Mission 31: Porto San Stefano, Italy

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Big Red Machine (3)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Bench
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle / Out of Formation

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

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. J Bench (3) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. D Concepcion (3) {0}
Bombardier 2nd Lt. J Morgan (3) {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. T Perez (3) {0}
Engineer: MSgt. K Griffy (3) {3}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Geronimo (3) {1} PH
Radio Oper.: Sgt. G Foster (3) {0}
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Borbon (3) {0} PH
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. D Gullett (3) {0} PH: 3
Tail Gunner: Sgt. P Rose (3) {1} PH

Bomb Percentage: 50%

Bomber Disposition: Tail O2, Radio, Starboard Inboard Fuel Tank, Port Tail Plane Root, Superficial Damage (83 Peckham Points) Superficial Damage (43 Peckham Points)



Casualties:
D Gullett: LW – 3 days in hospital
C Geronimo: LW – overnight in hospital
P Borbon: LW – 3 days in hospital
P Rose: LW – overnight in hospital

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (4:109, 2:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (2:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110)
Geronimo: 190

Special Note:
D Gullett: PH
C Geronimo: PH
P Borbon: PH
P Rose: PH

Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. J Bench, pilot commanding

The Big Red Machine is back for her third mission. We were feeling pretty good about the day as we prepped the plane, took off, and got into formation.

The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. The Luftwaffe must have watched the escorts peel off because no sooner were they gone than the planes were on us. We were attacked by a 109 and a pair of 190s. Geronimo got one of the 190s.

The flak guns missed us and Morgan was right on the money today. He is now 3-3 on hitting the target. We were chased out of the target zone by a single 190.

On the way home an enemy patrol found out and a pair of 109 moved in on us. They hosed us with bullets. Rose reported that his oxygen was out.

“Hang in there Pete” I called out as we dove the plane out of the formation in search of thicker air. One of the 109s followed us down and continued to savage the Machine. When he was done with us, four men were wounded, the radio was out and the starboard wing was leaking fuel.

We had just enough gas left to get the plane home. Gullet, Geronimo, Borbon, and Rose are all going to be fine in a couple of days. “Magnet Butt” Gullet is now 3 for 3 himself. Three Purple Hearts in three missions.


Rest in Peace Charlie Hustle. . .

[limburger59]

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

    Low Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 14 MAY 44 
MISSION # 31 (4th this bomber)
TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

Bomb Run: Off Target 0% 

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Stress	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	William “Bill” Sims	9				RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Copilot	2 LT	Russel “Russ” Pratt	4				LW		Temp from Spare Pool
Bombardier	1 LT	Jack Dawkins	23				RTD	2	♣
Navigator	2 LT	Daniel Webster	12	1.33			RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Engineer	S/SGT	Mike Dixon	25	3.83			RTD	1
Radioman	S/SGT	Frederick “Freddie” Simmons	8				RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Ball Gunner	SGT	Patricio “Italy” Vechitto	8	1			RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
PWG	SGT	Salvatore “Patsy” Gennaro	1				LW		Temp from Spare Pool
SWG	SGT	Paul “Pauline” Hess	1				RTD		Temp from Spare Pool
Tail Gunner	S/SGT	Dave Donners	24				KIA

Casualties: S/SGT Dave Donners: SW + KIA - Multiple hits to Thorax
            2 LT Russel Pratt: LW - cut hand - RTD 17 May 44
            SGT Salvatore Gennaro: LW - cut chest - RTD 17 May 44

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x12 (12)
Structural N/E x2 (10)
Light Wound x2 (4)
Serious Wound (5)
KIA Wound (10)
Interphone out (10)
Radio Room Oxygen out (10)
S. Outboard fuel tank - Self Sealed (10)
Nose Heat out (10)
P. Tail Root x2 (50)
Tail Guns destroyed x2 (30)
Rudder x3 (30)
Mech Failure: #3 Turbo Super-Charger out (10)

Peckham Points: 201 - Repairs will be completed 23 May 44

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

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia 

Attackers: 8	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	0
Bf-110	4			3
FW-190	4			1	2
ME-210	0
C205	0
Re2005	0
TOTALS	8	0	0	4	2	0

Award/Promotion Requests: 
    Air Medal - Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster for 25 Completed Missions: S/SGT Mike Dixon
    Purple Heart (posthumous): S/SGT Dave Donners
    Purple Heart: 2 LT Russel Pratt, SGT Salvatore Gennaro

In Hospital/Not Flying Today: Everyone flying

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

All the original crew members of the Great Expectations are home - either invalidated home early or having completed 25 missions. Engineer Mike Dixon joined the crew on Mission #4 and Tail Gunner Dave Donners joined the ship on Mission #6.

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report. 

TARGET ZONE 6:  Multiple light waves swarmed out of range of the formation, with two 110 deciding to make a run at the Hoosier Honey. Both were damaged enough to be counted as "Probables" but one stuck to their attack long enough to walk hits from our nose to our tail. He knocked out the oxygen in the Radio Room, wounded our Port Waist Gunner, and most significantly he knocked out the Interphone system. Without the interphone we could not turn over command of the bomber to our Bombardier. He tried to release his bombs when he saw other bombers dropping, but believes that all hits were outside the port district.

Flak did slightly wound my Co-Pilot.

After the bomb run we descended to 10,000 feet for the sake of our Radio Operator needing to breathe. 

Another pair of 110s attacked us. We tagged one - earning our third probable of the day, while what seemed to be a trainee couldn't handle our evasive maneuvers.  

OUTBOUND Zone 4: Two pairs of 190s found us and again Evasive Maneuvers seemed to be the difference between life and death. Our tail took a beating during our dance, and after the skies cleared we discover SGT Donners did not survive his 24th mission. He had earned three purple hearts already, and sadly his fourth would be posthumous. (Out of 13 hits suffers in Zone 4, 8 were to the Tail.)

OUTBOUND Zone 2: The #3 Turbo Super-Charger crapped out on us, but as we were below 14,000 feet the point was moot.

[Grondeaux]

B-24J-25-CF 42-99890 Oblivion Express
78th Bombardment Squadron
Bomber Position: High squadron, middle, then Lead from Zone 5 inbound.
Mission Date: 14 May 1944
Mission #: 31
Aircraft Mission #: 1
Target: Railroad and docks, Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

Crew at Mission Start

Position	Rank	Name	Missions	Credits	Stress	Awards	Notes
Pilot	1LT	Ira Gleason	6		1	AM
Copilot	2LT	Gordon Wiggins	6		0	AM
Bombardier	2LT	Floyd Cobb	6		0	AM
Navigator	2LT	Harold McBride	6		1	AM
Nose Turret Gunner	SGT	Matthew Hartley	5	1	1	AM
Flight Engineer	SSGT	Clarence Maddox	6		0	AM
Ball Turret Gunner	SGT	Alton Pope	6	1	1	AM
Left Waist Gunner	SGT	Carl Heller	6	1	1	AM
Right Waist Gunner	SGT	Lyle Riley	6		1	AM
Tail Turret Gunner	SGT	Archibald Brockner	6	1	0	AM	Replacement

Crew Chief: SGT Clyde Clemens (25 skill points; roll every zone)

Bomb Run: On target, 20%

Casualties: none

Attackers: 2

Type	Spotted	Destroyed	Damaged	Driven Off by Escort
ME-109	1	0	1	0
RE.2005	1	0	0	0

Claims: none

Credits: none

Award/Promotion Requests: none

In Hospital/Recovery: none

Aircraft Damage: no damage

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)
-----------------------------------------------------
At the mission briefing, I’m surprised to hear that one of the junior pilots has been assigned to the Mission Lead position. Then I look around and am reminded that there aren’t many experienced pilots left. I get McBride aside and ask him to keep good track of our course. Just in case.

Take-off and assembly: Routine.

Outbound
Zones 2-5: Nothing to report.

Target Zone (6)
Our reception committee over Porto Santo Stefano is a ME-109 and an ANR RE.2005. The 109 comes in from 12:00 high, takes some hits and flies off without hitting us. The Reggiane is a persistent fellow, making three passes on us and missing us on all three of them. As do our gunners. Riley jams his machine gun trying to hit the 2005. [OOC: The RE.2005 was an ace who was obviously having a bad day…rolled a 2, 3 and 4 for his attacks!]
The flak is well away from us.
Cobb’s bomb drop looks to be just okay, at best.
As we pull off the target and turn for home, the flak is clear, and no enemy fighters approach us. Major Garfield in Hell’s Fury isn’t so lucky. He radios that he’s lost the oxygen system, and he drops out of formation.

Inbound
Zones 5: Riley clears the jam from his weapon. Palpatatin’ Pam radios that they have also lost oxygen and drops to a lower altitude. I radio that I’m taking over the squadron lead position and slot into position for the flight back to Giulia.

Zones 4-2: Nothing to report for us.

Landing: Routine. 

V/r,
1LT Ira Gleason, First Pilot
B-24J Oblivion Express
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Classy Chassy
B-24J-5-CF-42-64220
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: High
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 14 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 31
This Aircraft: 3
Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy, Port Facilities

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1st Lt Conor Grinsly	3	0	0	RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Lincoln Nichols	3	0	0	RTD	1
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Emmanuel Moulder	3	0.5	0	RTD	1
Bombardier	2nd Lt Kirk Vaillancourt	3	0	0	RTD	0
Engineer	T/3rd Julien O'Rourke	3	0	0	RTD	0
Radio Op	T/4th Rene Harper	3	0	0	RTD	1
Right Waist	S/Sgt Kai Vader	2	0	PH	RTD	0
Ball Turret	Sgt Jaxton Ingrid	3	0.5	0	RTD	0
Left Waist	Sgt Ismael Deadmon	2	0	PH	RTD	1
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Johnnie Nava	3	0	0	RTD	2
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Dan Hitchcock	5			Skill +0

Bomb Run: On Target, 40 %

Casualties: None

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

Damage: None

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	2	0	1	0	0	0

Claims: None

Awards:
Air Medal: None

Purple Heart: None

Promotions: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
The Luftwaffe must really be in dire straits, one can hope. We barely needed a fly swatter on this mission.

We encountered two Bf-109s on approach to the target. We tagged one. Both enemy fighters fired way wide of us, then never to be seen again.

Flak was also ineffective, firing way high of us.

Without those pesky distractions, Lt Vaillancourt dropped 40% on target. God show.

Skies were clear for us post bomb drop, giving us clear skies home.

Even though we were unmolested, several bombers in the squadron were not so lucky, dropping out of formation at various points in the mission.

Submitted by,
1Lt Conor Grinsly, Pilot
B-24J Classy Chassy
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[caodwolf]

B-24J:  Lovely Ladies


Pilot: 1Lt. D Brenner
Assignment:  15th Air Force,  509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron
Mission Date: 14-May-1944
Mission No.: 31
Mission this Bomber: 6
Target for Today:  Porto Santo Stefano, Italy -   Railroads & Docks
Squadron Position:  High
Result:   20%
 

This mission wasn't so bad.  Very light German resistance with no FLAK hits.  The target area was clear and ordnance was dropped on-target.

During a brief combat engagement,  the Tail Guns jammed up and The Top Turret and Waist gun shared in a kill of a ME-210

But that was that and we returned to base without further incidents. 

Over and out....

Crew Manifest

Position	Rank	Name	Missions Flown	Kills this Mission	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt	D. Brenner	3	---	---	---	OK
Co-Pilot	2Lt	S. McDonald	11	---	---	AM	OK
Bombardier	2Lt	D. 'Gator' Grahek	7	---	---	AM	OK
Navigator	2Lt	C. Stesney	8	---	---	AM	OK
Top Turret/Engineer	S/Sgt	D. 'Shake & Bake' Baker	11	1/2	1 1/2	AM,PH	OK
Radio Op	Sgt	T. Hinkle	1	---	---	AM, PH	OK
Chin Turret	S/Sgt	D. 'Prutz' Prutzman	11	---	3	AM	OK
Stbd Waist	Sgt	M.  'Magicman' Abribat	6	1/2	1/2	AM	OK
Ball Turret	Sgt	J. 'Hog' Lauer	11	---	4	AM	OK
Tail Turret	S/Sgt	T. 'Stretch'  Herbon	10	---	1	AM,PH	OK

 

Convalescing

2Lt  S Zell. Navigator,                RTD: 20-May-1944
Sgt  B Peterson, Radio:              RTD  20-July-1944
S/Sgt B Burgess.  Bombardier:   RTD  28-May-1944
1Lt. M  Kucek,  Pilot:                 RTD  19-May-1944

Medals / Promotions

None

Fighters Encountered

 

FTR	Spotted	Driven-Off	Damaged	Not-Damaged	Claimed - Credited
FW-190	5	---	---	5	---
ME-210	4	---	2	2	1
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
TOTALS	9	---	2	7	1       1

B-24J Damage:

*  22 *

-Tail Guns jam  (later unjammed)

[caodwolf]

B-17G:  Honey Bun



Pilot: 1Lt. D. Diluzio
Assignment:  15th Air Force,  509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron
Mission Date: 14-May-1944
Mission No.:  31
Mission this Bomber: 6
Target for Today:  Porto Santos Stefano, Italy -  Railroads & Docks
Squadron Position:  Low
Result:   On-Target:  20%
 

Even though were were occupying the low squadron we engaged very few enemy fighters.    Flak was tough over target with a close call in cockpit as both 2Lt Boyer and I got lucky we did not get hit when the cockpit was peppered with Flak hits.   Stayed the course and dropped bomb load on target in clear weather.

The Germans stuck again just as we were about to turn over the Tyrrhenian Sea to 080 degrees for our airfield.  Several systems were hit but we downed a ME-109.
 
Landed without further incidents. 

That is all....    

Crew Manifest

Position	Rank	Name	Missions Flown	Kills this Mission	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt	D. Diluzio	16	---	---	AM,PH	OK
Co-Pilot	2Lt	J. Boyer	5	---	---	AM	OK
Bombardier	2Lt	M, Russell	3	---	---	---	OK
Navigator	2Lt	J. Labelle	7	---	---	AM	OK
Top Turret/Engineer	Sgt	R. Reese	5	---	2  1/2	AM	OK
Radio Op	S/Sgt	K. Whitmore	19	---	---	AM	OK
Port Waist	S/Sgt	J Dix	9	---	---	AM	OK
Stbd Waist	S/Sgt	J. Shoemaker	15	---	1	AM, PH	OK
Ball Turret	S/Sgt	M. Lesjack	23	---	6 ACE	AM	OK
Tail Turret	S/Sgt	K. Taylor	18	1	2	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

Sgt  R Reese
2Lt. J Boyer

Fighters Encountered

 

FTR	Spotted	Driven-Off	Damaged	Not-Damaged	Claimed - Credited
ME-109	5	---	1	3	1        1
FW-190	1	---	---	1	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
TOTALS	6	---	1	4	1          1

---

B-17G Damage:   *  43  *  

-Auto pilot mech 
-Navigator controls Tail Gun jam

[limburger59]

B-17F UNFINISHED BUSINESS
        Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Middle Squadron – Middle
MISSION DATE: 14 May 44
MISSION # 31
TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

CREW from the Spare Pool
Position – Rank                                        (Current Mission)
Pilot: 1LT Nathaniel “Nate” Sutherland                    (17) AM++ PH
Co-Pilot: 2LT George “G.K.” Kimball                         (1)
Navigator: 2LT Forrest “Candy Man” Sweet               (10) AM PH
Bombardier: 2LT Vernon “Vermont” Gray                 (7) AM
Engineer/TT: S/SGT Emile “Plug” Putman                (20) [6.5] AM++ DFC “Ace”
Radio Op: S/SGT Zander “Ham” Berger                   (14) [.5] AM+
Ball Turret: SGT Chester “Bad Boy” Goode                (6) [.83] AM
Right Waist: SGT Timothy “Sallie” Salisbury              (2)
Left Waist: SGT Gregory “Greg” Caires                     (2) [1]
Tail Gunner: SGT Morris “The Imp” Fields                  (8) [4.83] AM

Bomb Run: On Target 94%

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x6 (6)
Structural N/E x2 (10)
Radio Room Heat out (10)
Rudder (10)
S. Wing Root (25)

Peckham Points: 61 - Repairs completed 16 May 44

Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia.

Attackers: 1
       1x Bf-109: 1 Damaged
        
Award/Promotion Requests: 
        DFC Recommendation for 94% Bombs on Target: : 2LT Vernon “Vermont” Gray
        Air Medal - first oak leaf cluster for 10 Completed Missions: 2LT Forrest “Candy Man” Sweet
        Air Medal - third oak leaf cluster for 20 Completed Missions: S/SGT Emile “Plug” Putman

AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-Beery):

        A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen

It was nice being assigned to the Middle Squadron as I introduced my Co-Pilot to his first combat mission.

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report. 

TARGET ZONE: We were not even buffeted, allowing our Bombardier to plaster the dockyards.

INBOUND: The Luftwaffe finally noticed us in Zone 4, with one determined 109 pilot hammering us twice. Our Tail Gunner believes he got a piece of him as our tail was worked over. With the Radio Room heat out we descended to 10K in Zone 3, but by then we were practically home.

[limburger59]

B-24 DELTA REBEL
        Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
High Squadron – Middle
MISSION DATE: 14 May 44
MISSION # 31
TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

CREW from the Spare Pool
Position – Rank                                        (Current Mission)
Pilot: 1LT Kent “Moon Man” Mooney                          (7) AM
Co-Pilot: 2LT Gilbert “Gil” Webber                             (3)
Navigator: 2LT Lee “Tallahassee” Holder                    (1)
Bombardier: 2LT Charles “Charlie” Freya                   (9) [1] AM PH       ½x FW-190 destroyed
Engineer/TT: S/SGT Jason “Glass” Glasser                 (10) [2.67] AM     ½x FW-190 destroyed
Radio Op: S/SGT Theo “Morris Code” Morris               (8) AM
Ball Turret: SGT Leland “Lee” McNamara                    (3)
Right Waist: SGT David “Squeaky” Michell                  (2)
Left Waist: SGT Varney “Tater” Coultrain                    (2)
Tail Gunner: SGT Tony “Badger” Marshall                   (15) [.5] AM+

Bomb Run: On Target 30%

Casualties: None

B-24 Damage:
Superficial x7 (14)
Interphone out (10)
S. Inboard Fuel Tank - Self Sealed (10)

Peckham Points: 34 - Repairs completed 16 May 44

Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia.

Attackers: 10
        6x Bf-109: 1 Probable
        4x FW-190: 1 destroyed
        
Award/Promotion Requests: 
        Air Medal - first oak leaf cluster for 10 Completed Missions: S/SGT Jason “Glass” Glasser
        Air Medal - second oak leaf cluster for 15 Completed Missions: SGT Tony “Badger” Marshall

AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-B24 variant):

        A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen

[limburger59]

B-17G: BLUES IN THE NIGHT (B-17G-90BO 43-31507) 
    80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

    Low Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 14 MAY 44 
MISSION # 31 (4th this bomber)
TARGET: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

Bomb Run: Off Target 40% 

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Stress	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Les Brown	1				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Benny Goodman	1				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Tommy Dorsey	1				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Krupa	1				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gerry Mulligan	1				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Ed Palermo	1				RTD
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	Joe Loos	1				RTD
PWG	SGT	Chick Webb	1				RTD
SWG	SGT	Benny Carter	1		1	0	RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ray Anthony	1				RTD

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x3 (3)

Peckham Points: 3

Crew Chief: T/SGT Julian San Sebastian (Status: Dedicated) (Inherited from Great Expectations)

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia 

Attackers: 2	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	0
Bf-110	2	1		1
FW-190	0
ME-210	0
C205	0
Re2005	0
TOTALS	2	1	0	1	0	0

Award/Promotion Requests: 

In Hospital/Not Flying Today: Everyone flying

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

Newly arrived in Italy, we barely had time to meet our ground crew before being ordered to get some sleep as we were flying tomorrow. Oh, Low Squadron... some of the boys are concerned we're being offered up as 20MM cannon fodder.

OUTBOUND: Nothing to report. 

TARGET ZONE 6: Wow, pretty smooth sailing, as our bombs found the target. Maybe those rumors that the war would be over by Christmas are true.  

OUTBOUND Zone 4: Rockets were lobbed into the formation, with one explosion scarring our Port Wing. That attack was soon followed by fighters. Two 110s pointed their guns at BLUES. Our Tail Gunner damaged one that may not have survived. Benny in the waist knocked down the other bandit but was denied credit. Five other gunners claimed the same E/A, but I believe Benny and am buying him a drink to celebrate.

[jeffreymgeorge]

What does the X mean in the Zone Modifier, and why does it say QotS in parentheses? Is it only relevant to QotS?

[limburger59]

Oct 5, 2024 18:44:57 GMT -8 jeffreymgeorge said:

What does the X mean in the Zone Modifier, and why does it say QotS in parentheses? Is it only relevant to QotS?

“X” for players using B-17 Queen of the Skies (QOTS) is similar to the resistance level of “None” in Target for Today.

[campsawyer]

[ChefEd]

B-24J Maggie’s Drawers (Spare)
B-24D-10-CO-42-40252
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: High
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 14 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 31
This Aircraft: 3
Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy, Port Facilities

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1Lt Ronnie "And" Orr	3	0	0	RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2Lt Andrew "Andy" Doherty	10	0	AM(2),PH	RTD	0
Navigator	2Lt Vernon "Gator" Tipton	5	0	AM,PH(3)	RTD 5 SEP 1944	0
Bombardier	2Lt Oscar "Wilde" Howe	11	2	AM(2),PH(2),DFC	RTD	0
Engineer	S/Sgt Irvin "Field" Marshall	14	8.58	AM,PH,DFC "Ace"	RTD	0
Radio Op	S/Sgt Xavier "Zavey" Williams	7	0	AM	RTD	0
Ball Turret	Sgt Gavin "Irish" O'Callahan	13	4.33	AM(2)	RTD	0
Right Waist	Sgt Woodrow "Woody" Neal	16	1	AM(3)	RTD	0
Left Waist	Sgt Sidney "Sid" Beck	16	0.5	AM(3)	RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Johnny "Cheery Pie" Tinney	5	0.5	AM	RTD	0
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Elmer Hoffman	4			Avg +0

Bomb Run: Off Target, 0 %

Casualties:
2lt Vernon Tipton, Broken fibula, RTD 16 Weeks, 5 SEP 1944
2Lt Oscar Howe, Superficial cut to chest, RTD

Peckham Points: 19 Peckham Points, Two ( 2 ) Day(s) to Repair

Damage:

Bomb Bay Doors	10
Superficial X1	2
Serious Wound	5
Light Wound	2

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	1	0	1	0	0	0
Fw-190	2	0	1	1	1	0
Me-410	1	0	0	0	0	0

Claims

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Top	1	1	0

Awards:
Air Medal
2Lt Andrew Doherty, Second award
2Lt Vernon Tipton, First award
Sgt Johnny Tinney, First Award

Purple Heart
2Lt Vernon Tipton, Third award
2Lt Oscar Howe, Second award

Promotions
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Our first encounter with the enemy was a lone Bf-109, that must have strayed. No other enemy fighters were withing our gun range. Lt Tipton clipped the enemy’s right wing, enough to throw his aim off. After passing us, the enemy fighter did not return.

Flak was accurate. We took a hit in the bomb bay, jamming the doors closed.

Lt Howe released our load on time, but the closed bomb bay doors impeded their fall, causing them to fall wide of the target. Big fat goose egg.

Off of the Anzio beachhead, a pair of FW-190s and a lone Me-410 attacked. The first 190 attacked from straight ahead, peppering the nose with his rounds. Lt Howe took a grazing from splinters, across his chest. Lt Tipton was not as lucky. He took a round through the left lower leg, shattering it.

Sgt Neal tagged the second 190 at 3 high, who missed us. S/Sgt Marshall missed the 410 coming in from 12 high.

The first 190 came around for another pass, from 1:30 high. The wounded Lt Howe missed him from the right cheek position. Sgt Neal in the waist clipped his right wing. S/Sgt Marshall smashed the fighter’s nose, setting the engine on fire, which engulfed the enemy’s cockpit. There was no sign of a chute, as the enemy fighter plummeted to the ground.

The skies were clear the rest of the way home.

Lt Howe was treated and released from hospital. Lt Tipton is expected to be hospitalized for four months, post-surgery to repair his shattered leg. The flight surgeon expects him to make a full recovery, and return to flying status.

Submitted by,
1Lt Ronnie Orr, Pilot
B-24D Maggie’s Drawers (Spare)
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[patchall]

B17G 42-31599 "The Filthy Hag"
79th BS Position Middle Squadron/Middle

BOMB RUN ON TARGET 30%

Position	Rank	Name	Missions Complete	Kills this mission	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1LT	Dwight Reubens	4				RFD
Co-Pilot	2LT	Harold Hilliard	5				RFD
Bombardier	2LT	Joseph Riley	5				RFD
Navigator	Thomas Whiffen	5			PH	RFD
Engineer	T/SGT	Vernon Jarbeau	5	.3	1.1		RFD
Radio	S/SGT	Salvatore Williams	5			PH	RFD
Ball Gun	SGT	5	.5	1.5		RFD
Port Waist	SGT	4	.5	1	PH	RFD
Stbd Waist	S/SGT	Paul Barbier	5				RFD
Tail	SGT	Rufus Falk	5		.5		RFD

DAMAGE - None - 

AIRCRAFT STATUS - Ready

CREW CHIEF Horace Tyler (NOW AVERAGE JOE) - 5 missions served


1st LT Dwight Reubens reports.

I’m happy to take charge of the “Filthy Hag” I didn’t know her prior commander well but I’d heard he and his crew were all fresh-faced babies. I can report that the men performed well. We kept tight in formation, the navigator called out positions frequently, the gunners were excellent communicators and brought down or chased away every Jerry that approached us. The Board members are, frankly, idiots. My boys should have gotten much more credit.

Bombs on target. No mechanical failures. No damage to the “Hag.” I think we are going to get along fine.

Attachments:

Target for Today - Filthy Hag Mission 5 - S....pdf (203.96 KB)

[royalblue]

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

Pilot: 1Lt William Rose

Mission Date: 14 May 1944
Mission: 31

Previous Missions in Bomber: 5

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

Formation: Low
Position: Lead

CREW

Position	Rank/Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt William Rose	6	0	0	AM	RTD
Co-Pilot	2Lt Nelson Clark	6	0	0	AM	RTD
Bombardier	2Lt James Dabrowski	1	0	0	-	RTD
Navigator	2Lt Louis Clement	6	0	1	PHx2/AM	LW
Engineer	T/Sgt Thomas Franklin	6	0	3	PHx2	LW
Radio Op.	S/Sgt Samuel Holland	6	0	1	AM	RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Felix Silva	6	1	1	AM	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Leonard Kuiper	6	0	1	PH/AM	SW
Starboard WG	Sgt Martin Owens	6	0	1	PH/AM	LW
Tail Gunner	Sgt Maks Marchenko	6	1	3	PH	RTD

Bomb Run: On target - 30%

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	4	0	1	1
Bf-109	8	0	1	2
Me-110	1	0	0	0
Total	13	0	2	3

Claims:

- Sgt Silva, x1 Fw-190

- Sgt Marchenko, x1 Bf-109

Damage:

- Superficial x9

- Bombs (no effect x2... very lucky)

- Nose gun

- Wing root x1

- Starboard elevator

- Top turret

Peckham Points: - 83, repaired the next day after a lot of sweat from the mechanics.

Casualties:

- 2Lt Clement, LW - Abdominal oblique muscle torn. RTD in 1 week.

- T/Sgt Franklin, LW - Deltoid muscle torn. RTD in 1 week.

- Sgt Kuiper, SW - Broken fibula. 3 month recovery time post-surgery. Will not return to the 509th; assigned to ground headquarters duties.

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

Awards:

- 2Lt Clement, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster

- T/Sgt Franklin, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster

- Sgt Kuiper, Purple Heart
- Sgt Owens, Purple Heart

After-Action Report:

Three days to mourn the loss of 2Lt Blair and we were back in the saddle. Long enough to dwell on it, too short to truly come to terms with it. The death of our bombardier had been the first blow to my original crew's integrity. We had of course received a replacement almost as soon as Blair was pronounced dead on the operating table though. This was the way of things, some of the more veteran crews reminded us that night; as if we didn't already know. Losses would be sustained and they would be replaced just as quickly in order to keep the Allied war machine grinding down the Nazis. We just had to play our part and keep flying. Unsurprisingly, and unfortunately for our new Bombardier, the men were not enthusiastic about being taught such a harsh lesson so soon. Their already sullen demeanor only soured further when I gave them the news we would be flying lead as low squadron for today's mission. The target for their frustration quickly became the Northern Queen's newest officer; who for the past two days had been attempting to endear himself to his enlisted crew and fellow officers alike. For my part I appreciated his eternally positive attitude, yet even so it hurt to see a new face performing pre-flight checks in the bombardier's section of my aircraft. Dabrowski had received a few "unintentional" elbows and even fewer "sorry, sir"s from the NCOs on trying to enter the bird. He took it in stride at first, but T/Sgt Franklin was quick to remind him in no uncertain terms that any carelessness on his part today would cost the lives of many a GI down below at Anzio.

OUTBOUND

Takeoff/Zone 1: Good takeoff.

Zone 2-5: Nothing to report.

Zone 6/Target: As lead plane we expected to meet the brunt of enemy resistance for our squadron over the target and we were not disappointed. We were immediately jumped by a large group of enemy fighters with whom we traded several blows, Sgt Silva scoring one kill, but both of our waist gunners were wounded in the process. Sgt Kuiper got hit bad in his right leg, fortunately though Sgt Owens was better off and helped to keep him stable for the rest of the flight. When the flak started up our nose turret took a direct hit, luckily our new bombardier was already out of the gunner's seat and looking down his bomb sight; he was able to prove he'd actually learned a thing or two in training and put a respectable 30% of our payload on target over the port.

INBOUND

Target/Zone 6: We were shown out the door to Santo Stefano by another large group of German fighters, with five 109s coming at us from all directions. We lost our starboard elevator and 2Lt Clement was hit in this engagement, but Sgt Marchenko was able to take one down as it passed from our 12 o'clock.

Zone 5: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: As expected, in the vicinity of Anzio we were targeted by more of the enemy. Unfortunately our fire was largely ineffective this time and we lost our top turret to a direct hit from a 109. T/Sgt Franklin was at his station at the time returning fire and received an ugly wound to his shoulder, but it shouldn't keep him out of action for too long.

Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1/Landing: Bumpy landing, but no trouble. The sight of ambulances waiting for my aircraft on the landing strip is growing all too familiar though.

[jeffreymgeorge]

Submitting my first report for this squadron. I hope I did everything correctly.

Mission 31 AAR
Mission Date: 14 May, 1944

Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy – Railroad/Dock

Bomber SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31438; "The Iron Maiden (1st mission)"
80th Bomb Sqdn., 509th (H) Bombardment Grp., 15th AF

Formation position: Low Sqdn., Middle

Pilot: 1st Lt. Jeff George (Mission #1)
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Steve Harris (Mission #1)
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Bruce Dickinson (Mission: #1)
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Paul Di'Anno (Mission #1)
Engineer: TSgt. Dave Murray (Mission #1)
Radio Operator: SSgt. Adrian Smith (Mission #1)
Ball Turret Gunner: SSgt. Nicko McBrain (Mission #1)
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt. Janick Gers (Mission #1)
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt. Clive Burr (Mission #1)
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Dennis Stratton (Mission #1)

Bomb Run: On target, 60% hitting primary target

Bomber Damage Sustained: Port Wing Aileron inoperable, multiple superficial hits (Peckham points =15)

Crew Casualties Sustained: – none

Enemy Aircraft Claims: 7: Ju-88x2 2nd Lt. Dickinson – Bombardier (full credit for both); Ju-88 Lt. Di'Anno - Navigator (shared half credit) – Engineer; Ju-88x2 SSgt. McBrain - Ball Gunner (1 approved full credit, 1 shared third credit); Ju-88 Sgt. Gers - Port Waist Gunner (shared third credit); Ju-88 TSgt. Murray (full credit) – Engineer.

This was the first mission for everyone in the crew, including the bomber itself. None of us could have been more cherry.

After a by-the-book takeoff, we formed up with the rest of the Squadron without incident.

We encountered no enemy forces until after our escort left us. The Germans were waiting for us in the target zone. At first, we could see them attacking the other planes, but none were close enough either for us to shoot at or for them to shoot at us. However, we were close enough to have rockets shot at us from behind. Our first taste of action was a rocket flashing by off the starboard side of the plane, just missing us. That was the sole attack against us as prepared to begin the bomb run.

There was some light flak approaching the target, with a number of shells bursting on our port side, hitting our wing and radio room for some superficial damage. Our virgin bomb drop was on target, with Lt. Dickinson estimating approximately 60% of our bombs hit the target. We were able to begin turning away from the target without being hit by any flak.

It looked like our rookie luck might be running out, as a few Fw-190s seemed to be targeting us. There was one at 12 level, one at 12 high, and one at 3 low. Sgt. Murray put a few rounds into the 190 at 12 level, but it wasn't much of a deterrence. Sgt. Burr was able to drive off another 190 at 3 low with his spray firing of the area. The 190 at 12 level retaliated with a few pings to our starboard wing and also took out our port wing aileron. Sgt. Stratton took a passing shot at the other 190 as it flew past but wasn't able to hit it before it took off. The remaining 190 came back around for another pass at 6 low. Sgt. McBrain did some additional damage to this fighter, but it kept coming. His shots all missed us, however, and the pilot broke away after that attempt. Our luck seemed to hold out as we left the target area.

Once we were out over the Tyrrhenian, but before our fighter cover arrived, we were attacked again. The Maiden was targeted by 2 Ju-88s at 1:30 low and 3 level. Lt. The Junkers at 1:30 was shot down, with Lt. Di'Anno claiming the kill. The other 88 was also shot down, with Sgt. Murray claiming the kill. These two German aircraft were swiftly followed coming from the same positions. Lt. Dickinson claimed a kill on the new fighter at 1:30 while Sgt. McBrain took credit for the German at 3:00. This was not the end of our attackers. These Junkers were followed up by a couple more Fw-190s at 10:30 low and 1:30 high. Lt. Dickinson, Sgt. McBrain, and Sgt. Gers combined their fire to shoot down the 190 at 10:30. The kill be reviewed to see who should get credit. Sgt. Burr recorded some damage to the other 190, which took a few shots at us before breaking off.

The rest of the mission was eventless, with a normal and safe landing at our regular airbase. Our rookie mission was a success.

Respectfully submitted:
1st Lt. J. George, commanding
SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31438
80th Bomb Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group H, 15th AAF

[medic1]

Bare bones AAR again as real life has taken up much of my time. Life lesson for everyone, if someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, just say that you're honored and politely decline.

B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
High Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 14 May 1944
Mission Number: 031
Mission This Bomber: 02
Mission Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy, Port Facilities

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	2	0	0	0	LW/RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	2	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Lance Brodzky	2	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	2	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	2	0	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	2	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	2	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	2	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	2	0	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	2	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: N/A
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: 6 Hits
Superficial x 1 (2)
Port Wing x 2
- superficial (2)
-inboard fuel tank (10)
Bomb Bay x 2
-superficial (2)
-bomb release mechanism (10)
-bombs falling through bay doors (10)
Waist x 1
- superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 38
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2 mod)
Landing: Safe at Giulia

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	2	1	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	1	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	1	1	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	5	2	0	0	0

Confirmed Claims: 2
2nd Lt Lance Brodzky 1 x Fw-190
Sgt Ray Markovsky 1 x Ju-88
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Promotion Reviews:
Stress Points this Mission: 5
2nd Lt Zack Hammond, S/Sgt Vic Boyko, Sgt Frank Perez, Sgt James Gibson, Sgt Barney Berlanti

[mpgutis]

80th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
Mission #30, San Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

Captain Marz called the men to attention as Major Simmons walked to the front. The men could tell from the look on his face and the sound of his shoes striking the ground that the major was not pleased, although it was not as dire as it was in the review of the previous mission. He reached the front, looked around the room, and said, "Seats!'

"Well, gentlemen, I will say that this mission showed an improvement. It's not as much of an improvement as I had hoped, but it is definitely an improvement." He paused to let his words sink in. "We did lose one aircraft, Duck Soup, but at least she made it back to the field and, despite crash landing, we only lost one man.

"As far as the bombing goes, The squadron managed to get just over 25% of its bombs inside the box. You know my goal: at least 30%, but I acknowledge the improvement over the previous mission. Best in the squadron went to a crew flying its first mission, The Iron Maiden at 60%. Second best was, again, a tie among The A Train, Duck Soup, Castle in the Sky, and Blues in the Night at 40% each. Gunnery remains good with 28 enemy aircraft claimed with 18 and two thirds confirmed. And on the subject of gunner, Sergeant Thomas of The A Train is our latest ace and has earned a DFC." The men cheered as Sheldon stood up and took a big, theatrical bow.

"I recognize that I've been putting a lot of pressure on you. No one is more aware of that than me. But the better we do, the harder it becomes for the Germans to defend. Don't lose sight of the big picture...I mean the one other than completing 25 and going home. Next mission the squadron will be the Middle Squadron. I'll be flying in the lead aircraft as mission commander. Let's make the next one a good one!" As he walked towards the exit he barked, "Dismissed!"

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

THE A TRAIN
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
2 EA claimed, 2 confirmed
SGT Sheldon Thomas - DFC

MISS BEHAVIN'
Did not bomb
2LT Evan Jones - PH
TSG Michael Godinez - PH
SSG Andy Mike - PH
SGT Tommy Latimer - PH

MISS KEWEENAW
On target, 30%

ROSIE
On target, 30%
3 EA claimed, 0 confirmed

DUCK SOUP - Crashed on landing
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
3 EA claimed, 3 confirmed
SGT Walter Moody - PH, posthumous

MAKING TIME
Off target, 0%

CASTLE IN THE SKY
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
8 EA claimed, 5 confirmed
1LT Archie Creighton - AM
2LT Bill Vincent - AM
TSG Beaton Donner - AM
TSG Billy Joe Elder, Jr. - AM
SGT Ivar Skald - AM
SGT Deek Bailey - AM
SGT Don Mitchell- AM
SGT Ivan Norton - AM

SHOO SHOO TIME
On target, 20%
2 EA claimed, 1 confirmed
SGT Donald Adkins - AM

HOOSIER HONEY
Off target, 0%
2LT Russell Pratt - PH
SSG Dave Donners - PH, posthumous
SGT Salvatore Gennaro - PH

HONEY BUN
On target, 20%
2LT J. Boyer - AM
SGT R. Reese - AM
SSG J. Shoemaker - AM

BLUES IN THE NIGHT
On target, 40% - Tied for second best in squadron
1 EA claimed, 0 confirmed

DOUBLE BOMB
On target, 20%
MSG Ramirez - AM
SGT Perry - AM

NORTHERN QUEEN
On target, 30%
2 EA claimed, 2 confirmed
2LT Louis Clement - PH
TSG Thomas Franklin - PH
SGT Leonard Kuiper - PH
SGT Martin Owens - PH

THE IRON MAIDEN
On target, 60% - Best in squadron
7 EA claimed, 5.67 confirmed

[ChefEd]

B-17G Barbara Jean
B-17G-20BO-42-31496
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Low
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 14 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 31
This Aircraft: 4
Target: Porto Santo Stefano

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1st Lt Christopher Sweeney	4	0	0	RTD	1
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Levi Paris	4	0	0	RTD	2
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Willis Salazar	4	1.75	0	RTD	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt Kash Rangel	4	0.25	0	RTD	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Rowan Petersen	4	1.5	0	RTD	1
Radio Op	T/3rd Ulises Cardenas	4	0	0	RTD	0
Right Waist	T/3rd Flynn Pryor	4	1.25	0	RTD	0
Ball Turret	T/3rd Omar Mace	4	0.25	0	RTD	0
Left Waist	S/Sgt Henry "Honri" Lyons	14	1	AM+, PH	RTD	1
Tail Gunner	T/3rd Darwin Valdovinos	4	0	0	RTD	3
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Josia Stanton	27			Skill +0

Bomb Run: On Target, 50 %

Casualties: None

Peckham Points: 62 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) day(s) to repair

Damage:

#1 Engine Hit	15
#1 Engine Out	25
Right Flap	10
Left Aileron	10
Superficial X2	2

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	4	0	1	1	0.5	0
Me-110	3	0	1	2	1	1
Fw-190	1	0	1	0	0	0
Me-210	1	0	0	1	0	1

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Navigator	2	1.5	0
Tail	2	0	2
Top	1	0	0

Awards: None

Promotions: None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Skies were clear, literally and figuratively, as we flew up the Tyrrhenian Sea. No enemy aircraft came near us, until after the target.

Flak was accurate, knocking out engine #1, which we successfully feathered. No sweat. We were already on our target run, so no fears of having to abort or drop altitude.

Lt Rangel, despite or in spite of the buffeting from flak, dropped 50% in the pickle barrel.

We faced our first enemy fighters as we neared the Anzio beachhead. We faced nine enemy aircraft in three waves of three each. We shot down 4, and damaged 3. We took two minor hits in the encounters.

Once we shot down the last 109 and the lone 210, our skies were clear.

Submitted by,
1Lt Christopher Sweeney, Pilot
B-17G Barbara Jean
80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[caodwolf]

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION  #31 - Porto Santo Stefano, Italy:   Dock & Railway Facilities




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

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

Major Jopp approaches the podium one can tell he's pleased:   "Men....you've all done the Flying Boxcars proud with another 35% on-target and that's back-to-back at 35%.  Well done !!"    An applause envelopes the small tin briefing room located close to Hanger 13.   "The Palpatatin' Pam led the way with 99% on-target !"  which led to another round of applause.    "2Lt.  McGrath please stand-up...son...  outstanding job but man you were so close" .......with that his buddies gave him a poke in the ribs.

"I am pleased to present you with a well deserved DFC".  With that Major Garfield dispenses the award.    Continuing:   "We lost no aircraft and casualties & damage were both lite.  Congrats to the Oblivion Express and the Dump Truck who completed their first missions with the 78th !.  Strictly Business had a nasty scare when bombs crashed the bomb bay doors ."

The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO who points to another document Sgt.  Wallace just handed to him.    Major Garfield takes the podium and announced the latest Red Cross reports of (26)  MIA personnel who are either Prisoner of War  or KIA.  Next of kins have been informed and names will be posted. 

With that the two walk toward the aisle and begin to leave.

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

"Dismissed!"

Player	Bomber	% on Target	Damage	Kills
crushedhat	Hell's Fury	50%	53	---
limburger59	Delta Rebel (Spare)	30%	34	1
kageyone	Orange's Other Crate II	40%	---	1
groundeaux	Oblivion Express	20%	---	---
groudeaux	Palpatatin Pam	99%	142	1
chefed	Classy Chassy	40%	---	---
caodwolfs	Lovely Ladies	20%	22	1
rheiss	Dump Truck	40%	10	1
keltos	Hot Potato	ABORT	15	---
ChefEd	Gravel Gertie	50%	---	---
medic1	Strictly Business	DNB	38	2
kageyone	Barney's Barn	0%	149	---
ChefEd	Maggie's Drawers (spare)	0%	19	1
	Average Results	35%	474	8

Bombers Lost


None


Top Bombers

Palpatatin' Pam      99%
Hell's Fury             50%
Gravel Gertie         50%  

    

Awards /  Promotions

DFC

2LT Glenn McGrath,    Bombardier


AM

S/Sgt Bobby Gold
Sgt Ben Virden
Sgt V Jackson
2Lt Oscar Howe
2Lt Vernon Tipton
Sgt Johnny Tinney
S/SGT Jason “Glass” Glasser


PROMOTIONS

2Lt. Hank McAlister to 1st Lt.
Sgt Wallace Wells to S/Sgt



25th Mission

None

CASUALTIES

LW

1st Lt. Robert Mattson LW
2Lt Oscar Howe LW


SW

Sgt Adam Smith
Sgt Blaine Harper
2lt Vernon Tipton


MIA

None


KIA

None


PURPLE HEART

Lt, Ian Kerrigen
Sgt Adam Smith
Sgt Blaine Harper
1st Lt. Robert Mattson
2lt Vernon Tipton
2Lt Oscar Howe



POW Reported by Red Cross    (Rank, Name. Mission Lost)
2Lt R Steinwedel 20
1Lt R Solsky 20
2Lt F Pienta 20
S/Sgt J Visentin 20
S/Sgt B Unger 20
Sgt. B Mentz 20
S/Sgt T Coker 20
2LT Stanley Heath 20
1LT Mayo Prud'homme 24
2LTArchibald Flowers 24
2LTDewey Cochran 24
2LTAlan Brewer 24
SSGTLee Gilbert 24
SSGTEarl Banks 24
SGTMaxwell Tuttle 24
SGTKenneth Holloway 24
SSGTRaymond Moultrie 24
SGTVictor Chapman 24
2LT Jasper Johns 28


KIA Reported by Red Cross Mission    (Rank, Name. Mission Lost)
2Lt M Wagner 20
Sgt R Surovcik 20
Sgt R Huss 20
1LT Schuyler King 20
2LT Arthur Dodd 20
1LT Ernest Pike 20
2LT Ralph Emerson 20

[wolverinetoddy]

79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary
Mission: 31
Mission Date: 14 May 44
Target: Porto Santo Stefano, Italy - Railroad and Dock

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

Major Robinson strode down the aisle and walked straight up to the chalkboard and wrote “36%.”
He turned around and grinned at his air crew.

“Take a seat gentleman.”
“Excellent work today. Another solid bombing percentage above 30%. The rum will be on me this morning. Leading the stats for us this morning was our pinch hitter, Unfinished Business at 94%. I will be putting Lt. Gray in for the Distinguished Flying Cross for his work.”

“Nice work to the gunners as well. That is 16 more enemy fighters who will not bother us again. I am especially pleased at the number of butcher birds you all hit.”

“Get some sleep, there is a chance we will be going up again tomorrow.”

“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: 36.46%
High Bomb Run: Unfinished Business at 94%

Casualty Report:
KIA: 1
SW: 0
LW: 8
MIA: 0

Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement:

Lt. Gray of Unfinished Business: DFC for bomb run

Fighters Shots down:
Me109's: 2
Me 110’s: 1
FW 190’s: 9
Other: 4


Bomber Report

Lead Plane: Fortunate Sons
Bomb Run: 50%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Tail Plane: Big Operator
Bomb Run: 60%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: PH: Clark
Casualties: Clark
Status: Returned

Plane: Sunday Punch
Bomb Run: 20%
Claims: 2
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Damned Yankees
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 3
Medals/Promotions: To CPT Don Heffner, To M/SGT Fred Johnson, To S/SGT Emil "Hill Billy" Bildilli
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: All In
Bomb Run: 20%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Lucky Patch
Bomb Run: 20%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Teasin' Time
Bomb Run: 0%
Claims: 5
Medals/Promotions: PH: Seaver
Casualties: Seaver
Status: Returned

Plane: Easter Bunny
Bomb Run: 60%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

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

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

Plane: Big Red Machine
Bomb Run: 50%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: PH: Gullett, Geronimo, Borbon, Rose
Casualties: Gullett, Geronimo, Borbon, Rose
Status: Returned

Plane: Unfinished Business
Bomb Run: 94%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: DFC: Gray
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: The Filthy Hag
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 3
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned