Mission 33: Bucharest, Romania

[limburger59]

to post 27 Oct 24
Turn in AAR's no later than 9 Nov 24

MISSION DATE: 17 May 44   
MISSION # 33
TARGET: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard
Bombing Altitude: 20,000 feet

Briefing: 
Map: 

FORMATION:

HIGH	80th SQDN		MID	78th SQDN		LOW	79th SQDN
LEAD:	Rosie		LEAD:	Gravel Gertie		LEAD:	All In
TAIL:	Miss Keweenaw		TAIL:	Strictly Business		TAIL:	Lucky Patch

WEATHER:
Takeoff: Good
Target:  Good
Landing: Good

GAZETTEER
In Zones 11 through 12 Romanian fighters may be encountered. 
Both TFT and QOTS players may use  - Table 5-3SB - found on Steve Dixon's website, to possibly run into them.

Zone	Modifier (QotS)	Weather/Resistance (TfT)	Fighter Cover
2  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
3  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
4  Yugoslavia	-2	50% Clouds / Light	Good
5  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
6  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
7  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds /None	Good
8  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Fair
9  Bulgaria	-1	50% Clouds /Moderate	Fair
10 Bulgaria	X	50% Clouds / None	Poor
11 Bulgaria / Romania	0	50% Clouds /Moderate	Poor
TARGET ZONE 12 Romania FLAK: Outbound: Medium x3 Inbound: Light x1	-1	50% Clouds / Moderate Target: Slightly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually	None
11 Romania	-2	Haze/Light	Poor
10 Bulgaria	X	50% Clouds / None	Poor
9  Bulgaria	X	50% Clouds / None	Fair
8  Bulgaria	X	Haze / None	Good
7  Yugoslavia	X	Haze / None	Good
6  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
5  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
4  Yugoslavia	-1	Haze / Moderate	Good
3  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
2  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Good

Emergency Airfield: Neutral Turkey is 175 miles (4 zones) from Bucharest, but the closest airport that can handle your heavy bomber is an additional 100 miles (6 zones total) to Istanbul.  Assume Light (QOTS -2) resistance from enemy fighters if you're making the run to Turkey.
        
Shot Down:  
Over Water (if you didn't drown):
        Zones 2 to 3: you are rescued by the Royal Navy
Over Land:
        Over Turkey = Interned
        Over Romania = Captured      
        Over Bulgaria = Captured
        If you have to bailout over Yugoslavia roll 1d6 for each surviving Crew member.
            1 Missing in Action (MIA) in the rugged mountains and never heard from again.
            2-3 Captured by a German Patrol = POW.
            4-6 Escaped aided by Partisans.
    Escaped aided by Partisans: Two options:
            1) Historical Option: When you return to Italy, your wounds will be treated, you will be debriefed and you will be sent back to the US. You know too much about the partisan locations, resources and operations.
            2) Game Option: If you are really attached to a crewman, roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to the 509th.

Calendar since last Mission:
15-May-44   32 Nice, France - Marshalling Yard
16-May-44   Non-Operational Day
17-May-44   33 Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard

[tomt1999]

For the 80th, Mission 33:

LEAD Rosie
TAIL Miss Keweenaw

MARZ

[crushedhat]

“You can first expect to run into Jerry near Podgorica, shortly after entering Yugoslavian airspace,” Begins 509th S2, Maj Harlan Beech. “Though resistance should be light.” Maj Beech pauses as the expected comments about “Light for you” echo round the room. While SSgt Dewbury indicates the locations on the big wall map Maj beech continues, “Next will be once you cross into Bulgaria, near Vratsa. Expect this to be heavier. The same near the Svishtov near the Bulgarian/Romanian border.”

“There will be moderate air activity over the target. Flak on target ingress will be of moderate intensity, tapering off, though still present, on target egress.”

“Coming back, expect to run int the Luftwaffe near Slatina. Again at Niksic, the latter being the more intense concentration of EA. As a side note, you may encounter Romanian fighters once over their territory.”

“Metro says the weather should cooperate, forecasting no more than partly cloudy skies.”

“Your escort will be P-38 Lightnings from the 82nd FG. “The target is pushing their range, so support may taper off.” Again the S2 pauses for the inevitable grumbling. “To help alleviate the problem, fresh fighters will meet you on the way back in the vicinity of Belogradchik.”

“If you run into trouble near the target and don’t think you can make it home, you can try for Turkey. Just bear in mind that you’ll be on you own without any Little Friends to help. Also, you’ll be interned for the duration of the war. Given that the nearest Turkish airfield is almost 300 miles away, if you’re this side of the Bulgarian border you’re better off trying to make it home. If you can’t, and go down over Yugoslavia, there’s a good chance of falling into Partisan hands. If you do, don’t give them any reason to view you as a liability. Of course, don’t give them any more information than they need to get you home either. If you end up in the drink, the RN will be on Lifeguard duty along your route.”

“Lastly, should you end up in German hands…”

“REMBER THE GENEVA CONVENSTIONS AND THE FIGHTING MAN’S CODE,” the room calls out in unison.

Taking the stage, Maj William Stockwell, he S# begins. “Another long one. Our Soviet allies are making inroads into Nazi territory and they’re counting on us to help. Taking out the railyards at Bucharest are vital to that effort.”

“As in the past, the route in is designed to keep Goring guessing about our target. Ou’ll leave Giulia on an initial heading of fifty-five degrees. Once over Pavliken,” SSgt Dewbury indicate the location with his pointer, “you’ll come to fifteen degrees and bear in for Bucharest.”

As SSgt Dewbury points out the location on the projected photo of Bucharest, Maj Stockwell says, “e IP is this road intersection. You’ll be bombing from Angels twenty.”

“Afterward, the formation will come to a heading of two-two-five degrees and make a beeline for home.”

“As the Two mentioned, support from our Little Friends may be a bit sparse near the target. So, remember your training, Keep a tight formation, and keep your eyes open. And, as always…”

The room erupts into the familiar, “GIEV ‘EM HELL!”

[ChefEd]

78th BS: Mission 33

With so few experienced crews, inexperienced crews may be slotted into the Lead and Tail positions.

Lead: Gravel Gertie (ChefEd )
Tail: Strictly Business (medic1 )

Vaillancourt, Alexis, Capt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron

(OOC - if assigned Lead or Tail, please submit your mission early in case someone else needs to take over those positions.)

[wolverinetoddy]

For the 79th Squadron:

Lead: All In
Tail: Lucky Patch

Now stay in formation, watch out for fighters, and hit the target!

[ChefEd]

B-24J Gravel Gertie
B-24J-10-CF-42-64272
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Middle
Aircraft Position: Lead
Mission Date: 17 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 33
This Aircraft: 3
Target: Bucharest, Romania, Marshalling Yard

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	Capt Alexis Vaillancourt	18	0	AM++, PH+	RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Branson Pope	10	0	AM+	RTD	0
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Nash Norman	11	3	AM+	RTD	2
Bombardier	2nd Lt Bill Fleming	9	0	AM	RTD	1
Engineer	T/3rd Trevor Beasley	10	3	AM+	RTD	1
Radio Op	S/Sgt Bobby Gold	7	0	AM	RTD	0
Right Waist	Sgt Guy Longfellow	8	1	AM	RTD	0
Ball Turret	Sgt Phoenix Shelton	5	1	AM	RTD	1
Left Waist	Sgt Miller Rosales	6	1	AM	RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Dane Zamora	8	2	AM	RTD	1
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Virgil Vang	15			Skill +1

Bomb Run: On Target, 50 %

Casualties: None

Peckham Points: 8 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day(s) to Repair and refit

Damage:

Total	8
Superficial X4	8

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	7	2	1	4	1.5	1
Fw-190	4	0	2	1	1	1
Me-110	2	0	1	1	1	0

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Navigator	3	1.5	0
Top	2	1	1
Tail	1	0	0
Left Waist	1	0	1

Awards:
Air Medal
2Lt Branson Pope, 2nd Award
T/3 Trevor Beasley, 2nd Award
Sgt Phoenix Shelton, 1st Award

Purple Heart
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
The Gremlins started early. The last thing we needed for a long mission, and us flying lead. #1 engine did not start right away, and when it did it was running rough. She finally caught and ran fine for the rest of the mission. The Gremlins would visit us two more times, before we finally landed.

We faced our first enemy fighter as we crossed into Yugoslavia. A lone Bf-109, who was quickly shown the door by our escorts.

About ninety minutes into the mission the Gremlins struck again. This time the power to Sgt Shelton’s ball turret failed. It was a momentary hitch, quickly resolved by Sgt Rosales. Someone forgot to safety-wire the power coupling. Sgt Rosales and Sgt Longfellow took turns to keep an eye on the coupling, for the rest of the flight.

We did not run into any more enemy fighters until we were on approach to the target. Without escorts all hell broke out.

First up were a quartet of FW-190s, with a tagalong Bg-109. Lt Norman made short work of the 109. We damaged two of the 190s and took a few minor hits.

On the second pass of a pair of the 190s, T/3 Beasley smoked one bandit, while Lt Norman tagged another. Gremlins made their third appearance, jamming one of Sgt Zamora’s tail guns, as he tried a passing shot on one of the FWs.

The next wave was a trio of 109s led by a single FW. We damaged two of the 109s, one by Lt Norman, again, and one by T/3 Beasley. All enemy fighters missed us.

In the flak belt we took a minor hit to the cockpit. Scared the shit out of us, but more bark than bite, fortunately. Lt Fleming took control of the bomber and put 50% on target. (I have flown three missions with the Lieutenant, and he has been outstanding. Twice he put 50% on target, and once with 40%.)

Flak on the egress was also accurate, leaving some sheet metal work for the ground crew on the left wing.

Once past the flak belt, we faced a pair of Bf-110s and another solo 109. T/3 Beasley and Sgt Zamora made short work of one of the 110s, and Lt Norman shot down the 109. Sgt Shelton damaged the remaining 110, who missed us.

Shortly after this last wave, bombs were dropped through the formation. We took no hits or damage.

Sgt Zamora spent the next hour plus working un-jamming his gun. Finally doing so about halfway back through Yugoslavia.

Approaching the Yugoslav coast, a quartet of 109s attacked. Escorts drove off one, Lt Norman and Sgt Rosales each downed a fighter. (Lt Norman and T/3 Beasley are now neck and neck with three credited kills.) Sgt Zamora damaged the remaining 109 as it passed from 12 o’clock to 6.

All quiet after this.

We took our place at the end of the landing queue, landing without problem.

No wounded. A good mission.

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

[medic1]

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

Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Middle Squadron: Tail
Mission Date: 17 May 1944
Mission Number: 033
Mission This Bomber: 04
Mission Target: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	4	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	4	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Weldon	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	4	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	4	1.5	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	4	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	4	0	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	4	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	4	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	4	0	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: Off
On Target: 0%
B-24 Damage: 2 Hits
Flight Deck x 1
-radio (10)
Waist x 1
-superficial (2)
Peckham Points: 12
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	0	0	0	0	0
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	4	0	2	0	1
G-50	0	0	0	0	0
He-112	9	1	0	1	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	0	0	0	0	0
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	13	1	2	1	2

Confirmed Claims: 1
Sgt Barney Berlanti 1 x He-112
Casualties: 0
Award/ Promotions Requests:
Promotion Reviews: 0
Stress Points this Mission:;0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: A beautiful sunny day soon to be ruined by the ugliness of war. We managed to lift off and form up without any problems, assuming the squadron tail position
Zone 2-10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: Four Romanian He-112 fighters were encountered with one falling to a P-38. Berlanti chewed up another on our tail while all the rest proved not equal to the task, firing wide and moving off.
Zone 12: The Romanian’s were buzzing around at the IP, but we were left alone until the flak started up. We were struck by a harmless hit to the waist section, but our new bombardier was shaken up by the experience and flat out missed the target.

INBOUND

After the turn to the rally point, the fighters came in after the flak. A wave of fighters looked menacing, but decided on other bombers instead of us. Then, another wave looked like they were about to pounce, but, they too choose another B-24. Go figure.
Zone 11: Five 112s appeared. Except for Berlanti damaging one and a rookie Romanian knocking out our radio, a lot of ammo was expended by both sides with not much to show for it.
Zone 10-5: Nothing to report.
Zone 4: As if to highlight the point of staying vigilant no matter how long and boring parts of a mission can be, four 190 started our blood pumping again. But after an escort chased one off, and two others falling but unable to be confirmed, it was over.
Zone 3-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.

This turned out to be one of those missions where everyone proved how inept they were - on both sides. Other than one confirmed by Berlanti, we missed hitting almost everything else that came at us including the target, and almost every enemy pilot we faced proved just as pitiful in their marksmanship as we had.

I’ll be having the crew put some practice time in working on their gunnery skills.

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

[mpgutis]

Mission date: 17 May 44
Target: Bucharest, Romania - Marshaling Yard
Mission/Bomber: 33/19
B-17G The A Train
80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force
Formation: Middle Squadron
Position: Middle

Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards
Pilot: 1LT Dirk Ellington (19) (-) PH, AM x3
Copilot: 2LT Edward Reese (19) (-) AM x3
Bombardier: 2LT Reed Williams (19) (5.5) DFC, AM x3
Navigator: 2LT Mark Ventura (19) (2.83) PH x2, AM x3
Engineer: SSG Stanley Ruzinski (19) (8.5) DFC, PH, AM x3
Radio Operator: SGT Fred Conway (19) (0.5) AM x3
Ball Gunner: SGT Malcolm Kovacs (19) (4.66) AM x3
Port Waist Gun: SGT Randy Peterman (19) (2) PH x2, AM x3
Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Vincent Meoli (19) (3) PHx4, AM x3
Tail Gun: SGT Sheldon Thomas (19) (5.74) DFC, PH, AM x3


Bombing: On target, 20%

Damage: 12 PP
Superficial (x2): Port wing x1, Fuselage x1
Top turret inspection
Port waist MG inspection
Repair overnight

Casualties:
None

Awards:
2LT Reed Williams, DFC

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Destroyed / Credited
FW-190: 9 / 2 / 2
Me-109: 5 / 3 / 3
Me-410: 1 / 0 / 0

Flown with TFT

We arrived at the aircraft almost expecting to see Major Simmons again. The crew has come to view him as a bit of a good luck charm but it was just we happy few. Takeoff and assembly in clear weather went without a hitch.

Zones 2 - 7: Nothing to report.

Zone 8: The top turret malfunctioned and would not turn.

Zone 9: Ruzinski was able to get the top turret working again. Missiles were fired from somewhere aft of us and one nicked the port wing.

Zones 10 - 11: Nothing to report.

Zone 12 (Target): After crossing the IP, from above us some bombs fell, one of which inflicted a superficial hit on the fuselage. Next, an Me-109 at 3:00 High and an FW-190 at 3:00 Low attacked. The Me-109 was claimed by the top turret. The starboard waist MG jammed. The FW-190 missed and broke off.
     The flak missed us entirely and the bomb run resulted in 20% in the box.

Zone 12 (Inbound): Two waves of enemy aircraft attacked. The first consisted of three FW-190s at 12:00 High and Level and 3:00 Low. The first one missed and broke off, the second was claimed by the bombardier, and the third was claimed by the ball turret.
     The second wave was two more FW-190s at 12:00 Level and 3L00 High, and a Me-410 at 12:00 High. The one at 3:00 was damaged, missed, and broke off and the other two missed and broke off.

Zone 11: The formation became disrupted for some reason.
     Just then, two more waves attacked. the first was a single Me-109 at 12:00 Level was claimed by the top turret and bombardier. 
     The second wave was another pair of FW-190s at 2:00 High and Level. Both missed and broke off.

Zone 10: The starboard waist MG was restored to working order.

Zone 9 - 5: Nothing to report.

Zone 4: Two more waves of enemy aircraft attacked. The first was three Me-109s at 1:30 High, 12:00 High, and 9:00 High.The escorts cleared the one at 1:30 missed and broke off. The third was claimed by the port waist and top turret.
     The second wave was an FW-190 at 6:00 Level that the escorts took care of.

Zones 3 - 2: Nothing to report.

The landing went without incident and another one is in the books.

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

[rhreiss]

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Miss Keweenaw (8)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. CA Hoyt
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Tail

Mission Date: 17 May 44
Mission #: 33
Target: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. CA Hoyt (8) {0} AM
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. W Safford (4) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. W Hutchinson (8) {0} AM, PH
Navigator: 2nd Lt. W Axtell (8) {1} AM, PH: 2
Engineer: MSgt. J Anderson (8) {0} AM
Ball Gunner: Sgt. J Brewbaker (8) {1} AM
Radio Oper.: Sgt. C Cook (8) {0} AM
Pt Waist G: Sgt. L Flint (8) {0} AM
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. R Heron (8) {0} AM, PH
Tail Gunner: Sgt. R Lewis (8) {2} AM, PH: 2

Bomb Percentage: 60%

Bomber Disposition: Port & Stb Wing Roots, Rudder, Radio Heat, Stb Aileron, Top Turret, Superficial Damage (169 Peckham Points)

Casualties:
Hutchinson: LW – 3 days in hospital
Axtell: SW – died of wounds
Cook: FB – 1 day in hospital
Heron: KIA
Lewis: LW – overnight in hospital

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (9:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (3:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (1:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Axtel: 109

Special Note: 
Hutchinson: PH
Axtell: PH
Heron: PH
Lewis: PH

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

This morning the Major tapped us to fly tail end Charlie. The crew was more than pleased to receive such an honor.

We took off and settled into the rear of the formation. As Lewis checked his double machine guns he looked out behind the plane. “Damn he thought, there really isn’t anything behind us.”

The outbound flight was quiet all the way to Zone 11. We were attacked by five 109s. Axtell got one of them and we damaged two more. They caused minor damage to the Miss K and wounded Hutchinson.

We saw no fighters over the target. We took minor flax damage. Hutchinson was not deterred by his wound or the flak and was right on target.

As we turned for home four more 109s attacked us. Two of them made three passes and really laid into the Miss K. When the finally flew off, Axtell, Heron, and Lewis were wounded. We had major damage to both wings and the top turret was jammed.

Luckily, we saw no fighters the rest of the way home. As we approached the target, I shot the red flare indicating a medical emergency and we received a priority landing.

When the ambulance met the plane, they found Heron to already be dead. Axtell was rushed off the hospital and died on the operating table. Hutchinson, Cook, and Lewis will all be fine in a couple of days.

[kageyone]

[ChefEd]

B-24J Classy Chassy
B-24J-5-CF-42-64220
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Middle
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 17 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 33
This Aircraft: 5
Target: Bucharest, Romania, Marshalling Yard

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1st Lt Conor Grinsly	5	0	0	RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Lincoln Nichols	5	0	0	RTD	2
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Emmanuel Moulder	5	0.88	0	RTD	1
Bombardier	2nd Lt Kirk Vaillancourt	5	0	0	RTD	0
Engineer	T/3rd Julien O'Rourke	5	2	0	RTD	1
Radio Op	T/4th Rene Harper	5	0	0	RTD	1
Right Waist	S/Sgt Kai Vader	4	0.88	PH	RTD	1
Ball Turret	Sgt Jaxton Ingrid	5	1.88	0	RTD	1
Left Waist	Sgt Ismael Deadmon	4	0.5	PH	RTD	0
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Johnnie Nava	5	0.5	0	RTD	2
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Dan Hitchcock	6			Skill +0

Bomb Run: Off Target, 5 %
Bomb Bay Doors inoperable, dropped bomb load through bomb bay doors.

Casualties: None

Peckham Points: 20 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day(s) to Repair and refit

Damage:

Total	20
Bomb Bay Doors Inop	10
Superficial X5	10

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft:

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

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Top	2	1	0
Ball	1	0.33	0
Navigator	1	0.33	0
Right Waist	1	0.33	0

Awards:
Air Medal
1st Lt Conor Grinsly
2nd Lt Lincoln Nichols
2nd Lt Emmanuel Moulder
2nd Lt Kirk Vaillancourt
T/3rd Julien O'Rourke
T/4th Rene Harper
Sgt Jaxton Ingrid
S/Sgt Johnnie Nava

Purple Heart
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
All enemy activity was in the target area.

Heading into the target, three Me-110s attacked. We damaged the first and third. The third sent rounds through the cockpit, knocking out the bomb bay doors’ controls and the brakes. Coming in for a return attack, T/3 O’Rourke shattered the enemy’s cockpit, killing all on board.

With the bomb bay doors closed, we dropped our bombs through the doors. The result was 5% on target.

Coming off of the target we faced two more waves of enemy fighters.

The first wave was a trio of Me-109s. We damaged the second of the three, while the third was the only one to score any hits, which were (luckily) harmless in the bomb bay. As that fighter came around for a second pass three sets of guns shredded the fighter, shooting him down. No chute was seen.

Following these three, a single Fw-190 attacked. T/3 O’Rourke shot the 190 down, cutting off its right wing like a buzz saw.

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

[kozzackkelt]

B-17G: MAKING TIME (B17G- 5239TE-44-32652) Still being repaired: CAVILIER (B-17G-5302UC-44- 32891)
Pilot: 2LT. Byron Roberts
Missions for this bomber: 5
Squadron: 80th
Formation/Position: HIGH
Mission Date: 17 May 1944
Mission Number: 33
Target: Bucharest, Romania / Railroad Marshalling Yards

CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds
Pilot: 2LT. Byron Roberts (5) {1}
Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Charles Winston (5) {}
Bombardier: 2Lt. Oliver "Ollie" Cashman (3) {} [B%: 5-20-30]
Navigator: 2Lt. Olaf Thomason Ph (5) {1}
Engineer: Sgt. Sean McHale Ph (5) {3} [] LW: neck No combat duties for one week
Radio Operator: George Pyle (5) {1}
Ball Turret: Sgt. David Jensen (5) {1} []
PWG: Sgt. Benjamin Tsosie (3) {1}
SWG: Sgt. Steve Tramelle (5) {1}
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Alexandrus Krukowski (5) {} []

BOMB RUN: ON Target: 30%

Enemy Aircraft Encountered: 5 2xFw190, 2xMe109, 0xMc205, 0xMe110, 1xMe210, 0xMe410, 0xIAR80

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

Condition of B-17G ~ MAKING TIME: top turret guns inoperable, rafts destroyed, 5x superficial / no effect hits. Maintenance Chief reports this aircraft will be repaired, replacements made as needed, routine maintenance and cleaning performed.
AAR: Flew to target with little E/A contact. On Bulgarian/Romania border, attacked by several Fw190’s, who hit us, wounding Sgt. McHale (Engineer) and knocking out top turret guns. Hit by flak on bomb run, nothing important hit. Lt. Cashman brought us in on target, with photographic evidence indicating estimated 30% of our bombs hit designated target. As we turned for home, attacked by several E/A, several ‘109’s and what we think was a Me210. The ‘210 hit us, and as we found out later, holed our life raft. Quiet flight remained of the mission. Landed safely.

Respectfully Submitted,
Byron Roberts, 2LT. USAF
B-17G MAKING TIME
80th BS / 509th BG
Foggia, Italy

[kageyone]

[tomt1999]

DUCK SOUP B-17G-45BO-42-97236
Group 509
Squadron 80

MISSION DATE: 17 May 44
MISSION # 33
TARGET: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Cur Mission	Prev Claims	Claims this Miss	Stress	Status	Awards
1LT Roland "Rollie" Howell - Pilot	8			1	RTD	AM
2LT Ludomir "Woz" Wozniak - Co-Pilot	8			2	RTD	AM
2LT Glen "Woody" Woodard - Bombardier	8	1		1	RTD	AM
2LT Bernard "Barney" Trasdale - Navigator	8			1	RTD	AM
S/SGT Christopher Moltisanti - Engineer	4		1		RTD
SGT Walter "Sparks" Moody - Radio Op	8				RTD	AM
SGT Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz - Ball Gunner	8		.5		RTD	AM
SGT Lyle "P.O." White - Port Waist	8				RTD	AM
SGT Samuel "Coop" Cooper - Starb Waist	8		.5		RTD	AM
SGT Janus "Yawn" Swoboda - Tail Gunner	8	2		1	RTD	AM

Casualties: none

Damage: superficial 1 PP. Ready tomorrow

Landing Safe

Claims
.5 - SGT Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz (Me110)
.5 - SGT Samuel "Coop" Cooper (Me110)
1 - S/SGT Christopher Moltisanti (Me109)
---
2 total

Enemy Aircraft
2x Fw190
5x Me109
2x Me110
1x Me210
1x Re2005 RU
---
11 a/c total

AAR
Met 11 enemy a/c, destroyed 2, 1 superficial flak hit, bombed on target for 20%:

Zone 9 Outbound: two green 190s and a Romanian 109 (which was driven off by the escort).

Zone 12 Target: 2 Me110s, one destroyed and the other damaged and did not attack.

Zone 12 Target inbound: 2 109s, one destroyed, 1 Me210

Zone 4 Inbound: 2 Me109s and an Italian Re2005, all driven off by escort

Nicked by flak at the target, but no appreciable damage.

Landed safely.

1LT Rollie Howell

[rhreiss]

[kageyone]

[ChefEd]

B-17G Barbara Jean
B-17G-20BO-42-31496
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: High
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 17 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 33
This Aircraft: 6
Target: Bucharest, Romania, Marshaling Yard

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1st Lt Christopher Sweeney	6	0	AM	RTD	1
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Levi Paris	6	0	AM	RTD	2
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Willis Salazar	6	1.75	AM	RTD	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt Kash Rangel	6	0.25	AM	RTD	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Rowan Petersen	6	1.5	AM	RTD	0
Radio Op	T/3rd Ulises Cardenas	6	0	AM	RTD	0
Right Waist	T/3rd Flynn Pryor	6	1.25	AM	RTD	0
Ball Turret	T/3rd Omar Mace	6	0.25	AM	RTD	0
Left Waist	Sgt Sidney "Sid" Beck	17	0.5	AM++	0	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Albert "Tiny" Plimson	9	2	AM	0	0
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Josia Stanton	27			Skill +0

Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %

Casualties:
None

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

Damage: None

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	2	0	0	2	1	1
Me-110	2	0	1	1	0	1

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Tail	1	1	0
Ball	1	0	1
Radio Room	1	0	1

Awards:
Air Medal
None

Purple Heart
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Tucked away in the middle of the squadron we saw no enemy action enroute to the target.

About half-way through Yugoslavia, Rosie had an engine fire, and dropped out of the lead, and headed home. Homey Bin slid into the lead and led us to the target.

We saw no direct enemy action until approaching the target. We were attacked first by a pair of 109s then a pair of 110s. We shot down both 109s, one of the 110s, and damaged the remaining 110, while taking no damage.

Flak in and out of the target was ineffectual. Lt Rangel put 30% on target.

For the remainder of the mission we were left alone by any enemy fighters.

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

[tomt1999]

B-17G-20BO-42-31571 "Big Operator"
79th Squadron

MISSION DATE: 17 May 44
MISSION # 33
TARGET: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard rd

Crew/Position/Rank	Cur Mission	Prev Claims	Claims this Miss	Stress	Status	Awards
1LT Perry "Chill" Williams - Pilot	4				RTD
2LT Edwin Clark - CoPilot	4				RTD	PH
2LT Benjamin Collier - Navigator	4				RTD
2LT James Lucas - Bombardier	4				RTD
T/SGT Ira Carroll - Engineer	4			1	RTD
SGT Stanley Frey - Ball Turret	4			1	RTD
SGT Alberto Navarro - Waist Gunner	4				RTD
SGT Leon Goldstein - Waist Gunner	4				RTD
S/SGT Patrick Good - Radio Op	4			2	KIA	PH
SGT Eugene Pearson - Tail Gunner	4			1	SW	PH

Bomb Run: OFF 0%

Casualties:
SGT Eugene Pearson - Tail Gunner - severe wound to head; out five days
S/SGT Patrick Good - Radio Op - killed in action

Damage:
Nose O2 10
Starb wing root 25
Intercom 10
Autopilot 10
1xKIA 10
1XSW 5

Peckham Points: 70 - ready tomorrow

Landing: Safe

Claims: None

Enemy Aircraft:
2 Me109
1 Me210
1 FW190
1 Me109 RO

Awards:
Purple Heart (postumous)
Radio Op SGT Patrick Good

Purple Heart
Tail Gunner SGT Eugene Pearson

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Take off was rough. #1 engine went out about 2 minutes into the climb out. Was ready to jettison the 

bombs and bailout when, as a last ditch effort, I tried to start it again and it started. After waiting a 

few more minutes to see how she ran, we joined the assembly and headed for the target.

Didn't see any enemy a/c until arriving in target area. We passed through their attack unscathed. In 

the flak field however, we were peppered through the ship by a flak explosion. The bombardier's oxygen 

went out just as he was aiming; starboard wing took a hit; the tail gunner was severely wounded when 

he was struck in the back of the head, resulting in a cracked occipital bone. He's out for five days. 

The radio room was shredded in appearance. The Operator was decapitated as one of many injuries 

throughout his body.

2 Lt Lucas, the bombardier, got a walk-around oxygen bottle on, but by that time we had passed over 

the target. Everyone else was dropping already so I ordered him to let them go. I'm sure they were 

widely off-target.

As we made the turn for home, two 109s and a 210 attacked, knocking out the intercom system. 

When a 109 came around, the ball gunner drove him off with some damage apparent. The other two 

enemy a/c were ineffective.

Thirty minutes after leaving the target, a FW190 and a Romanian Me109 attacked. The 190 shot out 

the autopilot. After initial ineffective attacks, they flew off. Our gunnery was ineffective.

It was all quiet from there to Giulia where we landed safely.

1 LT Perry Williams
"Big Operator"
79th Squadron

[GaryK]

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

Another long-haul mission, this time eastwards, so a lot more time over enemy territory. We’ve also drawn the shortest straw possible: TEC for low squadron. This could be a busy trip, although fighter cover is ok for most of the flight.

Quite a few guys coming over to congratulate Herschel on his double DFC from the last mission, and he dealt with them the same way as with us – a shy smile, and, “Shucks, thanks. Just doing what Uncle Sam signed me up for!”

A relaxed trip out to the Patch, although Haley couldn’t keep his right leg still. I’m still worried about him, and I think a spot of leave would do him good. I’ll speak to the docs when we get back.


Mission: Things were real quiet until we crossed over a sliver of Bulgaria on our way into Romania. We had a 190 come in ahead and above us, which the P-38s dealt with. Unfortunately, that still left us with three Me109s: high and low in our 6 o’clock, with the other attacking from directly above.

The familiar music of our defensive guns began, but only Magic managed any sort of connection. However, it was a lethal one for the 109 high behind us, the starboard wing tearing off and the plane spinning down, out of control.

The diver missed us completely, and used his momentum to break away from the formation. The remaining 109 pumped a few shots into us, resulting in a sluggish roll response from the plane. Sanford confirmed that the starboard aileron was not moving when banking the aircraft.

The remaining Jerry swung round and came in from dead ahead. Walcott was unable to get a bead on him, but Magic was on top form, again riddling the 109 as it swooped into position, this time causing the tail section to separate, and pilot to quickly abandon the stricken plane.

As we moved on into Romania, the Lightnings dealt with a couple more 109s before they got within striking distance of us.

Just before arriving at the target zone, Magic called in some aircraft way above us, and the escorts. A few seconds later, bombs could be seen dropping through our formation. Nothing hit us, but it threw us out of formation slightly.

[In zone 11, rolled 2 waves: bombs dropped on formation and RE. the bombs caused us to become a ‘disrupted formation’, only recoverable in a zone where no enemy fighters appear. The latter was ‘Aggressive Little Friends’, which I thought was great, as I now rolled one column to the right for the fighter escort effect. Unfortunately, as you will see, it didn’t make a lot of difference!]

Things went quiet until we were within about 10 miles of the target, then a bunch of defenders swarmed us.

[Being disrupted, any attacking wave has 1 x Me109 added at 12Lvl; because we were low squadron TEC, we also get 1 x Me109 added to 6Lo. This all adds up, as you will see.]

We had a 190 directly behind us, with a 109 below him, and another 109 coming in dead ahead. While Walcott couldn’t match his marksmanship of the last mission, Magic went 3 for 3, the 109 ahead of us exploding in a fireball as our top gunner connected with a fuel tank.

Haley winged the 190 at the rear, but Crawford was bang on target with the 109 there – the pilot seemed to lose control, and plane spiralled away, smoking.

The 190 gave us some more souvenirs, which caused Ryland and I to glance at each other and nod, with the already stiff controls becoming even heavier.

Surprisingly, the 190 broke off, rather than come around again, for some reason. [FBOA result] We weren’t arguing!

The flak was completely ineffective, both before and after the target. Walcott wasn’t happy with the bomb run, probably because of our loose formation causing a less than perfect approach. However, he reckoned a few were still on target.

On turning for home, I saw the largest formation of enemy fighters that I’ve ever seen. The first wave – a 190 ahead and above, with 109s dead ahead, high and low in our 6, with the last directly above – swooped in unopposed.

The last thing I remember until we were over the Adriatic was Walcott calling in, “Double chin jam!” Then I felt a massive, painful punch in my chest that smacked my head off the headrest before everything went black.

I have included 2Lt. Ryland’s notes below on what happened while I was unconscious.

Our defensive fire on the first group of enemies on our egress wasn’t the best, with all five Jerries able to get to us. Within seconds, there were reports from all over the plane. Most obvious to me was the skipper giving out a strangled grunt, then slumping unconscious, his hands dropping from the controls and red drips falling to the floor from under his flying jacket.

He wasn’t the only casualty: Sanford and Stand called in that they were hit, but not badly. More worrying was the sudden acceleration of the #4 engine above its normal maximum revs. Muttering a silent prayer, I slammed the throttle shut, flicked the fuel switch and pulled the lever to feather the prop. Thankfully, the growing vibrations stopped.

Southey reported the radio destroyed, so I ordered him and Sanford up front to get the skipper out of his seat and into the radio room.

The 190 banked hard to come in again off our right side, with two of the four 109s also repositioning – one dead ahead, one off our right front.

Crawford hit the latter amidships, causing an instant fire, and the pilot broke off his attack as he lost control. Magic dealt with the one dead ahead, causing an engine explosion and the prop to detach.

The 190 coming in from the right missed, swooped past us with his wing nearly hitting our nose, and then dived away from the formation.

There was just enough time before the next wave came in for Stand to pass on the tragic news that Walcott had died. That caused a hush over the com, before returning to business, the gunners calling out targets and directions. I ordered Southey and Sanford to get Walcott’s body into the bomb bay, then Southey to join me on the increasingly heavy controls, and Sanford to man the chin turret with getting the guns unjammed top priority. Middleton was to man both waist guns.

Two 190s this time, both above us – one ahead, one off our right side. They had three 109s for company, one dead ahead, and the other two high and low in our 6 o’clock. The high one had Romanian markings.

Magic was seriously on his game today, taking a wing off the 190 ahead of us. Stand couldn’t connect with the other 190 on the cheek gun. However, Haley dealt with our Romanian visitor, and Crawford gave the other 109 behind us something to think about.

The enemy fighters pumped shells into the plane, and unbelievably, the flying controls got even heavier. As well as roll being affected, there was also now a sluggishness in pitch control. I suspected an elevator out, as pitch also caused a slight roll, but it wasn’t so bad that Southey and I couldn’t cope with it. I waited for more casualty reports, but – mercifully – none were forthcoming. There was a yell from Haley, but he followed up with the fact that he thought the remaining 109 behind us was going to hit us, but the Jerry swerved away at the last second.

[Almost a collision! Saved, believe it or not, due to the pilot being an Ace, hence a -1 modifier to the rolls!]

The remaining enemy planes came in again: the 190 from low off the left front, and the remaining 109 from high in front of us. Magic couldn’t keep his streak going this time, being unable to hit the 109. Crawford, however, nailed the 190, the outer right wing becoming Swiss cheese, and the pilot going down with his plane.

The 109 missed us, but Haley couldn’t get a shot on him as the pilot moved around to level off our front right side. Stand clipped him enough to put off his aim, and the Jerry then dived away home.

There was no break at all this time, as five 109s came in on us from all around. Two were ahead, above and level with us; two were behind us, level with us and below us, the latter again with ARR markings; the final bandit was level off our left hand side.

Our gunners, with non-stop action for nearly ten minutes, were zeroed in now. Three of the bandits, one of them the Romanian, were shot down by Magic, Crawford and Haley. Middleton also damaged the one off our right side, but failed to down him. That bandit made an ineffective attack before heading away for home. The one left ahead of us managed to hit us with one shell, but no serious damage ensued. This pilot pushed his plane under us, to pop up in our 6 o’clock. Unfortunately for him, Crawford had tracked him all the way and nailed him. Crawford was puzzled, as there was no smoke, fire, or detaching parts, but the Jerry came in as if he was attacking, didn’t fire, then carried on downwards, eventually hitting the ground.

With the sky clear of opposition, I got Stand to check our heading as the formation tightened up again. Once that was done, I got him to move some ammo from the radio room to Magic in the top turret.

He came on the com pretty soon after. “I think the radio room oxygen is kaput, Rog. I’m struggling to breathe here. I’ve got a walkround bottle on the skipper – he’s still unconscious, but he is breathing.”

I had Magic check the radio room oxygen, and he confirmed the feed was not working to any of the regulators there. I then had Southey assist me in putting the plane into a gentle dive to get us down to thicker air. I was unable to inform the squadron of our situation, as the radio was unserviceable.

Things quieted down, so I had all crew call in. Everyone else was fine; Stand reported a right shoulder problem and Sanford a minor cut in his belly area. Magic had also checked the skipper. He had a decent sized piece of shrapnel in his chest. His breathing was rattling, but he was breathing. I had Magic use a morphine ampoule on him to ease any pain.

Things stayed quiet until close to the Yugoslavian coast. Thankfully, by that time Sanford had successfully unjammed both chin turret guns. Also, the flak over our route at low level was completely inaccurate.

We were greeted at the coast by a FW190 ahead and above us, along with three Me109s – above and below our tail, plus one diving in from directly above. Our new escorts dealt with the 190 and the low 109. Haley quickly dealt with the remaining 109 behind us, making it swerve away with flames and smoke coming from its right wing. Magic was only able to clip the diver, but the Jerry was accurate anyway. He managed a couple of shots into us, bringing a yell from Sanford. “I’m hit – again!!” Thankfully, the 109 was going so fast that it could not come around again, and vanished back towards Yugoslavia.

When Stand checked Sanford, he found a gash in Sanford’s left boot, with a minor cut in his actual foot.

The skipper woke up and came online from the radio room as we crossed the Adriatic. He said that he was in no condition to take control of the plane, and complimented me on my handling of what had happened.

We joined the circuit at Giulia, unable to radio ahead. I had Magic fire off one yellow and four red flares so we would get the support we needed at the hardstanding

I told Southey to relax, and just follow my lead on the controls, all of which were heavy now.

[Starboard aileron and elevator inoperative; port flap inoperative; rudder instrument failure; control cable hits x 2]

I had Magic control the engines and listen for my commands, as Southey and I needed all four hands on the yokes to keep control. Thankfully, everything went well, and we landed with a bump, but soon had the plane safely on the ground.

When we had reached our hardstanding, I had Magic and Crawford carry Walcott’s body out to the waiting medics, and got Middleton to help the skipper exit the plane.

It was a much reduced and a much less happy gathering in the bar after debrief. Sanford was quickly released, as his wounds were not threatening in any way. Stand and the skipper were kept in the Base Hospital. We went in to see them quite late on: Stand is ground duties only for a week; the skipper is not going to be flying for a couple.

I dropped my report of the rest of the flight to him earlier today; he says to leave all of the post-flight admin to him. Happy to do so; unhappy that another friend has gone.


Roger did a great job getting the plane home and down safely, especially when I saw the list of control faults that S/Sgt. Warwick showed me. The crew really pulled together to get each other through our trickiest mission. Special mention must go to our turret gunners. Magic, Crawford and Haley racked up multiple hits, and kept the Patch from even worse damage. Fourteen claims, with many being honoured. Unfortunate for Crawford, he seems to have got the rough end of the stick, with only 1 confirmed kill out of five claims. Still – it is enough to make him an ace gunner, so the paperwork is in for his DFC. On a sadder note, I must get Herschel’s DFC from Squadron HQ to go home with his personal effects.

I will have to write another one of ‘those letters’ to his parents at their bakery in Maryland. I need to check with the Squadron if he wants Harriet, his fiancée, informed as well, or if it should be left to the parents.

Herschel’s last 48 hours perfectly encapsulates this hellish war: after the last mission, he was smiling and joking, having been very accurate with the drop on Nice, as well as becoming one of only a few commissioned ace gunners. Today, he lies lifeless in a room down the hall from me here in the hospital. Our mission frequency certainly has increased, as have the casualties – I hope the result is worth the sacrifice.


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

[It's worth noting that the nose of "Lucky Patch" is, ironically, the unluckiest area in the plane! All three KIAs the crew have suffered are from the nose area: two bombardiers and a navigator. Of a total of 17 wounds of varying severity suffered in 18 missions, 11 of those have been inflicted on the nose compartment crew. I guess those Luftwaffe head-on attacks are effective....]

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

[rhreiss]

[jpfatfingers]

Mission #33 - 5/17/44
B-17 G / Damned Yankees
Pilot: 1st Lt Joey Dimaggio
Squadron: 79th BS
Mission Date: 17 May 1944
Mission Number: 033
Mission This Bomber: 07
Mission Target: Bucharest ROM, Marshaling Yards

Bomber Position: Low / Middle

POSITION	RANK	NAME	MISSIONS COMPLETED	KILLS THIS MISSION	TOTAL KILLS	AWARDS	STATUS / FIT FOR DUTY
Pilot	1st Lt.	Joey Dimaggio	7			PPL HRT / AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt.	Mickey Mantle	5*			PPL HRT / AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Bombardier	2nd Lt.	"Babe" Ruth	7	0.5 ME 109	3.5	AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Navigator	2nd Lt.	Lou Gehrig	7		2	AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Engineer	T/Sgt	'Yogi" Berra	7	0.5 ME 109	1.5	AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Radio Op	T/Sgt	"Sparky" Lyle	7		0.5	AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Ball Gunner	Sgt	Ronny Guidry	7	ME 109	2	AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Pt Waist Gunner	Sgt	"Lefty" Gomez	7			AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Stbrd Waist Gunner	Sgt	"Goose" Gossage	7			AIR MEDAL 5	FFD
Tail Gunner	Sgt	"Catfish" Hunter	7		0.5	AIR MEDAL 5	FFD

BOMB RESULTS: Babe, our “Bronx Bomber” lays an EGG (0%) on target and earns a Bronx cheer from the crew.
BOMBER DAMAGE: Flak knocks out heat for Goose and “gremlins” (RE 9) gum up flaps in Zone 8 on return
PECKHAM POINTS: 20
LANDING: Safe
BOMBER DISPOSITION: Repairs made, all gremlins expelled and ready for next mission
CASUALTIES & STATUS: All A-OK
CLAIMS: Ball gunner Sgt Guidry gets 2nd kill (ME 109); Babe & Yogi split (literally) a ME 109 for shared kill (0.5 each).
AWARDS: Belated awarding of Air Medals to entire crew for successful completion of 5 missions
PROMOTIONS: None
Respectfully submitted by 1st Lt. J. Dimaggio

AAR
Quite a bit of activity on this mission starting in Zone 4 where we were buzzed by 3 FW 190’s but all were driven off “lightning” quick by our little friends, who then departed as we entered Z-9 where we were greeted from below by a ME 109 at 3 and a ME 110 at 1:30. Babe chased off the 110 (FBOA) with his twin chin 50’s while ball gunner Ronny G. took care of the ME 109 for his 2nd kill. We got bounced again in Z-11, this time by 4 FW 190’s but thankfully their gunnery skills were dreadful with all missing us. Our return fire wasn’t much better but PW gunner Lefty did chase one off with FBOA spray fire. Upon entering target Zone 12 we got a visit from a ME 190 at 12H where upon Babe & Yogi gave him a fiery welcome for a shared kill. Approaching the target we encountered moderate flak, taking a hit in our waist that knocked out Goose’s heat, so immediately after the bomb run was completed he joined Sparky in the radio room to take advantage of the additional heat available there and avoid frostbite issues. The bomb run itself should have been a cake walk for Babe, but he ended up laying a big fat EGG for his 3rd time doing so out of 7 missions. This earned our Bronx Bomber a Bronx Cheer from the crew. Returning through Z-11 there were 3 more FW 190’s waiting. Our little friends were able to drive one off and fire from the other 2 were misses (as was ours) and they departed without further incident. All was quite then until Z-8 when out of the clear blue skies our flap controls went dead (RE 9), which our crew chief ultimately chalked up to “gremlins” but we thankfully we saw no more bogeys and managed a safe landing under sunny skies to complete our 7th mission.

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Big Red Machine (5)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Bench
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 17 May 44
Mission #: 33
Target: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. J Bench (5) {0} AM
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. D Concepcion (5) {0} AM
Bombardier 2nd Lt. J Morgan (5) {1} AM
Navigator: 2nd Lt. T Perez (5) {0} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. K Griffy (5) {4} AM, PH
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Geronimo (5) {3} AM, PH
Radio Oper.: Sgt. G Foster (5) {1} AM, DFC
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Borbon (5) {0} AM, PH
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. D Gullett (5) {0} AM, PH: 3
Tail Gunner: Sgt. P Rose (5) {2} AM, PH

Bomb Percentage: 30%
Bomber Disposition: Port Tailplane Root, Starboard Flap, Rudder, Superficial Damage (56 Peckham Points)

Casualties:
T Perez: SW – 14 days in hospital

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (5:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (4:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Geronimo: 109, 109
Morgan: 109
Rose: 109

Special Note:
1st Lt. J Bench: AM
2nd Lt. D Concepcion: AM
2nd Lt. J Morgan: AM
2nd Lt. T Perez: AM, PH
MSgt. K Griffy: AM
Sgt. C Geronimo: AM
Sgt. G Foster: AM
Sgt. P Borbon: AM
Sgt. D Gullett: AM
Sgt. P Rose: AM

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

No rest for the wicked. After one day off the Big Red Machine was back in the air with the 79th Squadron.

The outbound flight was quiet until Zone 11. We were attacked by a pair of 109s. Geronimo got one of them and the other caused minor damage to the plane.

Lt. Morgan had an eventful time over the target. He shot down a 109. Then turned to the Norden and hit the target (despite flak damage hitting the nose). He finished by jumping back and patching up Perez’s wounds.

We saw more fighters on Zone 11 on the way back. Geronimo got a second one and Rose hit one. The rest of the flight home was quiet and we landed safely.

Morgan was rushed off the hospital and will be back in the nose in a couple of weeks.

[caodwolf]

B-17G:  Honey Bun



Pilot: 1Lt. D. Diluzio
Assignment:  15th Air Force,  509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron
Mission Date: 17-May-1944
Mission No.:  33
Mission this Bomber: 8
Target for Today:  Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yards
Squadron Position:  High    *Assumed High Cell Lead Z-7 outbound*
Result:   On-Target:  40%
 

Over Yugoslavia the 80th mission lead the Rosie drops out of formation due to an engine fire.    The Honey Bun assumes  High Cell Lead Outbound.

All action was centered around Bucharest with ME-109's and FW-190's buzzing all over the place.  We had to fight our way in and drop ordnance on target with good effect.  Damage did mount the most serious a fatal wound for our Radio Operator.

FLAK was very ineffective.   As soon as we exited Bucharest airspace all enemy activity ceased for the entire inbound segment. 

Landed without further incidents.  

That is all....    

Crew Manifest

Position	Rank	Name	Missions Flown	Kills this Mission	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1Lt	D. Diluzio	18	---	---	AM,PH	OK
Co-Pilot	2Lt	J. Boyer	7	---	---	AM	OK
Bombardier	2Lt	M, Russell	5	1	1	AM	OK
Navigator	2Lt	J. Labelle	9	---	---	AM	OK
Top Turret/Engineer	Sgt	R. Reese	7	---	2  1/2	AM	OK
Radio Op	S/Sgt	K. Whitmore	21	---	---	AM	KIA
Port Waist	S/Sgt	M. Comerota	12	---	---	AM, PH	OK-RTD
Stbd Waist	S/Sgt	J. Shoemaker	17	---	1	AM, PH	OK
Ball Turret	Sgt	J. Quain	7	---	---	AM, PH	OK-RTD
Tail Turret	S/Sgt	K. Taylor	20	---	2	AM	OK

 

HOSPITAL

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



KIA

S/Sgt K Whitmore


WIA

None

Medals / Promotions

Purple Heart

S/Sgt K Whitmore


Air Medal

Sgt M. Russell

Fighters Encountered

 

FTR	Spotted	Driven-Off	Damaged	Not-Damaged	Claimed - Credited
ME-109	7	---	4	2	1      1
FW-190	2	1	1	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
---	---	---	---	---	---
TOTALS	9	1	5	2	1     1

---

B-17G Damage:   * 34 *   

-PW inboard fuel tank hit:  self-seal
-Stbd Aileron knocked out
-KIA

[kageyone]

[caodwolf]

Squadron:  78th BG

B-24:  Lovely Ladies

Initial reports indicate  the port wing undercarriage collapsed at take off resulting in a crash and explosion.

There were no survivors.

KIA

2Lt D Grahek
2Lt.  B Stesney
1Lt  D Brenner
2Lt  S McDonald
S/Sgt D Baker
Sgt  T Hinkle
S/Sgt  J Lauer
S/Sgt  D Prutzman
Sgt  M Abribat
S/Sgt T Herbon

[caodwolf]

B-24J:  FLYING HOME


Pilot: 1Lt. M. Kucek
Assignment:  15th Air Force,  509th Bomber Group, 78th Squadron
Mission Date: 17-May-1944
Mission No.: 33
Mission this Bomber: 1
Target for Today:  Bucharest, Romania -  Marshalling Yards
Squadron Position:  Middle
Result:   20%
 

This was a long sortie  with a mostly inexperienced crew.   Shortly after take-off the Engineer became sick but within an hour he was back at this station.

As we approached the target zone we almost collided the Gravel Gertie as we exited a cloud bank.   That was a close call !

The Germans and Romanians put up a showing over Bucharest with a wide array of assets.   We downed two of them without sustaining any damage.  

Ordnance was dropped on target with minimal 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	M. Kucek	8	---	---	AM, PH	OK
Co-Pilot	2Lt	C. Lawson	1	---	---	---	OK
Bombardier	2Lt	M. 'Colonel' Collins	1	---	---	---	OK
Navigator	2Lt	S. 'The Brain' Zell	3	---	---	PH	OK
Top Turret/Engineer	S/Sgt	B. 'Boltze'  Boltz	1	---	---	---	OK
Radio Op	Sgt	E. Karabinos	1	---	---	---	OK
Chin Turret	S/Sgt	A. 'AJ'  Weiss	3	---	---	---	OK
Stbd Waist	Sgt	B. 'Rogers'  Gilbert	3	---	---	---	OK
Ball Turret	Sgt	P. Datello	1	---	---	---	OK
Tail Turret	S/Sgt	S.  Young	1	---	---	---	OK

 

Convalescing

Sgt  B Peterson, Radio:              RTD  20-July-1944
S/Sgt B Burgess.  Bombardier:   RTD  28-May-1944

Medals / Promotions

None

Fighters Encountered

 

FTR	Spotted	Driven-Off	Damaged	Not-Damaged	Claimed - Credited
FW-190	3	---	2	1	---
ME-109	3	2	---	1	---
ME-110	2	---	1	---	1      1
IAR80	1	---	---	---	1      1
---	---	---	---	---	---
TOTALS	9	2	3	2	2    2

B-24J Damage:

*  4  *

(2) LW ;  Engineer sick

[ninthaquila]

Pilot: 1LT Richard Archer
Plane: B-17F-110BO-42-30588 Lonesome Lola
Squadron, Group: 79th, 509th

Low Squadron, Middle

Primary Target: Bucharest, Romania, Marshalling Yard
Secondary Target: NONE

Mission Date: 17 MAY 1944

Mission Number: 33-17

Position	Rank/Name	Medals	Mission Number	Previous Credits	Mission Credits
Pilot	1LT Richard Archer	DSC AM++ PH+	17	0	0
Co-pilot	2LT Isaac Blackburn	AM++ PH	17	0	0
Bombardier	2LT Fred Fuller	DFC++ AM*++ PH++	17	11, 18x0.5	0
Navigator	2LT Lawrence Monroe	AM+ PH	17	1, 2x0.5	0.5
Engineer	T/SGT Alex Kozmenski	DSC DFC AM*+	17	6, 24x0.5	2x0.5
Radio Operator	S/SGT Allen Kirby	AM++ PH	17	3x0.5	0
Ball Gunner	S/SGT Samuel Carter	DFC AM*	17	14, 15x0.5	1, 0.5
Port Waist Gunner	S/SGT Ray McKenzie	AM++ PH	17	7x0.5	0
Stb. Waist Gunner	S/SGT Charles Flanagan	AM++ PH	17	1, 2x0.5	1, 2x0.5
Tail Gunner	S/SGT Matthew Wolf	DFC++ AM*++ PH+	16	13, 19x0.5	1, 0.5

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:
Destroyed Autopilot
Port Aileron minor damage
Rudder Damaged (1 hit)
Nose Heating damaged (Bombardier)
Starboard Landing Gear destroyed
Nose Interphone System Broken
Port Waist Gun broken
Large number of holes over plane (16)
Crashlanding damage

Crew Casualties:
none

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

Peckham Points: 231 PP, repairs until 27 MAY

Landing: Crash Landing after Landing Gear failure

Promotions/Awards:
Air Medal for S/SGT Flanagan for gaining a combined 2 credits (1 confirmed, 2 probables/shared)
(*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

[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: DNB - Aborted Mission - Heated Suit Failure
                    Abort was over enemy occupied territory after the group faced enemy fighters so the mission is credited.

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Stress	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Les Brown	3				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Benny Goodman	3				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Tommy Dorsey	3				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Krupa	3				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gerry Mulligan	3				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Ed Palermo	3				RTD
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	Joe Loos	3				RTD
PWG	SGT	Chick Webb	3				RTD
SWG	SGT	Benny Carter	3				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ray Anthony	3	1			RTD

Casualties: None

B-17 Damage: None

Peckham Points: 0

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

B-17 Disposition: Safe at Giulia 

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

Award/Promotion Requests: 

In Hospital/Not Flying Today: Everyone flying

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

OUTBOUND: While over Yugoslavia (Zone 4 outbound) the Navigator got a bit too excited watching other bombers fending off bandits. He snagged the cord to his F-2 Electrical suit, ripping it out of the suit. The mission was aborted after the skies cleared and Blues returned to base without jettisoning her bomb load. 

 

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Pecatonica (9)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: Low
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 17 May 44
Mission #: 33
Target: Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. SJ Phillips (9) {0} AM, PH: 3
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. A Campbell (6) {0} AM, PH
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. O Guernsey (9) {2} AM, PH: 2
Navigator: 2nd Lt. A Bean (9) {0} AM, PH: 2
Engineer: MSgt. I Clapp (9) {6} AM, PH: 2
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Hart (9) {4} AM, PH
Radio Oper.: Sgt. J Clark (2) {0} PH: 2
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Phinney (9) {1} AM, PH
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. M Sheehan (9) {2} AM, PH: 4
Tail Gunner: Sgt. A Van Walker (1) {0} PH

Bomb Percentage: DNB

Bomber Disposition: Destroyed (n/a Peckham Points)

Casualties:
1st Lt. SJ Phillips: KIA
2nd Lt. A Campbell: KIA
2nd Lt. O Guernsey: KIA
2nd Lt. A Bean: KIA
MSgt. I Clapp: KIA
Sgt. C Hart: KIA
Sgt. J Clark: KIA
Sgt. P Phinney: KIA
Sgt. M Sheehan: KIA
Sgt. A Van Walker: KIA

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (0:109, 7:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (0:109, 1:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (0:109, 3:190, 0:110)
Hart: 190
Clapp: 190, 190

Special Note:
1st Lt. SJ Phillips: PH
2nd Lt. A Campbell: PH
2nd Lt. O Guernsey: PH
2nd Lt. A Bean: PH
MSgt. I Clapp: PH
Sgt. C Hart: PH
Sgt. J Clark: PH
Sgt. P Phinney: PH
Sgt. M Sheehan: PH
Sgt. A Van Walker: PH

Mission Description: Filed by observations from the 79th Squadron

Over the target eyewitnesses observed the Pecatonica being attacked by two waves of FW 190s. The first five were successfully driven off or shot down. Shells from the second pair riddled the plane and it exploded. The nature of the explosion indicated that the bomb load had detonated. No parachutes observed.