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Post by royalblue on Oct 19, 2024 13:07:59 GMT -8
B-17G - Northern Queen80th 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 CREWPosition | 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
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[*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
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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.
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Post by caodwolf on Oct 20, 2024 7:16:19 GMT -8
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
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 |
HOSPITAL2Lt J Pate RTD: 1-June 2Lt M Yezzi RTD: 15-May 2Lt. A Tharpe RTD: 12-June
KIA
NoneWIAS/Sgt J. Dix Frostbite and invalided home.
Purple Heart
S/Sgt J. Dix
25th Mission
S/Sgt J. Labelle
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
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 597
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Post by Keltos on Oct 21, 2024 3:36:36 GMT -8
After-Action ReportB-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;CREWPosition | 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
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 597
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Post by Keltos on Oct 21, 2024 4:57:59 GMT -8
After-Action Report B-24J-1-CF-42-99873 – “Hot Potato”78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air ForceCommander: 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% CREWPosition | 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
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Post by medic1 on Oct 21, 2024 17:33:09 GMT -8
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
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Oct 21, 2024 18:54:37 GMT -8
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.
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 597
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Post by Keltos on Oct 21, 2024 23:48:27 GMT -8
After-Action ReportLonesome 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% CREWPosition | 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
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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
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 219
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Post by tomt1999 on Oct 22, 2024 6:40:57 GMT -8
Private Dix B-17F-75BO 42-29909 80thMISSION DATE: 15 May 44 MISSION # 32TARGET: 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 |
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| 1 | RTD | PH | 2LT Charles Powell - Navigator | 4 |
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| 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 |
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| 1 | RTD |
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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: SafeClaims: 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 |
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| 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 REPORTCaptain 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."
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sparky
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 11
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Post by sparky on Oct 22, 2024 9:50:51 GMT -8
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)
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Oct 22, 2024 18:31:38 GMT -8
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.
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Post by limburger59 on Oct 23, 2024 11:27:48 GMT -8
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% CREWPosition | Rank | Name | Current Mission | Previous Kills | Claims Today
| Confirmed Today
| Status | Stress | Notes | Pilot | 1 LT
| Les Brown
| 2 |
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| Copilot | 2 LT
| Benny Goodman
| 2 |
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| Bombardier | 2 LT | Tommy Dorsey
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| Navigator | 2 LT | Gene Krupa
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| Engineer | T/SGT | Gerry Mulligan
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| Radioman | S/SGT | Ed Palermo
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| Ball Gunner | S/SGT | Joe Loos
| 2 |
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| PWG | SGT | Chick Webb
| 2 |
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| SWG | SGT | Benny Carter
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| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ray Anthony
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| 1 | 1 | RTD
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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 |
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| Bf-110 | 0 |
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| FW-190 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 3 | ME-210 | 0 |
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| C205 | 0 |
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| Re2005 | 0 |
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| 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.
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Oct 23, 2024 16:19:59 GMT -8
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.
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Post by campsawyer on Oct 23, 2024 17:21:58 GMT -8
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Post by ninthaquila on Oct 25, 2024 7:50:28 GMT -8
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 FBOAsBomb 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 MAYLanding: 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 ReportREPORT - CONFIDENTIAL
TO BE WRITTEN LATER Signed, 1Lt Richard Archer B-17G-90BO-43-38476 Fortunate Sons 509(H)BG/79SQ
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Post by jeffreymgeorge on Oct 26, 2024 10:20:52 GMT -8
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
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| Missions Flown
| Enemy A/C Destroyed
| Awards
| Status After Mission
| Pilot
| 1Lt Jeff George
| 1
| 0
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| OK
| Co-Pilot
| 2Lt Steve Harris
| 1
| 0
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| OK
| Navigator
| 2Lt Paul Di'Anno
| 1
| ½
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| OK
| Bombardier
| 2Lt Bruce Dickinson
| 1
| 2
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| OK
| Flight Engineer
| T/Sgt Dave Murray
| 1
| 1
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| Radio Operator
| S/Sgt Adrian Smith
| 1
| 0
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| OK
| Ball Turret Gunner
| S/Sgt Nicko McBrain
| 1
| 1-1/3
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| Port Waist Gunner
| Sgt Janick Gers
| 1
| 1/3
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| OK
| Starboard Waist Gunner
| Sgt Clive Burr
| 1
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| OK
| Tail Gunner
| Sgt Dennis Stratton
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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
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 345
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Post by mpgutis on Oct 26, 2024 14:06:57 GMT -8
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
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Post by caodwolf on Oct 26, 2024 15:17:03 GMT -8
B-24J: Lovely LadiesPilot: 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....
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 |
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
None
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 |
-All superficial
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Post by patchall on Oct 26, 2024 15:52:58 GMT -8
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Oct 26, 2024 18:16:50 GMT -8
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
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Post by caodwolf on Oct 27, 2024 5:58:37 GMT -8
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 |
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| | Average Results | 35% | 326 | 10 |
Orange's Other Crate II (CAT-E)
Oblivion Express 60% Dump Truck 59% Classy Chassy 50% DFCMajor Paul Garfield AMMaj 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 MissionMajor Paul Garfield (30 missions)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
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
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