Mission 32: Nice, France

[royalblue]

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

Pilot: 1Lt William Rose

Mission Date: 15 May 1944
Mission: 32

Previous Missions in Bomber: 6

Target: Nice, France
Target Type: Marshaling Yard

Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

CREW

Position	Rank/Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt William Rose	7	0	0	AM	RTD
Co-Pilot	2Lt Nelson Clark	7	0	0	AM	RTD
Bombardier	2Lt James Dabrowski	2	1	1	-	RTD
Navigator	2Lt Leslie McCoy	3	0	1	-	RTD
Engineer	S/Sgt Sterling Nelson	7	0	4	AM	RTD
Radio Op.	S/Sgt Samuel Holland	7	0	1	AM	RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Felix Silva	7	0	1	AM	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Luis Rosa*	8	0	0	PH/AM	RTD
Starboard WG	Sgt Martin Owens	7	1	2	PH/AM	RTD
Tail Gunner	Sgt Maks Marchenko	7	0	3	PH/AM	RTD

[*It's been a month in game since Sgt Rosa, the Port WG on my last B-17, was seriously injured (with a recovery time of 4 weeks) so I'm bringing him on to the crew of the Northern Queen now since the timing lines up so well]

Bomb Run: On target - 30%

Enemy Aircraft:

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

Claims:

- 2Lt Dabrowski, x1 Fw-190

- Sgt Owens, x1 Fw-190

Damage:

- Superficial x5

- Tail gun destroyed

- Oil fire, engine #4

- Rudder x1

- Tail oxygen x1

- Starboard wing root x1

- Radio destroyed

Peckham Points: - 125, two days to repair.

Casualties:

- None

Awards:

- None

After-Action Report:

OUTBOUND

Takeoff/Zone 1: Good takeoff.

Zone 2-10: Nothing to report.

Zone 11/Target: Over the target we managed to avoid any major confrontation with enemy aircraft. A few 110s tried to take a swing at us but their bullets missed the mark, as did ours unfortunately. However, the flak really gave us a run for our money. We took several direct hits; most notably to our tail gun and our number 4 engine which caught fire before quickly being extinguished. Fortunately Dabrowksi held on target and we landed 30% of our payload on the marshaling yard. With our bombs now away we were able to keep up with the rest of the formation despite the loss of our engine.

INBOUND

Target/Zone 11: On target egress we took a few more superficial flak hits and were again fortunate enough to avoid an aerial fight with the enemy.

Zone 10-4: Nothing to report.

Zone 3: German fighters finally caught up to us in zone 3 as we neared liberated Italy. We were swarmed by 5 Fw-190s, but our little friends did an excellent job of helping us fend them off; sending two down in flames with great speed. A third would follow his comrades a few minutes later, but not before shooting up our radio and starboard wing root. For our own part, both Dabrowski and Owens managed a kill each.

Zone 2: Nothing to report.

Zone 1/Landing: Another rough landing with the engine out, but certainly not a mission I can complain about. A good showing all around and from 2Lt Dabrowski in particular.

[caodwolf]

B-17G:  Honey Bun



Pilot: 1Lt. D. Diluzio
Assignment:  15th Air Force,  509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron
Mission Date: 15-May-1944
Mission No.:  32
Mission this Bomber: 7
Target for Today:  Nice, France -  Marshalling Yards
Squadron Position:  Middle
Result:   On-Target:  40%
 

This is  S/Sgt M Lesjack's  25th mission and we were all determined to complete this sortie and get him back, as well as the rest of us.

A mechanical failure of all suit heaters just out side of Nice complicated matters.   After the bomb run and back over water we shuffled the crew to warmth except for Sgt.  J Dix the Left Waist Gunner who volunteered to remain at his post.   A second mechanical failure of the #1 engine resulted in shutting down the engine.

The German Luftwaffe stuck on the inbound as soon as we entered Italian airspace:   hordes of FW-190;s and ME-109's.   With close to half the '50's unmanned we really had to rely on the escorts who kept most at bay.  However damaged mounted to several systems.  

Landed without further incidents.  Sgt  Dix has frostbite and will be invalided home.  Lesjack will escort Dix back to the states. 

That is all....    


Game note:  Three Mechanical Failures this mission

Crew Manifest

Position	Rank	Name	Missions Flown	Kills this Mission	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt	D. Diluzio	17	---	---	AM,PH	OK
Co-Pilot	2Lt	J. Boyer	6	---	---	AM	OK
Bombardier	2Lt	M, Russell	4	---	---	---	OK
Navigator	2Lt	J. Labelle	8	---	---	AM	OK
Top Turret/Engineer	Sgt	R. Reese	6	---	2  1/2	AM	OK
Radio Op	S/Sgt	K. Whitmore	20	---	---	AM	OK
Port Waist	S/Sgt	J Dix	10	---	---	AM	SW-Frostbite
Stbd Waist	S/Sgt	J. Shoemaker	16	---	1	AM, PH	OK
Ball Turret	S/Sgt	M. Lesjack	25	---	6 ACE	AM	OK-Tour
Tail Turret	S/Sgt	K. Taylor	19	---	2	AM	OK

 

HOSPITAL

2Lt J Pate                RTD:  1-June
2Lt M Yezzi              RTD:  15-May
2Lt.  A Tharpe         RTD:  12-June



KIA

None


WIA

S/Sgt J.  Dix  Frostbite and invalided home.

Medals / Promotions

Purple Heart

S/Sgt J. Dix


25th Mission

S/Sgt J. Labelle

Fighters Encountered

 

FTR	Spotted	Driven-Off	Damaged	Not-Damaged	Claimed - Credited
ME-109	7	4	2	1	---
FW-190	10	6	4	1	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
TOTALS	17	10	6	2	---

---

B-17G Damage:   *  130 *    (2 Day repair)

-All power lost to Suit Heaters
-Oil tank leak in #1 engine
-#1 engine shut down-Tailplane hit:  n/e
-Engine #1 hit again
-Norden Bombsight damaged
-Instruments:  Aileron controls out
-(12)  Superficial hits

[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: 15 May 1944

Mission Number: 32

Mission of this bomber: 5

Formation: High
Position: Middle

Target: Nice, France
Target Type: Marshalling Yard

Bomb Run: On Target - 50%

Lady Luck Smile #: 0;

CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status	Stress Point
Pilot	1st Lt. Mark Adkins	5	n/a	n/a	AM	RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Roy Edwards	5	n/a	n/a	AM	RTD	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Leon "Gold" Oro	7	0	0	AM	RTD	0
Navigator	2nd Lt. Michael "Mickey" Delaney	1	0	0		RTD	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Daniel Yelton	5	0	2	AM	RTD	0
Radio Op.	T/Sgt Jerry Castillo	5	0	0	AM	RTD	0
Ball Gunner	S/Sgt Steve McGowan	5	0	0	AM	RTD	0
Port WG	Sgt Paul Morgan	5	0	.5	AM	RTD	0
Starboard WG	Sgt Jessie Henson	5	.5	.5	AM	RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Norman Fisher	5	0	1.5	AM	RTD	0

Crew Chief: s/Sgt Jasper Styers (Average Joe) - 5 missions;


E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	9	6	1	2
Me-109	1	1	0	0
Me-110	6	2	1	3
Me-210	0	0	0	0
--	0	0	0	0
Total	16	9	2	5

Claims:
- T/Sgt Daniel Yelton: 1 Me-110 claimed - no credit awarded
- Sgt Norman Fisher: 1 Me-110 claimed - no credit awarded
- Sgt Jessie Henson: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded


Damage:
- Superficial x4: 4
- Radio inop: 10
- Rudder 1st shot: 25

Peckham Points: 39pts - overnight repairing

Casualties:--

Awards:
- AM: 1st Lt. Mark Adkins, 2nd Lt. Roy Edwards, T/Sgt Daniel Yelton, T/Sgt Jerry Castillo, S/Sgt Steve McGowan, Sgt Paul Morgan, Sgt Jessie Henson, Sgt Norman Fisher

Promotions:--


AAR (flown with TFT)


Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly in southern Italy sun were good.

Zone 2 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 3 Outbound: A lone Fw-190 immediately intercepted by the escort.

Zone 4-9 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 10 Outbound: Engine #1 began to lose rpm. Together with T/Sgt Yelton we carried out a series of checks and restarts. We managed to keep it running but at half power. We were attacked by a pair of Me-110s: the 6 Low was intercepted and removed, while the second in vertical climb avoided our shots and with some bursts caused superficial damage and disabled the radio. On the second pass, however, it was shot down by our machine guns.

Zone 11 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): We went out of formation due to a loss of power in engine #1 and the payload still on board. Some rockets penetrated the formation but exploded far enough away from us without causing damage. We were attacked by 4 Me-110s: we managed to damage 3 of them, which moved away, while the fourth was damaged by escorting fighters and moved away. The Flak was of medium intensity, but did not cause damage. Approaching the target and leveling the plane allowed us to carry out a good drop of bombs.
Failed to rejoin the formation after bombing. Medium Flak but no damage reported.
A starling of 3 Fw-190s headed towards us: the first to approach from 3H was intercepted by the escort, while the other two had free rein and avoiding our shots fired some volleys that caused us damage, fortunately not serious. 
On the second pass we damage one, who preferred to run away while the second was shot down.
It was then the turn of a single Fw-190, but the escort was attentive and intercepted its course before it approached us.

Zone 10 Inbound: Rejoined formation. Attacked by 3 Fw-190s: 2 of them were taken into custody by our guardian angels, the third preferred to move away after being damaged to the engine.

Zone 9-3 Inbound: Nothing to report

Zone 2 Inbound: We were first attacked by 1 Fw-190, then by 1 Me-109, but both were unable to get closer thanks to the escort fighters.

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: 2nd Lt. D. Peck

Mission Date: 15 May 1944

Mission Number: 32

Mission of this bomber: 1

Formation: Low
Position: Middle

Target: Nice, Frrance
Target Type:  Marshalling Yard

Bomb Run: On target - 20%

CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status	Stress Point
Pilot	2nd Lt. Donald Peck	1	n/a	n/a		RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Timothy "Timmy" Reece	4	n/a	n/a		RTD	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Richard Veil	1	0	0		RTD	0
Navigator	2nd Lt. Craig Cox	1	0	0		RTD	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Joe McBride	1	.5	.5		RTD	0
Nose Gunner	Sgt Derrick Coon	1	.5	.5		RTD	0
Ball Gunner	Sgt William Krick	1	0	0		RTD	0
Port WG/Radio Op.	Sgt Brian Hines	1	0	1		RTD	0
Starboard WG	Sgt Nelson Barajas	1	0	0		RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Michael Mosley	1	1	1		RTD	0

Crew Chief: T/Sgt Jeffrey Hamilton (The Dedicated) - 2 missions


E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	12	5	2	4
Me-410	1	1	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
Total	13	6	2	4

Claims:
- Sgt Michael Mosley: 1 Fw-190 claimed - full credit awarded
- T/Sgt Joe McBride: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded
- Sgt Derrick Coon: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded

Damage:
- Ball turret mechanism inop: 10
- Ball turret gun inop: 10
- Superficial x1: 2

Peckham Points: 22pts - overnight repairing and ordinary maintenance

Casualties:--

Awards:--

Promotions:--

AAR (flown with TFT)

Giulia Airbase: Normal take off and assembly.

Zone 2-9 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 10 Outbound: We were attacked by 2 Fw-190s: the 12H one was intercepted by a P39 of the 350FG, while the one that attacked us in vertical dive continued its course without causing us and receiving damage.

Zone 11 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): We were attacked by 4 Fw-190s: the guys of the 350FG did a great job intercepting three of them, while the fourth was damaged and ran away. The flak was quite intense and some shrapnel hit us, irreparably damaging the mechanisms and the machine gun of the ball turret. Sgt. Krick remained imprisoned in his plexiglass sphere for the rest of the mission.
We had plenty of time to prepare for the bombs, but the result was not exceptional. The flak returned to be felt as soon as the smoke from the explosions disappeared a little, but fortunately it did not cause us any damage.
Then followed the attack of 3 Fw-190s: we damaged two of them, which moved away, while the third was pursued by two P39s.

Zone 10-4 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 3 Inbound: 4 Fw-190s were on us: at 9H a P39 took delivery of an enemy aircraft, while our gunners shot down one and seriously damaged another. The fourth managed to get close and shoot, making only a few holes in the metal, but had no escape at the second pass.

Zone 2 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Giulia Airbase: Landed sfely

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

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 15 May 1944
Mission Number: 032
Mission This Bomber: 03
Mission Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	3	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	3	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Lance Brodzky	3	1	0	0	KIA
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	3	0	1	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	3	0	1.5	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	3	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	3	0	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	3	0	.5	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	3	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	3	0	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 8 Hits
Nose x 3
-superficial x 3 (6)
-bombardier KIA (10)
Starboard Wing x 2
- superficial x 2 (4)
Waist x 2
-superficial (2)
Tail x 1
- oxygen fire, 2 extinguishers (85)
Peckham Points: 107
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	6	2	0	0	1
Bf-110	1	1	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	0	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	3	0	0	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	10	3	0	0	3

Confirmed Claims: 3
2nd Lt Max Telford 1 x Bf-110
S/Sgt Al Levenberger 1.5 x Bf-109
Sgt James Gibson .5 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
2nd Lt Lance Brodzky KIA
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumous 2nd Lt Lance Brodzky
Promotion Reviews: 0
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: The weather was a 180 from our last mission, and we took off in clear skies and formed up without any problems.
Zone 2-10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: A 109 tried to challenge us but a little friend latched onto his tail and took care of him. A 110 evaded the other escorts but fared no better as Telford’s defensive fire set his port engine on fire and the crew bailed out.

The flak cleared away the fighters and knocked us about with minor strikes to the waist and right wing. Brodzky was unfazed by it and kept his concentration, dropping 30% onto the target

INBOUND

After the flak field the fighters returned with a wave of five 109 singling us out. One at 9 high ran into the combined effort of waist gunner Gibson and engineer Levenberger‘s fire as their tracers were seen to shred the canopy and blow the prop and spinner off. The pilot never got out. One of his buddies scored a measure of revenge as his attack from 12 high focused into our nose and poor Brodzky was left sprawling on the floor trying to keep his guts from spilling out. He wasn’t successful.

The Kraut circled around and came back at 7:30 where Levenberger avenged Brodzky, the 109 exploding from hits into its fuel tank.
Zone 10-4: Nothing to report.
Zone 3: Three 410 thought that they’d work us over, but two of them found our escorts tough opponents. The one that got through however, raked our fuselage from nose to tail, setting the tail oxygen supply on fire. Berlanti had a hard time with the stubborn flames but finally managed to put them out while using two fire extinguishers to do so.
Zone 2: With Berlanti’s oxygen out we left formation and made our way home alone.
Zone 1: We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.

It was a tough mission, and a tough test of the crew’s fortitude. We lost a popular member of the crew. The realization that while we’re just a bunch of scared kids trying to do our duty, we’re not invincible. At least the army has a hole to hide in when the bullets start flying.

1st Lt Jimmy Langton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Big Red Machine (4)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Bench
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Tail

Mission Date: 15 May 44
Mission #: 32
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. J Bench (4) {0}
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. D Concepcion (4) {0}
Bombardier 2nd Lt. J Morgan (4) {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. T Perez (4) {0}
Engineer: MSgt. K Griffy (4) {4} PH
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Geronimo (4) {1} PH
Radio Oper.: Sgt. G Foster (4) {1} BS
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Borbon (4) {0} PH
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. D Gullett (4) {0} PH: 3
Tail Gunner: Sgt. P Rose (4) {1} PH

Bomb Percentage: 20%
Bomber Disposition: Bombardier O2, SW Heat, Rudder, Intercom, Waist O2 Fire, Superficial Damage (95 Peckham Points)

Casualties:
K Griffy: LW – 2 days in hospital
D Gullet: FB – recovers overnight

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (9:109, 2:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (2:109, 1:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (2:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Foster: 109
Griffy: 109

Special Note:
K Griffy: PH

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

With a single day’s rest, the Big Red Machine was back on the flight line ready to go.

We took off without incident and settled in to the middle of the formation. The outbound flight was quiet all the way to the target. As we approached the target we were attacked by a 190 and a 109. Griffy shot down the 109 and the 190 scored walking hits. Other than wounding Griffy, the damage was light.

The flak guns missed us and Lt. Morgan was right on target. We saw a few fighters on the way out of the target zone. Somewhere over the sea Gullet picked up a little frostbite when his heater gave out.

As we came back over the shore the Luftwaffe was waiting for us. Six 109s caught up to us and swarmed around the plane. The boys fought valiantly. Foster got one of them and then my headphones went out. They had hit the intercom. What follows I only heard about after we landed.

A stray bullet from one of the 109s ignited the oxygen system in the waist. Borbon and Gullet were able to get the fire out quickly, but had no way to call up to tell us the oxygen system was out. Luckily Foster had heard commotion behind him and turned around to see Borbon and Gullet fighting the fire. “Crap, the oxygen system he thought” and turned around and started climbing towards the front of the plane. He had his spare O2 bottle, but it was a long climb through the bomb bay to the front. Foster finally got up to Griffy on the top turret and grabbed him by the leg. “No air, waist.” Foster gasped and passed out. Griffy put the spare line on him and turned around to grab my shoulder.
“Oxygen out, dive now!” Griffy screamed into my ear.

Concepcion and I pushed the yoke forward hard and the Big Red Machine dove towards thicker air. With thicker air to breath the crew was safe. We landed safely at base a short time later.

For risking his own life to save the lives of two fellow crewmates, I have nominated Sgt. G. Foster for the Bronze Star.

[Keltos]

After-Action Report

Lonesome Lola (B-17F-110BO 42-30588)
Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group

Commander: 1st Lt. Ernest "Brain" Larsen

Mission Date: 15 May 1944

Mission Number: 32

Mission of this bomber: 6

Formation: Middle
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	3	n/a	n/a		RTD
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Guy "Tippy" Tipton	9	n/a	n/a	AM	RTD
Bombardier	2nd Lt.Jack "John" Dawkins	24	0	0	AM(3) / PH(3)	RTD
Navigator	2nd Lt. Rudolph "Rudy" Livingston	2	0	0		RTD
Engineer	S/Sgt Johnny "Boy" Hilton	4	0	2		RTD
Radio Op.	Sgt Xavier "Zavey" Williams	8	0	0	AM	RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Jim "Jimmy" Schwartz	10	0	1	AM(2)	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Ernesto "Cuba" Alvarez	2	0	.33		RTD
Starboard WG	Sgt Paul "Paulie" Hess	2	0	0	PH(2)	LW
Tail Gunner	Sgt Donald "Donnie" Adkins	6	0	1	AM	RTD

E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	4	2	0	1
Me-109	0	0	0	0
Me-110	3	2	0	1
Me-210	0	0	0	0
Ju-88	0	0	0	0
Total	7	4	0	2

Claims:--


Damage:
- Light Wound: 2
- Superficial x2: 2

Peckham Points: 4pts - overnight repairing

Casualties:
- Sgt Paul "Paulie" Hess: thigh superficial cut, 2 days in hospital, RTD on 18 May 1944

Awards:
- PH: Sgt Paul "Paulie" Hess
- AM OLC: Sgt Jim "Jimmy" Schwartz


AAR (flown with TFT)

Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly went ok. 

Zone 2-10 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 11 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): As soon as we entered the area, the ship was shaken by violent explosions caused by some bombs dropped from above in the formation.
Then it was the turn of 2 Fw-190s that approached: one was taken over by a P39 while the second moved away after a few exchanges of fire without damage.
Above the objective the flak was quite intense and a shrapnel slightly wounded Sgt Hess in the right leg. This did not prevent us from aligning ourselves with the objective and leveling the ship and carrying out the bomb dropping.
As soon as the smoke from the explosions cleared, the flak began to hammer again, but with less vigor than before and caused us no damage.
We were then attacked by 3 Me-110s, 2 of which were engaged by our escort and the third damaged, preferred to move away by performing an evasive maneuver.

Zone 10-4 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 3 Inbound:Attacked by 2 Fw-190: one was intercepted while the second, more impertinent, managed to avoid our shots and make some holes in the nose section. However, we managed to damage it and preferred to turn its attention to other bombers.

Zone 2 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Giulia Airbase: Landed Safely. Sgt Hess was treated on the side of the runway and taken to hospital. He will have it for a couple of days.


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

1st Lt. Ernest "Brain" Larsen, USAAF

[tomt1999]

Private Dix B-17F-75BO 42-29909
80th

MISSION DATE: 15 May 44
MISSION # 32
TARGET: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Pos/Rank	Cur Miss #	Prev Claims	Curr Claims	Stress	Status	Awards
1LT Hannibal Longworth - Pilot	1			0	KIA	PH
2LT Samuel McLean - CoPilot	6			1	RTD	PH
2LT Charles Powell - Navigator	4			1	RTD
2LT Matthew Barrett - Bombardier	1			1	RTD
T/SGT Leonard Gardner - Engineer	2		1	1	RTD
SGT Stanley York - Radio Operator	1			0	KIA	PH
SGT Silas Best - Ball Gunner	4			1	RTD
SGT Herbert Boyd - Radio Op	2	.5		1	RTD	PH
S/SGT Alexander Simpson - Waist Gunner	2			1	RTD
SGT Felix Greene - Tail Gunner	1			1	RTD

Casualties: 2: Pilot, Radio Op KIA

Damage: Pilot Compartment, Instruments, Radio, Starboard Waist gun, rudder, elevators

Peckham Points: 140 - major structural damage will require 3 days to mitigate

Landing: Safe

Claims:
2x Me109 - Top Turret Engineer Leonard Gardner (2)

Enemy Aircraft:

	ME109	FW190	C205 IT	ME110	TOTALS
Driven Off	5	2	1	4	12
Damaged	8	3		4	15
Spotted	1	3		2	6
Destroyed	1	1			2
TOTALS	15	9	1	10	35

Awards:
Order of the Purple Heart

Pilot 1LT Hannibal Longworth (posthumous)

Waist Gunner SGT A. Simpson

Radio Op SGT Stanley York (posthumous)

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Captain Marz reports:

"I heard that 'Private Dix' was shot up pretty bad, so I met them as they pulled up to the ramp. 

8 men piled out leaving two KIA inside for the medics to get. 2LT McLean got out last. He was 

visibly shaking - could hardly stand up - and was covered in blood. Not his - the pilot's. He was 

muttering 'I shoulda turned back, I shoulda turned back'.

"I tried to put my arm under his arm to support him but he shrank from me like a scared kitten. 

'York would still be alive if I'd turned back. York...'

"That could be," I said to him, "but he might've just gotten it later anyway. No way to tell. You 

made the call to continue to the target and bombed it, on target. That's called leadership."

We loaded into a truck and trundled over to the debriefing hut. Watching McLean, I knew that 

he would be unable to make a report. I looked around at the crew. The only ones who met 

my eyes were the engineer, Gardner, and waist gunner Herbert Boyd.

"I'm going to need someone to make this report - you two?" They nodded. Their report follows.
---

Gardner "Well, we were all surprised when our names were on the crew manifest for today's mission. 

For three of us it was our first mission. Four had only one mission in. No one had more than three. 

Captain Marz met us at the Hut and gave us a pep talk about how he'd heard how well we were getting 

on in training and now was the time to step up into The War.

"That made us feel pretty pleased with ourselves, and we loaded into Private Dix, a well-worn B-17F 

(but we'd heard good things about her). Take off was nominal."

Boyd: "For two and half hours all was going swell. Uh, sorry if that's not military enough."

Gardner: "Just before the target all hell broke loose. And this went on for the next three hours." He pulled 

a notebook from his jacket pocket, flipped through a couple pages and said, "Went through 12 waves of 

enemy aircraft for a total of 35 aircraft, flak in and out, our pilot killed, had a kraut aerial bomb kill a man. 

Oh and the intercom was shot out. And the rudder, elevator..." He looked up from his notebook. "Lieutenant 

Longworth had his head shot off, and radioman Sergeant York had a head but not a body. It's a mess in 

there, sir." Gardner folded up his notebook and calmly put it back in his pocket. He looked at Marz and there was 

a long moment of silence.

Marz: "Well, let's get back to work. Let's get the facts of this one in the books."

Gardner: "Here goes. Nothing until zone 10. There, three 109s attacked, but the escort drove off two. 

The third one was the killer, unfortunately. Got Lt. Longworth about 7, 7:30 in the back of the head, 

came out the front, covering the Co-Pilot and instruments with gore. Same fighter came around twice 

more, nicking waist gunner Simpson, whose guns had just jammed (and remained so for the duration). 

Finally the top, tail and radio guns hit him and drove him off.

A Fw190 and an Italian C205 swept up to us, but were ineffective in their attack.

I spent some time in the cockpit to assist McLean with pilotage. I mostly wiped off the dials of the instru-

ment panel and put a towel over Lt. Longworth's remains. We talked some about turning back but he 

said that turning around would make Longworth's death meaningless. He bore down and we entered the 

target zone.

Coming into the target we were met by wave after wave of enemy a/c. Another 190, couple-three 110's. 

The shooting was fierce on both sides but we were not hurt. Got a piece of one of them, driving him off."

Boyd: "My gun was out, so I went up to the cockpit to help out if I could. I was almost violently ill at the 

sight of Lt. Longworth. Lt. McLean was sitting there, staring out the windshield. I leaned over and looked 

out. We were tight up against our formation. Like, really, really tight. At least half as close as we were supposed 

to be." Gardner nodded. "I asked the lieutenant if everything was alright. He responded affirm and ordered 

me back to my position. I guess he didn't remember my gun was out." NOTE: rolled a extra tight formation 

random event.

Gardner: "The flak missed us - about the only thing that went our way. Then Lt. Barrett dropped on target. 

I don't know how. He was an island of calm in the middle of terror. (30% ON)

We turned for home and were hit with another three waves of aircraft. I got a little busy then, so, Boyd?".

Boyd: "Two 109s came in, we hit one, he hit us too but only superficially. His wingman was splashed by 

Gardner here sir." He pointed his thumb at the other man. "Then another three 109s attacked us and Gardner 

shot down another one. He should get some kind of medal sir."

Gardner: "And as soon as we were done with that, five more aircraft appeared. We damaged them some and 

the escort got one and the rest of them missed us. Must've been rookies because they didn't seem to want 

to tangle."

Boyd: "Then, about two hours from home, we ran into a swarm of Ace flyers in two waves (note: 5 out of 7)

in 210s and Fw190s. Hard to articulate the action at this time. All hell was breaking loose. Holes appeared 

in the fuselage in everywhere. The radio was knocked out and the radioman wounded. The instrument panel 

was hit a couple times, the radio hit again, intercom conked out. Radio hit again, York killed by an aerial bomb. 

We got in a couple hits. It was looking grim when they broke it off, and turned north for their base."

Gardner: "And the ship had it in her to land, so here we are."

[sparky]

509th Bomb Group   79th Bomb Squadron,   May 15, 1944, Target Nice, France  Marshalling Yard
Mission #32,  Plane Beach Bum, Plane Mission #7, Low Cell, Middle 


"Everyone in position for takeoff, here we go" Lieutenant Day says to the crew as he pushes the throttles forward.
The B-17 rattles and begins slowly moving forward as the engines roar. As the end of the runway gets closer and closer
the big bird's nose finally gets light and the wheels leave the ground. Everyone on board breathes a little sigh of relief
as the end of the runway passes below. They've all seen bombers not clear the runway and explode during takeoff.

"#4 engine oil pressure is dangerously low" co-pilot Miesner reports. Lieutenant Day replies "we'll give it until we reach the
coast, if it doesn't get better we will abort at that point." "Roger that" Miesner replies.

10 minutes later co-pilot Miesner announces that the oil pressure to #4 engine has climbed to an acceptable level. "Looks like we 
get to see France today after all" Engineer Ridings says casually over the intercom.

As the formation nears the Italian coast bombardier Johnson says "enemy fighters 12 o'clock high forming up
for attacks" But none come near Beach Bum.

As the French coastline comes into view in the distance Lieutenant Day tells the crew "everyone keep your eyes peeled,
we could get jumped at any time now"

Soon after, tail gunner Conover reports " Single Me-109 looks like he's making a pass on us!" "Wait, a P-39 just intercepted him, thank you little buddy!"

As the formation crosses the French coastline the EA leave and the flak begins. As the black puffs appeared in the sky it seemed to be targeting a different
section of the bomber stream and Bombardier Johnson announces "target in sight." Lt Day says "it's your plane Marv." "I've got the plane" Johnson replies.
Johnson peers into the bomb sight, makes a couple minor adjustments and says "bombs away, get us out of here Lieutenant!"

Flak continues but again none detonate near Beach Bum.

As Beach Bum exits the flak area engineer Ridings, in the top turret, shouts 'here comes a single FW-190 from 1:30 high" just then a P-39 flashes into view and 
the enemy fighter dives away. Immediately after that Johnson, on the chin gun, says "2 more 190's coming at us, 12 o'clock high and 1:30 high!"  the fighter at 
12 o'clock misses his shots and flies away into the broken clouds. "I missed the one at 1:30" Ridings shouts. The German opens fire and Beach Bum shakes as
2 cannon rounds impact her. Radioman Smith immediately reports "2 hits in the radio section sir, no serious damage" Starboard waist gunner Pilgrim says "he's coming
back around at us!" "Somebody get him off of us" shouts Lt Day as he fights to stay in tight formation. "This guy's good" shouts Ridings from the top turret. "I can't get him
lined up, shit, I missed him again!" The FW-190's guns and cannon twinkle as he opens fire and flashes past in a blur. The cockpit seems to explode as shrapnel flies everywhere.
"Is anyone hurt?" Day shouts as he gathers his composure. As everyone announces that they're ok co-pilot Miesner notices that all fuel and oil pressure guages
are at zero. "Johnny, get up here and see what's going on" Day orders his engineer. As Ridings is checking damage, ball turret gunner Cassano announces that his turret won't rotate.
It's then that engineer ridings re-enters the cockpit. "The main electrical buss to the entire plane is shot to hell sir and it can't be repaired. No fuel pumps, no oil pumps
and the powered guns won't operate. We're done sir. Looks like we're going to stay in France longer than we thought." "Dammit" Day says. "Les, start cranking the 
bomb bay doors open, everyone is going to have to jump. Bill and Nate, get the ball turret cranked into position so Jerry can get out. Rick and I are going to stay in the seats, I've got
good control of the plane so I'm going to lose some altitude, when everyone else is out Rick will jump and I'll go out last. Good luck everyone!"

When the 79th landed back in Italy they reported that Beach Bum was observed going down in a controlled fashion. 10 chutes were counted.
A few weeks later the Red Cross was notified that all 10 men were captured and interred, 6 men in Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Poland and 4 in Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany

(OOC...I will submit a new plane and crew in the next few day)

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Pecatonica (8)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 15 May 44
Mission #: 32
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips (8) {0} AM, PH: 2
Co-Pilot: Maj WW Robinson (19) {0} SS, AM: 3, PH: 2
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. O Guernsey (8) {2} AM, PH
Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Bean (8) {0} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. I Clapp (8) {4} AM, PH
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Hart (8) {3} AM
Radio Oper.: Sgt. J Clark (1) {0} PH
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Phinney (8) {1} AM
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. M Sheehan (8) {2} AM, PH: 3
Tail Gunner: Sgt. T Tweet (4) {0} PH

Bomb Percentage: 30%

Bomber Disposition: Stb Tailplane Root, SW Heat, Stb Wing Root: 2, Control Cables: 2, Rudder, Elevator Controls, SW O2, Port Cheek Gun, Superficial Damage (151 Peckham Points)

Casualties:
Sgt. J Clark: SW – 8 days in hospital
Sgt. M Sheehan: LW/FB – 4 days in hospital
Sgt. T Tweet: SW – died of wounds in hospital

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

Special Note:
Sgt. J Clark: PH
Sgt. M Sheehan: PH
Sgt. T Tweet: PH

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

On a single day’s rest, the Pecatonica was back in the air today. Since it is an even numbered mission, Major Robinson has graced us with his presence in the cockpit today.

The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. We were attacked by a single 109 that Sheehan quickly dispatched.

We took damage from the flak guns, but Guernsey was undeterred and hit the target.

We were chased out of the target zone by a trio of 190s. They did a real number on the Pecatonica. When they were done three men were wounded and we had serious damage to the rudder, elevators, and the control cables.

With the controls shot up it was a real struggle for the Major and I to keep the plane in formation. We arrived safely back at the base and we managed to her on the ground safely.

We got Sheehan, Clark, and Tweet quickly off to the hospital. Clark and Sheehan will both be ok in a few days. I am sorry to report that Sgt. Tweet died on the operating table.

[limburger59]

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

    Middle Sqdn - Middle 
MISSION DATE: 15 MAY 44 
MISSION # 32 (2nd this bomber)
TARGET: Nice, France - Marshaling Yard

Bomb Run: Off Target 0% 

CREW

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

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x2 (2)
Mech Failure: #2 Turbo-Supercharger failed

Peckham Points: 12

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

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia 

Attackers: 8	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	2				1
Bf-110	0
FW-190	6	1	1		1	3
ME-210	0
C205	0
Re2005	0
TOTALS	8	1	1	0	2	3

Award/Promotion Requests: 

In Hospital/Not Flying Today: Everyone flying

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

To come.

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Miss Keweenaw (7)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. CA Hoyt
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Middle
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 15 May 44
Mission #: 32
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. CA Hoyt (7) {0} AM
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. W Safford (3) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. W Hutchinson (7) {0} AM
Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Axtell (7) {0} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. J Anderson (7) {0} AM
Ball Gunner: Sgt. J Brewbaker (7) {1} AM
Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Cook (7) {0} AM
Pt Waist G: Sgt. L Flint (7) {0} AM
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. R Heron (7) {0} AM
Tail Gunner: Sgt. R Lewis (7) {2} AM, PH

Bomb Percentage: 40%

Bomber Disposition: No damage (0 Peckham Points)

Casualties: n/a

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (0:109, 4:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (0:109, 3:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)

Special Note: n/a

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

We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation. The outbound flight was long and nice and quiet.
Over the target zone we were attacked by four FW 190s. We hit three of them and they all flew off without damaging us. Flak was way of target. Hutchinson was right on target.
We saw no fighters on the way home and landed safely.
A long milk run for the Miss K.

[campsawyer]

[ninthaquila]

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

High Squadron, Middle

Primary Target: Nice, France, Marshalling Yard
Secondary Target: NONE

Mission Date: 15 MAY 1944

Mission Number: 32-16

Position	Rank/Name	Medals	Mission Number	Previous Credits	Mission Credits
Pilot	1LT Richard Archer	DSC AM++ PH+	16	0	0
Co-pilot	2LT Isaac Blackburn	AM++ PH	16	0	0
Bombardier	2LT Fred Fuller	DFC+ AM*++ PH++	16	11, 16x0.5	2x0.5
Navigator	2LT Lawrence Monroe	AM+ PH	16	1, 0.5	0.5
Engineer	T/SGT Alex Kozmenski	DSC DFC AM*	16	4, 21x0.5	2, 3x0.5
Radio Operator	S/SGT Allen Kirby	AM++ PH	16	2x0.5	0.5
Ball Gunner	S/SGT Samuel Carter	DFC AM*	16	13, 14x0.5	1, 0.5
Port Waist Gunner	S/SGT Ray McKenzie	AM++ PH	16	5x0.5	2x0.5
Stb. Waist Gunner	S/SGT Charles Flanagan	AM++ PH	16	1, 2x0.5	0
Tail Gunner	S/SGT Matthew Wolf	DFC++ AM*+ PH+	15	13, 15x0.5	4x0.5

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


Bomb Run: 30%

B-17 Damage:
Engine #1 destroyed (runaway, feathered)
Port Wing Root damaged (1 hit)
Port Landing Gear destroyed
Bomb Bay riddled
several holes around the aircraft (4SD)

Crew Casualties:
none

Claims:
2LT Fuller - 1 probable BF109, 1 shared ME110
2LT Monroe - 1 shared ME110
T/SGT Kozmenski - 1 confirmed FW190, 3 shared FW190, 1 confirmed BF109
S/SGT Kirby - 1 shared BF109, 1 shared ME110
S/SGT Carter - 1 shared FW190, 1 confirmed BF109
S/SGT McKenzie - 1 shared FW190
S/SGT Wolf - 1 probable FW190, 1 shared FW190, 1 probable BF109, 1 shared BF109
(confirmed=FD, probable=FBOA, shared=FBOA from multiple sources)

Peckham Points: 178 PP, repairs until 19 MAY

Landing: Crash Landing after Landing Gear failure

Promotions/Awards:
Air Medal for S/SGT Wolf, for flying their 15th accredited combat mission
DFC for 2LT Fuller for achieving a total of 20 credits (11 confirmed, 18 probable/shared)
Air Medal for T/SGT Kozmenski for achieving a total of 18 credits (6 confirmed, 24 probable/shared)

*Air Medal for T/SGT Kozmenski for a combined total of 3 claims in a single mission, including a shared credit (with S/SGT Kirby) on a hostile ace flyer
*DFC for 2LT Fuller for achieving an on-target results for 15 missions in a row
(*separately put in request thread)


After Action Report


REPORT - CONFIDENTIAL

TO BE WRITTEN LATER


Signed,

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

[jeffreymgeorge]

Mission 32 AAR
Mission Date: 15 May, 1944

Target: Nice, France – Marshalling Yard

Bomber SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31438; "The Iron Maiden (2nd mission)"
80th Bomb Sqdn., 509th (H) Bombardment Grp., 15th AF

Formation position: Middle Sqdn., Middle

		Missions Flown	Enemy A/C Destroyed	Awards	Status After Mission
Pilot	1Lt Jeff George	1	0		OK
Co-Pilot	2Lt Steve Harris	1	0		OK
Navigator	2Lt Paul Di'Anno	1	½		OK
Bombardier	2Lt Bruce Dickinson	1	2		OK
Flight Engineer	T/Sgt Dave Murray	1	1		OK
Radio Operator	S/Sgt Adrian Smith	1	0		OK
Ball Turret Gunner	S/Sgt Nicko McBrain	1	1-1/3		OK
Port Waist Gunner	Sgt Janick Gers	1	1/3		OK
Starboard Waist Gunner	Sgt Clive Burr	1	0		OK
Tail Gunner	Sgt Dennis Stratton	1	0		OK

Bomb Run: did not bomb; bombs jettisoned prior to target

Bomber Damage Sustained: #1 engine ceased operating due to mechanical failure; no other damage(Peckham points = 0)

Crew Casualties Sustained: – none

Enemy Aircraft Claims: none

The crew prepared for their 2nd mission. Just because our rookie mission the day before hadn't seen serious trouble didn't give anyone the illusion that today would be the same.

Take-off was incident-free, and the Maiden joined up with the formation for the journey to the target. As on our last mission, there was rocket fired at us from aft, but it harmlessly passed by the aircraft.

Over the Ligurian Sea, approaching the target zone, we experienced a mechanical issue. The #1 engine sputtered out and would not restart. I made the decision to jettison the bombs to stay in formation and remain an effective fighting member of the squadron.

As we entered the target zone, we had our first run-in with the enemy. Similar to our prior mission, an enemy fired a rocket into the formation from aft, but it harmlessly passed our aircraft. This was followed up by a couple of Fw-190s attacking our plane, but our defensive fire drove them off.

There was quite a bit of flak approaching the target, but we were unhit. Not having any bombs onboard, we did remained in formation but did not complete the bomb run. The flak was negligible as we turned for home. We encountered no enemy resistance leaving the coast of France.

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

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

[mpgutis]

80th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON
Mission #31, Nice, France - Marshaling Yard

Captain Marz called the room to attention as Major Simmons strode to the front. He waved the men to their seats. The crews' general assessment of his demeanor was the the major was not displeased.

"Gentlemen, as you know, I was mission commander so I had the opportunity to observe not just the squadron but the entire group. Overall, the group looked good and the squadron did well. I'd like to think it was my august presence that inspired the accuracy but I know it's the efforts and skill of you folks. Overall, the squadron averaged 30%. While that's the minimum acceptable percentage...it's still acceptable and an improvement over the last two missions. Best in the squadron goes to Rosie at 78%. Second best is Duck Soup at 50%. Gunnery continues to be good. Although there were only 15 claims, 11 and a half were confirmed.

"On another positive note, Staff Sergeant Labelle of Honey Bun has completed his 25 and has earned his ticket home." Labelle stood up and took a few bows that were greeted with both cheers and jeers.

"That's about all I have for you. There's no word whether or not we'll be flying tomorrow, so plan and relax accordingly." As he exited the room, Captain Marz dismissed the men.
-----------------------------
STATISTICAL ADDENDUM

THE A TRAIN
On target, 20%
4 EA claimed, 2 confirmed

CASTLE IN THE SKY
On target, 30%
1 EA claimed, 0 confiormed

ROSIE
ON TARGET, 78% - Best in squadron

DUCK SOUP
On target, 50% - Second best in squadron

BARBARA JEAN
On target, 30%
2 EA claimed 1.5 confirmed
SSG Henry Lyons - PH
T3 Darwin Valdovinos

MISS BEHAVIN'
On target, 30%

MAKING TIME
On target, 20%

NORTHERN QUEEN
On target, 30%
2 EA claimed, 2 confirmed

HONEY BUN
On target, 40%
SSG J. Dix - PH
SSG J. Labelle - Completed tour

LONESOME LOLA
On target, 20%
SGT Paul Hess - PH
SGT Jim Schwartz - AM

PRIVATE DIX
On target, 30%
2 EA claimed, 2 confirmed
1LT Hannibal Longworth - PH, posthumous
SGT Alexander Simpson - PH
SGT Stanley York - PH, posthumous

BLUES IN THE NIGHT
Off target, 0%
1 EA claimed, 1 confirmed

MISS KEWEENAW
On target, 40%

DOUBLE BOMB
On target, 30%
3 EA claimed, 3 confirmed

THE IRON MAIDEN
DNB

[caodwolf]

B-24J:  Lovely Ladies


Pilot: 1Lt. D Brenner
Assignment:  15th Air Force,  509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron
Mission Date: 15-May-1944
Mission No.: 32
Mission this Bomber: 7
Target for Today:  Nice, France -  Marshalling Yards
Squadron Position:  Low
Result:   30%
 

All action was centered around the target zone.   Several German fighters struck causing just superficial damage while losing three of their own.   They skedaddled as soon as the FLAK started popping all around causing additional superficial damage.

Bombs were dropped with good effect.  

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

Over and out....

Crew Manifest

Position	Rank	Name	Missions Flown	Kills this Mission	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt	D. Brenner	4	---	---	---	OK
Co-Pilot	2Lt	S. McDonald	12	---	---	AM	OK
Bombardier	2Lt	D. 'Gator' Grahek	8	---	---	AM	OK
Navigator	2Lt	C. Stesney	9	---	---	AM	OK
Top Turret/Engineer	S/Sgt	D. 'Shake & Bake' Baker	12	1 1/2	3	AM,PH	OK
Radio Op	Sgt	T. Hinkle	2	---	---	AM, PH	OK
Chin Turret	S/Sgt	D. 'Prutz' Prutzman	12	1/2	3 1/2	AM	OK
Stbd Waist	Sgt	M.  'Magicman' Abribat	7	---	1/2	AM	OK
Ball Turret	Sgt	J. 'Hog' Lauer	12	---	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	3	1	1	---
ME-109	3	2	1	---	---
ME-110	3	1	1	1	1      1
ME-210	2	1-	---	---	1      1
---	---	---	---	---	---
TOTALS	13	7	3	2	1       1

B-24J Damage:

*  6 *

-All superficial

[patchall]

[wolverinetoddy]

79th Bomb Squadron: After Mission Summary
Mission: 32
Mission Date: 15 May 44
Target: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

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

Major Robinson came striding down the aisle followed by his staff. He turned around and set his folder on the podium and looked out across the room. He could not help noticing how empty some of the benches looked.

“At ease gentlemen, take your seats.”

“I have good news and bad news today. The good news is that this squadron achieved a new high average bombing percentage at 42.09%. This due in part to the excellent drops of Lt. George Davis of the Easter Bunny and Lt. Herschel Walcott of the Lucky Patch. Both have been submitted for the Distinguished Flying Cross. Excellent work.”

“The bad news, is that we paid a steep price for that bomb run.”
“Hi Line was shot down over the target. No parachute was reported.”
“Beach Bum was shot down. Ten parachutes were observed. We are still awaiting word from the Red Cross.”
“Sunday Punch fell out of formation near the target. We have received word from the Royal Navy that 6 members of her crew were rescued. (After reading Sunday Punch’s AAR, I nominated SSgt Dan Lansky for the Silver Star. Lansky took command on the crippled bomber and led the surviving crew to safety.)”
“There was a fire on the Big Red Machine. Captain Gill and I have nominated Sgt George Foster the Distinguished Flying Cross for risking his own life to save members of the crew of the Big Red Machine.”

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

B 17’s sortied: 14
B 17’s bombing target: 11
B 17’s lost: 3
Average Bomb Run: 42.09%
High Bomb Run: Easter Bunny at 97%

Casualty Report:
KIA: 5
SW: 1
LW: 2
MIA: 20

Awards for gallantry in action and meritorious achievement:
DFC: for Lt. George Davis of the Easter Bunny for bomb run
DFC: for Lt. Herschel Walcott of the Lucky Patch for bomb run
SS: SSgt Dan Lansky of Sunday Punch for heroism
DFC: Sgt. George Foster of Big Red Machine for heroism

Fighters Shots down:
Me109's: 5
Me 110’s: 3
FW 190’s: 6
Other: 0


Bomber Report

Lead Plane: Sunday Punch
Bomb Run: DNB
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: SS: Sgt Lansky, PH: Shipman, Kellici, Marksman, Whitney, Costa to SSgt, Riley to TSgt
Casualties: Shipman, Kellici, Marksman, Whitney
Status: Crashed

Tail Plane: Big Red Machine
Bomb Run: 20%
Claims: 2
Medals/Promotions: BS: Foster, PH: Griffey
Casualties: Griffey, Gullet
Status: Returned

Plane: Hi Line
Bomb Run: DNB
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: PH: Meade, Boyd, Schilling, Kraft, Seaver, Ross, Natvig, Josephson, Wood, Cantrill
Casualties: Meade, Boyd, Schilling, Kraft, Seaver, Ross, Natvig, Josephson, Wood, Cantrill
Status: Shot Down

Plane: Big Operator
Bomb Run: 20%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: All In
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: DFC: Davis
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Easter Bunny
Bomb Run: 97%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: DFC: Davis
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Anxious Angel
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Lucky Patch
Bomb Run: 96%
Claims: 2
Medals/Promotions: DFC: Walcott
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Damned Yankees
Bomb Run: 60%
Claims: 0
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

Plane: Lady Liza
Bomb Run: 50%
Claims: 2
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

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

Plane: Pecatonica
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 1
Medals/Promotions: PH: Clark, Sheehan, Tweet
Casualties: Clark, Sheehan, Tweet
Status: Returned

Plane: Fortunate Sons
Bomb Run: 30%
Claims: 6
Medals/Promotions: 0
Casualties: 0
Status: Returned

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

[caodwolf]

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

MISSION  #32- Nice, France -   Marshalling Yards




The CO Major Jopp ,  XO Major Garfield  and newly promoted Captain Alexis Vaillancourtenters the briefing room...

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

"Gentlemen,  congrats on yet another victory with 35% on-target.  This is an outstanding performance and the 4th mission in a row of 30% of more.   You are all getting good at your craft".

"The Oblivion Express led the effort with 60% followed by the Dump Truck at 59%..... well done.   No aircraft was lost but the Orange's Other Crate II was classified as CAT-E.    Now the Major motions for Major Garfield to come forward;  "I am pleased to announced that Major  Paul Garfield is leaving the 78th to become the CO of the 7th B-24 Squadron in the CBI Theater.   Paul,  we are going to miss your leadership and we wish you the best of luck.  For your service with the 78th and completing your 30th sortie,  I am honored to present you with a DFC."

The entire briefing room stands and gives the Major a roaring wave of accolades.  

"With that I am announcing that Captain Alexis Vaillancourt will assume the 78th XO slot.    Alexis was the pilot of the Gravel Gertie and has 18 missions under his belt.  I know that he'll live up to the standards Major Garfield instilled with this team"

The Major glances over and quick-nods to his XO's and with that the three 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	30%	31	1/2
limburger59	Knockout (Spare)	0%	74	1
kageyone	Orange's Other Crate II	30%	CAT-E	---
groundeaux	Oblivion Express	60%	4	---
groudeaux	Palpatatin Pam	40%	12	---
chefed	Classy Chassy	50%	24	2 1/2
caodwolfs	Lovely Ladies	30%	6	---
rheiss	Dump Truck	59%	2	---
keltos	Hot Potato	20%	22	2
ChefEd	Gravel Gertie	40%	2	---
medic1	Strictly Business	30%	107	3
kageyone	Barney's Barn	30%	42	1
	Average Results	35%	326	10

Bomber Lost

Orange's Other Crate II  (CAT-E)

Top Bombers

Oblivion Express    60%
Dump Truck          59%
Classy Chassy       50%


    

Awards /  Promotions

DFC

Major Paul Garfield

AM

Maj Paul Garfield
Sgt Jake Bender
2Lt Nash Norman
Sgt Miller Rosales
2LT Charles “Charlie” Freya


PROMOTIONS

Major Garfield from XO of 78th to CO of 7th in the CBI Theater



25th Mission

Major Paul  Garfield  (30 missions)

CASUALTIES

LW

Sgt A Beaton LW
Sgt Miller Rosales LW
2Lt. Ian Kerrigan LW


SW

Lt B Virdon



MIA

None


KIA

Sgt Dean Beason
2Lt Ian Kerrigan
2nd Lt Lance Brodzky

PURPLE HEART

Lt A Orange
Sgt A Beaton
Lt B Virdon
2Lt. Ian Kerrigan
Sgt Miller Rosales
Sgt Dean Beason
2Lt Ian Kerrigan
2nd Lt Lance Brodzky