodwolf]

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION  #28- Ploesti, Romania




The CO Major Jopp and XO Major Garfield enters into a hushed  and empty room.  Over  1/2 of the 78th, are gone.  

At the same time, Sgt Wallace bellows: “Boxcars… Attention! ” … and everyone rises.

"At ease men" starts the Major who looks like he hasn't slept in days.  'i don't have to tell you this a was mission from hell.   You all  here ......fought through waives of enemy fighters,  heavy FLAK and a long mission to reach and bomb the target.   Many of our comrades did not as (5) bombers were lost.  (31) or so chutes were reporting by you, most over Yugoslavia.   Let's hope they are found by friendly Partisans and sheltered.  Considering all of this,  21% delivered on-target and (20) confirmed German & Romanian fighters credited."

"Even our Assembly Plan the Heavenly Body suffered a  landing mishap but will be ready for the next sortie." 

Pausing for almost minute,  "1Lt  Bruce Ellison completed his tour with his 25th  and earning a DFC & a ticket home !    Replacements are on the way from the states.   There'll be alot of new faces over the next week & a half,  most right  from advanced bombing flight school.   Show them the ropes as your lives and the success of the mission depends on it."

The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO, who begins to walk toward the aisle. The two begin to leave.

“Boxcars… Attention” and the assembled throng rises again.

"Dismissed!"

Player		Bomber	% on Target	Damage	Kills
crushedhat		Laid Back Lady	DNB	79	2 1/2
limburger59		Temptacious (Spare)	0%	150	1
kageyone		Angel on My Shoulder	---	LOST	---
kageyone		Orange's Other Crate II	40%	55	5
medic1		Grim Reaper	0%	54	3
groundeaux		Suzy Q	9%	12	1
groudeaux		Sorcerer's Apprenctice	---	LOST	---
chefed		Next Objective	60%	LOST	---
caodwolfs		Lovely Ladies	ABORT	56	1
rhreiss		Bama Beauty	---	LOST	---
rheiss		Bob's Rascals	0%	100	4 1/2
keltos		Black Shadow	30%	LOST	---
ChefEd		Lady in The Dark (spare)	30%	185	1 2/3
		Average Results	21%		19 2/3

Bombers Lost


Next Objective
Sorcerer's Apprentivce
Black Shadow
Bama Beauty
Angel on My Shoulder


Top Bombers

Next Objective                  60%
Orange's Other Crate II     40%


    

Awards /  Promotions

DFC


1Lt Bruce Ellison - 25th Mission


KIA

SGT Merle Hawkins

SGT Christman

CPT McQuinn

2Lt Rodney Towsley

Sgt Phil Merrick




AM

1LT Bruce Ellison
S/SGT John Gallows
SGT Evan Fryberger
1LT Alexis Vaillancourt
Lt B Tottenham
Sgt F Dunn



PROMOTIONS


NONE





25th Mission

1Lt Bruce Ellison

CASUALTIES

LW

S/Sgt T Herbon
1LT M Kucek
S/Sgt D. Baker
2LT Andrew Doherty
 2LT Charles Freya
S/SGT Irvin Marshall
SGT Kaiden Williams
SGT Evan Fryberger
2LT Callahan Quinn
2LT Benjamin Galardi
1LT Muncrief
1LT Everett Galloway
2Lt Edward Cunningham




SW

1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell
Sgt Jake Bender




MIA


2nd Lt Arlo Perot
2nd Lt Callahan Quinn
2nd Lt Benjamin Galardi
T/Sgt Abraham Leeker
M/Sgt Bruce Woodward
Sgt Walter "Wally" Heath
T/3rd Tristen Townsend
T/Sgt Brendan Burgess
T/Sgt Finnley Griffith
S/Sgt Dan Hitchcock
1LT Ernest Pik
2LT Ralph Emerson
2LT Jasper Johns
2LT Louis Clark
SGT Desmond Dekker
TSGT Colin Ferguson
SGT Guido Scarponi
SGT Augustus Winstead
SGT Wilbur Ingram
SGT Jerome Wright
1st Lt. Mitch Armstead
2nd Lt. Paul Holden
2nd Lt. John Griffis
2nd Lt. Charles Rutherford
T/Sgt Jim Grimsley
Sgt Dennis Lindsay
S/Sgt Erik Sinnott
S/Sgt Lee Hanson
Sgt Bruce Fluker
Sgt James Rivera
2LT Goodman
2LT Grissom
1LT Tobin
T/SGT Harshaney
S/SGT Clift
SGT Campbell
SGT Weintraub
S/SGT Thompson
SGT Jordan
1Lt A Diell
2Lt D Carter
2Lt I Joshua
TSgt B O'Conner
2Lt D Peters
S/Sgt B Aikens
Sgt E Finnlinson
Sgt B Friedman
Sgt W Schultze





KIA

SGT Merle Hawkins  (DOW)
SGT Christman
CPT McQuinn
2Lt Rodney Towsley
Sgt Phil Merrick



PURPLE HEART


S/Sgt T Herbon
1LT M Kucek
S/Sgt D. Baker
1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell
2LT Andrew Doherty
 2LT Charles Freya
S/SGT Irvin Marshall
SGT Kaiden Williams
SGT Evan Fryberger
2LT Callahan Quinn
2LT Benjamin Galardi
Sgt Jake Bender
1LT Muncrief
1LT Everett Galloway
2Lt Edward Cunningham
SGT Merle Hawkins
SGT Christman
CPT McQuinn
2Lt Rodney Towsley
Sgt Phil Merrick

[wolverinetoddy]

79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary
Mission: 28
Mission Date: 5 May 44
Target: Ploesti, Romania - Unirea Spreantza Oil Refinery


1st Sgt. Parker barked from the room: “ATTENTION!”

Major Robinson and his staff came storming down the aisle. After the tongue-lashing, they all got last week they were all on edge. Then the major turned around and didn’t look angry and they all breathed a sigh of relief.

“Gentlemen, take your seats.”
“We are still awaiting word from the Red Cross about the fate of the Maumee River although I am hearing reports. . . that where not very many parachutes sighted. Chute in the Works also took a brutal flak hit. Good job getting what was left of your aircraft home. The flak was rough today.”

Everyone looked up at the casualty board. Ouch, almost 20% today. The Major could sense the darkening mood in the room.

“I am pleased that your bombing runs are starting to return to something acceptable. Reports indicate that we may have put enough of a dent in Hitler’s oil production to make this worth it. Remember every barrel of oil you kept from being produced could be one less tank facing our boys on the front line or more Me 109 sitting on the ground with an empty fuel tank.”

“Let’s see how you all did today. . .”

B 17’s sortied: 12
B 17’s bombing target: 9
B 17’s lost: 3
Average Bomb Run: 23.11%
High Bomb Run: Lady Liza 56%

Casualty Report:
KIA: 13
SW: 4
LW: 5
MIA: 1

Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement:

DFC for Wolf of the Fortunate Sons

Fighters Shots down:
Me109's: 14
Me 110’s: 1
FW 190’s: 3
Other: 2


Bomber Report

Plane: Pecatonica
Bomb Run: 10%
Claims: 2
Medals/Promotions: PH: Sheehan, Turner
Casualties: Sheehan, Turner
Status: Returned

Plane: All In
Bomb Run: 42%
Claims: 3
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Beach Bum
Bomb Run: DNB
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Fortunate Sons
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 4
Medals/Promotions: DFC: Wolf
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Hi Line
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: PH: Angelino
Casualties: Angelino
Status: Returned

Plane: The Filthy Hag
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: PH: Bishop
Casualties: Bishop
Status: Returned

Plane: Damned Yankees
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 2
Medals/Promotions: PH: Dimaggio, Mantle
Casualties: Dimaggio, Mantle
Status: Returned

Plane: Chute in the Works
Bomb Run: DNB
Claims: 3
Medals/Promotions: PH: Scarsella, Kampouris, Outlaw, Brittan
Casualties: Scarsella, Kampouris, Outlaw, Brittan
Status: Cat-E

Plane: Lucky Patch
Bomb Run: 40%
Claims: 2
Medals/Promotions: PH: Warwick, DFC: Haley
Casualties: Warwick
Status: Returned

Plane: Maumee River
Bomb Run: DNB
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: PH: Sawyer, Miller, Travis, Poorman, Backus, Therwachter, Baker, Smith, JC Welch
Casualties: Sawyer, Miller, Travis, Poorman, Backus, Therwachter, Baker, Smith, JC Welch
Status: Crashed

Plane: Lady Liza
Bomb Run: 56%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: PH: Swanson, Hoagland
Casualties: Swanson, Hoagland
Status: Returned

Plane: Sunday Punch
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: PH: Costa, Walton
Casualties: Costa, Walton
Status: Returned

[colbourne66]

B-17G Witchcraft

Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

Squadron Position: Low

Mission Number: 28

This Aircraft: 3

Target: Romania, Oil Refinary

Crew

Position              Rank / Name                  Mission          Kills              Awards              Status              Stress
Pilot                      1LT Burke                       3                                                            RTD                  1
Co-Pilot                 2LT Hill                           3                                      PH                  SW                   3
Navigator /            2LT Edwards                    3                                                           KIA                   1
Bombardier            2LT Mason                      3                                                            RTD                  0
Engineer                  T/SGT Haven                  3                                                          RTD                  2
Radio Op                  T/SGT Sharp                  3                                                          RTD                  0
Ball                          SGT Crabtree                  3           1.5                                         RTD                  0
Left Waist                 SGT Warren                  3                                                          DOW                  0
Right Waist               SGT Benton                  3                                                           RTD                   1
Tail Gunner               SGT Parker                   3                                                           RTD                   0


Bomb Run: On Target, 50 %

Bomb-run history (1/50), (2/13), (3/50)

Casualties:
2LT Hill – Serious Wound – chest RTD 13th June
2LT Edwards – Killed In Action – both legs lost
SGT Warren – Died of Wounds – shattered Pelvis

Damage:

#2 Turbo charger (Mechanical failure) (25)
Navigator killed (10)
Copilot seriously wounded (5)
Left waist killed (10)
4 x superficial hits (4)

Peckham points: 54


Enemy Aircraft:
4 X JU88
4 X FW190
7 X ME109

Claims:
SGT CRABTREE ME 109 (Approved)
SGT CRABTREE ME 109 (Approved 50%)
SGT BENTON JU88 (Approved)
SGT PARKER ME109 (Approved)

Awards: 2LT Hill Purple Heart
2LT Edwards Purple Heart (Posthumous)
SGT Warren Purple Heart (Posthumous)

Promotions: None


AFTER ACTION REPORT

After Action REPORT
Everyone was a little worried prior to the mission. We’d heard stories about the last raid on the target and how bad it was.
Take Off: Good. As we climbed into the air we heard reports of one of the B-24s having crashed on take off.

Z2-Z3 NSTR

Z4 We saw some German fighters as we crossed the coast into Yugoslavia, but none came near us. One of our squadrons bombers dropped out of formation and headed home.

Z5-Z8 NSTR

Z9 – As we crossed into Bulgaria and Romania things started to hot up. We saw fighters try to take down the lead plane of our squadron but they were beaten off. We saw a number of fighters go down as they attacked the group, but none came near us. We also saw several rockets being fired through the formation. Suddenly there was a large explosion off to our left waist – someone radioed that bombs were being dropped by German planes above us. They must have had a proximity or time fuse because although we weren’t hit directly the blast blew shrapnel into the left waist, seriously injuring SGT Warren

“Skip! Warren’s hit – he’s down! SGT Benton yelled. TSGT Sharp and SGT Benton rushed to him.
“Ahhh, goddam, I’m hit! SGT Warren placed a hand over his hip and brought it back covered in blood. I’m hit bad!
TSGT Sharp started packing the wound with gauze bandages. “Hang in there buddy, we’ll look after you!”
SGT Warren was stabilised with a serious wound to the pelvis. TSGT Sharp brought him into the radio room to try and make him more comfortable.
“Keep an eye on him, Sharp”, 1LT Burke radioed. “We’ve still got a long journey ahead of us.”


Z10 NSTR

Z11 Our fighter escort were being nice and aggressive (aggressive little friends random event) and kept close by us. 2 JU-88’s tried to come at us but both were driven off by our escorts

Target Outbound: Things started to get intense as we approached the target. The formation was hit by swarms of enemy fighters. We saw one of the B-24s go down in a steep dive its wing on fire, before it exploded. Three chutes were seen. Three fighters tried to take us down – a FW190 at 12H and an ME109 at 3Level, both of which were driven off by our escorts. Another 109 dove in at us from above both the top turret and radio operator missed, but they must have thrown off his aim as his fire missed us and he dove away. The fighter’s seemed to fade away and up ahead the flak started up. It was the heaviest we’ve ever seen – the sky was black with exploding shell bursts.

“Would you look at that” 2LT Hill said in awe as the flak started to burst. “that’s a wall of flak!”
“OK crew” 1LT Burke called “Everyone make sure you have your flak jackets and helmets on – now!”


We saw a B-17 from the middle squadron lose its tail to a flak burst and spiral to the ground in a steep dive. Another B-17 in the middle squadron took a flak shell straight in the nose and dropped out of formation, smoke pouring from the ruined compartment. A flak burst sent shrapnel into our tail and caused superficial damage. But more seriously a flak round exploded close to our nose. The blast blew through the floor in the navigators station wrecking the navigators desk and blowing 2LT Edwards half out of his chair.

“Mason, Edwards – are you both OK!” 1LT Burke called out
“I’m OK” Mason replied. He glanced over at Edwards. “But Edwards is hit – looks pretty bad.”
“Can you check on him?” Burke called?
“I’m on the Bomb run!” Mason replied
T/SGT Havens struggled down from the top turret, bulky in his flak jacket. He pulled Edwards from his chair “Oh, god, oh, no…Edward is dead, sir.” Havens cried. “Both legs are gone!”


Despite the chaos happening in the nose, Mason spied a gap in the smoke pots and dropped on the target for an estimated 50%

Target Inbound: Fortunately the flak was not as bad as we left the target. Mason and Havens pulled a blanket over Edwards body. Another B24 went down with an engine feathered – but we saw 10 chutes so all the guys got out. As we left the flak field, the fighters came back with a vengeance. Two fighters attacked, one FW190 at 12H and a me109 at 6H. The 109 was driven off by SGT PARKER in the tail, but the FW190 scored a hit on the cockpit. A shell impacted on the side of the co-pilots compartment blasting shell fragments into 2LT Hills’ chest. Luckily he was still wearing his flak jacket but the wound was serious. He collapsed at the controls. The FW190 came round again at 3 High but the combined fire of SGT Benton in the Right waist and TSGT Haven in the top turret drove him away. 2 JU88’s tried their luck next, one coming in at 3 Level and one and 1.30 Low. SGT Benton in the right waist destroyed one but the chin turret and ball missed the other. He pulled a tight turn and came back at us at 1.30 high – the chin and top turrets missed and the JU88 caused superficial damage to the nose and radio room, before moving on to other targets. 3 Me-109’s came at us next, one in a vertical climb that was easily taken down by SGT Crabtree in the Ball. One at 6 low was driven off by SGT Parkers fire in the rear. The third came at us head one from 12 level and despite being hit by the chin and top turret, he carried on his attack. Fortunately our defensive fire must have thrown off his aim as he missed, but rolled round to attack us again from 1.30 low. This time SGT Crabtree was tracking him and blew his wing off before he could fire again. As we left the target behind and fighter activity died down, TSGT Havens helped the wounded 2LT Hill to the radio room and lay him next to SGT Evans. Hill was moving in and out of consciousness. Havens checked on SGT Warren. “He’s doing OK skip!”


Z11-8 NSTR bombers were dropping out of formation all over the place. We tried to process the chaos of what had happened over the target and mourned our casualties.

Z7 – Flak must have caused some damage to the #2 turbocharger which packed up entirely.

Z6-5 NSTR

Z4 As we crossed the coast the enemy sent up fighters to get us. The fighter escort managed to drive off most of the fighters that attacked us – two FW190. SGT Parker in the tail claimed an ME109 that tried to sneak up on our tail. As we left the Yougoslav coast behind, TSGT Sharp checked on our casualties. 2LT Hill was barely conscious…but SGT Warren was found dead.
“Skip! Warren’s dead! I…I don’t know what happened…maybe shock or something?”


Z3-Z2 NSTR It was a quite remainder of the trip.

Landing: Safe, I brought TSGT Havens into the co-pilot seat to help me land. We took our casualties out and reported for debriefing

That was a helluva mission. Our gunnery is much improved – we claimed 4 fighters. Mason did well dropping for 50% despite the chaos in the nose during the bomb run. But we lost two men and 2LT Hill will be in hospital for the next 6 weeks. As we were doing to debrief, a truck pulled up nearby with replacement officers and aircrew – I guess we’ll get some new crewmen, but I’ll pull a co-pilot from the spare pool. Time to write some letters to families.



Submitted by,
1Lt Burke, Pilot
B-17G Witchcraft
80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF