February 1944

381st Bombardment Group Mission #63 – Wilhelmshaven, Germany 3rd February

532nd BS diary entry: The target was the port area of Wilhelmshaven, where are located important naval dockyards where U-boats are constructed and repaired. Squadron pilots were: Capt Hutchens, Lts McNeill, McCrory, Fastrup, Laux, Thomson, Robinson, Beckman and Genther.

533rd BS diary entry: A parade of heavy bombers ten miles long cracked down on Wilhelmshaven, this morning and dropped hundreds of tons of explosives on the enemy port city with virtually no opposition. Thirty five aircraft from this group, nine from the 533rd, took part in the operation under the command of Capt Arthur F. Briggs. Unhindered, the heavies made a long bombing run over the target and although results went unobserved because of heavy clouds the crews were of the opinion that the explosives landed right where the flak was coming from. No ships from this squadron were lost and there were no casualties. S/Sgt William J. Reilly, a radio-man with Lt Fridgen, braved a 40-below-zero gale slashing through the open bomb bay doors of "Homing Pigeon" in the sub-stratosphere over Wilhelmshaven today to "play with fire." When he discovered that four incendiary bombs had become fouled in their shackles and were left dangling in the bomb bay, after the bombardier had tripped his toggle, Reilly struggled for five minutes to release the dangerous explosives. He had to work with one hand, holding a large walkaround oxygen bottle with the other. But he freed the bombs and "Homing Pigeon" came home OK. Today's pilots were: Lts Fridgen, Sandman, Shultz, Townsend, Clark, Sharp, Duncan, Roling, and Ricks. Four officers and five enlisted men left the station for the rest home at Stanbridge Earls.

534th BS diary entry: Squadron Commander, Capt. Arthur F. Briggs led the Group and was combat wing commander for today’s operation against Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Flying in the lead ship with Lt. A F. tucker, as his pilot, he took the Group’s contingent of bombers over the target and back. Seven aircraft, beside the lead ship, of this squadron took part. Pilots and their crews that participated were Lt. Kuhl, Lt. Muchway, Lt. Silvernale, Lt. Miller, Lt. Harlin, Lt. Henry and Lt. Dorrington. All aircraft dropped their lethal load on the PFF ship and were unable to report bombing results as there was a thick haze and a solid over and undercast. Other conditions in the target area included light flak and a few enemy fighters. There was an abundance of fighter escort and the gunners didn’t get a shot at “Jerry”. There were no claims and no casualties.

535th BS diary entry: Covered by a perfect canopy of Thunderbolts, Lightnings and Mustangs, encountering no enemy fighters and only the most meagre flak, this squadron's forts formed part of a stream of heavy bombers 10 miles long which pounded Wilhelmshaven with hundreds of tons of explosives through a 10/10th undercast today. There were no claims or casualties. Our pilots today were: Lts Putek, Urban, Liddle, Meyers, Smith, Pluemer, Downey, Henslin and Tyson.

242nd Medical Diary: 3rd February – Briefing was held at 05.00 hrs this morning and the target announced was Wilhelmshafen, Germany. Bombing altitude was 25,000 ft, actually made at 28,500 ft. The increased altitude was due to the heavy condensation trails, which even at increased altitude, impaired visibility markedly and prevented good formation flying. The target area was 10/10th overcast and bombing done by pathfinder. Outside air temperature was – 43 degrees and there were five mild cases of frostbite, one placed in sick quarters. No ships were lost and flak and fighters almost negligible. Thirty three aircraft from this command took part in the raid, Captain Briggs leading the group and reported what he believed to be a German B-17 flying alone over Germany, out of range. A Medical Board, under Major Ernest Gaillard, Jr. was convened today to determine the mental status of Pvt J. of the 532nd BS. The case history was filed and he was found to be constitutional inadequate. Recommendation was made that he to be held accountable for his acts and that he be discharged from the service.

8th AF diary entry: Mission 206: 553 of 671 B-17s hit the port area at Wilhelmshaven, Germany; another 56 hit the area; and 1 hits Oldenburg; 1.8 million leaflets are dropped by B-17s; 193 B-24s are dispatched but they abort the mission over the Zuider Zee due to clouds; 0-1-0 aircraft are claimed; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 B-24 is damaged beyond repair and 47 B-17s are damaged; casualties are 2 KIA, 9 WIA and 42 MIA. Escort is provided by 74 P-38s, 508 P-47s of the Eighth and Ninth Air Force and 50 Ninth Air Force P- 51s; they claim 8-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 P-47s and 1 P-51 are lost, 3 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 13 P-47s are damaged; casualties are 9 MIA.

“The attack on the important port, shipbuilding and U-boat centre of Wilhemshaven yesterday was the first American blow on the city since last Nov. 3, when 400 heavy bombers – a record number at that time – blasted the city. The number of heavy bombers making the attack was about double that in the last blow and it is estimated that about 1,800 tons of bombs were dropped.”

“U-Boat Base Target,” and“2,000 Big Bombers Now Raid Germany,” on page 6 of the link. http://www.freerepublic.c...t/3119019/posts?page=5

Mission #64 – Frankfurt, Germany 4th February

532nd BS diary entry: The railroad marshalling yards of the important commercial center of Frankfurt was the target chosen or today, the aircraft being flown by: Capt Hutchens, Lts Thomson, McCrory, Beckman, Laux, Genther, Robinson, Fastrup and Cogswell. Eight men of one crew finished their tour of operations today: Capt David Hutchens, Lts William L. Goodman, Royce L. Stephens, Sgts Hilbert W. Braun, Alexander J. Pzalagowski, Gene Purdy, Mike Jasinski and Francis Barnett.

533rd BS diary entry: There were 1,000 American aircraft over Frankfurt today, and among them were seven from this squadron. For the second consecutive day there was no opposition from the Luftwaffe, with bombing accomplished through heavy undercast and results were unobserved. Leading the squadron, on his 25th mission was Capt William J. McDaniel, aboard "Sweet and Lovely" with 1st Lt George K. Sandman as his pilot. Others were: Lts Hansen, Clark, Roling, Sharp, Ricks, Fridgen, but Shultz, Butler and Townsend aborted. "The one thing we saw nothing else but," said McDaniel, "was flak. We flew through it for more than two hours and in spots it was as bad as any flak I had seen." None of the squadron gunners fired a single shot. All the aircraft returned safely and there were no casualties.

534th BS diary entry: Flying Forts from this squadron returned to Frankfurt, Germany today. Though the target was obscured they dropped their explosives and returned safe to base. Little enemy opposition was encountered in form of fighters; however, flak was intense and accurate. Squadron leader Miller led Lt. Dorrington, Lt. Harlin, Lt. Dickey and Lt. Kuhl there and back. Taking off but forced to abort were Lt. Muchway and Lt. Henry. No claims by gunners and no casualties suffered.

535th BS diary entry: For the second consecutive day the squadron participated in PFF bombing through 10/10th undercast, this time hitting Frankfurt. No enemy fighters were encountered, and flak over the target was light. However, the 91st BG, leading the Wing, led the formation over Hannover and some of the heaviest flak met by the men in many missions, on the return trip. This was strictly an off course SNAFU. Participating pilots today were: Lts Henslin, Putek, Urban, Hustedt, Enos, Ridley and Tyson.

242nd Medical Diary: 4th February – Briefing at 05.15 hrs this frigid morning was take off at 08.45 hrs, with 33 aircraft from this command took off or the target, two areas in the city of Frankfurt, Germany. Bombing was by pathfinder through 10/10th overcast, from 20,000 ft where the outside temperature was – 35 degrees. The briefing route avoided most flak areas but the route taken went over the heart of the Ruhr Valley both going in and coming out. All ships returned to base. There was no enemy fighter opposition and friendly fighters escorted the whole distance, P-47s, P-51s and P-38s were used. There were no killed or wounded. Lt Kuhl had #3 and #4 engines knocked out by flak over Germany and displayed great courage and tenacity brought the ship home more than three hours after the formation. The landing gear would not come down and a beautiful crash- landing was made. Most of us had given the ship up for lost. Lt Fastrup’s co-pilot hit the landing gear switch instead of the flap switch and the ship collapsed on runway 28. The body of 1st Lt Carl O. Baer, was washed ashore at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, last night. When he ditched on 30 January he was in good spirits and wise-cracking on the radio. He will be buried at the U.S. Military Cemetery at Cambridge.

8th AF diary entry: Mission 208: 589 B-17s and 159 B-24s are dispatched to attack industry and railroad yards at Frankfurt/Main, Germany; 346 B-17s and 27 B-24s hit the target; due to weather and navigational problems, 122 B-17s hit Giessen, 51 B-17s hit Wiesbaden, 17 B-24s hit the Trier area, 15 B-24s hit the Arloff area, 2 B-24s hit the Russelheim area, 1 B-24 hits Grafenhausen, 1 B-24 hits Darmstadt, 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 hit Koblenz and 26 B-24s and 23 B-17s hit unknown targets; they claim 4-0-1 Luftwaffe aircraft; 18 B-17s and 2 B-24s are lost, 2 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 359 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 20 WIA and 203 MIA. Escort is provided by 56 P-38s, 537 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47s and 44 Ninth Air Force P-51s; they claim 8- 0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38 is lost, 1 P-47 is damaged beyond repair and 5 P-38s and 4 P- 47s are damaged; casualties are 1 MIA.

“U.S. Bombers Rock Frankfort Again,” on page 9 of the linked post. The casualty list on page 11 includes Julius E. Rivera, KIA. Rivera is listed as TT/Eng on the F Evans crew in the roster database. In the 535th BS diary entry for January 4, 1944 he is identified as the ball turret gunner killed when Evans’ plane crash-landed at Thetford, Norfolk returning from a mission. http://www.freerepublic.c...t/3119427/posts?page=6

Mission #65 – St. Avord, France 5th February

532nd BS diary entry: The airfield at St Avord, France, was the objective of the bombers today. This field was being used as a training base for fighters and long range bombers. Pilots taking part were: Major Fitzgerald, squadron commander, who led the composite group, with Lts Thomson, Henderson, Robinson, Cogswell, Laux and Capt Hutchens. Lt William F. Tillson finished up today, just one day after his pilot, Capt Hutchens and others of his crew. Today Sgt Raymond Chevreaux, reported missing in action January 6 over Tours, returned to the base. He received a promotion to S/Sgt and is scheduled to be sent to Mitchell Fd, Long Island, NY.

533rd BS diary entry: Fortresses of the 381st returned to visual bombing today, and given an opportunity to get a good look at their target, the blew the objective to bits. The target was the airfield at St Avord, south of Paris. Lt Col Conway S. Hall led the formation, reporting the explosives "landed right on the button." All the seven ships of the 533rd bombed successfully and returned to base with no casualties.

"The target was nothing but smoke and fire after we got through with it." said Sgt John S. Szabo, tail gunner on "Honey," flown by Lt Duncan. "I watched the smoke pile up for half an hour after we left the target," Szabo continued, "and an hour later the column was even higher than it looked when we were closer to the target." Participating pilots were: Lts Shultz, Hansen, Roling, Sharp, Ricks, Duncan and Clark.

534th BS diary entry: Eight aircraft of this organization were dispatched, along with others of the Group, to attack the St. Avord airfield in France. This ‘home’ of Nazi fighters and bombers was blasted to bits at the bombers will as visibility over the target was unlimited. There were few fighters to oppose and flak was very weak. Lts. Miller, Haushalter, Dorrington, Muchway, Rogers, Henry, Harlin and Dickey reported that the mission was a complete success.

535th BS diary entry: The squadron returned to visual bombing today and bombardiers were given an opportunity to see their target for a change, and did a thorough job on workshops and hangars on the German airfield at St Avord, France. Highlight of the bombing for most of the gunners, free, in the almost complete absence of enemy fighters, to watch the bombing results, was the German ground crews' attempts to disperse planed parked on the perimeter and runways of the blasted field. They watched blast from hangar hitting 500-pounders destroy or badly damage several such planes. There was no flak fired at our formation nor did any of the Forts undergo fighter attack, thus there were no claims or casualties. Taking part were: Capt Jones (with Lt Col Hall), Lts Hustedt, Downey, Henslin, Ridley, Enos and Putek. Sgt Emery Y. Naha flew with the 534th.

242nd Medical Diary: 5th February – Twenty eight aircraft from this command took off at 07.45 hrs with the target designated as an airfield at St Avord, in France, just west of Bourges. The Air Division was led by Lt Col. Hall. Bombing was at 16,000 ft and hits were right on the nose in excellent visibility, while no flak or fighters were encountered. There were no wounded, no missing in action and no aircraft were damaged. A perfect mission. The only event of the day was on landing when one ship could not get the ball turret guns out of the down position and had to grind them off on landing. We have had briefings seven out of the last eight mornings and five missions flown. The crews are in good shape. “The Fortresses and Liberators rained their destructive loads on the Villacoublay airfield, five miles southwest of Paris; on the Chateaudun and Orleans-Bricy fields, about sixty miles south of Paris, and on the Chateauroux-La-Martinerie, Avord and Tours airdromes, 125 to 150 miles south and southwest of Paris.

“All the bombing was ‘visual and good results were reported,’ said a joint USAAF-British Air Ministry communiqué.”

“Big U.S. Planes Hit French Airfields,” on page 7 of the link http://www.freerepublic.c...t/3119818/posts?page=5

8th AF diary entry: In view of the previous decision to concentrate most of the training activities of the Eighth Air Force in the VIII Air Force Composite Command, a decision is made to transfer HQ from Limavady, County Derry, Ireland, to Cheddington, England, to bring it closer to the combat crew training stations over which it is to be given supervision. Most of the transfer is completed between 7 and 15 Feb.

Mission 210: Airfields in France are targeted. 103 B-17s are dispatched to Chateauroux/Martinerie and Avord Airfields with 50 hitting each target; 121 B-17s are dispatched to Chateaudun (61 bomb) and Orleans/Bricy (60 bomb) Airfields; 182 B-17s are dispatched to Romilly-sur-Seine air depot but 133 hit Villacoublay; 103 B-24s are dispatched to Meslay Airfield (90 bomb) and 8 hit Chateaudun; they claim 5-0-5 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 B-24s are lost, 3 B-17s and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 39 B-17s and 31 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 15 WIA and 22 MIA. Escort is provided by 92 P-38s, 496 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47s and 46 Ninth Air Force P-51s; they claim 6-0-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 2 P-47s are lost, 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged beyond repair and 1 P- 38 and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 2 MIA.

Mission #66 – Nancy/Essey, France 6th February

532nd BS diary entry: The crews scheduled for today's mission were briefed on the airfield and Nancy/Essey, France. This field is now being used by the Germans for training glider and air-borne troops. Adverse weather conditions prevented the bombers from dropping their bombs, which were brought back to base.

533rd BS diary entry: Today the object of the mission was to attack a German airfield at Nancy, when nine of our ships took part. Participating were: Lts Fridgen, Hansen, Shultz, Butler, Ricks, Duncan, Townsend, Clark and Sharp.

534th BS diary entry: Target for today was designated as the Nancy/Essey airfield in France. Six ships of the squadron took off and flew to the target area without a single fighter attack and meagre flak. Unable to see the target because of could cover all A/C returned their bombs to base – following a strict rule of not bombing installations in France if the target cannot be pin-pointed. Leading the squadron there and back were Lts. Tucker and Schomburg. Those that flew are as follows: Lt. Kuhl, Lt. Henry, Lt. Silvernale, Lt. Rogers and Lt. Dickey.

535th BS diary entry: The squadron got credit for a sortie to an airfield near Nancy, France, although 10/10th undercast prevented bombing. No enemy fighters appeared but the Fort met with intermittent flak over the continent. The feature story of this mission was told by the crew of "Touch-the-Button Nell" when they landed at a US Navy B-24 patrol base in southwest England, Dunkeswell.

With 1st Lt Hank Putek at the controls, "Nell" was eastbound with the formation when a blast over the fuel transfer pump completely shattered to top turret, broke or cracked all cockpit windows and started a fire under the top turret platform. Lt Putek's chute was destroyed by the flames. While top turret gunner S/Sgt Lifford E. French fought the flames, Putek gave the order to bail out, and the ship's three officers, Lts Coffman, Blalock and Christensen, beside himself did so, while the gunners lined up at the waist door preparing to hit the silk. However French brought the fire under control and signalled the others to return to their posts. Putek, determined to bring "Nell" home, at 4,000 ft altitude, her flares destroyed, oxygen system shot out and bomb bay doors open after the bomb lead salvo. Almost immediately the crippled Fort was hit from the rear by the ME109's. Sgt George Vinovich, tail gunner, probably destroyed the first. The second sent four 20mm's smashing into Sgt Herbert J. Burgasser's ball turret, wounding him so severely about the face that he may lose his left eye. Radioman S/Sgt James Bomar destroyed the third Jerry. During this time, "Nell" had no gun that would bear from 9 to 3 o'clock. Coming over a city, believed to be Paris, most of the Fort's instruments were left useless by the still unexplained blast, heavy flak batteries opened up on her, blew off the plexi-glass nose, jammed the bomb bay doors open for all time, and filled the big bomber with holes from stem to stern. French rode as co-pilot, and both he and Putek were forced to protect themselves from the terrible blast rippling through the virtually open compartment by breathing through their oxygen mask. When land was sighted, "Nell" slid in low, bomb bay doors open, no radio or flares available, to be met by fire from a British AA battery when she failed to respond to the latter's challenge. After a full circle sweep, Putek finally brought her in at the Navy field, near where French, severely burned, and Burgasser were hospitalised. Pictures show the Fortress to be damaged beyond repair, the most battled-scarred ship in the squadron's history since "Tinkertoy" took her unmerciful pounding last October over Bremen. Pilots on the mission were: Lts Hustedt, Meyers, Enos, Henslin, Smith, Bartlett, Liddle and Putek.

242nd Medical Diary: 6th February – This command provided 33 aircraft which took off for Nancy, France, the target being an airdrome. The weather was overcast and the ships returned without dropping bombs. Lt Putek and crew were near the target when there was an explosion near the T.T. which set off flares and a severe blaze ensued. The ship landed at Dunkeswell, a U.S. Navy field, near Taunton, Devon. The ship had many 20m and flak holes, the nose was shot out, the ball turret shot up and partially burned, the cockpit windows shattered and rolled back while the wings and fuselage was riddled with bullets. Three officers bailed our over France and the following were injured and hospitalized at the 67th General Hospital, Taunton. C/Landed 535th /42-40025

Putek, Henry 2nd Lt OK Coffman, Alfred T. 2nd Lt MIA

Blalock, Conrad M 2nd Lt MIA Christiansen, Harvey 2nd Lt MIA

French, Lifford N S/Sgt WIA OK

Burgasser, Herbert J. Sgt WIA OK

OK OK

French – 2nd degree burns; Burgasser – facial wounds through flak. Major Gaillard and Capt Bland visited the wounded on 8 February.

8th AF diary entry: Mission 212: Airfields in France are targetted but weather forces 400+ bombers to abort the mission. 189 B-17s are dispatched against the Romilly-sur-Seine Air Depot and 60 hit St Andre de L'Eure Airfield and 40 hit Evreux/Fauville Airfield; 303 B-17s are dispatched to Nancy/Essay and Dijon/Longvic Airfields but only 60 hit Caen/Carpiquet Airfield; 150 B-24s are dispatched to St Pol/Siracourt V-weapon site but 37 hit Chateaudun Airfield and 9 hit the Eclimeux V-weapon site; they claim 3-3-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 4 B-17s are lost, 1 B-17 and 1 B-24 are damaged beyond repair and 43 B-17s and 7 B-24s are damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 3 WIA and 43 MIA. Escorting are 85 P-38s, 506 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47s and 47 Ninth Air Force P-51s; they claim 11-2-3 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-0-7 on the ground; 3 P-38s and 1 P-47 are lost, 1 P-38 and 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 1 P-38 and 1 P-47 are damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 4 MIA.

The casualty list on page 9 has 2 names from the 381st. Sgt. Herbert J. Burgasser was wounded by 20mm shells on a Feb. 6 mission to France in "Touch-the-Button Nell,” piloted by 1st Lt Hank Putek. Joseph A. Guttadauro gunner in the 534thcrew of E. Hofkin. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3134814/posts?page=7

Missions #65 and #66: 242nd Medical Diary: 10th February – The ships were dispatched and recalled on 9th February, thus command called for a practice mission today. For the past two weeks the medical department has been having quite a lot of psychiatric activity. There has been a Section VIII Board on Pvt J. 532nd – a case of hysterical amnesia; 2nd Lt H. 534th ; and a psychoses of unclassified type in Pvt S. 534th. Several consultations have been held on patients found not to be psychotic.

“LONDON, Feb. 6-Heavy bombers of the Strategic Air Force, which hammered half a dozen German airfields near and south of Paris yesterday, continued their assault today on the Luftwaffe’s bases on French soil and pounded the undisclosed German targets in the Pas-de-Calais area.” From “Luftwaffe’s Bases Again U.S. Targets,” on page 8 of the link. The second half of the article is further information on the previous day’s mission. Nancy/Essey is not exactly in the Pas-de-Calais area. http://www.freerepublic.c...t/3120245/posts?page=6

Mission #67 – Ludwigshaven, Germany 11th February 532nd BS diary entry: Seven aircraft of this squadron attacked Ludwigshafen today, those taking part were: Lts Henderson, Thomson, Cahill, Fastrup, Beckman, Darrow and Laux, the latter, flying in #099-G is missing in action. One of this crew, Sgt Thomas J. Glennan was a former radio mechanic of this squadron. He volunteered for gunnery and spent a week at gunnery school. It was his third mission. Crew: Lts Robert V. Laux, Donald G. Harrer, Phlemon T. Wright, Judson F. Doyle; Sgts John L. Holton, Abe A. Helfgott, Richard C. Hamilton, Rudolph Cutino, Thomass J. Glennan, Henry R. Barr.

533rd BS diary entry: Fortresses hammered Frankfurt again today and left tall columns of smoke billowing up from the important industrial city after the bombing. Under the command of Lt Col Harry P. Leber, Jr, 29 ship from this group, took part in the operation nine from the 533rd. "We made a good bombing run," Col Leber said, "and from what I could see of the town below I think we did a pretty good job." He reported the bombs of the formation ahead landed south of the city and that ours began dropping in the city centre and swept out to the north end. Squadron participants: Lts Hansen, Butler, Garrett, Sharp, Clark, Ricks, Duncan, Kels and Watson. 534th BS diary entry: Nine ships were put up by this organization for today’s operation which carried them to Ludwigshafen, Germany. Frankfurt was the briefed target but the formations deviated from course and Ludwigshafen was bombed instead. All A/C bombed with results being unobserved. Flak was intense and fighters were out in force. No claims by gunners and no casualties sustained as all ships returned safe to base. Pilots with their crews that participated are as follows: Lt. Harlin, Lt. Dickey, Lt. Dorrington, Lt. Schomburg, Lt. Sellers, Lt. Hytinen, Lt. Silvernale, Lt. Kuhl and Lt. Henry. 535th BS diary entry: Briefed for a target in Frankfurst, our Forts followed a PFF ship to what later proved to be Ludwigshafen, where a fair bombing was accomplished through broken clouds. Both flak and fighters were heavy for other groups, but this squadron, like the group as a whole, caught very little enemy opposition of any kind, and there were no losses. Pilots taking part were: Capt Jones, Lts Liddle, McIntosh, Meyers, Enos and Pluemer, while Bartlett aborted.

242nd Medical Diary: 11th February – It was dark when 33 aircraft from this command took off at 07.15 hrs after a 04.15 hrs briefing (the sack is sure hard to leave at 03.30 hrs!). The target was Frankfurt, Germany, the bombing altitude 25,000 ft by pathfinder method through thick 10/10th overcast, in minus 45 degrees centigrade. The group was led by Col Leber, who also led the Air Division. There were two pathfinder aircraft and the target was hit by visual bombing and the results thought to be good. MIA 532nd G/42-31099

Laux, Robert V. 2nd Lt EVD Harrer, Donald G. 2nd Lt POW

Wright, Phlemon T. 2nd Lt EVD Doyle, Judson F. 2nd Lt EVD

Holton, John L. S/Sgt POW Helfgott, Abe. A. Sgt EVD

Hamilton, Richard C. Sgt EVD Cutino, Rudolph Sgt EVD

Glennan, Thomas J. Sgt EVD Barr, Henry R. Sgt POW

Three men were wounded in action, as follows:- S/Sgt Richard G. Morrison, 532nd BTG. 1. Wound, perforating, left ankle, entrance above & posterior to internal mallcolus, exit posterior and proximal to lateral mallcolus, mod. Severe. Caused by 30 cal bullet, high velocity. 1st Lt George A. Hoffman, 535th; received minor abrasions, ½ “ medial to left nipple. S/Sgt Charles L. Carter, 534th ETTG, suffered burn, 2nd degree, left heel. Contrary to expectancy there were only three cases of frostbite, and one was on the cheek of a previously bitten right waist gunner. The men do not seem unusually tired after this mission and did not run into any strong enemy opposition.

“Strong formations of Flying Fortresses hammered Frankfort on the Main, in southwestern Germany, again yesterday when the longest sustained offensive yet mounted by American air power in this theatre struck with devastating result in the Reich and in northern France.” “Frankfurt Attack Keeps Up Air Blow,” on page 6 of the link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3121996/posts?page=7

8th AF diary entry: Mission 218: 94 of 201 B-24s bomb the Siracourt V-weapon site in France with PFF equipment; the remaining aircraft were assigned individual targets without PFF and were unable to locate their targets; 1 B-24 is lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 17 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 1 WIA and 10 MIA; escort is provided by 85 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47's and 41 P-51s without loss. The primary target for 223 B-17s is the marshalling yard at Frankfurt, Germany; 157 hit the primary, 32 hit Ludwigshafen, 19 hit Saarbrucken and 4 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 3-0-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B- 17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 124 damaged; casualties are 1 KIA, 26 WIA and 51 MIA; escort is provided by 82 P-38s, 486 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47's and 38 Ninth Air Force P-51s; they claim 30-2-28 Luftwaffe aircraft in the air and 2-1-4 on the ground; 8 P-38s, 4 P-47's and 2 P-51s are lost, 2 P-47's and 1 P-51 are damaged beyond repair and 2 P-38s and 4 P-47's are damaged; casualties are 14 MIA.

242nd Medical Diary: 19th February – The weather has been stinko for the past eight days and no operational missions have been flown. On Monday, Feb. 14, a dinner meeting was held for the commanding officers and surgeons in the group and an attempt was made to present the psychiatric problems and their dispositions that confront the Eighth Air Force. All were kind enough to listen attentively but the memory of the hamburgers seems to remain a bit longer than the pearls of wisdom that were given by this poor narrator. The chief topic of the week among the medical officers has been who was going on pass. I think I will settle the question in the near future and go on pass myself! We had several accidents during the week. The first, Cpl John Vodden, of the British RASC, suffered a compound fracture of the right tibia and fibula and lacerations about the face, when he continued to travel when his motor cycle had stopped. His commanding officer, Major Lloyd, gave me an Achtung salute as he entered, and yours truly thought he was being addressed by the G.I. Joe of the army until the major identified himself. He turned out to be quite a cocoa guzzler and I believe only pride kept him from polishing off his third cup in as many minutes. Cpl Vodden was sent to the 121st Station Hospital at Braintree. Later in the afternoon one of our own G.I.’s Cpl Irving T. Rossman, of the 533rd BS, was cutting wood and attempted to bisect his foot along with the log. He was given plasma before evacuation on account he was in shock. To top Captain Bland’s rather interesting tour of duty, he was called to see two soldiers that a jeep had apparently taken off the base without permission and said jeep had piled into the truck that was returning with the local band. The two injured men were: Pvt Clarence J. Caswell, 534th BS. Diagnosis: 1. Wound. lacerated, cheek and sub orbital region, left, moderate severity and mild, respectively; 2. Wound. Lacerated face, leg, middle third, left, moderate severe. Sgt Johnny T. Mills, 535th BS. Diagnosis: 1, Abrasions and contusions of forelegs, moderate severe. 2. Sock, post-traumatic. Poor Captain Bland finally got to bed at 4 am, and with the bed clothes rising and falling about four foot with each respiration gave articulate evidence that said Captain Bland was completely pooped upon retiring. He was able to sit up and take nourishment about noon the following day.

Mission #68 – Leipzig & Oschersleben, Germany 20th February

532nd BS diary entry: Today two targets were named for this group. Planes went to Leipzig and Oschersleben. The mission today is expected to play a very important part in the outcome of the war. It is one of the greatest attacks by the Eighth Air Force against the Germans. Twelve aircraft of this squadron took off piloted by Lts: Beckman, McCrory, Fastrup, Genther, Bowen, Cogswell, Cahill, Henderson, Robinson, Thomson, Flaherty and Capt Wood. Lt Cogswell in #562-P, and crew, are missing in action. At 13.42 hrs over the target this aircraft left the formation after apparently being hit by fire from a ME 110. They were seen joining another formation and dropping their bombs over the target. When last sighted the plane was still with the formation and no chutes were observed leaving the aircraft. Crew: Lts Kirsch J. Cogswell, William Borrego, William R. Meehan, Lorenzo Espinosa; Sgts Raymond J. Leccese, Frank O. Urban, Joseph L. Durnin, Charles E. Duncan, John V. Kangas, Wilfred L. Miller. Sgts Straub, Walker, Stuart, Chas Bearze are all credited with an enemy aircraft damaged. Today M/Sgt Victor A. Kottinger, a crew chief of this squadron was married. His wife and he honeymooned in London. He comes from California.

533rd BS diary entry: In an all-out effort to smash Germany's warplane production beyond hope of recovery, the greatest fleet of 8th Air Force Fortresses ever assembled bored deep into the Reich today to rain hundreds of tons of explosives on vital factories and assembly plants. The 381st supplied 41 aircraft, 13 of them from the 533rd. The group operated as two independent units, each of ordinary full strength. Under the command of Lt Col David E. Kunkel and 1st Lt Bill Ridley, the ships struck at Oschersleben and Leipzig respectively. One group bomber was lost from this squadron, flown by Lt Cogswell, and T/Sgt Edward J. Senk was accidentally killed in action while the bombers were returning over the North Sea. Lt Ridley said: "We socked the target hard. During the bombing I saw some P-51s tangling with German fighters in the distance, but they never let the Jerrys come close." The squadron pilots participating were: Lts Butler, Hansen, Roling, Ricks, Tarr, Sharp, Duncan, Watson, Shultz, Kels, Svereika (aborted) and Cogswell, who is missing in action. MIA crew: 1st Lt Kirsh J. Cogswell, 2nd Lts William Borrego, William R. Meehan, Lorenzo Espinosa; S/Sgts Frank O. Urban, Raymond J. Lecesse, Sgts Joseph I. Durnin, John V. Kangas, Charles E. Duncan, Wilfred L. Miller.

534th BS diary entry: Today’s target is to be the fighter components works of the city of Leipzig, Germany. Same type targets in Oschersleben to be attacked by another force of bombers. A/C of this squadron are to go to both targets. Ten “Forts” were airborne and attacked their briefed target with excellent results. All ships bombed the target with excellent results. All ships bombed the target with the exception of Lt. Dorrington who was forced to abort. There was heavy flak and fighter opposition along the entire route. Sgt. Cecil L. Jernigan received credit for an E/A damaged in a running battle over the target area. Today marked the 25th bomber mission and completion of tour of operational duty of two combat crewmen. Both Capt. A.F. Tucker and T/Sgt. Chas E. Raglin did the last one. Both hold the same awards. Those being: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, and the DFC.

535th BS diary entry: Forty-three group Fortresses took off this morning, flying as two group formations, with aircraft plants at Leipzig and Oschersleben as their targets. Two ships aborted. This marks the outfit's greatest effort, and was part of an all-out Eighth Air Force attempt to smash German aircraft production beyond hope of repair. The Leipzig group, under command of Lt Bill Ridley, accomplished an excellent bombing under clear weather conditions. Only about a dozen enemy aircraft came up to meet the Forts, and such opposition was well taken care of by superior P-47 and P-51 fighter escort. Flak was meagre during the bomb run, and Jerry succeeded in getting up a full barrage only after our Forts had come off the run. There were no claims or casualties in this squadron. The group headed for Oschersleben, encountered extremely unfavourable cloud conditions throughout the entire course of the mission, ended up at Oschersleben and accomplished a poor bombing. They met no enemy air opposition. Our squadron pilots were: Lts Ridley, Enos, Pluemer, Evans, McIntosh, Downey and Hustedt.

242nd Medical Diary: 20 February – Today was the busiest day of the war as far as the number of ships dispatched was concerned. Two groups, a total of 47 aircraft, attacked the targets (two) in Germany, one was Leipzig and the other Auschersleben. The effort was directed at German fighter production. One aircraft is missing. A top turret gunner, T/Sgt Edward J. Senk, 533rd, was killed apparently by a 50. cal. machine gun bullet while over friendly territory. A tail gunner, S/Sgt Johnnie U. Gibson, 532nd, received a compound fracture of the right forearm with extensive tissue destruction from an enemy 30. cal. bullet. He was evacuated to the 121st Station Hospital, Braintree; another gunner was wounded mildly in the face by flak, S/Sgt Richard L. Walters, 532nd, but he returned to duty. One case of frostbite occurred. MIA 532nd N/42-3562

Cogswell, Kirch J. 1st Lt POW Borrego, William 2nd Lt POW

Meehan, William R. 2nd Lt POW Espinosa, Lorenzo 2nd Lt POW

Leccese, Raymond J. S/Sgt POW Urban, Frank O. S/Sgt POW

Durnin, Joseph L. Sgt POW Duncan, Charles E. Sgt KIA

Kangas, John V. Sgt POW Miller, Wilfred L. Sgt POW The officers’ dance of the month was held this evening, most of the time during a red alert which no one knew about or wouldn’t have cared if they did know, and the party was one of the most successful we have had. The guests were Lt. Col. W.R. Martin and Major George S. Robinson.

8th AF diary entry: Mission 226: The Eighth Air Force begins "," attacks on German aircraft plants and airfields. For the first time, over 1,000 bombers are dispatched; 21 bombers and 4 fighters are lost hitting 3 areas in Germany, i.e.:

1. 417 B-17s are dispatched to Leipzig/Mockau Airfield, and aviation industry targets at Heiterblick and Abnaundorf; 239 hit the primary targets, 37 hit Bernburg, 44 hit Oschersleben and 20 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 14-5-6 Luftwaffe aircraft; 7 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 161 damaged; casualties are 7 KIA, 17 WIA and 72 MIA.

2. 314 B-17s are dispatched to the Tutow Airfield; 105 hit the primary and immediate area, 76 hit and 115 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 15-15-10 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; casualties are 3 KIA and 60 MIA.

3. 272 B-24s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Brunswick, Wilhelmtor and Neupetritor; 76 hit the primary, 87 hit , 13 hit Oschersleben, 58 hit Helmstedt and 10 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 36-13-13 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-24s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 37 damaged; casualties are 10 KIA, 10 WIA and 77 MIA.

Missions 1 and 3 above are escorted by 94 P-38s, 668 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47s and 73 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-51s; they claim 61-7-37 Luftwaffe aircraft; 1 P-38, 2 P-47s and 1 P-51 is lost, 2 P-47s are damaged beyond repair and 4 aircraft are damaged; casualties are 4 MIA.

The casualty list on page 11 of the linked post has 3 names from the 381st. Joseph Fecho, WG, and Alphonse Melchiorre, RO, both part of the D. Lane crew in the 535th BS are listed as KIA resulting from the Dec. 20 Bremen mission. F/O Benjamin N. Saporta of the F. Flaherty crew, 532nd BS, is listed as WIA.

The casualty list on page 8, under MIA, contains the name of Raymond J. Leccese, who was the TT/Eng on the K. Cogswell crew of the 532nd BS. It was lost February 20th on the mission to Leipzig and Oschersleben. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3133784/posts?page=5

The casualty list on page 11 includes Frank O. Urban, MIA, 532nd BS, RO on K. Cogswell crew, lost Feb. 20th on Leipzig and Oschersleben mission. http://www.freerepublic.c...t/3136341/posts?page=6

On the casualty list on page 12: MIA – Joseph L. Durnin, BTG on K. Cogswell crew of the 532ndBS. Lost Feb. 20th. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3137019/posts?page=6

Mission #69 – Achmer, Germany 21st February

532nd BS diary entry: The target for today was to be Gutersloh, however a target of opportunity, Achmer airfield, was attacked by: Capt Wood, Lts Cahill, Henderson, Beckman, McCrory, Fastrup, Bowen and Thomson. The latter aborted due to mechanical failure of #3 engine. T/Sgt Dirling claimed one enemy aircraft destroyed and Sgt Terry, one damaged.

533rd BS diary entry: Led by Col William M. Gross, Fortresses of this group flew deep into lower Germany today to devastate a German airfield north of the Ruhr, a target of opportunity chosen after both the primary and secondary targets were found hidden under solid cloud cover. "My crews reported excellent results," Col Gross said, "with tight patterns over the entire target, including, workshops, hangars and runways. Flak and fighter opposition were both weak. I think you can say another of their airdromes is missing." T/Sgt John Sinclair, a radio operator who was wounded on his first mission, completed his 25th with two more wounds. St Sinclair, who holds the Purple Heart and the Silver Star, was nicked in both heels by flying steel fragments from a German 20mm shell, which burst near his gun position over the target. Not seriously injured, he performed his usual duties throughout the flight. Today's pilots: Lts Sandman, Shultz, Watson, Kels, Townsend, Clark and Ricks.

534th BS diary entry: Brief to bomb the airfield Gutersloh, Germany – 10 of our ships took off and ran into adverse weather conditions. A target of opportunity was selected and bombed without observing results due to the solid undercast that prevailed. Pilots that took their crews and A/C to the target of opportunity are as listed: Lt. Silvernale, Lt. Sellers, Lt. Meyers, Lt. Rogers, Lt. Haushalter, Lt. Hytinen and Lt. Dorrington. Enemy fighter opposition was encountered and S/Sgt. Harry Lee Destroyed a Nazi fighter plane. Flak was intense and accurate. Finish his 24th mission over enemy territory was S/Sgt. Grover S. Bonsall who to date holds the Purple Heart, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, and the DFC.

535th BS diary entry: The airfield at Achmer, Germany, became a target of opportunity when this group's Forts found the briefed target, at Gutersloh, hidden under a solid cloud overcast. Gen. William M. Gross, 1st Combat Wing Commander, led the 381st's 38 Forts over the target for a good bombing of hangars, runways, workshops and dispersal areas. Out of the weak fighter opposition in the target area, this squadron's gunners ran up 1-1-1. Intermittent flak caused the bombers no trouble. Participating: Capt Jones (with Gen Gross), Lts Bartlett, McIntosh, Downey Smith, Hustedt, Tyson and Urban.

242nd Medical Diary: 21st February – Briefing at 05.30 hrs this clear but cold, frosty morning. Most of us were a bit under the weather as a result of the previous evening’s activities and it was with a shaking hand and aching head that most of us attended the briefing. Thirty three aircraft from this command took off with 12 500lb bombs- bombing altitude 22,000 ft- outside air temperature – 36 degrees, the target being Ascher, Germany, which was not the primary target. The results were excellent. All the ships returned from this mission. Lt Mackintosh’s ship, of the 535th BS, was hit in the nose and the bombardier, 2nd Lt William F. Piekarski and navigator, 2nd Lt Allen E. Bergreen, bailed out. The co-pilot went down and put the fire out and the ship was brought safely back to the base. T/Sgt John D. Sinclair, 533rd, was injured by mild fragment wounds in both feet. This was his 25th mission. The fighter support was good on the way in and fair on the way out. Fighter attack was intense for some combat wings, but slight for this one.

8th AF diary entry: Mission 228: "Big Week" continues with 3 areas in Germany targeted with the loss of 16 bombers and 5 fighters:

1. 336 B-17s are dispatched to the Gutersioh, Lippstadt and Werl Airfields; because of thick overcast, 285 hit Achmer, Hopsten, Rheine, Diepholz, Quakenbruck and Bramsche Airfields and the marshalling yards at Coevorden and Lingen; they claim 12-5-8 Luftwaffe aircraft; 8 B-17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 63 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 13 WIA and 75 MIA.

2. 281 B-17s are dispatched to Diepholz Airfield and Brunswick; 175 hit the primaries and 88 hit Alhorn and Verden Airfields and Hannover; they claim 2-5-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 5 B- 17s are lost, 3 damaged beyond repair and 36 damaged; casualties are 20 KIA, 4 WIA and 57 MIA. 3. 244 B-24s are dispatched to Achmer and Handorf Airfields; 11 hit Achmer Airfield and 203 hit Diepholz, Verden and Hesepe Airfields and Lingen; they claim 5-6-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 6 damaged; casualties are 3 WIA and 31 MIA.

Escort for Mission 228 is provided by 69 P-38s, 542 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47s and 68 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-51s; the P-38s claim 0-1-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-47s claim 19-3-14 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-47s are lost, 2 are damaged beyond repair, 3 are damaged and 2 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 14-1-4 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-51s are lost and the pilots are MIA.

Mission #70 – Bunde, Germany 22nd February

532nd BS diary entry: The target which the crews were briefed on today was Oschersleben, but a target of opportunity was attacked and identified by photographs as Bunde, Germany. The ships of this unit were piloted by Capt Hecker, with Major Fitzgerald as group commander; other pilots being Lts Thomson, Henderson, Genther, Bowen and Flaherty. The latter is reported as missing in action. Crew: Lts Francis J. Flaherty, John I. Hoffer, Russell D. Austin, William R. Farrell; Sgts Notra J. Bright, John P. Roe, Burling Larson, Henry R. Krzyzak, Casimir L. Bukowski, Arthur N. Butler. Today's mission was the completion of the tour of combat duty for T/Sgt Fred T. Berg. His right hand was severely frost-bitten while he was cranking his bomb-bay doors closed after the run over the target. Berg was one of the original crew members of the squadron having been assigned in Pyote, Texas.

533rd BS diary entry: German aircraft production was the target of the group today, who pressed home their third major effort to crush the Luftwaffe at its numerous sources. The group dispatched 31 aircraft, only 12 of which succeeded in rendezvousing with other formations to cross the German coast under the handicap of the "poorest visibility conditions" encountered over the continent in many weeks. Only two ships of the 533rd took part in the mission and they are missing in action, three others aborted. The group's contingent, led by Major John E. Fitzgerald Jr, went through to bomb a target of opportunity near Oschersleben after they found their primary completely cloud-covered. Clouds at the Fortresses' altitude lifted just over the German coast and the upper air was immediately clear until Major Fitzgerald's crews were about and hour and a half from their target. Then, as cloud layers began forming again, they were hit by hordes of Nazi fighters which far outnumbered the bombers' P-51 escort. Today's pilots: Watson, Kels and Clark aborted; Fridgen and Roling are missing in action. MIA crews: 1st Lt Francis E. Fridgen, 2nd Lts David E. Waller, Paul J. Ehrman, Philip Palmer; T/Sgts William J. Reilly, Robert Brennan, Sgts Garrett M. Bartle, Walter M. Abernathy, Oliver G. Gaby, Lowell E. Slayton. 1st Lt Hal B. Roling, 2nd Lts Raymond A. Bull, John R. Jackson Jr, Milton Soled; S/Sgts John Jemiolo, Ashbury M. Thompson, Sgts William L. Ruark, Othel L. Martin, George W. Day, Robert D. Eggert.

534th BS diary entry: Unfavourable weather forced a number of our bombers to return to base today. Their target was to have been the aircraft components works of Oschersleben, Germany. Those that were able to tack onto a formation did successfully unload on a target of opportunity. This target being Bunde, Germany. Lt. Hytinen, Lt. Sharp, Lt. Rogers bombed. Lt. Miller, Lt. Henry, Lt. Dorrington, Lt. Harlin, Lt. Haushlater, Lt. Sellers returned early. Bombing results were unobserved due to undercast and haze.

535th BS diary entry: Today the group learned what the true meaning of tight formation, large numbers of bombers and a full fighter escort. Thirty one Forts took off this morning but some of the filthiest weather conditions over not a high altitude prevented the majority of them from bombing. Nineteen of them aborted, three of them out of the six sent by this squadron. Twelve, including Lts Smith, Hustedt and Downey followed Major John Fitzgerald of the 532nd, to a rendezvous with 15 Forts from the 91st BG. These 27 ships, late for their escort, proceeded over the German coast alone, headed for Oschersleben. About an hour inside Germany they were hit by more than 200 German fighters of high calibre. Major Fitzgerald had two sets of wingmen shot down. The group lost six, three from the 535th . The target bombed was Bunde, after more that 40 minutes of constant attack from enemy fighters, mostly FW190's. MIA crews: 1st Lt Lee W. Smith, 2nd Lts Rowland H. Evans, Leonard P. Meier, Harold Kaufman; T/Sgts Harold C. Kemper, John C. Zappala, S/Sgt Lester P. Larson, Sgt Reginald C. Solway, S/Sgts Andrew F. Manning and Lawrence V. Eden. 2nd Lts Henry Hustedt, Keith S. Mauzey, Oral H. Hert, Stanley B. Inglis; Sgt Arthur R. Tell, S/Sgt Abelardo Rodruiguez, Sgts Rocco F. Russo, Vito R. Kuracina, Leslie J. Hanna and Robert C. Pingel. 2nd Lts Charles H. Downey, Donald Herdlicka, John D. Hicks, James C. Evans; S/Sgts Miller P. Chauvin, Earl E. Matheson, Earl B. Scheik, Sgt Norman E. Phillips, S/sgts Adolph V. Carini and Joseph G. Sorbino. Sgts R. W. Smith and R. J. Powell, flying with other squadrons were each credited with an e/a damaged.

242nd Medical Diary: 22 February – Briefing was at 05.30 hrs for the 32 aircraft that took off at 06.30 hrs with the primary target an aircraft factory at Oschersleben, Germany. Due to weather condition the rendezvous was again messed up and all but 13 of the aircraft returned to base without being unable to assemble or join the group. The returning crews reported intense fighter opposition. Two crews landed short at another base and only five returned to the home base. Six crews were lost during aerial combat. T/Sgt Fred F. Berg was flying top turret in the lead ship and received severe cold injury of the hands which was the result of having to crank up the bomb bay doors without gloves, his 25th mission.

MIA 532nd M/42-31443

Flaherty, Francis J. 1st Lt KIA Hoffer, John I. 2nd Lt KIA

Austin, Russell D. F/O POW Farrell, William R. 2nd Lt POW

Bright, Notra J. T/Sgt KIA Roe, John P. T/Sgt POW

Larson, Burling S/Sgt KIA Krzyzak, Henry R. S/Sgt KIA

Bukowski, Casimir L. S/Sgt POW Butler, Arthur N. S/Sgt KIA

MIA 533rd Z/42-97474

Fridgen, Francis N. 1st Lt POW Waller, David E. 2nd Lt KIA

Ehmann, Paul J. 2nd Lt KIA Palmer, Phillip 2nd Lt KIA

Brennan, Robert T/Sgt POW Reilly, William J. T/Sgt POW

Bartle, Garrett M. S/Sgt POW Abernathy, Walter S/Sgt EVD

Gaby, Oliver G. S/Sgt KIA Slayton, Lowell E. S/Sgt EVD

MIA 533rd /42-39946

Roling, Hal B. 1st Lt KIA Bull, Raymond A. 2nd Lt KIA

Jackson, John R. Jr 2nd Lt KIA Soled, Milton 2nd Lt KIA

Jemiolo, John S/Sgt POW Thompson, Asbury S/Sgt KIA

Ruark, William L. Sgt POW Martin, Othel L. Sgt POW

Day, George W. Sgt POW Eggert, Robert D. Sgt POW

MIA 535th S/42-39895

Smith, Lee W. 1st Lt KIA Evans, Rowland H. 2nd Lt KIA

Meier, Leonard P. 2nd Lt KIA Kaufman, Harold 2nd Lt KIA

Kemper, Harold C. T/Sgt KIA Zappala, John C. T/Sgt KIA

Larson, Lester P. S/Sgt KIA Solway, Reginald C Sgt KIA

Manning, Andrew F. S/Sgt KIA Eden, Lawrence V. S/Sgt KIA

MIA 535th /42-31696

Hustedt, Henry 2nd Lt POW Mauzey, Keith S. 2nd Lt POW

Hert, Oral H. 2nd Lt POW Inglis, Stanley B. 2nd Lt POW

Tell, Arthur R. Sgt POW Rodriguez, Abel. S/Sgt KIA

Russo, Rocco F. Sgt POW Kuracina, Vito R. Sgt POW

Hanna, Leslie J Sgt KIA Pingel, Robert C. Sgt POW

MIA 535th U/42-31533

Downey, Charles H. 2nd Lt KIA Herdlicka, Donald 2nd Lt KIA

Hicks, John D. 2nd Lt KIA Evans, James C. 2nd Lt KIA

Chauvin, Miller P. S/Sgt KIA Matheson, Earl E. S/Sgt POW

Scheik, Earl B. S/Sgt KIA Phillips, Norman E. Sgt POW

Carini, Adolph V. S/Sgt POW Sorbino, Joseph G. S/Sgt KIA

8th AF diary entry: Mission 230: "Big Week" continues with 799 aircraft dispatched against German aviation and Luftwaffe airfields; 41 bombers and 11 fighters are lost.

1. 289 B-17s are dispatched against aviation industry targets at Aschersleben (34 bomb), Bernburg (47 bomb) and (18 bomb) in conjunction with a Fifteenth Air Force raid on Regensburg, Germany; 32 hit Bunde, 19 hit Wernegerode, 15 hit , 9 hit Marburg and 7 hit other targets of opportunity; they claim 32-18-17 Luftwaffe aircraft; 38 B-17s are lost, 4 damaged beyond repair and 141 damaged; casualties are 35 KIA, 30 WIA and 367 MIA.

2. 333 B-17s are dispatched to but severe weather prevents aircraft from forming properly and they are forced to abandon the mission prior to crossing the enemy coast; 2 B-17s are damaged.

3. 177 B-24s are dispatched but they are recalled when 100 miles (160 km) inland; since they were over Germany, they sought targets of opportunity but strong winds drove the bombers over The Netherlands and their bombs hit , , and ; they claim 2-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft; 3 B-24s are lost and 3 damaged; casualties are 30 MIA.

These missions are escorted by 67 P-38s, 535 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47s, and 57 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-51s; the P-38s claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair and 6 are damaged; the P-47s claim 39-6-15 Luftwaffe aircraft, 8 P-47s are lost and 12 damaged, 8 pilots are MIA; the P-51s claim 19-1-10 Luftwaffe aircraft, 3 P-51s are lost and 3 damaged, 3 pilot are MIA.

Mission #71 – Schweinfurt, Germany 24th February

532nd BS diary entry: For the third time aircraft of this squadron flew on a mission to Schweinfurt, but this was not as rough as the others have been as no aircraft were lost. Enemy aircraft did not attack this squadron; however moderate to intense accurate flak was encountered at the target. Bombing results were reported as fair. Pilots who participated were: Lts Beckman, McCrory, Henderson, Darrow, Fastrup, Cahill, Robinson and Thomson.

533rd BS diary entry: Schweinfurt, twice blasted by B-17s last summer and fall, received a tremendous third blow as hundreds of American heavy bombers roared over the important German industrial city to bury it under tons of high explosives and incendiaries. Major George G. Shackley, 533rd commander, who led his wing on both other occasions, was again in command of this attack, with 30 ships of the group; this time flying on the British subscribed Fortress "Rotherhithe's Revenge", piloted by 1st Lt George K. Sandman. Enthusiastic over the bombing results, Major Shackley said: "Bombs were slamming down on factories and other targets in the city for at least half an hour. Our own bombing was one of the best. This was one hell of a lot different from my first two Schweinfurt missions." He referred to the almost complete absence of enemy fighter opposition, which, on former occasions over Schweinfurt, has opposed American bombers relentlessly, in hordes numbering up to 400. "I didn't see one enemy fighter today, "Major Shackley added, "and my crew reported seeing less than a dozen, all kept well out by the escort. Schweinfurt's a nice town now. We helped make it that way today." Completing his tour today on the same ship, was lead bombardier Capt Lawrence J. Potenza, who described the attack as "terrific." Obviously pleased with his last job as a bombardier in this theatre of operations, Capt Potenza said: " The bomb run was beautiful. I could see hits from our bombs right in the factory area. Heavy smoke was over the town from bombs dropped by the group ahead of us and fires were everywhere." 1st Lt Thomas D. Sellers, pilot of "Little Duchess" and holder of the DSC, said: "This was the best co-ordinated mission of any of the 20 I have flown. It showed careful, detailed planning. Maj Shackley did a perfect job of leading the wing. Bombing was perfect. The town and target were plastered both by us and the wings ahead." Participating pilots were: 1st Lt Sandman with Maj Shackley leading, the others being: Lts Townsend, Schindler, Tarr, Ricks, Kels, Clark, Svereika, Duncan and Garrett (who aborted).

534th BS diary entry: Going to a target that our Forts had visited twice before and giving it the third going over since we became operations – 8 of our “Forts” bombed the ball bearing works in Schweinfurt today. Though flak and fighters were ever present and no serious damaged was inflicted to our A/C or crews. Strike photographs bear out the story of returning crewmen that reported the target as being destroyed. Lts. Miller, Dickey, Henry, Dorrington, Sellers, Haushalter, Harlin and Rogers bombed successfully. S/Sgt. James E. West and T/Sgt. Robert G. Tichy finished their combat operations today as both had 24 bomber missions prior to today. West holds the Air Medal, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and the DFC. Tichy holds the Air Medal, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and the DFC. 535th BS diary entry: The squadron made its third trip to Schweinfurt today, but the city didn't seem the same to the veterans on August 17 and October 14 raids. In the face of almost no flak and the most meagre fighter opposition, the same old ball-bearing plant was smothered in a tight pattern. This looked like the knockout blow to Major Shackley, 533rd CO, who has led all three of the group's Schweinfurt runs, and who is of the opinion that the factories must have been knocked out this time. Strike photos show, however, that although the bombing of the main plant was very good, vital portions still remain untouched. Although other groups in the mission underwent light fighter attacks, our group met nothing at all. Participating pilots were: Pluemer, Liddle, Tyson, Bartlett, Urban, Enos and Meyers.

242nd Medical Diary: 24 February – Briefing was at 05.30 hrs and take off at 08.30 hrs for the 32 aircraft of this command, but six aborted and three crews got back to the field early enough to make a second take off and join the group at rendezvous point. The target was the ball-bearing plant at Schweinfurt, Germany. This is the third trip to this target made by the group and it fell to the honour of Major Shackley to lead the combat wing, his third trip to Schweinfurt.

The weather over the continent was ideal and the crews all reported unusually satisfactory bombing results. The primary target had been hit previous to our bomb run. Fighter cover was reported as being the best yet and no doubt is the reason for all our aircraft returning, though some had received battle damage of a major nature.

A 532nd gunner of Lt Fastrup’s crew, Sgt William F. Seifermann, received a wound from a piece of flak which came in the left window of the tail assembly and apparently struck him at the right side of the base of the neck posteriorly and then came out through the left sterne cloide muscle just above the point of its insertion. He had received excellent first aid care by members of the crew and particularly the radio operator, Sgt Dick, is to be commended for keeping oxygen going to him constantly until their return to this field.

Captain Ralston met the plane on the runway and immediately began preparations to administer blood plasma to the stricken gunner who was in the radio room on the floor. There was no radial pulse obtained, pallor, and he was in extreme shock. He was conscious and attempted to mutter something at intervals, but his mutterings were unintelligible. He had not received morphine and several members of the crew stated he asked not to be given morphine at the time of the injury. He could not move any of his extremities. Captain Ralston started plasma in each arm and three units were given on the plane. His condition had improved slightly and it was felt by the three medical officers that were present that it was safe to remove him from the plane by the Neil-Robinson litter to the station sick quarters. He was brought to sick quarters about 15.30 hrs after a fourth unit of plasma and there was a noticeable improvement in his condition. The radial pulse was present and blood pressure was about 70/40.

He received Holy Sacrament by the chaplain. About 1/6th of a grain of morphine was given and a 9th unit of plasma was started. About 17.00 hrs he was transported by ambulance to the 121st Station Hospital, Braintree with the plasma running. He was accompanied by Capt Cohler and six or eight potential blood donors were taken to the hospital on a separate ambulance. He arrived at Braintree and according to Capt Cohler he was only slightly weaker than when he left sick quarters. X-ray at the hospital revealed a compound, comminuted fracture of the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae. However this gunner died two days later of his injuries.

The casualty list on page 8 includes T/Sgt. William F. Seifermann, 532nd BS, TG on the Dale McCrory crew. Seifermann was wounded on the Feb. 24 Schweinfurt mission and died on Feb. 27. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3146798/posts?page=6

“The largest number of planes ever dispatched against Germany pulverized industrial targets in Schweinfurt, Gotha and Steyr, Austria, yesterday when the United States Eighth Air Force based in Britain and the United States Fifteenth Air Force stationed in Italy joined to attack the Reich simultaneously from the west and south.” From “Record Fleets Fly,” on page 4 of the link. http://www.freerepublic.c...t/3126715/posts?page=5

Mission #72 – Augsburg, Germany 25th February

532nd BS diary entry: Today's target was the Messerschmitt fighter assembly plant at Augsburg, all our aircraft reported bombing results as good. The composite group was led by this squadron, the pilots being: Capt Wood, Lts Robinson, Cahill, Genther, McCrory, Fastrup, Darrow (who finished up) and Henderson, who was on his 25th mission, is missing in action. MIA Crew: Lts Donald G. Henderson, Jack H. Fournier, Earl H. Wonning, Nicholas J. De Rose; Sgts Raoul B. Ramos, Boyd E. Burgess, Anthony J. Korkuc, Anthony J. Bartolo, Thomas R. Hunnicut, Dale L. Schilling.

533rd BS diary entry: Looming columns of rolling black smoke were visible up to 200 miles from the target today after Fortresses penetrated south eastern Germany almost to the Alps to strike a crippling blow to the Messerschmitt assembly plant at Augsburg. Leading the two formations put in the air by this group were 1st Lt John A. Silvernale and Capt Charles G. Wood, ahead of the 28 ships put up, seven from this squadron, bombed the target.

Said lead bombardier 1st Lt Happy Hendryx, "Bombing was very good. We knocked out at least three-quarters of the factory. We had a good formation and made an ideal bomb run, laying our bombs in a tight pattern. All we could see was smoke when we turned to head back." Two of the group's ships are missing in action. Those 533rd pilots were: Lts Shultz, Svereika, Garrett, Townsend, Tarr, Schindler, Ricks and McIntosh (who aborted).

534th BS diary entry: Taking off for a long haul that carried our bombers to near the Alps our bombers hit the Messerschmitt factory at Augsburg, Germany. Leading the main formation put up by the 381st was 1st Lt. John A. Silvernale of this squadron. Bombing results were very good. Enemy activity was not very strong against the formations. Flak and fighters were encountered; however, all ships returned safe to base and there were no casualties or claims.

535th BS diary entry: Today's mission to Augsburg, saw only one German fighter, and that was shot down by 2nd Lt Michael Buschbaum, of Lt Sellers' crew, as it attacked the Forts returning from a perfect bombing of the Messerschmitt assembly plant in this city close to the Swiss Alps. Flak was fairly heavy over the target, while visibility was a bombardier's dream. Today's mission pilots: Lts Urban, Pluemer, Enos and Tyson; Liddle and McIntosh aborted.

242nd Medical Diary: 25th February – This morning briefing was at 05.45 hrs, for the 32 aircraft which took off at 08.45 hrs, target, the main assembly building for Messerschmitt fighters and an adjoining school for training purposes, at Augsburg, Germany. The returning crews reported the weather being excellent with visibility unlimited, and a good concentration of bombs in the target area. Flak at the target area was moderately heavy, but fairly accurate. Two aircraft failed to return to the field; Lt Kels, 533rd, landed at an airfield near the coast, while Lt Henderson, 532nd, was seen to go out of formation apparently under control of the plane and some crews reported seeing his plane burning on the ground later. There were no battle casualties, and only the one plane was lost. The mission was the longest flown by the group, the distance being, 1,380 miles. The first planes home touched down about 17.30 hrs. MIA 532nd B/42-37786

Henderson, Donald G. 2nd Lt POW Fournier, Jack H. 2nd Lt POW

Wonning, Earl H. 2nd Lt KIA De Rose, Nicholas J. 2nd Lt POW

Ramos, Raoul B. T/Sgt POW Burgess, Boyd E. T/Sgt KIA

Korkuc, Anthony J. S/Sgt KIA Bartolo, Anthony J. S/Sgt KIA

Hunnicut, Thomas R. S/Sgt KIA Schilling, Dale L. S/Sgt KIA

8th AF diary entry: Mission 235: In the final "Big Week" mission, 4 targets in Germany are hit; 31 bombers and 3 fighters are lost.

1. 268 B-17s are dispatched to aviation industry targets at Augsburg and the industrial area at Stuttgart; 196 hit Augsburg and targets of opportunity and 50 hit Stuttgart; they claim 8- 4-4 Luftwaffe aircraft; 13 B-17s are lost and 172 damaged; casualties are 12 WIA and 130 MIA. 2. 267 of 290 B-17s hit aviation industry targets at Regensburg and targets of opportunity; they claim 13-1-7 Luftwaffe aircraft; 12 B-17s are lost, 1 damaged beyond repair and 82 damaged; casualties are 4 KIA, 12 WIA and 110 MIA. 3. 172 of 196 B-24s hit aviation industry targets at Furth and targets of opportunity; they claim 2-2-2 Luftwaffe aircraft; 6 B-24s are lost, 2 damaged beyond repair and 44 damaged; casualties are 2 WIA and 61 MIA. Escort is provided by 73 P-38s, 687 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-47s and 139 Eighth and Ninth Air Force P-51s; the P-38s claim 1-2-0 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-38 is damaged beyond repair; the P-47s claim 13-2-10 Luftwaffe aircraft, 1 P-47 is lost and 6 damaged, 1 pilot is MIA; the P-51s claim 12-0-3 Luftwaffe aircraft, 2 P-51s are lost and 1 damaged beyond repair, 2 pilots are MIA.

The list on page 9 has several names from the 381st. One MIA – Robert Brennan, 533rd BS, TT/Eng, F. Fridgen crew. Lost Feb 22 on Bunde, Germany mission. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3140744/posts?page=6

MIA – Lester P. Larson, 535th BS, BTG, Lee Smith crew. Lost Feb. 22 on Bunde mission. Ardennes AMC. Page 9 of the link. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3141380/posts?page=5