Mission 34: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge

[limburger59]

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 # 34
TARGET: 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

[tomt1999]

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

[ChefEd]

78th BS: Mission 34
High Squadron

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

Lead: Classy Chassy ( ChefEd )
Tail (TEC): Alley Oop, replacing Barney’s Barn ( 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.)

[crushedhat]

“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.”

[ChefEd]

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

Crew

Position	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 Medal
S/Sgt Kai Vader
Sgt Ismael Deadmon

Purple Heart
None

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

[mpgutis]

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

[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 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

[wolverinetoddy]

For the 79th Squadron:

Lead: Damned Yankees
Tail: Lady Liza

Keep the formation tight, watch out for fighters, and hit the target!

[limburger59]

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

    Low Sqdn - TAIL
MISSION DATE: 22 MAY 44 
MISSION # 34 (4th this bomber)
TARGET: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge

Bomb Run: Off Target - 8%

CREW

Position	Rank	Name	Current Mission	Previous Kills	Claims Today	Confirmed Today	Status	Stress	Notes
Pilot	1 LT	Les Brown	4				RTD
Copilot	2 LT	Benny Goodman	4				RTD
Bombardier	2 LT	Tommy Dorsey	4				RTD
Navigator	2 LT	Gene Krupa	4				RTD
Engineer	T/SGT	Gerry Mulligan	4				RTD
Radioman	S/SGT	Ed Palermo	4				RTD
Ball Gunner	S/SGT	Joe Loos	4				RTD
PWG	SGT	Chick Webb	4				RTD
SWG	SGT	Benny Carter	4				RTD
Tail Gunner	SGT	Ray Anthony	4	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: 3	#	Claimed Destroyed	Confirmed Destroyed	Probable	Damaged	Run Off
Bf-109	1	1	0
Bf-110	0
FW-190	0
ME-210	2
C205	0
Re2005	0
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.

 

[ninthaquila]

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 FBOAs


Bomb 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 MAY

Landing: 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 Report

OOC: 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

[tomt1999]

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

MISSION DATE: 22 May 44
MISSION # 34
TARGET: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge

CREW
Pilot 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 REPORT

A 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

[rhreiss]

[wolverinetoddy]

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.

[caodwolf]

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....    

Crew Manifest

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

 

HOSPITAL

2Lt J Pate                RTD:  1-June

2Lt.  A Tharpe         RTD:  12-June



KIA

None


WIA

None

Medals / Promotions

Purple Heart

None


Air Medal

None

Fighters Encountered

 

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

[limburger59]

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)                   LW
Left Waist: SGT Varney “Tater” Coultrain                    (4).                  SW-IH
Tail 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.

[kageyone]

[kozzackkelt]

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

[rhreiss]

[eddie]

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

[Keltos]

After-Action Report

B-17G-20BO-42-31444 – “Lady Liza”
79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force

Commander: 1st Lt. M. Adkins

Mission Date: 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;

CREW

Position	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

[Keltos]

After-Action Report 

B-24J-1-CF-42-99873 – “Hot Potato”
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force

Commander: 2nd Lt. D. Peck

Mission Date: 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%

CREW

Position	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

[tomt1999]

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

MISSION DATE: 22 May 44
MISSION # 34
TARGET: 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 Safe

AAR

Our 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

[ChefEd]

B-17G Barbara Jean
B-17G-20BO-42-31496
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Low
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 22 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 34
This Aircraft: 7
Target: Latisana, Italy, Railway Bridge

Crew

Position	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 Medal
Sgt Albert Plimson, 2nd Award

Purple Heart
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
2Lt 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

[rhreiss]

[wolverinetoddy]

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.

[medic1]

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

[medic1]

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

[longbearder]

B-17G Red Star

79th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force
Middle Squadron - Middle
Mission date: 22 May 44
Mission NBR: 34
Bomber Mission NBR: 2
Target: Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge

Crew
Position - Rank (Current Mission) [Previous Kills] - Awards
Pilot - 1LT Herman Gray (2) [-] - None
Co-Pilot: 2nd LT Theodore Smith (2) [-] None
Bombadier: 2nd LT Alin Collins (2) [0] None
Navigator: 2nd LT Leon Campbell (2) [0] None
Engineer: T/SGT Chester Gray (2) [1.5] None
Radio Operator: T/SGT Donald Adams (2) [0] None
Ball Gunner: SGT Stanley Ramirez (2) [1] None
Port Waist Gun: SGT Louis Davis (2) [1] None
Starboard Waist Gun: S/SGT Anthony Powell (2) [0] None
Tail Gunner: SGT Donald "Donnie" Adkins (6) [0] AM

Bomb Run: Off Target 0%

Casualties: None

Damage: 10 Peckham Points
Superficial (x5): 2

Repair overnight (one day)

Landing: Safe

Claims:
Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Destroyed / Damaged
None

Award/Promotion Requests: None

In Hospital: None

AAR: It was almost "Milky Way" trip in the mist.
No interceptors appeared. Just 2 hits from the FLAK but our Lady of the Lake kept us safe.
SFD + SFD of radio room.

Herman Gray 1LT
Aircraft Commander, Red Star
79th Bombardment Squadron

[Keltos]

After-Action Report

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

Commander: 1st Lt. Nicholas "Nicky" Lambert

Mission Date: 22 May 1944

Mission Number: 34

Mission of this bomber: 2

Formation: Low
Position: Middle

Target: Latisana, Italy
Target Type:  Railroad Bridge

Bomb Run: Off Target - 0%


CREW

Position	Rank - Name	Missions	Mission Kills	Total Kills	Awards	Status
Pilot	1st Lt. Nicholas "Nicky" Lambert	6	n/a	n/a		RTD
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt. Guy "Tippy" Tipton	10	n/a	n/a	AM(2)	RTD
Bombardier	2nd Lt. Matthew "Matty" Barrett	2	.5	.5		RTD
Navigator	2nd Lt. Rudolph "Rudy" Livingston	3	0	0		RTD
Engineer	S/Sgt Johnny "Boy" Hilton	5	.5	2.5	AM	RTD
Radio Op.	S/Sgt Xavier "Zavey" Williams	9	0	0	AM	RTD
Ball Gunner	Sgt Jim "Jimmy" Schwartz	11	.5	1.5	AM(2)	RTD
Port WG	Sgt Ernesto "Cuba" Alvarez	3	0	.33		RTD
Starboard WG	Sgt Herbert "Bronx" Boyd	3	0	.5	PH	RTD
Tail Gunner	Sgt Harold "Mouse" Durham	1	0	0		RTD

E/A Encountered

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

Claims:
- 2nd Lt. Matthew "Matty" Barrett: 1 Me-110 claimed - half credit awarded
- S/Sgt Johnny "Boy" Hilton: 1 Me-110 claimed - half credit awarded
- Sgt Harold "Mouse" Durham: 1 Me-110 claimed - no credit awarded
- Sgt Jim "Jimmy" Schwartz: 1 Me-110 claimed - half credit awarded


Damage:--

Peckham Points: 0pts - overnight maintenance

Casualties:--

Awards:
- AM OLC: 2nd Lt. Guy "Tippy" Tipton
- AM: S/Sgt Johnny "Boy" Hilton


AAR (flown with TFT)

Giulia Airbase: Take off and assembly went ok. 

Zone 2-6 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 7 Outbound/Inbound (Target Zone): No GAF approached us near target. The Flak was heavy but not so accurated: no damage reported. Due to flak smoke, clouds and small target size our bombs drop was off target. No Flak nor GAF after bombing.

Zone 6 Inbound: We were attacked by 3 Me-110s which, however, did not have their lucky day as they were all shot down by the precise shots of our gunners.

Zone 5-2 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Giulia Airbase: Landed Safely. 

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

1st Lt. Nicholas "Nicky" Lambert

[jeffreymgeorge]

Mission 34 AAR
Mission Date: 17 May, 1944

Target: Latisana, Italy – Railroad Bridge

Bomber SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31438; "The Iron Maiden (4th mission)"
80th Bomb Sqdn., 509th (H) Bombardment Grp., 15th AF

Formation position: Low Sqdn., Middle

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

Bomb Run: on target; 30% accuracy

Bomber Damage Sustained: 1 superficial hit; no other damage(Peckham points = 1)

Crew Casualties Sustained: – none

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded
Me-109	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	0	0	0	0	0
Me-110	0	0	0	0	0

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded
All Crew	0	0

Take-off was incident-free, and the Maiden joined up with the formation for the journey to the target. Target zone was reached without incident.

Heavy flak over target. A few fragments hit the nose of the aircraft, but no serious damage was incurred. Even with the small target bridge mostly obscured, Lt. Dickinson was able to drop the bombs on target, estimating that 30% of the payload hit the target. There was no additional anti-air interference after the bomb run.

As the formation left the coast of Italy there were attempted interceptions by the enemy over the Adriatic, but our crew did not encounter any enemy aircraft. We returned to base and landed safely.

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