310Th Bombardment Group Squadron War Diaries

12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 310th Bombardment Group History: October 1943

------For my dad, Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (deceased)

“Lil Butch” John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired) ------

12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 310th Bombardment Group History: October 1943

The following is a compilation of the 310th Bomb Group’s Headquarters and individual Squadron War Diaries. They have been transcribed word for word, from the Squadron Histories provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama. At the end of each Squadron’s daily entry, the individuals cited in the entry are identified by full name, rank and duty, in alphabetical order. The day’s entry begins with the Tactical Operations Statement, from the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Chronology, for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). The history also includes mission reports, mission crew rosters, Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR), personal mission logs, journals, and diaries made available by various sources.

Invitation

Anyone who has documentation pertaining to the 310th Bomb Group or its members, and would like to have it included in this history, is welcome to participate. Copies of: photos (official or personal); orders (promotion, decoration, travel, etc.); Mission Reports; Missing Air Crew Reports; personal diaries, logs, journals, etc; other documentation; or information that will help identify hi-lited individuals will be greatly appreciated, as one of my goals is to correctly identify every man and plane assigned to the 310th Bomb Group.

My only interest in this project is to honor those who served by perpetuating their story, and making it available for future generations, particularly the families and friends of our Great Heroes. If you are interested in helping, or if I may be of assistance in finding information about your 310th BG Hero, please contact me at: [email protected]

Special Thanks to Very Special Folks

Agostino Alberti: Professor - historian (Soncino, Italy) Michele Becchi: aviation history - archaeologist (Reggio Emilia, Italy) Jack Brellenthin, great nephew of: Harold Ray Brellenthin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Cecile Burandt, daughter of: Charles Lawson “Chuck” Burandt, Capt, pilot, 446th BS Sally Brown, daughter of: Barnard H. Seegmiller, Sgt, armament, 445th BS Dave Charville, grandson of: Leighton Daniel “Danny” Charville, 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS Barbara Connolly, daughter of: Edward Charles “Salvo” Ennis, T/Sgt, radar-radio- gunner, 447th BS 1Lt Robert S. Crouse: pilot, 379BS Ralph “Monguse” Gimenez: Software Architect, IL2-FB Skinner Bob Haney, son of: Vincent M. Haney, M/Sgt, flight engineer, 341st BG Ed Haney, cousin of: Gale Monroe Dickson, Capt, pilot, 446th BS Special Thanks to Very Special Folks (continued)

Jim Hawkins, son of: Frank B. “Pancho” Hawkins, 2Lt, pilot, 381st BS John Hughes, son of: John Jerome “Jack” Hughes, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS Patti Johnson: genealogist, proofer, and family friend of: James Raymond Orechia, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS Don Kaiser, son of: Quentin C. Kaiser, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 489th BS John Lanza, nephew of: William A. Lanza, Sgt, gunner, 446th BS Stephanie Lile, daughter of: Keith B. Lile, S/Sgt, gunner, 445th BS 1st Lt Joseph A. Malec: bombardier, 448th BS and friend of: Vernon Curtis Dossey, Capt, pilot, 448th BS Vince Mango, son of: Vincent A. “Vince” Mango, S/Sgt, aerial gunner, 447th BS John J. McCarthy: Sgt, engineer-gunner, bombardier, 447th BS Lorraine McRae, daughter of: James Arrington McRae, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS T/Sgt Rocco F. “Rocky” Milano & daughter Peggy Chatham: Crew Chief of Peg O' My Heart, Lil Butch, and Haulin' Ass, 446th BS Bob Ritger, nephew of: Frederic Charles Ritger, 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS Irving J. Schaffer: T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer, 448th BS 1st Lt Frederick H. Smith: pilot, 447th BS Marsha Gurnee Suszan, daughter of: Clarence E. “Shine” Gurnee, S/Sgt, gunner, 448thBS Dominique Taddei: author, U.S.S. Corsica (Corsica) S/Sgt George B. Underwood: gunner, 381st BS David Waldrip, nephew of: Robert Laseter Waldrip, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 447th BS Vinny J. White, son of: Joseph P. White, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 381st BS S/Sgt, Harry (NMI) Yoa: engineer-gunner, 445th BS

Crew lists

Aircraft information - serial #, name, etc Sometimes used P Pilot Bomb/Nav Bombardier-Navigator CP Co-pilot BN Bombardier-Navigator N Navigator EG Engineer-gunner B Bombardier RG Radio-gunner E Engineer-gunner TG Turret gunner R Radio-gunner AG Aerial gunner G Gunner PH Photographer F Photographer AP Aerial photographer CL Cannon Loader (on B-25G) CC Crew Chief O Observer

Note: for 381st BS: The letter in ( ) following the A/C No. represents the position # of the aircraft in the formation. For example: A/C No. 41-13052 (P) - the P is position 16. A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4 E-5 F-6 G-7 H-8 I-9 J-10 K-11 L-12 M-13 N-14 O-15 P-16 Q-17 R-18 S-19 T-20 U-21 V-21 W-23 X-24 Y-25 Z-26 Acronyms & Abbreviations

A/C: Aircraft M/G: Machine Gun A/D: Aerodrome MIA: Missing In Action AE: Aerial Engineer M/T: Motor Transport (Truck) A/F: Air Field, also Anti-Flak MTB: Motor Torpedo Boat AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery) M/V: Military Vessel, Maritime Vessel abs: absent M/Y: Marshalling Yards AGL: Above Ground Level MC: Maintenance Crew ALO: Allied Liaison Officer NARA: National Archives and Records Administration ALW: Alive and Well NASAF: Northwest African Strategic Air Force AMGOT: Allied Military Government for NATC - Northwest African Training Occupied Territories Command A.R.C.: American Red Cross NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of Operations USA ASC: Air Support Command Nav: Navigator ASN: Army Serial Number (personnel) N.B.S.: National Bureau of Standards Assg: Assigned NC: Nurse Corps. ASV: Anti-Surface Vessel (radar) NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer ATA: Actual Time of Arrival Nickels: propaganda Leaflets ATC: Air Transportation Command (NMI): No Middle Initial ATS: Air Transport Service - also Army NOK: Next Of Kin Telegraph Service Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb) NRO: National Reconnaissance Office BC: Bomber Command OAF: Occupation Air Forces BIC: Bruised in Crash OD: Officer of the day, also Olive Drab Bmb: Bombardier OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster Bn: Battalion OTU: Operational Training Unit B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory PAX: Passengers BSM: Bomb System Maintenance PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator CA: Heavy Cruiser POE: Point of Embarkation CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited POW: Prisoner of War (also PW) C.B.I.: China-Burma-India Theater PRO-Kit: Individual Chemical Prophylactic packet C/D: Coastal Defense PW: Prisoner of War (also POW) CE: Circular Error PWB: Psychological Warfare Branch CEP: Circular Error Probable PX: Post Exchange Chaff (US term): Radar countermeasure: QBB: Base of cloud tiny strips of aluminum, metalized glass fiber, or plastic. See Window CL: Cannon Loader QDM: Course to steer CO: Commanding Officer QM: Quarter Master CG: Commanding General R/B: Road Bridge CP: Command Post RC: Red Cross CQ: Charge of Quarters R/J: Road Junction C/S: Call Sign R/Y: Railroad Yards CWS: Chemical Warfare Service Repl: Replacement D/H: Direct Hit RMC: Returned to Military Control DD: Destroyer RON: Remain OverNight DED: Declared Dead - no body or remains RR/B: Railroad Bridge found Demo: Demolition RR/J: Railroad Junction DL: Dead List RR: Railroad DNB: Died Non-Battle / Died Not-Battle RTD: Returned To Duty DOW: Died Of Wounds. R/V: Rendezvous DOWRIA: Died of Wounds Received in S-1: Administration Action DS: Detached Service S-2: Intelligence E/A: Enemy Aircraft S-3: Operations E/F: Enemy Fighter S-4: Supply EM or E/M: Enlisted Men SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival SD: Special Duty ETIR: Estimated Time In Route S/E: Single Engine (plane) EUS: Evacuated to the United States S.E.: Special Equipment (Shoran) E/V: Enemy Vessel S/F: Siebel Ferry F Boat: Flying Boat sk: sick F/L: Formation Leader - also Flight Leader S/M: Submarine FO or F/O: Flying Officer SO: Special Order FOD: Finding Of Death SOI: Standard Operating Instructions? Frag: Fragmentation S/P: Sea Plane F.S.: Flight Section SPERR BRECHER: German: mine sweeper GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK) Sq: Squadron GO: General Order Sqdn: Squadron GP: General Purpose/Gun Position SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action GTC: General Time Convention (railroad) T/A: Target Area HE: High Explosive T/C: Troop Concentration IAS: Indicated Air Speed T/E: Twin Engine (plane) I & E: Information & Education TAC: Theater Allied Command I.F.F.: Identification, Friend or Foe TBF: Tactical Bomber Force (i. o.): Initials Only (initial is the name) TD: Temporary Duty IP: Initial Point TDY: Temporary Duty KNB: Killed Not Battle TLC: Tactical Landing Craft KIA: Killed In Action TO: Take-Off (time), also Technical Order, and Transportation Officer L/A: Landing Area T/O: Table of Organization LC: Landing Craft TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target L/G: Landing Ground Trfd: Transferred Lox: Liquid Oxygen TWX: Teletypewriter Message L/S: Landing Strip u/i: Unidentified, also unit of issue L/V: Large Vehicle UNRRA: United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration LST: Landing Ship Tank Very Pistol or Verey Pistol: Flare gun Ltr: Letter VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action WC: Water closet MACR: Missing Air Crew Report W.O.: Warrant Officer MATS: Military Air Transport Service WIA: Wounded In Action Window (British term): Radar countermeasure: tiny strips of aluminum, metalized glass fiber, or plastic. See Chaff WP: White Phosphorus (bombs) WT, W/T: Watch Tower XC: Cross Country ZI: Zone of Interior (U.S.A.)

Friday, 1 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (9th AF): In the first half of October, HQ Ninth Air Force and HQ IX Bomber Command begin a movement to England from Egypt and Libya.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's hit communications targets in the Capua, Grazzanise, Arce, and Mignano areas. B-24's, including heavy bombers on detached service from the Eighth Air Force, bomb Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; B-17's, sent against an airplane factory at Augsburg, Germany, fail to locate the target, and bomb several alternate targets and targets of opportunity in Austria, Italy, and off Corsica and Elba Island, Italy.

In Italy, Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) and XII Air Support Command medium and light bombers, and fighter-bombers hit the Benevento town area and marshalling yard, the bridge at Capua, and motor transport, trains, and railroads mainly in the Isernia area and N to Avezzano. The British King's Dragoon Guards (with the US Fifth Army) occupy Naples. British Eighth Army troops occupy Foggia airfields. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its 66th Fighter Squadron transfer from Gioia Airfield to Foggia, Italy with P-40's. The 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light), and 311th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Twelfth Air Force, are disbanded at Nouvion, Algeria and Gela, Sicily respectively. A detachment of the 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Enfidaville, Tunisia with B-24's, begins operating from Bengasi, Libya. During October, HQ 63rd Fighter Wing transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Bastia, Corsica; HQ 68th Reconnaissance Group transfers from Berteaux, Algeria to Massicault, Tunisia; the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Egypt to El Aouina, Tunisia with C-47's.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: Operations today as everything else was completely at a standstill for the entire base was blanketed by a sea of mud. The rainy season was now here to stay.

Friday, 1 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS War Diary: Weather clear and warm. A welcome relief after yesterday’s very hard rain. The runways, however, are still quite muddy. The following 2nd Lts. were promoted to 1st Lts: 2nd Lts. Hanna, Kreuzkamp, Opeka and Wolfe. No mission. Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt, pilot Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt, pilot Opeka, John (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, navigator Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt, pilot

428th BS War Diary: A rush call came from Finance to turn in all francs to be exchanged for overseas currency. Over $15,000 was turned in . Rain made the runway unusable.

Saturday, 2 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Brigadier General Gordon P Saville becomes Commanding General, XII Fighter Command. Weather curtails operations.

In Italy, fighter-bombers of the XII Air Support Command attack motor transport, roads, and bridges during armed reconnaissance missions from the Volturno Valley N to Isernia and W to Benevento. The 64th and 65th Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group, transfer from Rocco Bernardo to Foggia, Italy with P-40’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: In the wee hours of the morning another terrific rain and wind storm struck the peninsula. A number of our tents were knocked down and mild profanity could be heard coming from the lips of the poor unfortunates whose sacks were bared to the heavens.

381st BS War Diary: It’s raining again All departments have been ordered to pack their non-essential equipment for immediate shipment. Benevento was captured by the U.S. 5th Army at 15:00 hours today. No Mission.

428th BS War Diary: A heavy down pour hit the camp about four in the morning. The CO’s tent was knocked down as were the kitchen buildings. The ice box was turned over and most of the tents caved in. Epperson, Elmer H., Maj, pilot, Commander

Sunday, 3 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26’s, B-25’s, and P-38’s bomb railroad, highway, and pontoon bridges, an overpass, and road junction at Capua, Castel Volturno, Piana, Arce, Mignano, and Isernia; P-38’s also hit shipping between Corsica and Italy. XII Bomber Command fighter-bombers hit motor transport in the battle area as US Fifth Army troops take Benevento. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Grombalia, Tunisia to San Pancrazio, Italy with P-38’s. HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group and its 29th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Sciacca to Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily with C-47’s. HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 445th, 446th and 447th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Soliman, Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy with B-25’s. HQ 324th Fighter Group and its 314th, 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons transfer from El Haouaria to Menzel Heurr, Tunisia with P-40’s. These units have been regrouping since Jul 43. Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Enfidaville, Tunisia begin operating from Bengasi, Libya with B-24’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : ------Mission Report # 186, 3 October 1943

1. UNIT: 310th Bomb Gp (M) AAF.

2. At 1130 36 _B-25’s_ took off to Bomb Isernia Road Junction. ___2___

Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C

returned early. 34 dropped 168 X 500 .1 & .01 sec delay bombs on target at No. A/C No & Type

1415 from 9800-12,500 ft. 18 bombs returned to base. 24 bombs salvoed. ___31__ Time Altitude No. A/C

returned at 1645 and one at 1615. __ 1 _ _ Lost, __ 2_ missing, _ None at Time No. A/C No. A/C No. A/C

friendly fields. One B-25 lost by flak or E/A, just after target. 3-4 chutes were seen

to open.

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

3. RESULTS: A number of direct hits were reported on and in the immediate vicinity of the road intersection at the N end of town. Other hits were seen near a bridge NE of town with possible damage to the approach. A high railroad bridge S of town was believed by several crews to have received a direct hit. A few bombs hit in the town causing one building to explode and a number of fires.

4. OBS: E/A--8-10 ME-109’s and FW-190’s made aggressive attacks on the first flight of 18 ships, attacking from above and at all angles, while others attacked out of the sun at 6 o’clock. Attacks were followed up for at least five minutes after the initial encounter. E/A attacked formation immediately turn-off from target was made. The FW-190’s were reported as having pink camouflage. Two ME-109’s and two FW- 190’s were claimed destroyed. Flak--At target--Intense accurate heavy. Positions: Near railroad just SE of target; from wooded area 3/10 mi. N of target; from E side of town near RR bridge. Elsewhere--Intense, heavy, fairly accurate flak was experienced from along all roads in the target area, principally the road between Isernia and Vinchiaturo, and between Guardia Sanframondi and Caserta. The following positions noted: From near Boiano - 41 deg 29 min N, 14 deg 29 min E; moderate heavy accurate from near Morcone 41 deg 31 min N, 14 deg 40 min E; moderate heavy accurate from SE of Baia - 41 deg 18 min N, 14 deg 14 min E; accurate heavy from vicinity of Circello, 41 deg 22 min N, 14 deg 48 min E. Ground- -40-50 M/T in convoy one mile SW of target heading S. 50-100 M/T heading N on road between Morcone and Vinchiaturo. 40-50 M/T with many hauling trailers on road between Isernia and Vinchiaturo, no heading. Shipping--None.

Photos were taken.

5. WEATHER AT TARGET: 5/10 - 7/10 heavy cumulus, base at 9000 ft. Tops at 20,000 feet, visibility unlimited.

GORDON C. LOCKE, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Highway Intersection, Isernia, Italy. 2 planes.

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: After several days of inactivity our bombers sought excitement and flew northward over Italia to bomb a road intersection at Isernia. However, the mission was costly as three of the attacking bombers did not return. Lt. Hament and his crew are still missing. Our combat boys were pretty quiet tonight. Hament, Carrol (NMI), 1Lt, pilot

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 134 Date- October 3 1943 Target- Isernia Road Junction Squadron airplanes- eleven Between the intense accurate flak encountered and the aggressive attacks by eight to ten enemy fighters, our group was kept plenty busy every minute over enemy territory. There were a number of direct hits reported on and in the immediate vicinity of the road intersection at the north end of town. A rail bridge south of town is believed to have been hit directly. Several bombs that landed in the town caused one bldg to explode and a number of fires. Lieut. Haments’s aircraft was hit by either enemy aircraft or flak and although the crews are not positive which of the three ships, that are missing, turned toward the Foggias, it is believed that his aircraft was the one. With the exception of these three B-25’s, all of the other bombers returned safely. Photos of the bombing were taken.

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified (landed A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified at Foggia, due to battle damage) P Hament, Carrol (NMI), 2Lt Walton, Cecil Vernon, 2Lt CP Arentson, Robert M., 2Lt Maxwell, Max W., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 2Lt B Weinstein, Robert S., S/Sgt Mizerski, Richard C. “Bronco”, 2Lt E None None R Wells, Donald Walter, S/Sgt Dinges, J.W., T/Sgt G Cook, Keith L., Sgt Black, Jewell James “J.J.”, Sgt F Land, Wilson E., Sgt None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., S/Sgt G McCabe, George P., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt TG Larson, M.O., Sgt A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Benton, James H., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Auchard, Richard L., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Halsey, James L., 1Lt Snyder, Glen F., S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Hoover, Donald E., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt TG None Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), PFC A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt Wilson, Victor H., Jr., 2Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 2Lt Panich, Milan (NMI), 2Lt N None Lewis, Jack (NMI), 2Lt B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt Windler, John H., 2Ltt E None None R Parker, P.J., S/Sgt Liudahl, Irvin Melbourne, S/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Barszcz, Stanley G., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified (SPARE FILLED IN HERE) P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Bates, Willie L., F/O N None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E None R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt G Ritter, Robert E., Sgt TG McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt

381st BS War Diary: From today’s mission to Isernia, Italy, the aircraft piloted by Major Cometh failed to return. Flak was encountered over the target. The Major’s plane was last seen out of formation but under control. It is hoped that he was able to land at a friendly field. This was the Major’s 53rd mission. Fifty missions were chalked up for T/Sgt. Wilbur H. Budde and S/Sgt. Wade C. George. Promotions for enlisted men created the following: 4 T/Sgts., 1 S/Sgt., 3 Sgts., and 1 Cpl. Budde, Wilbur H., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, bombardier Cometh, Lawrence (NMI), Maj, pilot, Commander George, Wade Clayton, S/Sgt, gunner

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : ROAD JUNCTION AT ISERNIA, ITALY Menzel Temime, 3 October 43 Group Mission # 174 Sqdrn. Mission # 132 Flight 36 B-25’s 12 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 11:30 Bombs Dropped: 12(6 x 500), 36,000# Target 14:15 Bombing Altitude: 10,050 Down 16:45 Sorties to Date: 1,001 Total Time: 5 Hrs. 15 Min. Mileage: 824 Weather: Ceiling unlimited over target, and towering cumulus surrounding target area. STRATEGY: To create bottlenecks in the German’s main avenues of retreat as they withdraw from the Benevento area. RESULTS: Bombs were well dispersed over the entire target area. A few bombs fell in the area of the north road intersection, causing dust which obscured the results. A direct hit was scored on an aqueduct at the northern end of the town. Flak: Moderate heavy accurate flak from positions in the vicinity of the target. No enemy aircraft. Capt. Evans’ aircraft landed at Foggia A/D with motor trouble. Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 42-64596 “Donna Marie” (C) A/C No. 41-13052 “TABOO” (A) (landed at Foggia with motor trouble) P Stagner, Howard C., F/O Evans, George N., Capt CP Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt Cometh, Lawrence (NMI), Maj, Commander N None Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt B Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt E None None R Jereb, Vincent (NMI), S/Sgt Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt G Moxey, Orville Earl, S/Sgt Mayronne, Clyde A., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30341 (B) A/C No. 41-13061 “Lil Joe” (F) P Campbell, Martin H., Jr., F/O Williamson, Lloyd V., F/O CP Ramsey, Thomas Upton, 2Lt Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Foster C., S/Sgt DeCastro, Emil J., PFC E None None R Standish, Beverly R., S/Sgt Wolfrom, Earl R., Pvt G Sigafoos, James F., Jr., Sgt Kim, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt None A/C No. 41-29980 (D) A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (E) P Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt CP Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt N Forbes, Robert L., 1Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt E None None R Budde, Walter H., T/Sgt Starnes, Carl B., T/Sgt G White, John Edward, S/Sgt George, Wade Clayton, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30002 (J) A/C No. 42-53445 “Lottie’s Goose” (G) P Jones, William E., F/O Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 2Lt CP Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt N None Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt E None None R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Darling, Robert E., Pvt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., Sgt TG Erceg, Samuel (NMI), Cpl None

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” A/C No. 41-30386 (R) (M) P Wolfe, Warren M., 2Lt Hanna, Malcolm C., 2Lt CP Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O Kurtz, James A., 2Lt N None None B Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt E None None R Marshburn, James T., Sgt Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt G Lyon, John R., Sgt Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt TG Collom, Frank C., Jr., Sgt Frazier, Robert E., PFC A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (K) A/C No. 42-32500 “The Saint” (R) P Bitter, Irwin S., Capt Samson, George D., 2Lt CP Kurtz, James A., 2Lt Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt N Opeka, John (NMI), Jr., 2Lt None B Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt E None None R Schmidt, Harold E., Sgt Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt G Bruhlman, Otto C., Sgt Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt F Scott, Ivan D., Cpl TG Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt

428th BS War Diary: Passes have been cancelled on account of the mission. On this raid we lost Lt. Brennan and his crew. Brennan, Samuel James, Jr., 1Lt, pilot

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission #: In October the first operation of the month, on the third, was directed at the road junction at Isernia close behind the enemy lines. It cost us Lt. Brennan and his crew. Lt. Keys, his bombardier, made a successful parachute descent and eluded enemy patrols with the help of the natives until the German defense line disintegrated around him. Paul Keys brought back the story of the death of a hero. Shortly after target, flak crippled the airplane and apparently injured Lt. Brennan. He ordered her crew to bail out and was able to steer his aircraft in a straight and level attitude until they had a chance to leave the aircraft safely. Just why he was unable to leave himself is not know. Suffice to say that soon thereafter the plane assumed a diving attitude and that later Lt. Keys saw Lt. Brennan’s grave beside his plane. It may well have been that he was too weak to leave the aircraft himself. It was another laurel to the wreath for which we shall always cherish his memory. He was an exceptionally fine pilot, cool, courageous, intelligent and able. Chronic misfortune was his inequitable lot. Ironically, his quiet, unostentatious courage contributed to his passing. In the light of the numerous scrapes that he had been through,

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

he was offered relief from his combat responsibilities after his last close call with death. It was not the path Brennan chose. Already recommended for the D.F.C. for previous valor, in a host of 310th heroes Sam Brennan stands out like a four-star general. A pilot’s pilot and a man’s man. S/Sgt. Don Storms, his gunner, was taken prisoner. T/Sgt Robert Smit, the last member of this original crew (he also chose to continue) succeeded as did Lt. Keys, in returning safely. Lt. Bob Berent, co-pilot, broke a leg in landing and is now a German prisoner. Lt. Keys brought back many tales as evidence of the good will of the Italian population. A few hits were reported in the town and one flight is believed to have hit the area of the intersection. On the return trip, four of eight to ten attacking ME-109’s and FW- 190’s were brought down. Intense, accurate, heavy flak after target brought Lt. Brennan’s aircraft down.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Douglas, James D., 2Lt Buglass, Kenneth G., 1Lt CP Edelman, Forrest J., F/O Sandstrom, John E., 2Lt N Lick, Edmund W., 2Lt None B Karvel, Roy L., 2Lt Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt E None None R Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt G Sviantek, John L., Sgt Rankin, James V., S/Sgt TG Mahan, John J., PFC None A/C No. 3 41-13053 “Stormy A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified Weather” P Boswell, Harry R., 2Lt Edwards, William P., 2Lt CP Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt Sebor, George (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Baraniuk, Jerry M., 2Lt Stewart, William W., Cpl E None None R Booth, Jack D., S/Sgt Jack, Robert C., Sgt G Kelly, Andrew R., Cpl Houseman, Charles M., Jr., S/Sgt F Schenk, James S., Sgt Frank, Donald A., Cpl A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Waugh, Carter H., 1Lt Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Davidson, James C., 2Lt Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N Wortman, Robert A., 2Lt None B Snoddy, William G., 2Lt Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E None Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R East, Charles D., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Agin, Clealon J., Sgt Ciampi, Francis (NMI), Sgt F Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) Williamson, Felton J., Pvt

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 7 42-32440 (MACR-797 - shot A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified down by AAA) P Brennan, Samuel James, Jr., 1Lt Tooles, William B., 1Lt CP Berent, Raymond E., 2Lt Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt N None None B Keys, Paul R., 2Lt Herring, William S., S/Sgt E None None R Smit, Richard F., T/Sgt Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt G Storms, Donald W., S/Sgt Sisson, John E., Sgt F None Gilpatrick, Sgt (observer?) A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified P Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt CP Lewis, Quentin McAlpine, 2Lt N None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), Sgt E None R Morris, Raymond J., Sgt G Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F Reed, Robert H., Sgt

428th BS War Diary: Casualty Report: October 3, 1943

On the above date on a raid over Isernia, flak brought down one of our aircraft. Four chutes were seen to open before the aircraft passed out of sight. The following were reported missing: ************************************************************************

1st Lt Samuel J. Brennan Pilot 2nd Lt. Raymond E. Berent Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Paul R. Keys Bombardier T/Sgt. Richard F. Smit Radio Operator S/Sgt. Donald W. Storms Aerial Gunner

************************************************************************

Additional information: When Lt. Keys and T/Sgt. Smit returned, they gave the following story: All crew members with the exception of the pilot had time to bail out. The pilot may have been injured. In any case Lt. Brennan went down with his plane. Lt. Berent incurred a leg fracture in landing. S/Sgt. Storms was taken prisoner. The other three were hidden by civilians until friendly forces drove the enemy out of the area. The exact whereabouts of Lt. Berent is not known but he is thought to be in an Allied hospital. ------Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

428th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 797:

A/C No. 7 42-32440 (MACR-797 - shot down by AAA) P Brennan, Samuel James, Jr., 1Lt - KIA CP Berent, Raymond E., 2Lt - MIA, POW, EUS N None B Keys, Paul R., 2Lt - MIA, evaded enemy, and RTD E None R Smit, Richard F., T/Sgt - MIA, evaded enemy, and RTD G Storms, Donald W., S/Sgt - MIA, POW, EUS F None

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Account: Tooles, William B., 1Lt, pilot, 428th BS

After the bombs were dropped lt. Brennan made a sharp right turn and a steep climb to get around a cumulous build up. Just before getting over this cloud Lt. Brennan received a direct hit of heavy flak in his left nacelle causing fire to come out of his nacelle. The gunner and radio operator jumped and the chutes did open. Lt. Brennan kept the plane under control and next one out was the bombardier and his parachute did open. The plane had slowed down to about 150 MPH by this time and the co-pilot pushed his seat back and cleared the pilots compartment leaving Lt. Brennan still sitting at this position at the controls with the plane starting a slow gliding turn to the right. He passed in under my plane and when the ship next appeared on the right side of my plane my co-pilot Lt. Jones said the plane was out of control and going straight down. It was then lost in a cloud.

WILLIAM B. TOOLES 1st Lt., Air Corps ------

Eyewitness Account: Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 2Lt, pilot, 428th BS

I was flying on Lt. Brennan’s left wing. Every thing was fine until after we had dropped our bombs. We made a steep bank off the target and we got plenty of flak. After we started the turn and dive off the target flak got Lt. Brennan in the left engine and it caught on fire immediately. It looked to me like it was in the accessory section. The flames were streaming from the rear of the engine nacelle. He held her alright for a few minutes but then went into a steep dive off to the right. We saw three chutes get clear of the plane and open. The last we saw of him he was going down about, or rather it looked as though five or six thousand feet a minute. The ship wasn’t spinning and looked as if it was still under control, but it was headed straight for the mountains.

THORNTON (NMI) FLEMING 1st Lt., Air Corps ------

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Account: Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt, pilot, 428th BS

We were in a steep right turn off the target when Lt. Brennan got hit. A burst of flak broke directly under the left engine nacelle. Both of the main wheels dropped down and fire came out of the left nacelle. No one in the crew appeared to be injured and Lt. Brennan held the plane level and the crew was bailing out. Both the front and rear hatches flew off. At this time the ship dropped down under ours where I could not see it. It was still under control and our gunner reported three chutes opening. I saw it again as it came out on my side. It went into a steep driving spin burning and definitely out of control. It seemed that both the pilot and co-pilot had left the controls and were trying to bail out. I did not see it crash because of clouds. I was Lt. Tooles co-pilot and we were flying on Lt. Brennan’s left wing.

Gordon K. Jones 2nd Lt. ------

Eyewitness Account: Storms, Donald W., S/Sgt, 428th BS (some time after EUS)

CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE

The radio operator had the back hatch off, and was thrown out, by the pitching of the plane, before the order was given to bail out.

(The plane struck the ground) About 25 miles from the target.

(crew in the aircraft when it struck the ground) The man in the pilot’s seat, who I assumed was the pilot… Dead. ------

Monday, 4 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17’s bomb the Pisa marshalling yard and Bolzano bridges; B-25’s and B-26’s attack the airfield at Argos, road defiles at Terracina and Isernia, a highway overpass at Mignano, and shipping at Bastia; NATBF aircraft hit road and rail junctions on the main road N from Capua; XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit trains, roads, railroads, and vehicles near Isernia, Avezzano, Pescara, and Isolella. The Allies now have complete control of Corsica. The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force, based at La Marsa, Tunisia begins operating from Pontecagnano, Italy with F-5’s. The 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, transfers from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-40’s. The 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia sends a detachment to Gambut, Libya with P-38’s. The 448th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Soliman, Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy with B-25’s. “A” Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, based at La Marsa, Tunisia sends a detachment to Grottaglie, Italy with B-17’s and F-5’s. “B” and “C” Flights are still in the US.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : ------Mission Report # 187, 4 October 1943

1. UNIT: 310th Bomb Gp (M) AAF.

2. At 0720 36 _B-25’s_ took off to Bomb Bastia Harbor & Shipping. __One__

Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C

returned early. 35 dropped 210 X 500 .1 & .01 sec delay bombs on target at No. A/C No & Type

1000 from 9800-12,500 ft. ___32__ returned at 1225. ___2__ with 3 crews returned Time Altitude No. A/C Time No. A/C

at 1430. _ None Lost, _ None missing, ___1__ at Decimomannu . Time No. A/C No. A/C No. A/C Friendly Fields.

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

3. RESULTS: Two M/V’s in harbor and one M/V outside of harbor at K-10, 11; M-12, 13; and H-2, 3. The large M/V, 4-500 feet long, inside of harbor at K-10, 11 received 3 direct hits and was seen to explode with a huge column of black smoke. M/V at M- 12, 13 received many damaging near misses, but no direct hits were actually observed. Strings of bombs went across quay and into dock area and warehouses, causing many fires in these areas. One string walked up R.R. tracks on quay into fuel tanks at IM-14 resulting in a big explosion. R.R. tracks and switch yards at IJ-13 were hit and many bombs covered the N part of the town. One crew reported bombs hitting near a hill just outside of town causing an explosion that appeared to be from either a fuel or ammunition dump.

4. OBS: E/A--None. S/P in N part of Bastia Harbor. Flak--None. Ground--None. Shipping--1 craft, believed to be a S/F, heading into Gulf of St. Florent at 42 degrees 45 minutes N - 9 degrees 13 minutes E at 1005 hours. 1 unidentified Naval vessel, possibly a cruiser, seen at 41 degrees 20 minutes N - 10 degrees 00 minutes E, heading 100 degrees at 1030 hours.

Photos were taken.

5. WEATHER AT TARGET: CAVU, with haze.

GORDON C. LOCKE, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Bastia, Corsica. 12 planes.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 3 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 5 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 7 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 9 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 11 aircraft and crew A/C No. 12 aircraft and crew unidentified unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: Today we helped close the Corsican Campaign by bombing the harbor of Bastia. The island was reported to have fallen some time today. At 1900 hrs the entire squadron received the happy news that Lt. Hament and his crew had safely landed on Foggia Airdrome. The crew returned back to our base late tonight. Hament, Carrol (NMI), 1Lt, pilot

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 135 Date- October 4 1943 Target- Bastia, Corsica. Shipping in harbor. Squadron airplanes- nine Today we made our debut over “Nappy’s Birthplace”, the isle of Corsica, to assist our French Allies in putting the finishing touches on Nazi resistance at the northern tip of the island. We learned this evening that after our attack all fighting had ceased and the few remaining columns of the enemy had “Dunkirked” to Elba and the Italian Mainland. Our bombing was quite effective. Many strings found their way across the dock installations and adjacent warehouses starting several fires. Considerable smoke and dust made observations difficult and limited. All our bombers returned safely to base.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Rice, Carl E., 2Lt Smith, Leonard D. “Leo”, 2Lt CP Ryan, Thomas Patrick, 2Lt Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt N Konieczka, William F., 2Lt None B Windler, John H., 2Lt Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt E None None R Morris, Jones E., S/Sgt McDowell, Alva H., S/Sgt G Papp, Frank (NMI), Jr., Sgt McCabe, George P., Sgt F None None

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Echols, George A., 2Lt Derrick, William S., 2Lt CP Beale, Edward J., 2Lt Panich, Milan (NMI), 2Lt N None Lewis, Jack (NMI), 2Lt B Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt Ackerson, Newell W., 2Lt E None None R Taylor, Frank E., Sgt Liudahl, Irvin Melbourne, S/Sgt G Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt Barszcz, Stanley G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 2Lt CP Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None None R Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt TG Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Dent, James J., Jr., Capt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O N Potter, Eliot H., 1Lt None B Anderson, John B., 2Lt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E None None R Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt G McGimpsey, Paul D., Sgt Ritter, Robert E., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt None A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 2Lt N None B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt E None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt G Larson, M.O., Sgt TG McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS War Diary: Lt. Burlingame received a letter today from Lt. Burris, stating that he is in a British hospital near Philippeville. No information was given in the letter regarding Lt. Donnovan or the other members of his crew, who are missing in action from a mission to Potenza Marshalling Yards, Italy, on 9 September 43. Bowden, Scott T., S/Sgt, gunner Burris, James Warren, 2Lt, pilot Dittmar, Francis A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Donnovan, Gerald M., 2Lt, pilot Rogers, Leo C., S/Sgt, bombardier-ginner No word from Major Cometh. Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt, navigator Cometh, Lawrence (NMI), Maj, pilot, Commander Evans, George N., Capt, pilot Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner Mayronne, Clyde A., S/Sgt, gunner Today’s target: Bastia Harbor, Corsica. A few hours after our planes landed it was learned that the Germans remaining in Corsica had fled, and that the Island is once again in the hands of the French. Cpl. Emile A. Pontet completed 50 missions. Pontet, Emile A., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : BASTIA HARBOR, CORSICA Menzel Temime, 4 October 43 Group Mission # 175 Sqdrn. Mission # 133 Flight 36 B-25’s 3 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 07:40 Bombs Dropped: 3(6 x 500), 9,000# Target 10:00 Bombing Altitude: 11,150 Down 12:20 Sorties to Date: 1,004 Total Time: 4 Hrs. 40 Min. Mileage: 900 Weather: CAVU STRATEGY: To blast harbor installations and shipping, thus hampering the evacuation from Corsica of the last remaining German forces. RESULTS: As the result of direct hits, a large M/V was left burning in the harbor. Other strings of bombs cut across the quay, severing it in two places, and damaging warehouses along the harbor front. No flak, no fighters.

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 41-30341 (H) A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (K) P Campbell, Martin H., Jr., F/O Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt CP Ramsey, Thomas Upton, 2Lt Warren, Donald B., 2Lt N None Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt B Miller, Foster C., S/Sgt Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt E None None R Standish, Beverly R., S/Sgt Darling, Robert E., Pvt G Sigafoos, James F., Jr., Sgt Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., Sgt F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt None A/C No. 41-30002 (B) P Boston, Joseph W., Jr., 2Lt CP Cruise, William H., 2Lt N None B Vervacke, Arsene H., Cpl E None R Wolfrom, Earl R., Pvt G Pontet, Emile A., Jr., Cpl TG Erceg, Samuel (NMI), Cpl

428th BS War Diary: Mission today. Truck convoy scheduled to go by landing barges to new base in Italy on the 6th.

The next few days were filled with dry runs. Truck convoys headed for ports of embarkation and successive movements to the base in Italy were cancelled. An advance detail destined for Oudna was cancelled. Nothing was certain save that indetermination was the order of things that yellow jaundice was very prevalent.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : On October 4th, the group ran a raid against Corsica. No opposition was afforded---which was a pleasant contrast from the ruggedness of the past few missions. The raid was supposedly a great success until we were told that Bastia had been taken earlier that day. In all fairness to the group, it had checked with higher echelons just prior to takeoff time and received permission to go ahead. (428th BS did not participate)

The planes and their maintenance crews left Menzel Temime for Oudna #2 Northwest of Tunis on October 11th. They were to be attached to units of the 301st Bomb Group, A B-17 outfit for rations and quarters. The squadron was once again spread over three different localities. Oudna, Menzel Temime, and San Pancrazio in Italy.

Tuesday, 5 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Lieutenant General James H Doolittle assumes command of the Twelfth Air Force during the absence of General Carl Spaatz. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17’s hit the Bologna marshalling yard; B-25’s and B-26’s bomb the Formia road, a road loop N of Mignano, and Isernia chokepoint; NATBF, XII Air Support Command, and RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) aircraft bomb numerous targets in and N of the battle area, including heavy traffic in the Isernia area, gasoline dumps at Alfedena, trains at Termoli, and towns of Venafro and Isolella. The 15th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C-47’s. The 27th and 71st Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia send detachments to Gambut, Libya with P-38’s. The 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group, transfer from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-40’s. The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Sele to Pomigliano, Italy with P-51’s. A detachment of the squadron is operating from Capaccio, Italy. The 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Sele Airfield to Seretella Airfield, Italy with A-36’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : ------Mission Report # 188, 5 October 1943

1. UNIT: 310th Bomb Gp (M) AAF.

2. At 0955 36 _B-25’s_ took off to Bomb Formia Highway at 682955. _ None_

Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C

returned early. 36 dropped 216 X 500 .1 & .01 sec delay bombs on target at No. A/C No & Type

1200 from 9300-12,500 ft. ___36__ returned at 1411. _ None Lost, _ None_ Time Altitude No. A/C Time No. A/C No. A/C

missing, _ None at ______. No. A/C Friendly Fields.

3. RESULTS: Strings started at East end of town and walked along the road, cutting junction and coast road East of junction. Several crews report a large explosion at the junction. A few strings fell short, hitting buildings in town. Hits were reported on railroad and across secondary road running North to a building. Buildings at junction seen burning. Several strings of bombs fell along the beach and in the water just South of target area.

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

4. OBS: E/A--Two S/E unidentified A/C just Northeast of target - no attack. One crew reported sighting three unidentified S/E A/C to rear of formation on deck over water at the target. Flak-at target-Slight heavy from batteries located near buildings close to beach at target. Elsewhere-Moderate heavy trailing flak from Gaeta Point. Moderate heavy flak from a point just East of Formia. Two batteries of four guns each reported at 41 degrees 15 minutes N - 13 degrees 46 minutes E. Moderate heavy flak from Sessa Arunca Area. Flak followed formation 5/6 miles out to sea. Ground-10 M/T scattered on beach at 41 degrees 13 minutes N - 13 degrees 34 minutes E. 15/20 M/T heading NW on highway at 41 degrees 18 minutes N - 13 degrees 30 minutes E. Shipping-One submarine seen to crash dive at 39 degrees 34 minutes N - 12 degrees 45 minutes E. Time 1240 hours. (Phoned at 1410). A convoy was sighted approximately 100 miles South of this position. 14 small craft in Formia Harbor. Photos were taken.

5. WEATHER AT TARGET: Towering cumulus, base 3/4000 ft., top 11/12000 ft. 4/10 coverage. Big cloud just to North of target. Haze layer up to 8000 ft. Visibility good.

GORDON C. LOCKE, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Formia Highway, Italy. 11 planes.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 11 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: The coastal road of Formia was today’s objective and was hit rather well. Our Squadron planes did not participate in the bombing.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : (380th BS did not participate)

381st BS War Diary: Major Cometh and his crew returned to this base after having landed at Foggia Airdrome, 3 October 43. Foggia had been taken very recently by the British 8th Army; there were no communication facilities by which Major Cometh could contact the group. They left their B-25 in Italy and returned to this base by transport plane. Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt, navigator Cometh, Lawrence (NMI), Maj, pilot, Commander Evans, George N., Capt, pilot Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner Mayronne, Clyde A., S/Sgt, gunner 1st Lt. O.E. Fayard was appointed custodian of the Officers’ Club Council, with Capt Abplanalp and 1st Lts. Horrocks and Knight as members. Abplanalp, Walter J., Capt, Armament Officer Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Horrocks, Donald D., 1Lt, intelligence Knight, Thomas R., Capt, Signals Officer Today’s target: Highway at Formia, Italy. The following complete 50 missions: 1st Lt. Thomas U. Ramsey, F/O Martin H. Campbell Jr., and S/Sgt. Foster C. Miller. Campbell, Martin H., Jr., F/O, pilot Miller, Foster C., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner Ramsey, Thomas Upton, 1Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : HIGHWAY AT FORMIA, ITALY Menzel Temime, 5 October 43 Group Mission # 176 Sqdrn. Mission # 134 Flight 36 B-25’s 11 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 11:00 Bombs Dropped: 11(6 x 500), 33,000# Target 13:00 Bombing Altitude: 10,150 Down 15:00 Sorties to Date: 1,015 Total Time: 4 Hrs. 0 Min. Mileage: 667 Weather: CAVU over target. STRATEGY: An outflanking movement by our ground forces above Naples is causing the withdrawal of German forces along this main highway. RESULTS: The mission is reported to have been fairly successful. Although it cannot be determined if the Formia Highway was rendered completely unserviceable, crews observed many strings of bombs landing near the two aiming points. No flak, no fighters. CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 41-13061 “Lil Joe” (P) A/C No. 41-29980 (N) P Williamson, Lloyd V., F/O Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt CP Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt N None Forbes, Robert L., 1Lt B Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E None None R Jereb, Vincent (NMI), T/Sgt Starnes, Carl B., T/Sgt, G Kim, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Potolsky, George (NMI),S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30341 (O) A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (S) P Campbell, Martin H., Jr., F/O Young, Charles A., 2Lt CP Ramsey, Thomas Upton, 2Lt Stoeber, Leslie R., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Foster C., S/Sgt Doty, James K., S/Sgt E None None R Standish, Beverly R., S/Sgt Shapiro, Marvin L., T/Sgt G Sigafoos, James F., Jr., Sgt Blackshire, Joseph R., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-53445 “Lottie’s Goose” A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” (R) (Q) P Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt Boston, Joseph W., Jr., 2Lt CP Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt Warren, Donald B., 2Lt N Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt None B Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt Powell, Charles P., Sgt, E None None R Darling, Robert E., Pvt Wolfrom, Earl R., Pvt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., Sgt Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt TG None Buckner, Roy W., PFC

CREWS 2nd Flight

A/C No. 41-30002 (P) A/C No. 42-64596 “Donna Marie” (N) P Jones, William E., F/O Flake, Ray M., 1Lt CP Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt N None Renton, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt E None None R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt TG Erceg, Samuel (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. (O) A/C No. 41-30386 (S) (SPARE FILLED IN HERE) P Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt CP Kurtz, James A., 2Lt N None B Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt E None R Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt G Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt TG Frazier, Robert E., PFC A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (Q) A/C No. 42-32500 “The Saint” (R) P Bitter, Irwin S., Capt Samson, George D., 2Lt CP Cruise, William H., 2Lt Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt N Opeka, John (NMI), Jr., 2Lt None B Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt E None TG Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt R Schmidt, Harold E., Sgt Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt G Bruhlman, Otto C., Sgt Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt F None Scott, Ivan D., Cpl

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

428th BS War Diary: Squadron formation was held today to present Air Medals. Mission.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : 36 Mitchells of our unit were scrambled October 5th to hit a railroad junction in Italy at the coastal town of Formia. The target was unhit, the majority of bombs hitting the East end of the town. A secondary road junction at the East end of the town received six direct hits. Moderate heavy flak of fair accuracy confronted the formation from four or five scattered localities. Bursts followed them four or five miles out to sea.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Gena, Gerald M., 1Lt Koch, Richard J., 2Lt CP Epperson, Elmer H., Maj, Commander Moulder, Robert W., F/O N Akerland, Gustav J., 1Lt, navigator None B Boatler, Sidney K., 1Lt Ream, Elmer W., PFC E None None R Versaw, Robert E., Sgt Colley, Francis E., S/Sgt G Ripple, William E. "Rip", S/Sgt Ringler, Ryan C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Buglass, Kenneth G., 1Lt Edwards, William P., 2Lt CP Sandstrom, John E., 2Lt Sebor, George (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt Burkett, William H., 2Lt E None None R Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt Jack, Robert C., Sgt G Rankin, James V., S/Sgt Houseman, Charles M., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Hogan, Jack F., F/O Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt CP Edelman, Forrest J., F/O Lewis, Quentin McAlpine, 2Lt N None None B Stewart, Leslie F., T/Sgt Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), Sgt E None None R Gilpatrick, Sgt Morris, Raymond J., Sgt G Housken, Wayne J., Pvt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt TG Mahan, John J., PFC F Amirault, Osborne J., Sgt

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Douglas, James D., 2Lt Chambers, Allen M., 2Lt CP Kirtley, John M., 2Lt Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt N Lick, Edmund W., 2Lt None B Karvel, Roy L., 2Lt Lim, Wing Y., S/Sgt E None None R Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt East, Charles D., S/Sgt G Sviantek, John L., Sgt Agin, Clealon J., Sgt TG Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt None A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Whitehurst, Ray E., 2Lt Boswell, Harry R., 2Lt CP Holley, Hazil L., F/O Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Sierlecki, Richard E., Sgt Baraniuk, Jerry M., 2Lt E None None R Tow, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Booth, Jack D., S/Sgt G Donaldson, William M., Sgt Kelly, Andrew R., Cpl F Frank, Donald A., Cpl Schenk, James S., Sgt A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Tooles, William B., 1Lt Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None None B Moynihan, Donald M., Pvt Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E None Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Sisson, John E., Sgt Pudlo, Alexander A., S/Sgt F None Williamson, Felton J., Pvt

Wednesday, 6 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17’s bomb the Mestre marshalling yard while B-26’s hit a highway chokepoint at Isernia, the highway at Mignano, and road junction at Formia; P-38’s strafe Araxos Airfield in Greece; NATBF planes on road- blocking missions hit targets at Teano, at Alfedena, between Cassino and Capua, and near Sessa Aurunca; XII Air Support Command P-40’s and A-36’s attack roads and vehicles N of the US Fifth Army battle zone and patrol the Naples area. The US Fifth Army reaches the S bank of the Volturno River; Capua falls to British units. HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group and its 14th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C-47’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: Heavily laden clouds parted with their burdens and we were all but washed away by the fiercest storms encountered so far. About ninety percent of the land was under water and only little “Islands” of high ground appeared here and there.

381st BS War Diary: After threatening weather most of the day, heavy and steady rain struck the base at 14:30 hours. It continued torrentially until 17:30 hours. During this time, everything received a most thorough soaking. Rivers suddenly appeared in the most unexpected places, running swiftly through tents and taking everything which could float with them. One such river wound through the Intelligence and Operations Area, broadening in some places to as wide as 200 feet. The 381st Intelligence tent was under water to a depth of one foot. Debris of all descriptions floated in and was caught in the furniture. Tents in the combat crew area suffered the worst losses. One man saw his wallet, which contained $50.00, carried away in the swift stream. It was not recovered. The kitchen was no exception, having about 15 inches of water swishing through it; yet the cooks, under direction of Sgt. Whiting, the day’s mess sergeant, blossomed out with roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. Whiting, Frank L., Sgt, cook, mess Sgt

As usual, Cpl. Nels (Chowhound) Johnson had informed himself of the menu well in advance, and was almost drowned getting to the mess hall. Undaunted by the swift waters of a river almost 200 feet wide and 7 feet deep, he was knocked down and had to swim for it. He arrived safely, however, and had his usual quota of three helpings before he changed into dry clothes. (Rumor has it 6 helpings, but the source is unreliable). Johnson, Nels R. "Chowhound", Cpl, Wednesday, 6 October 1943 (continued)

In the morning T/Sgts. Potolsky and Swanson, and S/Sgt. Bozovich and F.E. Miller left for Oran on their way home, having completed 50 missions. However, the storm changed their plans and Maj. Alexander, who was piloting the ship, turned around and headed back to the base, arriving just a few minutes before the storm. Alexander, William T. "Alex", Maj, pilot Bozovich, Matthew L., S/Sgt, gunner Miller, Foster Eugene, S/Sgt, gunner Potolsky, George (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner Swanson, William M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

428th BS War Diary: Another big rain storm that lasted for four hours. Area by the chaplain’s tent was flooded, and men waded up to their waists. T/Sgt. Martin, S/Sgt. Guilfoyle, Michalek and Wink left for the States. The departure of the truck convoy has been cancelled. Guilfoyle, Frederick J., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Martin, Robert J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Michalek, Joseph F., S/Sgt, gunner Wink, Jacob A., S/Sgt, gunner

Thursday, 7 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Bad weather cancels many operations.

In Italy, NATBF medium and light bombers strike roads, railway, junction, and town areas in the Capua and Guglionesi regions. RAF DAF fighter-bombers hit trucks in the Termoli-Vasto areas. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Lentini, Sicily to Naples, Italy. HQ 64th Fighter Wing transfers from Milazzo, Sicily to Frattamaggiore, Italy.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: The greater part of the day was spent in draining off the water in the tents and around the area. It looked liked “Monday” wash day with the countless number of clothes and baggage hung out to dry.

381st BS War Diary: Upon inspection this morning, the field was found to be completely flooded and consequently unserviceable. Many of the planes were sunk deep in the mud. It will take several days to free them. Damage to equipment and personal property proved to be extensive. Much of the day was devoted to drying things out, and making preparations for future storms, should they arrive while we are still on this base.

428th BS War Diary: Six men and an officer were ordered to be ready to go to the new base tomorrow. No mission.

Friday, 8 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Greece, XII Bomber Command B-24’s bomb Tatoi and Eleusis Airfields at Athens, airfields at Kastelli and Heraklion Airfields on Crete, and Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes; B-25’s also hit Eleusis airfield; P-38’s fly convoy cover, patrols, and sweeps over the Aegean Sea. Weather prevents the XII Air Support Command from operating. In Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF hit a bridge at Minturno and a road junction and military concentration at Termoli.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: No operations today because the runway was just a sea of mud. Our Saturday night entertainment came in the form of a movie at the “theatre” on the hill at our base.

381st BS War Diary: A large group of officers and men --- all of the many who have recently completed fifty missions --- left very early this morning for home. Trucks took them to Tunis, where they will take off from Alouina Airdrome. Their names are as follows: 1st Lts. Dauley, Denton, Durgin, Hornung, Marlow, Ramsey, and Therrien; F/O’s Burt, Campbell, Cook and Wirth; T/Sgts. Budde, Porter, Potolsky, Swanson, Szymik, and Thomas; S/Sgts. Bozovich, Dombkowski, Douglas, George, F.C. Miller, F.E. Miller, and White; and Cpl Pontet. Bozovich, Matthew L., S/Sgt, gunner Budde, Wilbur H., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, bombardier Burt, Norman A., F/O, pilot Campbell, Martin H., Jr., F/O, pilot Cook, Walter E., F/O, pilot Dauley, Charles Gordon, 1Lt, pilot Denton, Richard D., 1Lt, pilot Dombkowski, Stanley F., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner Douglas, Edward (NMI), S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner Durgin, James L., 1Lt, pilot George, Wade Clayton, S/Sgt, gunner Hornung, Willard R., 1Lt, bombardier Marlow, Jack F., 1Lt, pilot Miller, Foster C., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner Miller, Foster Eugene, S/Sgt, gunner Pontet, Emile A., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Porter, Lloyd G., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Potolsky, George (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner Ramsey, Thomas Upton, 1Lt, pilot Swanson, William M., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Szymik, Emil (NMI), T/Sgt, radio-gunner Therrien, Robert W., 1Lt, pilot Thomas, Quentin W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner White, John Edward, S/Sgt, gunner Wirth, Thomas F., Jr., F/O, pilot

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

428th BS War Diary: Advance detail was called off. Lts. Blaauw, Peterson, Knight, Southward, Moulder and S/Sgts. Ciampi, Reed, and Pvts Warlie and Temple placed on TD pending orders sending them home. Blaauw, Harold A., 1Lt, pilot Ciampi, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Knight, Gerald R., 1Lt, pilot Moulder, Robert W., 2Lt, pilot Peterson, Arthur C. “Pete”, 1Lt, pilot Reed, Robert H., S/Sgt, photographer, gunner Southward, Thomas H., 1Lt, pilot Temple, Robert W., Pvt, radio-gunner Warlie, Roger Rickie, Pvt, gunner

Saturday, 9 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb airfields at Larissa, Athens and Salonika, Greece and Argos, Italy. B-24's hit Kastelli/Pediada Airfield on Crete. P-38's fly a sweep between the island of Corfu, Greece and Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and escort shipping in the Karpathos Straits between Karpathos and Rhodes. In Italy, the XII Air Support Command does not operate, but the NATBF and RAF DAF hit traffic in the Termoli and Montenero areas, guns N of Capua, a HQ at Palata, and roads and railroads N of Naples. HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Crotone to Foggia, Italy. The 66th, 67th, 68th and 506th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), cease operating from Tunis, Tunisia and return to their base at Shipdham, England with B-24's.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: Captain Gridley, Squadron Intelligence Officer, left today for our new base on special duty for the Group. Today also au revoir was said to Capt. Carlson, Adj. and five enlisted men who left for our new home in the heel of Italy. PX Rations were issued today and our cigarette supply was strengthened putting all the men in good spirits. A formation was held in the afternoon to award several of our combat crew members with the Air Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster. Carlson, Elmer Norman, 1Lt, personnel Gridley, William G., Capt, intelligence

381st BS War Diary: A meeting of the upper three grades of N.C.O.’s was held this afternoon. Major Cometh approved the plans for a Non-Com’s club at the new base. This club will be for the use of the upper three grades. Plans will be made later for a club which will cater to the rest of the EM. The “Chow” situation was discussed --- general consensus of opinion being that there is still great room for improvement, although the food is 100% better than it was a month ago. Afterwards, Major Cometh outlined the difficulties which we should expect to encounter at the new base. Also, he outlined the policy to be followed in dealing with the Italian military and civilian population. Cometh, Lawrence (NMI), Maj, pilot, Commander

Lts. Burlingame and Flake went to Philippeville today to visit Lt. Burris. Upon questioning, he stated after Lt. Donnovan’s ship left the formation on 9 September 43 it was damaged either by flak or by fighters, he doesn’t know which. His only recollection is a blinding explosion. A British Hospital Unit found him ten days later. He had been unconscious during that time, and had apparently been taken care of by some unknown

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

person. His injuries are extensive. His right arm is shattered, he has a bullet in one kidney and several bullet wounds in the head. He was not completely rational when Lt. Burlingame talked to him, believing that Lt. Burlingame and not Lt. Donnovan had piloted the ship. British authorities are unable to furnish any information as to where Lt. Burris was found, or the fate of his fellow crew members. Bowden, Scott T., S/Sgt, gunner Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt, pilot Burris, James Warren, 2Lt, pilot Dittmar, Francis A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Donnovan, Gerald M., 2Lt, pilot Flake, Ray M., 1Lt, pilot Rogers, Leo C., S/Sgt, bombardier-ginner

428th BS War Diary: The advance detail took off but movement of line personnel was cancelled. A donation was taken up for G.I. Joe who will be placed with monks at the St. Joseph of Thibar monastery. Approximately $125 was collected.

Sunday, 10 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-17's bomb 2 airfields at Athens, Greece while B-24's hit Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes and Calato and Heraklion Airfields on Crete. P-38's escort shipping off Rhodes hit Antimachia Airfield in the Dodecanese Islands, and attack vessels in the harbors of Corfu, Greece and Kotor, Yugoslavia, and off Tivat, Yugoslavia and hit targets of opportunity in the Aegean Sea and along its E coastline.

In Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF concentrate on gun positions on both the US Fifth and British Eighth Army battlefronts; vehicles, railroads, and town areas also are hit; the attacks take place NE of Capua, at Guglionesi, at Cassino and Mondragone, between Rome and Terracina, and around the Termoli-Isernia-Pescara areas. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadron transfer from San Pancrazio to Lecce, Italy with P-38's. A detachment of the 380th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's begins operating from Oudna, Tunisia.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

379th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1102:

A/C No. 42-64510 (MACR-1102 - missing on Ferry mission)(the MACR and other documents incorrectly identifies the ship as 42-6451) P Hastings, Herbert L., 1Lt - MIA, DED CP Lobdell, Ray B., 2Lt - MIA, DED N None B None E Brezee, William B., S/Sgt - MIA, DED PAX Stoneburner, Lewis T., Capt, surgeon, 45th Gen Hospital - MIA, DED PAX Todorovich, Steve (NMI), 1Lt, EOD, 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Co. - MIA, DED PAX Dillon, Frederick H., Capt, EOD, 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Co. - MIA, DED

A message from Algiers to WAR, routine casualty report no. 26121 Nov 43 reported Lt. Hastings and Lobdell and Sgt Brezee as missing non battle casualties. The report further stated that they were members of the 379th Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group and that they were missing as of 10 Oct 43 after take off from Algiers, enroute to Tunis on a routine ferry mission. The plane was unreported enroute and not heard from since. They were on Flying Pay status at the time they became missing.

Sunday, 10 October 1943 (continued)

Missing Air Crew Report 1102, 27 October 43 reported that Lt. Hastings and Lobdell and Sgt. Brezee the complete crew of a B-25 aircraft departed from Algiers on routine Ferry mission to Tunis 10 Oct 43.

A message from Algiers 23 Nov. 43 reported Capt. Dillon and Lt. Todorovich both members of the 235th Bomb Disposal Co. had been missing since 10 Oct 43 under unknown circumstances.

A message from Algiers 31 Dec. 43 reported that Capt. Stoneburner, Medical Corps, 45th Gen Hospital was a passenger not in flying status on an authorized mission aboard the aircraft piloted by Lt. Hastings, who with two (2) crew members was reported missing on route from Algiers to Tunis 10 Oct 43, and that two additional passengers, namely Capt Dillon and Lt. Todorovich were aboard the plane. The plane was not seen or heard from again. ------(Intentionally placed on the day of the event rather than the date written)

AG 704 - Dead (11 Oct 44) 11 October 1944

MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Casualty Branch.

SUBJECT: Determination of Status under Public Law 490, as amended.

1. - FACTS

1. The following-named personnel have been carried on the records of this office as missing since 10 October 1943:

Name ASN Grade Dillon, Frederick H. 0-1548195 Captain Stoneburner, Lewis T., III 0-402641 Captain Hastings, Herbert L. 0-668003 First Lieutenant Todorovich, Steve 0-1550517 First Lieutenant Lobdell, Ray B. 0-738427 Second Lieutenant Brezee, William B. 19,004,906 Staff Sergeant

2. A message from Algiers to WAR, routine casualty report number 261, dated 21 November 1943, reported three of the above-named personnel, namely: Lieutenants Hastings and Lobdell, and Sergeant Brezee, as missing, non-battle casualties. The report further stated that they were members of the 379th Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group, and that they were missing as of 10 October 1943, after take off from Algiers, enroute to Tunis on a routine ferry mission. The plane was unreported enroute and not heard from since. They were on flying pay status at the time they became missing. Sunday, 10 October 1943 (continued)

3. Missing Air Crew Report AAF No. 1102, dated 27 October 1943, reported that Lieutenants Hastings and Lobdell, and Sergeant Brezee, the complete crew of a B-25 aircraft, number 42-6451, departed from Algiers on a routine ferry mission to Tunis on 10 October 1943. The plane was not reported enroute and nothing was known of the circumstances of its disappearance. This report stated that there were no passengers on this plane. A covering memorandum, dated 28 October 1943, is attached to the Missing Air Crew Report. This memorandum is from the 310th Bombardment Group to the Commanding General, 47th Wing, and states that “Higher Headquarters were notified immediately of the plane’s failure to reach Tunis on schedule.”

4. A message from Algiers to WAR, routine casualty report number 270, dated 23 November 1943, reported that Captain Dillon and Lieutenant Todorovich, both members of the 235th Bomb Disposal Company, had been missing since 10 October 1943 under unknown circumstances. The message further stated that these officers departed from Algiers on 10 October 1943 to rejoin their unit in Italy; that travel by aircraft or surface vessel was authorized; and that they never rejoined their unit and no trace of them had been found.

5. A message from Algiers to WAR, casualty report number 427, dated 31 December 1943, reported that Captain Stoneburner, Medical Corps, assigned to the 45th General Hospital, was a passenger, not in flying pay status, on an authorized mission, aboard the aircraft piloted by Lieutenant Hastings who, with two crew members, was reported missing enroute from Algiers to Tunis on 10 October 1943; and that two additional passengers, namely, Captain Dillon and Lieutenant Todorovich, were aboard the plane.

6. The AG 201 file of Lieutenant Hastings contains a first wrapper Indorsement, dated 13 January 1944, forwarded by Headquarters, Twelfth Air Force, to the Commanding General, North African Theater Of Operations, in compliance with the provisions of Circular 233, NATOUSA, 1943. This Indorsement states:

“2. Inasmuch as Lt Hastings incurred ‘missing’ status on an unescorted flight, there is no available information other than he took-off on 10 Oct 43 from Maison Blanche, Algeria, on a routine ferry mission to Tunis Tunisia. His plane was not seen or heard from again.”

7. In the AG 201 files of Captain Dillon and Lieutenant Todorovich are copies of a first wrapper Indorsement from the 142nd Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad, to the Adjutant General’s Office, North African Theater of Operations, dated 15 May 1944. This Indorsement reads, in part, as follows:

“a. On 8 October 1943 officer concerned left Palermo, Sicily by M/a on T/D, for approximately 3 days. * * * Sunday, 10 October 1943 (continued)

“b. On 10 Oct 43 officer departed Algiers by m/a for Bizerte.

“c. Investigation conducted by Provost Marshal General NATOUSA reveals aircraft missing on operational flight.

“d. Organization authorized by NATOUSA to drop officer from rolls as missing.”

8. In response to an inquiry from the Adjutant General’s Office for all available information concerning the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Captain Stoneburner, a message from Algiers to WAR, W-159, dated 14 January 1944, was received in this office. This message stated that the only information available concerning Captain Stoneburner revealed that he was a passenger on aircraft number 42- 64510, piloted by Lieutenant Hastings, which took off on 10 October 1943, on an operational flight to Tunis from Maison Blanche, Algeria, and had not been heard from since and that a search was conducted with negative results.

9. The AG 201 file of Captain Stoneburner contains a letter, dated 4 February 1944, from Colonel Perrin H. Long, Medical Corps, Office of the Surgeon, Headquarters North African Theater of Operations, addressed to Captain Stoneburner’s father. This letter explains the lapse of time between the date when Captain Stoneburner became missing and the date when he was first reported as missing, almost three months later. The following statements are extracted from the letter:

“ * * * Lewis had done such good work * * that I asked the Surgeon, NATOUSA, if he might not be attached to my division to help me with certain problems.

“ * * * This work entailed visiting all the hospitals in this theater. * * * he decided to start off to visit the remainder of the hospitals on or about the 10th of October.

“It was estimated that it would take about 10 weeks to finish up his mission and when we talked it over he asked me if I wanted him to write to me, and I told him no, * * * * that I would be in and out of the office while he was gone, and if he did write, my answers would probably not catch up with him, because he would be moving about.

Sunday, 10 October 1943 (continued)

“ * * * About a month later I went to Italy and did not return to my office until just before Christmas. When Christmas passed and Lewis had not returned, I began to wonder where he was, but not wishing it to appear as though I was checking up on him, I did nothing until about the 30th of December, when I put out discreet inquiries. Upon the next day our office was queried by the casualty section as to whether or not we had a Captain Stoneburner attached to our organization because they had information that he had been aboard a plane which had been missing since October 10th.

“My own information is as follows: Upon the 10th of October Lewis went to the airport with his ticket and priority, but when the transport plane’s passenger list was made out, he found that his priority was of such a grade that it did not stand up * * * Wishing to get away that day he went around * * to operations and found that an operational flight was going where he wanted to go, and that he could ‘hitch’ a ride on this plane. Upon such flights ‘hitch hiking’ passengers names are sometimes not put on the manifest of the flight. The flight which he went out on was never reported again and is now officially listed as missing. It was definitely know however in the final check up on this flight that he was on it.”

10. The AG 201 files and the Casualty Branch files of the officers and enlisted man named in paragraph 1 were carefully examined, but not information of value in this review, other than that set forth above, was found.

11. The Memorial Division, OQMG, and the Prisoner of War Bureau, PMGO, were requested to furnish any information available in their files on these persons. Both replied that they had no record of any of these officers or the enlisted man. The Officers’ Branch, AGO, in reply to a similar request in the cases of the officers, stated that the latest reports in that office showed them as missing.

12. There is no report or record showing that any of these officers or the enlisted man are prisoners of war or internees, or that they have returned to duty.

II. - CONCLUSIONS

1. This case concerns five officers and one enlisted man who became missing on an unescorted routine flight from Algiers, Algeria, to Tunis, Tunisia, on 10 October 1943. Two of the officers and the enlisted man were members of the crew of the plane. The other three officers were passengers.

Sunday, 10 October 1943 (continued)

2. Algiers is on the north coast of Africa and Tunis is about 500 miles to the east, also on the coast. The course of the flight was due east over territory which was under control of Allied forces. Any attempt to state what happened to this plane and the men it carried would be based on pure conjecture, inasmuch as the plane was not contacted after it left Algiers, and a search failed to reveal any trace of it.

3. Twelve months have elapsed since the time when these officers and enlisted men were reported missing. If they were alive, some information concerning them should have been received. The absence of such information, together with the facts surrounding their disappearance, leads to the conclusion that they may not reasonably be presumed to be living.

III. - RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that findings of death be made in the cases of the officers and enlisted man named in paragraph 1, Part 1, hereof, and that these findings show the presumed date of death as 11 October 1944.

/i/ D.H.C DORIS H. CUILLIER Investigator, Status Review and Determination Section.

/i/ D.P.R. /i/ D.P.P. DAVID P. RICHARDSON CONCURRED IN: DANIEL P. POTEET Captain, A.G.D. Colonel, A.G.D., Status Review and Officer in Charge, Determination Section Status Review and Determination Section

APPROVED:

/i/ GFH GEORGE F. HERRERT Colonel, A.G.D. Chief, Casualty Branch. Captain Frederick H. Dillon, 0-1548095, et al. ------

Sunday, 10 October 1943 (continued)

380th BS War Diary: News reached us today that twelve of our combat crews and planes would operate from the Flying Fortress Base at Oudna, along with a portion of our ground personnel. Oudna’s two landing grounds are approx. ten miles from the city of Tunis. Both the Officers and Enlisted Men’s Mess tents were taken down yesterday and we are ready to move at a moment’s notice.

381st BS War Diary: Everything is packed. The day was spent in waiting for moving orders which did not arrive. Capt. Pemberton returned from Constantine this afternoon. And advanced echelon composed of Capt. Abbott, S/Sgts. Munson and Proffitt, Sgt. A.D. Reed and Cpls. Corsi, Roods and Scott left for our future base in Italy. Abbott, Robert D., Capt, Adjutant Corsi, Ralph R. “Mr. Five by Five”, Cpl Munson, Myron C., S/Sgt Pemberton, Robert (NMI) "Bob", Capt, intelligence Proffitt, James L., S/Sgt Reed, Albert D., Sgt, Roods, Louis R., Cpl Scott, Ivan D., Cpl, photographer

428th BS War Diary: Planes have been unloaded and move cancelled for a few days at least. G.I. Joe was given plenty of clothing and sent up to the monastery, but the authorities refused to take him in since the boy did not know his guardian’s name.

Monday, 11 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-25’s bomb Garitsa Airfield, Greece and P-38’s hit a vessel in the Corfu harbor on Corfu Island.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command and NATBF operations are cancelled or aborted due to weather, but RAF DAF fighters hit trains, trucks, and gun positions near Montesilvano and Vasto. The 381st and 428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25’s begin operating from Oudna, Tunisia. Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been operating from Bengasi, Libya with B-24’s, return to their base at Enfidaville, Tunisia. The 527th and 528th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfer from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: Lieut. Lorch and Sgt. Robinson of our S-2 section were scheduled to accompany the combat crews to Oudna but contradictory orders suddenly came through detaining them. The stay at Oudna is only to be a temporary one. Lorch, Henry H., 2Lt, intelligence Robinson, Sidney L., Sgt, intelligence

381st BS War Diary: The move is indefinitely postponed. Because of the condition of the field, it would be impossible to fly a mission from here. This and other considerations, which include transportation to Italy of our heavier equipment, and the fact that our missions are essential, 12 of our planes with a complement of 39 officers and 81 enlisted men, left for Oudna Airdrome #2, where they will operate temporarily. M/Sgt. Clyde Arnold, 381st line chief, has promised to keep this department advised of important events at Oudna, and his communiqués will be quoted from time to time. Forthwith is #1: “11 October 43 --- M/Sgt. Arnold being far too valuable to be flown to Oudna, is sent in a truck with 10 armament and four communications men. Arriving at 5:30 P.M., we ate chow first thing, and what a wonderful surprise it was: steak, mashed potatoes and gravy. Afterwards we set up our tents on the line, and everyone went to bed.” A three day rain storm is predicted by Major Cole, Group Weather Officer. We hope he is wrong, just this once. Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line, chief, crew chief Cole, Frederick J., Maj, Group Weather Officer, HQ 310th BG

428th BS War Diary: Planes took off for Oudna #2 to operate with the 301st Bomb Group till our runway is usable again. Maintenance crews accompanied them. Tuesday, 12 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command operations are canceled by weather.

In Italy, the XII Air Support Command and other Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) elements (NATBF and RAF DAF) operate on a reduced scale, hitting road junctions at Vasto and Fossacesia, Aquino Airfield, motor transport on the Itri-Pico road and on a road N of Rome in the Bolsena and Capranica areas, roads near Tarquinia, rail facilities at Cisterna di Latina, trains between Pescara and Benedello, and guns and troops near Cercemaggiore. HQ 81st Fighter Group and its 91st Fighter Squadron transfer from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39’s. HQ 86th Fighter-Bomber Group and its 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, transfer from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36’s. The 86th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20’s. The detachment of the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, that has been operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38’s since 4 Oct, returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia. The detachment of the 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), at Bengasi, Libya with B-24’s since 1 Oct, returns to its base at Enfidaville, Tunisia.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: Nothing unusual occurred today as most of our combat personnel were participating in operational raids from Oudna. Lt. Fisher, our special services officer arranged a show for tonight. “The Lady of Burlesque”, starring Barbara Stanwyck was enjoyed. The attendance was diminished greatly, however, by a sudden rainstorm that swept across our open-air theatre. Fisher, Earl W., 1Lt, Special Services Officer, HQ 310th BG

381st BS War Diary: Nothing of importance occurred at Menzel Temime. M/Sgt. Arnold’s communiqué #2 states: “Worked on the ships in the morning, getting them ready for a mission. Everyone went into Tunis in the P.M.” Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line, chief, crew chief

428th BS War Diary: With planes gone, things are very quiet. Usual squadron duties.

Wednesday, 13 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Italy declares war on Germany.

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25’s and B-26’s bomb the town of Alife, a road junction at Sessa Aurunca, and airfield at Tirana; XII Air Support Command, supplemented by RAF DAF fighters, supports the US Fifth Army, which begins an assault crossing of the Volturno River on a 40-mile (64 km) front during the night of 12/13 Oct. Fighters and fighter-bombers hit troop and tank concentrations, trains, trucks, and communications the lines in the forward areas, especially around Ortona, Giulianova, and Campobasso. NATBF light bombers join in the attacks, hitting road junctions in the Vairano, Carinola, Dragoni, Vasto, Terracina, and Minturno areas. The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, transfers from Ariana to La Marsa, Tunisia with F-4’s and F-5’s. The detachment of the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, operating from Gambut, Libya with P- 38’s since 5 Oct, returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39’s. The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from Montecorvino to Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 379th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25’s, begins operating from Oudna, Tunisia.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Road Junction, Sessa Aurunca, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: At Oudna, our members quartered with a heavy bombardment group.

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : The first mission occurred on Oct. 13th, the target being a Road Junction at Sessa Aurunca, Italy. Several direct hits were reported. 12 planes.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 11 aircraft and crew A/C No. 12 aircraft and crew unidentified unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: Although it was a peaceful day for those of us at Menzel Termime, nevertheless, we heard that our combat crews at Oudna had struck the transportation lines at Sessa Arunca, in Italy. All our boys were reported to have landed safely.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 137 Date- October 13 1943 Target- Road Junction, Sessa Arunca, Italy. Squadron airplanes- twelve Today’s mission took our boys over to Sessa Arunca to bomb a road junction. Many direct hits were made in the center of the road junction. The flak was light and very inaccurate. Observed enroute were several naval vessels and what was thought to be a submarine just off the Volturno River.

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Smith, Leonard D. “Leo”, 2Lt Echols, George A., 2Lt CP Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R McDowell, Alva H., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., Sgt G McCabe, George P., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt TG Larson, M.O., Sgt A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt TG None McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt Walton, Cecil Vernon, 2Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 2Lt Maxwell, Max W., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 2Lt B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt Mizerski, Richard C. “Bronco”, 2Lt E None None R Parker, P.J., S/Sgt Dinges, J.W., T/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Black, Jewell James “J.J.”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None None R Pyles, Deane E., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Withrow left for home at noon. Cpl. Hevle, a cook, accidently shot himself through the hand while cleaning his rifle. Dinner tonight was splendid. There was lots of fresh roast beef, and only a few left here to eat it. Some G.I.’s, drawing the wrong conclusions; recommend that we shoot a few more cooks. This is the first day of Major Cole’s three day storm. Not so bad --- a mere drizzle. Today’s mission from Oudna: Sessa Aurunca Road Junction, Italy. 1st Lt. Robert L. Forbes and S/Sgt. Daniel Kim completed 50 missions. Cole, Frederick J., Maj, Group Weather Officer, HQ 310th BG Forbes, Robert L., 1Lt, navigator Hevle, Gilman I., Cpl, cook Kim, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Withrow, John B., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : SESSA AURUNCA ROAD JUNCTION, ITALY Oudna A/D, 13 October 43 Group Mission # 177 Sqdrn. Mission # 135 Flight 36 B-25’s 9 Squadron B-25’s Escort: 35 P-38’s Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 08:45 Bombs Dropped: 9(6 x 500), 27,000# Target 11:00 Bombing Altitude: 11,150 Down 13:15 Sorties to Date: 1024 Total Time: 4 Hrs. 30 Min. Mileage: 736 Weather: CAVU at target, scattered cumulus in surrounding areas. RESULTS: Many direct hits were reported in the center of the road junction. A road junction one mile west of the target was cut by bomb hits, as well as another road junction just east of the target. No enemy aircraft. Slight light inaccurate flak at the target. Slight inaccurate heavy flak from several positions en route and return from the target. A possible submarine was observed at 37°51’ N - 10°35’, heading 30°

CREWS - 2nd Flight

A/C No. 42-32500 “The Saint” (B) A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (A) P Samson, George D., 2Lt Bitter, Irwin S., Capt CP Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt Cruise, William H., 2Lt N None Forbes, Robert L., 1Lt B Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt E None None R Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt Schmidt, Harold E., Sgt G Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt Bruhlman, Otto C., Sgt TG Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt None Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30386 (F) A/C No. 41-30002 (J) P Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt Jones, William E., F/O CP Kurtz, James A., 2Lt Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O N None None B Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E None None R Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt TG Frazier, Robert E., PFC Erceg, Samuel (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 41-13074 “Balls of Fire” / A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” (H) “Royal Flush” (G) P Flake, Ray M., 1Lt Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt CP Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O N Renton, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt None B Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt E None None R Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt Marshburn, James T., Sgt G Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt Lyon, John R., Sgt TG None Kim, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (M) A/C No. 42-64592 (K) P Young, Charles A., 2Lt Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt CP Stoeber, Leslie R., 2Lt Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt N None Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt B Doty, James K., S/Sgt Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt E None None R Shapiro, Marvin L., T/Sgt Darling, Robert E., Pvt G Blackshire, Joseph R., S/Sgt Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., Sgt F Scott, Ivan D., Cpl None A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” (L) P Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt CP Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt N None B Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E None R Starnes, Carl B., T/Sgt, G Potolsky, George (NMI),S/Sgt TG Buckner, Roy W., PFC

428th BS War Diary: Our planes flew as spares in the first mission from the new base today.

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : On October 13th the target for our first raid from Oudna was the Sessa Aurunca road junction. It was another in the series of unescorted raids. Escort appears a thing of the past. Photo interpretation revealed that the railroad junction received one direct hit. The road just West of the target received two direct hits. On the whole it was a mediocre performance. The little flak opposition created no severe problem.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified (spare) A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified (spare) P Douglas, James D., 2Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt N Peterson, Donald L., 2Lt None B Karvel, Roy L., 2Lt Lim, Wing Y., S/Sgt E None None R Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt Cook, Ray E., S/Sgt G Sviantek, John L., Sgt Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt TG Ramos, Smiles (NMI), Pvt None A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified (spare) P Hogan, Jack F., F/O CP Edelman, Forrest J., F/O N None B Stewart, William W., Cpl E None R Gilpatrick, Sgt G Ringler, Ryan C., Sgt F None

Thursday, 14 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25’s hit Argos Airfield and B-17’s bomb the Terni marshalling yard. Other B-17’s and B-24’s attack a bridge at Giulianova, the town area of Piano-Vomano and railroad and highway bridges N of Pescara and along the E coast of Italy. Weather hinders tactical aircraft operations, but the XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF hit trains and vehicles and fly patrols from N of the Volturno River to Formia and N of Pescara. HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Montecorvino to Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force, based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-5’s transfers operations from Pontecagnano to Pomigliano, Italy. The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, ceases operating from Capaccio and returns to its base at Pomigliano, Italy with P-51’s. The 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Grosseto, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : On the 14th, 36 ships were sent out to bomb Grosseto, Italy, but coverage was 10/10, so no bombs were dropped. (379th BS did not participate)

380th BS War Diary: PX Rations were again issued today. Four pks of cigarettes, one candy bar, one pack of gum and one roll of lifesavers were the cause to bring our spirits up and now morale is excellent.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 138 Date- October 14 1943 Target- RR Bridge 2 miles S of Grosseto, Italy. Squadron airplanes- twelve Due to bad weather our 36 ships returned to their home base. The target was to have been a RR bridge S of Grosseto. No bombs were dropped, but it was felt if the formation had reached the target, the 1,000 pounders would have caused some damage.

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Dent, James J., Jr., Capt Ross, Fred C., Jr., 2Lt CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Richardson, Richard K., F/O N Potter, Eliot H., 1Lt None B Anderson, John B., 2Lt Haran, J.F., 2Lt E None None R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., Cpl G McGimpsey, Paul D., Sgt Ritter, Robert E., Sgt TG Wilder, Rodney R. "Hoss", Lt Col, Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Cpl Commander (observer) A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Benton, James H., 2Lt Derrick, William S., 2Lt CP Auchard, Richard L., 2Lt Panich, Milan (NMI), 2Lt N None Lewis, Jack (NMI), 2Lt B Snyder, Glen F., S/Sgt Ackerson, Newell W., 2Lt E None None R Hoover, Donald E., S/Sgt Liudahl, Irvin Melbourne, S/Sgt G Papp, Frank (NMI), Jr., Sgt Barszcz, Stanley G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Smith, Leonard D. “Leo”, 2Lt Echols, George A., 2Lt CP Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R McDowell, Alva H., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., Sgt G McCabe, George P., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt TG Larson, M.O., Sgt A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt TG None McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt Walton, Cecil Vernon, 2Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 2Lt Maxwell, Max W., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 2Lt B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt Mizerski, Richard C. "Bronco", 2Lt E None None R Parker, P.J., S/Sgt Dinges, J.W., T/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Black, Jewell James “J.J.”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None None R Pyles, Deane E., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt F None None

381st BS War Diary: The B.B.C. announced this morning that Portugal has leased bases in the Azores to Great Britain. The British are shipping arms into Portugal; and Lisbon has been blacked out. Fried eggs for breakfast, and rumors of C-Rations for the remainder of our indefinite stay here. Major Cole’s storm manifested itself throughout the day in the shape of California dew. Today’s mission from Oudna: Grosseto R.R. Bridge, Italy. Cole, Frederick J., Maj, Group Weather Officer, HQ 310th BG

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : GROSSETO R.R. BRIDGE, ITALY Oudna A/D, 14 October 43 Group Mission # 178 Sqdrn. Mission # 136 Flight 36 B-25’s 12 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 10:00 Bombs Dropped: None Target x x x Bombs Returned: All Down 15:00 Bombing Altitude: x x x Total Time: 5 Hrs. 0 Min. Sorties to Date: 1,036 Mileage: 895

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

Weather: Complete 10/10 overcast at the target and around the target area, with base at 6,500 feet. Visibility 2-3 miles. RESULTS: Complete weather coverage at the target caused the flight to return without dropping its bombs. No flak. An unidentified P-38 was reported to have approached the formation. When the formation was within about 1,800 yards of it, it made a 180° turn and headed for the Italian coast. CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 41-30333 “A Touch of A/C No. 41-29980 (A) Texas” (C) P Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt Evans, George N., Capt CP Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt Warren, Donald B., 2Lt N None Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt B Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt E None None R Starnes, Carl B., T/Sgt Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt G Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt Mayronne, Clyde A., Sgt TG Collom, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-13061 “Lil Joe” (B) A/C No. 41-30386 (F) P Stagner, Howard C., F/O Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt CP Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt Kurtz, James A., 2Lt N None None B Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt E None None R Jereb, Vincent (NMI), S/Sgt Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt G Moxey, Orville Earl, S/Sgt Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt TG Wolfrom, Earl R., Pvt Frazier, Robert E., PFC A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (D) A/C No. 42-32500 “The Saint” (E) P Bitter, Irwin S., Capt Samson, George D., 2Lt CP Cruise, William H., 2Lt Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt N Opeka, John (NMI), Jr., 1Lt None B Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt E None None R Schmidt, Harold E., Sgt Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt G Bruhlman, Otto C., Sgt Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt TG Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” (J) A/C No. 41-13074 “Balls of Fire” / “Royal Flush” (G) P Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt Flake, Ray M., 1Lt CP Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O Cometh, Lawrence (NMI), Maj, Commander N None Renton, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt B Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt E None None R Marshburn, James T., Sgt Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt G Lyon, John R., Sgt Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30002 (H) A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (M) P Jones, William E., F/O Young, Charles A., 2Lt CP Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O Stoeber, Leslie R., 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Doty, James K., S/Sgt E None None R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Shapiro, Marvin L., T/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Blackshire, Joseph R., S/Sgt TG Erceg, Samuel (NMI), Cpl F Scott, Ivan D., Cpl A/C No. 42-64592 (K) A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” (L) P Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt CP Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt N Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt None B Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E None None R Darling, Robert E., Pvt Standish, Beverly R., T/Sgt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., Sgt Sigafoos, James F., Jr., S/Sgt TG None Buckner, Roy W., PFC

428th BS War Diary: G.I. Joe was taken to Tunis where arrangements were made to fly him to Algiers and from there to Casablanca.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : The 14th was the date for a trip to Grosseto to bomb a rail bridge there. Complete cloud coverage of the target area prevented the mission’s completion.

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Gena, Gerald M., 1Lt Koch, Richard J., 2Lt CP Chambers, Allen M., 2Lt Kirtley, John M., 2Lt N Akerland, Gustav J., 1Lt, navigator None B Boatler, Sidney K., 1Lt Ream, Elmer W., PFC E None Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Versaw, Robert E., Sgt Colley, Francis E., S/Sgt G Ripple, William E. "Rip", S/Sgt Ringler, Ryan C., Sgt TG Schenk, James S., Sgt Herring, William S., S/Sgt A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Buglass, Kenneth G., 1Lt Edwards, William P., 2Lt CP Sandstrom, John E., 2Lt Sebor, George (NMI), 2Lt N None Lick, Edmund W., 2Lt, B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt Burkett, William H., 2Lt E None None R Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt Jack, Robert C., Sgt G Rankin, James V., S/Sgt Houseman, Charles M., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Hogan, Jack F., F/O Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt CP Edelman, Forrest J., F/O Lewis, Quentin McAlpine, 2Lt N None None B Stewart, Leslie F., T/Sgt Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), Sgt E None None R Gilpatrick, Sgt Morris, Raymond J., Sgt G Housken, Wayne J., Pvt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None Amirault, Osborne J., Sgt A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Douglas, James D., 2Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt N Peterson, Donald L., 2Lt None B Karvel, Roy L., 2Lt Lim, Wing Y., S/Sgt E None None R Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt Cook, Ray E., S/Sgt G Sviantek, John L., Sgt Hirt, Fred A., S/Sgt TG Ramos, Smiles (NMI), Pvt None

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Whitehurst, Ray E., 2Lt Waugh, Carter H., 1Lt CP Holley, Hazil L., F/O Davidson, James C., 2Lt N None Wortman, Robert A., 2Lt B Sierlecki, Richard E., Sgt Snoddy, William G., 2Lt E None None R Tow, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt East, Charles D., S/Sgt G Donaldson, William M., Sgt Agin, Clealon J., Sgt TG Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt Pudlo, Alexander A., S/Sgt A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Tooles, William B., 1Lt Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None None B Moynihan, Donald M., Pvt Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E None Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) R Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Sisson, John E., Sgt Mahan, John J., PFC F None Bean, Herman B., Cpl,

Friday, 15 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-25’s of the XII Bomber Command hit airfields at Salonika and Megalo Mikra, Greece.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command and other elements of NATAF hit roads, railroads, bridges, junctions, railway facilities, town areas, and motor transport at or near Piedimonte, Vairano, Termoli, Petacciato, Sparanise, and Civitanova, and hit gun positions and communications in the general battle area N of the Volturno River. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and its 84th and 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light) transfer from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20’s. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 489th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) transfer from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25’s. The detachment of the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38’s returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: We all enjoyed a delicacy this morning at breakfast when the Mess Hall Personnel had fried eggs on the menu. They certainly started the day off right. There was a mission flown by our squadron from Oudna today. In the evening almost all attended a showing of that sensational picture, “Honky Tonk” starring Lana Turner & Clark Gable. The remaining aircraft on the base were flown to Oudna this afternoon.

381st BS War Diary: The few planes which remained on this field were flown up to the new base today. Some of them on to Bizerte, to be modified. This consists of installing one tail and two waist guns in place of the lower turret. M/Sgt. Arnold’s communiqué #3: “No flying, raining like Hell.” C-Rations for lunch and dinner. Warm, sunny weather at Menzel Temime. Green grass is beginning to appear, giving the impression that it is springtime. Major Cole’s rainstorm must have stopped off at Oudna. One new Sergeant and five Pfc’s were assigned to the Squadron. Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line chief, crew chief Cole, Frederick J., Maj, Group Weather Officer, HQ 310th BG

428th BS War Diary: We participated in the mission from the new base at Oudna today. The Italian prisoners have been assigned to the squadron and live on the post now. Saturday, 16 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): P-38’s bomb a vessel in Leukas Channel off the W coast of Greece. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25’s bomb the marshalling yard and rail lines, railroad tunnel, highway underpass, warehouses, industrial buildings, and gas works in or near Bologna; XII Air Support Command and other NATAF elements provide close support to the US Fifth and British Eighth Armies; fighters and light and medium bombers hit communications centers of Venafro, Vairano, Sparanise, Latina, Alife, and the town of Pietravairano; roads, railroads, and junctions in the areas SE of Rome to the bomb line, between Vasto and Pescara, and at Mondragone; gun positions, trucks, and military concentrations near Vinchiaturo, Boiano, and Termoli; landing ground of Cisterna di Latina; and several other targets in the area between Rome and Ancona.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: On the 16th, the men were entertained by the Hollywood actor Adolphe Menjou and his troupe, which put on an excellent stage show.

380th BS War Diary: During the morning all the ground sections busied themselves crating the remaining equipment for our move. We were now just waiting for the “Go” signal. It was a good thing that all was done in the morning as another thunderstorm broke this afternoon making things miserable again.

381st BS War Diary: The radio reports that in many places our troops have penetrated the German lines of resistance along the Volturno River. The Mediterranean is suitable for swimming again. Those who tried it found the water fine, though a little colder than it used to be. Fresh beef appeared at dinner, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. We had expected C-Rations again. M/Sgt. Arnold’s communiqué #4: Same as #3. Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line chief, crew chief

428th BS War Diary: Lt. Lanning caught an Arab in his tent with a bag full of brand new clothes. The Arab was turned over to the French police when he couldn’t explain his presence. Lanning, Fred H., 2Lt, bombardier

Sunday, 17 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Weather prevents operations by the XII Bomber Command. US and RAF units of NATAF operate at a reduced pace.

In Italy, light and medium bombers hit the towns of Teano and Alife and motor transport at Benedello, Penna, and Pedesso; fighter-bombers bomb and strafe troops, trucks, guns, train stations, and a bridge near Vinchiaturo, Benedello, Teramo, and Sparanise; other fighters strafe locomotives S of Ancona. The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20's. The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command, transfers from Barcellona, Sicily to Foggia, Italy with P-40's.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No activity due to bad weather conditions, so most of the men took off to Tunis on pass.

380th BS War Diary: Today was Sunday and Church Services were held both in the morning and afternoon. The entire area is absolutely covered with a thick sticky covering of mud.

381st BS War Diary: Warm and sunny weather. Genuine hamburgers for lunch and fresh beef for dinner. Otherwise nothing of importance occurred at Menzel Temime. M/Sgt. Arnold’s communiqué #5: “Six ships did local flying; there being no mission.” Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line chief, crew chief

428th BS War Diary: Major Epperson paid us a visit from Oudna. Epperson, Elmer H., Maj, pilot, Commander Monday, 18 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb the marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia; P-38's follow with a strafing mission, damaging or destroying several locomotives and vehicles.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36's hit the Venafro railroad yards, and other fighter-bombers hit gun positions, troops, and railway stations in or near Boiano, Petacciato, and Vairano. Fighters strafe airfields around Rome and also hit Viterbo, Grosseto, and the seaplane base at Bracciano, and attack trains on the Rome- Orte and Rome-Naples, Italy lines. NATBF light bombers bomb the road and railway near Cassino, the town of Carpinone, the road junction at Castiglione della Valle, and roads, bridges, and motor transport near Minturno and Chieti. HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Mazzara to Borizzo, Sicily. The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Catania, Sicily with C-47's. The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-4's and F-5's, sends a detachment to operate from Ajaccio/Camp del Oro, Corsica.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No activity due to bad weather conditions, so most of the men took off to Tunis on pass.

380th BS War Diary: Nothing of interest happened today. We are still awaiting orders to move out. The men kept themselves busy by playing softball and exercises.

381st BS War Diary: Another very beautiful day, with nothing to do. Wild fowl, including grouse, quail and doves abound in this area. A few of the officers and some of the enlisted men have been spending considerable time with rifles and side arms hunting, without notable successes. Feasts of frog legs have been whipped up; some of the men are reported to be thinking about catching and cooking turtles. Beef for lunch and dinner. This is indeed incredible. We have had more beef in the past three days than during the past year. No reasonable explanation is available. 1st Lt. VanZytveld was promoted to the rank of Captain. VanZytveld, Roger F., Capt, Engineering Officer

428th BS War Diary: No news.

Tuesday, 19 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, during a low-level raid, XII Bomber Command B-24's bomb bridges at Porto Civitanova, S of Porto Sant' Elpidio, N of Pedaso, and N of Cupra Marittima; fighters, fighter-bombers, and light bombers of the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF attack the town of Boiano, gun positions and troop concentrations on the outskirts of town, and an ammunition dump and railroad tunnel nearby, Viterbo and Tarquinia landing fields, the towns of Cassino and Anzio, the railroad N of Pesaro and near Pineto, trains near Barisciano, troops near Mintumo, and vehicles at several points.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No activity due to bad weather conditions, so most of the men took off to Tunis on pass.

380th BS War Diary: Nothing of interest happened today. We are still awaiting orders to move out. The men kept themselves busy by playing softball and exercises.

381st BS War Diary: One year ago today, at R.A.F. Station, Hardwick, Norfolk, England, the Air Echelon experienced strafing and bombing by a lone JU-88. The date was recalled reverently by the 28 men of that detachment who are still with the squadron. It is the only instance in the history of the Squadron or of the Group in which ground personnel has been subjected to enemy action. The occasion was celebrated quietly, with lots of nostalgic conversation about Norwich, Bungay and Harleston. For those men of the Air Echelon, today marks one year, one month and 15 days of overseas duty. Sgts. Spradling and Eliot left for Oudna. Eliot, Donner C., Sgt, engineering Spradling, Robert L., Jr., Sgt, engineering

428th BS War Diary: The squadron had some 3,000 V-mails mimeographed with a Christmas greeting on them for the boys to send home.

Wednesday, 20 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's, B-26's, B-25's and P-38's bomb the Rome-Casale landing ground, Marcigliana and Cerveteri Airfields, railroad bridges at Montalto di Castro, Grosseto, and 13 miles (21 km) SE of Orvieto, and the marshalling yard at Nish, Yugoslavia obstructing the Belgrade-Sofia line; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and other aircraft of the NATAF devote most of their efforts to bombing gun positions, trucks, and rail and road communications S of Vasto, at Mignano, N of Cassino, in Cassino and Chieti, at Castropignano, Carpinone, Arce, Tratella, and at various other points along highways and railroads. Fighter-bombers also hit shipping along Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia, claiming 2 vessels sunk. HQ 62nd Fighter Wing transfers from Palermo, Sicily to Naples, Italy. The 527th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Serretella Airfield to Pomigliano, Italy with A-36's.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : A/D, Cerveteri, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : A/D, Cerveteri, Italy. 10 planes. On the 20th, 36 ships were sent out to bomb Cerveteri A/D, in Italy. It was a good bombing job. However, one ship was destroyed of another Squadron in our Group, but the men bailed out safely.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

380th BS War Diary: We received our candy and cigarettes today. The morale is very good despite the many days we have waited inactive. The movie “Cat People” was shown in the evening.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 139 Date- October 20 1943 Target- Airdrome at Cerveteri, Italy. Squadron airplanes- eleven This day our command directed our 36 ship formation to Cerveteri A/D in Italy. Crews report the frags hitting directly on hangars and buildings and also covered the dispersals well. Many large fires and plenty of smoke was observed. There was very little flak and it was light. During the course of the trip several boats were observed. All crews returned safely home knowing that they had done their duty for another day.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Grow, Clyde L., Capt Ross, Fred C., Jr., 2Lt CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Richardson, Richard K., F/O N Potter, Eliot H., 1Lt None B Anderson, John B., 2Lt Haran, J.F., 2Lt E None None R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., Cpl G McGimpsey, Paul D., Sgt Ritter, Robert E., Sgt TG Wilder, Rodney R. "Hoss", Lt Col, Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Cpl Commander (observer) A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Benton, James H., 2Lt Derrick, William S., 2Lt CP Auchard, Richard L., 2Lt Panich, Milan (NMI), 2Lt N None Lewis, Jack (NMI), 2Lt B Snyder, Glen F., S/Sgt Ackerson, Newell W., 2Lt E None None R Hoover, Donald E., S/Sgt Liudahl, Irvin Melbourne, S/Sgt G Papp, Frank (NMI), Jr., Sgt Barszcz, Stanley G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Smith, Leonard D. “Leo”, 2Lt Echols, George A., 2Lt CP Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R McDowell, Alva H., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., Sgt G McCabe, George P., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt TG Larson, M.O., Sgt

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt TG None McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified (SPARE FILLED IN HERE) P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 2Lt N None B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt E None R Parker, P.J., S/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt F None A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None None R Pyles, Deane E., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt F None None

381st BS War Diary: T/Sgt Peters and Sgt. Czajka left for Oudna. For Sgt. Czajka, the journey was an errand of grave importance. Rumors have reached this rear detachment that the cooks of the 301st Bomb Group at Oudna with which our men are stationed, know how to do wonderful things to G.I. food. Sgt. Czajka’s mission, therefore, is to discover, one way or another, their trade secrets, so that they may be applied to the chow in our mess hall. If it can be done, Czajka will do it --- we hope! There is, however, such discussion and lots of skepticism as to whether even Czajka can make Spam taste like the Pork Chops we had for dinner tonight.

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

T/Sgt D.W. Smith and S/Sgt. Daniel Kim returned from Oudna. Today’s mission from Oudna: Cerveteri Airdrome, Italy. S/Sgt. Orville E. Moxey completed his 50th mission. Czajka, Joseph A., Sgt, cook, Mess Sgt Kim, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Moxey, Orville Earl, S/Sgt, gunner Peters, Edward J., T/Sgt, engineering, crew chief Smith, Donovan W., T/Sgt, engineering

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : CERVETERI AIRDROME, ITALY Oudna A/D, 20 October 43 Group Mission # 179 Sqdrn. Mission # 137 Flight 36 B-25’s 5 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 20 Frags Take Off 11:45 Bombs Dropped: 57 x 6 x 20 Target 13:10 Bombs Returned: 3 x 6 x 20 Down 14:20 Bombing Altitude: 11,650 Total Time: 2 Hrs. 35 Min. Sorties to Date: 1,041 Mileage: 775 Weather: CAVU RESULTS: Bombs hit directly across the field and into hangars and buildings on its north side. Several aircraft parked near the hangars were hit. Bombs also struck in the dispersal areas, causing at least 6 planes to burst into flame. One string which fell short of the target cut railroad tracks. Three or four enemy aircraft were sighted, but did not attack. Slight light flak at the target. A submarine was sighted at 41°53’ N - 12°10’ E at 14:04 hours. It was headed towards Lido di Roma. CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (K) A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” (O) P Bitter, Irwin S., Capt Stagner, Howard C., F/O CP Cruise, William H., 2Lt Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt N Opeka, John (NMI), Jr., 1Lt None B Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt E None None R Schmidt, Harold E., Sgt Jereb, Vincent (NMI), S/Sgt G Bruhlman, Otto C., Sgt Wolfrom, Earl R., Pvt TG None None

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

CREWS 2nd Flight

A/C No. 41-30386 (E) A/C No. 41-29980 (K) P Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt CP Kurtz, James A., 2Lt Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt N None Ewalt, William F., 2Lt B Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E None None R Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt Standish, Beverly R., T/Sgt G Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt Sigafoos, James F., Jr., S/Sgt TG Frazier, Robert E., PFC None A/C No. 41-30333 “A Touch of Texas” (R) P Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt CP Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt N None B Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt E None R Starnes, Carl B., T/Sgt G Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt TG Collom, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt

428th BS War Diary: Pfc. Burleson was reduced to the grade of Pvt. And confined to seven days hard labor for promiscuous firing of rifle. Blue stripes and a black star were ordered to be put on all the crates. Burleson, Clinton L., PFC

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : After a five day rest Cerveteri Airdrome on the coast Northeast of Rome was struck with fragmentation explosives. It was one of the important dromes from which Axis fighters had operated against our formation in the Rome area. Photo interpretation revealed that nine of the twenty-six aircraft present were damaged and another destroyed. One string fell amongst administration buildings in the Northwest corner of the field. Slight, Light flak was completely harmless, its range being too low. Some six fires were started on the field.

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Gena, Gerald M., 1Lt Koch, Richard J., 2Lt CP Chambers, Allen M., 2Lt Kirtley, John M., 2Lt N Akerland, Gustav J., 1Lt, navigator None B Boatler, Sidney K., 1Lt Ream, Elmer W., PFC E Epperson, Elmer H., Maj, Commander Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt (observer) R Versaw, Robert E., Sgt Colley, Francis E., S/Sgt G Ripple, William E. "Rip", S/Sgt Ringler, Ryan C., Sgt TG Schenk, James S., Sgt None A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Buglass, Kenneth G., 1Lt Edwards, William P., 2Lt CP Sandstrom, John E., 2Lt Sebor, George (NMI), 2Lt N None Lick, Edmund W., 2Lt, B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt Burkett, William H., 2Lt E None None R Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt Jack, Robert C., Sgt G Rankin, James V., S/Sgt Houseman, Charles M., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Lewis, Quentin McAlpine, 2Lt Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt N None None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), Sgt Lim, Wing Y., S/Sgt E None None R Morris, Raymond J., Sgt Kelly, Phillip J., S/Sgt G Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt Hirt, Fred A., S/Sgt F Amirault, Osborne J., Sgt None A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Whitehurst, Ray E., 2Lt Douglas, James D., 2Lt CP Davidson, James C., 2Lt Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Sierlecki, Richard E., Sgt Karvel, Roy L., 2Lt E None None R Tow, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt G Donaldson, William M., Sgt Sviantek, John L., Sgt TG Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt Ramos, Smiles (NMI), Pvt

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Tooles, William B., 1Lt Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None None B Moynihan, Donald M., Pvt Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E None Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) R Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Sisson, John E., Sgt Mahan, John J., PFC F None Frank, Donald A., Cpl

Thursday, 21 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Colonel Arthur Thomas takes command of the XII Air Force Service Command.

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17’s hit a railroad viaduct at Terni and rail and road bridges in Albania. B-24’s hit Orvieto railroad bridge; B-26’s and B- 25’s bomb bridges at Montalto di Castro and NW of Acquapendente and the railroad at Orbetello; P-38’s bomb a radar station at Pellegrino and the marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia; RAF and US NATAF light and medium bombers concentrate on Cassino, hitting the town, a bivouac area nearby, and railroad to the S; vessels along Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia are also attacked; XII Air Support Command fighters and fighter- bombers patrol the Naples area and attack numerous roads, railroads, bridges, junctions, trucks, gun emplacements, and other targets in the battle area. The 93rd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Railroad Tracks, SE Orbetello, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : RR Tracks, SE Orbetello, Italy. 12 planes.. On the 21st, 36 ships bombed Orbetello RR, in Italy. Ten (10) direct hits were scored on the target. That night, a weekly dance was held at the Officers’ Club which was attended by most of our Squadron Officers.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Thursday, 21 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 11 aircraft and crew A/C No. 12 aircraft and crew unidentified unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: At noon time we had fresh hamburgers. It has been a long time since we had fresh meat and everyone enjoyed the change. A large mail call rounded out the day.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # :

381st BS War Diary: Capt. Pemberton left for Hammamet, where he will conduct another series of lectures. T/Sgt. Starnes and S/Sgt. Moxey returned from Oudna with 50 missions under their respective belts. S/Sgt. Orville E. Moxey is one of the Squadron’s original combat men. He entered the Squadron way back at Columbia, where he became an outstanding and most enthusiastic gunnery student. He has one ME-109 to his credit, which he shot down on 27 August 43. Moxey spent almost a month in the hospital at Souk el Arba, recovering from wounds received on the July 10th raid on Sciacca. This accounts for both his Purple Heart decoration and for the fact that he is the last member of our original combat teams to “Graduate”. Pint-sized Sgt. Moxey’s fabulous personality and clean cut handsomeness have endeared him to every member of the organization. After he leaves there will be an empty spot in the Squadron which will take a damn good man to fill. Too bad he can’t remain as a mascot. He wouldn’t like that very much, though, as he is too anxious to get back to Alton, Illinois, and wow the babes in the vicinity of 3003 Edwards Street. And someday, he says he wants to take a crack at the Japs. T/Sgt. Carl B. Starnes completed his 50th on today’s mission to Italy. The target: R.R. Tracks 10 miles S.E. of Orbetello. Moxey, Orville Earl, S/Sgt, gunner Pemberton, Robert (NMI) « Bob », Capt, intelligence Starnes, Carl B., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

Thursday, 21 October 1943 (continued)

M/Sgt. Arnold’s Communiqué #6: “Chow is still exceptional. Everyone is happy, even though there is lots of work. M/Sgt. Vardaman nearly caused a calamity by not waking me up for pre-flight. We have had him worried all day about getting busted.” Apparently M/Sgt Arnold has been busy too --- wonders will never cease. Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line chief, crew chief Vardaman, Edwin W., M/Sgt, engineering

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : R.R. TRACKS 10 MILES S.E. OF ORBETELLO Oudna A/D, 21 October 43 Group Mission # 180 Sqdrn. Mission # 138 Flight 36 B-25’s 12 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 09:25 Bombs Dropped: 12(6 x 500), 36,000# Target 12:00 Bombing Altitude: 11,150 Down 14:05 Sorties to Date: 1,053 Total Time: 4 Hrs. 40 Min. Mileage: 819 Weather: At target --- CAVU with slight haze. RESULTS: The R.R. tracks were bombed between a road junction at 42°23’N - 11°27’E and a lake at 42°24’N - 11°23’E. The tracks were reported severed in three places. At least three direct hits were made on the tracks just west of a road junction and 6 direct hits on the tracks just east of the lake. Black smoke was seen coming from a bombed area on the tracks near the east end of the lake. Many near misses were reported. 12-15 unidentified enemy aircraft sighted during the bombing run. They continued on their southward course instead of attacking. Flak: Slight, light accurate flak at the target and from shipping just off the coast.

CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 42-53445 “Lottie’s Goose” A/C No. 42-64596 “Donna Marie” (N) (P) P Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt Evans, George N., Capt CP Stagner, Howard C., F/O Warren, Donald B., 2Lt N None Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt B Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt E None None R Jereb, Vincent (NMI), S/Sgt Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt G Wolfrom, Earl R., Pvt Mayronne, Clyde A., Sgt F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt None

Thursday, 21 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30333 “A Touch of A/C No. 41-30002 (S) Texas” (R) P Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt Jones, William E., F/O CP Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O N None None B Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E None None R Starnes, Carl B., T/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt TG Collom, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt Erceg, Samuel (NMI), A/C No. 41-13061 “Lil Joe” (Q) A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” (R) P Flake, Ray M., 1Lt Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt CP Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt N Renton, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt None B Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt E None None R Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt Marshburn, James T., Sgt G Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt Lyon, John R., Sgt TG None Mason, John Joseph, Jr., 1Lt

CREWS 2nd Flight

A/C No. 41-30386 (P) A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (N) P Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt Bitter, Irwin S., Capt CP Kurtz, James A., 2Lt Cruise, William H., 2Lt N None Opeka, John (NMI), Jr., 1Lt B Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt E None None R Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt Schmidt, Harold E., Sgt G Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt Bruhlman, Otto C., Sgt TG Frazier, Robert E., PFC None A/C No. 42-32500 “The Saint” (O) A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (S) P Samson, George D., 2Lt Young, Charles A., 2Lt CP Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt Stoeber, Leslie R., 2Lt N None None B Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt Doty, James K., S/Sgt E None None R Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt Shapiro, Marvin L., T/Sgt G Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt Blackshire, Joseph R., S/Sgt TG Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt F Scott, Ivan D., Cpl

Thursday, 21 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-29980 (Q) A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” (L) P Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt CP Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt N None Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt B Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt E None None R Standish, Beverly R., T/Sgt Darling, Robert E., Pvt G Sigafoos, James F., Jr., S/Sgt Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., Sgt TG Buckner, Roy W., PFC None

428th BS War Diary: Rumors still flying as to our movement. No definite news yet.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : The tempo of operations continued its fast pace on the 21st with a 36-plane raid against a railroad track Southeast of Orbetello Northwest of Rome. Eleven direct hits were scored at three places, a truly fine piece of work. Some light inaccurate flak from shipping off the coast caused no damage. Again all of our aircraft returned safely.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Gena, Gerald M., 1Lt Koch, Richard J., 2Lt CP Epperson, Elmer H., Maj, Commander Kirtley, John M., 2Lt N Akerland, Gustav J., 1Lt, navigator None B Boatler, Sidney K., 1Lt Ream, Elmer W., PFC E None Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Versaw, Robert E., Sgt Colley, Francis E., S/Sgt G Sisson, John E., Sgt Ringler, Ryan C., Sgt TG Schenk, James S., Sgt None A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Buglass, Kenneth G., 1Lt Edwards, William P., 2Lt CP Sandstrom, John E., 2Lt Sebor, George (NMI), 2Lt N None Lick, Edmund W., 2Lt, B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt Burkett, William H., 2Lt E None None R Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt Jack, Robert C., Sgt G Rankin, James V., S/Sgt Houseman, Charles M., Jr., S/Sgt F Frank, Donald A., Cpl None

Thursday, 21 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Hogan, Jack F., F/O Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt CP Edelman, Forrest J., F/O Lewis, Quentin McAlpine, 2Lt N None None B Stewart, William W., S/Sgt Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), Sgt E None None R Gilpatrick, Sgt Morris, Raymond J., Sgt G Housken, Wayne J., Pvt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None Amirault, Osborne J., Sgt A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Waugh, Carter H., 1Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Hill, Lawrence G., Jr., Capt Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt N Wortman, Robert A., 2Lt None B Snoddy, William G., 2Lt Moynihan, Donald M., Pvt E None None R East, Charles D., S/Sgt Kelly, Phillip J., S/Sgt G Agin, Clealon J., Sgt Hirt, Fred A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Whitehurst, Ray E., 2Lt Douglas, James D., 2Lt CP Holley, Hazil L., F/O Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Sierlecki, Richard E., Sgt Karvel, Roy L., 2Lt E None None R Tow, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt G Donaldson, William M., Sgt Sviantek, John L., Sgt TG Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt Ramos, Smiles (NMI), Pvt A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Dory, John N., 2Lt Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None None B Simmons, Bernard B., S/Sgt Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E None Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) R Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Cook, Ray E., S/Sgt Mahan, John J., PFC TG Pudlo, Alexander A., S/Sgt F Bean, Herman B., Cpl

Friday, 22 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) approve the plan, submitted by General Henry H “Hap” Arnold and the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), to create a new Air Force (the Fifteenth) in Italy from part of the Twelfth Air Force to be used in strategic bombing against Germany as well as in support of ground operations.

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26’s bomb railroad bridges N and SE of Omvieto; B-25’s hit a railroad bridge S of Grosseto and Eleusis Airfield, Greece; The XII Air Support Command, along with other elements of the NATAF, hit town areas, highways, vehicles, gun positions, railroad communications, strong points, and targets of opportunity at or near San Salvo Teano, Venafro, Cantalupo el Sannio, Isernia, Cassino, Montenero, and Boiano. Aquino Airfield is also bombed. The 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, based at Gela, Sicily, begins operating from Comiso, Sicily with C-47’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Railroad Bridge at Grosseto, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : RR Bridge at Grosseto, Italy. 11 planes. On the 22nd, Grosseto was the target again, and a good bombing show was put on.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 11 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: The two main events today were: A large mail call that consisted mainly of packages. The first Christmas packages were beginning to arrive. The movie “Canal Zone” was our source of entertainment in the evening. It was a Class B picture but it sure brought quite a number of laughs.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 140 Date- October 22 1943 Target- RR Bridge at Grosseto, Italy. Squadron airplanes- twelve “What a beautiful day for bombing,” it really was when 36 B-25’s took off to bomb railroad installations SE of Orbetello. Direct hits are believed to have been made in several places. Just before the home run 12-15 unidentified aircraft were seen but they did not intercept. The only excitement on the trip was a little light flak from shipping just off the coast at the target. All aircraft returned safely home.

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Benton, James H., 2Lt Derrick, William S., 2Lt CP Auchard, Richard L., 2Lt Panich, Milan (NMI), 2Lt N None Lewis, Jack (NMI), 2Lt B Snyder, Glen F., S/Sgt Ackerson, Newell W., 2Lt E None None R Hoover, Donald E., S/Sgt Liudahl, Irvin Melbourne, S/Sgt G Papp, Frank (NMI), Jr., Sgt Barszcz, Stanley G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Smith, Leonard D. “Leo”, 2Lt Echols, George A., 2Lt CP Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R McDowell, Alva H., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., Sgt G McCabe, George P., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt TG Larson, M.O., Sgt A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt TG None McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt Walton, Cecil Vernon, 2Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 2Lt Maxwell, Max W., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 2Lt B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt Mizerski, Richard C. "Bronco", 2Lt E None None R Parker, P.J., S/Sgt Dinges, J.W., T/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Black, Jewell James “J.J.”, Sgt F None None

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Hament, Carrol (NMI), 1Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None None R Pyles, Deane E., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt TG Huston, Rex (NMI), PFC Hunt, Joe H., PFC

381st BS War Diary: One F/O and eight enlisted men left for Oudna, while three enlisted men went to Hammamet on D.S. Twelve officers and 180 enlisted men are still on this base. Nevertheless, it seems a little lonesome, what with no missions and all. M/Sgt. Arnold’s communiqué #7: “War as usual.” Today’s mission from Oudna: Grosseto R.R. Bridge. Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line chief, crew chief

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : R.R. BRIDGE 2 MILES SOUTH OF GROSSETO Oudna A/D, 22 October 43 Group Mission # 181 Sqdrn. Mission # 139 Flight 36 B-25’s 12 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 3 X 1,000 Take Off 10:35 Bombs Dropped: 12(3 X 1,000), 36,000# Target 13:15 Bombing Altitude: 10,150 Down 15:42 Sorties to Date: 1,065 Total Time: 5 Hrs. 07 Min. Mileage: 913 Weather: Hole in the weather directly over the target. Surrounding areas --- 4-5/10 cover at 3-6,000 feet. Visibility 9 miles. RESULTS: Considerable dust and smoke covered the target area, making observations difficult. Nevertheless, many near misses within 100 feet of the bridge were reported. No damage was observed from previous bombings. Photographic analysis, however, revealed the following: Three direct hits on the bridge, and one hit on each approach to the bridge. This is phenomenal bombing, especially so by comparison to our previous very bad luck with bridge targets. No enemy aircraft. Slight light flak in the vicinity of the target.

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

CREWS 2nd Flight

A/C No. 41-30333 “A Touch of A/C No. 42-53445 “Lottie’s Goose” Texas” (C) (A) P Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt Evans, George N., Capt CP Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O N None Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt B Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt E None None R Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt G Collom, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt Mayronne, Clyde A., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64596 “Donna Marie” (B) A/C No. 41-30002 (F) P Stagner, Howard C., F/O Jones, William E., F/O CP Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt Warren, Donald B., 2Lt N None None B Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E None None R Jereb, Vincent (NMI), S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Wolfrom, Earl R., Pvt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt TG Erceg, Samuel (NMI), A/C No. 41-13061 “Lil Joe” (D) A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” (E) P Flake, Ray M., 1Lt Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt CP Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt N Renton, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt None B Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt E None None R Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt Marshburn, James T., Sgt G Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt Lyon, John R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32500 “The Saint” (J) A/C No. 41-29980 (G) P Samson, George D., 2Lt Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt CP Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt N None None B Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E None None R Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt Standish, Beverly R., T/Sgt G Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt Sigafoos, James F., Jr., S/Sgt TG Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt None

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30386 (H) A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (M) P Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt Young, Charles A., 2Lt CP Kurtz, James A., 2Lt Stoeber, Leslie R., 2Lt N None None B Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt Doty, James K., S/Sgt E None None R Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt Shapiro, Marvin L., T/Sgt G Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt Blackshire, Joseph R., S/Sgt TG Frazier, Robert E., PFC F Scott, Ivan D., Cpl A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (K) A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” (L) P Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt Bitter, Irwin S., Capt CP Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt Cruise, William H., 2Lt N Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt None B Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt E None None R Darling, Robert E., Pvt Schmidt, Harold E., Sgt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., Sgt Bruhlman, Otto C., Sgt TG None Buckner, Roy W., PFC

428th BS War Diary: Sgts. Goolsby, Gatzkiewicz and Schwerke put on DS to 47th Wing to work on B-25 G’s. Gatzkiewicz, Boniface (NMI), Sgt, engineering Goolsby, William J., Sgt, engineering Schwerke, (Glen R.?), Sgt, engineering

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : The railroad bridge two miles South of Grosseto obtained the pasting from which weather had protected her in an abortive trip two weeks before. Numerous strings straddled the bridge. At least two and probably four or five more are dimly discernable through the mass of smoke in the photos. The bombardiers dropped an amazingly accurate bomb pattern. Flak was again the only opposition.

A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified P Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None B Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) R Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Mahan, John J., PFC F None Saturday, 23 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26’s bomb railroad and road bridges at Marsciano and Montalto di Castro; P-38’s hit the airfield at Tirana; B-25’s hit a bridge in Albania; the XII Air Support Command, RAF Desert Air Force (DAF), and NATBF attack troop concentrations in the Spinete area, and town areas, vehicles, trains, railroads, highways, bridges, and gun positions at or near Gaeta, Pescara, Vasto, Isolella, Sulmona, Isernia, Vairano, and Ancona.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Albania RR Bridge, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Albania RR Bridge, Italy. 1 plane. On the 23rd, the Squadron pulled its best bombing-show of the month from Oudna. The Albania RR Bridge was hit and destroyed.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: Eleven of our bombers went out from Oudna and bombed the RR bridges E of Albania very effectively. All the boys returned home safely. Here at Menzel we enjoyed fresh beefsteak at dinner and let me tell you it was good!

Saturday, 23 October 1943 (continued)

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 141 Date- October 23 1943 Target- Albania RR Bridges E Z02378, Italy. Squadron airplanes- eleven 36 planes took off, each carrying six 500 pound bombs. Today’s trip carried the boys to Orbetello to make contact with a railroad bridge in that vicinity. Crew members feel confident that the bridge was totally destroyed. Due to there being no flak the crew members feel the visit to be an unexpected one. Observations on the trip reveal about thirty sea planes at the sea plane base at Orbetello and several large boats. All 36 ships dropped their cargo of bombs and returned safely home again.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Rice, Carl E., 2Lt Ross, Fred C., Jr., 2Lt CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Richardson, Richard K., F/O N Potter, Eliot H., 1Lt None B Anderson, John B., 2Lt Haran, J.F., 2Lt E None None R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., Cpl G McGimpsey, Paul D., Sgt Ritter, Robert E., Sgt TG Wilder, Rodney R. "Hoss", Lt Col, Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Cpl Commander (observer) A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Benton, James H., 2Lt Derrick, William S., 2Lt CP Auchard, Richard L., 2Lt Panich, Milan (NMI), 2Lt N None Lewis, Jack (NMI), 2Lt B Snyder, Glen F., S/Sgt Ackerson, Newell W., 2Lt E None None R Hoover, Donald E., S/Sgt Liudahl, Irvin Melbourne, S/Sgt G Papp, Frank (NMI), Jr., Sgt Barszcz, Stanley G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Smith, Leonard D. “Leo”, 2Lt Echols, George A., 2Lt CP Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R McDowell, Alva H., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., Sgt G McCabe, George P., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt TG Larson, M.O., Sgt

Saturday, 23 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Hament, Carrol (NMI), 1Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Pyles, Deane E., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt TG None Huston, Rex (NMI), PFC A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified (SPARE FILLED IN HERE) P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None B Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None R Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt TG Hunt, Joe H., PFC A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt CP Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 2Lt N None None B Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt E None None R Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt Parker, P.J., S/Sgt G Orr, William J., Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt TG McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt F Moore, Melvin H., T/Sgt

381st BS War Diary: Capt. Campbell called a formation of all enlisted men of the Squadron and spoke to them briefly about military courtesy. Also, he directed S/Sgt. Hosack to organize a ball game for the afternoon, as too many people have been getting too much Sack time. The formation then proceeded to police up the area under the direction of 1st Sgt. Sorrough before being taken over by Sgt. Hosack. Today’s mission from Oudna: Orbetello R.R. Bridge. Campbell, Ivan R., Capt, Executive Officer, Hosack, Mack B., S/Sgt Sorrough, James E., S/Sgt, 1st Sgt

Saturday, 23 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : ORBETELLO R.R. BRIDGE, ITALY Oudna A/D, 23 October 43 Group Mission # 182 Sqdrn. Mission # 140 Flight 36 B-25’s 12 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 11:00 Bombs Dropped: 12(6 x 500), 36,000# Target 13:40 Bombing Altitude: 9,650 Down 15:45 Sorties to Date: 1,077 Total Time: 4 Hrs. 45 Min Mileage: 869 Weather: CAVU over target. Scattered cumulus en route and return. RESULTS: Bomb hits were concentrated around the bridge, with several strings cutting across it. Other strings of bombs blasted the north and south approaches. Much flying debris was observed. No flak, no fighters. CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 42-64596 “Donna Marie” (C) A/C No. 42-53445 “Lottie’s Goose” (A) P Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt Evans, George N., Capt CP Stagner, Howard C., F/O Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O N None Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt B Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt E None None R Hildebrand, Edward W., PFC None listed G Jereb, Vincent (NMI), T/Sgt Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt TG Mayronne, Clyde A., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-30333 “A Touch of A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (F) Texas” (B) P Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt Young, Charles A., 2Lt CP Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt Stoeber, Leslie R., 2Lt N None None B Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt Doty, James K., S/Sgt E None None R Dingle, S/Sgt Hinds, Donald L., PFC G Collom, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt Shapiro, Marvin L., T/Sgt TG Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt Blackshire, Joseph R., S/Sgt

Saturday, 23 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64592 (D) A/C No. 42-32428 “Little Isadore” (E) P Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt Bitter, Irwin S., Capt CP Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt Cruise, William H., 2Lt N Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt None B Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt E None None R Hinton, Zane R., PFC Buckner, Roy W., PFC G Darling, Robert E., Pvt Schmidt, Harold E., S/Sgt TG Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt Bruhlman, Otto C., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13061 “Lil Joe” (J) /C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (G) P Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt Flake, Ray M., 1Lt CP Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O N None Opeka, John (NMI), Jr., 1Lt B Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt E None None R Precosky, Louis F., Sgt Howell, Bob E., PFC G Marshburn, James T., Sgt Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt TG Lyon, John R., Sgt Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-30002 (H) A/C No. 41-30386 (M) P Jones, William E., F/O Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt CP Warren, Donald B., 2Lt Kurtz, James A., 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt E None None R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt TG Erceg, Samuel (NMI), Frazier, Robert E., PFC A/C No. 41-29980 (K) A/C No. 42-32500 “The Saint” (L) P Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt Samson, George D., 2Lt CP Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt N Ewalt, William F., 2Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt E None F Scott, Ivan D., Cpl R Standish, Beverly R., T/Sgt Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt G Sigafoos, James F., Jr., S/Sgt Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt TG Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt

Saturday, 23 October 1943 (continued)

428th BS War Diary: Started having a roll call every morning because of occasional disappearances.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : The phenomenal accuracy of the day before was repeated in the raid of the 23rd against the railroad bridge at Orbetello. The bridge received at least seven direct hits, the tracks North and South of the bridge at least twelve more. The photo interpreter stated that smoke patterns obscured many more. One string was short and another over. No opposition. Another high point in our bombing career.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Gena, Gerald M., 1Lt Koch, Richard J., 2Lt CP Dory, John N., 2Lt Kirtley, John M., 2Lt N Akerland, Gustav J., 1Lt, navigator None B Boatler, Sidney K., 1Lt Ream, Elmer W., PFC E None Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Versaw, Robert E., Sgt Booth, Jack D., S/Sgt G Pudlo, Alexander A., S/Sgt Ringler, Ryan C., Sgt TG Schenk, James S., Sgt None A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Buglass, Kenneth G., 1Lt Edwards, William P., 2Lt CP Sandstrom, John E., 2Lt Sebor, George (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt Lanning, Fred H., 2Lt E None None R Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt Jack, Robert C., Sgt G Rankin, James V., S/Sgt Houseman, Charles M., Jr., S/Sgt F Frank, Donald A., Cpl None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Hogan, Jack F., F/O Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt CP Edelman, Forrest J., F/O Lewis, Quentin McAlpine, 2Lt N None None B Stewart, William W., S/Sgt Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), Sgt E None None R Gilpatrick, Sgt Morris, Raymond J., Sgt G Housken, Wayne J., Pvt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None Amirault, Osborne J., Sgt

Saturday, 23 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Waugh, Carter H., 1Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Davidson, James C., 2Lt Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt N None None B Snoddy, William G., 2Lt Lim, Wing Y., S/Sgt E None None R East, Charles D., S/Sgt Kelly, Phillip J., S/Sgt G Agin, Clealon J., Sgt Hirt, Fred A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Whitehurst, Ray E., 2Lt Douglas, James D., 2Lt CP Holley, Hazil L., F/O Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt N None Lick, Edmund W., 2Lt B Sierlecki, Richard E., Sgt Baraniuk, Jerry M., 2Lt E None None R Tow, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt G Donaldson, William M., Sgt Sviantek, John L., Sgt TG Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt Ramos, Smiles (NMI), Pvt A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Tooles, William B., 1Lt Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None None B Moynihan, Donald M., Pvt Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E None Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) R Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Sisson, John E., Sgt Mahan, John J., PFC TG Cook, Ray E., S/Sgt F Bean, Herman B., Cpl

Sunday, 24 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-24's of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) fails to complete the mission because of clouds.

In Italy, medium bombers hit Tirana Airfield, a railroad bridge N of Orvieto, and a viaduct at Terni; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF attack communications and shipping targets, hitting vessels, vehicles, trains, roads, bridges, and the town areas in and around Formia, Sora, Chieti, Minturno, Sessa Aurunca, Popoli, Terracina, between Ancona-Pedaso, Frosolone (just before it is taken by allied ground forces), and along the Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Railroad Bridge, N of Orvieto, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : RR Bridge, N of Orvieto, Italy. 10 planes. The Orvieto RR Bridge was hit on the 24th. Our gunners destroyed three (3) E/A, with no losses for us.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 3 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 5 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 7 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 9 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

380th BS War Diary: Sunday passed very quietly for us at the Cape. Church services were held as usual. Our combat crews bombed a RR bridge at Orvieto in Italy with good results.

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 142 Date- October 24 1943 Target- RR Bridge N of Orvieto, Italy. Squadron airplanes- twelve “London Bridge is falling down” If you believe the old saying, but our crews believe Orvieto RR bridge also to have fallen down this day, when 36 B-25’s paid its visit. Upon leaving the target the rear of our formation was attacked by several ME- 109’s and FW-190’s. Rocket shells exploded like flak. Observations on the trip revealed many dummy aircraft on airfields, and saw a convoy of motor trailers and several trains. A worth while trip was everyone’s thought when they returned to the home base.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Grow, Clyde L., Capt Ross, Fred C., Jr., 2Lt CP Bower, William M., Lt Col, HQ 310th BG Richardson, Richard K., F/O N Potter, Eliot H., 1Lt None B Anderson, John B., 2Lt Haran, J.F., 2Lt E None None R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., Cpl G McGimpsey, Paul D., Sgt Ritter, Robert E., Sgt TG None Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Benton, James H., 2Lt Walton, Cecil Vernon, 2Lt CP Auchard, Richard L., 2Lt Maxwell, Max W., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 2Lt B Snyder, Glen F., S/Sgt Mizerski, Richard C. "Bronco", 2Lt E None None R Hoover, Donald E., S/Sgt Dinges, J.W., T/Sgt G Papp, Frank (NMI), Jr., Sgt Black, Jewell James “J.J.”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Hament, Carrol (NMI), 1Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None None R Pyles, Deane E., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt TG Huston, Rex (NMI), PFC Hunt, Joe H., PFC

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt TG None McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt Derrick, William S., 2Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 2Lt Panich, Milan (NMI), 2Lt N None Lewis, Jack (NMI), 2Lt B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt Ackerson, Newell W., 2Lt E None None R Parker, P.J., S/Sgt Liudahl, Irvin Melbourne, S/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Barszcz, Stanley G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Smith, Leonard D. “Leo”, 2Lt Echols, George A., 2Lt CP Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R McDowell, Alva H., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., Sgt G McCabe, George P., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt F Powers, John A., S/Sgt TG Larson, M.O., Sgt

381st BS War Diary: Two new Sergeants, a Corporal and a Pfc. Were assigned to the Squadron today. They have been in Africa for only two months and are still a bit mystified by the complexities of overseas service. M/Sgt Arnold’s communiqué #8: ship #42-32454“Boomerang” filled in as a spare today. Also, we loaned out two ships, one each to 379th and 380th Squadrons. We now have 15 ships, all in commission, and have been lending them to other Squadrons when needed. Promotions of enlisted men created two new Staff Sergeants, one Sergeant and two Corporals. 1st Lt. Forbes and S/Sgt. Daniel Kim left for the U.S.A. this morning. Today’s mission from Oudna: Orvieto R.R. Bridge, Italy. Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line chief, crew chief Forbes, Robert L., 1Lt, navigator Kim, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : ORVIETO R.R. BRIDGE, ITALY Oudna A/D, 24 October 43 Group Mission # 183 Sqdrn. Mission # 141 Flight 36 B-25’s 1 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 08:45 Bombs Dropped: 1(6 x 500), 3,000# Target 11:45 Bombing Altitude: 11,150 Down 14:10 Sorties to Date: 1,078 Total Time: 5 Hrs. 25 Min Mileage: 931 Weather: Low scud south of target. 1/10 coverage, visibility unlimited. RESULTS: Some bombs fell short, while a few over-shot the target. The majority of the bombs, however, were concentrated on the bridge and north approach. Both the bridge and north approach are believed to have been completely wiped out. The formation was attacked by two ME-109’s which were using rocket bombs. No hits were scored on our planes. A 428th gunner claims destruction of one of these enemy aircraft. No flak. CREWS 2nd Flight

A/C No. 42-32454 “Boomerang” (G) P Young, Charles A., 2Lt CP Stoeber, Leslie R., 2Lt N None B Doty, James K., S/Sgt E None R Shapiro, Marvin L., T/Sgt G Blackshire, Joseph R., S/Sgt TG Hinds, Donald L., PFC

428th BS War Diary: Organized an intra-squadron baseball team.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Thirty- six Mitchells of the 310th continued the astounding successes of the current streak. The target, once again was the most difficult target for bombers, a railroad bridge. Photo interpretation credited the unit with three direct hits and numerous near misses. The North approach was blanketed with direct hits. 4 ME-109s’ and FW-190’s attacked the formation firing rocket shells. All bursts were short. One ME-109 was destroyed and a second damaged. Slight flak opposition caused no harm to the formation. Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 20 aircraft unidentified P Douglas, James D., 2Lt Koch, Richard J., 2Lt CP Hill, Lawrence G., Jr., Capt Kirtley, John M., 2Lt N Peterson, Donald L., 2Lt None B Baraniuk, Jerry M., 2Lt Ream, Elmer W., PFC E None Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Lunger, Quentin L., S/Sgt Booth, Jack D., S/Sgt G Sviantek, John L., Sgt Ringler, Ryan C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Buglass, Kenneth G., 1Lt Tooles, William B., 1Lt CP Sandstrom, John E., 2Lt Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt Lanning, Fred H., 2Lt E None None R Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt G Rankin, James V., S/Sgt Sisson, John E., Sgt F Frank, Donald A., Cpl None A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Dory, John N., 2Lt Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None, None B Simmons, Bernard B., S/Sgt Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E None Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) R Cook, Ray E., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Ramos, Smiles (NMI), Pvt Mahan, John J., PFC TG Schenk, James S., Sgt F Bean, Herman B., Cpl A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Waugh, Carter H., 1Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Davidson, James C., 2Lt Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt N Lick, Edmund W., 2Lt None B Snoddy, William G., 2Lt Lim, Wing Y., S/Sgt E None None R East, Charles D., S/Sgt Kelly, Phillip J., S/Sgt G Agin, Clealon J., Sgt Hirt, Fred A., S/Sgt TG Pudlo, Alexander A., S/Sg, None

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Whitehurst, Ray E., 2Lt Edwards, William P., 2Lt CP Holley, Hazil L., F/O Sebor, George (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Sierlecki, Richard E., Sgt Burkett, William H., 2Lt E None None R Tow, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Jack, Robert C., Sgt G Donaldson, William M., Sgt Houseman, Charles M., Jr., S/Sgt TG Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt None A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Hogan, Jack F., F/O Stokes, Louis S., 2Lt CP Edelman, Forrest J., F/O Lewis, Quentin McAlpine, 2Lt N None None B Stewart, William W., S/Sgt Moynihan, Donald M., Pvt E None None R Gilpatrick, Sgt Morris, Raymond J., Sgt G Housken, Wayne J., Pvt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None Amirault, Osborne J., Sgt

Monday, 25 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command P-39’s strafe and bomb the landing ground at Podgorica; XII Air Support Command, NATBF and RAF DAF concentrate on blocking roads and destroying bridges; town areas, vehicles, radio stations, trains, and vessels are also attacked; targets attacked are in or near Frosinone, Formia, Gaeta, Cetraro, along the Sangro River, Kuna, along the Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia, W of Lagosta Island and S of Rome; Tarquinia Airfield is also bombed. HQ 324th Fighter Group and its 314th Fighter Squadron transfer from Menzel Heurr, Tunisia to Cercola, Italy with P-40’s. The squadron, which has been out of combat since 21 Jul, will fly its first mission on 30 Oct. The 36th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Mazara to Castelvetrano, Sicily with C-47’s. The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, transfers from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with P-40’s. The 486th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: The 25th was another Tunis holiday.

380th BS War Diary: Captain Gridley received a pleasant surprise today. Orders came through to the effect that he would return to the states to instruct fighter pilots in Florida. We are sorry to see him leave as he is a fine man but happy that he is getting such a fine break that he so richly deserves. We saw a very excellent picture tonight “The Fleet’s In”. I don’t know what we would do without our moving pictures here. Gridley, William G., Capt, intelligence

381st BS War Diary: Swimming weather again. The beach was crowded for the first time in a long while. Fresh beef for dinner.

428th BS War Diary: A four-foot snake was found in Doc Ryterband’s private tent. Ryterband, Louis (NMI) "Doc", Capt, surgeon, Medical Officer

Tuesday, 26 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Greece, B-25's and P-38's of the XII Bomber Command attack the airfields of Salonika/Sedhes and Megalo Mikra.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF fighters and fighter-bombers attack gun emplacements and road junctions in the battle area along the E coast and in the center of Italy, also destroying many vehicles and parked aircraft in the Ancona area, where railroad facilities are also hit; a schooner at Porto Civitanova is left smoking; medium bombers of the NATBF bomb Terracina and an ammunition dump.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: On the 26th, we were notified of our transfer to the Coastal Air Force, as of Nov. 1st.

380th BS War Diary: We had a sudden rainstorm early this morning and lowered our spirits very much because the area grounds had just about dried.

381st BS War Diary: Rumors are circulating to the effect that our move to Italy has been cancelled, and that the Group will be returned to the United States for O.T.U. training in the new B-29, a heavy bomber. No mission.

428th BS War Diary: No news.

Wednesday, 27 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Austria, 150+ B-17’s and B-24’s bomb Wiener-Neustadt and railroad tracks and installations and bridges at Friedberg and Ebenfurth. Weather severely curtails NATBF missions and XII Air Support Command operations in support of ground forces. Fighter-bombers attack Gaeta, Italy and bomb small vessels on the Dalmatian coast at Opuzen, Yugoslavia. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with P-40’s. The 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, transfer from Menzel Heurr, Tunisia to Cercola, Italy with P-40’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

380th BS War Diary: The men are now getting very restless. No word to move has come in yet. The Officers and the men had a softball game this afternoon and all had a good time. The enlisted men beat the officers, by the way.

381st BS War Diary: The mystery of the fresh beef has finally been solved. The story is that a supply ship went ashore near here, and that the Quartermaster Corps salvaged its cargo of fresh meat. This heroic action by the Quartermaster Corps should nullify all the harsh things we have implied about them heretofore. M/Sgt Arnold has neglected to send a communiqué during the past several days. It can be assumed that he is devoting his time and energy to hard work, and is not carousing in Tunis. Arnold, Clyde L., M/Sgt, engineering, line chief, crew chief

428th BS War Diary: Had a rain storm during the night.

Thursday, 28 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Weather prevents most Twelfth Air Force operations planned for the day. No missions are flown by the XII Bomber Command.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36’s hit several highways and bridges in advance of the battleline and attack gun positions in the Vairano area and transportation targets in the Rome area. The 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47’s. The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Sardinia with P-39’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

379th BS War Diary: Another Officers’ party was held on the 28th.

380th BS War Diary: The show “Hit the Ice” with Abbott & Costello brought out many belly laughs this evening.

381st BS War Diary: Rumors are flying so thick and fast that it would be impossible to enumerate even the more conservative ones. They all involve moving, with every quarter of the globe being mentioned among possible destinations. Despite the rumors, it is evident that some drastic change is in store for us. The fog will probably clear when Colonel Hunter returns from Algiers. It is reported that he is there for the purpose of conferring General Eisenhower, regarding our future operations. The rumor that we are not going to Italy has been confirmed by the fact that planes were sent from Oudna to pick up and return our advanced echelon. Eisenhower, Dwight David "Ike", General of the Army, Supreme Commander Allied Forces Europe Hunter, Anthony G., Col, pilot, 310th BG Commander

428th BS War Diary: Two transports are rumored to have taken off for Italy from Oudna to pick up the advanced echelon.

Friday, 29 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's, escorted by P-38's, bomb the Genoa marshalling yard and also hit the Sampierdarena marshalling yard, San Giorgio instrument factory, and ordnance, electric, and fitting plants and bridges at Genoa-Ansaldo; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF are forced by bad weather to abandon several missions in support of ground forces. Troops and gun positions are attacked on 2 occasions and several bridges are hit; Giulianova harbor and shipping are successfully attacked. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Naples to Foggia, Italy. HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group and its 11th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47's. The 487th and 488th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Railroad Track, 10 mi. S of Cecina, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : RR Track, 10 mi. S of Cecina, Italy. 12 planes.

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 3 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F

Friday, 29 October 1943 (continued)

380th BS War Diary: Lt. Fisher, Gp Spec. Services Officer is doing a remarkable job of keeping the boys morale up with his shows. Tonight we saw the much talked about “Arsenic & Old Lace”. It was spoiled however when the clouds above gave forth much rain. Fisher, Earl W., 1Lt, Special Services Officer, HQ 310th BG

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : (380th BS did not participate)

381st BS War Diary: Capt. Abbott arrived at Oudna from Italy with the following advanced echelon of enlisted men: S/Sgt. Munson and Proffitt; Sgt. A.D. Reed, and Cpls. Corsi, Roods and Scott. Their report on conditions in Italy describes the base in the most glowing terms, and the towns around the base as being quite superior to anything we have visited in North Africa. The people are friendly, and hospitable. Food is scarce, but other commodities are plentiful. Each man returned with a large box of souvenirs. Abbott, Robert D., Capt, Adjutant Corsi, Ralph R. "Mr. Five by Five", Cpl Munson, Myron C., S/Sgt, Proffitt, James L., S/Sgt Reed, Albert D., Sgt, Roods, Louis R., Cpl, Scott, Arthur (NMI), PFC,

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : (381st BS did not participate)

428th BS War Diary: The advance echelons came back from San Pancrazio, Italy, where they had been stationed.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : (380th BS did not participate)

Saturday, 30 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-24’s bomb the Genoa marshalling yard and nearby Sampierdarena and Genoa-Ansaldo steel works; B-17’s bomb Savona and Varazze, Porto Maurizio, and the Imperia marshalling yard; weather reduces the efforts of NATAF elements; NATBF B-25’s bomb Frosinone; fighter-bombers, mainly of the XII Air Support Command, hit bridges, junctions, shipping, marshalling yard, gun positions, and vehicles at several locations, including Giulianova, Ancona, Ortona, Sessa Aurunca, Mignano, and Cassino.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Railroad 10 miles S of Cecina, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: No Entry

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : (379th BS did not participate)

380th BS War Diary: After a lay-off of six days, the combat crews of our sqdn paid a visit to a stretch of Rail line ten miles S of Cecina in Italy. Heavy weather and low clouds made it impossible to bomb so the flight returned without dropping their bombs. A heavy mail call with beaucoup packages brought delight to all our personnel.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 143 Date- October 30 1943 Target- RR 10 miles S of Cecina, Italy. Squadron airplanes- two Today 36 of our ships, two of them planes of this squadron, took off to hit railroad installations 10 miles south of Cecina. This mission did not pan out so well for us due to heavy rains encountered before reaching the target, so the formation felt it was wise to return to the home base and hope for better weather for the next day so that they could complete the job they started to do this day.

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Parker, P.J., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt TG Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), S/Sgt Hunt, Joe H., PFC Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS War Diary: Today’s target from Oudna: A ten mile strip of R.R. south of Cecina. A solid overcast obscured the target; all bombs were returned.

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : R.R. TRACKS 10 MILES SOUTH OF CECINA Oudna A/D, 30 October 43 Group Mission # 184 Sqdrn. Mission # 142 Flight 36 B-25’s 10 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 10:00 Bombs Dropped: None Target xx:xx Bombs Returned: All Down 15:15 Bombing Altitude: x x x Total Time: 5 Hrs. 15 Min Sorties to Date: 1,088 Mileage: 934 Weather: Heavy rain over target area --- 10/10 coverage at 4,000 feet. RESULTS: The flight turned back at 43°08’ N - 10°00’ E, due to unfavorable weather conditions in the target area. CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 41-30002 (P) A/C No. 42-53445 “Lottie’s Goose” (N) P Jones, William E., F/O Flake, Ray M., 1Lt CP Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O N None Renton, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt E None None R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt TG Erceg, Samuel (NMI), None A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” (O) A/C No. 41-13074 “Balls of Fire” / “Royal Flush” (S) P Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt Williamson, Lloyd V., F/O CP Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt Warren, Donald B., 2Lt N None None B Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt Ewalt, William F., 2Lt E None None R Marshburn, James T., Sgt Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt G Lyon, John R., Sgt Mayronne, Clyde A., S/Sgt TG Precosky, Louis F., Sgt Howell, Bob E., PFC F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt None

Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64592 (Q) P Kreuzkamp, Paul J., 1Lt CP Arnoult, Hubbard B. “Hub”, Jr., 2Lt N Victor, Joseph G., 2Lt B Leasure, Oliver B., 2Lt E None R Darling, Robert E., Pvt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt TG Hinton, Zane R., PFC

CREWS 1st Flight

A/C No. 41-30341 (P) A/C No. (N) (SPARE FILLED IN HERE) P Samson, George D., 2Lt CP Burlingame, John Hancock, 2Lt N None B Campbell, Warren Bertwell, S/Sgt E None R Rea, Willis L., S/Sgt G Sentlingar, Charles W., Sgt TG Dees, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt A/C No. 41-30386 (O) A/C No. 41-30333 “A Touch of Texas” (S) P Hanna, Malcolm C., 1Lt Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt CP Kurtz, James A., 2Lt Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt N None None B Trevethan, George R., S/Sgt Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt E None None R Pelkey, John R., S/Sgt Collom, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt G Camagna, Celest F., S/Sgt Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt TG Frazier, Robert E., PFC Dingle, Ernest A., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (Q) A/C No. 42-64596 “Donna Marie” (R) P Bitter, Irwin S., Capt Stagner, Howard C., F/O CP Cruise, William H., 2Lt Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt N None Mason, John Joseph, Jr., 1Lt (observer) B Heitman, Oliver C., 2Lt Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt E None None R Buckner, Roy W., PFC Hildebrand, Edward W., PFC G Schmidt, Harold E., S/Sgt Jereb, Vincent (NMI), S/Sgt TG Bruhlman, Otto C., S/Sgt Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC

Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

428th BS War Diary: No News.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : On the 30th the Railroad bridge received a reprieve of serviceability, when ten tenths cloud cover and heavy rain obscured the target area. Nothing else reported worthy of note. Crews were the same as for the last raid.

Sunday, 31 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-17’s bomb Antheor viaduct in France.

In Italy, B-26’s hit Anzio; B-25’s attack docks and shipping at Civitavecchia; P-38’s strafe and bomb Tirana airfield; weather cancels all NATAF attacks except for 11 P-40’s which bomb and strafe a tanker off Split, Yugoslavia, leaving it burning. XII Air Support Command fighters fly an uneventful naval escort. HQ 1st Fighter Group and its 71st Fighter Squadron transfer from Mateur to Djedeida, Tunisia with P-38’s. The 379th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), ceases operating from Oudna and returns to its base at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25’s.

HQ 310th BG War Diary: No Entry

HQ 310th BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Harbor Install. & shipping, Civitavecchia, Italy. ------

379th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

379th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Harbor Install. & shipping, Civitavecchia, Italy. 12 planes. On the last day of the month, an excellent job was done on Civitavecchia Harbor. Two (2) ships were hit; also docks and RR tracks. Thus ended a fairly busy month for our Combat Crews

A/C No. 1 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F A/C No. 3 aircraft and crew unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft and crew unidentified P CP N B E R G F Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

380th BS War Diary: Today is pay-day. In the evening the game of chance started and for a little all thoughts of moving and boredom were forgotten as the boys “sweated out” the cards and dice.

380th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : Mission Report # 144 Date- October 31 1943 Target- Civitavecchia Harbor. Squadron airplanes- twelve Civitavecchia docks received a welcome this day when 36 B-25’s dropped 216 500-pound eggs. Many direct hits were made on vessels in the harbor and due to the amount of smoke, accurate observations could not be made. Direct hits were made on the railroad tracks, ferry terminal and other installations causing explosions and large fires. The boys report the weather ideal for the visit, and were also impressed by the light flak that greeted them over the target. Many railroad cars were observed in the marshalling yards. All ships returned to home base. The crews feel the job well done and this was proven by photos taken.

Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 6 aircraft unidentified P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Echols, George A., 2Lt CP Bates, Willie L., F/O Beale, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Blevins, Amos M., S/Sgt Silvis, Harry Cleveland, Sgt E None None R Henry, Lewis F., S/Sgt Taylor, Frank E., Sgt G Ritter, Robert E., Sgt Tippitt, Everett O., Sgt TG Cook, Keith L., Sgt Larson, M.O., Sgt A/C No. 7 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 8 aircraft unidentified P Folwell, Frank C., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N McBride, Daniel (NMI), 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 2Lt Link, Byron F. “Bud”, S/Sgt E None None R Altobello, Joseph J., S/Sgt Brinson, Lloyd D., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt Orr, William J., Sgt TG None McNeil, Gabriel J., Pvt A/C No. 9 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 10 aircraft unidentified P Weaver, Joseph S., Jr., 2Lt Walton, Cecil Vernon, 2Lt CP Dodge, Charles M., 2Lt Maxwell, Max W., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 2Lt B Gardner, Clarence R., S/Sgt Windler, John H., 2Lt E None None R Parker, P.J., S/Sgt Dinges, J.W., T/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Black, Jewell James “J.J.”, Sgt TG Papp, Frank (NMI), Jr., Sgt None A/C No. 11 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 12 aircraft unidentified P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Newkirk, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N None None B Hotaling, R. (NMI), S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E None F Powers, John A., S/Sgt R Pyles, Deane E., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Pvt Faust, Robert A., S/Sgt TG Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC Hunt, Joe H., PFC

Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

381st BS War Diary: Today’s mission from Oudna: Docks and shipping at Civitavecchia. At Menzel Termime, usual activities.

381st BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : CIVITAVECCHIA DOCKS AND SHIPPING Oudna A/D, 31 October 43 Group Mission # 185 Sqdrn. Mission # 143 Flight 36 B-25’s 7 Squadron B-25’s Escort: None Bomb Load: 6 x 500 Take Off 10:05 Bombs Dropped: 7(6 x 500), 21,000# Target 12:38 Bombing Altitude: 11,150 Down 14:40 Sorties to Date: 1,0958 Total Time: 4 Hrs. 35 Min Mileage: 815 Weather: 7/10 high cirrus at 15-20,000 feet, slight haze. Vis. 8-9 miles. RESULTS: Direct hits were scored on one M/V in the southern basin of the harbor. Bombs enveloped 4 other M/V’s anchored nearby. Heavy smoke made observations difficult. Strings of bombs caused damage to R.R. tracks, a ferry terminal and other installations on the southern quay. These hits resulted in fires and explosions. A warehouse and oil storage tanks were also reported hit. No enemy aircraft. Flak: Slight and light over the target. Poor range. . CREWS 2nd Flight

A/C No. 42-53445 “Lottie’s Goose” A/C No. 41-13061 “Lil Joe” (B) (A) P Evans, George N., Capt Weaver, Claude H., 2Lt CP Hudson, Charles (NMI), Jr., F/O Wolfe, Warren M., 1Lt N Collins, Vincent A., 1Lt None B Fayard, Oliver E., Jr., 1Lt Malone, Donald B., S/Sgt E None None R Foderaro, Albert (NMI), T/Sgt Marshburn, James T., Sgt G Mayronne, Clyde A., S/Sgt Lyon, John R., Sgt TG None Precosky, Louis F., Sgt

Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64596 “Donna Marie” (E) A/C No. 41-30002 (J) P Knecum, Walter A., 2Lt Jones, William E., F/O CP Stagner, Howard C., F/O Warren, Donald B., 2Lt N None None B Schoen, Everett G., S/Sgt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E None None R Dingle, Ernest A., S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Jereb, Vincent (NMI), T/Sgt Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt TG Hildebrand, PFC Erceg, Samuel (NMI), F Pummill, Earl (NMI), Sgt None A/C No. 42-64592 (G) A/C No. 41-29980 (K) P Flake, Ray M., 1Lt Dusek, Ernest P., 2Lt CP Mitchell, Lenyard C., F/O Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt N Renton, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt Ewalt, William F., 2Lt B Feinglass, Philip (NMI), 2Lt Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E None None R Fiumecel, Albert F., T/Sgt Standish, Beverly R., T/Sgt G Marvin, Lawrence R., S/Sgt Sigafoos, James F., Jr., S/Sgt TG None Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC A/C No. 41-30333 “A Touch of Texas” (L) P Baisch, Joseph M., III, 2Lt CP Sautter, Carl U., 2Lt N None B Micks, Henry B., S/Sgt E None R Howell, Bob E., PFC G Rounis, Gus T., T/Sgt TG Collom, Frank C., Jr., S/Sgt

428th BS War Diary: No news.

428th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # : The month’s finale was staged against the harbor and dock facilities at Civitavecchia, Northeast of Rome. Photo Interpretation reported seven direct hits on the port overlooking the harbor from its Southern neck. The tracks between the port and shore received several direct hits. A grain silo on the docks suffered a direct hit and at least four near misses, and a few probably hits scored on three vessels (two were tankers). A warehouse was demolished and oil storage tanks were blown up. Flak at the target was unexpectedly light. It was a fitting climax to a series of raids that marked the highest tide of the 310th’s effectiveness. For that matter it is doubtful whether any unit has ever attained the accuracy that was ours in the current streak. Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 1 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 2 aircraft unidentified P Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt Whitehurst, Ray E., 2Lt CP Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt Holley, Hazil L., F/O N None None B Lim, Wing Y., S/Sgt Sierlecki, Richard E., Sgt E None None R Kelly, Phillip J., S/Sgt Tow, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Hirt, Fred A., S/Sgt Donaldson, William M., Sgt TG Jackson, (observer?) Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt A/C No. 3 aircraft unidentified A/C No. 4 aircraft unidentified P Tooles, William B., 1Lt Dory, John N., 2Lt CP Jones, Gordon K., 2Lt Everiss, William Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Smirnoff, Andrew P., 2Lt, Simmons, Bernard B., S/Sgt E None None R Weiland, Ray C., S/Sgt Gilpatrick, Sgt G Sisson, John E., Sgt Hochstratter, Sgt TG Hook, Raymond K., S/Sgt Cook, Ray E., S/Sgt A/C No. 5 aircraft unidentified P Fleming, Thornton (NMI), 1Lt CP Fassett, Walter J., 2Lt N None B Risteau, John E., S/Sgt E Taylor, Sgt (observer, gunner?) R Neview, Frederick J., Cpl G Mahan, John J., PFC F None

October 1943

HQ 310th BG War Diary: Additional Information for October 1943: None

379th BS War Diary: Additional Information for October 1943: It was impossible to keep a day-to-day War Diary of the Squadron activities during the month of October, 1943, due to constant movements and separation of units of the 379th Squadron during the month. However, the following is a summary of activities of each separated unit:

Activities during the month of October were practically at a standstill for the men who remained behind in the detachment at MENZEL-TEMIME, up on the Cape Bon Peninsula. The men got in plenty of “sack-time” and read all the reading material available on the Base. Our Special Service Officer provided us with movies a few nights a week, which we viewed under the stars as we sat on the side of a hill. One night, however, it rained, but the film was an enthralling murder mystery and no one cared to leave until it was all over! Many of the boys went along the beach for rifle-practice, and the shots from their guns re-echoed among the twisted wreckage of German tanks and trucks, scattered along the beach. A training program was begun to keep the men occupied part of the morning of each day. Calisthenics were led by the officers. The first few days, the boys were lame and limp, having had no real exercise in months. But, when the kinks were smoothed out, the boys seemed to enjoy the brief period of morning exercises. Finally, the month was over and with it the “vacation” ended. Once more the Squadron was reunited at a new Base and ready for a new month of activity.

On October 9th, Lt. Canale and six enlisted men were transported by a B-25 to San Pancrazio, Italy, to prepare part of the airport there for occupation by the Squadron. The air port consisted of a hard-surface runway, several stone buildings, and wooden barracks (some of which had been partially destroyed). Very little work was undertaken, since an argument was raging as to who had rights to the field, and since another Group moved in to operate shortly after our detail arrived. The detail remained at the air port until the latter part of October, and then was flown back to Africa to rejoin the rest of the Squadron. The men who went to Italy report that the Italian people welcomed American soldiers with open arms, and gladly shared whatever they had with the Americans. Canale, Philip M., Jr., 2Lt, Supply Officer

The month of October was a busy one for the Combat Crews of the 379th. Operating from Oudna #1 and #2, in Tunisia, the men participated in eleven (11) missions.

October 1943 (continued)

At Oudna, our members quartered with a heavy bombardment group. The first mission occurred on Oct. 13th, the target being a Road Junction at Sessa Aurunca, Italy. Several direct hits were reported. On the 14th, 36 ships were sent out to bomb Grosseto, Italy, but coverage was 10/10, so no bombs were dropped. On the 16th, the men were entertained by the Hollywood actor Adolphe Menjou and his troupe, which put on an excellent stage show. For the next couple of days there was no activity due to bad weather conditions, so most of the men took off to Tunis on pass. On the 20th, 36 ships were sent out to bomb Cerveteri A/D, in Italy. It was a good bombing job. However, one ship was destroyed of another Squadron in our Group, but the men bailed out safely. On the 21st, 36 ships bombed Orbetello RR, in Italy. Ten (10) direct hits were scored on the target. That night, a weekly dance was held at the Officers’ Club which was attended by most of our Squadron Officers. On the 22nd, Grosseto was the target again, and a good bombing show was put on. On the 23rd, the Squadron pulled its best bombing-show of the month from Oudna. The Albania RR Bridge was hit and destroyed. The Orvieto RR Bridge was hit on the 24th. Our gunners destroyed three (3) E/A, with no losses for us. The 25th was another Tunis holiday. On the 26th, we were notified of our transfer to the Coastal Air Force, as of Nov. 1st. Another Officers’ party was held on the 28th. On the last day of the month, an excellent job was done on Civitavecchia Harbor. Two (2) ships were hit; also docks and RR tracks. Thus ended a fairly busy month for our Combat Crews. ------

HISTORY

379TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON

SECTION II…Operations for October 1943.

DATE: TARGET: No. PLANES:

Oct. 3 Highway Intersection, Isernia, Italy 2 Oct. 4 Bastia, Corsica 12 Oct. 5 Formia Highway, Italy 11 Oct. 13 Road Junction, Sessa Aurunca, Italy 12 Oct. 20 A/D, Cerveteri, Italy 10 Oct. 21 RR Tracks, SE Orbetello, Italy 12 Oct. 22 RR Bridge at Grosseto, Italy 11 October 1943 (continued)

Oct. 23 Albania RR Bridge, Italy 1 Oct. 24 RR Bridge, N of Orvieto, Italy 10 Oct. 29 RR Track, 10 mi. S of Cecina, Italy 12 Oct. 31 Harbor Install. & shipping, Civitavecchia, Italy 12 ______

Total sorties………...105 Brought Forward…...971 ______

Grand Total………..1076

Total Squadron Missions for month…11 Total Squadron Missions brought forward…143 ______Grand Total…………154

October 1943 (continued)

380th BS War Diary: Additional Information for October 1943:

SPECIAL OUTLINE SECTION

The new month opened as did the clouds above, for the first day of October was one of heavy rains with the mud getting deeper and deeper. The rainy season, following a hot blistering summer, had been. In the wee hours of the morning of the next day another storm struck savagely at us making things even more miserable. The rain that accompanied the wind blew with mighty gusts, knocking to the ground many of our tents which housed our personnel. The rank of Lieut. Colonelcy was bestowed upon our Commanding Officer Rodney R. Wilder, a promotion which was both well deserved and earned. On the 9th of October after several operational missions had been flown intermittently between rainstorms, news reached us that the Squadron would leave North Africa and settle down somewhere in the heel of Italy. Capt. W.G. Gridley, Capt. Elmer N. Carlson with five enlisted men left in one of our bombers for the new base. On the 10th of the month 12 of our planes and aircrews were transferred to Oudna L/G to continue operational missions as the Menzel Termime L/G was closed due to the deep mud on the runway. Oudna A/D, home of the 99th Bombardment Group of Flying Fortresses consists of two L/G on which their four Squadrons are located. The one outstanding and most talked about condition there is the excellent food that is served three times a day. Nine operational raids were flown from Oudna with our bombers mainly attacking Supply and Communication lines, road and railroad bridges and harbors in an effort to sever the stream of war material reaching the enemy troops at the front just north of the Volturno River. Carlson, Elmer Norman, 1Lt, personnel Gridley, William G., Capt, intelligence Wilder, Rodney R. "Hoss", Lt Col, pilot, Commander Colonel Wilder seeing the need for relaxation on the part of the combat crews made the necessary arrangements and opened up the first “American Night Club” in Tunis. It was complete from bar maids to dance floor and its fame spread far and wide over the surrounding area. Meanwhile back at Menzel Termime, the remaining air crews and ground personnel busied themselves preparing to move, crating and boxing equipment, and attending the last minute details for the move to Italy. In the evenings, our main entertainment came in the form of picture shows that the Special Service Officer arranged to have shown periodically.

October 1943 (continued)

On October 25th. Capt. Gridley arrived at Menzel Termime, highly jubilant over the fact that orders had just come through transferring him back to the states as an Instructor in a Training school at Orlando, Florida. It was about this time that Capt. Carlson and the five man detail to Italy returned to Menzel bringing with them news that the group had been given orders to proceed to Phillipville, Algeria, and had been transferred from NASAF into the NA Coastal Command. We were of course disappointed to find that we would not cross “Mare Nostrum” to Musso’s “Stamping Ground” but since a new type of tactical work, upon which we would experiment, was of both a new and exciting nature, we looked forward with renewed enthusiasm toward settling down at our new base at Phillipville. ------

SPECIAL EVENTS SECTION October 25, 1943

FLIGHT OVER FOGGIA: Story told by 1ST LIEUT. CARROL HAMMENT, pilot, of Baltimore Maryland, and by members of his crew.

Almost directly over the battleline, 1st Lieut. Carrol Hament had picked out an airfield on the muddy Italian ground below and began his approach for an emergency landing. Suddenly the co-pilot popped a rather embarrassing question: “Are you sure we’ve captured this field?” Lieut. Hament, a Baltimore boy, whose address is 2912 Ulman Avenue, usually has a ready answer and is quick on the uptake, but that question had him stopped! He’d made his decision as pilot of the crippled B-25 Mitchell Bomber; with the instruments shot away, the main hydraulic line cut by flak, right engine dead, and the left engine working rough with an uncontrollable prop, Lieut. Hament had to set old “Miss Baltimore” down in a hurry …. Allied or “Jerry” field below! The twenty four year old bomber pilot tells it this way: “Our target had been a road intersection near Isernia, Italy. It was located in a narrow valley through which the Germans were being forced to retreat. The roads were lined solid with anti-aircraft guns and to make matters worse we had to dive below low hanging clouds in order to find the target. “My bombardier S/Sgt. Robert S. Weinstein (308 Chelsea St., Everett, Mass.) had no sooner called „Bombs Away!”, than a flak burst cut the hydraulic line and sprayed fluid all over us. My co-pilot, 2nd Lieut. Robert M. Arentson (303 South Main St., Moultrie, Ga.) started to leave his seat to locate the damage but the flak bursts rocked the plane too much for him to move. The next hit got my right engine. We saw the oil streaming out as it went dead.

October 1943 (continued)

“We had to drop out of formation then and “Jerry” ground batteries seemed to concentrate on us. We ran the gauntlet for a couple of minutes that seemed like a lifetime. They got our instruments and also damaged the propeller pitch control on our good engine. We had forty or more holes over the plane: in the wings, fuselage, appendage, and even the propeller. “My good left engine was running very rough with the uncontrolled prop. It looked as though ten or fifteen minutes would finish it, so I headed back for the battle line. At least we would be over friendly territory if we had to bail out. In a way, we were lucky, for our formation was fighting off enemy interceptors … they didn’t see us. “The first friendly field I located was closed in by bad weather, so we had to turn back and fly closer to the front. The left engine labored for over an hour, how I’ll never know, and then finally we saw an airfield below. “We pumped the landing gear down and prepared to land when Bob asked that “hot” question. I had been sure up ‘til then, but we were all relieved when the first soldier we laid eyes on wore a British uniform!” Lieut. Hament’s crew members are quite used to these emergency landings, having made one in Sicily not too long ago. All of them agree that “Miss Baltimore” and Lt. Hament are a good combination. The other members of the crew were: S/Sgt. Donald Walter Wells, Radio Operator of Huntsburg, Ohio, Sgt. Keith L. Cook, Turret Gunner of Milton, Illinois, and Cpl. Wilson E. Land, Photographer, of Bridgeport, Illinois. ------

CAMPAIGN OUTLINES (Month of October)

THE CORSICAN CAMPAIGN *** 1943 OCT

French patriots and soldiers for the entire month of September steadily pushed the “German” back to the northern tip of the isle of Corsica. On October fourth, our bombers took off and struck at the harbor of Bastia, last remaining enemy stronghold on the island. Considerable damage was done and the raid marked the fall of the tiny isle for late that same day all hostilities ceased and the enemy withdrew to the isle of Elba and the Italian Mainland. ------

October 1943 (continued)

THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN (CONTD) 1943 OCT

During the month of October our bombing missions were centered almost entirely upon transportation and communications. Roads, bridges, and rail lines were destroyed and the enemy’s supply lines were severed in numerous places. The airdrome of Cerveteri was hit hard by our bombers. Hangars, bldgs, aircraft and runways suffered under the accuracy of our bombardiers. Many fires were started and smoke covered the major portion of the target. On the last day of the month, the harbor of Civitavecchia became the object of attack when thirty six of our bombers dropped 216 “500 pounders” to turn the port into a flaming pyre. RR tracks were torn up and large explosions resounded as the ferry terminal and other installations nearby were directly hit. Orders from higher Command have now placed us among the fighting units in the Coastal Air Force and we are now no longer with General Doolittle’s Strategic. As a result of this transfer the group will not go to Italy but will move north west to Phillipville to train for its new job. Our future targets will probably be mainly shipping and radar stations. ------

October 1943 (continued)

381st BS War Diary: Additional Information for October 1943: Three missions were flown from the Base at Menzel Termime before a very severe rainstorm flooded the landing strips and rendered them completely unserviceable. The move to Italy --- postponed because of a lack of facilities made quickly enough to insure uninterrupted operations against enemy objectives. Therefore, on 11 October our combat crews, accompanied by sufficient ground personnel to maintain 12 planes, went to Oudna Airdrome near Tunis, where they continued to operate throughout the month, flying a total of nine missions from that base. These missions were characterized by an accuracy of bombing for which there is no parallel in the history of the organization. At the same time a small echelon proceeded to our advanced base in Italy for the purpose of preparing it for the Squadron’s scheduled arrival.

Thus, for most of October, detachments of the Squadron’s personnel could be found stationed on three bases: Menzel Temime, Oudna A/D and San Pancrazio, Italy. Also three officers and three enlisted men were on detached service with unassigned, B- 25G crews at Hammamet. Life for these detachments was pleasant in the extreme. As well as numerous trips into Tunis, the men at Oudna report excellent food. The 301st Heavy Bomb Group (B-17’s), with whom they are quartered, are blessed with having among their personnel excellent cooks. Several of our mess sergeants were detailed to study under them.

The men in Italy report a marvelous set-up on the base there: buildings, running water, and even fireplaces in some of the office buildings. Although one can’t buy much food in Italy, the stores are full of reasonably priced articles of good quality, and the people are friendly and hospitable.

The men remaining at Menzel Temime kept occupied with base ball or with “catch”, and when the weather permitted, went to the beach. Lt. Colleton entertained the officers, who assembled in his tent, by spinning yarns of his early life. When he becomes “A Wheel” he will be known as “J.C.”. Lt. (Pop) Wells, of Georgia, worked hard at the poker table and discussed southern politics and customs. Everyone became more and more restless and anxious to get on with the war or go home. Colleton, John Charles, 2Lt, bombardier Wells, Frank P. "Pop", 1Lt, Supply Officer

The principal diversion for all of the detachments of the Squadron was the collection, evaluation and dissemination of rumors. Rumor mongering, an art which has always been enthusiastically practiced by most members of the Squadron, reached its all time high during October. Most of the current rumors have been following a pattern of actual fact, and are not based on idle fancy. These facts readily support the conclusion that something of profound importance is about to take place --- but what, not even the most talented rumor monger knows, as yet.

October 1943 (continued)

These facts are as follows:

During October, 13 officers and 15 enlisted men completed 50 combat missions and were transferred from the Squadron. No new crews have been sent to replace them.

Our planes are becoming old and mission weary, and some of them need to be replaced. This is true also of much of our ground equipment and some of our ground personnel.

The move to Italy, scheduled and then postponed many times during the month was finally abandoned. The echelon which was preparing our advanced base for occupancy was recalled to Africa.

Thus the Squadron, and the Group too, find themselves in the peculiar position of being an experienced combat force with virtually no combat personnel, and few serviceable planes; stationed at bases which are practically out of range of desirable enemy targets.

The end of October finds Colonel Hunter attending a conference in Algiers --- a conference during which he will undoubtedly learn the answer to the questions which his men have been asking one another --- “Where are we going; what will we do?” Hunter, Anthony G., Col, pilot, 310th BG Commander ------

MISSION TO BATTIPAGLIA

By 2nd Lt. Joseph M. Baisch III (pilot)

“Hey, Codd, how many missions have you got now?”, inquired “The Bullet”, as he fastened his pistol belt around his waist, then adjusted his .45 so it was comfortable on his hip and examined the spare clips to make sure they were loaded with bullets. Coddington, Walter E. "Codd", Capt, pilot

“Forty-seven, Bullet”, this morning’s raid’ll make forty-eight. I’ll only have two more to sweat out after this one”, was the curt reply of the Captain, who was one of the outstanding flight leaders of the entire medium bombardment group which had been operating from North Africa since December 10, 1942. The outfit had scored smashing successes in not only the Tunisian Campaign but also had been highly instrumental in the fall of Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Sicily and was now intensely occupied with the Italian invasion. Both men had just finished a pre-dawn breakfast, preparing for an early morning briefing. “Codd”, as he was affectionately known to his comrades, was standing

October 1943 (continued) in the entrance of their pyramidal tent, silhouetted against the first rays of the beautiful Tunisian sunrise. Anyone who has seen the splendor of an African sunrise over the wide blue Mediterranean can vouch for its awe-inspiring feeling of strength, peace and humility. The two fellows, both pilots of the mighty Northwest African Strategic Air Force, were clad in simple G.I. Khaki uniforms, casually preparing for the day’s mission.

“What time is briefing, Bullet?”, asked the Captain as he rolled up his mosquito bar and covered his blankets with his bed-roll to protect them from the sand and insects which are the curse of our fighting men who are stationed on this foreign soil, eight thousand miles from home and their loved ones.

“In fifteen minutes”, remarked his tent mate, as he lit a cigarette. “Bombardiers’ and pilots’ briefing will be consolidated to save time…wonder what’s up?” An air of bewilderment was obvious, for strong rumors of stiff resistance by the Germans against our invading 5th Army’s landings near Salerno had floated around the previous night. Things definitely weren’t going so good for our boys.

“I don’t know, but it looks like a tough mission. I’m ready to go over so that I can get a front seat. I like to know what’s going on. Are you ready, Bullet”?

“I’ll be ready in a second, Codd”. A sort while later both men were sitting side by side in the open air briefing room which consisted of a three-quartered, round roofed Nissen Hut, providing shelter for the map board, bomb charts and formation and target data. The open end faced several rows of combat crews who were sitting on steel bomb crates which were carefully placed in straight lines. The whole thing resembled a miniature, crudely fashioned amphitheater.

The Group C.O., Colonel Hunter, was conferring over last minute changes and tactics with Lt. Col. Bower, Group Operations Officer, Captain Gridley, Intelligence Officer, Capt. Holmes, Bombardier, and the Group Navigator, Major Pound. Bower, William M., Lt Col, pilot, Group Operations Officer Gridley, William G., Capt, intelligence, HQ 310th BG Holmes, William G., Capt, bombardier, HQ 310th BG Hunter, Anthony G., Col, pilot, 310th BG Commander Pound, William R., Jr., Capt, navigator, HQ 310th BG

“Looks like a football huddle up there”, cracked the Bullet.

“Yeah, the coach is putting his first team in today”, joked Codd as he accepted one of the blank flimsies which were being passed out to the first pilots of each airplane.

October 1943 (continued)

Captain Holmes stepped out of the huddle, holding his mission and formation data board before him as he commanded, “Let me have your attention, men”. The talking cut don to a buzz, then a silence. “Holstead?” “Here, Sir!” “Allison?” “Here, Sir!” He was calling off the roll in the order of positions in the formation. After going through the complete list of pilots and bombardiers and navigators, receiving an affirmative, “Here, Sir!”, and checking all present, he stepped aside, and in turn the various other department heads gave out pertinent information. The Intelligence Officer pointed out flak positions, gave a summary of the military situation in general; the Weather Officer told what the formation would encounter in weather along the route and at the target; the Communications Officer relayed his data, and then the Colonel stepped up. Allison, Royal B., Capt, pilot, 379th BS Burger, Joseph L., Capt, communications, HQ 310th BG Cole, Frederick J., Maj, weather, HQ 310th BG Gridley, William G., Capt, intelligence, HQ 310th BG Holstead, James R., Capt, pilot, 379th BS Holmes, William G., Capt, bombardier, HQ 310th BG Hunter, Anthony G., Col, pilot, 310th BG Commander

“Gentlemen”, the Group C.O. stated, “things aren’t looking so good for our boys in the Fifth Army. I just received, in code, less than one hour ago, this message which is self-explanatory, and expresses the gravity of the situation up there…here it is: ‘Situation critical…..pressure from all sides’. That’s it, men”. He paused, a serious look in his eye, and continued, “The Germans have been shelling our troops on the beaches and plains off the Gulf of Salerno. Those boys are catching Hell up there. Reinforcements haven’t reached them yet. They have been fighting for forty-eight hours with no relief. It’s up to you men to help alleviate the situation. Your target for this morning is this town”, pointing to the map, “Battipaglia, which has been retaken by the Germans. You men have done some excellent bombing on recent raids, but today you’ve got to do your absolute best. You’re going to level this town, which is well fortified by the Hun. Our front lines are no less than 200 to 300 yards from the town limits. If you bombardiers don’t exercise extreme caution, you’ll be bombing our own troops and positions. It’s a tough assignment, but I have every confidence that you men will do a good job. You pilots…give your bombardiers a good run today. You will not use any evasive action until you’ve completed the bomb run. We’ve got to wipe out that town. American troops”, he added, pointing to a diagram of the target area, “are concentrated in these sections outlining the town, so you can see we can’t afford any misses”. Continuing, he assigned the various flights to particular sections of the town. After a deliberate pause he again stressed the importance of precision bombing, and added, “There’ll be no escort; however, we have fighter patrols working out of Sicily, and”, pointing again to the map, “from these points”. Referring again to the map, he added, “We have six aircraft carriers out here, as well as a great deal of naval activity in this section. Avoid all shipping, keeping your I.F.F. on throughout the entire mission, and be on the alert to use your flare

October 1943 (continued)

guns. Especially you flight leaders, be on the aware, ready to show your colors of the day, properly identifying yourselves when near Allied shipping. You have plenty of flares, so use them. There are sixty ships on this mission, each carrying eight 300 pound demolition type bombs. You’ve got your altitudes…Take-off will be in the usual order, to the West…Check your radios prior to take-off…Are there any questions?” Everything had been made clear to the minutest detail. No questions. “All right”, he concluded, “go to your ships”.

Minutes later, shortly after 7:00 A.M., the sun still casting lengthy shadows on the airdrome, Mitchell B-25’s were streaking down the runway three at a time, circling overhead until the entire group was formed, then a graceful, birdlike circle to the right, and on out to sea.

I was in the second flight of eighteen ships. There was one flight ahead of us, and the one to our left, which would pass over the target after us. We turned on the radio to while away the time with a good commercial program. The chimes of Big Ben were resounding with their hollow, bellowing roar. I looked at my watch, which had been carefully synchronized at briefing, and cockily thought, “The old Master Clock is 15 seconds slow.” The program continued, “London calling…this is the British Broadcasting Corporation. Here is the news: In the Salerno region our troops are engaged in one of the fiercest battles of the war. American troops have been pushed back to the beaches. Several small towns have been recaptured by the Germans”. It went on telling that a crack panzer division had made a strong counter attack…that there was pressure from all sides. A few minutes later the mood was gay, as the strains of “Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life” came in. The music was smooth, rare, and thoroughly enjoyed. At 9:15 we commenced our climb to our bombing altitudes. The haze was lifting, as the Weather Officer said it would. Visibility was now unlimited. It was like lifting the curtain for a mammoth production. We were about to witness one of the most lavish spectacles of our lives.

Off to our left in the Gulf of Salerno, hundreds of naval craft were hastily engaged in the business of war. Clearly outlined, almost in the center of the activity, a huge white hospital ship was the first to catch the identity of my eye. Close toward us a battleship was hurling tons of fire and explosives at the costal defenses of the enemy. Here was a panorama of large scale invasion: Corvettes, P.T. boats, destroyers, landing barges, cruisers, merchant ships; yes, even aircraft carriers off in the background, cautiously hiding beneath a blanket of stratocumulus clouds. The beaches were lined with landing barges, tanks, jeeps, trucks, and the other necessary vehicles of invasion. Dive bombers were busy attacking our naval craft. For the first time, I heard the roar of angry heavy guns over the whining of our airplanes’ engines. There were hundreds of small fires burning along the beaches and in the inland hills bordering the wide, gentle plain South of Salerno. Not far off shore, one of our ships was bellowing up heavy black smoke, evidently the victim of enemy dive bomber attacks. October 1943 (continued)

Almost before we knew it, we were on our bomb run; everyone tense, alert, watching, hoping. Seconds seemed like eternities. Then I called the gunner, “Watch this formation of six fighters coming at us at eleven o’clock, slightly below”. “Roger, I see them”, he answered over the interphone. His voice was clear and cool. Suddenly, out of nowhere, eight P-38’s were right on the Jerries’ tails, and that’s the last I saw of them. No other fighters came close to us. I carefully checked the instruments: Indicated air speed correct…altitude right on the money…all the multivarious controls in their proper place. The bombardier was steering us in on the target, giving just one slight correction to the right. “Steady now…steady!” Almost simultaneously, I saw the bombs drop from the bomb bay of the lead ship of our element and the bombardier called out on interphone, “Bombs away”, then a short pause, “Bomb bay closed, clear to turn”. But by that time we were in a steep turn to the right to avoid enemy flak positions which had been pinpointed at briefing. Looking back at the target area, I could see we had scored direct hits on the town, as smoke and dust had already obscured a good look at several sections. A huge fire was started, flames shooting up at least one thousand feet. Smoke was pouring from a hundred different places. As our squadron cleared the target, another squadron was on its bomb run, adding further to the conflagration and devastation below. We took up gentle evasive action, and soon were winging once again over the quiet, peaceful, blue Mediterranean.

On checking the formation, we found that all ships were still intact, and if the rest of the combat crews felt the same as we, they were plenty anxious to get back to our airdrome to get some doughnuts and hot coffee. Another good program of popular American dance rhythms sent the hands of the clock in high gear, and before we realized it, we were buzzing our home field for a landing. Shortly after 11:30 crew chiefs were directing taxiing airplanes into their dispersal areas. Fight records and ships’ performance reports were hastily filled in, and then our crew piled into a jeep on its way to interrogation. Here each crew have its personal views on damage to the target…all agreed the job was thorough. Later photographic interpretation showed excellent results.

That evening as the sun was sinking into the mountains off to the West, Codd was asking, “Bullet, did you see the notice on the Operations bulletin board?”

The answer was a quick, “No, I heard about it, though…let’s go read it.” Codd nodded his approval. Here’s what they read:

October 1943 (continued)

15 September 43 HEADQUARTERS, 310TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), AAF, A.P.O. 520. SUBJECT: Commendation. TO : All Concerned. 1. It is my desire to commend and congratulate all of you who participated in yesterday’s bombing of Battipaglia. In spite of the strain laid upon you by having Allied Troops near the target area and a miss could have resulted in their destruction, you came through with such accuracy that the mission was a most complete success and a highlight in the campaign. There is no doubt in my mind that the bombing done by you will be instrumental in the initial success of the campaign.

/s/ Anthony G. Hunter ANTHONY G. HUNTER Colonel, Air Corps Commanding

“Pretty nice, hey, Bullet?”

“Yeah, Codd, damn nice…by the way, how many you got now?”

“Forty-eight, Bullet, two more to go”.

October 1943 (continued)

428th BS War Diary: Additional Information for October 1943: In October the first operation of the month, on the third, was directed at the road junction at Isernia close behind the enemy lines. It cost us Lt. Brennan and his crew. Lt Keys, his bombardier, made a successful parachute descent and eluded enemy patrols with the help of the natives until the German defense line disintegrated around him.

1st Lt Samuel J. Brennan Pilot 2nd Lt. Raymond E. Berent Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Paul R. Keys Bombardier T/Sgt. Richard F. Smit Radio Operator S/Sgt. Donald W. Storms Aerial Gunner

Paul Keys brought back the story of the death of a hero. Shortly after target, flak crippled the airplane and apparently injured Lt. Brennan, He ordered her crew to bail out and was able to steer his aircraft in a straight and level attitude until they had a chance to leave the aircraft safely. Just why he was unable(?) to leave himself is not known. Suffice to say that seen thereafter the plane assumed a diving attitude and that later Lt Keys saw Lt Brennan’s grave beside his plane. It may well have been that he was too weak to leave the aircraft himself.

It was another laurel to the wreath for which we shall always cherish his memory. He was an exceptionally fine pilot, cool, courageous, and intelligent and able. Chronic misfortune was his inequitable lot. Ironically, his quiet, unostentatious courage contributed to his passing. In the light of the numerous scrapes that he had been through he was offered relief from his combat responsibilities after his last close call with death. It was not the path Brennan chose. Already recommended for the D.F.C. for previous valor, in a host of 310th heroes Sam Brennan stands out like a four-star general. A pilot’s pilot and a man’s man.

S/Sgt Don Storms, his gunner, was taken prisoner. T/Sgt Robert Smit, the last member of his original crew succeeded as did Lt. Keys in returning safely. Lt Bob Berent, co-pilot broke a leg in landing and is now a German prisoner. Lt Keys brought back many tales as evidence of the good will of the Italian population.

A few hits were reported in the town and one flight is believed to have hit the area of the intersection. On the return trip, four of eight to ten attacking ME-109’s and FW- 190’s were brought down. Intense, accurate, heavy flak after target brought Lt. Brennan’s aircraft down.

On October 4th, the group ran a raid against Corsica. No opposition was afforded- -which was a pleasant contrast from the ruggedness of the past few missions. The raid was supposedly a great success until we were told that Bastia had been taken earlier that day. In all fairness to the group, it had checked with higher echelons just prior to takeoff time and received permission to go ahead.

The planes and their maintenance crews left Menzel Temime for Oudna #2 Northwest of Tunis on October 11th. They were to be attached to units of the 301st Bomb Group, a B-17 outfit for rations and quarters. The squadron was once again spread over three different localities. Oudna, Menzel Temime, and San Pancrazio in Italy.

36 Mitchells of our unit were scrambled October 5th to hit a railroad junction in Italy at the coastal town of Formia. The target was unhit, the majority of bombs hitting the East end of the town. A secondary road junction at the East end of the town received six direct hits. Moderate heavy flak of fair accuracy confronted the formation from four or five scattered localities. Bursts followed them four or five miles out to sea.

On October 13th the target for our first raid from Oudna was the Sessa Aurunca road junction. It was another in the series of unescorted raids. Escort appears to be a thing of the past. Photo interpretations revealed that railroad junction received one direct hit. The road just west of the target received two direct hits. On the whole it was a mediocre performance. The little flak opposition created no severe problem.

The 14th was the date for a trip to Grosseto to bomb a rail bridge there. Complete cloud coverage of the target area prevented the mission’s completion. After a five day rest Cerveteri Airdrome on the coast Northeast of Rome was struck with fragmentation explosives. It was one of the important dromes from which Axis fighters had operated against our formations in the Rome area. Photo interpretation revealed that nine of the twenty-six aircraft present were damaged and another destroyed. One string fell amongst administration buildings in the Northwest corner of the field. Slight, light flak was completely harmless, its range being too low. Some six fires were started on the field.

The tempo of operations continued its fast pace on the 21st with a 26 plane raid against a railroad track southeast of Orbetello Northwest of Rome. Eleven direct hits were scored at three places, a truly fine piece of work. Some light inaccurate flak from shipping off the coast caused no damage. Again all of our aircraft returned safely.

The railroad bridge two miles South of Grosseto obtained the pasting from which weather had protected her in an abortive trip two weeks before. Numerous strings straddled the bridge. At least two and probably four or five more are dimly discernable through the mass of smoke in the photos.

October 1943 (continued)

The phenomenal accuracy of the day before was repeated in the raid of the 23rd against the railroad at Orbetello. The bridge received at least seven direct hits, the tracks North and South of the bridge at least twelve more. The photo interpreter stated that smoke patterns obscured many more. One string was short and another over. No opposition.

36 Mitchells of the 310th continued the astounding successes of the current streak. The target, once again was the most difficult target for bombers, a railroad bridge. Photo interpretation credited the unit with three direct hits and numerous near misses.

4 ME-109’s and FW-190’s attacked the formation firing rocket shells. All bursts were short. One ME-109 was destroyed and a second damaged. Slight flak, opposition caused no harm to the formation.

On the 30th the Railroad bridge received a reprieve of serviceability,, when ten tenths cloud over the target and heavy rain obscured the target area. Nothing else reported worthy of note.

The month’s finale was staged against the harbor and deck facilities at Civitavecchia, northeast of Rome. Photo Interpretations reported seven direct hits on the port overlooking the harbor from its Southern neck. The tracks between the port and the shore received several direct hits. A grain silo in the decks suffered a direct hit and at least four near misses, and a few probably hits scored on three vessels (two were tankers). A warehouse was demolished and oil storage tanks were blown up. Flak at the target was unexpectedly light. It was a fitting climax to a series of raids that marked the highest tide of the 310th effectiveness. For that matter it is doubtful whether any unit has ever attained the accuracy that was ours in the current streak.