Mission 35: Ebreichsdorf, Austria

[limburger59]

Yto post 22 Nov 24
To unlock 24 Nov 24
Turn in AAR's no later than 7 Dec 24
Next mission to post 6 Dec 24

MISSION DATE: 23 May 44   
MISSION # 35
TARGET: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory
Bombing Altitude: 22,500 feet

Map: 

FORMATION:

HIGH	79th SQDN		MID	80th SQDN		LOW	78th SQDN
LEAD:	The Filthy Hag		LEAD:	Duck Soup		LEAD:	Dump Truck
TAIL:	Red Star		TAIL:	The Iron Maiden		TAIL:	Hot Potato

WEATHER:
Takeoff: Good  
Target:  Good
Landing: Good

GAZETTEER
In Zones 8 through 11 outbound Hungarian fighters may be encountered. 
Both TFT and QOTS players may use  - Table 5-3SB - found on Steve Dixon's website, to possibly run into them.

Zone	Modifier (QotS)	Weather/Resistance (TfT)	Fighter Cover
2  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
3  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
4  Adriatic Sea / Yugoslavia	X	100% Clouds / None	Good
5  Yugoslavia	X	100% Clouds / None	Good
6  Yugoslavia	X	100% Clouds / None	Good
7  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
8  Yugoslavia / Hungary	-2	50% Clouds / Light	Good
9  Hungary	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
10  Hungary	-1	50% Clouds / Moderate	Good
TARGET ZONE 11 Hungary / Austria FLAK: Outbound: Heavy x3 Inbound: None	0	50% Clouds / Heavy Target: Mostly Obscured TFT: Bombing Manually	Good
10  Austria	-2	50% Clouds / Light	Good
9  Austria / Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Fair
8  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Fair
7  Yugoslavia	-1	50% Clouds / Moderate	Poor
6  Yugoslavia	X	50% Clouds / None	Poor
5  Yugoslavia / Adriatic Sea	-2	50% Clouds / Light	Poor
4  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Poor
3  Adriatic Sea (Vis)	X	50% Clouds / None	Good
2  Adriatic Sea	X	50% Clouds / None	Good

Emergency Airfield: The Island of Vis, in the Adriatic Sea (Zone 3). (-2 landing modifier).
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):
        Zones 2 to 3: you are rescued by the Royal Navy

Over Land:
Over Hungary or Austria = POW
If you have to bailout over Yugoslavia roll 1d6 for each surviving Crew member.
        1 Missing in Action (MIA) in the rugged mountains and never heard from again.
        2-3 Captured by a German Patrol = POW.
        4-6 Escaped aided by Partisans.

Escaped aided by Partisans: Two options:
1) Historical Option: When you return to Italy, your wounds will be treated, you will be debriefed and you will be sent back to the US. You know too much about the partisan locations, resources and operations.
2) Game Option: If you are really attached to a crewman, roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to the 509th.

     

Calendar since last Mission:
22-May-44   34 Latisana, Italy - Railroad Bridge
23-May-44   35 Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

[tomt1999]

For the 80th Squadron, Mission 35:

LEAD Duck Soup
TAIL The Iron Maiden

[crushedhat]

Maj Harlan Beech, 509th S2 takes the podium and begins his briefing. “You’re going in deep. But, no resistance is expected until well along the route, near the Yugoslavian/Hungarian border.” SSgt Dewbury uses his pointer to indicate the location on the map hanging behind Maj Beech. “Initial encounters with the Luftwaffe should be of limited numbers of aircraft as they won’t yet know where you’re headed. That will change as you draw nearer the target. There may well be some EA with Hungarian markings on them as well. Expect more intense opposition near Kapuvar, with some of the heaviest you’ve yet encountered at the target itself.” The news brings the expected groans and grumbling, It doesn’t abate as the S2 adds, “Flak on target ingress will also be some of the heaviest you’ve experienced in a long time. We don’t anticipate Jerry expending much ammunition once you’ve hit the target, so Target egress should be flak free.”

“That being said, your route home takes you over Austria, which is better protected than Hungary. You’ll continue to be harassed until you’ve passed beyond Graz. After that, things should quiet down until you approach the Yugoslavian coast when you’ll be engaged by fighters out of Gracac and Sibenik. Given the Nazis’ growing fuel problems, we don’t expect the will pursue out over the Adriatic.”

“While Metro is forecasting generally good weather for the day, there way be a patch of clouds over the target upon our arrival.”

“Your escort will be P-38s of the 14th FG on the way in. The Lightnings will stay with you through the bomb run, turning you over to the 52nd FG and their P-51s near the Austrian/Yugoslavian border.” There is some grumbling about the switch up in fighter cover.

“Should you run into trouble, there is the fighter base on Vis,” SSgt Dewbury taps the island. The RN will be on lifeguard duty, though they are staying clear of the guns in Sibenik and Zodar. If you don’t think you can make Vis, try to at least make it to Yugoslavia where there’s a chance you may fall into Partisan hands. As always when dealing with our Partisan Allies, give them your cooperation and precious little else.”

The S2 is replaced by the S3, Maj William Stockwell.

“As Maj Beech said, the target will be well defended. That should tell you how important it is to the Nazis. And, how important it is that we destroy it.”

“The formation will be lead by the 80th, with the 79th in the High position and the 78th down low. After forming up, you’ll proceed on a heading of two-two degrees until you rah Lake Balaton in Hungary.” SSgt Dewbury taps the lake on the big wall map. “The intent is make Jerry think you’re heading for Budapest. At Lake Balaton, you’ll come to three-two-Zero degrees and proceed to the target.”

“The IP is this road junction outside town.” As Maj Stockwell speaks, SSgt Dewbury puts up an aerial photo of the IP. “You’ll be bombing from two-two-five-hundred feet. After that, it’s turn to one-eight-five degrees and make a beeline for home.”

“Regarding the escort hand-off, I don’t like it nay more than you. Another chance for things to go wrong. That’s why you’ve got to rely on yourselves, and each other. A tight formation and remembering your training is your best defense…and your best prospect o getting me to buy you drink afterward.”

“Just remember…”

“GIVE ‘EM Hell!”

[ChefEd]

78th BS: Mission 35

High Squadron

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

Lead: Dump Truck ( rhreiss )
Tail (TEC): Hot Potato ( Keltos )

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.)

[wolverinetoddy]

For the 79th Squadron:

Lead: The Filthy Hag
Tail: Red Star

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


And for all you Americans out there, Happy Thanksgiving!

[mpgutis]

Mission date: 23 May 44
Target: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory
Mission/Bomber: 35/21
B-17G The A Train
80th Bombardment Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group (H), 15th Air Force
Formation: Middle Squadron
Position: Middle

Position: Name (Mission) (Kills) Awards
Pilot: CPT Dirk Ellington (21) (-) PH, AM x4
Copilot: 1LT Edward Reese (21) (-) AM x4
Bombardier: 1LT Reed Williams (21) (5.5) DFCx2, AM x4
Navigator: 1LT Mark Ventura (21) (2.83) PH x2, AM x4
Engineer: TSG Stanley Ruzinski (21) (8.5) DFC, PH, AM x4
Radio Operator: SSG Fred Conway (21) (0.5) AM x4
Ball Gunner: SSG Malcolm Kovacs (21) (4.91) PH, AM x4
Port Waist Gun: SSG Randy Peterman (21) (2.25) PH x3, AM x4
Starboard Waist Gun: SSG Vincent Meoli (21) (3.25) PHx4, AM x4
Tail Gun: SSG Sheldon Thomas (21) (5.74) DFC, PHx2, AM x4

Bombing: On target, 30%

Damage: 32 PP
Superficial (x5): Waist (x1), Port Wind (x1), Fuselage (x3)
#1 Engine supercharger
LW (x1)
Repair overnight

Casualties:
SSG Malcolm Kovacs, Graze, thigh cut, treated and released

Awards:
SSG Malcolm Kovacs - PH

Enemy Aircraft: Encountered / Destroyed / Credited
Me-109: 10 / 2 / 0.83
FW-190: 3 / 0 / 0

Flown with TFT

We arrived at the aircraft in bright spring sunshine and the forecast was good for over the target and for our return. Takeoff went without incident and assembly went smoothly, aided by the absence of clouds cover.

Zones 2 - 9:

Zone 10: The formation tightened up and looked good.

Zone 11 (Target): After the IP, the close formation almost resulted in a collision but no harm. We were attacked by four Me-109s at 12:00 High, 3:00 High, 9:00 High, and 9:00 Level. The first three were intercepted by the escorts and the last was claimed by the Ball Turret and Port Waist.
     Flak was heavy in the target area and we took three superficial hits to the fuselage, one to the port wing, and the Ball Turret took a light wound. The drop was on target with 40% falling inside the box.

Zone 11 (Inbound): An Me-109 at 6:00 Low was seen off by the escorts and an FW-190 diving on us got a superficial hit on the waist before diving away.

Zone 10: A pair of Me-109s at 12:00 High and Level were intercepted by the escorts.

Zones 9 - 8: Nothing to report.

Zone 7: Two waves of enemy aircraft attacked. The first was three Me-109s at 9:00 Level, 12:00 High, and 3:00 High. The first one was damaged, missed, and broke off. The second fell to the escorts. The third was claimed by the starboard waist.
     The second wave was a pair of FW-190s at 10:30 High and in a vertical dive. The escorts got the first and the one diving on us missed and disappeared below.

Zone 6 - 3: Nothing to report.

Zone 2: The supercharger on the number 1 engine failed and I shut it down.

The landing was slightly challenging with the uneven thrust but went well. Four to go. 

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

[medic1]

B-17G MEAN WIDDLE KID 5-BO-43-37987
Pilot: 1st Lt Steven “Stevie” Kearney
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: Nice, France - Marshalling Yard

Crew/Position/Rank	Current Mission	Previous Claims	This Mission	Stress Points	Status
Pilot 1st Lt Steven Kearney	13	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Bill Clayton	3	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro	3	3	1	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Dave Gardiner	3	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Dan Lansky	10	4.5	1	1	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Will Dixon	10	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Ted Caffrey	10	9	1	1	RTD
PWG S/Sgt Noreno Costa	23	1	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Tim Walton	6	0	0	0	RTD
TG S/Sgt Mark Riley	23	8	1	2	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 96%
B-17 Damage: 6 Hits
Superficial x 2 (2)
Starboard Wing x 3
-superficial (1)
-aileron inop (10)
-flap inop (10)
Waist x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 24
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	8	2	0	0	5
Bf-110	4	0	0	0	3
Fw-190	7	2	0	0	5
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	19	4	0	0	13

Confirmed Claims: 1
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro 1 x Fw-190
T/Sgt Mark Riley 1 x Fw-190
S/Sgt Dan Lansky 1 x Bf-109
Sgt Ted Caffrey 1 x Bf-109
Casualties: 0
Stress Points after mission: 4
1st Lt Steven “Stevie” Kearney
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro
2nd Lt Dave Gardiner
Sgt Tim Walton
Award/ Promotions Requests:
DFC 2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro for outstanding bomb drop
DFC Sgt Ted Caffrey for 10 confirmed E/A destroyed
AM (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Dan Lansky
AM (2nd Awarded) S/Sgt Will Dixon
AM (2nd Awarded) Sgt Ted Caffrey
Mission Notes:
2nd Lt Tony Nazzaro drops 96% of payload on target
S/Sgt Dan Lansky achieves Ace status
Sgt Ted Caffrey achieves double Ace status

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules)
Zone 1: I was tapped to fill in for the crews wounded pilot, getting to fly my 13th mission. While some may have been apprehensive of the “unlucky 13th,” I had my family heritage and the “luck of the Irish” on my side.
Zone 2-9: Nothing to report.
Zone 10: Saw two 109 and a 110 that tried to make a menace of themselves, but our P-51s took care of them.
Zone 11: We were challenged by three waves of fighters on our way in, some Hungarian. A mixed bag of 109, 110 and 190 doing their best, but the four-leaf clover was working overtime. We lost our right wings aileron and flap, but they lost three fighters. Our escorts did a bang-up job as well, chasing off five of them.

The flak was very concentrated and we took a couple of minor hits, but our bombardier kept a cool head and nailed the target with 96% of our bombs! Despite being of Italian descent, I think he had a bit of Irish in him.
INBOUND
Two waves of fighters after we turned for home with Nazzaro adding to his stellar day, bagging a 190. His tracers sliced through the 190’s left wingtip and the plane jerked sideways as bits of metal peeled off. The fighter tried to climb, but a second burst punctured the fuel tank, igniting it and it fell trailing long orange flames.
Zone 10-6: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: A 109 and a 110 moved on us with the 109 falling to a Mustang. The 110 caused some slight damage, but that was it. He made another feeble pass and left.
Zone 4-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: Having a bit of a control issue with the right aileron and flap out, we fired off yellow flares. With reduced roll control and uneven lift requiring constant correction using the remaining control surfaces, we fought hard to counter the veering tendency on final approach and maintain a stable glide path. It was a near thing—we almost slid off the runway.

All in all, a very good outing. With the ground crew already hard at work, our bird will be ready to fly tomorrow should need be.

1st Lt Steven “Stevie” Kearney, Temporary 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
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 23 May 1944
Mission Number: 035
Mission This Bomber: 06
Mission Target: Ebreichsdort, Austria - Aircraft Factory 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Jimmy Langton	6	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Zack Hammond	6	0	0	1	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Weldon	3	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Max Telford	6	1	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Al Levenburger	6	1.5	0	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Vic Boyko	6	0	0	1	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Frank Perez	6	0	0	1	RTD
PWG Sgt James Gibson	6	.5	0	1	RTD
SWG Sgt Ray Markovski	6	1	0	0	RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Barney Berlanti	56	0	0	1	RTD

Bomb Run: DNB
On Target: N/A
B-24 Damage: Catastrophic
Peckham Points: Too Many
Repair Time: Nada
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2)
Landing: In little pieces 

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	2	0	0	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 9
1st Lt Jimmy Langton, 2nd Lt Zack Hammond, 2nd Lt Dave Weldon, S/Sgt Al Levenberger, S/Sgt Vic Boyko, Sgt Frank Perez, Sgt James Gibson, Sgt Barney Berlanti
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Posthumously 1st Lt Jimmy Langton
PH Posthumously 2nd Lt Zack Hammond
PH Posthumously 2nd Lt Max Telford
PH Posthumously S/Sgt Al Levenberger
PH Posthumously S/Sgt Vic Boyko
PH Posthumously Sgt Frank Perez
PH Posthumously Sgt James Gibson
PH Posthumously Sgt Barney Berlanti
Promotion Reviews: 0
Stress Points this Mission: 0

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):

During the bomb run, Strictly Business was seen to take several flak hits, setting a fuel tank on fire which then exploded, causing the loss of aircraft and most of her crew. Only one chute was observed.

1st Lt Tom Clayton, Pilot of Howling Banshee, 78th BS at post mission interrogation

(Many weeks later, the Red Cross announces that Sgt Ray Markovsky, former waist gunner of the Strictly Business crew, was interned in Stalag 17B, in Krems, Austria.) 

[medic1]

B-24J VALIANT LADY (B24J-CF-41-29408)

Pilot: 1st Lt Troy Walsh
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 23 May 1944
Mission Number: 035
Mission This Bomber: 06
Mission Target: Ebreichsdort, Austria - Aircraft Factory 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt troy Walsh	1	0	0	0	POW
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Paul Macari	1	0	0	0	POW
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Garrido	1	0	0	0	POW
Navigator 2nd Lt Harley Skott	1	0	0	0	POW
Engineer S/Sgt Cody Moskowitz	1	0	2	0	POW
R/O S/Sgt Ben McConnell	1	0	0	0	POW
Ball Gunner Sgt Richard Jarsky	1	0	0	0	POW
PWG Sgt Wapasha Stands Alone	1	0	0	0	POW
SWG Sgt Ed Sewell	1	0	0	0	LW/POW
Tail Gunner Sgt Jeff Larimer	1	0	0	0	POW

Bomb Run: On 
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: Catastrophic
Peckham Points: Too Many
Repair Time: Nada
Crew Chief: -
Landing: Crashed 

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	2	0	0	0	2
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	2	0	0	0	2

Confirmed Claims: 2
S/Sgt Cody Moskowitz 2 x Bf-109
Casualties: 1
Sgt Ed Sewell – torn muscle
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Ed Sewell – torn muscle
Mission Notes: Bomber lost to flak that caused a runaway engine. Crew bailed out. All POWs.

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):

During the bomb run, Valiant Lady was seen to take at least seven flak hits, one to an engine that appeared to have its prop run away. The bomber completed the bomb run and after the turn the crew bailed out, ten chutes were observed.

1st Lt Tom Clayton, Pilot of Howling Banshee, 78th BS at post mission interrogation

(Many weeks later, the Red Cross announces that all members of Valiant Lady were captured and interned in Stalag 17B, in Krems, Austria.)

[medic1]

B-24J HOWLING BANSHEE (B24J-CF-44-50702)

Pilot: 1st Lt Tom Clayton
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron
Low Squadron: Middle
Mission Date: 23 May 1944
Mission Number: 035
Mission This Bomber: 01
Mission Target: Ebreichsdort, Austria - Aircraft Factory 

CREW/POSITION/RANK	CURRENT MISSION	PREVIOUS CLAIMS	THIS MISSION	STRESS POINTS	STATUS
Pilot 1st Lt Tom Clayton	1	0	0	0	RTD
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Nate Arazello	1	0	0	0	RTD
Bombardier 2nd Lt Dave Scovill	1	0	0	0	RTD
Navigator 2nd Lt Hank Markland	1	0	0	0	RTD
Engineer S/Sgt Cory Lysiak	1	0	2	0	RTD
R/O S/Sgt Tim Fremont	1	0	0	0	RTD
Ball Gunner Sgt Rick Masaro	1	0	0	0	RTD
PWG Sgt Harry Gardner	1	0	0	0	RTD
SWG Sgt Ed Southern	1	0	0	0	LW/RTD
Tail Gunner Sgt Jeff Larrabee	1	0	0	0	RTD

Bomb Run: On
On Target: 30%
B-24 Damage: 4 Hits
Nose x 1
-bomb sight inop (10)
Port Wing x 1
-wingroot (25)
Waist x 1
- RWG LW (2)
Tail x 1
-superficial (1)
Peckham Points: 38
Repair Time: Overnight
Crew Chief: S/Sgt Jay Decker (+2)
Landing: Safe at Giulia
E/A Encountered: 

E/A TYPE	ENCOUNTERED	DESTROYED	PROBABLE	DAMAGED	INTERCEPTED
Bf-109	11	0	1	1	9
Bf-110	0	0	0	0	0
C-202	0	0	0	0	0
C-205	0	0	0	0	0
Fw-190	1	0	0	0	1
IAR-80	1	0	0	0	1
He-112	1	0	0	0	1
Ju-88	0	0	0	0	0
Me-410	1	0	0	0	1
Re-2001	0	0	0	0	0
TOTALS	15	0	1	1	13

Confirmed Claims: 0
Casualties: 1
Sgt Ed Southern – thigh cut. Treated and RTD.
Award/ Promotions Requests:
PH Sgt Ed Southern 
Mission Notes:

After Action Report (using QOTS and various optional rules):
Zone 1: The crew was excited and nervous as we took off and formed up for our mission.
Zone 2-7: Nothing to report.
Zone 8: Our first ever enemy contact turned out to be a non-event as two Hungarian fighters were knocked aside by our escorts before they could become a major threat. We continued on feeling the cold. Flying at 22,000 feet, our hands and feet suffered despite our electric gloves and socks. The thermometer on the cockpit console read - 45 degrees.
Zone 9-10: Nothing to report.
Zone 11: At the IP we met some resistance in two waves of fighters. The first had four 109 with three chased off by Mustangs. Masaro hammered a green pilot, his rounds clipping the Krauts wingtip sending fragments spiraling off into the sky. The fighter shook violently, and the pilot fell back.

The second wave had three 109, with all chased off by little friends.

We encountered flak for the first time—and once was more than enough! Many of us felt sick with helplessness as we watched Strictly Business take a direct hit to its port wing. The fuel tank erupted in a fiery explosion, and the bomber began a slow, spiraling descent toward the earth far below. Only one crew member was seen bailing out.

We took a couple of strikes, the worst hitting the port wing root. I don’t know how Scovill kept his head with all the noise and shaking we took, but when the aircraft lurched upward as several hundred pounds of bombs fell from the bomb bay, every one tracked their descent and estimated about 30% on target.
INBOUND
It appeared as if two more waves of Krauts wanted a piece of us, but one wave veered off for some reason. Another was made of stronger stuff with both regretting their choice as again, the P-51s eagerly tore into them.

We saw Valiant Lady drop out with a runaway engine. It must have become uncontrollable and we all 10 of her crew bailed out.
Zone 10-8: A 109 dove on us, but the exchange of fire yielded nothing for either side.
Zone 7: Two 109 started to a strafing run, but they aborted and were chased off by escorts.
Zone 6: Nothing to report.
Zone 5: Two 109 with us only having to take on one of them. He was pretty good as he wounded Southern in the waist section and destroyed the Norton bombsight. Returning to attack from 1:30, Markland’s rounds ripped into its wing. It lurched and banked, its damaged wing wobbling under the strain, and the fighter limped away, trailing a smoky line across the sky. It looked as if he was going to have an official claim, but some greedy Mustang rider swooped in and took the credit.
Zone 4-2: Nothing to report.
Zone 1: We landed and several of the crew exited and kissed the ground. Our first mission was over.

Southern was treated for his wound and released. Howling Banshee also didn't get too beat up and will be ready to fly tomorrow.

1st Lt Tom Clayton, Pilot Commanding, 78th BS, 509 BG, 15th AF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Naughty Nanette
B-24J-15-CF-42-64366
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Low
Aircraft Position: Middle
Mission Date: 23 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 35
This Aircraft: 1
Target: Ebreichsdorf, Germany, Aircraft Factory

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Missions	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1st Lt Thiago Maurin	4	0	0	0	1
Co-Pilot	Capt Alexis Vaillancourt	20	0	AM+++, PH+	RTD	0
Navigator	2nd Lt Solomon Villanueva	5	2.33	AM	0	0
Bombardier	2nd Lt Cayson Cain	5	0	AM	0	0
Engineer	T/Sgt Robert Bryan	4	2	0	0	0
Radio Op	Sgt Hector Rojas	5	0.5	AM	0	0
Right Waist	T/3rd Trenton Yates	4	0.5	0	0	0
Ball Turret	S/Sgt Rohan Copeland	3	1.5	0	0	0
Left Waist	T/4th Griffin Shields	4	2	0	0	1
Tail Gunner	T/4th Azrael McMillan	3	0.5	0	0	1
Co-Pilot/NT	2nd Lt Emmanuel McGowen	4	0	0	Supercargo	0
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Nigel Heuston	7			Skill +0

Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %

Casualties: None

Peckham Points: 34 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day(s) to Repair and refit

Damage:

Total	34
Superficial X7	14
Bomb Controls	10
Pilot O2	10

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Me-109	18	4	3	6	5.5	0
Fw-190	7	1	3	2	0	0
Me-110	3	1	1	1	1	0
Me-210(Hu)	2	1	0	1	0.5	0

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Top	4	1.5	0
Co-Pilot/NT	4	2	0
Tail	1	1	0
Ball	1	1	0
Right Waist	1	1	0
Left Waist	1	0.5	0

Awards:
Air Medal
Capt Alexis Vaillancourt, 4th Award
2Lt Solomon Villanueva, 1st Award
2Lt Cayson Cain, 1st Award
Sgt Hector Rojas, 1st Award

Purple Heart
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
When the 4x4 dropped me off at the pad for Naughty Nanette the crew were already assembled.. I was flying with them today because, in mid-flight, they clipped the tail of Alley Oop. This was purely an observation of the functioning of the crew. ”I hope this isn’t on my account.” Lt Maurin replied, “Yes and no, sir.” “Very well, lets get to it.” Each member of the crew went about their business doing their preflight checks. The ground crew were wrapping up their tasks, including fueling, panel checks, tire checks, and final safety check of our bomb load.

Start up , taxiing, and take off went smoothly. Lt Maurin commented that the crew chief, S/Sgt Heuston, was seen hovering over his crew like a mother hen when they were doing their last checks. “Sorry to put everyone to such bother, on my account.” “No bother, sir.” “You can call me Alex when we are flying.” “Yes, sir, … er, Alex.”

Capt Alexis Vaillancourt

---

As the squadron formed up, we took our assigned position (at Capt Vaillancourt's request) at the back of the squadron, just in front of the TEC.

The skies were clear of enemy aircraft and flak until we hit Hungary. It felt like we kicked the hornets’ nest.

We were first greeted by an FW-190 with a Hungarian ME-210. The 210 at 12 o’clock was driven off by our escorts, while the FW came diving from straight above. T/Sgt Bryan, in the top turret clipped the FW in the nose and sent it on its way.

On the heels of the first pair of fighters, came another FW-190 in a vertical dive and another Hungarian ME-210 at 12. T/Sgt Bryan shot down the 190, with a chute observed. 2Lt McGowen, manning the nose turret, downed the 210, with two chutes seen.

We were another 30 minutes in when a trio of FW-190s attacked. Escorts drove off one at 3 o’clock. The remaining pair both came in from 12. T/Sgt Bryan shot down one of the 190s, for his second, but without any credit. The remaining 190 was clipped by Lt McGowen. As it passed behind us, by T/4 McMillan, in the tail, hit its engine, causing it to leave a dark trail of smoke behind it as it flew off.

Shortly after the last 190 flew off, trailing smoke, rockets streaked through the formation. We took a superficial clip to the left wing.

Passing the IP a threesome of BF-110s attacked. Escorts drove off two. Lt McGowen clipped the remaining 110 in the wing, but not downing it. As it passed, T/4 McMillan got another nose hit. The plane turned over and headed to the ground. One chute was seen.

Immediately following the 110s an FW and a pair of 109s attacked. Escorts drove off one of the BFs. Lt McGowen shattered the cockpit of the 190 but got no credit for the kill. T/Sgt Bryan finally got a credit when he downed his third enemy fighter of the mission. The pilot was seen bailing out.

Flak looked like a black carpet. Heavy as advertised, but offline, missing us by a wide margin.

Lt Cain got a good bead on the target, dropping 30% inside the bull’s eye.

The enemy fighters weren’t done with us, yet.

Pulling left toward the RP, a pair of 109s lined up for an attack. Both were driven off by our escorts.

While most of our escorts were busy with the first two 109s, five more attacked. We didn’t have enough guns to bear. One BF was driven off by escorts. One BF was shot down by Lt McGowen, shattering its cockpit, killing the pilot. T/Sgt Bryan and T/3 Yates shot down a BF at 3 o’clock, with T/3 Yates getting half a kill.

T/4 McMillan’s guns jammed, in the tail. Most unfortunate. That was the only enemy fighter to cause any direct damage. He knocked out my O2, and left a lot of holes for the tin smiths to patch.

The last enemy 109 was making a vertical dive but failed to hit us.

Clear of enemy fighters, I radioed I was dropping to thicker air.

T/4 McMillan spent the next 30 minutes attempting to clear his jammed .50s. He finally reported they were fully out of action.

We were about halfway through Yugoslavia when a quartet of BF-109s attacked. No escorts were to be seen at our altitude. With the tail guns out, and the 109 attacking from above, we had two enemy fighters we could not defend against. Of the remaining two enemy fighters, we completely missed them. We were fortunate as all four enemy fighters missed us, as well, and left empty handed.

As that quartet flew off a pair of FW-190s and a lone BF-109 attacked. We missed the 190 at 12, damaged the 190 at 1:30. Lt McGowen got another kill, shooting down the 109 at 12.

We had a short respite until we hit the Yugoslav coast. Four BF-109s attacked. Escorts were once again absent.

On their first pass T/3 Yates’ waist gun jammed, and T/Sgt Bryan damaged the 109 they were firing at. That 109 created more holes for the tin smiths and knocked out the Lt Cain’s bomb release controls. Finally getting some action, S/Sgt Copeland, in the ball, ripped up the right wing of one 109, causing the pilot to bail. We had another attack from above, but he missed. Lt McGowen clipped another 109, damaging it, and causing the enemy to miss us.

The first 109 came around for another attack from 9 o’clock high. T/4 Shields and T/Sgt Bryan shared in the victory by shearing its right wing, and shattering the cockpit, killing the pilot.

Back out over the Adriatic, T/3 Yates reported his jam was cleared.

Finally, back on the ground, the crew began calling Lt McGowen “Lt Wild Bill” for his shooting prowess, with four claims and two confirmed. This is not counting the number of enemy fighters he damaged without shooting down.

Once we were done with shutting down Nanette, exiting the plane and handing her over to the ground crew, Capt Vaillancourt came and shook my hand, and the hands of each crewman. He expressed his appreciation at the professionalism and capability of the whole crew. He said he would be privileged to fly with us again.

Submitted by,
1Lt Thiago Maurin, Pilot
B-24J Naughty Nanette
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[patchall]

Had to abort at Zone 10 on the way to the target. Someone else from the 79th will need to take lead in the high formation.

[tomt1999]

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

MISSION DATE: 23 May 44
MISSION # 35
TARGET: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

CREW
1LT Pilot Roland "Rollie" Howell (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: ; Stress:
2LT Co-Pilot Ludomir "Woz" Wozniak (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: ; Stress: 2
2LT Bombardier Glen "Woody" Woodard (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: 1; Stress: 1
2LT Navigator Bernard "Barney" Trasdale (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: ; Stress: 2
S/SGT Engineer Christopher Moltisanti (6) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1
SGT Radio Op Walter "Sparks" Moody (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: ; Stress: 1
SGT Ball Gunner Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: 1.5; Stress:
SGT Port Waist Lyle "P.O." White (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: ; Stress:
SGT Starb Waist Samuel "Coop" Cooper (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: 1; Stress: 2
SGT Tail Gunner Janus "Yawn" Swoboda (10) ; Awards: AMx2 ; Claims: 2; Stress: 1

Bomb Run: ON 40%

Casualties:
2LT Bombardier Glen "Woody" Woodard - light wound
2LT Navigator Bernard "Barney" Trasdale - light wound

Damage:
Left Wing - Superficial - 2pp
Navigation equipment INOP - 10pp
Pilot Comp Cables - 10pp
Pilot Window - 10pp
Pilot Comp heat OUT - 10pp
Bomb Bay Superficial - 2pp
Bbdr Light Wound - 2pp
Bbdr Heat OUT - 10pp
Bbdr Superficial 2pp
Top Turret INOP - 10pp

Peckham Points: 68 Peckham Points

Landing: Safe

Claims:
1x Fw190 - SGT Ball Gunner Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz (1.5 accum)

Enemy Aircraft:
                 enc int dam dest
Me 109        8         5
Fw190       10         6     1
Fw190 HU   1
Me210        1   1
Me210 HU   1
Re2005 IT   2   1     1
TOTAL       23   2   12     1

Awards:
Purple Heart
2LT Navigator Bernard "Barney" Trasdale (second)
2LT Bombardier Glen "Woody" Woodard

Air Medal - all second-time:
1LT Pilot Roland "Rollie" Howell (10)
2LT Co-Pilot Ludomir "Woz" Wozniak (10)
2LT Bombardier Glen "Woody" Woodard (10)
2LT Navigator Bernard "Barney" Trasdale (10)
SGT Radio Op Walter "Sparks" Moody (10)
SGT Ball Gunner Francisco "Frank" de la Cruz (10)
SGT Port Waist Lyle "P.O." White (10)
SGT Starb Waist Samuel "Coop" Cooper (10)
SGT Tail Gunner Janus "Yawn" Swoboda (10)

AFTER ACTION REPORT

Leading the group was a real hair-raising affair today. Looking out the windshield 

at empty sky instead of thirty-six aircraft was unnerving. I kept calling to the 

tail gunner to make sure he could see the rest of the formation.

Every zone the enemy a/c appeared, they made attacks on us. Overall, we had 

28 attacks (including successive attacks). We only destroyed one, but we dam-

aged a dozen. I have to believe that enabled us to get through to the target and 

back.

Over the target were more aircraft than we had seen before. They seemed to be 

mostly green pilots because their attacks were uncoordinated and clumsy - but 

they still got damage on us. One in particular strafed the bomb bay. We held our 

collective breath for the explosion but 'Lady Luck' smiled on us. The shells just 

rattled around in the bay and we were able to drop them with good effect: 40% 

approx.

(note: actually, we blew up, but had just gotten a random event Lady Luck which re-rolled it to a superficial - wow).

Turning for home another 5 e a/c attacked. This is when the nose took it on the 

chin. Both the navigator and bombardier were wounded and the nav equipment 

was shot out. We discussed giving up the lead, but Navigator 2LT Barney Tras-

dale reckoned that, although wounded, he could dead-reckon us home. He did.

Fought off hordes of huns - with some actual Hungarians tossed in - when the 

heat went out in the cockpit and nose. I dropped us to 8000 where we once 

again waited with baited-breath (which we could see coming out of our mouths 

and noses), for the enemy to pick us off. We underwent three attacks, with two 

successive passes, with only slight damage.

Landing at Giulia, the Bbdr and Nav refused the ambulance and rode with us in

the truck to debrief. They'll be ok for tomorrow, Doc says.

Crew chief said we'd better head to the chapel because the bomb bay is completely

shredded. "Whole thing should've gone up, skipper", he said to me.

Headed to the Chapel, I am,

1LT Rollie Howell

Duck Soup

[rhreiss]

[sparky]

509th Bomb Group, 79th Bomber Squadron, B-17G Doodle Bug

Mission #35, Target Ebreichsdorf, Austria, Aircraft Factory
May 23, 1944, High cell-Middle  Plane Mission #2
Bomb Run-On Target  50%


Mission #( ) Previous Kills [ ] Kills this mission { }



Pilot...1st Lt Thomas Ryan (2)

Co-Pilot...2nd Lt Ron Emig (2)

Bombardier...2nd Lt Bob Casey (2) [0] {0}

Navigator...2nd Lt Thomas Huston (2) [0] {0}

Engineer...S/SGT Daniel Workman (2) [0] {0}

Radio...S/SGT James Cook (2) [0] {0}

Port Waist Gunner...SGT Raymond Wetzel (2) [0] {0}

Starboard Waist Gunner...SGT Bob Osborne (2) [0] {0}

Ball Turret Gunner...SGT Wally Hammond (2) [0] {0}

Tail Gunner...SGT John Pilkington (2) [0] {0}



AAR

Takeoff was routine in good weather
Zones 2-7 were routine with broken clouds
Zone 8 saw some EA attack the bomber stream but none threatened Doodle Bug
Zone 10 again saw some EA attack our high cell. Although none attacked Doodle Bug directly, the attacks
were strong enough that the formation became disrupted causing future EA attacks to be intensified for the 
rest of the mission.
Zone 11 (TARGET ZONE)  Once we neared the target the enemy fighters became more numerous and determined.
The first wave saw 3 ME-109's attack Doodle Bug. 2 were driven off by friendly fighters and the 3rd took hits from our
defensive fire, missed in his attack, and disappeared into the clouds. The second wave 5 FW-190's attacked Doodle Bug.
Friendly's drove 1 off, our defensive fire damaged 2 more causing them to miss and fly away. The remaining 2 enemy fighters
hit us with 9 rounds total causing 7 superficial hits, and the 2 other hits destroyed our radio and our tail wheel.
On their second pass both EA missed and flew away.
Then the flak began. We took 3 hits, one superficial, one hitting our port wing root and the 3rd doing superficial damage to our #1 engine.
By then we were over the target and bombardier Casey did himself proud on his first mission to the target and put 50% on target.
Our disrupted formation turned for home and the enemy fighters reappeared. 2 ME-109's jumped us. Our little friends 
ran the one with Hungarian markings off. The other performed a vertical dive on us and hit us twice, one destroying the 
bombardier oxygen system and the other hitting in our waist causing our ball turret to become inoperable.
I immediately dropped altitude to below 10,000 feet
Zone 10 2 FW-190's approached us but our escorts drove both off and some random flak took pot shots at us due to our low altitude but missed.
Zones 9 and 8 were routine with no flak or EA.
Zone 7 1 FW-190 attacked us from 6 o:clock high but tail gunner Pilkington got a couple good hits on him and he missed and flew away
Zone 6 we had more random flak shoot at us as we crossed the coastline with one lucky round scoring a superficial hit to our starboard wing.
Zone 5 we saw a couple EA in the distance but they didn't come close to us.
Zones 4-1 were routine and we landed safely despite the damaged tail wheel.

0 Kills claimed
92 Peckham Points of damage
50% Bombs on target

Respectfully submitted by 1st Lt Thomas Ryan

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Supper Club (2)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. W Safford
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 23 May 44
Mission #: 35
Target: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. W Safford (6) {0} AM, PH
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. HP Clinton (2) {0}
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. L Davis (1) {0}
Navigator: 2nd Lt. E Prentiss (1) {0}
Engineer: MSgt. R Lindsay (2) {0}
Ball Gunner: Sgt. LF Haskins (2) {0}
Radio Oper.: Sgt. P Clurn (1) {0}
Pt Waist G: Sgt. J Pollack (1) {0}
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. D Simmons (2) {0} PH
Tail Gunner: Sgt. H Vest (2) {1}

Bomb Percentage: 40%

Bomber Disposition: Crashed (n/a Peckham Points)

Casualties:
1st Lt. W Safford: POW
2nd Lt. HP Clinton: POW
2nd Lt. L Davis: POW
2nd Lt. E Prentiss: POW
MSgt. R Lindsay: POW
Sgt. LF Haskins: POW
Sgt. P Clurn: POW
Sgt. J Pollack: POW
Sgt. D Simmons: POW
Sgt. H Vest: POW

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

Special Note:

Mission Description: Filed by eyewitnesses from the 79th Squadron

The Supper Club took heavy flak damage over the target including one shell that blew a large hole in the port wing. As we egressed from the target the Supper Club radioed the XO to inform him that they were out of fuel and would need to jump. Ten parachutes were observed.


Wisconsin State Journal interview in 1954 on the 10-year anniversary with William Safford.

We were coming in heavy on target at Ebreichsdorf. We all knew this was an important one because if we could knock out an airplane factory there would be less fighters coming after us. I remember the flak (that’s the enemy shooting up at us with anti-aircraft guns) being really heavy. They hit us in the port wing. I watched in horror as the fuel gauge dropped from about three quarters full to almost empty in a matter of seconds. With no gas to get us home I ordered the crew to jump. I stayed at the controls waiting for everyone else to jump. Then I set the autopilot and jumped myself.

It was broad daylight so German army watched all of us float down to the ground. They didn’t shoot at us, but we were all captured pretty fast after we landed. I seem to recall a couple of the guys having sprains from the landing, but we were otherwise all in good shape. The officers were separated from the enlisted men and we were shipped off to POW camps. Clinton, Davis, Prentiss, I all shared bunkhouse. The food was bad and the nights were long and cold. We managed to make it until the US Army liberated the camp.

When I got back to Wisconsin, I tracked down what happened to everyone. The enlisted men were sent to a different camp. Haskins died of pneumonia in the winter of 44-45. The other five made it home. We are all meeting for dinner and drinks to toast the memory of St. Haskins and the others who didn’t make it home.

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Miss Keewenaw
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. CA Hoyt
Squadron: 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: n/a
Position: n/a

Mission Date: 23 May 44
Mission #: 35
Target: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

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

Yesterday we crash landed the Miss Keewenaw at the airfield on Vis. I have secured us a flight back to the mainland for tomorrow. We missed Mission 35 waiting for transport.

In the meantime, the crew have endeavored to make themselves useful on Vis. They helped move the Miss K off the runway and over to the junk yard. She was a good plane and we are happy that she will now have a second life as spare parts to keep our fighters in the air.

[kageyone]

[kageyone]

[limburger59]

B-24 PISTOL PACKIN MAMA
        Spare assigned to the 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Low Squadron – Middle
MISSION DATE: 23 May 44
MISSION # 35
TARGET: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

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 Warren Crouch                               (5)                   
Left Waist: SGT Gerald Rodgers                                (6)                  
Tail Gunner: SGT Tony “Badger” Marshall                   (17) [.5] AM+

Bomb Run: DNB - Mission aborted over the Adriatic Sea - No Mission Credit

Casualties: None

B-24 Damage:
Interphone Mechanical Failure (10)

Peckham Points: 10 

Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia.

Attackers: 0
      
Award/Promotion Requests: 

AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-B24 variant):

        A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen

The Interphone failed in Zone 2. In Zone 3 our Engineer exhausted all efforts to repair the system. The mission was aborted and we returned to Italy.

[limburger59]

B-17F SHOO SHOO TIME
        Spare assigned to the 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
High Squadron – Middle
MISSION DATE: 23 May 44

MISSION # 35

TARGET: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

CREW from the Spare Pool
Position – Rank                                        (Current Mission)
Pilot: 1LT William “Bill” Sims                                 (11) AM+
Co-Pilot: 2LT George “G.K.” Kimball                       (4)
Navigator: 2LT Charles Powell                               (6)
Bombardier: 2LT Vernon “Vermont” Gray                (10) [1] AM+ DFC          
Engineer/TT: S/SGT Gustavo Wilkerson                  (2)
Radio Op: S/SGT Christopher Varney                    (12) AM+                KIA
Ball Turret: SGT Chester “Bad Boy” Goode              (9) [.83] AM
Right Waist: SGT Timothy “Sallie” Salisbury           (5)
Left Waist: SGT Gregory “Greg” Caires                   (5) [1] AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Henry Madden                            (2)

Bomb Run: DNB

Casualties: S/SGT Christopher Varney - KIA

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x6 (6)
KIA Wound (10)
Interphone out (10)
Bomb Bay Doors inop (10)
Mechanical Failure: #2 engine out (25)

Peckham Points: 61 - Repairs completed 25 May 44

Disposition: Lands safely at Giulia.

Attackers: 9
        3x Bf-109: 3 Driven Off
        4x FW-190: 4 Driven Off
        2x ME-210: 1 Driven Off, 1 Probable (FBOA)
        
Award/Promotion Requests: Purple Heart (posthumous): S/SGT Christopher Varney
        Air Medal - first oak leaf cluster for 10 Completed Missions: 2LT Vernon “Vermont” Gray
        Air Medal for 5 Completed Missions: SGT Timothy “Sallie” Salisbury

AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-Beery):

        A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen

The #2 engine quit on us over Hungary (Zone 10) and I elected to jettison the bombs in order to keep the integrity of the Combat Box. 

In the Target Zone, three bandits wanted to welcome us to Austria and all were driven off. After the Bomb Run three more bandits headed our way, and they also were driven off.

Then another wave appeared while many of our Little Friends were preoccupied. Only two were driven off, leaving a ME-210 to make multiple passes on us - including walking hits - before being damaged by our Tail Guns. Since a bullet entering the Top Turret was deflected by SGT Wilkerson's rabbit foot, destroying our interphone system instead, I had my Co-Pilot tour the aircraft when the skies became quiet. He discovered that our Radio Operator, S/SGT Varney, had been killed during those walking hits.

[limburger59]

B-17F HOOSIER HONEY
        Spare assigned to the 80th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Middle Squadron – Middle
MISSION DATE: 23 May 44
MISSION # 35
TARGET: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

CREW from the Spare Pool
Position – Rank                                        (Current Mission)
Pilot: 1LT Ernest Larsen                                       (5)
Co-Pilot: 2LT Russel Pratt                                    (6) PH
Navigator: 2LT Emmanuel Rosas                          (5) [1.5] PH
Bombardier: 2LT Wallace Richter                          (2)
Engineer/TT: S/SGT Benjamin Holder                    (3)                                 1x 109 claimed (denied)
Radio Op: S/SGT Frederick Simmons                    (2)                    POW             
Ball Turret: SGT Silas Best                                   (6) AM                             1x 109 claimed (denied)
Right Waist: SGT Paul Hess                                  (4) PH              KIA          
Left Waist: SGT Benard Flemming                         (7) [.5] AM                
Tail Gunner: SGT David Sutter                              (8) [.33] AM      POW        

Bomb Run: On Target 30%

Casualties: SGT Paul Hess - KIA

B-17 Damage:
Superficial x8 (1)
KIA wound (10)
Fuel Tank - LEAK (10)

Peckham Points: 21 until Crashing in Yugoslavia

Disposition: Ran out of fuel and crashed in Yugoslavia Zone 7.

Attackers: 4
        1x FW-190: 1 Driven Off
        5x Bf-109: 2 Claimed destroyed (denied), 2 Driven Off
        
Award/Promotion Requests: 

AFTER ACTION REPORT (QOTS-Beery):

        A Spare Crew flying a Hanger Queen

Hoosier Honey suffered a holed fuel tank during a successful Bomb Run. She informed the Squadron Lead that one man, Waist Gunner SGT Hess, was dead; and that she had enough fuel to make Yugoslavia where they could hope to find Partisans. In Zone 7, 1LT Larsen, left the formation, planning to bail out at 10,000 feet. 

A week later the International Red Cross reported that two of the crew had been captured and were POWs. It took another week for the Partisans to inform us that the other seven men had been rescued and would be smuggled out when safe. Finally on August 15th the bedraggled survivors made it back to Giulia. The recommendation was that they would be returned to the states and eventually be assigned to ground duties, as they have an extensive knowledge of Partisan operations and could not chance capture on a future mission until Yugoslavia was liberated.

[wolverinetoddy]

B-17 Name: Big Red Machine (7)
Crew Commander: 1st Lt. J Bench
Squadron: 79th Bomber Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group
Formation: High
Position: Middle

Mission Date: 23 May 44
Mission #: 35
Target: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

Position: Name (mission #) {Claims After} Status
Pilot: 1st Lt. J Bench (7) {0} AM
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. D Concepcion (6) {0} AM
Bombardier 2nd Lt. J Morgan (7) {1} AM
Navigator: 2nd Lt. T Perez (6) {0} AM, PH
Engineer: MSgt. K Griffy (7) {4} AM, PH
Ball Gunner: Sgt. C Geronimo (7) {3} AM, PH
Radio Oper.: Sgt. G Foster (7) {1} AM, DFC
Pt Waist G: Sgt. P Borbon (7) {0} AM, PH
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. D Gullett (7) {0} AM, PH: 4
Tail Gunner: Sgt. P Rose (7) {2} AM, PH: 2

Bomb Percentage: 40%

Bomber Disposition: Starboard Wing Root, Starboard Elevator, Engine #2, Starboard Tailplane Root, Rudder, Port Waist Gun, Tail Turret Superficial Damage (147 Peckham Points)

Casualties:
D Gullett: SW – invalided home
P Rose: KIA

Claims (BY TYPE):
Attacked: (6:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Damaged: (3:109, 0:190, 0:110)
Destroyed: (0:109, 0:190, 0:110)

Special Note:
D Gullett: PH
P Rose: PH

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

The ground crew of Big Red Machine did a herculean effort last night to get the plane ready to take off. When I did the final check with the crew chief this morning, he was looking bleary eyed and ready for a nap.

We took off without incident and settled into the middle of the formation. The outbound flight was quiet until Zone 10 where we were attacked by a single 109. Rose got a piece of him and he flew off without damaging us.

Over the target we were attacked by two more 109s who also did little damage to the plane. We were really pelted by the flak guns who caused serious damage including wounding Sgt. Gullett. Morgan was right on target and as we made the big turn the port to return home, we were greeted by a pair of 09s. One of them got hit by us and scurried off. The other one really lit into us. On his first pass he shot up Engine #2 causing her to run away. Concepcion was barely about get her feathered before she sent the plane into a spin. On her second pass he shot up the tail killing Sgt Rose. The docs say he probably didn’t even know what hit him. He caused even more damage on his third pass before flying away.

In Zone 7 were focusing on keeping her straight and level when suddenly we were right up the Mean Widdle Kid’s tail. Engine #1 was close enough to her tail that I think I owe Sgt. Riley a new pair of shorts. Once again Concepcion saved the day by pulling back the power just in the nick of time.

We landed safely at base. The flight surgeon determined that four wounds in seven missions was enough for poor Sgt. Gullet and it earned him a trip home.

[kageyone]

[tomt1999]

B-17G-20BO-42-31571 "Big Operator" (6)
79th Squadron

MISSION DATE: 23 May 44
MISSION # 35
TARGET: Ebreichsdorf, Austria - Aircraft Factory

CREW
Pilot 1LT Perry "Chill" Williams (6) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1
CoPilot 2LT Edwin Clark (6) ; Awards: PH AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1
Navigator 2LT Benjamin Collier (6) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 2
Bombardier 2LT James Lucas (6) ; Awards: AM PH ; Claims: ; Stress: 1
Engineer T/SGT Ira Carroll (6) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 2
Ball Turret SGT Stanley Frey (6) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 2
Waist Gunner SGT Alberto Navarro (6) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1
Waist Gunner SGT Leon Goldstein (6) ; Awards: AM ; Claims: ; Stress: 1
Radio Op SGT Johnny Purdue (2) ; Awards: PH ; Claims: 1; Stress: KIA
Tail Gunner SGT Eugene Pearson (6) ; Awards: PHx2 AM ; Claims: ; Stress: KIA

Bomb Run: ON 30%

Casualties:
KIA:
Radio Op SGT Johnny Purdue (2) ; Awards: PH ; Claims: 1
Tail Gunner SGT Eugene Pearson (6) ; Awards: PHx2 AM

Damage:
2x KIA 20pp
1x LW 2pp
Waist Gun INOP 10pp

Peckham Points: 32 pp

Landing: Safe

Claims:
1x Me109 - Radio Op SGT Johnny Purdue (1 accum)

Enemy Aircraft:
AC     Encountered / Intercepted / Damaged / Destroyed
Me109 11 / 4 / 2 / 1
Fw190 8 / 3 / 2 / 0
Me210 1 / 0 / 0 / 0
TOTAL 20 / 7 / 4 / 1

Awards:
Purple Heart Posthumous:
Radio Op SGT Johnny Purdue (2)
Tail Gunner SGT Eugene Pearson (6); second award

Purple Heart
Bombardier 2LT James Lucas (6)

AFTER ACTION REPORT

In summary, hit the target, lost two crew.

Takeoff and assembly were nominal.

In zone 8 outbound, we met three 109s. The escort drove off two e/ac but the 

third killed the tail gunner, Sgt Eugene Peterson. Also the right waist gun jam-

med and remained so for the duration.

Just before the target, three waves attacked us in succession. Our escort did 

yeoman work in driving off the first and second wave. The third got a couple 

shots at us with no damage. We hit its rudder. As it careened off it looked like

it might collide with us. It did not, just missing the ball turret. Stan-the-man

Frey said he was eyeball to eyeball with the German pilot for a moment as it 

passed under him.

During the third wave, three Germans got in on us. We damaged one, and radio-

man Johnny Purdue shot one down, running his shots right along the fuselage

 to the cockpit.

In the target zone, two more Jerries were driven off by our little friends and 

another was ineffective in his attack.

The flak was intense, accurate and deadly. I hate the flak the most of every-

thing. It killed the radioman Purdue and lightly wounded the bombardier. He 

was able to undertake his duties however, using his off-eye. Still managed to 

drop on target.

As we turned, aircraft zoomed by us, spraying fire but nothing hit. Must've 

been green because they didn't want to tangle with the big Forts all around.

The cold became oppressive over Austria, we checked all the guns to see if 

they were frozen. All were ok except the previously-disabled right waist gun.

Over the Adriatic, a pair of 190s attacked us, one was driven off by the 

meager-but-effective cover and the a/c was damaged as it attacked and 

flew off trailing smoke.

Landing was at Giulia.

1 LT Perry Williams
"Big Operator"
79th Squadron

[kageyone]

[Keltos]

After-Action Report 

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

Commander: 1st Lt. Robert Mattson

Mission Date: 23 May 1944

Mission Number: 35

Mission of this bomber: 4

Formation: Low
Position: Tail End Charlie

Target: Ebreichsdorf, Austria
Target Type:  Aircraft Factory

Bomb Run: DNB - Mission Aborted

#Lucky Lady: 1

CREW

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

Crew Chief: T/Sgt Jeffrey Hamilton (The Dedicated) - 5 missions


E/A Encountered

Type	No.	Intercepted	Destroyed	Damaged
Fw-190	1	1	0	0
Me-109	10	8	0	0
Me-210	1	0	1	0
---	0	0	0	0
---	0	0	0	0
Total	12	9	1	0

Claims:
- T/Sgt Joe McBride: 1 Me-210 claimed - full credit awarded
- Sgt Derrick Coon: 1 Me-210 claimed - no credit awarded


Damage:
- Intercomm system out: 10
- Bomb bay doors inop: 10
- All O2 systems out: 100
- Tail guns inop: 20
- KIA x1: 10
- Superficial x4: 8

Peckham Points: 158pts - three days repairing, RTD on 27 May 1944

Casualties:
- Sgt Michael Mosley: KIA - shattered sternum and ruptured heart

Awards:
- PH posthumous: Sgt Michael Mosley

Promotions:--

AAR (flown with TFT)

Giulia Airbase: Routine take off and assembly.

Zone 2-7 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 8 Outbound: Two Me-109 on us, but they found our little angels waiting for them.

Zone 9 Outbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 10 Outbound/Inbound: We were attacked by 3 Me-109s and a Me-210 heavy fighter. The Me-109s were intercepted by the escort fighters, but the Me-210 managed to penetrate our defenses and a walking hit caused us a lot of damage and killed the tail gunner instantly. We found our revenge on his second pass, when he was shot down by our gunners.
We were then attacked by 1 Fw-190 and 1 Me-109 but they did not overcome the barrage made by our escort fighters. A third wave consisting of 4 Me-109s headed towards us: 2 were intercepted and removed, while the other 2 changed their target after an exchange of shots without damage between us and them.
During the damage check we realized that the Intercomm system had completely blown up. I decided to abort the mission and drop the bombs immediately using manual doors opening.
Port waist gunner Sgt. Brian Hines removed the body of Sgt. Mosley and took his place in tail position.

Zone 9-3 Inbound: Nothing to report.

Zone 2: Complete O2 system failure.

Giulia Airbase: Landed safely.

Given the extent of the damage reported, there will be a lot of work to do for the T/Sgt Hamilton.

Robert Mattson, 1st Lt, USAAF, 
Commanding B-24J: Hot Potato B-24J-1-CF-42-99873
78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group

[ChefEd]

B-24J Gravel Gertie
B-24J-10-CF-42-64272
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Low
Aircraft Position: Middle / TEC
Mission Date: 23 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 35
This Aircraft: 5
Target: Ebreichsdorf, Germany, Aircraft Factory

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	2nd Lt Branson Pope	12	0	AM+	RTD	0
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Andrew "Andy" Doherty	11	0	AM(2) / PH	0	0
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Nash Norman	13	3.5	AM+	RTD	3
Bombardier	2nd Lt Bill Fleming	11	0	AM+	RTD	1
Engineer	T/3rd Trevor Beasley	12	4	AM+	RTD	0
Radio Op	S/Sgt Bobby Gold	9	0	AM	RTD	1
Right Waist	Sgt Guy Longfellow	10	1	AM+	RTD	0
Ball Turret	Sgt Phoenix Shelton	7	1.5	AM	RTD	2
Left Waist	Sgt Miller Rosales	8	1	AM	RTD	0
Tail Gunner	Sgt Dane Zamora	10	2.5	AM+	RTD	2
Crew Chief	T/Sgt Virgil Vang	17			Skill +1

Bomb Run: On Target, 30 %

Casualties: None

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

Damage:

Total	20
Superficial X5	10
Left Rudder 1 Hit	10

Landing:

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Totals	11	5	2	4	2	1
Me-109	5	2	1	2	1	1
Fw-190	3	2	1	0	0	0
Me-110	3	1	0	2	1	0

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Totals	4	2	1
Navigator	2	0.5	1
Top	1	1	0
Tail	1	0.5	0

Awards:
Air Medal
Sgt Guy Longfellow, 2nd Award
Sgt Dane Zamora, 2nd Award

Purple Heart
None

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Filling in for Captain Alexis Vaillancourt, who was flying as an observer in another squadron aircraft.

We faced no enemy activity until we were in Hungary. We didn’t face too many enemy fighters, but it was enough. We faced fighters just about everywhere intelligence predicted. Often enough to feel like more planes than we actually faced. All told, we faced eleven enemy fighters, damaging two, and shooting down four.

Hot Potato, flying TEC, dropped out short of the target. Classy Chassy took over as TEC

Flak was as heavy as predicted. We took a few minor hits, amounting to little more than pin holes and scratches.

Lt Fleming did well, dropping 30% on target. However, he looked a little pale, a bit stressed, when we landed. Will have to speak with Captain Vaillancourt later.

Over the target we saw Strictly Business disappear in a ball of flame as her fuel ignited from flak. Valiant Lady also took flak hits, knocking her out of the formation. Nine or ten chutes were counted.

Past the RP, Classy Chassy dropped out of TEC. We slid into TEC for the remainder of the mission.

Back over Yugoslavia, Alley Oop blew up after a fighter attack. Eight chutes were observed

All in all, a good mission: no wounded, superficial damage, and fewer enemy fighters to face later. It was good to see Alley Oop and Classy Chassy made it back, after dropping out of formation.

Submitted by,
2Lt Branson Pope, Pilot
B-24J Gravel Gertie
78th BS, 509th BG (H), 15th AF, USAAF

[ChefEd]

B-24J Classy Chassy
B-24J-5-CF-42-64220
Squadron: 78th Bomber Squadron, 509th (H) Bombardment Group
Squadron Position: Low
Aircraft Position: Middle / TEC
Mission Date: 23 MAY 1944
Mission Number: 35
This Aircraft: 7
Target: Ebreichsdorf, Germany, Aircraft Factory

Crew

Position	Rank / Name	Mission	Kills	Awards	Status	Stress
Pilot	1st Lt Conor Grinsly	7	0	AM	RTD	1
Co-Pilot	2nd Lt Lincoln Nichols	7	0	AM	RTD	2
Navigator / NT	2nd Lt Emmanuel Moulder	7	2.83	AM	RTD	2
Bombardier	2nd Lt Kirk Vaillancourt	7	0	AM	RTD	0
Engineer	T/3rd Julien O'Rourke	7	3	AM	RTD	1
Radio Op	T/4th Rene Harper	7	0	AM	RTD	1
Right Waist	S/Sgt Kai Vader	6	0.83	AM, PH	RTD	2
Ball Turret	Sgt Jaxton Ingrid	7	3.33	AM	RTD	2
Left Waist	Sgt Ismael Deadmon	6	0.5	AM, PH+	KIA	0
Tail Gunner	S/Sgt Johnnie Nava	7	0.5	AM	RTD	3
Crew Chief	S/Sgt Dan Hitchcock	8			Skill +0

Bomb Run: On Target, 50 %

Casualties:
Sgt Ismael Deadmon, KIA

Peckham Points: 89 Peckham Points, One ( 1 ) Day(s) to Repair and refit

Damage:

Total	89
Superficial X11	22
Cockpit Heat Out	10
Light Wound X1	2
Serious Wound X1	5
KIA X1	10
Top Turret Power Out	10
Control Cables, 1st Hit	10
Tail Suit Heat Out	10
Bomb Release Mechanism Out - Gremlins	10

Landing: Safe

Enemy Aircraft:

Type	Encountered	Driven Off	Damaged	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Totals	22	10	4	6	5	1
Fw-190	11	3	0	5	4	1
Me-109	9	6	3	1	1	0
Me-110	1	0	1	0	0	0
Me-210	1	1	0	0	0	0

Claims:

Position	Claimed	Awarded	Probable
Totals	7	4.5	1
Ball	3	1.5	1
Navigator	3	2	0
Top	1	1	0

Awards:
Air Medal
None

Purple Heart
Sgt Ismael Deadmon, Posthumous

Promotions:
None

AFTER ACTION REPORT
Better flying weather today, than yesterday. Clear skies, with scattered clouds to Austria and back.

Not only were the skies clear of weather, are immediate area was clear of enemy fighters until we were leaving Hungary.

Crossing from Hungary to Austria we faced an FW-190 and a pair of BF-109s. The 190 and one of the 109s were driven off by our escorts. The remaining 109 was making a diving attack. T/3 O’Rourke scored a hit on the diving 109, which missed us.

Another 190 accompanied by an ME-210 were driven off by our escorts before they could get close enough to attack us.

It was about this time that Hot Potato announced they were dropping out. We slid into the TEC, to fill the gap.

Closing on the target it began to get hairy. We faced a pair of 190s and a trio of 109s. Our escorts must have been busy, as only one escort was able to support us, driving off one of the FWs. T/3 O’Rourke flamed the remaining 190. Two of the remaining 109s tagged us, adding many holes to the aircraft skin, as well as knocking out the cockpit heat, knocking out the top turret power, and wounding Sgt Deadmon. On their second passes Sgt Ingrid, in the ball, flamed one.

On their heels, a pair of 109s and a 110 attacked. Escorts were nowhere to be seen. We damaged the 110 and one of the 109s. The 110 scored a few superficial hits on the airframe. Unfortunately, Sgt Deadmon took another hit, this time killing him. When the 110 made its second pass we hit him again, but not enough to take him out.

Lt Vaillancourt put 50% on target.

Pulling off the target we faced a massive swarm of enemy fighters. Our escorts reappeared, to help us out. Escorts drove off four enemy fighters, and we shot down three more. Besides more aeration of the fuselage, S/Sgt Nava lost heat in the tail. Just as well, as we were dropping to warmer air anyway.

We didn’t face any more enemy fighters until we got our feet wet. A pair of 190s and a 109 attacked. Our guardian angels were still on duty, driving off the 109. We shot down one of the FWs and took no damage.

Skies were clear for the rest of the flight.

In the landing pattern we fired off flares, for our dead comrade. We were met by the meat wagon, which took Sgt Deadmon to the hospital.

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

[eddie]

(GAME NOTES: The flak hit resulted in a Burst in Plane result for the port wing. Following section 19 of the B-17: Queen of the Skies rulebook, it should have torn the wing from the aircraft, and it should dive out of control. Looking farther down the rulebook, for BIP description for other areas, I decided to roll for every result on the chart, just for fun. So, I rolled for every result on Chart B1-1. The results were: Wing Root hit; Wing Flap inop.; Aileron inop.; Superficial damage; Engine #1, superficial damage; (at this point I also decided I should probably roll for engine #2) Engine #2, superficial damage; outboard fuel tank self-seal; inboard fuel tank (following the same thinking as engine #2) self-seal; wing root hit (second hit); landing gear brake out. In other words, the least damaging damage possible for the entire table! I have played this game steadily since I was in Junior High, acquiring it in 1983 when it came out, and have never gotten dice rolls like this. So, I made the decision to add a little flavor to the story of “Miss Behavin” and her crew and have them and the ship miraculously survive. It seemed fitting considering the die rolls. So, I am confessing, I bent the rules. But seeing damage photos of some B-17s throughout the war, that made it home, I think it is ok this time. Hope y’all agree. And without further rambling, the AAR for Mission 35 for Miss Behavin’)

Mission 35 AAR
Mission Date: 23 May, 1944

Target: Ebreichsdorf, Austria – Aircraft factory

Bomber SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31468; "Miss Behavin"
80th Bomb Sqdn., 509th (H) Bombardment Grp., 15th AF

Formation position: Middle Sqdn.

Pilot: 1st Lt. Tom Hathaway (Mission #17)
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Matt West (Mission #17)
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Ben Morrison (Mission: #17)
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Evan Jones (Mission #17)
Engineer: TSgt. Michael Godinez (Mission #17)
Radio Operator: SSgt. Andy Mize (Mission #16)
Ball Turret Gunner: Sgt. Craig Wiseman (Mission #17)
Port Waist Gunner: Sgt. Jake Thompson (Mission #7)
Starboard Waist Gunner: Sgt. Tom Latimer (Mission #9)
Tail Gunner: Sgt. Robert Dyer (Mission #16)

Bomb Run: On/Off target: On target – 30%

Bomber Damage Sustained: Burst in Plane – Port Wing (Peckham points = 221)

Crew Casualties Sustained: None

Enemy Aircraft Claims: Bf-109: 2nd Lt. Evan Jones, Navigator

I briefed the crew, indicating we would at least have fighter cover for this one, except maybe for the change-over after the bomb run. I also let them know to expect heavy flak in the target area.

We took off and formed up with the rest of the 80th as the Middle Squadron for this mission.

Per the briefing, there was little enemy resistance all the way into the target. What we did see was picked up by fighter escort except for a few stragglers that we were able to fend off with concentrated fire, even though we did not down any. Seems their hearts were not in it because the 3 that made it in broke off after one pass.

Lining up on the IP, our Bombardier indicated he had a good sight on the target and as soon as he dropped the load, we took a huge flak hit. A flak shell went through the bottom of the port wing and out the top and exploded! The ship rocked violently to the starboard side and 2nd Lt. West and I had a hard time gaining control. I looked at the port wing but the intercom was already buzzing. Our Ball Gunner reported a “huge hole” as did our Radio Operator and Engineer. Sure enough, the top and bottom skin of the wing, right between the engines was almost completely missing. None of us were sure what was holding the wing together or how long it would last as it was but for now, fighting the controls, we kept in formation, both engines running fine as if nothing had gone wrong. We did not lose much fuel at all, having emptied the out-board wing tank and most of the inboard wing tank on the flight in. Not sure how the fuel lines to #1 weren’t damaged but it just kept on running. 2nd Lt. West jumped on the intercom and told the crew to be prepared to bail out if the wing breaks away. If that shell had blown up inside the wing, it would have been torn from the ship for sure.

On egress there were enemy fighters all over but our escorts kept them off of us, sensing the shape we were in. We did fine until about 700 nm out when more enemy fighters appeared, but the new escorts were still forming up. We had 2 Bf-109’s come prowling, one we hit and messed up his aim. He missed and flew off trailing a little smoke. Another came at us at 10:30 level, sensing an easy target, I am sure. But our Navigator put a steady stream of shells into him, and he fire-balled before he could attack.

About 500 miles out, another big piece of sheet metal peeled off the wing and we lurched violently to the starboard side again, nearly colliding with another aircraft. They pulled up just in time. We righted her, and I got on the radio to the ships to our starboard side, and said we were going to drop below, move all the way to the starboard side of the formation and take that spot in case it should it happen again. We also dropped back a little away from some of the other aircraft, and just kept praying what was left of the wing would get us home.

Slowing down quite a bit near home, we had no flaps on the port side, so gliding in low and slow we set her down as gently as we could and used every bit of runway to come to a stop as there were no brakes on the port side either.

No crew injuries.

Master Sergeant Creen, our crew chief was visibly upset we returned “his” aircraft in such bad condition, shook his head and said he would get to work. He didn’t think I could hear, but I did. “Good girl,” he said to the lady, “you got em home…” Our Crew Chief deserves a medal, just for all the repair work.

Respectfully submitted:
1st Lt. T. Hathaway, commanding
SN: B-17G-20BO-42-31468
80th Bomb Squadron, 509th Bombardment Group H, 15th AAF