Mission 31: Porto San Stefano, Italy

[limburger59]

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MISSION DATE: 14 May 44   
MISSION # 31
TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock
Bombing Altitude: 19,500 feet

Map: 

FORMATION:

HIGH	78th SQDN		MID	79th SQDN		LOW	80th SQDN
LEAD:	Palpatatin’ Pam		LEAD:	Fortunate Sons		LEAD:	Northern Queen
TAIL:	Dump Truck		TAIL:	Big Operator		TAIL:	Miss Behavin’

WEATHER:
Takeoff:  Good
Target:  Good - Clear CAVU
Landing: Good 

GAZETTEER

As little resistance is expected our Little Friends are assigned to Bomber Groups heading north and east.

Zone	Modifier (QotS)	Weather/Resistance (TfT)	Fighter Cover
2  Italy / Tyrrhenian Sea	X	50% Clouds/ None	Good
3  Tyrrhenian Sea	X	Haze / None	Good
4  Tyrrhenian Sea	X	Haze / None	Good
5  Tyrrhenian Sea	X	Clear / None	None
TARGET ZONE 6 Tyrrhenian Sea / Italy FLAK: Outbound: Medium x3  Inbound: Light x3	-3	Clear/Light Resistance Target: Clear Bombing Conditions TFT: Bombing Manually	None
5  Tyrrhenian Sea	X	Haze/ None	None
4  Tyrrhenian Sea	-1	Haze / Moderate Resistance	None
3  Tyrrhenian Sea	X	Haze/ None	Fair
2  Tyrrhenian Sea / Italy	X	Haze/ None	Good

Emergency Airfield: In Zone 2 - The 47th Bombardment Group has A-20s flying out of Naples. The runway is a little shorter than we like so a -1 to land. If a bomber has 200 or more Peckham Points it will be declared CAT-E.
        
Shot Down/Crashed:  
Over Water (if you didn't drown):
        In Zones 2-3 = rescued by the USN.
        In Zones 4-6 = picked up by the Germans & you are a POW

Over Land:
        Liberated Italy = returned to Giulia next day      
        Occupied Italy = roll d6: 1-5 and you are captured by the Germans
                                            6 and you are rescued by an Italian family with an attractive daughter. Return to the 509th when you are liberated on 7 July 44.

Calendar since last Mission:
11-May-44   30 Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Werk No. 1
12-May-44   Non-Operational Day
13-May-44   Non-Operational Day
14-May-44   31 Porto San Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

[tomt1999]

For the 80th, Mission 31:

LEAD Northern Queen
TAIL Miss Behavin'

[crushedhat]

“A short one,” Maj Harlan Beech, 509th S2 begins. “Your approach should be unimpeded until you reach the target, when you can expect light resistance. In fact, resistance is expected to be so light that higher HQ has decided to assign your escort another mission.”

“Maybe they wanna fly along with us then!” a voice calls out from among the assembled men. It is promptly wet with a harsh, “AT EASE!” from the Group First Sgt.

The room settling back down, though not without accompanying grumbling, the S2 continues. “Flak will be your bigger threat, though it will lighten up on target egress.”

“Heading home, expect to run into some EA off the show at Anzio. This may be the most intense opposition you’ll encounter this mission.”

“Metro is forecasting that ‘Sunny Italy’ will live up to its name on this one, with clear skies here at Giulia and over the target.”

“Your escort will be P-38s of the 82nd FG. Though, as mentioned earlier, they will be leaving you at Anzio to support the ground game there, rejoining you as you pass by on your way home. This means you’ll be on your own during the expected encounters with the Luftwaffe.”

“If it looks like you can’t make it back home, there is an A-20 base at Naples. The runway’s a little short for heavies and repair parts are limited. But it’s better than landing in the Tyrrhenian Sea. If that’s your only option, PT Boats of the US Navy will be on Lifeguard duty south of Anzio. If you go down over occupied territory, remember, many of the Italians are sympathetic to our cause and may help you. Of course, others not so much. In any event, remember your rights under the Geneva Convention and your duty under the Fighting Man’s Code.”

“Maj Stockwell,” Beech turns over the podium to the S3.

“Our boys ae been cooped up at Anzio since late January. Our target is a major point of supply for the German defenders keeping them there. You’ll start out heading WSW, as though making for targets in France, and staying behind friendly lines. Fifty mile out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, at Checkpoint Delta,” SSgt Dewbury indicates the location on the big wall map, “You’ll turn Northwesterly an parallel the Italian coast to the target.”

“You’ll be dropping from 19,500 feet. A little lower than usual, but combined with the good weather is should give you the opportunity to pick out targets. Anything that’s hit, Warehouses, dock facilities, ships in the harbor, helps our boys at Anzio.”

“As the Two said, your escort will be leaving to conduct a secondary mission in support of the troops at Anzio. Leaving you on your own when you’re most likely to run into Jerry. Good formation flying and good gunnery will see you through. Good luck.” Maj Stockwell refrains from his usual closing of, “Give ‘em hell.”

[crushedhat]

For the 78th, for Mission 31
With so few experienced crews, inexperienced crews are being slotted into the Lead and Tail positions.
Lead: Palpatatin’ Pam (Grondeaux)
Tail: Dump Truck (rhreiss)
Garfield, Paul, Maj, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron
(OOC - if assigned Lead or Tail, please submit your mission early in case someone else needs to take over those positions.)

[wolverinetoddy]

For the 79th Squadron

In the Lead: Fortunate Sons
In the Tail: Big Operator

You heard the Major, keep the formation tight and watch out for fighters.
Remember we are using the "Flying Fortress!"

[rhreiss]

AAR
As we got settled in the crew confirmed the stories that the 78th was a snake bit squadron were true. It had lost 12 bombers over the last 5 missions almost an entire squadron’s worth of bombers. After a rough introduction to the squadron with an abort due to mechanical failure right after takeoff, I had my office call with the CO. While I got a lecture on the need for through pre-flight checks. With the high loss rate, we are assigned tail end Charlie for this mission. After the engine issues last mission Ted our crew chief did an outstanding job getting things ready for this mission but mindful of the Co’s comments, we did a careful preflight.


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

TARGET
There was no fighter resistance as we approached the IP and the flak from the IP to the target did no damage. Paul’s first bomb run was on target assessed as 40% coverage. The flak continued to be ineffective, and we had no fighter attacks.

INBOUND
As we were passing the Anzio area and before our escorts joined us, we were attacked by a trio of Fw190s and a Me109 coming at us from all four compass points. JD our tail gunner shot up the Me109 at our 6 sending it into the water with no chute observed. Paul traded shots with the Fw109 at out 12 with neither doing any damage. Chick had his gun jam while engaging the Fw109 at our 9 but it also missed and broke off the attack. Spud and Peaches managed to do enough damage to the Fw190 at our 3 that it missed and dropped out of the fight. The rest of the flight of uneventful and we had a good landing at base. Ted said the Dump Truck will be ready to go after overnight repair and maintenance. We got word that JD has his claim approved.




1LT Joseph Cascarella, Pilot Commanding
B-24J Dump Truck
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[medic1]

B-17G SUNDAY PUNCH 5-BO-44-416507
Pilot: 1st Lt Perry Shipman
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force
Middle Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 14 May 44
Mission Number: 031
Missions This Bomber: 6
Target: Porto San Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Perry Shipman	6	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Travis Whitney	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Craig Kellici	22	2.5	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Sam Markham	6	0	0	1	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	6	1	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	6	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	6	0	1	1	RTD
PWG Sgt Bernard Fleming	7	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Cletus Judner	3	0	0	0	RTD
TG Sgt Mark Riley	19	4	1	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 20%
B-17 Damage: 4 Hits
Superficial x 1 (1)
Starboard Wing x 1
-wing root (35)
Radio Room x 1
-superficial (1)
Tail x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 38
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A Type	Encountered	Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Intercepted
Bf-109	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	7	1	4	2	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	2	1	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	9	2	4	2	0

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Me-410
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 3
2nd Lt Travis Whitney, 1st Lt Craig Kellici, 2nd Lt Sam Markham
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Promotion Review: 0
Mission Notes:
S/Sgt Mark Riley achieves Ace status

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: Fine weather for my first mission as a pilot. We took off without any gremlin’s interfering and formed up.
Zone 2-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 6: At the IP we were singled out by four 190 that fanned out and came at us from around the clock. One failed to do any damage and we returned the favor, the Kraut moving on to other bombers. Kellici knocked one down at 1:30 high (denied at interrogation) while both Markham and Lansky damaged two others. One of the damaged fighters lost some speed as it passed the tail, giving Riley a fine shot, his long burst scoring direct hits on the 190 that caused it to violently explode.

We were then unmolested until the flak started to burst all over, scaring the crap out of our new co-pilot. It turned out that he had good reason as we were rocked by near misses, hitting a wing root and striking the tail and radio room. Through it all, Kellici kept cool under fire and managed 20% on target.

INBOUND

The flak was less accurate after the turn and we sailed through it without further strikes. The fighters beyond came in after that, three 190. Two of Goring’s Goons came in at 6 low, one behind the other. Both Riley and Caffrey each claimed one (both denied at interrogation) and Lansky shot down the other (also denied)
Zone 5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: Two 410 took advantage of our lack of escorts and attacked side by side from 4:30 low. One fired wide and left after his failed pass, the other ran into heavy fire from Caffrey, taking hits and spiraling to the ground with its engine on fire. The pilot never got out.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed as we had taken off, without any difficulty.

The mission had more than enough drama for us, but we all came home to fight another day. We also hit the target and chipped away at the Luftwaffe’s dwindling fighter pool.

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

[mpgutis]

Mission date: 14 May 44
Target: Porto San Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock
Mission/Bomber: 31/17
B-17G The A Train
80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force
Formation: Low Squadron
Position: Middle

Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards
Pilot: 1LT Dirk Ellington (17) (-) PH, AM x3
Co-Pilot: 2LT Edward Reese (17) (-) AM x3
Bombardier: 2LT Reed Williams (17) (3) DFC, AM x3
Navigator: 2LT Mark Ventura (17) (2.83) PH x2, AM x3
Engineer: SSG Stanley Ruzinski (17) (5) DFC, PH, AM x3
Radio Operator: SGT Fred Conway (17) (0.5) AM x3
Ball Gunner: SGT Malcolm Kovacs (17) (2.66) AM x3
Port Waist Gun: SGT Randy Peterman (17) (1.0) PH x2, AM x3
Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Vincent Meoli (17) (3) PHx4, AM x3
Tail Gun: SGT Sheldon Thomas (17) (5.74) DFC, PH, AM x3

Bombing: On target, 40%

Damage: 20 PP
Port Outboard Fuel Tank
Port Wing
Repair in one day

Casualties:
None

Awards:
SGT Sheldon Thomas, DFC

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Destroyed / Credited
FW-190: 3 / 2 / 2

Flown with TFT

With the weather projected as good throughout the mission and a short hop in front of us, we were pretty confident that the mission wouldn't be too challenging, even without escorts. Who knew that it turned into our closest call of our campaign?

Zones 2 - 5: Nothing to report.

Zone 6 (Target): We weren't attacked directly in the target area, but a bomb dropped, probably from a Luftwaffe aircraft, hit the port wing, rupturing the outboard fuel tank. The damage was serious enough that the tank did not seal. I decided to get through the bomb run before assessing the speed of our fuel loss. The flak was medium but missed us entirely. The bomb run was a decent one with 40% of the bombs going into the box.

Zone 6 (Inbound): Flak moderated to light and we continued to see no enemy fighters. Based on the fuel loss, Reese and Ventura calculated that we should have just enough to make it back to base.

Zone 5: Nothing to report.

Zones 4: We were attacked by a trio of FW-190s at 12:00 High, 6:00 Level and 1:30 Level. The one off the nose was damaged, missed, and broke off. The One off the tail was claimed by the Tail Gun and the other was claimed by the Navigator.

Zones 3 - 2: I began letting down early in an attempt to conserve fuel.

As we approached the base, the engines began to cough and sputter. On short final the Port Outboard died, followed shortly by the Port Inboard. With plenty of trim and brute force, we managed to get the aircraft onto the runway and halfway down, the starboard engines also quit. We rolled to the end of the runway and had to be towed to our hardstand. This mission was proof that no mission can be taken for granted to the smallest degree. Eight more to go.

Dirk Ellington, 1LT
Aircraft Commander, The A Train
80th Bombardment Squadron

[Grondeaux]

B-24J-25-CF 42-99881 Palpatatin’ Pam 
78th Bombardment Squadron
Bomber Position: High squadron, Lead
Mission Date: 14 May 1944
Mission #: 31
Aircraft Mission #: 3
Target: Railroad and docks, Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

Crew at Mission Start

Position	Rank	Name	Missions	Credits	Stress	Awards	Notes
Pilot	1LT	Arnold Stone	2		0
Copilot	2LT	Lloyd Newell	2		0
Bombardier	2LT	Glenn McGrath	2		0
Navigator	2LT	Ernest Yoder	2		0
Nose Turret Gunner	SGT	Victor Crawford	2		0
Flight Engineer	TSGT	Theodore Childers	2		0
Ball Turret Gunner	SGT	Clifton Horton	2		0
Left Waist Gunner	SGT	Delbert Hewitt	2		0
Right Waist Gunner	SSGT	Morris Mullins	2		1
Tail Turret Gunner	SGT	David Gonzalez	2		0

Crew Chief: SSGT Ray Elliott (43 skill points; roll every even-numbered zone)

Bomb Run: On target, 99%

Casualties: none

Attackers: 10

Type	Spotted	Destroyed	Damaged	Driven Off by Escort
ME-109	3	0	3	0
FW-190	6	1	4	0
ME-110	1	0	1	0

Claims:
    TSGT Theodore Childers: 1 x FW-190

Credits: none
    TSGT Theodore Childers: 1 x FW-190

Award/Promotion Requests:
    2LT Glenn McGrath: DFC for outstanding bombing accuracy (99%)

In Hospital/Recovery: none

Aircraft Damage: 142 Peckham points (#4 engine out w/fire, #1 engine (superficial), navigator’s equipment, nose gunner oxygen, right waist heat, aircraft oxygen system, 11 x superficial)

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)
-----------------------------------------------------
The savaging that the Flying Boxcars have been experiencing at the hands of the enemy is reflected in the fact that Palpatatin’ Pam has been assigned squadron lead. When I hear this, I want to jump up and yell, “Really? This is only my third mission! I’m not ready for this! We’re not ready for this.” I don’t, of course. Good lord.

Yoder has a similar reaction when he learns he will be guiding the squadron to the target. We have a brief discussion. He then says, “Well, best not to f*** it up then, right?”

When we brief the crew, I try to do my very best British ‘keep a stiff upper lip’ impression. Not sure if I succeed or not.

One of the 78th’s bombers… a new one…. has been named Oblivion Express. While I appreciate what can only be called gallows humor, I think that’s tempting fate. But it sure seems to capture our situation.

We lead the 78th off, having a routine take-off and assembly.

Outbound
Zones 2-5: Nothing to report.

Target Zone (6)
The Axis fighters leave us alone on our bombing run and the flak is well way from Pam. Freed from all distractions and with a crystal-clear view of the target, McGrath plasters the docks and railyard. Whoops and hollers come from Horton and Gonzalez who have a grandstand view.
We pull of our target run and I turn onto the course back home as instructed by Yoder. A flak burst rocks the plane, but we incur no damage,
The enemy shows up. A ME-109 and a ME-110 are driven off.
A trio of FW-190s accompanied by a ME-109 come after us. Two of the FWs hit us. Our number four engine bursts into flames but the fire extinguisher does its job. There’s a hole in our number one engine cowling as well, but the engine keeps running. One of the Focke-Wulfs make a second pass from 12:00 level and Childers clobbers it. It windmills downward, out of control.

Inbound
Zone 5: The oxygen system has taken a hit. I radio that we are dropping down to lower altitude and we descend.

Zone 4: Three more FW-190s and another ME-109 show up; sure wish we had fighter escort. A FW attacking from 9:00 hits us again. Yoder’s navigational equipment is destroyed.

Zone 3: Yoder tells me he isn’t sure where we are. He then says, “At least I waited until we weren’t leading the squadron to screw up.” He has me turn onto a 90º heading until we catch sight of land. We cross the coast, and he eventually figures out where we are and plots a course to Giulia.

Zone 2: The power to Gonzalez’s turret goes out.

Landing: We're a bit late arriving home but we land safely. SSGT Elliott and the ground crew will have Pam ready to fly again on the 17th.


V/r,
1LT Arnold Stone, First Pilot
B-24J Palpatatin’ Pam
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[jpfatfingers]

B-17 G / Damned Yankees
Pilot: 1st Lt Joey Dimaggio
Squadron: 79th BS
Mission Date: 14 May 1944
Mission Number: 030
Mission This Bomber: 045
Mission Target: Weiner Neustadt, Aus - Werk #1 Facility

Bomber Position: Middle / Middle

POSITION	RANK	NAME	MISSIONS COMPLETED	KILLS THIS MISSION	TOTAL KILLS	AWARDS	STATUS / FIT FOR DUTY
Pilot	1st Lt.	Joey Dimaggio	5			Purple Heart	FFD
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt.	Mickey Mantle	3*			Purple Heart	FFD
Bombardier	2nd Lt.	G. "Babe" Ruth	5	1 FW 190	3		FFD
Navigator	2nd Lt.	Louie Gehrig	5	1 FW 190	2		FFD
Engineer	T/Sgt	"Yogi" Berra	5	1 FW 190	1		FFD
Radio	T/Sgt	"Sparky" Lyle	5		0.5		FFD
Ball Gunner	Sgt	Ronny Guidry	5		1		FFD
Pt Waist Gunner	Sgt	"Lefty" Gomez	5				FFD
Stbrd Waist Gunner	Sgt	"Goose" Gossage	5				FFD
Tail Gunner	Sgt	"Catfish" Hunter	5		0.5		FFD

*2nd LT. MANTEL – Pronounced recovered from thigh wound and FFD after sitting out 2 missions.

BOMB RESULTS: Babe scores a 30% on target. Not his best but better than laying an egg.
BOMBER DAMAGE: none!
PECKHAM POINTS: 0
LANDING: Safe but hard landing at main base (DR 12)
BOMBER DISPOSITION: Ready
CASUALTIES & STATUS: All A-OK
CLAIMS: Babe KO’s FW 190 for 3rd kill, Nav Louie G KO’s FW 190 for 2nd kill and Eng Yogi KO’s FW 190 for 1st kill.
AWARDS: None
PROMOTIONS: None
Respectfully submitted by 1st Lt. J. Dimaggio

AAR

Our esteemed copilot 2nd Lt. Mickey Mantle makes a triumphant return after a 10 day recovery from a punctured left thigh courtesy of a ME 109 slug on our 5/5 mission. For today’s mission we are tasked with bombing the docks and rail yards at Porto Santo Stefano, located on the west coast north of Rome. It’s a relatively short mission (Z-6) with most of it skirting the western coastline, flying over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Intel briefing shared that we’ll have clear skies the entire mission with good fighter cover thru Z4, but then on our own until Z3 on the return. Given Mickey’s return, our Middle / Middle position and good weather, the crew spirits are high as we take off without incident and join up with our brothers in the assembly area. It’s a quite flight up the coast and the crew checks their weapons while enjoying the lovely view and are ready as we enter the target zone (Z6), where we are met by 2 110’s coming up from below at 12 Lo and 1:30 Lo. Our boys miss as do they and both 110's depart. Coming over the target proper we encounter medium flak with a couple near misses (DR 6 & 8) but thankfully no damage and Babe is able to hit an acceptable 30% of our load on the rail yard portion of our target. Outbound flak is light and all misses, but bogeys are waiting and 3 190’s jump us as we head home. Bad choice on their part as it’s a hot day for our boys who go 3 for 3. Yogi’s twin 50’s in the top turret KO 1 coming in at 1:30 H for his first kill, Nav Louie KO’s 1 coming in at 1:30 Lvl with the port cheek MG for his 2nd kill and Babe KO’s 1 coming in at 12 H with his chin twins for his 3rd kill. The crew is in high spirits as they enjoy a return flight that is as quiet and lovely as our inbound run. Buoyed by this, I turn the plane over to Mickey for the landing who brings us in safe but HARD (DR 12), which rattles everything include some teeth and triggers a round of good nature catcalls from the crew.

[rhreiss]

[eddie]

Mission 31 AAR
Mission Date: 14 May, 1944

Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy – Railroad/Dock

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

Formation position: Low Sqdn., Tail End Charlie

Pilot: 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway (Mission #13)
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Matt West (Mission #13)
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Ben Morrison (Mission: #13)
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Evan Jones (Mission #13)
Engineer: TSgt. Michael Godinez (Mission #13)
Radio Operator: SSgt. Andy Mize (Mission #13)
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt. Craig Wiseman (Mission #13)
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt. Jake Thompson (Mission #3)
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt. Tommy Latimer (Mission #6)
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Robert Dyer (Mission #12)

Bomb Run: On/Off target, No Drop – Bay doors rendered inop

Bomber Damage Sustained: Port Wing Root, Port Tailplane root, Engine #3 Out (feathered), Bomb controls inop, Bomb bay doors inop, Tail Oxygen hit, Cockpit window hit, Top Turret guns inop, Strbrd Cheek gun inop, multiple superficial hits (Peckham points =179)

Crew Casualties Sustained: – Engineer TSgt. Godinez: light wound, laceration, right shoulder (1 day); Navigator 2nd Lt. Jones: light wound, laceration, left leg (1 day); Radio Operator SSgt. Mize: serious wounds, left leg and hip lacerations (3 days); Strbrd Waist Gunner Sgt. Latimer: serious wound, laceration upper back, severe concussion (3 -5 days).

Enemy Aircraft Claims: 3: Bf-109 2nd Lt. Morrison – Bombardier; Bf-109 TSgt. Godinez – Engineer; Bf-109 Sgt. Wiseman – Ball Turret.

I briefed the crew on our target and expected resistance. We are Tail End Charlie in the Low Squadron for this mission and even though the briefing said expect lighter than normal resistance, we could probably expect whatever did come our way to come after us first. We are also expecting heavier flak in the target zone.

After takeoff, we formed up with the rest of the Squadron at the tail.

We encountered no resistance until we were in the target area. There, 109s were all over us. We counted at least 5. The one attacking from 12 high we missed and they missed and broke off. Our Top Turret shot one down at 9 high, Ball turret shot one down at 9 level. The remaining two we missed and we paid for it. Bomb controls were rendered inop and shortly after the bomb bay doors were rendered inop (which we only discovered turning into the IP.) The top turret guns were rendered inop and our Engineer was wounded. Shortly after, the Radio Operator was seriously wounded. TSgt. Godinez rendered first aid and then took over the radio room gun. Those two fighters must have had Ace Pilots because they circled around, and caused a lot more damage. #3 Engine was shot up and died, but we were able to feather the prop. The tailplane took a huge hit causing a gaping hole, and the tail gunner lost one of his oxygen bottles. There was quite a bit of flak but we did not catch any. While preparing to drop manually due to no bomb controls, we were unable to open the bomb bay doors. They must have taken damage. I urged TSgt. Godinez to assist 2nd Lt. Morrison to get the safeties back on the bombs before an errant shell of flak killed us all.

We suffered no flak on egress from the target zone. As soon as we cleared the flak there were 2 Me-110’s at 6 level and 9 low, and another Bf-109 at 6 high. We hit the 2 110’s one breaking off, but one continued on for us. The 109 at 6 high also shot us up. We took hits to the port wing root, the cockpit windows, and the Strbrd cheek gun was shot up and rendered useless. The 110 circled back at 9 high and was damaged again, missed us and flew off. The 109 came at us from 12 high, but 2nd Lt. Morrison walked several tracers into his engine which caught fire and he went down. We did not see a chute. Sometime during these attacks, our Strbrd Waist Gunner was also seriously injured and knocked unconscious. Our Port Waist Gunner gave aid as soon as the fighters were dealt with.

We turned towards home and luckily saw no more fighters. Even more lucky, TSgt. Godinez was able to manually crank open the bomb bay doors and we jettisoned the bombs over the sea. The port side door however, would not fully close again and was damaged a bit more on landing.

We fired off flares on approach and my men are in hospital being tended too. It is going to be several days for SSgt Mize, and the doctor is reasonably sure we could get our waist gunner back in 3 to 5 assuming his does not have any serious brain damage. The flight Surgeon said he suffered a pretty severe concussion.

I will submit the appropriate 4 Purple Hearts.

Our Crew Chief, MSgt. Creen, is going to get some additional help but it is still going to be 2 or 3 days to get the girl back in shape.

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

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Miss Keweenaw (6)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. CA Hoyt
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 14 May 44
Mission #: 31
Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. CA Hoyt (6) {0} AM
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. W Safford (2) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. W Hutchinson (6) {0} AM
Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Axtell (6) {0} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. J Anderson (6) {0} AM
Ball Gunner: Sgt. J Brewbaker (6) {1} AM
Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Cook (6) {0} AM
Pt Waist G: Sgt. L Flint (6) {0} AM
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. R Heron (6) {0} AM
Tail Gunner: Sgt. R Lewis (6) {2} AM, PH

Bomb Percentage: 30%

Bomber Disposition: Port Wing Root, Starboard Wing Root, Superficial Damage (56 Peckham Points)

Casualties: n/a

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (1:109, 5:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)

Special Note: n/a

Mission Description: File by 1st Lt. CA Hoyt, pilot commanding

After a couple days rest, the Miss K was back on the flight line and we were ready to go. The biggest surprise was that the sun came out this morning. We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation.

The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. The Luftwaffe must have known our escorts were busy elsewhere because they came at us in numbers. Five FW 190s came at us from all directions. The gunners fought hard and we damaged a couple of them. They shot many holes in the Miss K, but did not hit anything vital. We took a serious hit in both wings from the flak guns. Hutchinson was on target and we turned for home.

A single 109 chased us out of the target zone and it was quiet the rest of the way home. We landed safely. The Miss Keweenaw should be ready to fly again tomorrow.

[ChefEd]

B-24J Gravel Gertie
B-24J-10-CF-42-64272
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: High
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 14 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 31
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Port Facilities

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1st Lt Alexis Vaillancourt	16	0	AM++, PH+	RFD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Branson Pope	8	0	AM	RFD	0
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Nash Norman	9	1	AM	RFD	1
Bombardier	2nd Lt Bill Fleming	7	0	AM	RFD	1
Engineer	T/3rd Trevor Beasley	8	2	AM	RFD	0
Radio Op	S/Sgt Bobby Gold	5	0	AM	RFD	0
Right Waist	Sgt Guy Longfellow	6	1	AM	RFD	0
Ball Turret	Sgt Phoenix Shelton	3	0	0	RFD	0
Left Waist	Sgt Miller Rosales	4	1	0	RFD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Dane Zamora	6	1	AM	RFD	1
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Virgil Vang	13			Skill +1

Bomb Run: On Target, 50 %

Casualties: None

Peckham Points: 0 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day(s) to Repair and refit

Damage: None

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft: None

Claims: None

Awards:
Air Medal
S/Sgt Bobby Gold

Purple Heart: None

Promotions: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
This is my first mission after being shot down nine days ago.

Upon returning to Giulia, on 11 May, I was subjected to another round of debriefs, and a medical checkup. I was cleared back to flight duty.

I was assigned to a new aircraft, a slightly used B-24J, named Gravel Gertie. She came with a ready crew, minus a pilot. Apparently, he had succumbed to acute appendicitis, and was hospitalized, post-surgery. Being senior, I would retain command of Gravel Gertie.

While at S-1 completing paperwork for my new crew, I was notified that my kid brother arrived a few days ago and assigned to this squadron as a bombardier. He was flying on a mission to Wiener-Neustadt, at that moment.

The next few days were used to get acquainted with my new crew, conduct a few test flights, and get reacquainted with my brother.

For my first mission, post being shot down, one could not have asked for a better result: We had no direct contact with any enemy fighters; flak was wide and ineffective; the bomb run was 50% on target. Perfect.

Submitted by,
1Lt Alexis Vaillancourt, Pilot
B-24J Gravel Gertie
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[kageyone]

[kageyone]

[kageyone]

[GaryK]

After Action report: (using TfT)
(Optional rules: Crew-chief effects; Crew Stress; Jasta 6 German Pilot Quality; Peckham’s Random Event Variant Table; Axis Aircraft 1942-45).

Just a short hop across country and up the coast this time; let’s hope it goes as well as the briefing implied.

I am a little concerned about Haley, as he is now apologizing after every mission for missing the opportunity shots on planes attacking from head on as they pass the aircraft after their attack. (Haley’s stress = 5) I have assured him that I, and the rest of the crew, don’t think anything less of him because of it. This time, I pointed to his DFC ribbon and reminded him that he is an Ace gunner. I added that his creative cursing when he does miss lightens the mood in a tight situation, so encouraged him to try and put it out of his mind.

However, his face was tight and drawn, with his tone of voice conveying how much this was worrying him. The other NCOs do tend to haze him a bit over the com, but it is done in a jocular manner, without any malice. I’ll have a quiet word with Magic and get him to pass it around that Haley is going through a tough patch at the moment, and get them to calm it down a bit.


Mission: The trip out was a breeze, with nothing untoward.

Over the target, our easy day continued with a couple of sacrificial lambs (Me110s) attacking us from directly below and low in our 6 o’clock. Both were dealt with within seconds of coming in range. Crawford caused the starboard engine of the one directly below us to burst into flames, which spread along the wing. He called in that both crew got out.

Haley’s victims were not as lucky. His shots caused the port outer wing to disintegrate, putting the Destroyer into a vicious spin from which the crew could not escape.

The flak, both before and after the drop, was completely ineffective today, but Walcott reported a poor drop. “I think most of the bombs went in the water, not the dockyard,” he ruefully commented.

There were no attacks as we left the target area, but we picked up a 190 and two 109s as we flew close to the Anzio beachhead. The 190 was ahead and above us; one 109 was above and behind us, with the other diving down directly above.

Unfortunately, Magic was the only one to manage any sort of damage, hitting the Butcher Bird, but not putting off his aim. Haley called in, “Gun jam!” from the tail, and Southey failed to do any damage to the diving 109.

Between them – I’m not sure who did what damage – the three Jerries put multiple hits into us. Thankfully, there were no calls about wounded crew, and most shots seem to have just added a few holes in different areas of the plane. However, the rudder and elevator controls were noticeably heavier, and Magic’s shout of “Jeeezus Christ!” had me fearing the worst, until he appeared a few seconds later beside me.

“No point staying up there skipper – the guns are gone. The mount was hit, one disappeared out the turret, and the other’s barrel is missing.” It was just good to see him in one piece.

The FW and one of the 109s swooped round for another shot. The 190 coming in level off our starboard bow, with the remaining 109 holding position behind us.

Walcott couldn’t hit the 190, but Stand managed to clip him in the starboard wing with the cheek gun. Unfortunately, this pilot seemed to know what he was doing, as this didn’t faze him at all, putting another couple of shots into us before breaking away for home. Thankfully, these two also seemed to have little effect.

Haley also managed to hit the one behind us with his one remaining gun, which did put the pilot off. While the 109’s shots missed, Haley’s shout of “Shit! Left, left, left!!!” had Ryland and I apply max power and bank hard left. “That was close, guys. The Jerry nearly hit the starboard tailplane.” (A really close call – rolled 11 for chance of a collision, followed by a 5!!)

The 109’s pilot must have got enough of a shock for him to also head for home, as he didn’t attack again. (FBOA result from defensive fire)

Within a minute of the bandits disappearing, calls came in from the crew in the nose, as well as Sanford in the waist, saying that they were feeling the cold. Being over friendly territory made it easy to start descending to a lower altitude, with Southey letting the formation know the reason.

Haley was unable to unjam the faulty tail gun before we landed, and the heavy controls made the landing a little trickier than normal, but not so much that it caused us any serious problems.


S/Sgt. Warwick’s face as we pulled in to our hardstanding told a story, the reason for which was plain when we got out. There were holes everywhere, and we were lucky not to suffer any casualties.

(The fourth hit from the 109 behind the plane turned into a fuselage walking hit. Very lucky not to roll any casualties, with most being superficial or heating system hits!)

“Sir, that’s the most damage you’ve come back with for quite a while,” he commented. Looking over the list of crew-reported faults, he continued, “Looks like we should have her ready for tomorrow, sir. We’ll do a full check of the plane to make sure there ain’t any surprises hidden away in there.”

Another short mission that could have gone a lot worse. I’m beginning to wish that every mission was to Romania or Austria! Still – another good evening, with none of our crew missing, and Walcott and Stand receiving their OLCs for ten missions.

I wonder when our luck on these short missions is going to run out again?


1Lt Louis M. Marlowe, Pilot Commanding
B-17G-55DL-44-6507 "Lucky Patch"
79th (H) BS, 509th (H) BG

For a full mission history of "In Like Flynn", "Blitz Buggy", plus my three aircraft in the previous war, please see my (GarySK) post in the Tarmac forum

[superbee]

Group spare B17F Teasin' Time    79th Bomber Sqdn     509th Bombardment Group

Mission #31 (1)      14 May 44     Porto Stefano, Italy

Bomb run: 0%

Post mission status: bombed the target, landed safely on A20 base at Naples

Pilot: 1Lt Ken Meade      Lead Sqdn

		Missions Flown	enemy aircraft destroyed	awards	status after mission
pilot	1Lt Ken Meade	5	0	AM	Fit For Duty
copilot	2Lt Jim Boyd	5	0	AM	FFD
navigator	2Lt Robert Schilling	5	0	AM	FFD
bombardier	2Lt Mike Kraft	5	0	AM	FFD
flight engineer	S/Sgt Al Seaver	5	2	AM, PH	LW
radio operator	S/Sgt Taylor Ross	3	0		FFD
ball turret gunner	Sgt Sid Natvig	5	3	AM	FFD
port waist gunner	Sgt Tom Josephson	1	0		FFD
starboard waist gunner	Sgt Clete Wood	1	0		FFD
tail gunner	Sgt Jeff Cantrill	5	3½	AM	FFD

Axis fighters encountered: 5

Claims: 5 ( Sgt Sid Natvig: FW190, S/Sgt Al Seaver: ½ FW190, Sgt Jeff Cantrill: 2 Me410, 1½ FW190)

	encountered	intercepted by escorts	destroyed by B17 gunners	FCA	FBOA
FW190's	2	0	2	0	0
Me410's	3	0	3	0	0
totals	5	0	5	0	0

Casualties: 1

• S/Sgt Al Seaver (available 17 May 44)

Aircraft damage: 43 Peckham pts. (fire from enemy aircraft)

• Port wing outboard fuel tank leak
• starboard aileron inoperable
• ball turret machine guns inoperable
• superficial damage to top turret, radio compartment, and starboard wing

Aircraft disposition: available 16 May 44 (must be repaired at and flown back from A20 base in Naples

Awards / Promotions:

• Purple Heart: S/Sgt Al Seaver
• Air Medal: 1Lt Ken Meade, 2Lt Jim Boyd, 2Lt Robert Schilling, 2Lt Mike Craft, S/Sgt Al Seaver, Sgt Sid Natvig, Sgt Jeff Cantrill
• Distinguished Flying Cross: Sgt Jeff Cantrill (shot down 3 EA in a single mission)

Mission narrative

A 2nd straight mission flying a spare B17 from the group pool, as Hi Line was not yet repaired from damage incurred on the Placenza raid.

The gunners shot down all 5 of the German fighters which attacked us, with Sgt Cantrill credited with destroying 3 from his tail gun station.

During one of these clashes, a fuel tank was holed out and began to leak. Approaching the Tyrrhenian coast, it became evident that not enough fuel remained to get us home. So I set the B17 down on the A20 Havoc strip at Naples.

1Lt Ken Meade
Pilot, B17F Teasin' Time

[tomt1999]

B-17: DUCK SOUP B-17G-45BO-42-97236
Squadron: 80th
Middle Squadron
MISSION DATE: 14 May 44
MISSION # 31
TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock
Bombing Altitude: 19,500 feet

Crew

Crew/Position/Rank	Cur Mission	Prev Claims	Claims this Miss	Stress	Status	Notes
Pilot 1LT Roland "Rollie" Howell	6			1	RTD
Co-Pilot 2LT Ludomir "Woz" Wozniak	6				RTD
Bombardier 2LT Glen "Woody" Woodard	6	1		1	RTD
Navigator 2LT Bernard "Barney" Trasdale	6			1	RTD
Engineer S/SGT Christopher Moltisanti	2				RTD
Radio Op SGT Walter "Sparks" Moody	6			2	SW	evac
Ball Gunner SGT Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz	6			1	RTD
Port Waist SGT Lyle "P.O." White	6		1	1	RTD
Starb Waist SGT Samuel "Coop" Cooper	6	.5	1	2	RTD
Tail Gunner SGT Janus "Yawn" Swoboda	6	1	1	2	RTD

Bomb Run: ON 40%

Casualties:
Radio Operator Sgt Walter Moody - Severe Wound to foot. Evacuated to ZoI.

Damage: crashed

Peckham Points: 79 pp before crashing into a vineyard just short of the runway.

Landing: crashed after controlled bailout of 8 of 10 crew

Claims:
FW-190 (1)
Me-210 (1)
Me-410 (1)

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Report of Co-Pilot 2nd Lieutenant Ludomir Wozniak:

It was all quiet until we reached the target area. An ace Ju-88 attacked but did no damage. 

Flak missed us coming and going. Bombing was on target est 40%.

After bombing, three 190s attacked. One hit the port outboard fuel tank which began leaking. 

The leak rate showed us we might get back to base - or might not. Tail gunner got enemy 

a/c that got us as he passed under the ship. The second enemy a/c shot up the radio room 

pretty bad, severely wounding Moody, our radio op and wrecking the radio.

On the way home over the Tyrrhenian Sea, we were attacked by three Me210s and one Me410.

One of the 210s got the bomb release mechanism. Another 210 was destroyed by our gunnery 

and the 410, after hitting us superficially, was shot down in a successive attack.

As we approached home, it was evident that our fuel would run out before we could set her down. 

Lieutenant Howell, our pilot, ordered us to prepare to bail out when it became apparent that Moody, 

the radio op, would be unable to bail due to the severity of his injury.

Lieutenant Howell refused to bail out leaving Moody to die in the ensuing crash. He could not be 

dissuaded even though it probably meant his own death also. After a long moment of heated and

frank discussion in the cockpit, Lt. Howell would not change is mind, the crew and I bailed out into 

a vineyard about 5000 yards short of the runway at Giulia.

As I hit the ground, I could see Duck Soup with no props turning glide into the ground just short 

of the runway. The lieutenant did a masterful job of guiding her in. I hope he and Moody survived.

2nd Lieutenant Ludomir Wozniak - Co-pilot

Report of Medical Division: Lieutenant Howell did survive the crash, as did Radio Operator Moody, 

although he lost his right foot. Howell is fit for duty and Moody is evacuated out of the 509th.

[ninthaquila]

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

Middle Squadron, Lead

Primary Target: Porto San Stefano, Italy, Railroad and Docks
Secondary Target: NONE

Mission Date: 14 MAY 1944

Mission Number: 31-15

Position	Rank/Name	Medals	Mission Number	Previous Credits	Mission Credits
Pilot	1LT Richard Archer	DSC AM+ PH+	15	0	0
Co-pilot	2LT Isaac Blackburn	AM+ PH	15	0	0
Bombardier	2LT Fred Fuller	DFC+ AM*+ PH++	15	11, 16x0.5	0
Navigator	2LT Lawrence Monroe	AM+ PH	15	1, 0.5	0
Engineer	T/SGT Alex Kozmenski	DSC DFC AM++++	15	4, 21x0.5	0
Radio Operator	S/SGT Allen Kirby	AM+ PH	15	2x0.5	0
Ball Gunner	SGT Samuel Carter	DFC AM++++	15	13, 14x0.5	0
Port Waist Gunner	SGT Ray McKenzie	AM+ PH	15	5x0.5	0
Stb. Waist Gunner	SGT Charles Flanagan	AM+ PH	15	1, 2x0.5	0
Tail Gunner	S/SGT Matthew Wolf	DFC++ AM* PH+	14	13, 15x0.5	0

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


Bomb Run: 50%

B-17 Damage:
none

Crew Casualties:
none

Claims:
none

Peckham Points: 0, no repair needed

Landing: Safe Landing

Promotions/Awards:
Air Medal for all Crew members (except S/SGT Wolf), for flying their 15th accredited combat mission
Promotions for SGT Carter, SGT McKenzie and SGT Flanagen to S/SGT, for time in service and their good flying records.


After Action Report

Pilot: "Huh, today was a day of zeros. Zero Gremlins, Zero enemies, Zero Flak, Zero wounded... zeros all aorund."
Bombardier: "Hey, that's not true, I got half of the bombs on target. So it's not all zeros!"

REPORT - CONFIDENTIAL

We lead the Squadron away from the marshalling area without any problems, flew the route without any problems (there was some slight turbulence just before we hit checkpoint Delta), and when it was time to drop our bombs, we managed to hit a nice 50% on target. Seems that dropping from a lower altitude indeed improves our accuracy.
Despite flying lower than usual, flak didn't even get close, being off the mark both on ingress and egress.
The way back was equally uneventful. We almost missed checkpoint delta out of sheer boredom.

Overall, a typical milk run.


Signed,

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

[kozzackkelt]

B-17G: MAKING TIME (B17G- 5239TE-44-32652) Still being repaired: CAVILIER (B-17G-5302UC-44- 32891)
Pilot: 2LT. Byron Roberts
Missions for this bomber: 3
Squadron: 80th
Formation/Position: HIGH
Mission Date: 14 May 1944
Mission Number: 31
Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy / Railroad and Dock

CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds
Pilot: 2LT. Byron Roberts (3) {}
Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Charles Winston (3) {}
Bombardier: 2Lt. Oliver "Ollie" Cashman (1) {} [B%: 5]
Navigator: 2Lt. Olaf Thomason Ph (3) {1}
Engineer: Sgt. Sean McHale (3) {1} []
Radio Operator: George Pyle (3) {1}
Ball Turret: Sgt. David Jensen (3) {1} []
PWG: Sgt. Benjamin Tsosie (1) {1}
SWG: Sgt. Steve Tramelle (3) {1}
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Alexandrus Krukowski (3) {} []

BOMB RUN: WAY OFF Target: 0%

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

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

Condition of B-17G ~ MAKING TIME: 3x SF/NE hits to port wing, pilot compartment and behind Top Turret. Crew Chief Vernon Leakey reports that MAKING TIME should be repaired, routine maintenance performed

AAR: Our bomber, MAKING TIME, (Cavalier still being repaired - problem installing replacement engine) took off and joined formation in assigned LOW squadron. Saw one E/A outbound, a solitary Bf109 diving at us on approach to target. Jerry was damaged by our defensive gunfire and missed his shot. We were hit by flak, both on approach and exiting target. We were off target, photos show we only hit with 5%. No encounters with E/A inbound. We landed safely at base.

Respectfully Submitted,

Byron Roberts, 2LT. USAAF
Pilot: B-17G MAKING TIME / CAVILIER
80th/509th
Giulia, ITALY

[rhreiss]

[tomt1999]

B-17G-20BO-42-31571 "Big Operator"
Squadron: 79th
Middle Squadron - Tail
MISSION DATE: 14 May 44
MISSION # 31
TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock
Bombing Altitude: 19,500 feet

Crew	Current Mission	Previous Claims	Cur Mis Claims	Stress	Status
Pilot 1LT Perry Williams	2				RTD
CoPilot 2LT Edwin Clark	2			1	LW / RTD
Navigator 2LT Benjamin Collier	2				RTD
Bombardier 2LT James Lucas	2				RTD
Engineer T/SGT Ira Carroll	2				RTD
Ball Turret SGT Stanley Frey	2			1	RTD
Waist Gunner SGT Alberto Navarro	2				RTD
Waist Gunner SGT Leon Goldstein	2				RTD
Radio Op S/SGT Patrick Good	2			2	RTD
Tail Gunner SGT Eugene Pearson	2				RTD

Bomb Run: ON 60%

Casualties: Copilot Clark - light wound. Purple Heart recommendation

Damage: 15 pp - ready overnight

Landing: SAFE

Claims: none

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Route out from base to Assembly Point Able where we rendezvoused with rest of 

the  509th Bomb Group at 12,000 feet. They took us northwest past Rome and on 

to  the I.P. Made a left dog leg onto the bomb run. The aiming point was the port 

areas. Route back is a reciprocal to outbound. Made Italy landfall at 7,000 feet 

over Naples, and flew back to base.

The weather at take off time was clear and was expected remain so to the target 

and back. The wind at 16,000 feet is at 280 degrees at 20 m.p.h. The temperature 

is minus 14 degrees Centigrade. At 19,000 feet the wind will be from 275 degrees

 at 22 m.p.h., and the temperature is minus 16 degrees Centigrade. The freezing 

level is 9,000 feet. Pressure altitude at the target is 30.05 inches of mercury.

Over the target the flak was accurate and a burst caught the ship on the starboard

side, with a fragment piercing the cockpit - through and through - slicing through 

the copilot's right glove, but not his hand, only skinning his knuckles. Dropped on

target.

It was quiet on the inbound route all the way to Giulia where we landed safely.

WILLIAMS

[kageyone]

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Pecatonica (7)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 14 May 44
Mission #: 31
Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips (7) {0} AM, PH: 2
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. A Campbell (5) {0} AM
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. O Guernsey (7) {2} AM, PH
Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Bean (7) {0} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. I Clapp (7) {4} AM, PH
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Hart (7) {3} AM
Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Gunkel (7) {0} AM, PH: 3
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Phinney (7) {1} AM
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. M Sheehan (7) {1} AM, PH: 2
Tail Gunner: Sgt. T Tweet (3) {0}

Bomb Percentage: 0%

Bomber Disposition: Superficial Damage (12 Peckham Points)

Casualties:
Sgt. C Gunkel: KIA

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

Special Note:
2nd Lt. A Campbell: AM

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

The clouds broke this morning creating fine day for flying. The crew were not amused that the escorts would be abandoning us over the target, but we hear things are not going well over at Anzio, so we will deal.

We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation. The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. A single 109 dove down at us out of the sun. We missed him and he missed us. We sustained minor flak damage during the bomb run including an untimely hit that threw Guernsey off his seat and he missed the target.

As we turned for home a 110 and a pair of 109s attacked us. Hart quickly put the 110 in the drink. One of the 109s hosed the radio room with bullets killing Gunkel. He came back around for second pass and Phinney unloaded on him. The 109 exploded in midair.

The rest of the flight home was very quiet. Phinney moved up to man the radio and take care of his best friend.

We landed safely and Phinney insisted on helping the medics get Gunkel out of the plane and rode with him to the hospital.that night I walked into the bar and saw Phinney sitting in the corner by with Sheehan. Sheehan nodded to motion me over. I went over and sat down next to them. Phinney looked up with the glazed stare of a man who and drown the sorrows from his friend’s death most of a bottle of whiskey. “Sir, I can’t believe he is gone.”

I looked at him and struggled for the right words. They didn’t come. Instead, I poured myself a glass and the three of us sat there in silence.

[crushedhat]

B24J: Hell’s Fury
Pilot: Maj Paul Garfield
Squadron: 78th (H) Bomb Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
MISSION DATE: 14 May 44
MISSION NBR. 31/This Bomber 3
PRIMARY TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock
SECONDARY TARGET:
POSITION: High Squadron, Middle


Crew
Position – Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills]
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj, (29) [0] LC LC
Co-Pilot: Sam Mason, 2LT, (3) [0]
Bombardier: Michael Hanson 2LT, (3) [0]
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT, (3) [1] **
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt, (3) [1/2] *
Radio Operator: Joe Scarlotti Sgt, (3) [0]
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 24 May 44
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 4 Jun 44
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt (7) [2 1/3] *
Tail Gunner: Rod (Tex) Petty Sgt, (3) [0]
* = 1 Kill This Mission
# = Shared Kill This Mission

Fighters Encountered:
Me 210 2=2 KIA (1 Ace, 1 Green)
Me 109 4=2 KIA, 1 Damaged, 1 Undamaged (3 Ace, 1 Green)
6

Claims: Only credited kills reported here
Navigator: Wyatt Yurt, 2LT: Me 210,1/3 Me 109
Engineer: Stan Halston TSgt: , (3) [1/2] Me 210
Starboard Waist Gunner: Allen Wentz, Sgt: 1/3 Me 109

Bomb Run: On Target, 50%

B-24 Damage: Superficial x4 (8), SW x2 (10), Nose Heat Out (10), Instruments: O2 System (10), Control Cables x1 (5), Tailplane: NE (10)
Peckham Points: 53 Peckham Points, AC ready 15 May 44.

Casualties:
Ball Turret Gunner: Adam Smith Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 24 May 44
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt, (3) [1/2] SW – IH 4 Jun 44

Landing: AC and crew safe at Giulia

Awards/Promotion Requests:
Ball Turret Gunner:: Purple Heart
Port Waist Gunner: Blaine Harper Sgt: Purple Heart


Sitting Out: None

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

Completed 25 Missions:
Pilot: Paul Garfield, Maj (29), [0]


After Action Report: (Flown using TFT)

“Major.” Sgt Allen Wentz’ voice sounds shaky over the intercom. “It’s a mess back here. Harper’s on the deck in a pool of blood. And Smith isn’t responding form the ball turret. What do I do?”

“For now, man your gun and get some payback. Once we’re clear of Porto Santo Stefano, see what you can do for your comrades and keep me informed,” Maj Paul Garfield tells his starboard waist gunner. To himself he adds, “Well, they’ve just had their baptism in blood.” To his radio operator, Garfield says, “Scarlotti, inform the Sqaudron we’re dropping out due to oxygen failure. Then go give Wentz a hand in the waist.

The new crew’s had their baptism by fire. With two men who won’t be flying anymore, today they had their baptism in blood. At least Smith and Harper both lived.

Tis was shaping up to be a milk run till we hit the target (Zone 6). Even then it seemed like we were leading a charmed life when the bandits all found other birds to attack. Our luck changed with the flak on target ingress. A near burst sent shrapnel ripping through the waist, and Sgt Harper’s leg. Despite being shaken up, 2LT Hanson managed to put a respectable 50% on target, taking out several warehouses and a loading crane.

Flak on egress was less of a problem, but the Luftwaffe made up for it. A trio of 109s, two aces, came at us. While we made short work of the rookie, the two aces demonstrated how they’d become such. We lost the heat in the nose, the O2 system, and Jerry peppered the ball turret, taking Sgt Smith out of action. Jerry got greedy and come around for another pass, which cost Goring one more goon. With the oxygen out, I had nor choice but to drop out of formation.

Near Anzio (Zone 4) we got hit again. WE saw the first wave attacking the formation in the distance. But, a pair of 210s and a 109 broke off, deciding we were the easier target. They were wrong. Both of the twin-engine fighters ended up in the Tyrrhenian Sea while the 109 left with a few souvenir .50 slugs to remember us by.

After that, it was tend to the wounded and make it back home. (OOC – in Zone 3 rolled a Mechanical Failure, but it was the O2 Instruments which were already out due to enemy fighters on target egress.) For anew navigator, 2LT Yurt’s had plenty of opportunities to excel, leading the formation last mission and navigating home alone this one.

TSgt Mason says Fury will be up and ready by tomorrow. The same can’t be said for Harper and Smith.. Doc says Sgt Harper is going to lose a leg, while Sgt Smith will probably be permanently blind. Both men will need long convalescence before being shipped stateside for further treatment. Needless to say, we’ll need new left waist and ball turret gunners.

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

New Crew: (Beginning mission 32)
Ball Turret Gunner: Raymond Salazar, Sgt (0) [0], replacing Adam Smith Sgt, SW-IH on mission 31.
Port Waist Gunner: Joseph (Joe) Razalski, Sgt (0) [0], replacing Blaine Harper Sgt, SW-IH on Mission 31

[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: 14 May 1944

Mission Number: 31

Mission of this bomber: 4

Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy
Target Type: Railroad and Dock

Bomb Run: On Target - 40%

Lady Luck Smile #: 0;

CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status	Stress Point
Pilot	1st Lt. Mark Adkins	4	n/a	n/a		RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Roy Edwards	4	n/a	n/a		RTD	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Roman "Blimpy" Dirigo	16	0	0	AM(3) / DFC / PH	RTD	0
Navigator	2nd Lt. William Hoagland	4	0	1	PH(2)	RTD	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Daniel Yelton	4	0	2		RTD	0
Radio Op.	T/Sgt Jerry Castillo	4	0	0		RTD	0
Ball Gunner	S/Sgt Steve McGowan	4	0	0		RTD	0
Port WG	Sgt Paul Morgan	4	0	.5		RTD	0
Starboard WG	Sgt Jessie Henson	4	0	0		RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Norman Fisher	4	0	1.5		RTD	0

Crew Chief: s/Sgt Jasper Styers (Average Joe) - 4 missions;


E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	4	0	0	2
Me-109	0	0	0	0
Me-110	0	0	0	0
Me-210	0	0	0	0
--	0	0	0	0
Total	4	0	0	2

Claims:--

Damage:
- Superficial x1: 1
- Engne #2 fire exting.: 25
- Engine #2 out: 25
- LW x2: 4

Peckham Points: 55pts - overnight repairing

Casualties:
- 2nd Lt. Roman "Blimpy" Dirigo: skull slight concussion - 3 days in hospital - RTD on 18 May 1944
- 2nd Lt. William Hoagland: cracked rib and moderate bleed - 3 weeks in hospital - RTD on 5 June 1944

Awards:
- PH: 2nd Lt. Roman Dirigo, 2nd Lt. William Hoagland

Promotions:--


AAR (flown with TFT)


Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly in a sunny morning went ok. As soon as the assembly was carried out, engine #2 began to give problems, losing rpm and stopping. I managed to restart it but did not deliver maximum power. I decided to continue the mission because, as explained during the briefing by Maj. Beech of S2, a strong enemy air resistance was not expected. Went out of formation.

Zone 2-3 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 4 Outbound: The LWG Sgt. Morgan reported to the intercom that thick black smoke was coming out of engine #2, a few seconds later it caught fire. The fire was extinguished and the engine turned off.

Zone 5 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 6 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No enemy fighters attacked us and the Flak, although of moderate intensity, did not cause damage, allowing us to make a correct approach to the target and obtain a good bombs drop.
On egress som flak shrapnel hit us causing minor injuries to the bombardier and navigator, who held their positions. Still no enemy fighters attacked us.

Zone 5 Inbound: Rejoined formation.

Zone 4 Inbound: Attacked by 4 Fw-190s: all fighters made a single pass without causing us damage.


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

[Keltos]

After-Action Report 

B-24J-1-CF-42-99873 – “Hot Potato”
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force

Commander: 1st Lt. R. Mattson

Mission Date: 14 May 1944

Mission Number: 31

Mission of this bomber: 1

Formation: High
Position: Middle

Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy
Target Type:  Railroad and Dock

Bomb Run: DNB - Mission Aborted

CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status	Stress Point
Pilot	1st Lt. Robert Mattson	0	n/a	n/a		SW	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Donald Peck	0	n/a	n/a		RTD	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Richard Veil	0	0	0		RTD	0
Navigator	2nd Lt. Craig Cox	0	0	0		RTD	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Joe McBride	0	0	0		RTD	0
Nose Gunner	Sgt Derrick Coon	0	0	0		RTD	0
Ball Gunner	Sgt William Krick	0	0	0		RTD	0
Port WG/Radio Op.	Sgt Brian Hines	0	0	1		RTD	0
Starboard WG	Sgt Nelson Barajas	0	0	0		RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Michael Mosley	0	0	0		RTD	0

Crew Chief: T/Sgt Jeffrey Hamilton (The Dedicated) - 1 missions


E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	0	0	0	0
Me-109	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
Total	0	0	0	0

Claims:--

Damage:
- Pilot Oxygen out: 10
- SW x1: 5

Peckham Points: 15pts - overnight repairing and ordinary maintenance

Casualties:
- 1st Lt. Robert Mattson: anoxia - 3 days in hospital - RTD on 18 June 1944

Awards:--

Promotions:--

AAR (flown with TFT)

Giulia Airbase: A few minutes after passing 10,000 feet I saw the 1st Lt. Mattson head recline sideways in his seat; I tried to shake him and call him but he didn't answer. I asked T/Sgt McBride to come into the pilot compartment to help me.
He applied a portable respirator to the commander who slowly regained his senses. It was no longer safe to fly in this situation.
I then took command of the ship: I had the captain taken to the Radio Room and asked the flight engineer to help me in the flight.

I told the rest of the squadron that we intended to abort the mission and return to base.

I left the training and communicated our return to the Control Tower.
Landed without problems and entrusted Commander Mattson to the care of the doctor.

Not the best of beginnings for us!



Donald Peck, 2nd Lt, USAAF,
XO B-24J: Hot Potato
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[Keltos]

After-Action Report

Shoo Shoo Time (B-17F-65BO 42-29662)
Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Commander: 1st Lt. Ernest "Brain" Larsen

Mission Date: 14 May 1944

Mission Number: 31

Mission of this bomber: 2

Formation: Low
Position: Middle

Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy
Target Type:  Railroad and Dock

Bomb Run: On Target - 20%


CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1st Lt. Ernest "Brain" Larsen	2	n/a	n/a		RTD
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Guy "Tippy" Tipton	8	n/a	n/a	AM	RTD
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Leon "Gold" Oro	6	0	0	AM	RTD
Navigator	2nd Lt. Rudolph "Rudy" Livingston	1	0	0		RTD
Engineer	S/Sgt Johnny "Boy" Hilton	3	0	2		RTD
Radio Op.	Sgt Jeremiah "Jerry" Hillebrand	2	0	0		RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Jim "Jimmy" Schwartz	9	.5	1	AM	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Herbert "Bronx" Boyd	1	.5	.5		RTD
Starboard WG	Sgt Wilson "Willie" Rampart	2	0	0		RTD
Tail Gunner	Sgt Donald "Donnie" Adkins	5	0	1	AM	RTD

E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	7	0	2	2
Me-109	0	0	0	0
Me-110	0	0	0	0
Me-210	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0
Total	7	0	2	2

Claims:
- Sgt Jim "Jimmy" Schwartz: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded
- Sgt Herbert "Bronx" Boyd: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded
- S/Sgt Johnny "Boy" Hilton: 1 Fw-190 claimed - no credit awarded


Damage:
- Left Wing n/e: 10
- Superficial x1: 1

Peckham Points: 11pts - RTD on 16 May 1944

Casualties:--

Awards:
- AM (5 missions): Sgt Donald "Donnie" Adkins


AAR (flown with TFT)

Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly ok. 

Zone 2-5 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 6 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No GAF attacked us and medium Flak caused no damage. Bombs dropped on target.
Light Flak after bombing and no damage reported. Attacked by a couple of Fw-190: both moved away after some shots.

Zone 5 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 4 Inbound: Three Fw-190 on us: one was damaged and moved away while the second from 12H preferred to attack other bombers after some shots. The one from 9H was missed and his shots caused some superficial damage. He made a second pass with no damages.
A second wave of Fw-190 was shattered by our gunners.

Zone 3-2 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Giulia Airbase: Landed Safely.


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

1st Lt. Ernest "Brain" Larsen, USAAF