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Post by limburger59 on May 4, 2024 13:25:33 GMT -8
to post 8 Nov 24 To unlock 10 Nov 24 Turn in AAR's no later than 23 Nov 24 Next mission to post 22 Nov 24
MISSION DATE: 22 May 44 MISSION # 34TARGET: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge Bombing Altitude: 16,500 feet Briefing: Map: FORMATION:HIGH | 78th SQDN |
| MID | 79th SQDN |
| LOW | 80th SQDN | LEAD: | Classy Chassy (chefed) |
| LEAD: | Damned Yankees |
| LEAD: | Makin' Time | TAIL: | Barney's Barn (kageyone) |
| TAIL: | Lady Liza |
| TAIL: | Blues in the Night |
WEATHER:
Takeoff: Good Target: Poor Landing: Poor GAZETTEER: TFT: -2 DM to Bomb Run due to small size of target QOTS: -1 DM to Bomb Run Zone | Modifier (QotS) | Weather/Resistance (TfT) | Fighter Cover | 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 3 Adriatic Sea | X | 50% Clouds / None | None | 4 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None | None | 5 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None | None | 6 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None | None | TARGET ZONE 7 Adriatic Sea / Italy FLAK: Outbound: Heavy x3 Inbound: None | X | 100% Clouds / None Target: Mostly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually | None | 6 Adriatic Sea | 0 | 100% Clouds / Moderate | None | 5 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None | None | 4 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None | None | 3 Adriatic Sea (Vis) | X | 100% Clouds / None | None | 2 Adriatic Sea | X | 100% Clouds / None | None |
Emergency Airfield: An airfield on the Island of Vis, in the Adriatic Sea (Zone 3) has been opened. It is a fighter base but will take our heavy bombers. (-2 landing modifier in addition to the negative for poor weather). If a bomber has 150 or more Peckham Points it will be declared CAT-E. If it has 149 PP or less it will be repaired. In either case the crew, and repairable bombers, will return to Giulia three days after the emergency landing. Shot Down: Over Water (if you didn't drown): Zone 5 or greater: roll a d6: 1-3 = captured, 4 = rescued by fishermen and passed on to the Royal Navy 5-6 = rescued by fishermen, passed on to Partisans, eventually returned to base and reassigned to the U.S. (You know too much about the Partisans.) Zones 2 to 4: you are rescued by the Royal Navy Over Italy: captured Calendar since last Mission:17-May-44 33 Bucharest, Romania - Marshalling Yard 18-May-44 Non-Operational Day 19-May-44 Bombardier Training 20-May-44 Mission Aborted enroute to Ploesti, Romania due to weather 21-May-44 Non-Operational Day 22-May-44 34 Latisano, Italy - Railroad Bridge
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 211
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Post by tomt1999 on Nov 5, 2024 9:12:57 GMT -8
For the 80th Squadron, mission 34:
LEAD Makin' Time TAIL Blues in the Night
If Cavalier is back from the shop, it will replace Makin' Time with the same crew.
MARZ
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 647
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Post by ChefEd on Nov 6, 2024 8:06:01 GMT -8
78th BS: Mission 34 High Squadron With so few experienced crews, inexperienced crews may be slotted into the Lead and Tail positions. [Penciled in, pending final results of Mission 33.]Lead: Classy Chassy ( ChefEd ) Tail (TEC): Barney’s Barn - Pending replacement aircraft ( kageyone ) Vaillancourt, Alexis, Capt, USAAF, XO, 78th (H) Bomb Squadron (OOC - if assigned Lead/TEC, please submit your mission ASAP, in case someone else needs to take over those positions. Be sure to use the Shoutbox if unable to complete as Lead/TEC.)
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Post by crushedhat on Nov 6, 2024 15:55:27 GMT -8
“With most of the route over water, and the target not being one normally hit by heavies, you’re not expected to run into much resistance on this one.” So begins 509th S2 Maj Harlan Beech. Of course, what the Top Brass expects and what the aircrews experience are two different things. Thus, Beech has to wait for the comments to die down before continuing. “It’s felt that Jerry will be caught by surprise and won’t be able to muster any effective aerial opposition until you’re on your way home. You can expect to see the Luftwaffe somewhere off the coast of Trieste or Pula.” SSgt Dewbury dutifully points out the locations on the big wall map behind the Major.
“The bridge itself will be heavily defended by flak batteries. That is your biggest threat. Though, with ammunition shortages, Jerry isn’t expected to fire at you once you’ve released your bombs.”
“While the weather here at Giulia for takeoff will be pleasant enough, Metro is forecasting a front to move in. Expect clouds and intermittent rain over the target and here at Giulia upon your return.”
“As I said, the Top Brass doesn’t expect mush in the way of Luftwaffe action. As a result, our Little Friends have been tasked with other missions. You’ll be on your own,” Maj Beech tells the disbelieving crews. Once more he has to wait for the grousing to die down.
“If you run into trouble, there is the airfield at Vis.” SSgt Dewbury taps the map. “Just bear in mind, the runway and facilities are designed to sup[port fighters. So, if at all possible try to make it back home. Otherwise, your route is close enough (1 -2 Zones) to Yugoslavia that you can try to make it here and take your chances with the Partisans. Should you go down in the drink, the RN will be on Lifeguard duty to just short of Pula. If you’d rather take your chances on land, occupied Italy is within range (1-2 zones). Just remember your obligations under the Fighting Man’s Code.”
“Right,” S3 Maj William Stockwell takes over form Maj Beech. “Now that the Two has lightened the mood,” Stockwell waits for the nervous laughter to stop. “Let’s get into the mission details.”
“You’ll be on an initial heading of due North. Then, about a hundred miles out and SW off Vis you’ll come to three-two-two degrees. The IP will be this feature on the coast.” SSgt Dewbury puts up an aerial photo and then indicates the location on the wall map.”
“Because of the small size of the target, a railroad bridge, you’ll be bombing from one-six-five-zero-zero feet in order to give you better visual acquisition.”
“Once you’ve hit the target, circle left and make a beeline straight back to Giulia.”
“AS Maj Beech indicated, you’re going to be on your own for defense. Don’t panic. Just practice good formation flying, keep your eyes open, and remember your training. Do that, ands I’ll see you back here at the club.” With that. The Three closes his briefing folder, forgoing the usual, “Give ‘em Hell.”
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 647
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Post by ChefEd on Nov 9, 2024 8:09:47 GMT -8
B-24J Classy Chassy B-24J-5-CF-42-64220 Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: High Aircraft Position: Lead Mission Date: 22 MAY 1944 Mission Number: 34 This Aircraft: 6 Target: Latisana, Italy, Railway Bridge CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Conor Grinsly | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Lincoln Nichols | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 2 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Emmanuel Moulder | 6 | 0.88 | AM | RTD | 1 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Kirk Vaillancourt | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/3rd Julien O'Rourke | 6 | 2 | AM | RTD | 1 | Radio Op | T/4th Rene Harper | 6 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Right Waist | S/Sgt Kai Vader | 5 | 0.88 | AM, PH | RTD | 1 | Ball Turret | Sgt Jaxton Ingrid | 6 | 1.88 | AM | RTD | 1 | Left Waist | Sgt Ismael Deadmon | 5 | 0.5 | AM, PH | RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | S/Sgt Johnnie Nava | 6 | 0.5 | AM | RTD | 2 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Dan Hitchcock | 7 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: Off Target, 5 % Casualties: None Peckham Points: None One ( 1 ) Day(s) to Repair and refit Damage: None Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft: None Claims: None Awards: Air MedalS/Sgt Kai Vader Sgt Ismael Deadmon Purple HeartNone Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORT Our greatest foe today was the weather. Poor visibility, and a small target threw Lt Vaillancourt off his game: 5% on target. Submitted by, 1Lt Conor Grinsly, Pilot B-24J Classy Chassy 78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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mpgutis
80th Bomber Squadron Commander
Posts: 343
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Post by mpgutis on Nov 10, 2024 4:24:28 GMT -8
Mission date: 22 May 44 Target: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge Mission/Bomber: 34/20 B-17G The A Train 80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force Formation: Low Squadron Position: Middle
Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards Pilot: 1LT Dirk Ellington (20) (-) PH, AM x4 Copilot: 2LT Edward Reese (20) (-) AM x4 Bombardier: 2LT Reed Williams (20) (5.5) DFCx2, AM x4 Navigator: 2LT Mark Ventura (20) (2.83) PH x2, AM x4 Engineer: SSG Stanley Ruzinski (20) (8.5) DFC, PH, AM x4 Radio Operator: SGT Fred Conway (20) (0.5) AM x4 Ball Gunner: SGT Malcolm Kovacs (20) (4.66) AM x4 Port Waist Gun: SGT Randy Peterman (20) (2) PH x3, AM x4 Starboard Waist Gun: SGT Vincent Meoli (20) (3) PHx4, AM x4 Tail Gun: SGT Sheldon Thomas (20) (5.74) DFC, PHx2, AM x4
Bombing: On target, 30%
Damage: 9 PP Superficial (x1): Waist (x1) LW (x2)
Casualties: SGT Randy Peterman, Cut left hand, treated and released SGT Sheldon Thomas, Superficial cut, graze wound to face, treated and released
Awards: Crew - AM 2LT Reed Williams - DFC SGT Randy Peterman - PH SGT Sheldon Thomas - PH
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Destroyed / Credited FW-190: 1 / 1 / 0 Me-109: 1 / 0 / 0
Flown with TFT
We arrived at the aircraft in bright sunshine but the forecast was for the weather to be lousy over the target, just what you wanted when the target is a small target where precision is the name of the game. Takeoff and assembly went without problems.
Zones 2 - 6: Nothing to report.
Zone 7 (Target): As forecast, the target area weather wasn't good. What was good was the flak. It was heavy and we took a superficial hit to the waist, and both the port waist gunner and tail gunner suffered light wounds. The bomb run went well and we estimated 30% in the box but the status of the bridge could not be determined.
Zone 7 (Inbound): Once past the target, the flak disappeared.
Zone 6: The only enemy aircraft we encountered were an FW-190 at 12:00 High, claimed by the bombardier and an Me-109 at 9:00 Level which was damaged, missed us, and broke off.
Zones 5 - 2: Nothing to report.
The scariest moments came when we touched down. It took an unusually long time to slow down once the wheels touched the runway. We almost used up all available runway but got the aircraft slowed down. That was number 20 in the books. I'm afraid to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. It might be a locomotive heading our way.
Dirk Ellington, 1LT Aircraft Commander, The A Train 80th Bombardment Squadron
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GaryK
79th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 270
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Post by GaryK on Nov 10, 2024 5:10:27 GMT -8
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 mission, another aircraft. Louis Marlowe got a message to me to come see him at the Base Hospital. We arrived here around the same time, and spent some time in training together. When I saw him, he was pale, and having difficulty breathing, but he told me that he should be alright in a couple of weeks.
He was worried about who would be assigned to fly his plane while he’s laid up, and said that he would be requesting me from the personnel pool, if I was OK with that. I jumped at the chance! I need six more missions to get out of this death lottery, and if I can get some of those while he’s recovering, so much the better.
I got my new assignment next day, and missed out on one of those 6 missions when another trip to Ploesti was aborted. Hopefully, this run up the Adriatic won’t suffer the same fate. I’m not crazy about the lack of escorts, so let’s hope the intel on opposition strength is accurate.
Mission: The guys in the Patch greeted me warmly enough, but (as I’ve seen since being assigned to the pool) there is that certain wariness, as I’m an outsider. I’m not the only newbie, as their bombardier bought the farm last time out, and the new guy is a raw rookie. Abe is young, keen and nervous, so I hope he settles in OK. Let’s hope this mission isn’t as hairy as this crew’s trip to Bucharest, which everyone on the base heard about.
As it happened – it wasn’t. A straight run up to the target and back. Poor Abe struggled to get any bombs on the narrow railroad bridge, but it was a tough target. Nice to see the other crew trying to raise his spirits when he described the drop.
We took a single flak hit on the way in to the target, without any systems playing up.
As we headed back down the Adriatic, Crawford called out, “Turkey time!” then added that there were three Me110s inbound. With no escorts, they made it into range – unluckily for them! Within seconds, Mitchell had damaged the one ahead of us (just as well, as Abram had a gun jam on the chin turret); Haley caused the left wing of the one low in our six to explode, and Crawford shot the outer left wing off the last one who was climbing up directly below us. These guys are good!!
The remaining Jerry was more interested in dodging our fire than aiming his own, so his stream of shells went wide. He then turned hard and dived away back north.
That was the only excitement this time out. We returned to Giulia and landed without incident.
S/Sgt. Warwick was pleased that the Patch didn’t return like it did last week, but I had a word about the chin turret feed, as the guys tell me that both guns jammed on that Bucharest trip. He said he would get his crew to strip down the turret and guns completely, as there was so little else to fix.
I put in the paperwork for my third OLC, as that is now 20 missions up. I also sent in an OLC request for Middleton, as he hit 10 missions this time out. Unfortunately, his promotion was refused, so he’ll have to wait a while longer. The Squadron XO, Capt. Gill, informed me that my promotion to Captain had been approved, and I should have the bars within the next day or so. He also asked me to pass on the news to Lt. Ryland that Maj. Robinson had recommended him for a DFC as a reward for his performance in the mission to Bucharest, and the award has been confirmed by the Group CO. Good news – a rare commodity in this war!
1Lt Nathaniel Sutherland, Pilot Commanding B-17G-55DL-44-6507 "Lucky Patch" 79th (H) BS, 509th (H) BG
For a full mission history of "In Like Flynn", "Blitz Buggy", plus my three aircraft in the previous war, please see my (GarySK) post in the Tarmac forum
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Nov 10, 2024 7:45:39 GMT -8
For the 79th Squadron:
Lead: Damned Yankees Tail: Lady Liza
Keep the formation tight, watch out for fighters, and hit the target!
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Post by limburger59 on Nov 10, 2024 7:58:24 GMT -8
B-17G: BLUES IN THE NIGHT (B-17G-90BO 43-31507) 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Low Sqdn - TAILMISSION DATE: 22 MAY 44 MISSION # 34 (4th this bomber) TARGET: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge Bomb Run: Off Target - 8% CREWPosition | Rank | Name | Current Mission | Previous Kills | Claims Today
| Confirmed Today
| Status | Stress | Notes | Pilot | 1 LT
| Les Brown
| 4 |
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| Copilot | 2 LT
| Benny Goodman
| 4 |
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| Bombardier | 2 LT | Tommy Dorsey
| 4
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| Navigator | 2 LT | Gene Krupa
| 4 |
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| Engineer | T/SGT | Gerry Mulligan
| 4
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| Radioman | S/SGT | Ed Palermo
| 4 |
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| Ball Gunner | S/SGT | Joe Loos
| 4 |
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| PWG | SGT | Chick Webb
| 4 |
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| SWG | SGT | Benny Carter
| 4 |
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| Tail Gunner | SGT | Ray Anthony
| 4 | 1 |
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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: 3
| # | Claimed Destroyed
| Confirmed Destroyed
| Probable | Damaged | Run Off
| Bf-109 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
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| Bf-110 | 0 |
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| FW-190 | 0 |
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| ME-210 | 2 |
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| C205 | 0 |
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| Re2005 | 0 |
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| TOTALS
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Award/Promotion Requests: In Hospital/Not Flying Today: Everyone flying AFTER ACTION REPORT (Target for Today - Joe Carter's Variant)Multiple waves found us on the return trip, but seemed to ignore our exposed tail until the final wave noticed us. The 109 coming up behind us was smoked by our Tail Gunner, but his claim was denied and given to a gunner with more missions under his belt. Smacked of hazing.
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Post by ninthaquila on Nov 10, 2024 12:30:44 GMT -8
Pilot: 1LT Richard Archer Plane: B-17G-90BO-43-38476 Fortunate Sons Squadron, Group: 79th, 509th Middle Squadron, Middle Primary Target: Latisana, Italy, Railroad Bridge Secondary Target: NONE Mission Date: 22 MAY 1944 Mission Number: 34-18 Position | Rank/Name | Medals | Mission Number | Previous Credits | Mission Credits | Pilot | 1LT Richard Archer | DSC AM++ PH+ | 18 | 0 | 0 | Co-pilot | 2LT Isaac Blackburn | AM++ PH | 18 | 0 | 0 | Bombardier | 2LT Fred Fuller | DFC++ AM*++ PH++ | 18 | 11, 18x0.5 | 3, 2x0.5 | Navigator | 2LT Lawrence Monroe | AM+ PH | 18 | 1, 3x0.5 | 0.5 | Engineer | T/SGT Alex Kozmenski | DSC DFC AM*+ | 18 | 6, 26x0.5 | 1, 3x0.5 | Radio Operator | S/SGT Allen Kirby | AM++ PH | 18 | 3x0.5 | 0 | Ball Gunner | S/SGT Samuel Carter | DFC AM* | 18 | 15, 16x0.5 | 2x0.5 | Port Waist Gunner | S/SGT Ray McKenzie | AM++ PH | 18 | 7x0.5 | 0 | Stb. Waist Gunner | S/SGT Charles Flanagan | AM+++ PH | 18 | 1, 4x0.5 | 0 | Tail Gunner | S/SGT Matthew Wolf | DFC++ AM*++ PH+ | 17 | 14, 10x0.5 | 1, 2x0.5 |
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 #2 Power Failure Engine #3 Supercharger Failure Engine #4 destroyed, feathered Top Turret Guns destroyed (hit twice) Tail Guns destroyed Port Waist Gun disabled Port Wing Root hit Starboard Tailplane ripped off Port Flap destroyed Starboard Flap missing (hit twice) Starboard Aileron light damage (no effect) Port Elevator inoperable Aileron Control Board destroyed Pilot Compartment heating damaged Tail Section Heating damaged Copilot Oxygen Systems impaired Radio Room Oxygen systems damaged Tail Gunner Oxygen compromised Bom Bay Control Cables destroyed Radio Room Control Cables destroyed Waist Compartment Control Cables destroyed Huge amount of Holes all over the plane (27 SD) Crew Casualties:
Navigator 2LT Monroe - Light Hip wound - treated and released Claims:2LT Fuller - 1 confirmed FW190, 2 confirmed BF109s, 2 shared BF109s 2LT Monroe - 1 probable BF109 T/SGT Kozmenski - 1 probable FW190, 1 confirmed BF109, 1 probable BF109, 1 shared BF109 S/SGT Carter - 2 probable BF109s S/SGT Wolf - 1confirmed BF109, 1 probable BF109, 1 shared BF109 (confirmed=FD, probable=FBOA, shared=FBOA from multiple sources)Peckham Points: 294 PP, repairs until 31 MAYLanding: safe landing at Giulia Promotions/Awards:
AM for 2LT Fuller for a total of 4 credits (3 confirmed, 2 shared) in a single mission DFC for T/SGT Kozmenski for reaching 21.5 credits (7 confirmed, 19 probable/shared) DFC for S/SGT Wolf for reaching 21 credits (15 confirmed, 10 probable/shared) PH for 2LT Monroe for wounds in action (*separately put in request thread) After Action ReportOOC: lost engine power in Engine #2 in zone 6, decided (foolhardy) to push on, Encountered 15 BF109s and 4 FW190s, which ripped my plane to shreds. Somehow landed it, and it was declared repairable... REPORT - CONFIDENTIAL
TO BE WRITTEN LATER Signed, 1Lt Richard Archer B-17G-90BO-43-38476 Fortunate Sons 509(H)BG/79SQ
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 211
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Post by tomt1999 on Nov 10, 2024 13:38:01 GMT -8
DUCK SOUP B-17G-45BO-42-97236 Group 509 Squadron 80 MISSION DATE: 22 May 44 MISSION # 34TARGET: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge CREWPilot Roland "Rollie" Howell (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: Co-Pilot Ludomir "Woz" Wozniak (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 2 Bombardier Glen "Woody" Woodard (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: 1; Stress: 1 Navigator Bernard "Barney" Trasdale (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 2 Engineer Christopher Moltisanti (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1 Radio Op Walter "Sparks" Moody (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: Ball Gunner Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: 0.5; Stress: Port Waist Lyle "P.O." White (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: Starb Waist Samuel "Coop" Cooper (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: 1; Stress: 1 Tail Gunner Janus "Yawn" Swoboda (9) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: 2; Stress: 1 Bomb Run: ON 30%Casualties: Navigator Barney Trasdale, light wound to shoulder; RfD; Purple Heart Damage: 1x Light Wound Peckham Points: 2 - ready tomorrow Landing: Safe Claims: None Enemy Aircraft: 2x Fw190 AFTER ACTION REPORTA mostly smooth operation. Got nicked by flak - took off the navigator's shoulder patch.
Dropped ON target through a hole in the clouds.
On the way back, two 190s came out to play but went away with no joy and noses bloodied. HOWELL, 1Lt Rollie Duck Soup
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 284
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Post by rhreiss on Nov 10, 2024 14:06:10 GMT -8
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Nov 10, 2024 17:14:24 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Supper Club (1) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. W Safford Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 22 May 44 Mission #: 34 Target: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. W Safford (5) {0} AM, PH Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. HP Clinton (1) {0} Bombardier: 2nd Lt. RL Moore (1) {0} PH Navigator: 2nd Lt. J Perry (1) {0} PH Engineer: MSgt. R Lindsay (1) {0} Ball Gunner: Sgt. LF Haskins (1) {0} Radio Oper.: Sgt. J Cleland (1) {0} PH Pt Waist G: Sgt. H Pierce (1) {0} PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. D Simmons (1) {0} PH Tail Gunner: Sgt. H Vest (1) {0}
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Engine #2, Port Aileron, Engineer O2, Pilot Window, Radio O2, Tail O2, Radio, Tail Turret, Superficial Damage (155 Peckham Points)
Casualties: RL Moore: KIA J Cleland: KIA H Pierce: KIA J Perry: SW – invalided home W Safford: LW – treated and released D Simmons: LW – 3 days in hospital
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 4:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: RL Moore: PH J Cleland: PH H Pierce: PH J Perry: PH W Safford: PH, AM D Simmons: PH
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. W Safford, pilot commanding
Lt. Hoyt and I were summoned to Major Simmons office. When we arrive we found that Major Robinson from the 79th Squadron was also waiting for us. Simmons poured us a all a drink and began. “Lt. Safford, you know how short the squadron is these days of experienced pilots. Major Robinson here needs a new plane commander and while I hate to see you go. . .” He tossed me a small box containing a brand-new pair of first lieutenant’s bars. Major Robinson shook my hand. “Congratulations First Lieutenant. Welcome to the 79th.”
I have spent the last three days getting this brand-new crew ready for their first mission. The crew being mostly from Wisconsin, decided to name the plane after a local institution called a “Supper Club.” They have promised to treat me to dinner at one after the war.
As I sat through the briefing, I jinxed myself by thinking “how hard can this one be?” Some flak over the target and little chance of seeing the Luftwaffe.
The outbound flight was quiet until we arrived in the target zone. As promised, the flak over the target was very heavy. We took significant damage including Sgt. Cleland being killed by flak and Engine #2 being knocked out.
Moore was not anywhere near the target and we turned for home.
Over the Adriatic we were jumped by four FW 190s that almost tore the Supper Club apart. In three separate passes they killed Moore and Pierce, wounded Perry, Simmons, and myself. They also caused extensive damage to the plane. We were lucky she was still in the air and able to keep up with the group.
I ordered Vest up from the destroyed tail turret to sit up front and tend to Perry’s wounds. Thanks to Vest paying attention in first aid class, he was able to keep Perry alive all the way home.
We arrived safely back at base. The doctors were able to save Perry, but he is never going to fly again. I am off to write letters to Moore, Cleland, and Pierce’s families.
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Post by caodwolf on Nov 10, 2024 19:10:06 GMT -8
B-17G: Honey Bun Pilot: 1Lt. D. Diluzio Assignment: 15th Air Force, 509th Bomber Group, 80th Squadron Mission Date: 22-May-1944 Mission No.: 34 Mission this Bomber: 9 Target for Today: Latisana, Italy - Rail Road Bridge Squadron Position: Low Result: On-Target: 30% A long sortie mostly over water. Where is the Luftwaffe ? Not a single enemy fighter is even spotted which is good as the 80th has no air cover today.
FLAK though was brutal. Engine #3 was hit and caught fire. Co-Pilot Lt Boyer extinguished the blaze but engine #3 is out.
Bombs were dropped with adequate results considering such a small target.
On the inbound two ME-109's popped out of the clouds and attacked. Both were shot down.
Landed without further incidents.
That is all....
Position | Rank | Name | Missions Flown | Kills this Mission | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Pilot | 1Lt | D. Diluzio | 19 | --- | --- | AM,PH | OK | Co-Pilot | 2Lt | J. Boyer | 8 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Bombardier | 2Lt | M, Russell | 6 | 1 | 2 | AM | OK | Navigator | 2Lt | J. Labelle | 10 | --- | --- | AM | OK | Top Turret/Engineer | Sgt | R. Reese | 8 | 1/3 | 2 2/3 | AM | OK | Radio Op | S/Sgt | B. Warford | 1 | --- | --- | ---- | OK | Port Waist | S/Sgt | M. Comerota | 13 | 1/3 | 1/3 | AM, PH | OK | Stbd Waist | S/Sgt | J. Shoemaker | 18 | --- | 1 | AM, PH | OK | Ball Turret | Sgt | J. Quain | 8 | 1/3 | 1/3 | AM, PH | OK | Tail Turret | S/Sgt | K. Taylor | 21 | --- | 2 | AM | OK |
HOSPITAL2Lt J Pate RTD: 1-June
2Lt. A Tharpe RTD: 12-June
KIA
NoneWIANone
Purple Heart
None
Air Medal
None
FTR | Spotted | Driven-Off | Damaged | Not-Damaged | Claimed - Credited | ME-109 | 2 | --- | --- | --- | 2 2 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | TOTALS | 2 | --- | --- | --- | 2 2 |
--- B-17G Damage: * 40 *
-#3 Engine hit > fire > extinguished > out
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Post by limburger59 on Nov 10, 2024 20:37:10 GMT -8
B-24 DELTA REBEL Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group High Squadron – Middle MISSION DATE: 22 May 44 MISSION # 34 TARGET: Latisana, Italy CREW from the Spare Pool Position – Rank (Current Mission)Pilot: 1LT Kent “Moon Man” Mooney (9) AM Co-Pilot: 2LT Gilbert “Gil” Webber (5) Navigator: 2LT Lee “Tallahassee” Holder (3) Bombardier: 2LT Charles “Charlie” Freya (11) [1.5] AM PH Engineer/TT: S/SGT Jason “Glass” Glasser (12) [3.18] AM Radio Op: S/SGT Theo “Morris Code” Morris (10) AM Ball Turret: SGT Leland “Lee” McNamara (5) Right Waist: SGT David “Squeaky” Michell (4) LWLeft Waist: SGT Varney “Tater” Coultrain (4). SW-IHTail Gunner: SGT Tony “Badger” Marshall (17) [.5] AM+ Bomb Run: Off Target 0% Casualties: SGT David “Squeaky” Michell - LW - foot cut, RTD 29 May 44 SGT Varney “Tater” Coultrain - SW - foot amputated - Invalidated Home B-24 Damage: Superficial x10 (20) Light Wound (2) Serious Wound (5) P. Flap out (10) Interphone out (10) Navigator Heat out (10) Ball Gunner Heat out (10) Tail Guns destroyed (20) P. Empennage root (25) Peckham Points: 112 - Repairs completed 27 May 44 Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia. Attackers: 4 3x Bf-109: 1 Damaged 1x FW-190: Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart: SGT David Michell, SGT Varney Coultrain Air Medal - first oak leaf cluster for 10 Completed Missions: S/SGT Theo “Morris Code” Morris Air Medal - for 5 Completed Missions: SGT Leland McNamara, 2LT Gilbert Webber AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-B24 variant): A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen
It was a quiet flight until we were bracketed by three bursts of Flak. Besides throwing off the aim of our Bombardier, the heat was knocked out for both our Ball Gunner and our Navigator, and our Tail Guns were destroyed. We left the safety of the formation for a warmer altitude and were soon jumped by three bandits. Though most of the damage suffered was superficial, both waist gunners suffered foot injuries with drastic differences once we returned to base. SGT Michell was told to stay off of foot for a week while SGT Coultrain had to have his foot amputated.
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kageyone
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 148
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Post by kageyone on Nov 10, 2024 23:09:49 GMT -8
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Post by kozzackkelt on Nov 11, 2024 13:32:26 GMT -8
B-17G: CAVILIER (B-17G-5302UC-44- 32891) Pilot: 2LT. Byron Roberts Missions for this bomber: 2 Squadron: 80th Formation/Position: LOW (Squadron Lead) Mission Date: 22 May 1944 Mission Number: 34 Target: Latisana, Italy / Railroad Bridge
CREW (missions) {StressPts} E/A Wounds Pilot: 2LT. Byron Roberts (6) {1} Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Charles Winston (6) {} Bombardier: 2Lt. Oliver "Ollie" Cashman (4) {} [B%: 5-20-30-30] Navigator: 2Lt. Olaf Thomason Ph (6) {1} Engineer: Sgt. Sean McHale Ph (6) {3} [] Radio Operator: George Pyle (6) {1} Ball Turret: Sgt. David Jensen (6) {2} [] PWG: Sgt. Benjamin Tsosie (4) {1} SWG: Sgt. Steve Tramelle (6) {1} Tail Gunner: Sgt. Alexandrus Krukowski (6) {1} []
BOMB RUN: ON Target: 30%
Enemy Aircraft Encountered: 0 0xFw190, 0xMe109, 0xMc205, 0xMe110, 0xMe210, 0xMe410, 0xIAR80
E/A Damaged: 0 E/A Probable: 0 E/A: Destroyed: 0 E/A Driven off by Fighter Escort: 0
Condition of B-17G ~ CAVILIER : None. Maintenance Chief reports this aircraft will be repaired, replacements made as needed, routine maintenance and cleaning performed.
AAR: Flew to target with no E/A contact. No Flak hits. Lt. Cashman brought us in on target (seen through a timely gap in the clouds) Photographic evidence indicating estimated 30% of our bombs hit designated target. Quiet flight remained of the mission, saw no E/A. Landed safely.
Respectfully Submitted, Byron Roberts, 2LT. USAF B-17G CAVILIER 80th BS / 509th BG Foggia, Italy
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 284
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Post by rhreiss on Nov 11, 2024 15:51:21 GMT -8
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eddie
80th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 167
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Post by eddie on Nov 11, 2024 20:15:53 GMT -8
Mission 34 AAR Mission Date: 22 May, 1944
Target: Latisana, Italy – Railroad bridge
Bomber SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31468; "Miss Behavin" 80th Bomb Sqdn., 509th (H) Bombardment Grp., 15th AF
Formation position: Low Sqdn.
Pilot: 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway (Mission #16) Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Matt West (Mission #16) Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Ben Morrison (Mission: #16) Navigator: 2nd Lt. Evan Jones (Mission #16) Engineer: TSgt. Michael Godinez (Mission #16) Radio Operator: SSgt. Andy Mize (Mission #15) Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt. Craig Wiseman (Mission #16) Port Waist Gunner: Sgt. Jake Thompson (Mission #6) Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt. Tom Latimer (Mission #8) Tail Gunner: Sgt. Robert Dyer (Mission #15)
Bomb Run: On/Off target: On target – 60%
Bomber Damage Sustained: multiple superficial hits (Peckham points = 22)
Crew Casualties Sustained: None
Enemy Aircraft Claims: none
I briefed the crew, indicating we are not expecting any resistance except after the target area. I also let them know there would be no escort for this trip so we still needed to be alert. I also let them know to expect heavy flak in the target area. Several additional flak vests were loaded into the ship.
We took off and formed up with the rest of the 80th as the Low Squadron for this mission.
Per the briefing, there was no enemy resistance all the way into the target until we were in the flak zone. We took a couple of flak hits but no real damage. Engine #3 took some flak, shuddered for a second, then continued to run as normal.
Our Bombardier, 2nd Lt. Morrison, was on the intercom indicating the target was pretty obscured. Just as he said it, and we saw the middle group ahead of us begin to release, he said there was a break in the clouds and he had a clear view of the bridge with just enough time to line up and drop. He believes the bomb load was very much on target! We will see what assessment says, but if Lt. Morrison says they are there, I am inclined to believe him.
No flak on the way out, and after we were about 150 nautical miles out over the Adriatic, we saw some enemy fighters but nothing near us. The remainder of the mission was quiet until we landed.
I asked our crew chief to take an extra look at #3 just to be safe.
I have 2 crew members I will put in for their 3rd Air Medal for 15 missions.
Respectfully submitted: 1st Lt. T. Hathaway, commanding SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31468 80th Bomb Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group H, 15th AAF
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Keltos
Multiple Squadrons
Posts: 587
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Post by Keltos on Nov 12, 2024 1:29:21 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: 22 May 1944 Mission Number: 34 Mission of this bomber: 7 Formation: Middle Position: Tail End Charlie Target: Latisana, Italy Target Type: Railroad Bridge Bomb Run: On Target - 40% Lady Luck Smile #: 0;CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Mark Adkins | 7 | n/a | n/a | AM | RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt. Roy Edwards
| 7 | n/a | n/a | AM | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Roman "Blimpy" Dirigo
| 17 | 0 | .33 | AM | RTD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Michael "Mickey" Delaney | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Daniel Yelton | 7 | 0 | 2 | AM | RTD | 0 | Radio Op. | T/Sgt Jerry Castillo | 7 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | S/Sgt Steve McGowan
| 7 | 0 | 0 | AM | RTD | 0 | Port WG | Sgt Paul Morgan
| 7 | 0 | .5 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Jessie Henson
| 7 | 0 | 1.5 | AM
| RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Norman Fisher
| 7 | 0 | 1.5 | AM
| RTD | 0 |
Crew Chief: s/Sgt Jasper Styers (Average Joe) - 7 missions;
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-210 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims:--Damage: --Peckham Points: 0pts - overnight routine maintenance Casualties:--Awards:--Promotions:-- AAR (flown with TFT) Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly in a sunny spring day. Zone 2-6 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 7 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): The GAF did not seem to be interested in our ship, no enemy fighters pointed their bows at us. The Flak although it was very heavy did not cause us any damage. This allowed us to prepare for the bomb drop in total calm and accuracy and to place a good shot despite the small size of the target. In the egress the Flak fell silent after the bombing and no enemy A/C came to disturb us. Zone 6-2 Inbound: Nothing to report Giulia Airbase: Rain and wind welcomed us above the base, but we managed to land 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: 587
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Post by Keltos on Nov 12, 2024 2:35:52 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: 22 May 1944 Mission Number: 34 Mission of this bomber: 3 Formation: High Position: Middle Target: Latisana, Italy Target Type: Railroad Bridge Bomb Run: Off target - 6% CREWPosition | Rank - Name | Missions | Mission Kills | Total Kills | Awards | Status | Stress Point | Pilot | 1st Lt. Robert Mattson | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| RTD | 0 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Donald Peck | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt. Richard Veil
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Navigator | 2nd Lt. Craig Cox | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Joe McBride | 3 | .5 | 1 |
| RTD | 0 | Nose Gunner | Sgt Derrick Coon | 3 | .5 | 1 |
| RTD | 0 | Ball Gunner | Sgt William Krick
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD
| 0 | Port WG/Radio Op. | Sgt Brian Hines
| 3 | 0 | 1 |
| RTD | 0 | Starboard WG | Sgt Nelson Barajas
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| RTD | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Michael Mosley
| 3 | 0 | 1 |
| RTD
| 0 |
Crew Chief: T/Sgt Jeffrey Hamilton (The Dedicated) - 4 missions
E/A Encountered
Type | No. | Intercepted | Destroyed | Damaged | Fw-190 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Me-109 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Claims:
- T/Sgt Joe McBride: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded - Sgt Derrick Coon: 1 Fw-190 claimed - half credit awarded Damage:- Left wing superficial n/e: 10 - Right wing superficial n/e: 10 - Bomb bay n/e: 10 - Superficial x3: 6 Peckham Points: 36pts - overnight repairing and ordinary maintenance Casualties:--Awards:-- Promotions:--AAR (flown with TFT)Giulia Airbase: Routine take off and assembly. Zone 2-6 Outbound: Nothing to report. Zone 7 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No GAF attack during IP approach. Heavy Flak caused some superficial and structural damage with no effects.. Given the small size of the target and the partial cloud cover, the launch was difficult and ended up off target. No flak nor GAF after bombing. Zone 6 Inbound: We were attacked by 4 Fw-190s in two waves: we managed to shoot down 2 and damage 2 more. We suffered some superficial and structural damage that fortunately did not compromise the ship. Zone 5-2 Inbound: Nothing to report. Giulia Airbase: Landed safely despite rain and mud. It was my baptism of fire after suffering an illness due to anoxia in the first mission. Robert Mattson, 1st Lt, USAAF, Commanding B-24J: Hot Potato B-24J-1-CF-42-99873 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
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tomt1999
80 Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 211
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Post by tomt1999 on Nov 12, 2024 9:42:50 GMT -8
B-17G-20BO-42-31571 "Big Operator"79th Squadron MISSION DATE: 22 May 44 MISSION # 34TARGET: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge CREW Pilot 1LT Perry "Chill" Williams (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: CoPilot 2LT Edwin Clark (5) ; Awards: PH AM ; Claims: ; Stress: Navigator 2LT Benjamin Collier (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: Bombardier 2LT James Lucas (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: Engineer T/SGT Ira Carroll (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 2 Ball Turret SGT Stanley Frey (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1 Waist Gunner SGT Alberto Navarro (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: Waist Gunner SGT Leon Goldstein (5) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1 Radio Op SGT Johnny Purdue (1) ; Awards: ; Claims: ; Stress: Tail Gunner SGT Eugene Pearson (5) ; Awards: PH AM ; Claims: ; Stress: BOMB RUN ON 40%CASUALTIES none DAMAGE 2x superficials PECKHAM POINTS: 4 CLAIMS none ENEMY A/C 2x Fw190, ineffective AWARDS Air Medal: Pilot Perry "Chill" Williams (5) CoPilot Edwin Clark (5) Navigator Benjamin Collier (5) Bombardier James Lucas (5) Engineer Ira Carroll (5) Ball Turret Stanley Frey (5) Waist Gunner Alberto Navarro (5) Waist Gunner Leon Goldstein (5) Tail Gunner Eugene Pearson (5) LANDING SafeAAROur fifth mission went smoothly. First mission for the new radio op, Johnny Purdue, of Baton Rouge, La. He did well. We were bracketed with flak in the target one, but received only superficial damage.
Dropped on the bridge through a hole in clouds. Ball gunner Stan Frey watched them all the way down. Hit the center and eastern spans but did not appear to destroy either one completely.
Two 190s attacked just after we turned for home. We damaged the nose of one. Neither had effective gunfire. Landed safely. 1LT Perry Williams Big Operator
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ChefEd
78th Bomber Squadron
Posts: 647
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Post by ChefEd on Nov 12, 2024 10:46:46 GMT -8
B-17G Barbara Jean B-17G-20BO-42-31496 Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group Squadron Position: Low Aircraft Position: Middle Mission Date: 22 MAY 1944 Mission Number: 34 This Aircraft: 7 Target: Latisana, Italy, Railway Bridge CrewPosition | Rank / Name | Mission | Kills | Awards | Status | Stress | Pilot | 1st Lt Christopher Sweeney | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 2 | Co-Pilot | 2nd Lt Levi Paris | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Navigator / NT | 2nd Lt Willis Salazar | 7 | 1.75 | AM | RTD | 0 | Bombardier | 2nd Lt Kash Rangel | 7 | 0.25 | AM | RTD | 0 | Engineer | T/Sgt Rowan Petersen | 7 | 1.5 | AM | RTD | 0 | Radio Op | T/3rd Ulises Cardenas | 7 | 0 | AM | RTD | 1 | Right Waist | T/3rd Flynn Pryor | 7 | 1.25 | AM | RTD | 0 | Ball Turret | T/3rd Omar Mace | 7 | 1.25 | AM | RTD | 1 | Left Waist | Sgt Sidney "Sid" Beck | 18 | 0.5 | AM++ | 0 | 0 | Tail Gunner | Sgt Albert "Tiny" Plimson | 10 | 2 | AM++ | 0 | 1 | | | | | | | | Crew Chief | S/Sgt Josia Stanton | 28 | | | Skill +0 | |
Bomb Run: On Target, 95 % Casualties: None Peckham Points: 0 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day(s) to Repair and refit Damage: None Landing: Safe Enemy Aircraft: Type | Encountered | Driven Off | Damaged | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Me-109 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Re.2005 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Claims: Position | Claimed | Awarded | Probable | Ball | 1 | 1 | 0 | Left Waist | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Awards: Air MedalSgt Albert Plimson, 2nd Award Purple HeartNone Promotions: None AFTER ACTION REPORT2Lt Rangel won’t be buying his own drinks, for a while. Intelligence says he put about 95% on target today. Talk about pickle barrels. We flew a charmed mission, today. Rain, or no rain, it couldn’t have been much better. The flight up the Adriatic would have been boring, if it weren’t for the fact we were flying into harm’s way. Nothing but clouds and rain around us. The flak was indeed heavy at the target, but well below us in the high box. A combination of luck and skill allowed Lt Rangel to put 95% in the box. He bracketed the bridge good. Pulling off of the target we were met by a pair of Messerschmitt 109s and an Italian Re.2005 Sagittario. We missed the 109 at 12 high, but he missed us as well. The 109 at 9 o’clock was shot down by Sgt Beck and T/3 Mace. Only Mace was given credit, much to Beck’s dismay. T/Sgt Peterson and T/3 Pryor riddled the Sagittario but good, putting the Italian pilot off of his game, and missing us. The rest of the flight was as quiet as the first part. Landing at Giulia was tricky, but we landed safely, with no trouble. Submitted by, 1Lt Christopher Sweeney, Pilot B-17G Barbara Jean 80th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF
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rhreiss
79th Bomber Squadron XO
Posts: 284
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Post by rhreiss on Nov 12, 2024 14:41:44 GMT -8
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Post by wolverinetoddy on Nov 12, 2024 17:07:09 GMT -8
B-17 Name: Big Red Machine (6) Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Bench Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group Formation: Middle Position: Middle
Mission Date: 22 May 44 Mission #: 34 Target: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge
Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status Pilot: 1st Lt. J Bench (6) {0} AM Co-Pilot: Maj. WW Robinson (20) {0} SS, AM: 4, PH: 2 Bombardier 2nd Lt. J Morgan (6) {1} AM Navigator: 2nd Lt. D Daniels (13) {1.33} AM: 2 Engineer: MSgt. K Griffy (6) {4} AM, PH Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Geronimo (6) {3} AM, PH Radio Oper.: Sgt. G Foster (6) {1} AM, DFC Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Borbon (6) {0} AM, PH Stbd Waist G: Sgt. D Gullett (6) {0} AM, PH: 3 Tail Gunner: Sgt. P Rose (6) {2} AM, PH
Bomb Percentage: 0%
Bomber Disposition: Starboard Wing Root, Autopilot Superficial Damage (38 Peckham Points)
Casualties: n/a
Claims (BY TYPE): Attacked: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Damaged: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110) Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Special Note: Maj. WW Robinson: AM
Mission Description: Filed by 1st Lt. J Bench, pilot commanding
A couple of new faces in the Big Red Machine today. Lt. Daniels joins us from the spare crew while Perez enjoys the attention of the nurses in the hospital. Also, Major Robinson will be commanding the squadron today from our cockpit.
We took off without incident and settled into the Major’s favorite position, behind and to the right of the lead plane. It was quiet all the way to the target.
As we approached the target we were pummeled with flax. Most of the hits were superficial, but one blew a hole in the starboard wing and the other knocked out the autopilot.
Between the busted autopilot, the flak, and that skinny little bridge, Lt. Morgan was a little more than a just a little outside.
We turned for home and didn’t see any fighters all the way home.
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Post by medic1 on Nov 12, 2024 21:11:40 GMT -8
B-17G MEAN WIDDLE KID 5-BO-43-37987 Pilot: 1st Lt James Morrell Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H) 15th Air Force Middle Squadron: Middle Mission Date: 22 May 44 Mission Number: 034 Missions This Bomber: 2 Target: Latisano, Italy - Railroad Bridge
Crew/Position/Rank | Current Mission | Previous Claims | This Mission | Stress Points | Status | Pilot 1st Lt James Morrell | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | LW | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Bill Clayton | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Dave Gardiner | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky | 9 | 1 | 2 | 1 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey | 9 | 5 | 3 | 2 | RTD | PWG S/Sgt Noreno Costa | 22 | 1 | 0 | 1 | RTD | SWG Sgt Tim Walton | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | TG S/Sgt Mark Riley | 22 | 6 | 2 | 2 | RTD |
Bomb Run: On On Target: 30% B-17 Damage: 3 Hits Cockpit x 01 -Pilot LW (2) Tail x 2 -superficial x 2 (2) Peckham Points: 4 Repair Time: Overnight Crew Chief: S/Sgt Steve Yates, (+2 modifier) Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A Type | Encountered | Destroyed | Probable | Damaged | Intercepted | Bf-109 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Bf-110 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fw-190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | He-112 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ju-88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Me-410 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | C-202 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Confirmed Claims:1 Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-110 Casualties: 1 1st Lt James Morrell LW. Torn trapezius 28 May 44 Stress Points after mission: 1 Award/ Promotions Requests: PH 1st Lt James Morrell AM (1st Awarded) Sgt Tim Walton Mission Notes:
After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules) Zone 1: We took off and formed up without any complications. Zone 2-6: Nothing to report. Zone 7: The flak was extremely heavy, but we were fortunate as it all burst away from us. Despite the poor weather, Nazzaro spotted the rail bridge through a break in the clouds and somehow hit the postage stamp sized target for 30%.
INBOUND
Zone 6: Two 109 and a 110, both flown by obviously green pilots. Caffrey’s rounds punched through the 110’s fuselage, sending fragments flying. The fighter staggered in midair, its right engine failing, and banked sharply before flipping onto its back, plummeting out of control. One chute was seen
A 109 at 6 low hit us twice and blew off our right tailplane elevator. Riley’s fire hammered him hard and although the fighter appeared in serious trouble he disappeared into the clouds. It’s doubtful he survived, but without confirmation it’s a probable.
The other 109 hit the cockpit and I felt a sharp, deep punch to my shoulder, right below the neck, like someone had just driven a hot poker clean through me. Breathing became a chore and with each inhale I could feel the pull and spasm in the muscle every time I moved. With every small movement sending a stabbing pain radiating from my shoulder blade down to the middle of my back, I knew that I couldn’t continue to fly and had Lansky drop from his turret and help me to the radio room then return to help Clayburn fly the plane. Zone 5-2: Nothing to report. Zone 1: Firing off a red flare and given their landing priority, Clayborn and Lansky landed smoothly.
I was whisked off to the hospital and I’m told that I’ll be resting for a week to heal a very painful pulled muscle.
1st Lt James Morrell, Pilot Commanding, 79th BS, 509th BG (Heavy), 15th AF
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Post by medic1 on Nov 12, 2024 21:21:40 GMT -8
B-24J STRICTLY BUSINESS (B24J-CF-44-422227)Pilot: 1st Lt Jimmy Langton Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron High Squadron: Tail Mission Date: 22 May 1944 Mission Number: 034 Mission This Bomber: 05 Mission Target: Latisano, Italy - Railroad Bridge
CREW/POSITION/RANK | CURRENT MISSION | PREVIOUS CLAIMS | THIS MISSION | STRESS POINTS | STATUS | Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Weldon | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger | 5 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | RTD | R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD | PWG Sgt James Gibson | 5 | .5 | 0 | 1 | RTD | SWG Sgt Ray Markovski | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | RTD | Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | RTD |
Bomb Run: Off On Target: 0% B-24 Damage: 5 Hits Starboard Wing x 2 - superficial x 2 (4) Port Wing x 1 -wing root (25) Bomb Bay x 1 -superficial (2) Waist x 1 -superficial (2) Peckham Points: 33 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 | 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Re-2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | TOTALS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Confirmed Claims: 0 Casualties: 0 Award/ Promotions Requests: AM (1st Awarded): 1st Lt Jimmy Langton, 2nd Lt Zack Hammond, 2nd Lt Max Telford, S/Sgt Al Levenberger, S/Sgt Vic Boyko, Sgt Frank Perez, Sgt James Gibson, Sgt Ray Markovsky, Sgt Barney Berlanti Promotion Reviews: 0 Stress Points this Mission: 0
After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules): Zone 1: Great weather for takeoff. As it turned out, it was about the only thing that went right for us today. Zone 2-6: Nothing to report. Zone 7: The sky was a dark mess of clouds and thick with flak bursts. Hits followed, one after the other and we could feel the shuddering of our bomber as a wing root took a hit. Through the chaos, Weldon couldn’t get a clear sight line—there was just too much cloud cover and too many bursts of flak obscuring his view. Add the small size of the target and it all added up to the result of a big fat zero on target.
INBOUND Zone 6: A 109 dove on us, but the exchange of fire yielded nothing for either side. Zone 5-2: Nothing to report. Zone 1: The weather was just as bad over Giulia as it had been at the target. We landed without incident and taxied to our hardstand.
The dark skies matched our dark mood of a less than satisfactory mission result. The ground crew is hard at work repairing the flak damage and Strictly Business will be ready to fly by tomorrow morning.
1st Lt Jimmy Langton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF
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