Mission 29: Piacenza, Italy

[tomt1999]

MISSION DATE: 10 May 44
MISSION # 29
TARGET: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard
Bombing Altitude: 22,500 feet

80th Squadron

Bachelor's Bedlam 5187 - spare

CREW (missions)
PILOT 1LT Reggie Fleenor 0
CO-P 2LT Tommy Weston 9
NAV 2LT Jimmy Cutter 3
BBDR 2LT Edmund Jordan 1
ENG SSGT Johnny Hilton 1
RADIO SSGT Zander Berger 12
BALL SGT Gavin O'Callahan 11
WAIST SGT Warren Crouch 4
WAIST SGT Julius Hernandez
TAIL SGT Bobby Curry 5

BOMBING ON 20%

CLAIMS
1x G55 - Engineer Jimmy Cutter.

CASUALTIES

TAIL SGT Bobby Curry - Severe Wound. Head wound, bullet lodged in skull, inflamed deep 

tissue and brain. Survives, but is invalided to the ZOI.

NAV 2LT Jimmy Cutter. Frostbite - three days recuperation.

DAMAGE
10 pp HEAT OUT Navigator
25 pp Tail plane root
5 pp serious wound
2 pp light wound
4 pp superficials
46 pp TOTAL

ENEMY A/C
2x Me 109 zone 6, 2x DAM
1x Ju88, zone 9B inbound DAM
1x G55 IT, zone 9B, DESTROYED

AAR

Take-off good. All quiet until zone 6 when two 109s got after us.
We damaged one of them pretty good, but the other walked hits from
our nose to the tail. Luckily most were through-and-throughs, but
one severely wounded the tail gunner and one put out the heat to the
Navigator.

Navigator 2Lt James Curry, bravely stood to his post to get us to
the target, but has suffered frostbite in his hands. After the target,
once we turned around, he put us on a course towards Giulia and went to
plug in in the Radio compartment. Periodically he checked our course and
returned to the Radio, but I fear this worsened his frostbite. We tried
firing a few rounds from the radio gun to heat up the barrel for Curry
to warm his hands on, but I don't know how effective this was.

Over the target we were hit by flak in the tailplane root, but still
managed to hit ON target for 20%.

As we left the target zone a Ju-88 came up from six o'clock low. The ball
gunner damaged him and drove him off. Also at this time, SSGT Johnny Hilton
destroyed an Italian G55.

The ride home was uneventful and we landed at Giulia.

FLEENOR

[limburger59]

B-17F: BELLE WRINGER (Spare in lieu of Great Expectations) 
    80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

    Middle Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 10 MAY 44 
MISSION # 29 (3rd this bomber)
TARGET: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Bomb Run: DNB - Aborted Mission due to Suit Heater Failure - No Mission Credit

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Stress	Notes
Pilot	CAPT	Peter "Pip" Dickins	25				RTD		♣♣
Copilot	2LT	Russel “Russ” Pratt	2				RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Bombardier	1 LT	Jack Dawkins	21				RTD	2	♣
Navigator	2 LT	Daniel Webster	10	1.33			RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Engineer	S/SGT	Mike Dixon	23	3.83			RTD	1
Radioman	T/SGT	Desmond “Desi” Anderson	1				RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Ball Gunner	SGT	Chester “Bad Boy” Goode	4	.83			RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
PWG	S/SGT	Henry Hubble	24	.33			RTD		♣
SWG	SGT	Varney “Tater” Coultrain	0				RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	David "Hot Stuff" Sutter	5	.33			RTD		Temp from Spare Pool

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: 
Mechanical Failure - Bombardier Suit Heating Rheostat shorted out (10)

Peckham Points: 10

Crew Chief: T/SGT Julian San Sebastian (Status: Dedicated)

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia 

Attackers: 0	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	0
Bf-110	0
FW-190	0
ME-210	0
C205	0
Re2005	0
TOTALS	0	0	0	0	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests: None

In Hospital/Not Flying Today: Tail Gunner: S/SGT Dave Donners (23) AM+++ PH++:  RTD 13 May 44

AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant)

   As we climbed past 10,000 feet our Bombardier plugged his suit into the rheostat and was greeted by sparks. Our Engineer declared the rheostat irreparable and we returned to base with no mission credit. S/SGT Hubble will need to wait one more mission to get his ticket home. Seems that the Gremlins haunt the Spare Pool.    

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Pecatonica (5)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 10 May 44
Mission #: 29
Target: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips (5) {0} AM, PH: 2
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. A Campbell (4) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. O Guernsey (5) {2} AM, PH
Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Bean (5) {0} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. I Clapp (5) {4} AM, PH
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Hart (5) {2} AM
Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Gunkel (5) {0} AM, PH
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Phinney (5) {0} AM
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. M Sheehan (5) {1} AM, PH: 2
Tail Gunner: Sgt. T Tweet (1) {0}

Bomb Percentage: 0%

Bomber Disposition: Starboard Aileron, Starboard Wing Root, Tail O2, Tail Wheel, Starboard Tailplane Root, Port Elevator, Ball Turret, Superficial Damage (117 Peckham Points)

Casualties: n/a

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

Special Note:
1st Lt. SJ Phillips: AM
2nd Lt. O Guernsey: AM
2nd Lt. A Bean: AM
MSgt. I Clapp: AM
Sgt. C Hart: AM
Sgt. C Gunkel: AM
Sgt. P Phinney: AM
Sgt. M Sheehan: AM

Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. SJ Phillips, pilot commanding

The Pecatonica was joined today by our new tail gunner, Sgt. Tweet from La Crosse. He seems like a solid enough of a man and did well at the gunnery range this week. The men are confident he will do a good job protecting our tail.

We took off without incident and settled in the middle of the formation for the long run up the Adriatic.

In Zone 6 we were attacked by a trio of FW 190s. The dreaded butcher birds. On their first pass Hart shot one down. That only seemed to make the other two more determined. They shot up the bomber and came around for a second pass. On the second pass Clapp hit one of them and he flew off. The other one hit us hard in the tail and came around a third time. Pretty much all the damage to the plane came from that one fighter.

Over the target we encountered moderate flak and cloud cover which led to Guernsey being off target.

We had a quiet ride home and arrived safely back at base. The landing was a little bumpy since the tail wheel had been shot off. The crew chief is not amused at what the landing or the 190s did to his plane.

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Miss Keweenaw (4)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. C Smith
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 10 May 44
Mission #: 29
Target: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. C Smith (4) {0} PH
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. CA Hoyt (4) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. W Hutchinson (4) {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Axtell (4) {0}
Engineer: MSgt. J Anderson (4) {0}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. J Brewbaker (4) {1}
Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Cook (4) {0}
Pt Waist G: Sgt. L Flint (4) {0}
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. R Heron (4) {0}
Tail Gunner: Sgt. R Lewis (4) {2}

Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Rudder, Tail Turret, Prop Feathering, Superficial Damage (45 Peckham Points)

Casualties:
1st Lt. C Smith: SW – invalided home

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

Special Note:
C Smith: PH

Mission Description: File by 2nd Lt. CA Hoyt, acting commander

We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation. The outbound flight was quiet.

During our bomb run we were attacked by a single 109. We missed him and he missed us. We experienced moderate flak and sustained minor flak damage. Hutchinson was off target and we turned for home.

We were chased out of the target zone by three FW 190s. In three passes they caused minor damage to the plane and major damage to the crew. One of the 190s poured gunfire into the pilot compartment. When I looked over to see how the skipper was doing he was unconscious and there was blood coming out of somewhere.

“Anderson get down here” I shouted back at the engineer.
Anderson came down and leapt into action to provide first aid to the skipper. Axtel came back to help him. While I flew the plane, they managed to get him patched up.
Anderson sat down in the left seat to help fly the plane home.

When we arrived back at base, I shot a red flare to indicate an emergency and we were given a priority landing. Lt. Smoth was hanging on when the medics pulled him out of the plane and rushed him off to the hospital. The skipper is going to live, but it’s going to take him months to recover and he will not fly again.

[caodwolf]

B-17G:  Honey Bun



Pilot: 1Lt. D. Diluzio
Assignment:  15th Air Force,  509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron
Mission Date: 10-May-1944
Mission No.:  29
Mission this Bomber: 4
Target for Today:  Piacenza- Italy - Marshalling Yards
Squadron Position:  Middle
Result:   On-Target:  20%
 

A burst of Flak startled  the crew as we crossed the Italian coast headed home.  Intel mentioned there might be coastal Flak but all the same it was unnerving

Other than this the mission was successfully completed.  Bombs were dropped on target and German resistance was ineffective  and light.

Lost the engine fire extinguishers controls as we approach the airbase.  We'll be ok as long as a engine fire doesn't pop up.

Landed ok.

That is all....    

Crew Manifest

Position	Rank	Name	Missions Flown	Kills this Mission	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt	D. Diluzio	14	---	---	AM,PH	OK-Promo
Co-Pilot	2Lt	J. Boyer	3	---	---	---	OK
Bombardier	2Lt	M, Russell	1	---	---	---	OK
Navigator	2Lt	J. Labelle	5	---	---	AM	OK
Top Turret/Engineer	Sgt	R. Reese	3	---	1/2	---	OK
Radio Op	S/Sgt	K. Whitmore	17	---	---	AM	OK
Port Waist	S/Sgt	J Dix	7	---	---	AM	OK
Stbd Waist	S/Sgt	J. Shoemaker	13	---	1	AM, PH	OK
Ball Turret	S/Sgt	M. Lesjack	21	---	6 ACE	AM (2)	OK
Tail Turret	S/Sgt	K. Taylor	16	---	1	AM	OK

 

HOSPITAL


S/Sgt W Comerota   RTD:  15-May
2Lt J Pate                RTD:  1-June
2Lt M Yezzi              RTD:  15-May
2Lt.  A Tharpe         RTD:  12-June



KIA

None


WIA

None

Medals / Promotions

Air Medal

2Lt.  J Labelle

Promotions

2Lt  D Diluzio to 1Lt.

Fighters Encountered

 

FTR	Spotted	Driven-Off	Damaged	Not-Damaged	Claimed - Credited
ME-109	2	1	1	---	---
C-205	2	1	1	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
TOTALS	4	2	2	---

---

B-17G Damage:   * 22 *  

-Stbd Waist gun knocked out
-Instruments:   Engine Fire extinguisher controls

[royalblue]

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

Pilot: 1Lt William Rose

Mission Date: 10 May 1944
Mission: 29

Previous Missions in Bomber: 3

Target: Piacenza, Italy
Target Type: Marshaling Yard

Formation: Middle
Position: Tail

CREW

Position	Rank/Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt William Rose	4	0	0	-	RTD
Co-Pilot	2Lt Nelson Clark	4	0	0	-	RTD
Bombardier	2Lt Philip Blair	4	0	1	-	RTD
Navigator	2Lt Louis Clement	4	0	1	PH	RTD
Engineer	T/Sgt Thomas Franklin	4	0	3	PH	RTD
Radio Op.	S/Sgt Samuel Holland	4	0	1	-	RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Felix Silva	4	0	0	-	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Leonard Kuiper	4	0	0	-	RTD
Starboard WG	Sgt Martin Owens	4	0	1	-	RTD
Tail Gunner	Sgt Maks Marchenko	4	1	1	PH	LW

Bomb Run: Off target - 0%

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	1	1	0	0
Bf-109	1	0	1	0
Me-110	0	0	0	0
Total	2	1	1	0

Claims:

- Sgt Marchenko, x1 Bf-109

Damage:

- Superficial x2

- Bomb Controls Inoperable

Peckham Points: - 12, repaired same day.

Casualties:

- Sgt Marchenko, LW - Foot cut, grazed, superficial. RTD in under 24 hours.

Awards:

- Sgt Marchenko, Purple Heart

After-Action Report:

OUTBOUND

Takeoff/Zone 1: Easy takeoff.

Zone 2-9A: Nothing to report.

Zone 9B/Target: Thanks to a combination of luck and competent fighter cover we never saw any German or Italian aircraft get close to us over the marshaling yard. We would realize later though that the cold had started to affect some of our weapon systems, causing the port cheek-gun and starboard waist-gun to freeze up [random event; extreme cold]. It all seemed a little too good to be true until the flak started up. We took a few minor hits to our port wing but we really payed for that peace and quiet we had earlier by taking a solid hit to our nose which cut our bomb controls. Sgt Marchenko in the tail gun also had his left foot sliced by a rogue piece of shrapnel, but nothing he wasn't able to quickly bandage up. Needless to say, with the bomb controls cut necessitating a manual release, our run was well off target.

INBOUND

Target/Zone 9B: Leaving the target area we were lucky to avoid more flak and enemy fighters alike.

Zone 8: As Piacenza receded behind us the enemy made one last attempt to get at us. A 190 got close but our fighter cover downed him at the last second. His 109 wing-man, coming from our 6 high, made it a little closer before Sgt Marchenko hit him good for his first kill.

Zone 7-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1/Landing: Easy landing. I think some of the boys were a little jealous that Maks was the only one to get any "action" out of this mission though. Being tail for our squadron for the first time we'd all expected a lot worse. Can't say that I'm disappointed though, I figure any mission we all make it back from has to be a good one in my book.

[daveh]

80th Bombardment Squadron
B-17G Wild Child
Bomber Position: Middle Squadron
Mission Date: 10 May 1944
Mission #: 29
Mission Alt. 22,500 ft
Target: Piacenza, Italy-Marshalling Yard


Crew:
Pilot-1Lt Michael Smyser
Co-Pilot- 2Lt JT Thomas
Navigator-2Lt Chase Lester
Bombardier- 2Lt Brian Borden
Engineer-S/Sgt Alex Timmerman(5 confirmed air to air)
Radioman-S/Sgt Tyler Albright
Ball Turret Gunner-Sgt Lucas Hardwick
Port Waist Gunner-Mark Alvarez (Killion out for 6 weeks with injury)
Starboard Waist Gunner-Bubba Giroux (Blanchard out for 6 weeks with injury)
Tail Gunner-Sgt David Hodo

System used: Target For Today
Bombing Accuracy: 30%
Enemy Aircraft Claimed:0 (no enemy aircraft encountered)
Aircraft Damage:10 (oil leak)

Debriefing:
Take off was routine, no issues or complications. Flight was uneventful until over the target area-we encountered flak but no damage to the aircraft-we were able to stay on target, dropped our payload and again encountered flak but again escaped without any damage. On our return back, we did see enemy fighters, but our escorts were able to drive them off. We developed an oil leak on the return trip, but it stopped shortly after it started. Landing was normal-upon landing i talked with the crew chief and asked him to take a good look at the engines and to try and find the source of our leak. Crew and Aircraft will be ready NLT tomorrow morning.

[crushedhat]

B24J: Hell’s Fury
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 10 May 44
MISSION NBR. 29/This Bomber 1 Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: Low Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj, (27) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (0) [0]
Bombardier: Michael Hanson 2LT, (0) [0]
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT, (0) [0]
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt, (0) [0]
Radio Operator: Joe Scarlotti Sgt, (0) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (0) [0]
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (0) [0]
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt (5) [1 5/6]
Tail Gunner: Rod (Tex) Petty Sgt, (0) [0]
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Fw 190 2=1 to P-38, 1 Undamaged (1 Green)
Me 110 2=2 to P-38
Me 109 1=1 to P-38
Re 2005 1=1 to P-38
6

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
None

Bomb Run: On Target, 40%

B-24 Damage: Bombs: NE (5)
Peckham Points: 5 Peckham Points, AC ready 11 May 44.

Casualties: None

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt: Air Medal

Sitting Out: None

In Hospital: Bombardier: 1LT Charles (Charlie) Martell, (26) [9] LC * SW – IH 16 May 44

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield


After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)
“What’s that!” 2LT Sam Mason shouts out as he taps one of the engine gauges.

“What’s what?” TSgt Stan Halston asks, looking over Mason’s shoulder.

“The…never mind,” Mason says sheepishly, the gauge now showing normal readings.

Beside Mason, Capt Paul Garfield says, “They sometimes do that. Just to see if you’re paying attention.” He then faces forward again before Mason can see his amused smile.

A new plane with a new crew, except for Sgt Wentz who I promised I’d help break in the new crew. After all the time I’d spent in a D model, this new plane took some getting used to. Though not as much as when I transferred form C-47s to B-24s. Apart from a slight blip with the engines, takeoff and assembly went well. The new Assembly Plane really helps with the latter.

We weren’t bothered while passing Pula (Zone 6), and the coastal Flak when we hit the mainland (Zone 7) was way off target. Near Mantua (Zone 9A) a pair of FWs bore in. One fell victim to the Lightnings of the 1st FG and the other dove past us so fast nobody could get a good shot in.

On target ingress (Zone 9B) a pair of Me 110s attacked, both being chased off by the P-38s. Flak was more accurate than at the coast, with a tense moment as shrapnel rattled around in the bomb bay. Then it was ‘Bombs Away,” with 2LT Hanson putting an estimated 40% on target.

Flak egress was light and inaccurate. We were challenged by an Me 109 and an Re 2005, but they were both chased off by our escort. Some of the others weren’t quite as lucky, Bob’s Rascals in the tail slot falling in flames. The crew counted ten chutes. Suzy Q took over as TEC.

Nearing the coast (Zone 6) Ho Hum fell out of formation. While the coastal flak wasn’t vey intense, it was enough of a distraction that no one saw what happened to her. After that, it was an uneventful flight back to Giulia. A relatively tame initiation for the new crew.

Paul Garfield, Maj, USAAF, commanding
B24J Hell’s Fury
78th (H) Bomb Squadron

[Keltos]

After-Action Report

Butterfly Baby (B-17F-120BO 42-30802)
Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Commander: 1st Lt. Nicholas "Nicky" Lambert

Mission Date: 10 May 1944

Mission Number: 29

Mission of this bomber: 5

Formation: Low
Position: Middle

Target: Piacenza, Italy
Target Type:  Marshalling Yard

Bomb Run: Off Target - 0%


CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1st Lt. Nicholas "Nicky" Lambert	5	n/a	n/a	AM / PH	RTD
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Douglas "Dougie" Boyd	6	n/a	n/a	AM	RTD
Bombardier	2nd Lt. John "J.J." Johndon	1	0	0		RTD
Navigator	2nd Lt. Vernon "Gator" Tipton	4	0	0	PH(2)	RTD
Engineer	S/Sgt Sterling "Jazz" Nelson	6	0	4	AM	RTD
Radio Op.	S/Sgt Frederick "Freddie" Simmons	7	0	0	AM	RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Leslie "Les" Sampson	7	0	2.5	AM	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Lester "Rosè" Rose	7	0	0	AM / PH	RTD
Starboard WG	Sgt Wilson "Willie" Rampart	1	0	0		RTD
Tail Gunner	Sgt Johnny "Cherry Pie" Tinney	4	0	.5		RTD

E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	0	0	0	0
Me-109	1	1	0	0
Me-110	0	0	0	0
Me-210	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	1	1	0	0
Total	15	6	2	5

Claims:--


Damage:
- Radio inop: 10
- Pilot compartment windo 1st hit: 10
- Rudder 1 hit n/e: 10
- Left wing aileron inop: 10
Superficial x2: 2

Peckham Points: 42pts - RTD on 12 May 1944

Casualties:--

Awards:
- AM (5 missions): 1st Lt. Nicholas "Nicky" Lambert


AAR (flown with TFT)

Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly ok. After 5 minutes the S/Sgt Simmons announced over the intercom that the radio was faulty and could not be repaired. I decided to continue the mission.

Zone 2-6 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 7 Outbound: Light coastal flak, no damage reported.

Zone 8-9A Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 9B Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone):Atacked by a lone Me-109 who was driven off by escort. Medium flak over the target caused some damages.
The Flak's fire, the cloud-obscured target, and the bombardier's lack of experience on its first mission, meant that the launch was completely off target.
Light flak with no damage and no GAF during egress.

Zone 8 Inbound: Some bombs launched from above exploded closed to our ship but fortunately just some superficial damage were reported.

Zone 7-2 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Giulia Airbase: Landed Safely.


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

1st Lt. Nicholas "Nicky" Lambert, USAAF

[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
High Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 10 May 44
Mission Number: 029
Missions This Bomber: 4
Target: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Ted Masini	24	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Perry Shipman	4	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	20	2.5	0	0	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
PWG Sgt Bernard Fleming	5	.5	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Cletus Judner	1	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	18	4	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
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	3	1	1	0	1
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	1
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	4	1	1	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
OLC to AM (3rd awarded) 2nd Lt Craig Kellici
AM (1st awarded) Sgt Bernard Fleming
Promotion Review: 0
Craig Kellici to 1st Lt

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Very fine weather for takeoff. We formed up and headed for Piacenza.
Zone 2-9A: Nothing to report.
Zone 9B: At the IP alone 190 showed some interest towards us, but he was intercepted by P38. The flock was inaccurate and well away from us and managed about 20% on target.
INBOUND
There wasn’t any flak to contend with after our turn to the rally point so three 109 took advantage and came calling on us. Two green pilots approached us from 6 low, but one of them fell to a Lightning. The other green pilot took fire from our ball gunner, and, although Caffery didn't see any hits strike the fighter, its pilot bailed out. Germany must be scrapping the bottom of the barrel for pilots nowadays.

The third fighter was confused by spray fire from the radio room and the pilot broke off without firing a shot.
Zone 8-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed without any difficulties and taxied to our hardstand.

Pretty much a milk run. The next mission is my 25th and I can only hope it goes as smoothly as this one.

1st Lt Ted Masini, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF

[ninthaquila]

Pilot: 1LT Richard Archer
Plane: B-17G-90BO-43-38476 Fortunate Sons
Squadron, Group: 79th, 509th

Middle Squadron, middle

Primary Target: Piacenza, Marshalling Yard
Secondary Target: NONE

Mission Date: 10 MAY 1944

Mission Number: 29-13

Position	Rank/Name	Medals	Mission Number	Previous Credits	Mission Credits
Pilot	1LT Richard Archer	DSC AM+ PH+	13	0	0
Co-pilot	2LT Isaac Blackburn	AM+ PH	13	0	0
Bombardier	2LT Fred Fuller	DFC+ AM*++ PH++	13	10, 15x0.5	0
Navigator	2LT Lawrence Monroe	AM+ PH	13	1, 0.5	0
Engineer	T/SGT Alex Kozmenski	DSC DFC AM++++	13	4, 18x0.5	0
Radio Operator	S/SGT Allen Kirby	AM+ PH	13	2x0.5	0
Ball Gunner	SGT Samuel Carter	DFC AM*+	13	12, 11x0.5	0
Port Waist Gunner	SGT Ray McKenzie	AM+ PH	13	5x0.5	0
Stb. Waist Gunner	SGT Charles Flanagan	AM+ PH	13	1, 2x0.5	0
Tail Gunner	S/SGT Matthew Wolf	DFC++ AM*++ PH+	12	13, 14x0.5	0

I do not count FCAs and tally FBOAs separately. Combined FD are shared between gunners that managed to get FBOAs


Bomb Run: 60%

B-17 Damage:
Starboard Wing Root hit
Tail Oxygen damaged

Crew Casualties:
none

Claims:
none

Peckham Points: 30, overnight repair

Landing: Safe Landing

Promotions/Awards:
none



After Action Report



REPORT - CONFIDENTIAL

Today's Mission was a bit of a doozy, at least for us. Tucked safely in the middle of the formation, we were well shielded.
The only fighters we saw were friendlies zooming around. If only they would also join us in larger numbers to more dangerous missions like Ploesti, maybe we wouldn't suffer such heavy losses...

To get back on track, while we had a short scare while taking off (one of the engines suddenly dropped in RPM), we managed to avoid any problematic situations and quickly recovered.
The rest of the ingress flight wasn't noteworthy. There was some light flak as we crossed back into Italy, but it was nowhere near us.

Flak was on point again, and managed to hit the plane. They didn't hit anything mission critical, though our Tail Gunner said his oxygen supply was dropping quicker than normal. Not enough to make a difference, but still good to know.
I think trying to hold the plane as steady as possible for my bombardier means we're an easier target, but also means that he hasn't missed once... I'll have to weigh the decision, maybe some slight course alterations would make us less of a target.
While weather was poor, holding the plane steady also meant 2LT Fuller had an easy time finding the target, dropping an estimated 60% in the target zone.

The flight back was equally uneventful. We saw a flight of bogies massing, but they decided to head for targets on the edges of the formation. S/SGT Wolf getting restless decided to still shoot a stream of bullets their way, but it didn't even come close to them.
Landing was a-ok, with nothing further of note.
Crew chief grumbled a bit about the damage, but secretly I know he's happy to see the boat (and me) back again after a mission.

Signed,

1Lt Richard Archer
B-17G-90BO-43-38476 Fortunate Sons
509(H)BG/79SQ

[eddie]

Mission 29 AAR
Mission Date: 10 May, 1944

Target: Piacenza, Italy – Marshalling Yard

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

Formation position: Middle Sqdn.

Pilot: 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway (Mission #11)
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Matt West (Mission #11)
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Ben Morrison (Mission: #11)
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Evan Jones (Mission #11)
Engineer: TSgt. Michael Godinez (Mission #11)
Radio Operator: SSgt. Andy Mize (Mission #11)
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt. Craig Wiseman (Mission #11)
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt. Jake Thompson (Mission #1 – Replacement)
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt. Tommy Latimer (Mission #4)
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Robert Dyer (Mission #10)

Bomb Run: On/Off target, % HIT = On Target, 20%

Bomber Damage Sustained: none (Peckham points =0)

Crew Casualties Sustained: none

Enemy Aircraft Claims: none

I briefed the crew. Even though the briefing indicated we were not expecting much resistance to still remain alert.

After takeoff, we formed up with the rest of the Squadron. As we were in the middle of the middle Squadron, I reminded again, to remain vigilant.

We encountered no resistance until we were in the target zone. There we saw one Bf-109 begin to circle in on us and it was almost immediately jumped by our escorts. It broke away before it could attack.

We saw flak off to our starboard side but nothing near us and lined up on the IP to begin the bomb run. Even though the target was obscured, our bombardier saw a brief glimpse of the target area and believes he got some of the load into the target zone.

Again, on egress, no flak near us. Once we cleared the flak zone we heard our Engineer and Radio guns open up. There was a FW-190 diving straight down on us. Either the Top Turret or the radio gun damaged the fighter. It started a slight smoke trail, attacked, missed us, and flew on.

The entire remaining trip was without incident. We landed safely.

The following crew has flown 10 missions and I will put them in for Air Medals:
Sgt. Robert Dyer – Tail Gunner.

Also, we picked up Sgt. Jake Thompson, Waist Gunner, from the replacement pool to fill in for Sgt. Michael Pope, KIA two missions ago.

Finally, my Crew Chief, MSgt. Creen was overjoyed we finally returned “His” aircraft without any holes.

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

[campsawyer]

[mpgutis]

80th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
Mission #29, Piacenza, Italy - Marshaling Yard
AAR

As Captain Marz called the room to attention, Major Simmons stepped up to the front, waving his hand to indicate to the men to sit down. It was obvious from his body language and the calm look on his face that he was in a good mood. "Gentlemen, I'd call the last mission a milk run. The sum total of injuries sustained on this mission was three light wounds. The Luftwaffe in Italy does not appear to have an excess of aircraft.

"Now, the good news is that this was an easy mission. The bad news is that the squadron averaged 27.5% of its bomb in the box. That percentage should be higher, period. Three aircraft missed the target entirely. That is unsatisfactory. The best in the squadron was Duck Soup at 75% and second best was Double Bomb at 50%. Four enemy aircraft were claimed by the squadron with a confirmation of 3.5.

"Let us all congratulate Lieutenant Diluzio of Honey Bun for his promotion to first lieutenant." There was a round of applause, hooting, and whistling. Diluzio, sitting up front, looked like he wished he was anywhere else. Simmons eyes swung right to him. "First Lieutenant, if the next time I see you with those butter bars on your uniform, you can expect to be fined for being out of uniform. Find a pair of silver bars!" The men again burst into laughter.

"I guess there's not much more to talk about for this one. We can hope that they all go this well but I expect there is still plenty for fighting left ahead of us. Relax and be ready for the next mission. I'm quite sure it will be longer." Marz called the men to attention as Simmons strode to the back and exited.

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

THE A TRAIN
On target, 40%
Entire crew - AM

DUCK SOUP
On target, 75% - Best in squadron

PRIVATE DIX
On target, 20%

WABBIT TRACKS
On target, 40%
1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed

BARBARA JEAN
On target, 30%
1 EA claimed, 0.5 confirmed

CAVILIER
On target, 40%

BACHELOR'S BEDLAM
On target, 20%
1 EA claimed, 1 EA confirmed
2LT Jimmy Cutler - PH

BELLE WRINGER
Aborted

MISS KEWEENAW
Off target, 0%
1LT C. Smith - PH

HONEY BUN
On target, 20%
2LT D. Diluzio - Promoted to 1LT
2LT J. Labelle - AM

NORTHERN QUEEN
Off target, 0%
SGT Maks Marchenko - PH

WILD CHILD
On target, 30%

BUTTERFLY BABY
Off target, 0%
1LT Nicholas Lambert - AM

MISS BEHAVIN'
On target, 20%
SGT Robert Dyer - AM

DOUBLE BOMB
On target, 50% - Second best in squadron
1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed
2LT Brownell - AM

[caodwolf]

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION  #29- Placenza, Italy




The CO Major Jopp and XO Major Garfield enters the briefing room...

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

'Thirty-four percent on target on todays mission to Placenza.   Not to shabby........We did lose Bob's Rascals & the Ho Hum......19 maybe 20 chutes were spotted." 

Continuing;   Congrats to to the crews of Palpatatin Pam,   Classy Chassy  (The Major gives his XO a stare)  and the Andry Pigeon  who all completed their first mission. "

"The Red Cross has reported  (5) of our brothers as POW and (9) as  deceased.  Their next of kin has been informed and names will be posted.    (5) Airmen of the 78th were picked up by the Royal  Navy and returned back to American lines after being cared for by our Partisan Allies in Yugoslavia.   These men were MIA March-8th and it took three months to make it back.  Of course their flying days are over and will be sent back to the states."

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		Hell's Fury	40%	5	---
limburger59		Ho Hum (Spare)	40%	LOST	---
medic1		Grim Reaper	20%	2	---
groundeaux		Suzy Q	40%	2	---
groudeaux		Palpatatin Pam	20%	17	---
chefed		Classy Chassy	40%	36	1
caodwolfs		Lovely Ladies	50%	---	---
rheiss		Bob's Rascals	DNB	LOST	---
keltos		Angry Pigeon	30%	---	---
ChefEd		Yankee Diddler (spare)	30%	20	---
		Average Results	34%	82	1

Bombers Lost

Bob's Rascals
Ho Hum (spare)




Top Bombers

Lovey Ladies      50%
Suzy Q              40%
Ho Hum (spare) 40%
Classy Chassy    40%


    

Awards /  Promotions

DFC


None

AM

S/Sgt Jared Tarallo
2LT Ira Gleason
2LT Gordon Wiggins
2LT Floyd Cobb
2LT Harold McBride
SSGT Clarence Maddox
SGT Alton Pope
SGT Carl Heller
SGT Lyle Riley
SGT Archibald Brockner
Sgt Allen Wentz




PROMOTIONS

2LT Ira Gleason to 1Lt




25th Mission

None

CASUALTIES

LW

Sgt Ismael Deadmon


SW

Sgt Lowell Price



MIA

1LT Bob Muncrief
2LT Bob ‘Happy’ Harris
2LT Sig Gryska
2LT Eddie Silber
S/SGT Mel Mazzera
S/SGT Joe Grace
SGT Joe ‘ Irish’ Gallagher
SGT Hub Walker
SGT Hal Spindel
SGT Bill Cox
1LT Tobias Tanner
2LT Ralph Gray   
2LT Oliver Curtis   
2LT Daniel “Hatchee” Coloosa  
 S/SGT Willie “Slim” Sims  
 S/SGT John Gallows
SGT Jason Ash    
SGT Kaiden Williams  
SGT Jason Sachs  
SGT Carl Kline    




KIA

T/4 Zachariah Davila



PURPLE HEART

Sgt Ismael Deadmon
Sgt Lowell Price
T/4 Zachariah Davila




POW Reported by Red Cross Mission



2LT Martin M. JAWORSKI 17
SGT Joseph T. GUERRERO 17
SGT Michael K. CAMARILLO 17
SGT Virgil O. GOODMAN 17
2LT Charlie Kline 17

KIA Reported by Red Cross Mission



1LT Benjamin C. CRISP 17
2LT Kenneth P. ALGER 17
2LT Stephen S. SOMERS 17
S/SGT George E. Eagle 17
T/SGT Randall J. PERDUE 17
1LT Lew Wallace 17
2LT Juan Kane 17
2LT Larry Hoover 17
T/SGT Russell Stafford 17


Retured via Partisans Mission


SGT Clyde T. SHARP 17
2Lt. S Corcoran 11
Sgt. J Engel 11
Sgt B Fox 11
Sgt J Clark 11

[wolverinetoddy]

79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary
Mission: 29
Mission Date: 10 May 44
Target: Piacenza, Italy - Marshalling Yard

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

Major Robinson and his staff came striding down the aisle and everyone eyed the major in their new favorite debriefing game; “what’s the major’s mood going to be.”
Robinson turned around and set his folder on the podium and smiled. The men relaxed.

“Gentlemen, have a seat.”
“Thirteen seems to be our lucky number. We were able to send thirteen bombers on a mission for the first time since I took command of this squadron. No doubt you can see by how crowded it is in here that we all came home.”
“Our 23% on the target is about the same as last time. You all know that this numbers needs to start climbing again, but at least we all took a shot at the target. Nice work to the Fortunate Sons for leading the way at 60% and to the Big Red Machine for shooting down the most fighters at four.”
“There are some more long missions ahead of us. Enjoy this evening and we training will start tomorrow afternoon.”

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

B 17’s sortied: 13
B 17’s bombing target: 13
B 17’s lost: 0
Average Bomb Run: 23.08%
High Bomb Run: Fortunate Sons 60%

Casualty Report:
KIA: 0
SW: 0
LW: 1
MIA: 0

Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement:


Fighters Shots down:
Me109's: 8
Me 110’s: 0
FW 190’s: 3
Other: 0


Bomber Report

Lead Plane: Beach Bum
Bomb Run: 40%
Claims: 3
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Tail Plane: The Filthy Hag
Bomb Run: 20%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Anxious Angel
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: All In
Bomb Run: 40%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Damned Yankees
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Big Red Machine
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 4
Medals/Promotions: PH: Gullet
Casualties: Gullet
Status: Returned

Plane: Lucky Patch
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

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

Plane: Over Loaded
Bomb Run: 50%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Lady Liza
Bomb Run: 40%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Pecatonica
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Sunday Punch
Bomb Run: 20%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Fortunate Sons
Bomb Run: 60%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned