12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 321st Bombardment Group History: March 1943
------For my dad, Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (retired)
“Lil Butch” John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired) ------12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing (M) 321st Bombardment Group (M) History: March 1943
The following is a compilation of the 321st 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 321st 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 321st 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 321st 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
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 Sq: Squadron GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK) Sqdn: Squadron GO: General Order SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action GP: General Purpose/Gun Position T/A: Target Area GTC: General Time Convention (railroad) T/C: Troop Concentration HE: High Explosive T/E: Twin Engine (plane) IAS: Indicated Air Speed TAC: Theater Allied Command I & E: Information & Education TBF: Tactical Bomber Force I.F.F.: Identification, Friend or Foe TD: Temporary Duty (i. o.): Initials Only (initial is the name) TDY: Temporary Duty IP: Initial Point TLC: Tactical Landing Craft KNB: Killed Not Battle TO: Take-Off (time), also Technical Order, and Transportation Officer KIA: Killed In Action T/O: Table of Organization L/A: Landing Area TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target LC: Landing Craft Trfd: Transferred L/G: Landing Ground TWX: Teletypewriter Message Lox: Liquid Oxygen u/i: Unidentified, also unit of issue L/S: Landing Strip UNRRA: United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration L/V: Large Vehicle Very Pistol or Verey Pistol: Flare gun LST: Landing Ship Tank VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer Ltr: Letter WC: Water closet LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action W.O.: Warrant Officer MACR: Missing Air Crew Report WIA: Wounded In Action MATS: Military Air Transport Service 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.)
Monday, 1 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24s raid the harbor at Naples; 1 bombs Soverato while 2 others hit Staletti and Catanzaro as targets of opportunity. AA fire is accurate and several B-24s are hit over Naples and Palmi.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): General Carl Spaatz assumes command of the Twelfth Air Force in Algeria. Colonel Laurence P. Hickey becomes acting commander of the XII Fighter Command until the arrival of Brigadier General Elwood R. Quesada. Lieutenant General John K. Cannon takes command of the Northwest African Training Command (NATC).
In Sardinia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping, also hitting railroad yards and the town area, at Cagliari.
In Tunisia, B-25s and B-26s of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force attack bridges and AA gun positions in the La Hencha area. Fighters escort bombers and hit ground forces in the battle areas around Sidi Nsir and Bedja. B-25s of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force bomb the Mateur area.
In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a freighter NE of Bizerte, Tunisia. The 5th Bombardment Wing transfers from Biskra, Algeria to Chateaudun, Algeria while the 47th Bombardment Wing moves from Chateaudun, Algeria to El Guerrah, Algeria. The 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group establishes HQ at Tafaraoui, Algeria upon arrival from the U.S. The squadron is equipped with P-40s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: The air echelon took off at 10:00 (GTC) for Oujda and was forced to return because of poor weather. The formation took off again at 13:00 (GTC) and landed at Oujda at 15:45 (GTC).
446th BS War Diary: Check and repairs. Waiting to set up at a Base.
447th BS War Diary: The flight echelon prepared to take off today but weather prevented it. The 445th and 446th did take off but had to come back. One of the 446th planes nosed over when it landed and the left vertical tail surface from this unserviceable plane was removed and used to replace the damaged one on Lt. Fineman’s plane. Usual garrison duties for the ground echelon. Fineman, Ernest, 1Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: No Entry Tuesday, 2 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Sicily, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s bomb shipping and the harbor area at Palermo.
In Tunisia, B-26s attack bridges and flak positions at La Hencha. Northwest African Tactical Air Force fighters hit troops, tanks, and motor transport S of Mateur and NE of Bedja as the enemy renews an attack along the Mateur-Tabarka road near Jefna. HQ 33rd Fighter Group and it's 58th, 59th and 60th Fighter Squadrons with P- 40s transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Flight Echelon Log submitted by Group Intelligence: Took off at 1030 for Oujda, but returned at 1150 because of clouds in the pass. Flying- time, one hour and twenty minutes. Lieut. Martin’s plane, 446th Squadron, nose-wheel gave way on landing and his plane was damaged. There are 52 planes here. The 445th Squadron took off at 1340 for Oujda and the 446th Squadron took off at 1440. We had a short in the bomb-sight and had to return. Took off at 1540, got as far as Meknes and returned because of clouds over the mountains. Landed at Marrakech at 1800, for two hours and twenty minutes flying time. The 446th Squadron also returned. Lieut. Fineman’s damaged tail was repaired from Lieut. Martin’s plane. Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS Martin, John K., 2Lt, 446th BS
445th BS War Diary: There are a few B-26’s here and we heard that they had just come back from the front with only nine ships left out of their group. The boys are wondering just how rough this combat flying is.
446th BS War Diary: Check and repairs. Waiting to set up at a Base. Took off at 0935 hours, landing at 1206 hours at Oujda, which was the final base for the trip. TOTAL FLYING TIME FROM FLORIDA TO MOROCCO: 52 hours 30 minutes.
447th BS War Diary: The flight echelon took off today from Marrakech on the next leg of their flight. The next stop is Oujda, French Morocco. All planes landed safely. Col. Robert Knapp flew to La Senia today and the ground echelon received its first news of the flight echelon. Preparations were started for moving the ground echelon to Oujda to join the flight echelon. Lt. McGill arranged to draw a few trucks and other vehicles but only a small percentage of the number authorized by the T.O. McGill, James F., 2Lt, Adjutant Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
Tuesday, 2 March 1943 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
448th BS War Diary of: Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 2Lt, pilot (plane # 41-2998): “2-26-43 to 3-2-43: We spent this time in Marrakech, quarters were hard to get so some of the boys slept in their airplanes. Most of us stayed in town at hotels. Hotel Le Manounia was taken over by the Army and used for an Officer’s Club. We spent most of our time bargaining with the Arabs, sightseeing etc. There are two sections to the town Arab and French. The field was only sixty days old. On March 1 two squadrons tried to make it to Oujda, a field about 400 miles northeast of Marrakech. They had to turn back because of weather in the pass through the mountains. One plane upon landing broke its nose wheel; put the ship out of commission. The 445th finally got through that afternoon. The next morning 446 7 – 8 got off and made it OK to Oujda. When we arrived we unloaded our planes and found our quarters were poor. Had to sleep on the floors of a couple of barracks. We joined with other squadrons for our meals.” Wednesday, 3 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24s dispatched against Naples fail to reach the primary target. Several bomb the secondary target, Messina, while 3 bomb bridges at Bianco and Siderno Marina.
In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber missions along the Mareth Line as a probing attack against the British 51 Division positions near Mareth is driven back. The German Afrika Korps issues a plan for a counterattack from the Mareth Line. The 83rd Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25s transfers from Castel Benito, Libya to El Assa, Libya. The 343rd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfers from Gamut, Libya to Lete, Libya.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb docks and shipping at Tunis and shipping and a power plant at La Goulette harbor. Fighters and medium bombers of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force hit ground forces in the areas around Bedja, Bou Arada, and Mateur. Fighting around Bedja subsides but enemy forces take Sedjenane. HQ 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) and it's 437th, 438th, 439th and 440th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-26s are pulled out of combat for training and reorganization and transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Oujda, French Morocco.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: We have started to strip our planes of this and that. Started with the anti-icer tubing and tanks for the props and windshield. Also, the outlets, etc., for the oxygen system. We took the navigation equipment and racks out of the navigator’s compartment. Most of us got paid while there. There are A-20s based here, doing patrol duty on the Mediterranean Sea. A group of B-26s came in from the front and we got some pointers from them. They were pretty well shot up. Hardzog, Isaacson, Veum and Capt. Haven went to the front to the 310th base to catch on to a few things. Things look pretty rosy for us, however, I’m expecting a little trouble because of cockiness. Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS Haven, Malcolm D., Capt, S-2 Officer, intelligence, HQ 321st BG Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Veum, Ole E., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
Wednesday, 3 March 1943 (continued)
Flight Echelon Log submitted by Group Intelligence: Left Marrakech at 0915 and arrived at Oujda 1155, for two hours and forty minutes flying-time. Weather was cloudy, with moderately heavy ground haze that made it seem unlikely at first, that we would be able to get through the pass beyond Fez. However, got through at 6,000 feet and found clear weather on other side, with strong wind from South. The 447th and 448th Squadrons, also arrived, making 53 planes. Col. Knapp flew to La Senia, Oran for instructions and saw ground echelon, who had arrived the 21st of February. Apparently, there is intention of giving our planes to another group and giving us further training. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
445th BS War Diary: Colonel Knapp took one of our ships to Constantine and Algiers. The crews spend their spare time frying eggs which they buy from the Arabs. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
446th BS War Diary: Practice flights at Oujda.
447th BS War Diary: Practice bombing and gunnery missions flown by the flight echelon. Usual garrison duties for ground echelon at La Senia.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Thursday, 4 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40s fly top cover missions as the British Eighth Army completes the concentration of troops and weapons in forward areas and awaits an attack which seems imminent in view of German troop movements in the mountains W of Medenine. The 344th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-24s transfers from Kabrit, Egypt to Lete, Libya.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-25s and B-26s fly unsuccessful missions against shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. B-17s attack a convoy NW of Bizerte, Tunisia, claiming 4 vessels sunk.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Flight Echelon Log submitted by Group Intelligence: Col. Knapp and Lt. Col. Olmsted, left at 0730 for Constantine. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Group Executive
445th BS War Diary: No Entry
446th BS War Diary: Practice flights at Oujda.
447th BS War Diary: Formation flights continued practice missions for the flight echelon at Oujda. Usual garrison duties for the ground echelon at La Senia.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: “We just had word this morning (March 4th) that we would move up toward the front in about two weeks. Two weeks is a long time, however, and anything can happen---and in this outfit it usually does. I don’t know why it is—but orders, rumors, etc. are always being changed, and I am about convinced that it is all due to Col. Knapp. He, apparently, is bent on getting into the thick of it. According to rumor we were supposed to do submarine patrol from here for a while. Another rumor, more fantastic perhaps, had us slated to send up ships and crews as replacements for the 310th, the B-25 outfit that preceded us at Walterboro. Some of us, the rumors had it, would then go back to the States for more ships. But Col. Knapp came back from Oran last night, and Capt. Sampson told us this morning that we were headed up in two weeks or so. Roger! Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander
Thursday, 4 March 1943 (continued)
I was talking to a bombardier yesterday who has been here since November on submarine patrol. His pilot is Lt. Turner, a student officer I knew at Randolph and Ellington. He seemed amazed that our entire group got over here with the loss of only one ship. His outfit lost several—wrecked and/or lost entirely. But it is understandable-- -they fly A-20’s and the one pilot has to fly all the way. They have no auto-pilot, and 6 to 9 hours hops are enough to pretty well tire one man. In B-25’s we swapped back and forth between pilot and co-pilot, and so no one got too tired. I think the longest flight, to me, was the first one from DeRidder to Florida, and it was just six hours. Our ship was loaded tail heavy and kept mushing out at 150 or 160. It was a fight for awhile to stay with the formation going 170. But as our gas load lightened, the ship handled easier. At the outset we moved all the crew possible to the front in our effort to weight down the nose. Lt. Orr said the navigator’s compartment was a reasonable facsimile of Grand Central Station. He said he reached in his pocket for a cigarette and stuck his hand in someone’s mouth. He wasn’t sure whose. Orr, Douglas Cameron, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator Sgt. Ennis, the radar operator, worked our set for a while and did fairly well with it. He picked up a few ships before we sighted them. But the Florida coast was so low he didn’t get it more than 15 or 20 miles out. Later on, he picked up Ascension at about 50 miles. Just how effective our set would be at submarine patrol is problematical. Personally, I’m doubtful. Ennis, Edward C., Sgt, radio-gunner, radar Friday, 5 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb the harbor at Naples during the night of 4/5 March. All operations by the IX Bomber Command are suspended for 7 days so the crews can rest. The 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from Libya to Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force B-17s hit convoys NW of Bizerte, Tunisia while B-26s attack motor vessels between Tunisia and Sicily. North-west African Tactical Air Force fighters and medium bombers hit the Djedeida, Siki Nsir area, and ground forces in the Bedja-Mateur areas. HQ 14th Fighter Group and it's 49th Fighter Squadron with P-38s are pulled out of combat and transferred from Berteaux, Algeria to Mediuna, French Morocco. HQ 81st Fighter Group transfers from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Captain Macfarlane flew to Constantine today. It rains almost every day. MacFarlane, William V., Capt, Executive
446th BS War Diary: Practice flights at Oujda.
447th BS War Diary: Formation flights and continued practice missions for the flight echelon at Oujda. Ground echelon given warning order to be prepared to move the following day.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Saturday, 6 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, 35 planes strafe and bomb installations in the Mareth Line as Rommel's expected attack in Tunisia takes place and is defeated. Four thrusts toward Medenine are repulsed by the British, and the enemy retreats after nightfall, having lost about 50 tanks.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber missions.
In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance along the battle line. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria. HQ 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) transfers from Ain M’Lila, Algeria to St-Donat, Algeria. The 92nd and 93rd Fighter Squadrons, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfer from Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Local gunnery training flights were carried out by four crews. The ground echelon left Oran this morning for Oujda by train.
446th BS War Diary: Practice flights at Oujda.
447th BS War Diary: Formation flights and continued practice missions for the flight echelon at Oujda. Ground echelon spent the morning loading tents and other equipment on a train which was at the station about two miles from our camp. Equipment and men were shuttled by truck and by 1700 the train was loaded and ready to move. The distance we were to travel was only 130 miles but the train stopped for an hour or more at each little station and we had only begun the trip by midnight.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Sunday, 7 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-25s hit shipping between Tunisia and Sicily while B-17s bomb a convoy in the Gulf of Tunis and shipping and the marshalling yard at Souase, Tunisia. The 352nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) with B-17s transfers from Ain M’Lila, Algeria to St-Donat, Algeria. The 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's arrive at Oujda, French Morocco from the U.S.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Colonel Knapp went to Constantine again today. Eight crews flew gunnery missions and training flights. The ground echelon reached Oujda and set up the squadron area on the airfield. All the men were glad to be back together again. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
446th BS War Diary: Practice flights at Oujda. Ground Echelon arrived at Oujda and the entire Squadron was together.
447th BS War Diary: Continued training duties for the flight echelon. The ground echelon made its way slowly by train toward Oujda. The country was mountainous and very scenic but the conditions under which we were traveling not very favorable for enjoying the scenery. We arrived at the station in Oujda in the middle of the afternoon. Capt. Sampson met the ground echelon with trucks and all the personnel except those needed to guard the equipment were transported to the airport about eight miles out of Oujda. The enlisted men set up tents in the area where our planes were parked. The officers were quartered in French barracks at the airport. It was a happy reunion for members of both the flight and the ground echelon. All had made the trip overseas safely. Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Monday, 8 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): The 314th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40s transfers from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya and is attached to the 57th Fighter Group to gain experience. The 434th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfers from Castel Benito, Libya to El Assa, Libya.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): In the Mediterranean, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17s and B-25s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily, claiming the destruction or the heavy damage of several motor vessels. In Tunisia, other B-17s hit shipping and marshalling yard at Sousse. P-38s escort the bomb missions. Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fly several reconnaissance and patrol missions along the Tunisian British First Army battlefront while Western Desert Air Force P-40s and Spitfires hit the rear of columns attacking Medenine from the west. The 2nd, 4th and 5th Fighter Squadrons, 52nd Fighter Group with Spitfire Mk Vs transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria. The 32nd, 353rd and 419th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's transfer from Ain M’Lila, Algeria to St-Donat, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: One of our ships and crew made a trip to Algiers and returned today. The orderly room and mess tent was set up today. We are awaiting our equipment to arrive from Oran.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Capt. Sampson and Lts. Brinkley, Seel and Manly flew to Berteaux to observe how the 310th Bomb. Gp. (also equipped with B-25’s) conducted its operations and intelligence in combat. Also to look over the base which we were to use for future operations, Ain M’Lila. The rest of the flight echelon continued training flights. Capt. Albert Bell arrived in Oujda today with his crew. He had been delayed at Waller Field for an engine change and couldn’t take off with the rest of the squadron on Feb. 18. The ground echelon spent the day getting settled down. A squadron mess was set up. Bell, Albert R., Capt, pilot, Commander Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt, pilot Manly, Robert W. "Horse", 2Lt, intelligence Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot Seel, Peter B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: No Entry Tuesday, 9 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): HQ 57th Fighter Group and it's 65th Fighter Squadron with P-40's transfer from Libya to Tunisia
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Bad weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) operations and restricts other commands to reconnaissance, patrol, and transport missions. HQ 52nd Fighter Group transfers from Telergma, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria. The 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing with B-24's, transfers from St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey, French Morocco. The 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Orleansville, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: There were four local flights today. Major B.C. Cook, formerly the operations officer for the group, was appointed squadron commander and Captain Macfarlane who had been our squadron commander since the squadron was activated was made personnel officer. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander MacFarlane, William V., Capt, pilot
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties. Passes were issued a percentage of the men so they could go into the city of Oujda.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Wednesday, 10 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Egypt, the flight echelon of the 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) begins arriving. The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group with P-40's transfers from Libya to Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb El Aouins Airfield and La Marsa landing ground, destroying several parked airplanes and hit the town of Gafsa. Fighters escort the B-17's and carry out numerous reconnaissance missions. The 93rd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39s transfers from Berteaux, Algeria to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Colonel Knapp went to Casablanca and back while seven other ships and crews went on local training missions. The men are kept busy running the Arabs away from the ships and out of the squadron area. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Thursday, 11 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-26s attack a convoy between Tunisia and Sicily. B-25s in the area carry out no attacks on vessels.
In Tunisia, fighters escort medium bombers and attack guns, vehicles and tanks in the Sedjenane, Jefna, and Bedja areas. HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 307th, 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons with Spitfire Mk V's transfer from Kalaa Djerda, Tunisia to Thelepte, Tunisia. The 2nd Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy), 25th Antisubmarine Wing with B-24's transfers from St. Eval, England to Port Lyautey, French Morocco.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: No flights today due to bad weather. The men sat around in their tents and fried eggs and swapped yarns about their flights across and their trip across on the boat.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Friday, 12 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Libya to Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-17s bomb the docks and marshalling yards at Sousse. B-26s pound supply dumps and score near misses on bridges at Enfidaville, while B-25s bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. Fighters escort the bombers and carry out attacks on ground targets, destroying several vehicles in the Pichon area and south of Pont-du-Fahs. RAF Wellingtons bomb the Tunis docks during the night of 12/13 March. The 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Oujda, French Morocco to Ain M’Lila, Algeria. The squadrons will enter combat on next Monday and Tuesday.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On March 11, 1943 we were told to pack up to fly to the front and our permanent base by the 12th of March. We took off about noon and headed for our new field at Ain M’Lila, Algeria, which is about 100 miles from the front. We found the new field to be not far from the 310th and situated in a valley in the Atlas Mountains. We spent the rest of today, pitching tents, unloading planes and doing routine work and trying to settle down.
445th BS War Diary: Twelve ships left for our base at Ain M’Lila from which we will operate in combat. The ground crew spent the day unloading our equipment in Oujda. The crews here at Ain M’Lila spent the night in pup tents and in the planes. The night was very raw and cold.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities. Air Echelon and part of Ground Echelon left by plane for Ain M’Lila, Algeria.
447th BS War Diary: The flight echelon took off today for Ain M’Lila. Ground personnel essential to operations were taken along with them. Usual garrison duties for the remainder of the ground echelon.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Saturday, 13 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): Lieutenant General Lewis H. Brereton, Commanding General Ninth Air Force, directs that Headquarters Desert Air Task Force be redesignated Advance Headquarters, Ninth Air Force, and that the USAAF tactical units with the HQ be designated Desert Air Task Force (DATF).
In Italy, B-24s bomb Naples harbor through heavy clouds.
In Tunisia, 34 P-40s of the 57th Fighter Group fly top cover and fighter sweep, and engage about 25 Bf 109 fighters in combat; we claim 4 destroyed; we lose 4 including 3 pilots. The 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, based at Nouvion, Algeria with C-47's, begins operating from bases in Egypt and Palestine. The 85th, 86th and 87th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group with P-40's transfer from Landing Ground 150, Libya to Causeway Landing Ground in Tunisia.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): B-25s are sent against shipping NE of Bizerte, Tunisia but fail to locate the target. Fighters hit positions and movement in the Mareth Line area, and fly patrols and reconnaissance. HQ XII Air Support Command transfers from Algeria to Tunisia. The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group with P-39's and P-51's transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Thelepte, Algeria. The 154th is an ex-Arkansas National Guard outfit.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Two ships and crews went up on local flights at Ain M’Lila. The one ship that was left back at Oujda was slow-timed. The field from which we are operating is about a mile south of Ain M’Lila. Down in the valley and surrounded by tall mountains. It was previously used by the B-17’s.
446th BS War Diary: Preparations to move remainder of Squadron.
447th BS War Diary: Flight echelon getting settled at new base. Usual garrison duties for ground echelon.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Sunday, 14 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, during the night of 13/14 Mar, RAF Liberators under the operational control of the IX Bomber Command hit the harbor at Naples.
In Tunisia during the day, fighters fly cover and sweep over the battle area. The 85th and 87th Fighter Squadrons of the 79th Fighter Group fly their first combat mission when 12 P-40's escort 11 B-25's on a mission against the Mareth Line.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Weather cancels all missions except Northwest African Tactical Air Force fighter reconnaissance in the Enfidaville-Sfax area and between Tunisia and Sicily.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: The one ship that was left at Oujda arrived today. The town of Ain M’Lila is inhabited mostly by Arabs and a few French.
446th BS War Diary: Preparations to move remainder of Squadron.
447th BS War Diary: The mess officer and kitchen personnel along with the mess equipment were flown to Ain M’Lila by transport today to set up messing facilities for the flight echelon there. The ground echelon is messing with the 448th.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Monday, 15 March 1943
321st Bomb Group Headlines:
Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued)
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25s, escorted by P-40's of 79th Fighter Group (the group's first operation in the theater), bomb Zarat. Fighters also fly strafing and bombing raids against ground targets. The 81st and 82nd Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) with B-25's transfer from Berteaux, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria. These Ninth Air Force units are TDY to the Northwest African Air Force. The 316th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P- 40's transfers from El Kabrit, Egypt to Libya.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-26s, with fighter escort, attack the landing pound at Mezzouna. B-25's follow with an attack on the same target. Fighters of the Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fly tactical reconnaissance over the battle area as the units of the US II Corps prepare to attack east from the Gafsa area.
In the Mediterranean, B-17s, with fighter escort, hit shipping off Northern Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: At 1340 on March 15, 1943, 12 B-25 planes took off to bomb the landing ground at Mezzouna, Tunisia. We dropped 762 twenty-pound frag bombs at 1507 from an altitude of 3,500 feet. All 12 planes returned at 1620. The target was covered by bomb bursts and hits were observed on and near 10 two-engine planes believed to be JU-88s. After the first bursts, the field was obscured by dust, making further observations difficult. One cluster of bombs fell directly on flak emplacements. A large cloud of black smoke, apparently from burning oil, was observed above dust. P- 38s and enemy aircraft were seen dog-fighting in the distance. Flak was light and accurate and three planes were hit. Flight leaders were Col. Knapp, Capt. Heinlen and Capt. Henry H. Schwane. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Schwane, Henry H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 446th BS Heinlen, Clayton H., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS
Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: ------Mission Report # 1, 15 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1430 _12__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ landing ground at Mezzouna. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target _None_ returned early. __12___ dropped 762 x 20lb frag bombs at 1507 from No. A/C No. A/C No. & Type Time 3500 ft.. __12__ returned at 1620. Altitude No. A/C Time
3. Target was covered by bomb bursts. Hits were observed on and near 10 two-engine planes, believed to be JU-88’s. After first bursts the field was obscured by dust making observation difficult. One cluster of bombs fell directly on flak emplacement. A large cloud of black smoke, apparently oil was observed above dust.
4. Observation: Air – P-38’s dogfighting in distance Marine – None. Flak – light and accurate. Three planes hit.
5. Weather: To target – 5/10 to 7/10 on way out, broken at 4500 ft. Target – 7/10 broken at 5000 ft.
6. Press data – none.
Flight leaders: Col. Robert D. Knapp Capt. Clayton H., Heinlen Capt. Henry H., Schwane.
Comment: Fighter escort excellent. ------
445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: Mission: Group # 1, Squadron # 1, 3 Sorties: The first mission of the group took off today to bomb the landing grounds at Mezzouna at 13:40 (GTC). Colonel Knapp led the formation of twelve ships having 40 P-40’s for escort, four of which returned early. The B-25’s dropped 762 x 20 lb. (216 x 20 by the 445th) fragmentation bombs from 6,000 ft. at 15:07 (GTC). All ships returned safely at 16:20 (GTC). 450 rounds of ammunition expended. The target was well covered with bursts and hits were observed on and near 10 twin engine aircraft, believed to e JU088’s. One cluster of bombs silenced a flak position. Accurate light flak was encountered over the target. The escort was attacked Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued) by two ME-109’s just east of El Guettar. One ME-109 claimed destroyed. Fifteen miles south of the target the escort was again attacked by six ME-109’s and two MA-202’s. One ME-109 and 1 MA-202 claimed destroyed. Eight of the other enemy ships were seen but did not attack. Two P-40’s downed in friendly territory and one missing. It is also occupied by group.
A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt Commander CP Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt Kelley, Edward T., 2Lt N None Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt B Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt R Eagan, Joseph E., M/Sgt Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt G Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”, Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt M/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie” P Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt CP Johnson, Richard S., 2Lt N None B Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt E Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt G Campbell, Theodore W., S/Sgt F None
446th BS War Diary: Preparations to move remainder of Squadron.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: The Squadron’s first mission, and also the first for the Group, led by Major Schwane. 3 planes from the Squadron. Frag bombs were used on the L/G north of Mezzouna and the results were good. Heavy flak was encountered.
A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-13197 P Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt CP Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt 1Lt N Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Meehan, James M., 2Lt E Martin, William L., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt Belser, Oscar L., S/Sgt F None None Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, Commander CP Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt N McCarter, Elmer H., Capt B Cordes, Jacob H., Jr., 1Lt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt G Reeves, Charles F., M/Sgt F None
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 1) “Ran first mission March 15th. Col. Knapp led it and there were only 18 in all. Jim went as the Major’s wingman and I went as his co-pilot. Needless to say there was quite a bit of excitement. Went on an airfield, Tebaga near Gabes, north of Mareth line. No one lost, but it wasn’t too good bombing. We had a lot to learn they can’t teach you in training. Formation over the target poor and wild peel off. Not much damage done. Not so much flak, still the first time is one to remember. Flak was wild, but the first dose looked vicious. No fighters jumped us. Thank God.” Bradley, James L. "Jungle Jim", Jr., Capt, pilot Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG Commander Schwane, Henry H. "Hank", Lt Col, pilot, Commander
447th BS War Diary: The group had its first combat mission today but none of our planes took part in it. Lts. Edward Perry and Walter Whitton, ordnance and armament officers left Oujda for Ain M’Lila by transport. Perry, Edward (NMI), 2Lt, ordnance Whitton, Walter H., Jr., Capt, armament
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: (447th BS did not participate)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/mission 1) Group Mission # 1: Mission one (1): At 13:40 twelve planes off to bomb L/G at Mezzouna. Dropped 762 x 20 frags. at 15:07 from 3,500 feet. Target covered by bursts. Hits observed on or near 10 two engine planes believe to be JU-88’s One cluster seen to fall on flak emplacement. 36 P- 40’s were escorts, slight heavy accurate flak, 3 planes hit with slight damage. Weather 3/10 cover.
Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13001 A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt CP Bowman, William W., 2Lt Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt Boland, Chester H., 2Lt E None listed – likely Ridgeway, Robert L., Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt S/Sgt R Egbom, Clarence H., S/Sgt Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” A/C No. 41-13163 P Culp, Merle H., 1Lt Veum, Ole E., 1Lt CP Stewart, John C., 2Lt Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt N None None B Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt Holt, William E., 2Lt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., S/Sgt Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13205 A/C No. 41-13170 P Davies, Robert D., 2Lt Stultz, Raymond B., 2Lt CP Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt N None None B Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt E Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt Conners, Roy W., T/Sgt R Lottes, Richard O., Sgt Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt G Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt None listed – likely Mahan, John J., S/Sgt F None None
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/15/43 “In a pup tent on a plain six kilometers west of Oujda where American parachutists captured an airport from the French November 7, 1942 Today marks the beginning of our second week at this encampment where we are awaiting the necessary preparations before moving up to the fighting front in Tunisia. The airplanes and combat crews have moved up already. Our journey here from Oran was accomplished in 15 hours of night riding in a French train. Five of us were crowded in the narrow passageway of the conventional French-European passenger coach with indeed a minimum of space and an equal measure of discomfort. Most trying of all were the constant visits to the toilet in our end of the car by other soldiers. Not only did this disturb our rest, but after a couple of hours the stink became so strong that whenever the closet door was opened we could barely tolerate the odor of urine. As long as we traveled before nightfall we passed through beautiful, well-cultivated farmlands. Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued)
Occasionally the typically western sunset would be punctuated by the ridiculous figure of a much undersized donkey carrying a proportionately oversized Arab on his way across the green fields to gather in his flocks to the fold for the evening. (It is strikingly picturesque to me that native inhabitants of this otherwise modern land still herd their flocks of sheep, cattle and asses, and occasionally horses by day and gather them into their fold at night. They also live in the brush corrals, so very much the same as did their father Abraham so many centuries ago.) Toward dusk we began our climb of the mountains over which we were to pass during the night. Here the occupation of the natives passed through a gradual transition to a single task of cultivating the grapevine. Even in that hilly country the vineyards were amazingly well cultivated and laid out. In a small town in the foothills we stopped to pick up our “helper” engine and as usual were immediately beset upon by a host of native children who begged frantically for “cigarette, bon-bon and chocolate.” They interspersed their raids on our scanty rations of sweets with such mischief as locking the brakes on a car standing on the siding and hitching together cars that were intended to be apart, until a French Gendarme, an Arab soldier of latter age and excellent humor, dressed elaborately in red cloak, blue blousing breeches, rifle and saber, made sport of pretending to throw rocks at them. At a late hour, probably about eleven o’clock, after we had finished a meal of “C rations,” and cocoa, which we made more palatable by patiently warming it over the flame of a stub of candle, we settled ourselves for an hour of restful sleep. The train stopped at a mountain station named Sidi Bel Abbes (headquarters of a famous Foreign Legion). A light was flashed in our window and someone began making certain his intention of entering by pushing vigorously on the door against which Whitey was sleeping. As the “port” was forced open, my sleep-dulled brain finally became conscious of the presence of an Arab, smelling foul of vino and garlic. At my exclaiming in a definite tone, the French word for scram, “allie, allie,” he began hurriedly producing an armband of a railroad official. It was soon made clear that he was, (or had been) an employee of the line and intended on adding his presence to our already congested situation for the purpose of traveling to Tlemcen, a city a fair size further down the line. He was a bright boy and I took advantage of the fact that he knew some English, to acquaint myself with French and Arabic languages. For the next two hours I thus was entertained and to the profit that I learned several phrases of French and most of the Arab numerals from 1 to 10. The next time the train stopped, our friend was discovered by a French official and as he left our car I heard a great deal of loud talking. I did not learn whether or not he was an imposter or if he reached Tlemcen via our train. It occurred to me later that he might well have been an enemy agent and I wished we had not been so free with information, though I am sure we said nothing that was not already common knowledge. White, Victor H. "Whitey", Cpl, ordnance When we arose in the morning somewhat rested, we were traveling through mountains in only one respect unlike those of certain parts of the Arizona Strip, that being their complete void of shrubbery of any kind. In one place it appeared the natives had made a viaduct for the purpose of carrying water to a small village where it was Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued) used for culinary purposes or possibly irrigation. We saw also the peculiar briar shelters of the typical nomad Arab who at night gathers his sheep, dogs and family under the one small shelter, there to wear out the chill winter nights. About nine o’clock in the morning we were allowed to dismount from the train at a small town, the name of which I have forgotten. Here we bought oranges from the natives at two francs each ($.04) which tasted very good to us. As the train was about to leave, five young French officers who were stationed at a nearby camp boarded our car and rode with us the remaining distance of 26 kilometers to Oujda. For me this was an opportunity and I took advantage of it to observe the first truly French people I had come in contact with. To say the least, my impression was a favorable one. These young men were very clean and alert and displayed, to a commendable degree, the French faculty for gentle manners. One, an Algerian Frenchman from Oran, spoke English quite well, and I learned from him that the French in France were anxious for the Americans to bring them the necessary implements of war with which to fight Germany. The city of Oujda, as we passed through it from the station on GI trucks, appeared very interesting. I hope to visit it this afternoon. It was good to reunite with the part of our squadron that flew across from the states via South America and Africa and swap tales of our experiences en route. In all they made a very successful trip, losing only one plane out of approximately 60, and none of the men. On the whole we have done little else than the necessary tasks of setting up a camp since coming here. I was interested in observing the architecture of the French barracks and administration buildings of which there are a few, which are used now as base headquarters. The long wash room, the specially provided fountain for washing clothes, the squat down style latrine and the French showers, along with general appearance of the post, remind me, in a degree very realistic, of the French Foreign Legion outposts I have seen pictured in such movies as “Morocco.” The most outstanding event since our coming here, and without doubt one of the strangest and most beautiful sights I have seen, occurred in the mid-forenoon three days ago. As there is so much flying going on constantly, one is seldom conscious of the approach of a plane or group of planes until they become identified as something extraordinary. So it was with great surprise, when I turned casually around to observe the source of much roaring, that I beheld parachutists in great numbers tumbling from a score or more transports remarkably close and at extremely low altitude. In a matter of minutes, almost seconds, some 500 troops had landed and the sky was clear of planes. It was a perfect demonstration of the speed of modern warfare. All of the boys landed safely, though I held my breath when one parachute delayed opening until its occupant was a scarce thirty feet from the ground. I learned later that the battalion was a part of the group that flew here from England November 7 to take over this and several other airports. I am about to go to chow. We are pretty well fed here at present, but for a time if it had not been for our emergency “C rations” and such “K rations” as our friends in the combat crew could supply, we would have gone hungry. Many of the boys here bought oranges and eggs from the natives to supplement what we get at the mess tent and as Sluggo Coburne expressed it the other day, “If it were not for the G damned natives we Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued) would starve to death.” Some of the oranges are of a quality far in excellence to any I have eaten in the States. The several slices of bread and butter and apricot jam I had at the mess tent were equally as good as I used to piece on when I was a kid in grade school.” Coburne, "Sluggo", Sgt, armorer
L’Hotel de Vile in Oujda, Morocco – Occupied by the American Red Cross
La porte des tetes in Oujda, Morocco Monday, 15 March 1943 (continued)
Church at Oujda, Morocco
Boys’ school at Oujda, Morocco Tuesday, 16 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40s fly fighter-bomber operations against enemy positions as British ground forces prepare to conduct limited attacks as a preliminary to the main assault against the Mareth Line.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Mediterranean, B-17s attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily, leaving 2 small vessels aflame. Weather prevents completion of other bomber operations.
In Tunisia, fighters fly reconnaissance and patrols but bad weather hides enemy ground activity. The 346th and 348th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's arrive at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadrons will fly their first mission on 31 March.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The second mission took place on March 16, 1943 when 18 B-25s took off at 1305 to bomb railway junctions at Ain Ghrasesia. No bombs were dropped as it was not possible to reach the target due to weather conditions, and all planes returned at 1515. Two ME-109s made feint at 1415, place unknown, but were fired upon by one ship and they withdrew into the clouds. Flight leaders were Lieut. Col. Charles T. Olmsted, Maj. Bailey C. Cook and Capt. Raymond D. Sampson. Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, Group Executive Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander, 447th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 2/mission 2) Group Mission # 2: ------Mission Report # 2, 16 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1305 _18__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Railway Junction Ain Ghrasesia. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target _None_ returned early. _None_ dropped ___none___ bombs at _____ from ______No. A/C No. A/C No. & Type Time Altitude __18__ returned at 1515 to 1635. No. A/C Time
Tuesday, 16 March 1943 (continued)
3. Unable to reach target due to weather. Two ME-109’s made feint at 1415, place unknown, were fired on by one ship and withdrew into clouds.
4. Observation: Air – none. Marine – none. Flak – One gun, light flak at El Alem, fired several rounds.
5. Weather: To target – 8/10 – 6000 ft. Near target – Covered 10/10. Return – Covered 10/10, rain.
6. Press data – none.
Flight leaders: Lt. Col. Charles T. Olmsted Major Bailey C. Cook Capt. Raymond D., Sampson
Observers: Col. Kellogg Col. Crosthwaite
Eighteen (18) sorties flown. Francis R., Pemberton, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 2/mission 2) Group Mission # 2: Mission: Group # 2, Squadron # 2, 6 Sorties: At 13:00 the group sent eighteen B-25’s on its second mission. The target was the railroad junction at Ain Ghrasesia. Major Cook led the formation. Forty-one P-38’s of the 82nd fighter group were escorts, two of which returned early. The weather prevented completion of mission. All planes down safely at 18:40. Nine hundred rounds of ammunition expended to clear the guns.
A/C No. 41-13158 A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt CP Cratin, William S., 1Lt Butela, William F., 2Lt N Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt B Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt E Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt Chereski, John J., T/Sgt R Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt G Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt Crosthwaite, John C., Col, HQ 47th Wing F None None Tuesday, 16 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt CP Mamerow, George A., 2Lt Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt N None Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt B Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt Martine, William E., S/Sgt R Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt G Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt Grau, Robert B., 1Lt CP Gunter, Macon A., Jr., 2Lt Bitner, William H., 2Lt N None None B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt E Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt Wright, Warren D., Sgt G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt Boris, Michael (NMI), Sgt F None None
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 2/mission 2) Group Mission # 2: (446th BS did not participate)
447th BS War Diary: Lt. George Kamensky, tech. supply officer left Oujda for Ain M’Lila today by transport with a group of our enlisted men. Lts. S. Neprash and D. Chinnock left Oujda today for Ain M’Lila taking a convoy of motor vehicles. Chinnock, Donald R., 2Lt, communication Kamensky, George L., 1Lt, personal equipment Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 2/mission 2) Group Mission # 2: Nine of our planes took part in a mission today. It was the squadron’s first mission. The target was a rail road junction near Ain Ghrasesia but because of bad weather the formation had to turn back. This mission is referred to as the “ice mission” because of the extremely bad weather. Ice formed on the wings of the planes and visibility was almost zero. All our planes got back to the base safely and this in itself was considered very fortunate.
Tuesday, 16 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12961 “Spare Parts” A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 2Lt CP Jung, Roland W. “Wongy”, 2Lt McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt N None None B Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt Tate, Roy W., 2Lt E Nelson, James E., S/Sgt Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt R Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt G Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt Tornio, Raymond A., Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-13171 “Trigger” A/C No. 41-30002 P Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, Commander CP Ackley, James H., 2Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt N None Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt B Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt E Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt Smith, Douglas P., M/Sgt R Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt None listed – likely Hilton, Maurice J., T/Sgt G Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Brinkley, Hamilton M., 1Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt CP Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt N Hartis, John G., 2Lt Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator None listed – likely the navigator E Coursen, William C., T/Sgt Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt R Stanton, James E. “Jim”, T/Sgt Balsom, James P., T/Sgt G Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13176 “Alley Cat” A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P Burns, John P. “Buster”, 1Lt Bell, Albert R., Capt CP Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt N None None B Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt E Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt Joseph , Edward R., S/Sgt R Byerly, Lee E., Sgt Henderson, James B., M/Sgt G Woody, James A., S/Sgt Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt F None None
Tuesday, 16 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt CP Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt N None B Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt E Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt G Murphy, John F., S/Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 21) (The reason Lt Spikes assigned mission numbers out of numerical sequence is unknown) TARGET: Kerwin RR yards 2:10 Plane 000 “Unable to reach target. Flew over enemy territory. Was our first mission which was considered ½ sortie.”
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 2/mission 2) Group Mission # 2: Mission two (2): At 13:05 18 planes off to bomb RR junction at Ain Ghrasesia. No bombs dropped all planes returned at 16:35, bad weather, complete cloud cover over target, rain.
A/C No. 41-29776 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt Urquhart, Donald A., 2Lt CP Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt N Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator Navigator filling both B & N positions E Rohleder, Jack J., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Hilborne, Thomas G., Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), Sgt G Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30001 P Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st BG CP Plumlee, Eldon A., 2Lt N Boland, Chester H., 2Lt B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt E Cunningham, Burlin C., M/Sgt R Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt G Cobb, Dwight K., Sgt F None Wednesday, 17 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40s fly scramble and fighter-bomber operations as British ground forces continue local operations in preparation for the assault on the Mareth Line.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Weather cancels Northwest African Strategic Air Force bomber (NASAF) operations. Tactical fighters and light bombers fly numerous armed reconnaissance missions and sweeps over Sedjenane, Cap Serrat, and the Sidi Nsir area and attack ground forces east of Gafsa in preparation for the allied assault. The US II Corps opens an offensive to the east from the Gafsa area after air and artillery preparation. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft continue coastal and sea patrols. The 37th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group with P-38's transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Mediouna, French Morocco.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Low ceiling prevented any missions today.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Bad weather kept the planes on the ground today at Ain M’Lila. Lt. M. Holloway left Oujda today with another group of enlisted men by transport for Ain M’Lila. Holloway, McGlon T., 2Lt, intelligence
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Thursday, 18 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's, escorted by P-40's, bomb the harbor at Naples.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Weather cancels operations of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) bombers.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly sweeps and reconnaissance over the Sidi Nsir-Sedjenane-Medjez el Bab areas and attack a railway station, other buildings, railroad sidings, and motor transport at Temara.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Again the weather prevented any flights. The weather has been very dreary and cold.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Weather still bad at Ain M’Lila. Lt. Q. McDonald left Oujda today with another group of enlisted men by transport for Ain M’Lila. McDonald, Quentin H., 2Lt, intelligence
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Friday, 19 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): Colonel Uzal G. Ent assumes command of the IX Bomber Command, replacing Colonel Hugo P Rush. Ent AFB, Colorado was named for Col. Ent.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Landing grounds are non-operational due to continued bad weather. Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) and Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) cancel missions. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) aircraft fly routine patrols. The Northwest African Troop Carrier Command (Provisional), consisting of the 51st Troop Carrier Wing and its subordinate units, which are transferred from the XII Air Force Service Command, is activated. Colonel Ray A. Dunn is acting Commanding Officer.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: No flying today – poor weather. Today the ground echelon left Oujda for Ain M’Lila via 40 and 8’s.
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties at Ain M’Lila and Oujda.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: “This town, Ain M’Lila probably isn’t on any map you have, but its almost due south and 25 or 30 miles from Constantine, Algeria. It isn’t much of a town—we are camped right on the edge of it with our headquarters in an old granary. Our tents are to the west and our ships are parked to the east of the highway running south out of town. We are in a little valley that looks very much like some spots in West Texas. Rocky mountains all around and not a tree in sight. Lt. Manly says we are on what once was the bed of a lake; the dirt is black and rich and covered with grass. Dig 18 inches down and you hit water. Manly, Robert W. "Horse", 2Lt, intelligence We’ve been here now a week today—got here on March 12—exactly one month from the day we left DeRidder, and almost exactly nine months from June 13th! And one month from the day I kissed you good-bye! Up until now we’ve been pretty busy. It’s been rainy and cold, and our life in these tents has been more or less miserable. Our ground forces have been arriving in trickles by air transport from Oujda, taking more and more of the load off the flying personnel.
Friday, 19 March 1943 (continued)
But we’ve had to get settled in these canvas huts, get our ships ready for combat, and do the million little things it takes to set up our organization. We were ready for our first raid two days after we landed. In fact that is when our first raid did take place. Fifteen ships out of the Group---none out of our squadron, however—bombed an air field and returned with only a few flak holes to show for their ride. We have a flight scheduled for tomorrow, so I figured now would be the best time to do a little writing---before I go out and get shot at. The mission for tomorrow is another sea-sweep”
Saturday, 20 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Mareth area. AA is intense and all medium bombers suffer hits. P-40's escort bombers and carry out fighter-bomber and top cover operations as British ground troops open the assault on positions with infantry and artillery. The British 30 Corps gains a bridgehead across the Oued Zigzaou.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): North- west African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) is formed under the Northwest African Tactical Air Force with a small combined HQ which has under it the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), the RAF 326 Wing, and air echelons of 2 squadrons of the 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) which are attached for operational control. B-26's and B- 25's launch consecutive attacks against the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters fly escort and carry out numerous reconnaissance missions as the British Eighth Army opens an assault on the Mareth Line.
In the Mediterranean, B-25's bomb shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. HQ XII Fighter Command transfers from La Senia, Algeria to Algiers, Algeria. A detachment of the 59th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Group based at Berteaux, Algeria with P-40's begins operating from Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On March 20, 1943, the third mission took off at 0954, with 15 B-25s on a sea search. They dropped 24 five-hundred pound demolition bombs at 1205, from 150 and 7,500 feet. Thirteen of our aircraft returned at 1345. One merchant ship was hit near astern, set on fire and black smoke was seen coming out. A destroyer was straddled by four near misses from 7,500 feet. Two FW-109s and one ME-109 and one ME-110 were claimed as shot down. One pilot believes his bomb hit a second merchant vessel, but one engine had been hit and he could see the result, although bomb was dropped from 200 feet. One B-25 was hit in the right engine, which caught on fire. The fire was extinguished, but the plane was then shot down by fighters and was seen to land on water. Another B-25 was damaged by flak and fighters and crash-landed at Bone. The formation was attacked by ME-109s, ME-110s, FW-190s and JU-88s. Attacks were made from front, front quarter and tail. In attacks from rear, Mes would dive and climb, then roll on back and attack from the side in a split S. Two convoys of Seibel barges and 4 shops, respectively, were seen heading south at 12 knots. Two submarines were sighted between the two convoys at 1135. Flak was light, intense and accurate at lower levels. Around 7,000 feet, flak became accurate as to range, but inaccurate as to deflection. Flight leaders were Col Knapp and Capt. Sampson. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander, 447th BS
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
The fourth mission of 17 planes took off at 1330 on March 20, 1943 to bomb Tebaga North Landing Ground. They dropped 1,224 twenty-pound frag bombs from an altitude of 4,500 feet. All planes returned at 1620. Bombs were dropped on the target. Several single-engine planes were hit and one twin-engine bomber was seen to explode and burn on the field. Planes and revetments disappeared in dust and smoke. Approximately 20 S/E planes and 10 or more twin-engine ships were seen dispersed in revetments on the field. Four enemy fighters over the airdrome were observed to be attacked by Spitfires. Flak was light and heavy over the target. The flight leaders were Maj. Cook, Capt. Schwane and Lieut. Frank J. Griffith. Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Griffith, Frank J. "Grif", 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS Schwane, Henry H. "Hank", Capt, pilot, Commander, 446th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 3/mission 3) Group Mission # 3: ------Mission Report # 3, 20 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 0954 _15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. _None_ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission No. A/C ___5___ dropped 24 500lb demolition bombs at 1205 from 150 and 7500 ft. No. A/C No. & Type Time Altitude __13__ returned at 1345. No. A/C Time
3. One merchant ship was hit near stern, set on fire and black smoke seen coming out. A destroyer was straddled by 4 near misses from 7500 ft. Two FW-190’s and one ME-110 were claimed shot down. One pilot believes his bomb hit a second merchant vessel, but one engine was hit and he could not see result, although bomb was dropped from 200 ft. One B-25 was hit in right engine which caught on fire. Fire was extinguished but plane was then shot down by fighters and seen to land on water. One plane damaged by flak and fighters crash-landed at Bone.
4. Air: ME-109’s, ME-110’s, FW-120’s and JU-88’s attacked formation. Some attacks were made from front, front quarter and from tail. In attacks from rear, ME’s would dive and climb, then roll on back and attack from the side in a split S.
Marine: One convoy of 9 Siebel barges at 1122 at 37°35’N,(coordinate missing) headed S at 12 knots. Another convoy of 4 ships at 1140 at 37°40’N, 11°12’E headed S at 12 knots. Two subs between convoy were sighted at 1135.
Flak – Light flak intense and accurate at lower levels. Accurate as to range, but inaccurate as to deflection around 7000 ft.
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
5. Weather: To target – few rainstorms and broken. At target – clouds from 2500 ft. to 12000 ft. Return – few rainstorms, improving.
6. Press data – none.
Number of sorties flown this date – 15.
Flight leaders: Colonel Robert D., Knapp Capt. Raymond D., Sampson
Francis R., Pemberton, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4: ------Mission Report # 4, 20 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1330 _17__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Tebaga North LG. _None_ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. __17___ dropped 1224 20lb frag at 1450 from 4500 ft. __13__ No. A/C No. & Type Time Altitude No. A/C returned at 1620. Time
3. Results: Bombs dropped on target. Several single engine planes were hit and one twin engine bomber was seen to exploded and burn on the field. Planes and revetments disappeared in dust and smoke. Approximately 50 S/E planes and 10 or more twin engine ships seen dispersed in revetments on field.
4. Observations: Air: 4 enemy fighters over airdrome, attacked by Spitfires. Naval: None. Flak: Light and heavy flak noted over target. None elsewhere.
5. Weather: To target: Scattered clouds 7000 – 9000 ft. 5/10 average. Over target and on route there and back.
6. Press data: None.
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
Flight leaders: Major Bailey C. Cook Capt. Henry H., Schwane Lieut. Frank J., Griffith
Francis R., Pemberton, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 3/mission 3) Group Mission # 3: Mission: Group # 3, Squadron # 3, 8 Sorties: Colonel Knapp led fifteen B-25’s which took off at 09:50 to attack shipping between Tunisia and Sicily Twenty-three P-38’s were escorts, two of which returned early. At 12:05, 24 x 500 lb. (6 x 500 lb by the 445th). Lt. Rudolph dropped the only bombs in our squadron. The demolition bombs were dropped from 150 to 750 feet on four merchant vessels and two escort vessels. One merchant vessel was set on fire. Near misses were scored on one escort vessel. Poor visibility hindered the attack. Intense light flak was encountered over the target. One bomber in the lower element had an engine shot out and was later attacked by three enemy aircraft and crashed into the sea. The bombers were attacked by 25 ME-109’s, ME-110’s, FW - 190’s and JU-88’s over the target. No claims were made. One gunner was killed and an engineer wounded in another aircraft. One B-25 crash landed at Bone. Thirteen ships returned at 14:45. 8,500 rounds of ammunition expended. In spite of the fact that this was a good and rough mission, the boys are in good spirits and raring to go back.
A/C No. 41-13158 A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG Grau, Robert B., 1Lt Commander CP Cratin, William S., 1Lt Bitner, William H., 2Lt N Larson, Harold W., 2Lt None B Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt E Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt R Carson, Donald (NMI), S/Sgt Choka, Andrew J., S/Sgt G Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt F Nichols, William C., Sgt None
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt CP Mamerow, George A., 2Lt Olson, Walter N., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt B Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt None listed – likely Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt R Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt G Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt F None Crumb, Lloyd P., 2Lt (observer) A/C No. 41-13183 A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie” P Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt CP Johnson, Richard S., 2Lt Gunter, Macon A., Jr., 2Lt N Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt E Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt R Boyd, Hugh A., S/Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt G Campbell, Theodore W., S/Sgt Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt McGee, William N., 2Lt CP O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt N Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt None B Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt E Martine, William E., S/Sgt Pierce, Richard H., T/Sgt R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt F None None
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4: (445th BS did not participate)
446th BS War Diary: Usual combat zone activities.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 3/mission 3) Group Mission # 3: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4: Group mission # 4, Squadron # 2: Formation led by Major Schwane to a L/G north of Djebel Tebaga. Frag bombs were dropped with excellent results.
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt, Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt Commander CP Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt N McCarter, Elmer H., Capt None B Brown, John Roland, 2Lt Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Martin, William L., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., S/Sgt Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt G Reeves, Charles F., M/Sgt Lovell, Curtis L., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 41-13192 P Schmidt, Frederick C. “Fred”, 2Lt Porter, Jack Grafton, 2Lt CP Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt Browning, Eugene S. “Squif”, 2Lt N None None B Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt Marek, Joseph Rudolph, 2Lt E Ludwig, Elvin C., Sgt Lytle, Logan Lee, Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, Sgt Nicholson, John E., S/Sgt G Freimuth, Andrew G., Cpl Halko, John J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13212 A/C No. 41-29760 “Honky Tonk” P Stine, Donald A., 2Lt Bailey, Harold Merle “Buzz”, 2Lt CP Cox, James L., 2Lt Coffey, Noel Francis, 2Lt N None None B Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt Meehan, James M., 2Lt E Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt Perkins, Lawrence W., S/Sgt R Trepple, John J., Pvt Shields, James A., Sgt G Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt Sarver, Lawrence J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 41-29771 P Garmon, James M. “Max”, 2Lt VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt CP Dains, Thomas E., 2Lt Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt N None None B Beyer, William J., 2Lt Harris, Posey T., 2Lt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, Pvt Hoffman, Louis E., T/Sgt G Wray, Charles E., Sgt Haresign, James M., Sgt F None None
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: Our squadron participated in two missions today. Lt. R. Richardson arrived at Ain M’Lila today. He was left behind at Borinquen Field Feb 16 for an engine change. S/Sgts. Perpich, Noble, Drogosch credited with one E/A each shot down during sea sweep. Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner Perpich, Joseph G, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Richardson, Robert W. "Rich", 2Lt, pilot
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 3/mission 3) Group Mission # 3: The first was a sea sweep. A convoy was sighted and attacked. During the attack two of our planes were seriously crippled by flak, the one flown by Lt. Albert Duke and the one flown by Lt. J.P. Burns. Then fighters attacked and Lt. Duke was shot down at sea. With him were his CP, Lt. Ackley; Bombardier, Lt. Douglas Orr; and gunners, S/Sgts. Govoni, Noble and Drogosch. Five enemy fighters attacked Lt. Burns’ ship. He was alone and his turret gunner, S/Sgt Woody had been killed. Shortly afterwards his tail gun was shot out leaving only his two waist guns to fight off the attackers. S/Sgt Woody had managed to shoot down one of the fighters before they got him. The other gunners chased the rest of the fighters away. Lt. Burns made a crash landing at Bone. There were over two hundred bullet holes in his plane but he called in tonight and reported that all the crew were safe except S/Sgt. Woody. With Lt. Burns were his CP, Lt. Cohagan; Bombardier, Lt. Lingrel; and gunners, S/Sgts Woody, Perpich and Byerly. No word was received from Lt. Duke’s crew today and they are assumed lost. Thus the squadron suffered its first casualties of the war today.
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-12961 “Spare Parts” P Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt Commander CP Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt Jung, Roland W. “Wongy”, 2Lt N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator None listed – likely the navigator E Smith, Douglas P., M/Sgt Nelson, James E., S/Sgt R Hilton, Maurice J., T/Sgt Betmarik, Aleis (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13171 “Trigger” (shot A/C No. 41-13176 “Alley Cat” (crash down) landed P Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt Burns, John P. “Buster”, 2Lt CP Ackley, James H., 2Lt Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt N None None B Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose” , 2Lt E Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt Perpich, Joseph G, S/Sgt R Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt Byerly, Lee E., S/Sgt G Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt Woody, James A., S/Sgt F None None
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Runner” Ball” P Morton, William H. “Mort”, 1Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt CP Morganti, Clyde J., 2Lt Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt N Black, Donald (NMI) “Blackie”, 2Lt Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator None listed – likely the navigator E O’Donnell, Vincent T., S/Sgt Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt R Fryer, John R., T/Sgt Balsom, James P., T/Sgt G Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 2Lt CP Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt N Colby, John W., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt R Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt G Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt F None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4: The second mission today was over the landing ground at Mezzouna. Only one of our planes participated. All the planes on this mission returned safely.
A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt CP Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt N None B Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt E Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt R None listed - G Wilson, Leo W., Pvt F None
447th BS Special Account: On March 20 the squadron took part in a sea sweep and it was on this date that we suffered our first battle casualty. A convoy was sighted and attacked. Flak from the ships damaged the planes flown by Lts. Albert Duke and J. P. Burns. Then fighters attacked and Lt. Duke’s plane was shot down and crashed into the sea at a point about fifty miles behind enemy lines. S/Sgt. Govoni, the tail gunner, was killed before the crash but the rest of Lt. Duke’s crew managed to get into the life raft. There were five of them: Lt. Duke, Lt. J. Howard Ackley, Lt. Douglas Orr, S/Sgt. Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
Francis Noble, and S/Sgt Robert C. Drogosch. They rowed to shore and made their way back to friendly outposts after three days and nights behind enemy lines. Lt. Orr, Lt. Ackley, S/Sgt. Noble, and S/Sgt. Drogosch later received the Purple Heart for injuries received when the plane crashed. Lt. Burns had one engine shot out and was limping toward home when five enemy fighters attacked him. By skillfully maneuvering his plane so as to give his gunners full advantage he enabled them to drive the fighters off and made a successful crash landing at the friendly base of Bone. The turret gunner, S/Sgt. James A. Woody was killed by fire from the fighters. The rest of the crew escaped without serious injury. They were: Lt. Burns, Lt. McKinley, Lt. B. Cohagan, Lt. Paul W. Lingrel, S/Sgt. Joseph Perpich, S/Sgt. Lee Byerly. Lt. Burns received the Distinguished Flying Cross for this action. S/Sgt. Joseph Perpich received the Purple Heart. Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Burns, John P. “Buster”, 2Lt, pilot Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt, bombardier Perpich, Joseph G, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Byerly, Lee E., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Woody, James A., S/Sgt, turret-gunner Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt, bombardier Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Drogosch, Robert C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: (although Lt Duke & Crew didn’t return to the 447th until 27 Mar 43, this entry is placed here for continuity) “…no one in the outfit is very fond of sea-sweeps! Too many ships have turned up either missing or all shot to pieces. Burns and Duke, to begin with---and now several others I’d rather not write about. Burns brought his ship down in a crash landing at Bone==shot full of holes. We have pictures of it now at headquarters and, believe me, it looks like a sieve. They immeasurably increase my faith in the ability of the B-25 to fly under adverse battle conditions. …Duke went down at sea---and miraculously lived to tell about it. In fact, all but one member of his crew (the engineer) escaped with minor injuries. This is what happened according to Lt. James H. Ackley, the co-pilot, as best as I can gather. Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Burns, John P. “Buster”, 2Lt, pilot Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot They were flying No. 4 position of a flight of four ships and were flying it close. Oil was leaking out of the right engine and going back over the wing. They had had a little trouble with it during the attack, but it was working O.K. on the trip home. But the oil on their wing was their ruin. Enemy fighters (ME-109’s—yellow nose jobs, indicating Goering’s prize squadron) picked Duke’s ship as a possible cripple, and concentrated their attack on them. They were doing O.K. in holding off their attackers, Sgt. Noble, the turret gunner shot down one ME-109 and Sgt. Drogosch the radio operator on the waist guns, shot down another. One Nazi, however, paid no attention whatever to the fire power concentrated on him and came boring in spite of it. He did a
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued) good job. His fire raked the ship from one end to the other---a 20 mm shell exploded in the navigator’s compartment, tearing things up generally. But other than a few cuts on their hands and faces, did no damage to Duke and Ackley. A string of 20mm shells hit the right engine, going back across the wing towards the fuselage and the tail section. That was the burst that did the dirty work. The engine caught fire and quit. The wheel assembly came down out of the nacelle and hung there. The right wing flaps came down and fell off. The right wing itself was badly shot up and weakened. The tail section was riddled, and Sgt. Govoni, the engineer on the tail gun, was killed. He never knew what hit him. Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Drogosch, Robert C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner Duke had no choice but to set it down---and that was a job! His ship just wouldn’t fly, dropping fast. He tried to slow it down by closing the throttle, but it was falling so fast it kept its speed. Nothing to do but hit and hang on… They hit---and what a wallop it must have been. The ship broke into three pieces- --the right wing came off and the fuselage broke just aft of the turret. The radio operator had hold of the life raft release when they hit, and in falling, released the raft. Duke, for some reason, had his safety belt off and bounced around in the cockpit doing various and sundry damage to his ribs, head and hands. Ackley got a nice cut from his hair line down over his forehead, but isn’t sure just where or when he got it. Doug Orr, the bombardier, got out O.K. with minor scratches. When they hit, Orr was back in the navigator’s compartment, and when the forward motion of the ship ceased, water came gushing up in to it with such force that Orr, Ackley, and Duke were washed out through the pilot’s escape hatch. They don’t know who got out first, but Ackley claims they all went out together… The radio operator got out safely with only slight bruises and scratches, but Sgt. Noble was knocked unconscious in the crash. The ship sank in 20 to 25 seconds so there was no time to try to reach him. However, as the ship went down Noble was revived by the cold water and swam out the only hole he could see over the riddled body of Sgt. Govoni. Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator After he was clear of the ship, Ackley discovered himself in trouble. His parachute harness was still fastened across his chest and he had inflated one side of his Mae West life jacket. The inflated side, in expanding, had tightened the chute harness so that he couldn’t unfasten it---and the heavy pack kept pulling him down in the water. It was all he could do to hang on to the raft while the others unfastened his harness. Finally free of it he crawled into the raft, and then, he said, he promptly got mad! While
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued) it was on him and he couldn’t get it off, his chute pack dragged him under---but when he got free, the damned thing began to float! His little experience taught us never to inflate our Mae West under our chute harness. As the ship sank one ME-109 returned, circled low over them, and headed back toward Tunisia. Taking stock of their situation, they decided they were about 10 or 15 miles off Cape Serrat----enemy territory! But it was land, and land being their main interest, they began to paddle for it. They paddled with everything they had as fast as they could---arriving on the mainland at about 1 or 2 in the morning---or after about 12 hours of paddling! They landed in enemy territory and it took them 3½ days of walking to get back inside our lines. They walked mostly in the hills---the coast was generally too rocky--- and they found it easier to dodge enemy patrols by staying in wooded country. Duke was the only one anywhere near seriously injured---the bouncing around in the cockpit when they hit the water gave him a pretty good beating. He was in pain quite a bit of the time-- -going sort of out of his head at times. They gave him morphine on several occasions until they ran out. They had a time getting food, and most of the time they did without. Doug Orr can speak a little French and succeeded in getting a little food from Arabs. Orr, Douglas Cameron “Doug”, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator They hired one Arab to guide them safely to the Allied lines, but after careful checking on their compasses, decided he was taking them to an enemy outpost. They thought they might kill him, but decided against it as it could easily rouse the Arabs against them. To they gave him the slip. They waded rivers, climbed hills and rock, and somehow got through to the British. Somewhere along the line they met a Frenchman who had escaped the Nazis and who knew the country pretty well. They all admit he was a big help—especially in dealing with Arabs. The British treated them royally---gave them new clothes, fed them well and often, treated their injuries, and after a few days, sent them back to us. Duke kept complaining of headaches and is now in a hospital somewhere. The rest of them are in either Oran or Algiers for a rest cure. Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Well I am now more or less a veteran! At least I’ve had my baptism of fire---and came out a little the worse for it. But, considering what happened to a few of the ships and crews and what we stumbled into and out of, we are probably the luckiest crew on the line. Our mission was a sea-sweep: north from here to the sea, then east to the area between Tunisia and Sicily, and return (?) Fifteen ships made the run; nine were to bomb any target encountered from 9,000 ft., and six were to bomb from low altitude, which means 200 or 300 feet. The latter chore is definitely considered the most exciting and, at the same time, the most fatal. I was in the lower formation…
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued)
Col. Knapp led the upper formation and Capt. Sampson led the lower. Col. Olmsted was to have led the bottom bunch but was unable to start his engines. Seel, Sammy and Burns were the first element and Fineman and I flew on Duke’s Wings to make up the second. Burns, John P., 2Lt, pilot Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander Seel, Peter B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot According to plan the two formations were to stay together on the deck until a target was sighted, then the upper nine were to climb to 9,000 ft. and bomb. The lower flight was to circle out of range and, as soon as the bombs from above hit on or near the target, close for their minimum altitude attack. The two formations then were to get for home individually…but fast! The idea is that the high altitude bombing will so upset and confuse the enemy that the lower element can come in before they can collect their wits enough to do any effective firing. Such a plan, if carried out, is O.K. But there happened to be a thin cloud layer at about 5,000 feet and the upper formation never bombed. We must have circled the convoy for 15 or 20 minutes, waiting for the upper element to do something. They, however, flew up and down and around and around. Finally, one ship dropped its bombs at one of the two large transports in the convoy of five. The other three were naval escort vessels and are to be avoided if possible on low level attacks. Too many guns! By the time those bombs hit we had collected the small matter of three enemy fighters. Our escort of P-38s were tangled with a bunch of them off to one side and couldn’t see their way clear for a while to come chase the ones off our tail. Sammy did a few evasive turns, but those boys hung on, pumping lead at us as though they meant business. Glancing down out of the corner of my eye I could see their 20mm shells bursting just below us---and I just naturally snuggled back into the corner of my armor plate. It certainly was consoling to reflect on the thickness of that stuff! Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander Either our gun fire or the P-38s that came in about then drove the Nazis away and we weren’t bothered by them any more---that is, I wasn’t. Sammy had us at what he considered a good spot to attack, so we turned into the convoy, heading for the larger transport. We began to bounce around doing sharp evasive turns and climbs and dives. Then Duke cut off to the right, evidently to attack another vessel. Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Just as he turned and I banked to stay with him, all hell seemed to have a death grip on my elevator controls If you have ever tried to hold the hind leg of a yearling calf, you can have some idea of the job I had holding that control post! I thought for a second that I was out of control and would have to hit the water. I started a turn to the left—
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued) away from the target---and remember looking at the water and hoping---I suppose---to find a dry spot. It didn’t look too inviting! When he saw that we were not going to attack, Colby salvoed our bombs, and as we pulled away a few P-38s circled us for a minute or two until we got fairly well away and under an overcast we could use to hide in case of an attack. Then, suddenly, we were alone---and we felt as if it had settled down to just us against the whole damned universe! Colby, John W., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator I didn’t know how badly we were hurt but, except for the terrific jerking in the control column, the ship seemed to react to control more or less normally. Then someone in the back said something on the interphone about the life raft and the left elevator. I looked as far to the rear as I could out of my window and saw the life raft flapping gaily on our elevator stabilizer! About that time, I think, we saw land ahead and to the left of us. I headed for it, hoping to be as near as possible if we had to go down. That turned out to be a mistake--- not a bad one as it developed, but it had beautiful possibilities of being my last one! The elevator controls still shook, but sometime during our run away the shaking had diminished considerably. It was now more of a quiver and the ship was no longer so difficult to control. It flew almost normally. I didn’t have time to wonder why or exactly when it stopped, but I found out later that the turret gunner had manned a waist gun and had shot the CO2 bottle that was beating hell out of the control surfaces. That one little job saved me no end of worry and trouble and may even have saved the ship and our lives. That shot took nerve---a miss just a couple of inches low our entire left elevator and rudder may well have gone. But the problem at the moment was the land we were approaching. Where in hell are we? There was a lake just in-shore with ships of all sizes in it and a town on the far right (west) side built on the slope of a hill. Colby looked his maps over for that lake and that town. It wasn’t on the map where he thought it should have been. We were a mite slow in figuring it out. Suddenly big black bursts of smoke appeared on all sides---and close! Colby’s eyes got as big as half-dollars and he yelled: ‘That’s Bizerte! Let’s get the hell out of here!’ Colby, John W., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator His suggestion was the best he ever made and so I did some evasive action---mild stuff, though, for fear of what might happen to the elevator. I still didn’t know how badly it was damaged. At the moment it seemed to be flying O.K., and that was all that I was interested in. We headed west for a while, dodging around and through rain showers until we got to Cape Rosa where we set our course for home. Several small groups of P-38s gave us a few scares until we were able to identify them. Otherwise, we made it home without incident. Just as we came within sight of the field, Lalum called over the interphone from the tail, “Sir your entire left elevator control surface is gone. Thought I’d tell you before
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued) you landed.” He shouldn’t have said that! I had been scared enough for one day and with that I got enough for a lifetime… Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner With the exception of a little extra pressure forward on the stick on our approach, the ship landed normally. When I cut the switches, Nixon stuck his hand out to me and whispered something like ‘Thank God!’ and grinned a grin that had his heart in it. Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt, pilot, It developed that besides the life raft on the tail, a 20mm shot had had caught the elevator squarely and had knocked a hole in it almost as big as the surface itself. Checking up, we could find no reason for the life raft to come out—the safety catch had been wired down just the night before and, although the cover and latch were gone, we could find no evidence of it’s have been shot. Further investigation revealed that one gun on the turret had been bent. It, of course, was useless during the flight. The tail gun, too, had been out of order although both of them had checked out O.K. shortly after we took off. The trouble with the tail gun was a faulty feed, but we have never figured out what bent the turret gun. If they were pointed toward the port side when the life raft flew out, the right gun would have been hit, but it was the left gun that was bent. That one will probably never be explained. We landed just ahead of the main formation and when we found out what happened to the rest of the boys, we began to realize how very lucky we had been! Duke and Ackley had been shot down at sea on the way home, and no one knew how they had fared. Burns had had to feather an engine right after the attack on the target and had been considerably shot up by fighters on the way home. He had crash landed at Bone with his engineer wounded and his gunner dead. His ship had been all shot to pieces. Fineman’s ship had a jagged hole in one of the main braces in the bomb bay section and had been shot up generally. Seel’s airplane had suffered generally, too. His hydraulic system was cutup and they had to lower the wheels and flaps manually---never an easy job. A flak shell had gone completely through his wing, inboard of the right engine, going through a gas tank on the way. Capt. Sampson got one .30 caliber hole in his wing—nothing more! These men came back over almost the same route we did. They got hit by fighters, and we, alone and crippled, didn’t. You explain it, if it isn’t luck, pure and simple!!! Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Fineman, Ernest, 1Lt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 3/mission 3) Group Mission # 3: (448th BS did not participate)
Saturday, 20 March 1943 (continued) 448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/mission 4) Group Mission # 4: Mission three (4): At 13:30 17 planes off to bomb L/G at Tebaga North. 1224 bombs dropped at 14:50 at 4,500 feet. All planes down 16:20. Approximately 40 to 50 S/E planes and 10 two engine planes were seen dispersed around field, some in revetments. Bombs dropped among planes and several S/E planes left burning, one two engine plane seen to explode. Slight heavy, inaccurate flak. Four enemy planes were attacked by Spitfires and did not come in. Weather: Scattered clouds 5/10th at 7000 feet. A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” A/C No. 41-29770 P Culp, Merle H., 1Lt Plumlee, Eldon A., 2Lt CP Stewart, John C., 2Lt DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt N Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt Boland, Chester H., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator Navigator filling both B & N positions E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., Sgt Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13163 A/C No. 41-29765 P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 2Lt Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt CP Bruton, John E., 2Lt McCurry, Milton L., 2Lt N Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt R Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt Wallace, John R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13205 A/C No. 41-29769 P Davies, Robert D., 2Lt McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 2Lt CP Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Campbell, John F., 2Lt N Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt Mims, Joe Argailus, 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator None listed – likely the navigator E Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt R Lottes, Richard O., Sgt Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt G Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” A/C No. 41-30001 P Sinclair, Ervin W. Jr., 1Lt Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander, 445th BS CP Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt Bowman, William W., 2Lt N None Ligarde Honore (NMI), 2Lt B Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F None None Sunday, 21 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy during the night of 20/21 March, B-24's attack the harbor and surrounding area of Naples, hitting a vessel, the city area, and in the vicinity of the railroad yards.
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb targets, including a highway, in the Gabes area. They are escorted by almost 100 P-40's.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, during the night of 20/21 March, RAF Wellingtons bomb the docks at Ferryville. On the morning of 21 Mar, B-17's, with P-38 escort, attack the landing grounds at Djebel Tebaga, and Mezzouna. Elements of the US 1st Armored Division push toward Maknassy, placing it under artillery fire in preparation for the assault on the town. The 35th Troop Carrier Squadron, 64th Troop Carrier Group which has been operating it's C-47's from Telergma, Algeria returns to its base at Blida, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The fifth mission of 17 planes took off at 1305 on March 21, 1943 to bomb the landing ground at Mezzouna. No bombs were dropped, as the target was not reached due to bad weather and because the fighter-escort failed to show up. Flight leaders were Capt. Clayton H. Heinlen and Lieut. Clayton Isaacson. Col. Crosthwaite was an observer.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX: ------(No mission report) OPERATIONS ORDER # 5, 21 Mar 1943 1. Order Number (Tel message): (1583) (A). 2. Target: Landing Ground, Djebel – Tebaga (N). 3. Number and Type aircraft sent (Squadron breakdown): 16, B-25’s. (445 – 9) (447 – 6) (448 – 1) 4. Route out: Ain M’Lila to local, circling, awaiting escort which did not appear. 5. T.O.T. (on sweep this is I.P.): Target not reached – Weather and no escort. 6. Route back: Local to Ain M’Lila. 7. Number and type fighters (Friendly): Did not show up. 8. Bomb load: Maximum frag cluster. 9. Signal Instructions: None. 10. KNAPP. CHARLES T. OLMSTED Lt. Colonel, Air Corps, Operations Officer. ------Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 6/mission 5) Group Mission # 5: ------Mission Report # 5, 21 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1305 _17__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ L/G at Mezzouna N. _None_ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. _None_ dropped ___any___ bombs at __0_ from ___0__. __17__ No. A/C No. & Type Time Altitude No. A/C returned at 1500. Time
3. Returned because of weather and no escort.
4. None.
5. Increasing cloudiness towards target area at 6000 to 14000 ft.
6. None.
Number of sorties flown this date – 17.
Flight leaders: Captain Clayton H., Heinlen Lieut. Clayton Isaacson
Observer: Colonel Crosthwaite. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: Capt. MacFarlane was transferred to Hq. Lt. J.B. Fisher assigned from Hq. On this date, the remainder of the ground crew left Oujda for Ain M’Lila. Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt, pilot MacFarlane, William V., Capt, pilot, Personnel Officer
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX: Col. Olmsted led today’s formation of 17 B-25’s (9 from the 445th) which took off at 13:05 hours to bomb Mezzouna with fragmentation bombs. The mission was incomplete due to the weather conditions and failure of 24 P-38’s to rendezvous which was to be our escort. Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt CP Mamerow, George A., 2Lt Olson, Walter N., 2Lt N None Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt B Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt R Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, S/Sgt Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt G Ewald, Paul E., T/Sgt Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt CP Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt N Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt Martine, William E., S/Sgt R Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt Matthews, Earl L., S/Sgt G Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie” A/C No. 41-13158 P Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt Cratin, William S., 1Lt CP Gunter, Macon A., Jr., 2Lt Bitner, William H., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt Nichols, William C., M/Sgt G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt Bruyneel, Dennis A., T/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-29772 “The Wolf” P McGee, William N., 2Lt Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt CP Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt Butela, William F., 2Lt N None Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt B McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Pierce, Richard H., T/Sgt Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt R Nebesnak, Edward R., S/Sgt Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt G Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt Reasoner, Erie E., S/Sgt F None None
Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13183 P Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt CP Johnson, Richard S., 2Lt N None B Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt E Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt R Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt G Campbell, Theodore W., S/Sgt F None
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 6/mission 5) Group Mission # 5: (445th BS did not participate)
446th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 6/mission 5) Group Mission # 5: Group mission # 5, Squadron # 3: led by Lt. Griffith. The target was a L/G at Mezzouna, but because of bad weather and lack of escort, the target was not reached.
A/C No. 41-29760 “Honky Tonk” A/C No. 41-13212 P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt Stine, Donald A., 1Lt CP Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt Cox, James L., 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt None B Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt R Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt Trepple, John J., Sgt G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12928 “Buzz Wagon” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Bailey, Harold Merle “Buzz”, 1Lt Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt CP Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt Carlisle, Howard L., 2Lt N McCarter, Elmer H., Capt Cosner, Oliver J. “Ollie”, 1Lt B Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt E Mitchell, Edgar V. S/Sgt Martin, William L., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., S/Sgt Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt G Grant, Ronald A., S/Sgt Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None None
Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13196 “Avenger” A/C No. 41-29771 P Lovingood, Willard J. “Bill”, 1Lt VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt CP Cleary, Philip B., 2Lt Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt N None None B Cordes, Jacob H., Jr., 1Lt Harris, Posey T., 2Lt E Kralicek, Frank C., S/Sgt Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., S/Sgt Hoffman, Louis E., T/Sgt G Belser, Oscar L., S/Sgt Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13197 P Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt CP Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt N None B Beyer, William J., 2Lt E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt G Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt F None
447th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX: The squadron was scheduled to participate in a mission today and some of the planes did take off. The weather closed in, however, and the planes turned back. The remainder of the ground echelon at Oujda boarded a train today for Ain M’Lila.
A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt Brinkley, Hamilton M., 1Lt CP Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Hartis, John G., 2Lt E Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt R Balsom, James P., T/Sgt Stanton, James E. “Jim”, T/Sgt G Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30002 A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 2Lt CP Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt N None None B Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt Tate, Roy W., 2Lt E Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt R Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt G Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt Tornio, Raymond A., Cpl F None None Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle Lady” II” P DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt CP Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt N None None B Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt E Joseph, Edward R., S/Sgt Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt R Wilson, Leo W., Pvt O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt Murphy, John F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” (spare) (only A/C and pilot identified – likely crew is) P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt CP Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt N Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator E Parker, Robert (NMI), S/Sgt R Jondro, John M., Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., M/Sgt F None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 6/mission 5) Group Mission # 5: (447th BS did not participate)
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 22) TARGET: Mezzouna L/G 1:55 Plane 371 “Failed to reach target because of weather and no escort.”
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/mission 5) Group Mission # XX:
A/C No. 41-29770 P Olmsted, Charles T., Col, HQ 321st BG CP Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt N Boland, Chester H., 2Lt B Mims, Joe Argailus, 2Lt E Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt G Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt F None
Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 6/mission 5) Group Mission # 5: Mission four (6): At 12:40 17 planes off to bomb but when fighter escort failed to meet at rendezvous point, mission returned after circling slight into enemy territory. Weather: Very poor visibility.
A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” A/C No. 441-29765 P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt CP Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt N Colby, Arthur R., 2Lt Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Wallace, John R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13170 A/C No. 41-29776 P Stultz, Raymond B., 1Lt Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt CP Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt N Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Rohleder, Jack J., S/Sgt R Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt Hilborne, Thomas G., Sgt G Mahan, John J., S/Sgt Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-13205 P Moore, Leland A., 1Lt Davies, Robert D., 1Lt CP Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt N Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt R Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt Lottes, Richard O., Sgt G Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13163 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Veum, Ole E., 1Lt Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt CP Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt N Holt, William E., 2Lt Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt F None None
Sunday, 21 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” A/C No. 41-29770 P Culp, Merle H., 1Lt Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st BG CP Stewart, John C., 2Lt Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt N Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Boland, Chester H., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Mims, Joseph A., 2Lt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., Sgt Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30001 P Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander CP Bowman, William W., 2Lt N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F None
Monday, 22 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, during the night of 21/22 Mar, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, bomb Naples.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Gabes area, bombing a road junction, motor transport, and troop concentrations. P-40's fly 5 escort missions during the day. British ground forces, after expanding the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead during 21/22 Mar, are severely handicapped by heavy rain. The enemy counter-attacks and forces 50 Division to give ground.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In the Atlantic, German submarine U-524, is sunk north of the Canary Islands at 3O-15N 18-13W, by aircraft of 1st Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy).
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) Wellingtons hit the landing ground near Sfax during the night of 21/22 March. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous reconnaissance and patrol missions while A-20's bomb Mezzouna and fighter-bombers hit motor transport and tanks in the northern Tunisian battle area.
In the Mediterranean, B-26's on a sea sweep attack vessels near Zembra Island.
In Sicily, B-17's bomb shipping in the harbor at Palermo.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: There is no mission today. We had eight ships to fly practice formation flights. The weather continues to be very unpleasant.
446th BS War Diary: Balance of Squadron left Oujda for Ain M’Lila.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties at Ain M’Lila. Ground echelon enroute.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Tuesday, 23 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's bomb Messina, concentrating on the ferry slip.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit the Mareth area. P-40's fly fighter-bomber operations and bomber escort over the battle area as the British 50 Division withdraws from the Oued Zigzaou bridgehead under cover of artillery fire.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, during the night of 22/23 March, RAF Wellingtons hit El Maou Airfield near Sfax. During the day, B-17's bomb shipping in Bizerte harbor. Fighters fly reconnaissance and patrol, bomb and strafe trucks, tanks, and troops near Bir Zallujah, hit tanks and trucks east of Mezzouna and Maknassy, and east of El Guettar, where the enemy ground forces are making thrusts toward the town.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled for today. There were a couple practice formation flights and 1 ship was slow timed. The Arabs have presented themselves as quite a problem by helping themselves to such things which they call “souvenirs” such as barracks bags and the men’s equipment.
446th BS War Diary: Squadron en route.
447th BS War Diary: Two mission were scheduled for today but had to be cancelled because the weather.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Wednesday, 24 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, B-24's attack the ferry installations at Messina. Direct hits are scored in the target area and adjacent railroad yards and naval oil and storage tanks are set afire. Just before midnight, RAF Liberators, under operational control of the IX Bomber Command, blast the docks at Messina.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit Zarat. P-40's fly an escort, armed reconnaissance, and strafing mission. The British Eighth Army prepares to assault the west flank of the Mareth Line.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's hit shipping and the dock area at Ferryville. B-26's bomb the La Smala des Souassi landing ground and B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga North landing ground. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) A-20's and B-25's hit troop concentrations near El Guettar (where the US 1st Infantry Division is under attack) and the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters escort bombers and strafe ground forces along the battleline. HQ 68th Observation Group and its 16th and 122nd Observation Squadrons transfer from Oujda, French Morocco to Berrechid, French Morocco. The 16th and 122nd, with P-38's, P-39's, P-40's and Spitfires, begin training fighter pilots.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The sixth mission took off at 1435 on March 24, 1943 with 15 planes to bomb Djebel Tebaga (N). They dropped 1,056 twenty-pound frag bombs from 7,000 feet at 1554. Three planes were seen taking off in the path of bomb bursts. Seven or eight planes were seen on the ground and in revetments on the south side of the field. Flak positions were hit and strafed. Landing ground was well covered with bursts. Flak was heavy and intense: the altitude correct, but somewhat behind. Flight leaders were: Capt. Schwane, Lieut. Peter D. Taylor, Capt. Sampson and Lieut. Hamilton M. Brinkley. Observers were Col. Crosthwaite, Maj Pinger and Maj. Pemberton. Fourteen planes returned at 1710. One B-25 was struck by flak near the target and the tail was blown off. Four parachutes were observed in the air. Casualties were Lieuts. Donald A. Stine, Lieut. James L. Cox, Lieut. Ernest T. Brewster, Sgt. Howard H. Midkiff, Sgt. John J. Trepple and Sgt. Thomas A. Lewis, all of the 446th Bombardment Squadron. Lieut. Stine was later reported as being a prisoner of war of the German Army. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, Group Intelligence Officer Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Group Surgeon Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander, 447th BS Schwane, Henry H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 446th BS
Wednesday, 24 March 1943 (continued)
Crew of downed 446th BS ship: Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator Cox, James L., 2Lt, pilot Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt, turret gunner Stine, Donald A., 2Lt, pilot Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Taylor, Peter D., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Trepple, John J., Sgt, radio-gunner, radar
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 7/mission 6) Group Mission # 6: ------Mission Report # 6, 24 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1435 _15__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ at Djebel Tebaga (N). _None_ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. __15___ dropped 1056 – 20 lb. fragmentation bombs at 1554 from No. A/C No. & Type Time 7000 ft. __14__ returned at 1710. Altitude No. A/C Time
3. Three (3) planes were seen taking off in path of bomb bursts. Seven (7) or eight (8) planes were observed on ground and in revetments on south side of field. Flak positions were hit and strafed. Landing ground was well covered by bursts. One (1) B-25 was struck by flak near target, and tail blown off. Four (4) parachutes were observed in air.
4. Air – Three (3) ME-109’s taking off from field. Marine – None. Flak – Heavy and intense. Altitude correct but somewhat behind.
5. Weather – To Target: Clear, high overcast at 14,000 ft. Target: Same as above. Return: Same as above.
6. Press data – None.
Number of sorties flown this date – 15.
Flight leaders: Capt. Henry H. Schwane Lieut. Peter D. Taylor Capt. Raymond D. Sampson Lieut. Hamilton M. Brinkley
Wednesday, 24 March 1943 (continued)
Observer: Colonel Crosthwaite. Major Pinger Major Pemberton FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: Again today the weather interfered with the mission.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 7/mission 6) Group Mission # 6: (445th BS did not participate)
446th BS War Diary: Squadron en route.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 7/mission 6) Group Mission # 6: Group mission # 6, Squadron # 4: Formation led by Major Schwane using 9 planes. Target was L/G north of Djebel Tebaga. Frag bombs gave fair results but dearly paid for when plane #41-13212 crashed over the target, a victim of heavy flak which hit in the radio compartment. There were two definite casualties, and one probable. The crew was composed of Lt. Stine, pilot; Lt Brewster, bombardier; Sgt. Trepple, radio operator; S/Sgt. Lewis, turret gunner; and S/Sgt. Midkiff, engineer. Lts. Cox and Brewster, and S/Sgt. Midkiff were probable casualties, while the others were all reported safe. A/C No. 41-13212 (MACR-14577 shot A/C No. 41-12947 “Arkansas down over target by anti-aircraft fire) Traveler” P Stine, Donald A., 2Lt Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt CP Cox, James L., 2Lt Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr. “Big Moe”, 2Lt N None None B Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt E Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt Travis, Edward J., S/Sgt R Trepple, John J., Sgt Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt G Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 41-29764 “Montana Sheep Herder” P Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt Cosner, Oliver J. “Ollie”, 1Lt CP Coffey, Noel Francis, 2Lt Boyd, Kenneth E., 2Lt N None None B Meehan, James M., 2Lt Brown, John Roland, 2Lt E Perkins, Lawrence W., T/Sgt Misik, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Shields, James A., Sgt Maguire, Joseph F., S/Sgt G Sarver, Lawrence J., S/Sgt Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt F None None Wednesday, 24 March 1943 (continued) A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 41-29760 “Honky Tonk” P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt, Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt Commander CP Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt N McCarter, Elmer H., Capt None B Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt G Peters, Melvin E., S/Sgt Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt F None Crosthwaite, John C., Col, HQ 47th Wing (observer) A/C No. 41-13197 A/C No. 41-12928 “Buzz Wagon” P Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt Bailey, Harold Merle “Buzz”, 1Lt CP Martin, John K. “Kirk”, 1Lt Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Beyer, William J., 2Lt Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt R Rubidoux, Louis Walter, S/Sgt Haasch, George F., Sgt G Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt Grant, Ronald A., S/Sgt F Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st None BG (observer) A/C No. 41-29771 P VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt CP Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt N None B Harris, Posey T., 2Lt E Kniffin, George Kenneth, Pvt R Hoffman, Louis E., T/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None
446th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 14577: “Airplane No. 42-13212 was hit in the radio-compartment by heavy anti-aircraft fire over the target and was seen to crash. In the interrogation by S-2 section it was reported that four (4) parachutes were seen to open.
A/C No. 41-13212 (MACR-14577 shot down over target by anti-aircraft fire) P Stine, Donald A., 2Lt - MIA, POW, returned CP Cox, James L., 2Lt - KIA N None B Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt - KIA E Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt - KIA R Trepple, John J., Sgt - MIA, POW, returned G Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt - KIA F None Wednesday, 24 March 1943 (continued)
Statements from INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE completed by S/Sgt John J. Trepple:
“I am sorry that I will not be able to give you much information. I’ll try to explain what happened so you can better understand the situation. We were flying in formation and had just released our bombs. We were hit and as far as I know I was immediately blown or fell from the ship. I was wounded in the eyes and was unable to see at all until the next day. I could not obtain any information in regards to the rest of the crew from the Germans. I did not know anything at all about any of the crew until later (1 year) I learned that the pilot Lt. Donald A. Stine. Was alive and a P.O.W.
In April 1945 I met the pilot (Lt. Stine) in a camp in Germany. He too was blown from the ship. He gave me some information on Lt. James L. Cox. Please see his information sheet.”
“Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt: He did not have his parachute on at the time that we were hit. The ship blew up as I was blown (or fell) from it. I was temporarily blinded so I was not able to see if anyone else was blown out and able to open chutes.
Brewster, Ernest I, 2nd Lt: Not much only things happened so fast that I doubt that he was able to get out in time. My pilot said that he was injured. The pilot told me that Lt. Cox was wounded and either dead or unconscious at the time that Lt. Stine was blown from the ship.
Stine, Donald A., 2nd Lt: The pilot Lt. Stine bailed out through the escape hatch above the pilot’s compartment. He suffered no injuries other than a sprained ankle upon striking the ground.” ------
Statements from INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE completed by 1st Lt. Donald A. Stine:
“Sgt. Trepple, waste gunner - rad. Oper. Was blown out by explosion of A.A. shell which blew fuselage completely in two just at spot where he was. I was thrown out thru glass roof of cockpit.
I saw no others landing by parachute, but was dazed, and could have missed them. Germans reported counting four chutes, but otherwise the bomb., Lt Brewster was in nose, Co-pilot, Lt Cox in cockpit, turret gunner, Sgt Lewis, in turret, tail gunner, Sgt Midkiff, in tail.
I have seen Sgt Trepple in Mooseberg, Germany, and on ship coming home, but no others, since before last mission. Wednesday, 24 March 1943 (continued)
Our airplane was blown up by an A. A. shell, which battery commander who captured me reported as a 150 mm. There was no chance for anyone to check anyone else’s condition. I was dazed and the other known survivor was blinded.”
“Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt: His parachute was a snap-on type located near turret. He was in tail section of ship, which was severed from the front section. I believe he must have been killed.
Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt: Radio oper. Reported Sgt Midkiff had removed his chute just before bomb run. He was in the severed rear section of fuselage. He must have been killed.
Brewster, Ernest I, 2nd Lt: His chute, a snap-on type, was in Nav. Comp., and he’d have had to go through crawlway to get it, which would have been almost impossible, due to violence of spin.
Cox, James L., 2Lt: Germans on ground reported they had found him in wreckage, and buried his body. They showed me his dog tag.” ------
446th BS Special Account: Today we lost our first plane in combat. In a raid on the Tebaga North L/G, in southern Tunisia Lt. Stine’s plane was destroyed by flak. The crew included Lt. Stine, pilot; Lt. Cox, co-pilot; Lt. Brewster, bombardier-navigator; S/Sgt. Midkiff, engineer; S/Sgt. Lewis, turret gunner; and Sgt. Trepple, radio operator. Four parachutes were seen to open. No word was heard of the crew until word came that Lt. Stine was a prisoner of war. Nothing has been heard of any of the rest of the crew. The following is an eye-witness account of the loss of that plane: On March 24, 1943 the 321st Bombardment Group was briefed to bomb the Tebaga North L/G. As we approached the target the formation spread out into bombing formation. Lt. Stine was flying on Lt. Griffith’s wing in the element just to my left. We had just dropped our bombs when I looked out to the left to observe the effect of the intense flak. Just as my eyes fell on Lt. Stine’s plane it seemed to break into two pieces aft of the turret. In the next second the forward piece nosed down and the aft section fell backwards. We then made a bank to the right and the plane left my line of vision.
PETER D. TAYLOR Captain, Air Corps. Brewster, Ernest Israel, Jr., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator Cox, James L., 2Lt, pilot Griffith, Frank J., 1Lt, pilot Lewis, Thomas A., S/Sgt, turret gunner Midkiff, Howard H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Stine, Donald A., 2Lt, pilot Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt, pilot Trepple, John J., Sgt, radio-gunner, radar
Wednesday, 24 March 1943 (continued)
446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “Now we realize that this fight is no game, and it is ‘Them or us.” As missions came we began to improve. There was a lot of dissension and argument in the Group, mostly cause we were green. As I write this it actually seems comic those first weeks. We knew so little. That is where I got the full meaning of Dad’s saying ‘good soldiers make mistakes. There are no exceptions.’ We had bull sessions on combat for hours on end and cussed everybody, even Col. Knapp. ‘Col. Bob and his flying circus.’ Except when I flew, my thoughts were always at home. Brantwood, and what I was going to do when I got home. Barbie and everything. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Well to get on. I had the ‘Traveler’ then and ‘Big Moe’ Morris as co-pilot, S/Sgt Porter was my enlisted bombardier and plenty good. He is a qualified gunner, bombardier, armament man and Norden sight instructor. McKibben was engineer; Sheehan radioman. Had Mac and Zook back in the States. All in all it is a damn fine crew. McKibben, Walter D., Jr., Sgt, engineer-gunner Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr. "Big Moe", 2Lt, pilot Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt, bombardier Sheehan, William F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt, gunner Well, the rains came fast and the missions slow. Everything was getting in the groove, but I had to turn back two or three times with guns out of order. Once, the escape hatch blew off about 100 feet over the end of the runway. Six of us lived in a pyramidal tent and it was a bit crowded. There were always arguments, but we had fun anyway. That is til March 24th. That day we went at an airfield near Sousse and Don Stine was knocked down. A lucky burst of flak right in the fuselage. He is safe now in a German prison camp and his family hears from him. The 321st lost one of its best pilots and me, one of my best friends.” Stine, Donald A., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 7/mission 6) Group Mission # 6: Six of our planes took part in a mission today. The target was the landing ground at Djebel Tebaga. All of our planes returned safely.
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” II” P Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt Brinkley, Hamilton M., 1Lt CP Althouse, Donald I., 2Lt Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt N None None B Ghetia, George (NMI), 2Lt Hartis, John G., 2Lt E Sparby, Arnold R., S/Sgt Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt Stanton, James E. “Jim”, T/Sgt G Murphy, John F., S/Sgt Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt F None None Wednesday, 24 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-13007 “The Harp” Lady” P Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt Commander CP Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt N None Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt B Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Joseph, Edward R., S/Sgt O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt R Wilson, Leo W., Pvt Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Shapiro, Leonard L. “Shap”, 2Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt CP Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt N None Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 2Lt B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Murray, George F., S/Sgt Parker, Robert B., S/Sgt R Waldrip, Robert Laseter, T/Sgt Fryer, John R., T/Sgt G Rider, Lawrence E. “Bus”, S/Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., M/Sgt F None None
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 1) TARGET: Tebaga L/G 2:35 Plane 371 “Flak very accurate for the altitude. One B-25 struck by flak. Tail blown off. 4 parachutes observed in the air.”
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 7/mission 6) Group Mission # 6: (448th BS did not participate)
Thursday, 25 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25's, in the early daylight hours, bomb installations in the Mareth area. P-40's attack motor transport, tanks, and communications targets in the battle area. During the night of 25/26 Mar heavy, medium and light bombers blast forces gathering in the El Hamma area.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-17's bomb the docks and shipping at Sousse. B-25's hit the Djebel Tebaga landing ground. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters fly numerous patrols, sweeps, and reconnaissance flights over the battle areas. Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) bombers hit the Djebel Tebaga Airfield and motor transport west of Sfax and Sousse during the night of 24/25 March). XII Air Support Command medium bombers and fighters hit Djebel Tebaga Airfield, vehicles near Gabes, Mezzouna, Maknassy, and at several other points in the battle area. The 416th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's arrives at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadron will fly its first mission on 31 Mar.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On March 25, 1943, the seventh mission of 15 planes took off on a sea search at 0705. No bombs were dropped and the mission returned with all planes at 11.30. Light flak was fired from a motor boat. Flight leaders were Lieut. Col. Olmsted and Maj. Cook. Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, Group Executive Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS The eighth mission of 15 B-25s took off at 0935 on March 25, 1943 to bomb the Landing Ground at Djebel Tebaga (N). They dropped 1,020 twenty-pound frag bombs from 8,000 feet at 1115. All planes returned at 1230. The bomb pattern was seen exploding over the entire landing ground. Excellent coverage was obtained. Blue smoke was seen over the field and 10 single-engine planes were parked at the south end of the field. A few larger ships were observed dispersed over the field. Flak was heavy and intense, somewhat trailing. Planes were fired on 25 miles SE of Gafsa. Flight leaders were Col. Robert D. Knapp and Capt. Heinlen. Col Kellogg was an observer on this mission. Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 448th BS Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Kellogg, Col, HQ 57th BW
Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/mission 7) Group Mission # 7: ------Mission Report # 7, 25 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 0705 _15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. _None_ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission No. A/C _None_ dropped ___any___ bombs. __15__ returned at 1710. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
3. None.
4. AIR: None. MARINE: Motor boat at 0856 at 37°53’N, 11°45’E fired light flak. FLAK: See marine.
5. To Target: CAVU, slight haze on water. Target : Same as above. Return : CAVU, slight haze.
6. Press data – None.
Number of sorties flown this date – 15.
Flight leaders: Lt. Colonel Charles T. Olmsted Major Bailey C., Cook
Observer: FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 9/mission 8) Group Mission # 8: ------Mission Report # 8, 25 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 0935 _15__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ L/G at Djebel Tebaga N. _None_ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. __15__ dropped 1020 – 20 lb fragmentation bombs at 1115 from No. A/C No. & Type Time 8000 ft. __15__ returned at 1230. Altitude No. A/C Time Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
3. Pattern of bombs was seen exploding over entire landing ground. Excellent coverage was obtained. Blue smoke was observed over field.
4. AIR: Ten (10) S/E planes were parked at south end of field. Also a few larger ships dispersed around field. MARINE: None. FLAK: Heavy and intense, somewhat trailing. Mainly from N/E of field and from grove on south side. Also fired few rounds from 34°8’N, 9°10’E, 6 or 8 guns just south of a small settlement. Also fired on 35 miles S/E of Gafsa.
5. To Target: Clear, slight haze in ground. Target: Hazy and dusty. Return: Hazy, high thin ceiling.
6. Press data – None.
Number of sorties flown this date – 30 (Total for both missions)
Flight leaders: Col. Robert D. Knapp Capt. Clayton H. Heinlen
Observer: Col. Kellogg (not on any crew list)
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Nicholson and S/Sgt. Reasoner were injured while cleaning their guns in their ship when a ruptured round in the chamber kicked off the buffer plate. Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt, gunner Reasoner, Erie E., S/Sgt, transportation, gunner
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/mission 7) Group Mission # 7: Mission: Group # 7, Squadron # 4, 9 Sorties: 15 planes (9 of the 445th) took off at 07:30 for a sea search led by Major Cook. There were 36 P-38’s of the 82nd for escort, of which 2 returned early. 1260 rounds of ammunition were used to clear the guns. No attacks were made by the bombers. The only shipping seen were two small motor boats or barges at 09:15 which were strafed by the escort. The escort destroyed one HEE-115. One P-38 down (cause unknown). All of the bombers returned at 13:15.
Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-13183 P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt CP Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt Johnson, Richard S., 2Lt N Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt E Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt Lippincott, Spencer L., S/Sgt R Chereski, John F., T/Sgt Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt G Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt Campbell, Theodore W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” A/C No. 41-29772 “The Wolf” P Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 2Lt Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt CP Miller, Roy N., 2Lt Butela, William F., 2Lt N None Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt B Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt Cracknell, Frank K., T/Sgt R Katz, Paul F., T/Sgt Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt Reasoner, Erie E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt McGee, William N., 2Lt CP Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt E Martine, William E., S/Sgt Pierce, Richard H., T/Sgt R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13158 A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt CP Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt Olson, Walter N., 2Lt N Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 2Lt None B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt None listed, likely Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt E Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt F None None
Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt CP Hughes, Clarke E., 2Lt N None B None listed – likely Rokotz, Peter (NMI), Sgt E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt R Curtis, Richard T., T/Sgt G Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt F None
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 9/mission 8) Group Mission # 8: Mission: Group # 8, Squadron # 6, 3 Sorties: The second mission for today was led by Col. Knapp and the target was Djebel Tebaga (North) landing ground. The formation of 15 B-25’s (3 of the 445th) took off at 09:35 with 36 P-40’s of the 33rd Fighter Group and 24 Spitfires of the 31st Fighter Group for escort. 1020 x 20 lb. (216 x 20 lb by the 445th) frag bombs were dropped on the target from 8800 ft. at 11:15. All ships returned at 12:30. 10 enemy aircraft were parked at the south end of the field. Several twin-engine aircraft were dispersed elsewhere. The field was well covered with bombs, but the results were obscured by dust. Intense heavy flak was encountered at the target and from 6 to 8 gun emplacements south of a nearby town.
A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 41-29772 “The Wolf” P Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt Commander CP Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt Gunter, Macon A., Jr., 2Lt N Larson, Harold W., 2Lt None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, 1Lt, 448th McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt BS E Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt Martinez, Elmo J. “Moe”, M/Sgt R Eagan, Joseph E., M/Sgt Garner, Argyle R., S/Sgt G Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”, Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt M/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29767 “Flying Patch” P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt CP Mamerow, George A., 2Lt N None B Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt E Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt R Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt G Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt F None Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Squadron en route.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/mission 7) Group Mission # 7: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 9/mission 8) Group Mission # 8: Group mission # 8, Squadron # 5: Three planes led by Lt. Griffith. Frags were again used on Djebel Tebaga. The mission was not completed because of weather.
A/C No. 41-13196 “Avenger” A/C No. 41-29771 P Lovingood, Willard J. “Bill”, 1Lt VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt CP Cleary, Philip B., 2Lt Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt N Cordes, Jacob H., Jr., 1Lt Harris, Posey T., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Kralicek, Frank C., S/Sgt Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., S/Sgt Hoffman, Louis E., T/Sgt G Belser, Oscar L., S/Sgt Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29760 “Honky Tonk” P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt CP Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt B None listed – likely the navigator E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt R Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt F None
447th BS War Diary: Our squadron participated in two missions today. Word was received today that Lt. Duke’s crew had survived the crash at sea. S/Sgt Govoni was killed before the crash but the rest of the crew are in a British hospital. They managed to get into life raft when the plane crashed and row ashore. They were behind enemy lines and it took them three days to make their way to British outposts. It was very good news to one and all in the squadron to hear that they are alright. Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/mission 7) Group Mission # 7: The first was a sea sweep. Only one of our planes took part in it. Nothing was sighted and the plane returned safely.
Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-53371 “Death Wind” P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt N Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt B None listed – likely the navigator E Parker, Robert B., S/Sgt R Jondro, William G., Jr., Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., M/Sgt F None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 9/mission 8) Group Mission # 8: The second mission was the landing ground at Tebaga. Two of our planes took part in this raid. Both returned safely.
A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Seel, Peter B., Jr., 1Lt Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 2Lt CP Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt N None None B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt Tate, Roy W., 2Lt E Murray, George F., S/Sgt Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt R Waldrip, Robert Laseter, T/Sgt Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt G Rider, Lawrence E. “Bus”, S/Sgt Tornio, Raymond A., Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-30002 A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 2Lt CP Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt N None Colby, John W., 2Lt B Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt R Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt Jackson, Edward B., T/Sgt G Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt Osowiecki, Hendrick (NMI), S/Sgt F None None
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 6) TARGET: Sea Sweep 4:25 Plane 371 “Enemy torpedo boat sighted and strafed by P-38’s.”
447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R., 2Lt, pilot: “Well, I have safely lived through my second raid on the enemy. It was duck soup! At about 9:30 in the morning on this date seventeen ships took off loaded with frag bombs intended for a landing field just northwest of Gabes. Fifteen of the seventeen ships were scheduled to make the trip, and two were spares. I was one of the spares, and the sixteenth ship off. Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
All the other ships were from the east side of the field and I was from the west side---and so I had the entire west side of the runway to myself. So when the 15 ships took off, I beat the other spare to the draw and got off ahead of him. I don’t know what happened to him---I didn’t see him at any time after we left the ground so I don’t know if he made the trip or not. I climbed up above the formation and flew along above and to the right of them so I could see any of them that might turn back. We must have counted those ships a dozen times, and each time there were 15. We checked our guns as we flew over a large, almost dry, salt lake and all positions reported in O.K. We followed the formation a little past the lake and were about to give up and turn back when the ship on Capt. Heinlen’s right wing gave a landing signal and turned off to the right. A spot! I couldn’t see the other spare anywhere, but took no chances of losing out to him. I heeled it over in a left diving turn and pulled up fast and stuck there. Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 448th BS We must have flown that way about 10 minutes when Heinlen’s ship gave us a landing signal and dropped away. The other wing ship apparently didn’t get it and started to follow Heinlen down. I made a climbing turn to the left for quite a way out then came back toward the formation wondering whether I should take the lead or not. Heinlen, though, had apparently changed his mind and was pulling back into position--- so I dropped a little and pulled back up on his wing. We flew on to Thelepte where we circled the field twice and picked up an escort of Spitfires---I don’t know how many, but there was a bunch of them. Shortly after leaving Thelepte we passed over the lines and I saw a lot of smoke and what appeared to be a battle in the hills. Immediately we got a little flak and started climbing. The flak didn’t last long and we flew the rest of the way at about 10,000 ft. and in the clear. We must have missed our target because we made an almost 180° turn to the left in light flak, and after a very few minutes dropped our bombs and made a diving turn to the left heading northwest. Flak over the target was kinda thick---we got several holes. One slug went up through our right wing, two just caught the back end of the right engine nacelle---went through it and the fuselage just behind the right waist gun and into the turret gunner’s left thigh. Just one piece got to him, though, and it went all the way through---in and out about 4 inches apart. Another slug hit just ahead of the co-pilot’s windshield and went down through the instruments damaging only one small unimportant wire. Part of it was found among the instruments and part under my left rudder pedal. Another small piece went through the fuselage about 18 inches ahead of the tail, causing no damage. The trip back was quiet and routine formation flying. Nixon went back over the bomb bay to help dress Osowiecki’s wound and reported that he wasn’t badly hurt and was busy eating sulfanilamide tablets---still in the turret. When I landed, I cleared the runway to the east and stopped by the ambulance to let him out. Doc Pinger took charge and cleaned and dressed his wound. They found the slug of flak buried in the wool of his
Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued) heavy flying pants. And now Osowiecki has the Purple Heart and a slug of flak for souvenirs. Of all the 15 ships, ours was shot up most---and as you can see---it wasn’t bad…” Nixon, Donald O., 2Lt, pilot Osowiecki, Hendrick, S/Sgt, gunner Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, HQ 321st BG
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/mission 7) Group Mission # 7: Mission 5 (7): At 07:05 15 planes off on sea sweep. Returned at 11:30 no bombs dropped, no E/A seen, no targets. F/L: Colonel Olmsted, Major Cook. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” A/C No. 41-13205 P Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt BG CP Culp, Merle H., 1Lt Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt B Stewart, John C., 2Lt Navigator filling both B & N positions E None listed – likely Poynter, Robert A., Rohleder, Jack J., S/Sgt S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., Sgt Hilborne, Thomas G., Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-13170 P Moore, Leland A., 1Lt Stultz, Raymond B., 1Lt CP Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt N Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt R Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt G Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt Mahan, John J., S/Sgt F None None
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 9/mission 8) Group Mission # 8: Mission 6 (8): At 09:35 15 planes off to bomb L/G at Djebel North. Dropped frags at 1115 from 8000 feet, all planes returned at 12:30. Intense heavy, inaccurate flak, target well covered by pattern of bombs. F/L: Knapp and Heinlen. Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
Thursday, 25 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30001 A/C No. 41-29774 P Heinlen, Clayton M., Capt, Commander Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt CP Bowman, William W., 2Lt Buchenau, Harry T., 2Lt N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt F Silver, George A., III, Capt (observer) None A/C No. 41-29765 A/C No. 41-29770 P Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Capt CP McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt Plumlee, Eldon A., 1Lt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt Boland, Chester H., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt G Wallace, John R., S/Sgt Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt CP Bruton, John E., 2Lt N Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt F None
Friday, 26 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25's attack the Mareth area, dropping over 28.5 tons of bombs during 2 strikes. P-40's fly fighter-bomber and strafing missions, destroying or damaging over 50 military transport vehicles, tanks, and gun emplacements. Intense ground fire downs several US fighters. Following the aerial bombardment, Allied ground forces renew their assault on the Mareth Line.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb the Grombalia area. Other B-25's and B-17's of the Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) fail to complete missions because of weather. P-39's destroy several trucks in the Maknassy-Mezzouna area. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters and light and medium bombers bomb a fuel dump at Oudref, roads and a railway near Cekhira, docks at Sfax, and the airfield at Djebel Tebaga. Fighters strafe vehicles during armored reconnaissance between Faid and Gabes. The 347th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) with B-17's arrives at Navarin, Algeria from the U.S. The squadron will fly its first mission on 31 Mar.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The ninth mission took off at 0825 on March 26, 1943, with 15 planes on a sea search. No bombs were dropped. One enemy plane, believed to be a JU-88, was observed to be shot down by our escort and seen to hit the water. Flight leaders were Col. Knapp and Lieut. Ole E. Veum. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Veum, Ole E., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Mission ten was a dry run with 15 planes taking off at 1245 on March 28 (actually 26 Mar – see mission report 10), 1943 to bomb Djebel Tebaga (N). All planes returned at 1530. Flight leaders were Capt. Sampson, Capt. Schwane, and Col. Crosthwaite was the observer. Crosthwaite, John C., Col, HQ 47th Wing Schwane, Henry H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 446th BS Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander, 447th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 10/mission 9) Group Mission # 9: ------Mission Report # 9, 26 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 0825 _15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. _None_ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission No. A/C
Friday, 26 March 1943 (continued)
_None_ dropped any bombs. __15__ returned at 1150. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
3. None.
4. AIR – One (1) enemy plane, believed to be JU-88, shot down by escort and seen to hit water. MARINE: None. FLAK: None.
5. To Target: Hazy, high thin overcast, visibility 10-12 miles, wind 30 MPH from 145°. Target: Hazy. Return: Visibility slightly improving.
6. Press data – None.
Number of sorties flown this date – 15
Flight leaders: Col. Robert D. Knapp Lieut. Ole E. Veum FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 11/mission 10) Group Mission # 10: ------Mission Report # 10, 26 Mar 1943 (mission on 26 Mar – report written/dated 28 Mar) Mission flown on 26th.* * * * * * * * * * 28 March 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1245 _15__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ L/G at Djebel Tebaga N. _None_ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. _None_ dropped any bombs. __15__ returned at 1530. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
3. Did not reach Target. 4. None. 5. On way out--high thin clouds--visibility 6 to 8 miles. Return--Haze increased as went east. 6. None. Number of sorties flown this date – 30 (Total for both missions) Flight leaders: Capt. Sampson Capt. Schwane Friday, 26 March 1943 (continued)
Observer—Col. Crosthwaite.
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: The ground crew arrived at Ain M’Lila today via 40 & 8. The trip took them 7 days. During the tiring trip, the men lived mostly on C-rations and were crowded into the small cars sometimes thirty deep. They made the most of it, sleeping in shifts. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 10/mission 9) Group Mission # 9: Mission: Group # 9, Squadron # 7, 9 Sorties: Col. Knapp led 15 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) carrying 500 lb. demolition bombs on a shipping sweep north of Bizerte escorted by 25 P-38’s of the 82nd. No enemy shipping was seen. No bombs were dropped. 1260 rounds of ammunition were fired to clear the guns. The weather was hazy with about 2 mile visibility. 15 miles north of Ras Ben Sekka, 1 JU-88 reconnaissance was shot down by the P-38’s. All planes returned safely at 11:50.
A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” P Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt Commander CP Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt Mamerow, George A., 2Lt N Larson, Harold W., 2Lt None B Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt E Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt R Eagan, Joseph E., M/Sgt Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt G Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”, Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt M/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Grau, Robert B., 1Lt Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt CP Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt N None Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt B McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Mais, Charles W., T/Sgt Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt R Wright, Warren D., Sgt Chereski, John J., T/Sgt G Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt F None None
Friday, 26 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 42-53428 “The Wolf II” A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” P Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt CP Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt Olson, Walter N., 2Lt N Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt E Martinez, Elmo J. “Moe”, M/Sgt Martine, William E., S/Sgt R Garner, Argyle R., S/Sgt Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt G Bryant, James C., T/Sgt Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13158 A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Cratin, William S., 1Lt Miller, Roy N., 2Lt CP Bitner, William H., 2Lt Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 2Lt N Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt E Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt R Nichols, William C., T/Sgt Katz, Paul F., T/Sgt G Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt VanHall, Ernest C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P McGee, William N., 2Lt CP Hoekman, Robert D., 2Lt N None B McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt E Pierce, Richard H., T/Sgt R Nebesnak, Edward (NMI), T/Sgt G Zuckerbrod, Saul (NMI), S/Sgt F None
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 11/mission 10) Group Mission # 10: (445th BS did not participate)
446th BS War Diary: Squadron en route. The ground Echelon arrived.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 10/mission 9) Group Mission # 9: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 11/mission 10) Group Mission # 10: Group mission 10, Squadron 6: Seven planes with frag bombs. Formation led by Major Schwane. Target was Djebel Tebaga, but mission was not completed because of failure to pick up the escort.
Friday, 26 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-29771 A/C No. 41-12947 “Arkansas Traveler” P VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 1Lt CP Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr., 2Lt N Harris, Posey T., 2Lt Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt Travis, Edward J., S/Sgt R Hoffman, Louis E., T/Sgt Sheehan, William F., S/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 41-29764 “Montana Sheep Herder” P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt, Cosner, Oliver J. “Ollie”, 1Lt Commander CP Orrantia, Gilbert D., 2Lt Boyd, Kenneth E., 2Lt N McCarter, Elmer H., Capt Brown, John Roland, 2Lt B Marek, Joseph Rudolph, 2Lt Navigator filling both B & N positions E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Misik, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt Maguire, Joseph F., S/Sgt G Reeves, Charles F., M/Sgt Elk, Charles (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29760 “Honky Tonk” A/C No. 41-12928 “Buzz Wagon” P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt Bailey, Harold Merle “Buzz”, 1Lt CP Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., 1Lt Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt R Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt Haasch, George F., Sgt G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt Grant, Ronald A., S/Sgt F Crosthwaite, John C., Col, HQ 47th Wing None (observer) A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt CP Carlisle, Howard L., 2Lt N Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions E Kovis, Joseph C., S/Sgt R Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None
Friday, 26 March 1943 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: The ground echelon arrived at Ain M’Lila today and once more all the squadron is together.
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 10/mission 9) Group Mission # 9: (447th BS did not participate) 447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 11/mission 10) Group Mission # 10: Eight of our planes took off to go on a scheduled mission but had to turn back because of bad weather.
A/C No. 41-29775 “Double Trouble” A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P Shapiro, Leonard L. “Shap”, 2Lt Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, Commander CP Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt Batchelder, Stephens H., 2Lt N None Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt None listed – likely the navigator E Murray, George F., S/Sgt Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt R Waldrip, Robert Laseter, T/Sgt Balsom, James P., T/Sgt G Rider, Lawrence E. “Bus”, S/Sgt Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 41-30002 P Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, 2Lt Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt CP McGowan, Francis E., 2Lt Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt N None None B Tate, Roy W., 2Lt Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt E Galich, Michael M., S/Sgt Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt R Carrin, Joseph S., S/Sgt Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt G Tornio, Raymond A., Cpl Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-12961 “Spare Parts” Lady” P Burns, John P. “Buster”, 1Lt Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt CP Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt Jung, Roland W. “Wongy”, 2Lt N None None B Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt E Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt Nelson, James E., S/Sgt R Byerly, Lee E., Sgt Betmarik, Aleis (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G None listed – likely Woody, James A., Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt S/Sgt F None None
Friday, 26 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13007 “The Harp” A/C No. 41-29759 “Kentucky Ridge Runner” P Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt Morton, William H. “Mort”, 1Lt CP Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt Morganti, Clyde J., 2Lt N Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt Black, Donald (NMI) “Blackie”, 1Lt B None listed – likely the navigator None listed – likely the navigator E O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt O’Donnell, Vincent T., S/Sgt R Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt Fryer, John R., T/Sgt G Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt DesJardins, Patrick H., S/Sgt F None None
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 10/mission 9) Group Mission # 9: Mission 7 (9): At 08:25 15 planes off on sea sweep, returned 1150. No bombs dropped. One plane believed hit by convoy escort JU-88’s. No flak. Weather: Hazy. F/L: Knapp and Veum. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Moore, Leland A., 1Lt Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt CP Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt N Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), Sgt G Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt F Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13170 A/C No. 41-13205 P Stultz, Raymond B., 1Lt Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt CP Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt N Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Rohleder, Jack J., S/Sgt R Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt Hilborne, Thomas G., Sgt G Mahan, John J., S/Sgt Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt F Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV)
Friday, 26 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13163 A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” P Veum, Ole E., 1Lt Culp, Merle H., 1Lt CP Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt Stewart, John C., 2Lt N Holt, William E., 2Lt Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt French, George W., Sgt R Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt Watrous, Roger T., S/Sgt G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt F None None
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 11/mission 10) Group Mission # 10: (448th BS did not participate)
Saturday, 27 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force): No Entry
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters attack machinegun installations NE of Maknassy and a train at Mezzouna, and hit Djebel Naimia. Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) fighters on patrol claim several aircraft shot down. Weather prevents completion of an anti-shipping sweep by North African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25's.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: The mission was cancelled. The weather was unsatisfactory for sea sweeps.
446th BS War Diary: Setting up a complete camp.
447th BS War Diary: Lt. Duke and crew, Lt. Ackley, Lt. Orr, S/Sgt. Noble and S/Sgt Drogosch returned to the squadron today. They were all dressed in British uniforms which had been given them at the hospital. All the men had received slight wounds when the plane crashed but none were seriously hurt. Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Drogosch, Robert C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner Orr, Douglas Cameron, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Sunday, 28 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, P-40's launch a fighter-bomber attack against El Hamma, which the enemy has held as an escape corridor through which troops have been withdrawing during the night of 27/28 Mar.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Tunisia, weather again prevents completion of Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) B-25 shipping strike. Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters attack trucks south of Maknassy and near Gabes, hit gun positions and tanks near Mezzouna, where fierce ground fighting is taking place, and fly patrols and reconnaissance throughout the battle areas of Tunisia. Bombers hit roads, railroads, and military transport in the Sousse and Sfax areas during the night of 28/29 Mar. HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing transfers from Algiers, Algeria to La Senia, Algeria. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its 95th and 97th Fighter Squadrons with P-38's transfer from Telergma, Algeria to Berteaux, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The eleventh mission took off at 1015 on March 28, 1943 with 15 planes to bomb Mateur. No bombs were dropped and all planes returned at 1245. The mission was cancelled at the rendezvous. Flight leaders were Col., Knapp, Maj. Cook and Capt. Heinlen. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 448th BS Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 12/mission 11) Group Mission # 11: ------Mission Report # 11, 28 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1015 _18__ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Mateur. _None_ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C _None_ dropped ___any___ bombs. __18__ returned at 1245. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
3. Mission cancelled at rendezvous.
4. Observations: None
5. Weather en route: Low Haze in valleys, alto cumulus.
Sunday, 28 March 1943 (continued)
6. Press data – None. Sorties flown this date – 18 Flight leaders: Col. Robert D. Knapp Maj. Bailey C. Cook. Capt. Clayton H. Heinlen
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: Mission: (No non-mission information)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 12/mission 11) Group Mission # 11: Group # 11, Squadron # 8, 9 Sorties: 18 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) led by Col. Knapp took off at 10:15 to bomb troop and supply concentrations at Mateur. Returned because of poor weather and failure to rendezvous with Spitfire escort. 1540 rounds of ammunition were fired to clear the guns. Mission incomplete but credited with full amount of sorties. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt CP Hughes, Clarke E., 2Lt Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt N Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator Rokotz, Peter (NMI), S/Sgt E Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt R Peterson, Karl R., T/Sgt Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” P Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 1Lt Miller, Roy N., 2Lt CP Olson, Walter N., 2Lt Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 2Lt N None Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt B Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt Navigator filling both B & N positions E Krause, Kenneth K., S/Sgt Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt R Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt G Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt Katz, Paul F., T/Sgt F None None
Sunday, 28 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13183 A/C No. 41-13158 P Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander CP Johnson, Richard S., 2Lt Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt N None McKeever, Francis D., 2Lt B Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt Navigator filling both B & N positions E Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt R Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt Chereski, John J., T/Sgt G Campbell, Theodore W., S/Sgt Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 42-53428 “The Wolf II” P Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG Walker, James O., Jr., 2Lt Commander CP Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt Kelley, Edward T., 2Lt N Larson, Harold W., 2Lt Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt B Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt Navigator filling both B & N positions E Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt Littleton, Willis W., S/Sgt R Eagan, Joseph E., M/Sgt Garner, Argyle R., S/Sgt G Nickens, Cletus P., Pvt Bryant, James C., T/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P O’Harra, Roderick E., 2Lt CP Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt N None B Evans, James H. “Two-Guns”, 2Lt E Martine, William E., S/Sgt R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt F Cooper, Robert H., Pvt
446th BS War Diary: Setting up a complete camp.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 12/mission 11) Group Mission # 11: (446th BS did not participate)
447th BS War Diary: Lt. Charles Grantham arrived at Ain M’Lila today with his crew. He had been left behind at Morrison Field Feb. 15 because one of the gas tanks in his plane had a leak in it. He was delayed again at Zandery for an engine change from March 1 to March 20. All of the squadron planes had now arrived safely to the combat zone. Grantham, Charles H., 1Lt, pilot
Sunday, 28 March 1943 (continued)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 12/mission 11) Group Mission # 11: (447th BS did not participate)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 12/mission 11) Group Mission # 11: Mission 8 (11): At 10:15 18 planes off to bomb Mateur. Retuned at 12:45 no bombs dropped mission cancelled. Weather: Low haze, poor visibility. F/L: Knapp, Cook and Heinlen. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
A/C No. 41-13205 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Davies, Robert D., 1Lt Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt CP Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt N Piasecki, Walter Charles, 2Lt Boland, Chester H., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt E Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV) Jakse, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt (ASV) G Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt F Rappaport, Louis (NMI), Sgt None A/C No. 41-29770 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Plumlee, Eldon A., 1Lt Moore, Leland A., 1Lt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt E Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt R Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt Teinowitz, Norman P., Sgt (ASV) G Cobb, Dwight K., S/Sgt Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt F Ellison, Travis E., Cpl None A/C No. 41-29765 A/C No. 41-29774 P Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 1Lt Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt CP McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt Buchenau, Harry T., 2Lt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt E Ripple, William E. “Rip”, S/Sgt Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt R Featherstone, Charles A. “Pappy”, T/Sgt Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt G Wallace, John R., S/Sgt Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt F None None
Sunday, 28 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” A/C No. 41-30001 P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander CP Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt Bowman, William W., 2Lt N None Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt Brown, Robert H., 1Lt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Orman, Virgin N., S/Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt CP Bruton, John E., 2Lt N Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt F None
Monday, 29 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25's attack Sfax and El Maou area, scoring hits on several parked aircraft. P-40's fly escort and fighter-bomber missions as British ground forces pursue the enemy north through Gabes. The British Eighth Army completes the occupation of the Mareth Line. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) with B-25's arrive at El Kabrit, Egypt from the U.S. The group will fly its first mission on 6 Apr. The 315th Fighter Squadron, 324th Fighter Group with P-40's arrives at El Kabrit, Egypt from the U.S.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Weather cancels all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) operations.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters bomb and strafe a truck column south of Djebel Chemsi, a troop concentration near Mezzouna, and vehicles at other points along the Tunisian battlefront. The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group with C-47's transfers from Casablanca, French Morocco to Nouvion, Algeria. The 84th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light) with A-20's transfers from Youks-les-Bains, Algeria to Canrobert, Algeria. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group with P-39's transfers from Thelepte, Tunisia to Youks-les-Bains, Algeria.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry
445th BS War Diary: Poor weather conditions prevented the mission today. The Squadron personnel have become quite optimistic about the end of the North African campaign now that Gabes has been captured.
446th BS War Diary: Setting up a complete camp.
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
Tuesday, 30 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Italy, 3 B-24's sent to bomb the Messina ferry slip are unable to rendezvous because of bad weather; 1 B-24 bombs the Crotone chemical factory, hitting the center of the factory area, warehouses, and rail facilities. RAF Liberators sent against the same target return without bombing.
In Tunisia, B-25's hit the landing ground at Sfax, scoring direct hits on 4 aircraft. P-40's fly escort missions. British ground forces make contact with the enemy's new line along Oued el Akarit.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force): Weather halts all Northwest African Strategic Air Force (NASAF) missions except fighter reconnaissance.
In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters bomb the area northeast of Oued Zarga, attack tanks, trucks, and troops southeast of Slourhin, at Djebel ben Kheir, at Djebel Chemsi, near El Ayacha and El Avoua, along the El Guettar-Mahares road, and in the El Agahea area. A-20's bomb the La Fauconnerie Airfield, hit troops at Djebel Chemsi, and bomb tanks and troops at Djebel Berda which is being assaulted by the US 9th Infantry Division. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and it's 85th and 86th Bombardment Squadron (Light) with A-20's transfer from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The twelfth mission took off at 1330 and 1400 on March 30, 1943 with 15 planes on a sea search. No bombs were dropped and all planes returned at 1530 because of weather conditions. The escort turned back also. Flight leaders were Major Cook and Capt. Heinlein, with Maj. Pemberton in the position of observer.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 13/mission 12) Group Mission # 12: ------Mission Report # 12, 30 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1330 and 1400 _15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. _None_ returned Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission No. A/C early. _None_ dropped ___any____ bombs. __15__ returned at 1530 and 1600. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
3. Returned because of weather; Escort turned back.
4. None. Tuesday, 30 March 1943(continued)
5. To coast--ceiling 4000 ft. At coast--visibility Zero. 2 miles out--visibility 20 miles.
6. None. Sorties flown this date--15 Flight leaders--Major Cook, Capt. Heinlen Observer--Major Pemberton.
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) March 30, 1943
A-3 REPORT First Mission of March 30, 1943
1. Target: Sea Sweep. 2. Aircraft: No. Scheduled: 15; No. off: 16; No. returned early: None. 3. Take off: 1333 to 1400. 4. Route out: Ain M’Lila to Cape Rosa. 5. Assault: Target not reached. 6. Route Back: Cape Rosa to Ain M’Lila. 7. Return of mission: 16 returned at 1551 and 1558. 8. Bombs dropped: None. 9. Results of mission: No results. 10. Enemy Action: None observed. 11. Escort by: 18 P-38’s of 82nd Fighter Group. Rendezvous locally. 12. Own Aircraft Losses: None. 13. Enemy Aircraft Losses: None. 14. Sorties: None. 15. 16. Remarks: Target not reached due to weather.
ROBERT D. KNAPP, Colonel, Air Corps, Commanding. ------
Tuesday, 30 March 1943 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 13/mission 12) Group Mission # 12: Mission: Group # 12, Squadron # 9, No Sorties: Major Cook led 15 B-25’s (9 of the 445th) on a sea sweep off the coast of Bizerte carrying 500 lb. demo bombs. Bad weather forced the formation to return. No bombs were dropped. 1400 rounds of ammunition were fired to clear the guns.
A/C No. 41-13183 A/C No. 41-13158 P Adcock, Roy Dale, 1Lt Cratin, William S., 1Lt CP Butela, William F., 2Lt Bitner, William H., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt B Hill, Raymond DeWitt, Jr., 2Lt Morgan, Robert E., Sgt E Lippincott, Spencer H., S/Sgt Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt R Boyd, Hugh A., T/Sgt Nichols, William C., T/Sgt G Campbell, Theodore W., S/Sgt Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” P Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt CP Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt Olson, Walter N., 2Lt N Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt None B Rokotz, Peter (NMI), Sgt Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt Krause, Kenneth K., S/Sgt R Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt G Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt F None Crumb, Lloyd P., 2Lt (observer) A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie” P Grau, Robert B., 1Lt Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt CP Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt Kent, William S., 2Lt N None None B McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt E Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt R Choka, Andrew J., S/Sgt Gallaher, Dewitt C., S/Sgt G Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt F None Boyd, Ewell V., S/Sgt (ASV) A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” A/C No. 42-53373 P Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, 1Lt Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander CP Mamerow, George A., 2Lt Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt N None Larson, Harold W., 2Lt B Eiland, Claude L., 2Lt Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt E Curtis, Alton D., S/Sgt Toy, Joseph R., T/Sgt R Cirals, Ted (NMI) “Teddie”, T/Sgt Eagan, Joseph E., M/Sgt G Ewald, Paul E., S/Sgt Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt F None None Tuesday, 30 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt CP Hughes, Clark E., 2Lt N Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator E Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt R Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt F None
446th BS War Diary: Setting up a complete camp.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 13/mission 12) Group Mission # 12: (446th BS did not participate)
447th BS War Diary: Usual garrison duties.
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 13/mission 12) Group Mission # 12: (447th BS did not participate)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 13/mission 12) Group Mission # 12: Mission 9 (12): At 13:30 15 planes off on sea sweep. No bombs dropped, all planes back at 15:30. Escorts of P-38’s turned back, bad weather. F/L: Cook and Heinlen. A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” A/C No. 41-13205 P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie” “Charlie”, 1Lt CP Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt Campbell, John F., 2Lt N None None B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt F Rappaport, Louis (NMI), Sgt Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV) A/C No. 41-13170 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt CP Bruton, John E., 2Lt Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt N None None B Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt F Lingenfelter, Richard L. S/Sgt Ellison, Travis E., Cpl Tuesday, 30 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30001 A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” P Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt CP Bowman, William W., 2Lt Buchenau, Harry T., 2Lt N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt None B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt F None Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st BG (observer) A/C No. 41-13163 (spare) P Veum, Ole E., 1Lt CP Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt N Holt, William E., 2Lt B Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt E Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt F None
Wednesday, 31 March 1943
USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Ninth Air Force):
In Tunisia, B-25's bomb Sfax Airfield; bombs explode among 6 parked airplanes. P-40's escort bombers and fly fighter-bomber operations, during which motor transport along the highway north of Gabes is hit. The 9th Fighter Wing is inactivated at El Kabrit, Egypt.
WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (Northwest African Air Force):
In Sardinia, during the night of 30/31 Mar, RAF Wellingtons bomb Decimomannu Airfield. During the day, B-17's hit Villacidro, Monserrato and Decimomannu Airfields and Cagliari harbor.
In the Mediterranean, B-25's hit shipping off northeastern Tunisia. The B-l7 and B-25 missions are escorted by P-38's. In Tunisia, Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) fighters, and light and medium bombers attack La Fauconnerie Airfield, hit concentrations on the El Guettar-Gabes road (enemy positions through which the US II Corps is trying to break), bomb transport in the Djebel Tabouna area, attack roads in the Mezzouna-Mahares-Sfax-Sousse areas, hit trucks, halftracks, and tanks south of Djebel Berda and in the Djebel Berrani area, bomb the Djebel Chemsi Pass, strafe trucks on the Djebel Hadifa-Sidi Rouda road and in the Ofel-El Guettar area. Western Desert Air Force (WDAF) aircraft hit the El Maou landing ground. The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light) with A-20's transfers from Canrobert, Algeria to Thelepte, Tunisia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The thirteenth mission which took off at 0730 on March 31, 1943 with 15 planes on a sea search, returned at 0900 because of bad weather. Flight leaders were Maj. Cook and Capt. Heinlen. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander, 448th BS At 1045 on March 31, 1943, the fourteenth mission of 14 planes took off on a sea search. Six planes returned early. The other 8 planes dropped 47 five-hundred pound bombs and returned at 1450. One large M/V was believed to be hit. Vision was obscured by cloud layers, but a large gray circle was seen with tow destroyers heading away in opposite directions. Tail-gunner of rear ship, believes the stern of one ship was damaged. A near-miss claimed on a small freighter. All bombs fell among the convoy. Four enemy aircraft were destroyed and one was probably destroyed. From the air, three FW-109s, two ME-210s and six ME-109s were observed. A convoy of 6 ships, 2 of them large M/Vs apparently over 10,000 tons, were headed towards Tunis. Flak was heavy, inaccurate and trailing. Staff Sgt. W.L. Martin of Mt. Holly, N.C., engineer-gunner, claimed one FW-190 as probably destroyed. Flight leaders were Col. Knapp, Capt. Schwane and Capt. Bell. Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, 447th BS Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG Commander Martin, William L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS Schwane, Henry H. "Hank", Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 446th BS The fifteenth mission took off at 1245 on March 31, 1943 with 15 planes on a sea search. One plane returned early. Fourteen planes dropped 84 five-hundred pound bombs. Twelve planes returned at 1705 and one landed at Bone. The lower element claims that it broke a large M/V in two, carrying trucks and cars as a load. Two planes hit a large M/V and left it burning and sinking. Two other planes hit a large M/V and left it blazing. The upper element claims one M/V set on fire; two near misses; a string of bombs across a large cargo and passenger boat; and a large M/V which burst into flames after being hit amidships; and a large transport hit near the bow, after which it was seen smoking heavily and down at the bow. The same ship was hit amidships by another plane. The following combat claims were made: three ME-109s destroyed, one FW-190 destroyed, one ME-109 probably destroyed, three ME-109s damaged and one unidentified fighter damaged. Two B-25s were lost from the lower element. From the air, twenty enemy aircraft consisting of ME-109s, FW-190s and ME-210s were observed. A four-motored bomber was attacked by our escort and the escort shot down an enemy fighter. Marine observations consisted of a convoy of 4 destroyers, 1 transport, 4 barges, 1 Seibel Ferry, 1 escort vessel, 4 large M/Vs and one apparently damaged ship being towed. At least three ships were flying balloons. Flak was heavy and intense at higher altitudes. Machine-guns were used at lower altitudes. One FW-190 was calmed destroyed by Staff Sgt. Goldburn Turner of 1906 Sixth Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa. One ME-109 was claimed destroyed jointly by Technical Sgt. DeWitt C. Gallaher of 26 Bradford ST., Charleston, W.Va., Staff Sgt. Richard L. Lambert of 1611 Masignay St., New Orleans, La., and Staff Sgt. Ernest L. Whitmore of RFD #3, Marathon, N.Y. One ME-109 was claimed-destroyed by Staff Sgt. Walter R. Brainard of Maudlow, Mont., and one ME-109 was claimed jointly destroyed by Technical Sgt. Irving W. Knight of 990 Middle Drive, Indianapolis, Ind., and Staff Sgt. James E. Lawyer of 2114 Gent Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. Flight leaders were Maj. Cook and Lieut. Veum. The following personnel from the 448th Bombardment Squadron were reported as missing in action as a result of this mission: Lieut. Robert G. Hess, Lieut. Mert J. Welton, Lieut. Charles A. McKinney, Lieut. John F. Campbell, Sgt. Herbert E. Rodgers, Sgt. Harold F. Cookman, Sgt. Ralph V. Hines, Sgt. Walter J. McMurray, Sgt. Thomas S. Ratajczyk, Sgt. Boyd V. Headings, Sgt. Lofton F. McGinnis, Sgt. Edward A. Kirol and Sgt. Richard O. Lottes. 445th BS Personnel: Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt, gunner Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt, turret gunner Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt, gunner 448th BS Personnel: Campbell, John F., 2Lt, pilot Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt, pilot Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt, gunner Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
Lottes, Richard O., Sgt, radio-gunner McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt, gunner McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 1Lt, pilot McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt, gunner Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Veum, Ole E., 1Lt, pilot, 448 BS Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt, gunner Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 14/mission 13) Group Mission # 13: ------Mission Report # 13, 31 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 0730 _15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. _None_ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission No. A/C _None_ dropped ___any____ bombs. __15__ returned at 0900. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
3. Returned because of weather; Escort turned back.
4. None.
5. Out – 5,000 ft. ceiling, scattered clouds, 6/10. At coast – visibility Zero.
6. None. Sorties flown this date--15 Flight leaders--Major Cook Capt. Heinlen FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 15/mission 14) Group Mission # 14: ------Mission Report # 14, 31 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1045 _14__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. ___6___ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission No. A/C ___8___ dropped _47x500__ bombs. ___8___ returned at 1450. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
3. One large M/V believed hit. Vision was obscured by cloud layers but a large gray circle was seen with 2 destroyers heading away in opposite directions. Tail gunner of rear ship believed stern of one ship damaged. A near miss claimed on small freighter. All bombs fell among convoy. 4 E/A claimed and 1 probably destroyed.
4. Air 3 - FW 190’s 2 - ME-210’s 6 - ME-109’s yellow nose
Marine – Convoy of 6 ships, two of them large M/V apparently over 10,000 tons, at 37 Degrees 35’ N, 11 degrees 15’ E heading SW towards Tunis at 1255. Clouds and E/A activity prevented observation of speed and heading in degrees.
Flak – Heavy, inaccurate, trailing.
5. Enroute – low clouds and scattered showers. Target – broken overcast at 3000 ft. vis. 10 mi. Return – scattered showers.
6. S/Sgt. W. L. Martin, 14062117, Mt. Holly, N. C., Engineer and rear gunner claims one FW-190 probably destroyed.
Flight leaders Col. Knapp Capt. Schwane Capt. Bell
Number of sorties flown this date 23. (sum of missions 13 & 14, minus early returns)
FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------(Intentionally placed with the mission, rather than date of letter) 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) April 1, 1943
A-3 REPORT First Mission of March 31, 1943
1. Target: Convoy of six (6) Merchant vessels. 2. Aircraft: No. Scheduled: 15; No. off: 14; No. returned early: 6. 3. Take off: 1045 to 1054. 4. Route out: Scarecrow. Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
5. Assault: Quarter front at 5500 ft. 30 second bomb run at 240 MPH; off target in diving turn at 300 MPH. 6. Route Back: 330° for 50 miles; 250° for 100 miles; then direct to Ain M’Lila. 7. Return of mission: 8 Airplanes at 1450. 8. Bombs dropped: 47 bombs dropped. None returned; None jettisoned. Fuses were .025 and .1 second. 9. Results of mission: Area of convoy covered. One Merchant vessel believed hit badly. 10. Enemy Action: Jumped by 11 fighters after leaving target. Fighters followed Bombers to deck and stayed with Bombers for approximately 5 minutes. 11. Escort by: 24 P-38’s of the First Fighter Group. Rendezvous locally. (Only six escort planes seen after leaving Bone. These followed formation at a distance of about 5 or 6 miles. Escort not seen after target sighted until after the attack. When en route to base they were again sighted to the left rear.) 12. Own Aircraft Losses: None. 13. Enemy Aircraft Losses: 4 damaged; 1 probably destroyed. 14. Sorties: 9 15. Escorted by P-38’s. 16. Remarks: None.
ROBERT D. KNAPP, Colonel, Air Corps, Commanding. ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 16/mission 15) Group Mission # 15: ------Mission Report # 15, 31 Mar 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M)
2. At 1245 _15__ _B-25s__ took off on sea search. ___1___ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission No. A/C ___14__ dropped _84x500 lb bombs. __12___ returned at 1705. One landed at Bone. No. A/C No. & Type No. A/C Time
3. Met convoy; lower element claims: (1) Broke large M/V in two, carrying trucks and cars. (2) Two planes hit large M/V and left it burning and sinking. (3) Two planes hit large M/V and left it blazing.
Upper element claims: (1) One M/V on fire. Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
(2) 2 near misses. (3) String of bombs across large cargo and passenger boat. (4) 2 near misses. (5) Large M/V broke into flames after hit amidships. (6) Hit large transport by bow and observed it down at bow and smoking heavily. Same ship hit amidships by another plane. 3 ME-109’s destroyed 1 FW-190 destroyed 1 ME-109 probably destroyed. 3 ME-109’s damaged. 1 unidentified fighter damaged. Lost – two planes from lower element.
4. Air - 50 E/A ME-109’s, FW-190’s ME-210’s. 4 motored bomber being attacked by escort. Escort shot down 1 E/A fighter.
Marine – Convoy at 37 Degrees 35’ N, 10 degrees 50’ E heading SW of 4 destroyers, transport, 4 barges, 1 Siebel ferry, 1 escort vessel, 4 large M/V, 1 apparently damaged ship being towed. At least 3 ships flying balloons.
Flak – Heavy, and intense at higher altitudes. Machine guns at lower altitude.
5. Enroute – scattered cumulus at 6000 ft., visibility 15 miles. Target – scattered cumulus at 3000 ft. Return – visibility decreasing over land.
6. 1 FW-190 claimed destroyed by Staff Sgt. Goldburn Turner, 37126149, 1906 6th Ave., Council Bluff, Iowa.
1 ME-109 claimed jointly destroyed by Tech. Sgt. Dewitt C. Gallaher, ASN 15088188, 26 Bradford St., Charleston, W. Va. Staff Sgt. Richard L. Lambert, ASN 14079776, 1611 Masinny St. New Orleans, La., S/Sgt. Ernest L. Whitmore, ASN 32250758, R.F.D. #3, Marathon, N. Y.
1 ME-109 claimed destroyed by S/Sgt. Walter R. Brainard, ASN 19056162, Maudlow, Montana.
1 ME-109 claimed jointly destroyed by Tech. Sgt. Irving W. Knight, ASN 15101578, 990 Middle Drive, Indianapolis, Ind. And Staff Sgt. James E. Lawyer, ASN 15085857, 2114 Gent Avenue, Indianapolis, Ind.
Flight leaders Maj., Cook Lt. Veum
Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
Number of sorties flown this date 37. (Sum of all 3 missions) FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------(Intentionally placed with the mission, rather than date of letter) 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) April 1, 1943
A-3 REPORT Second Mission of March 31, 1943
1. Target: Sea Sweep. 2. Aircraft: No. Scheduled: 15; No. off: 15; No. returned early: 1 (Gun out). 3. Take off: 1245 to 1251. 4. Route out: Scarecrow (reversed, around course backward). 5. Assault: Quarter front at 8000 ft. 450 second bombing run at 230 mph; off target at 250 mph with dive to right in close formation. 6. Route Back: 270° for 5 min; 230° for 15 min; to Bone; To Ain M’Lila. 7. Return of mission: 11 Airplanes at 1705 hours. One landed safely at Bone. 8. Bombs dropped: 84 bombs dropped. None returned; None jettisoned. Fusing was .025 and .1 for high element and 4 sec for low element. 9. Results of mission: Covered target area. 10. Enemy Action: Jumped by 50 enemy fighters while climbing to bombing altitude. Enemy Fighters continued to attack until bomb release line, then left. 11. Escort by: 24 P-38’s of 82nd Fighter Group. Rendezvous locally. (Fighter escort not seen after start of bombing run) 12. Own Aircraft Losses: Two. B-25C 41-13209 and B-25C 41-13205. One by flak and 1455 hours - 37°35’N, 10°47’E; the other by fighters at 1512 hours - 37°48’N, 10°27E. 13. Enemy Aircraft Losses: 3 ME-109’s destroyed; 1 FW-190 destroyed; 1 ME-109 probably destroyed; 3 ME-109’s damaged; 1 unidentified fighter damaged. 14. Sorties: 14 15. Escorted by P-38’s. 16. Remarks: None.
ROBERT D. KNAPP, Colonel, Air Corps, Commanding. ------
445th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 14/mission 13) Group Mission # 13: Mission: Group # 13, Squadron # 10, 8 Sorties: 9 ships flew a sea search this morning led by Major Cook. They returned after an hour and 45 minutes because of bad weather. No bombs were dropped and 1400 rounds of ammunition were used to clear the guns.
A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 42-53428 “The Wolf II” P Grau, Robert B., 1Lt Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt CP Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt Hughes, Clark E., 2Lt N None Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt B Filipowski, Milton R., S/Sgt None listed – likely the navigator E Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt R Wright, Warren D., Sgt Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt G Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt Pierce, William V., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” P Miller, Roy N., 2Lt Cratin, William S., 1Lt CP Butela, William F., 2Lt Bitner, William H., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt B Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt Morgan, Robert E., 2Lt E Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt R Katz, Paul F., T/Sgt Nichols, William C., T/Sgt G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13158 A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt CP Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt Olson, Walter N., 2Lt N Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt None B McEnroe, Henry A.,2Lt Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt E Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt Krause, Kenneth K., S/Sgt R Chereski, John J., T/Sgt Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt G Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie” A/C No. 41-13183 P Kayser, Robert B., Jr., 2Lt Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt CP Kent, William S., 2Lt Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt N None Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt B Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt Rokotz, Peter (NMI), Sgt E Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt G Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt F Hildebrand, Leslie A. “Hildie”, T/Sgt None
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 15/mission 14) Group Mission # 14: (445th BS did not participate) Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 16/mission 15) Group Mission # 15: Another sea sweep this afternoon led by Major Cook with 25 P-38’s escorting. The formation of 15 B-25’s (8 of the 445th) took off at 12:45. Major Cook led two formations at 8000 ft. and Lt. Veum led one element at 100 ft, dropping 84 x 100 lb. (48 by 100 lb. by the 445th) bombs at 14:52 on a convoy consisting of 4 large merchant vessels, one transport, 4 barges, one Siebel Ferry, 4 destroyers, and 1 escort vessel. One merchant vessel appeared to be in tow, one large merchant vessel sunk. One was left burning and in a sinking condition. Two other ships were left in flames. The transport was hit twice and appeared to be down at the bow. Barrage balloons were attached to three of the ships. Intense, heavy flak was experienced from the convoy. The formation was attacked by 50 enemy aircraft including ME-109’s, 210’s, FW-190’s, and at least 1 JU- 88. 30 to 50 ME 109’s attacked the formation. The B-25’s claimed 4 ME 109’s, and 1 unidentified plane shot down over the target. Two B-25’s of the low element were lost. The fighter escort destroyed 1 JU-88 and 1 ME-109. One P-38 lost and another missing. The right wing tip of Lt. Miller’s ship was blown off by 20 mm fire. The ships returned at 17:05. Lt. Bonus landed in Bone because his engineer, S/Sgt. Krzyzanowski was seriously injured in the chest by 20mm shell. S/Sgt. Brainard, who is Lt. Clinton’s engineer, was wounded in the chest by a 30 cal. Bullet. Both Sgt. Krzyzanowski and St. Brainard continued to man their guns in spite of their critical wounds and each shot down an ME-109 approaching from the tails of their shops. Two other ME-109’s were claimed today by our gunners. High Element
A/C No. 42-53428 “The Wolf II” A/C No. 41-13183 P Bonus, Robert M., 1Lt Cratin, William S., 1Lt CP Hughes, Clark E., 2Lt Bitner, William H., 2Lt N Garrison, Fred H., 2Lt Anderson, Charles C., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator Morgan, Robert E., Sgt E Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt Kilmer, Reid Francis, S/Sgt R Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt Nichols, William C., T/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Bruyneel, Dennis A., M/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13158 A/C No. 41-13199 “C’est La Vie” P Cook, Bailey C., Maj, Commander Rudolph, Raymond L. “Rudy”, 2Lt CP Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, 1Lt Olson, Walter N., 2Lt N Bsharah, Norman (NMI), 2Lt None B McEnroe, Henry A., 2Lt Klunk, Edward F., S/Sgt E Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt Krause, Kenneth K., S/Sgt R Chereski, John J., T/Sgt Knight, Irving W., T/Sgt G Klocke, Francis J., S/Sgt Lawyer, James E., S/Sgt F None None
Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 41-13201 “Poopsie” P Miller, Roy N., 2Lt Kayser, Robert B. Jr., 2Lt CP Butela, William F., 2Lt Kent, William S., 2Lt N None None B Murzyn, Edward (NMI), 2Lt Liebl, Ralph Kenneth, 2Lt E Adams, Richard G., T/Sgt Lambert, Richard L., S/Sgt R Gregory, John N., T/Sgt Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt Whitmore, Ernest L., S/Sgt F None Boyd, Ewell, V., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-12924 “Patricia” A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Clinton, Wayne C., 1Lt Grau, Robert B., 1Lt CP Armstrong, Stanley K., 2Lt Heflin, Norman H. B., 2Lt N Becker, Virgil C., 2Lt None B Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, Sgt Filipowski, Milton R., S/Sgt E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt R Curtis, Raymond T., T/Sgt Wright, Warren D., Sgt G Arvo, Nillo Richard, S/Sgt Boris, Michael (NMI), S/Sgt F None None
446th BS War Diary: Setting up a complete camp.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 14/mission 13) Group Mission # 13: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 15/mission 14) Group Mission # 14: Group mission 14, Squadron 7: Six planes led by Col. Knapp with Major Schwane as co-pilot. 500 lb. bombs were used on a convoy and one merchant vessel was believed sunk.
A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 41-13196 “Avenger” P Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., 1Lt Lovingood, Willard J. “Bill”, 1Lt CP Carlisle, Howard L., 2Lt Cleary, Philip B., 2Lt N Davis, Sterling (NMI), 2Lt Cordes, Jacob H., Jr., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Martin, William L., S/Sgt Kralicek, Frank C., S/Sgt R Sheldon, Victor W., T/Sgt Brooks, George C., Cpl G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt Belser, Oscar L., S/Sgt F Wisnesky, Benjamin H., Pvt None
Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 41-13197 P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, 1Lt Taylor, Peter D., 1Lt CP Hileman, Donald L. “Buck”, 2Lt Chappell, Howard L., 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt Beyer, William J., 2Lt B Navigator filling both B & N positions Navigator filling both B & N positions E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Haley, Woodrow H., Pvt Pyle, Joseph W., S/Sgt G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-12928 “Buzz Wagon” P Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, HQ 321st BG Bailey, Harold Merle “Buzz”, 1Lt Commander CP Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Capt, Bleech, John (NMI), 2Lt Commander N McCarter, Elmer H., Capt Vink, Virgil Francis, 2Lt B Manning, Rodney Allen, 2Lt Navigator filling both B & N positions E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Travis, Edward J., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt Sidlik, Theophil S., S/Sgt G South, William R., S/Sgt Grant, Ronald A., S/Sgt F None Haasch, George F., Sgt (ASV)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 16/mission 15) Group Mission # 15: (446th BS did not participate)
447th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 14/mission 13) Group Mission # 13: (447th BS did not participate)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 15/mission 14) Group Mission # 14: Five of our planes took off to go on a sea sweep today. Three of them returned early; two participated in the mission. A convoy was sighted and bombs dropped but no results were observed. The first big batch of mail to catch up with us from the states arrived today.
A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt CP Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 2Lt Jung, Roland W. “Wongy”, 2Lt N Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Allison, John M. “Alley Cat”, Jr., 2Lt E Parker, Robert B., S/Sgt Nelson, James E., S/Sgt R Jondro, William G., Jr., Sgt Hannemann, Carl D., S/Sgt G Wilson, Leo W., Pvt Popowski, Frank A., S/Sgt F None None Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 41-30002 II” P Shapiro, Leonard L. “Shap”, 2Lt Lungren, Charles D., 1Lt CP Hengel, Edward D., 2Lt Blanton, Ralph A., 2Lt N None None B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt Garrett, Andy Keet, 2Lt E Murray, George F., S/Sgt Ferrier, Jack G., S/Sgt R Waldrip, Robert Laseter, T/Sgt Skorupa, Benjamin (NMI), S/Sgt G Rider, Lawrence E. “Bus”, S/Sgt Vaccaro, Joseph M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13007 “The Harp” A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Richardson, Robert W. “Big Rich”, 1Lt DeMoss, Jack M., 1Lt CP Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt Hoffman, Charles W., 2Lt N Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt None B None listed – likely the navigator Lieberman, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt E O’Connell, Daniel E., S/Sgt Joseph Edward R., S/Sgt R Cantrell, Walter A., T/Sgt Hofstedt, John H., S/Sgt G Murphy, Russell E. “The Kid”, S/Sgt Ludtke, Foster R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Bell, Albert R., Capt Burns, John P. “Buster”, 1Lt CP Brinkley, Wilton R., 2Lt Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 2Lt N None None B Hartis, John G., 2Lt Lingrel, Paul Warren “Big Moose”, 2Lt E Lankford, Raymond D., S/Sgt Kramer, Gilbert W., S/Sgt R Stanton, James E. “Jim”, T/Sgt Byerly, Lee E., Sgt G Gouvin, Henry J., S/Sgt McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt F None None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 16/mission 15) Group Mission # 15: (447th BS did not participate)
447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 2) TARGET: Sea Sweep 4:05 Plane 371 “Sighted 10 or 12 enemy ships. Mission considered partially successful. Flight leader Lt. Burns.” Burns, John P. “Buster”, 1Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 14/mission 13) Group Mission # 13: Mission 10 (13): At 07:30 15 planes off on sea sweep. No bombs dropped, all planes back at 09:00. Escort of P-38’s turned back due to bad weather. F/L: Cook and Heinlen. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30001 A/C No. 41-13170 P Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, Commander Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt CP Bowman, William W., 2Lt Bruton, John E., 2Lt N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt None B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt F None Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt (ASV) A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt CP Buchenau, Harry T., 2Lt Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt N None None B McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt E Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt R Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt G Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt F None Ellison, Travis E., Cpl A/C No. 41-13205 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt 1Lt CP Campbell, John F., 2Lt Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt N None None B Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt E Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt Potosky, John A., S/Sgt R Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), Sgt G McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt F Lottes, Richard O., Sgt(ASV) None A/C No. 41-13163 (spare) P Veum, Ole E., 1Lt CP Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt N Holt, William E., 2Lt B Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt E Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt F None
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 15/mission 14) Group Mission # 14: (448th BS did not participate)
Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 16/mission 15) Group Mission # 15: Mission 11 (15): At 12:45 15 planes off to bomb on sea sweep, 14 dropped 84 x 500 bombs. 12 planes back at 17:05. One landed at Bone. Met convoy, lower element (48) claims M/V broken in two, one M/V left sinking, one left burning. 4 E/A destroyed. About 50 E/A attacked 2 B-25’s (Lts: Hess and McKinney) shot down. Intense, heavy accurate flak, balloon barrage. Bombing was at 100-200 feet. Weather: Clear. F/L: Cook and Veum.
Low Element
A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” (MACR- A/C No. 41-13205 (MACR-14578 14579 “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost to “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost to enemy enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft”) aircraft and anti-aircraft”) P Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 1Lt CP Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt Campbell, John F., 2Lt N None None B McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt E Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt R Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt G Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt F None Lottes, Richard O., Sgt(ASV) A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt) A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt CP Bruton, John E., 2Lt Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt N None None B Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt R Kilgore, Thomas A., S/Sgt Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt F Lingenfelter, Richard L., Sgt (ASV) None A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 41-13163 P Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt Veum, Ole E., 1Lt CP Garrett, Thaddeus D., 2Lt Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt N None Holt, William E., 2Lt B Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt E Potosky, John A., S/Sgt Porch, Dean O., S/Sgt R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), Sgt Donnelly, William L., S/Sgt G Turner, Goldburn H., S/Sgt Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt F None None
Wednesday, 31 March 1943 (continued)
A/C No. 41-29776 (spare) P Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, 1Lt CP Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt N Hurst, Joseph B., 2Lt B None listed – likely the navigator E Rohleder, Jack J., S/Sgt R Hilborne, Thomas G., Sgt G Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt F None
448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 14578: 2nd Lt. Thaddeus D. Garrett, 0-662444 saw crash. (MACR contains very little information)
A/C No. 41-13205 (MACR-14578 - “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost to enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft”)) P McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 1Lt - MIA, DED CP Campbell, John F., 2Lt - MIA, DED N None B Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt - MIA, DED E Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt - MIA, DED R Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt - MIA, DED G McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt - MIA, DED F Lottes, Richard O., Sgt (ASV) - MIA, DED
448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 14579: 2nd Lt. Thaddeus D. Garrett, 0-662444 saw crash. (MACR contains very little information)
A/C No. 41-13209 “Trouble” (MACR-14579 “Lost at Sea. Aircraft was lost to enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft”) P Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt - MIA, DED CP Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt - MIA, DED N None B McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt - MIA, DED E Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt - MIA, DED R Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt - MIA, DED G Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt - MIA, DED F None
March 1943
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: We all enjoyed a good week-end at Marrakech, and on Monday, March 1st, took off twice, but each time was turned back by bad weather ahead. As we had mountains to cross and cold to combat with snow-capped mountains as an added hazard, the decision was to take no unnecessary risks now that we were so close to our goal. The 1st ship to come down after the second attempt was piloted by Lieut. Martin and seemed to be doing all right, when it suddenly keeled over after a short run down the runway. It was a breathtaking moment, but fortunately, no one was hurt. Martin, John K. "Kirk", 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS The next day, Tuesday March 2nd, we took off again, our ship taking to the air at 0935, and after a quiet flight of two and one-half hours, we set down at 1206 at Oujda, Department of Oran, French Morocco, which was to be our base for a while. (FLYING TIME: 2 Hrs-30 Mins) (TIME OF COMPLE FLIGHT, MORRISON FIELD TO OUJDA: 52 Hrs-30 Mins). Immediately upon landing, the rumor went around that our ships were to be used for patrol duty over the Mediterranean and the pilots and other crew members hardly were pleased at such a prospect. It proved to be no more than rumor, eventually, to the complete satisfaction of our fight-desiring crews. The ground echelon, after its voyage across the Atlantic and brief stops at Oran, their debarkation point, at Sainte Barbe du Tlelat and at La Senia, joined the flight echelon at Oujda on Sunday, March 7th. Their trip had been a rugged one and the boys showed it; but once the group was together again as one entity, things progressed well in most respects. Several administrative changes took place on March 9, 1943. Maj. Bailey C. Cook, group operations officer, was relieved of those duties and transferred to the 445th Squadron and assumed command of that unit. Lieut. Col, Charles T. Olmsted, group executive officer, was group operations officer and Maj. William A. Lowell, group adjutant, became his successor. Mr. Ulmer, now Chief Warrant Officer, was appointed group Adjutant in addition to his duties as Personnel officer. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Lowell, William A., Maj, Adjutant Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Group Executive Ulmer, Edgar F. "Tiger", CWO, Group Adjutant Oujda was an interesting city and several of the men got passes, returning for the most part with articles they intended to send home for souvenirs and gifts. The city was much cleaner than most of those we had seen. While at Oujda, a few members of other Air Corps units there, would come in and ask for “Tiger”, who we later found out was none other than our group adjutant, CWO Ulmer. There is nothing like a little travel to learn how the other half of the World lives and the things what count as “conveniences”, or what have. But we will let Plane Talks, a news roundup put out by the First Service Center; inform you (author anonymous) about one of these so-called “conveniences”: THE LAUGHING WATERS OF MOROCCO, or QUICK, JOE! MY MAE WEST. Ulmer, Edgar F. "Tiger", CWO, Group Adjutant March 1943 (continued)
My theme for today will be the North African toilets, known here and in England as the W.C.’s. We also have a name for them, but it would never pass our old friend, the censor. Their ingenious death-traps are unlike anything to be seen in America. There wasn’t even one in evidence at the New York World’s Fair. Upon first glance at ye john, it would appear that here is a shower without any faucets, a birdbath without any birds, a forlorn hunk of tile or porcelain sans bowl, sans seat and sans bomb-sight. Just an indentation in the floor approximately three inches deep, in which is a hole about four inches in diameter, For some unknown reason, there is always a fearful gurgle emanating from this abyss as though ole Johnny were threatening to disgorge his daily receipts at any moment in the manner of Old Faithful. It’s a terrible scental hazard. Forward and on either side of the hole, are two slight rises in the indentation. They are ridges and are for proper positioning of the feet—vital factor in all operations. The revolutionary thing about the W.C. is that every client is forced to squat, private, captain, colonel, merchant and sultan. The common leveler! As the unwary victim becomes solidly entrenched and he perhaps has gained enough confidence to whistle a few bars of Auld Lang Syne, then – swoosh – a torrent of icy water cascades forth from twin pipes running down the rear wall. The white waters gush over the client’s shoe tips and for a moment he resembles a tight-rope walker as he struggles to raise his trousers and maintain his balance at the same time. All this time, gusts of wind persist in banging the privy door on the client’s noggin in a merry manner. No, we must have paper! The frantic rifling of pockets result in the loss of a pencil, two cigarettes and a book of matches swallowed by the little hole. It is now discovered that the synthetic enema has done away with the need for paper and a hurried call is sent up for a towel. Finally, his clothes in violent disarray and his brow moist with beads of sweat, the victim staggers out and heads for the mess-hall in search of some cheese. * --- *
The flight echelon was getting into shape to move to the front and give the Axis a few surprises. The 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) is the first B-25 group to use the modified B-25 in this theatre of operations. Master Sgt. Bruce Lowery of Group Armament, has indicated below, those modifications which were made. The following changes in armament equipment were made on B-25Cs and B-25Ds of the group’s aircraft, prior to departure from the continental limits of the United States for combat duty in the Middle-East theatre. Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”, M/Sgt, armament, HQ 321st BG
a. The following parts were removed: 1. Lower turret. 2. Armor bulkhead between rear escape-hatch and upper turret. 3. N-6 sight from pilot’s cockpit. 4. Hydraulic conduits to all turrets removed from front bomb-bay bulkhead. 5. Heating system in rear of bomb-bay. 6. Plexi-glass covering from the extreme rear-end of fuselage.
March 1943 (continued)
7. B-2 bomb interval control and bombardiers’ control panel was moved back from the nose of the ship to a position more protected by armor-plate installed. 8. Colimeter-sight removed from upper-turret.
b. The following installations were made: 1. Two (2) large side-windows, one on each side. 2. Flexible caliber 50, M2 Machine Gun mounted in each side-window, to be operated by radio operator. 3. Flexible caliber 50, M2 Machine Gun mounted in tail of airplane to be operated by aerial engineer. 4. Armor plate installed on each side of tail-gunner’s position. 5. Ammunition can built in top of tail section, to hold 400 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition for use in defense of attack from rear at the same altitude as ship’s flight. 6. Larsen feed chute connecting ammunition container with tail-gun. 7. Upper-turret equipped with foot-chargers. 8. Upper-turret equipped with M-6 Sight. 9. Upper-turret has complete armor plate in direction of turret-gunner’s operations. 10. Each waist-gun has been mounted in armor plate shield of approximately 18 inches by 24 inches. 11. Waist-guns have ring and post-sights attached. 12. Upper-turrets have been revised to exclude the old colimeter sight-hole. 13. Waist-guns have approximately 400 rounds of ammunition for each gun. 14. Two Martin ammunition cans are provided for use by the waist-guns mounted on either side of the plane. 15. Armor plate has been used to protect the pilot, co-pilot and bombardier from overhead, forward and downward action. 16. M-3A Sight on pilot’s cowling for use in low-level bombing and as pilot’s fixed gun-site.
The flight echelon left on March 12, 1943 for Ain M’Lila in Algeria. Various maintenance men and advance ground echelon personnel left for Ain-M’Lila via air transports and on March 21st, the remainder of the ground echelon left on 40 and 8 cars – the Express Afrique sans horses. As usual, quarters were pretty cramped, but we all managed somehow. The trip took us through some very beautiful and picturesque country, which was compensation for any uncomfortable nights that were spent in crowded quarters. The trip took us through a number of cities and towns legendary for the places they hold in history and fiction. A stop was made at Sidi-Bel-Abbes, a city famed as being the headquarters of the Foreign Legion. We also stopped at Ste. Barbe Du Tlelat, a former step of the ground echelon, better known to most of us as “Mud-hill”, the place where we bivouacked our first few days in North Africa. An overnight stop was made at March 1943 (continued)
Blida. Our next stop of any consequence was at Algiers, where we stayed for about four hours. There were a number of interesting sights here to prevent ennui, such as the beautiful blue Mediterranean, battleships and barrage balloons over the city. Many men visited the Red Cross (French) Canteen for coffee, sandwiches and chocolate. We made an overnight stop at El Guerrah, the location of the 47th Wing Headquarters, under whose command the 321st Bombardment Group (M), operates. Our destination, Ain M’Lila, Algeria, was reached at 1245, Friday, March 26, 1943. The Air Echelon had been engaged in operations against the enemy for eleven days when the Ground Echelon reached Ain M’Lila, the base from which operations were being carried out. The Command Section, Squadron Intelligence and Operations Sections were located in a huge granary about a mile from the line.
Here is a typical scene of our first overseas operational base at Ain M’Lila, Algeria, with Arabs, cattle and sheep wandering through the camp-area continually. Group Headquarters was situated in the huge, stone building at the left, a former granary.
March 1943 (continued)
HQ 321st BG Special Account: March 20, 1943, the third mission: Enemy aircraft was shot down by Staff Sgt. Joseph C Perpich of Carson Lake, Minn., and Staff Sgt. Robert C. Drogosch of Chicago, Ill., both of the 447th Bombardment Squadron (M). Sergeant Perpich, tail-gunner, is credited with shooting down an ME-110. On the run to the target, two ME-110s attacked, one from above to right and the other directly from the rear. The one from the rear came within 100 to 150 yards from the tail of the ship, apparently unaware that it was fortified with a tail gun. Sergeant Perpich fired about 75 rounds of ammunition directly into the enemy plane. He saw pieces of the ME-110 fly into the air, and it started to burn and went out of control immediately. The kill was verified by James A. Woody, the turret-gunner, who was later killed on this same mission; but gave the confirmation on the interphone. Waist-gunner Staff Sgt. Robert C. Drogosch told of the ME-110 coming in from above and behind. The turret-gunner caused the enemy plane to pull out to the left and below the range of the turret-guns. This exposed it to the fire of the waist-gunner, Drogosch, who estimated that he fired about 50 rounds of ammunition into the plane. Lieut. Albert Duke, pilot, saw the enemy aircraft hit the water. There were eight casualties on this mission. Staff Sgt. Harold F. Govoni and Staff Sgt. James A. Woody were killed in action. Staff Sgts. Perpich, Drogosch and Noble of the 447th Squadron were slightly wounded, as were Lieuts. Duke, Ackley and Orr of the same squadron. From 447th BS: Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Drogosch, Robert C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Govoni, Harold F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner Orr, Douglas Cameron, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Woody, James A., S/Sgt, turret gunner The thrilling escape of the members of his ship, which crashed into the sea, is related in the Friday, April 8 issue of the Stars & Stripes, from which is quoted: “B-25 CREW HAS THRILLING ESCAPE AFTER SEA CRASH, surviving a crash –landing in the Mediterranean, five members of a B-25 paddled ashore after 12 hours at sea and made a thrilling escape through German lines to safety. It all started when they ran over a convoy and were jumped by a flock of ME-110s. The Jerries crashed the bomber hard. The right engine was shot out, the nacelle burnt out; the bomb-bay door was torn open and there was a large hole in the right wing. TWO DOWNED. With the serious injuries to his plane, the pilot, Lieut. Albert Duke of Baltimore, Md., told the crew to prepare for an emergency landing in the Mediterranean. But not before Staff Sgt. Francis Noble of Yonkers, NY, and Staff Sgt. Robert Drogosch of Chicago. Ill., had each destroyed a Messerschmitt. The plane sank 32 seconds after it hit the water. In the plane besides the pilot and gunners, were Lieut. Douglas Orr of Lakewood, Ohio, serving as bombardier- navigator; and Lieut. James Ackley of Pittsburgh, Pa., who was co-pilot. They had just enough time to toss over a rubber life-raft, grab their jungle kits and whatever else they could salvage, to aid them on land. The flyers decided to make for the mainland of Tunisia, behind the German lines. They paddled until darkness fell and at midnight, they reached out and felt land. MISSED DEATH: The ship-wrecked flyers holed up into the
March 1943 (continued) tall brush and tried to keep warm. During the next three days and nights, they had close calls. They passed only four kilometers from a known German position, and they could hear intermittent firing. They met a French soldier who managed to lead them to a place of shelter, where they obtained three solid hours of sleep by a hidden fire. Once, they encountered a herd of goats and milked some of them. “Then we slept with them at night to keep warm”, Sgt. Noble related. During the four days in the brush, they wore out the low-cut shoes which they later cursed themselves for wearing. The crew finally made contact with advance British patrols, got some shoes and were sent to a hospital for a checkup. The British couldn’t believe that the men could have traveled all that distance without encountering any Nazi patrols. In the four days spent in hostile territory, the only food consumed were some emergency chocolate rations, plus a few eggs and a hunk of bread they had bought from the Arabs”. End quote. Sergeant Noble, who occupied the position of turret-gunner, is credited with shooting down an ME-110. He fired first burst at the enemy aircraft, when it was 800 yards away. The Messerschmitt came in from above and behind. When it was 600 yards away, he fired several long bursts into it, after which it recovered a little and then crashed into the water to the right of the B-25. Sgt. Noble estimates that he fired approximately 60 rounds at the enemy aircraft. The combat claim was verified by the co-pilot, Lieut. Ackley and the navigator, Lieut. Orr. From 447th BS: Ackley, James H., 2Lt, pilot Drogosch, Robert C., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Duke, Albert (NMI) “Al”, 2Lt, pilot Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, S/Sgt, gunner Orr, Douglas Cameron, 2Lt, bombardier, navigator
March 1943 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: On March 1st, the Squadron took off for Oujda and landed at 15:15 (GCT). It was here that the air echelon was rejoined by the ground echelon for the first time since January 21 when the ground echelon left for Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. On March 3, some representatives of the Squadron left for Berteaux where the 310th Group was operating. The purpose of this trip was to get first-hand information concerning the problems and work of a medium Group in the North African Theatre of Operations. At that time, the 310th was engaging in sea sweeps sometimes making the minimum altitude attack. This type of raid had proved the most costly. After the trial and error method it had been found that land attacks under 7000 ft. were more costly than they were worth. On March 12, the air echelon left Oujda for Ain M’Lila taking off at 10:00 (GCT) and landing at 13:00. All of the ground echelon did not arrive at Ain M’Lila until March 26. This was the beginning of important days for the Squadron. On March 9, Capt. MacFarlane had been relieved of his job as Squadron Commander and Major Cook, formerly Group Operations Officer, took over the command. The change was welcomed by practically the entire Squadron. Capt. MacFarlane had not experienced great success in handling the men. There was a constant criticism and grumbling among the men. Major Cook promptly made a study of all the problems of the Squadron, with the assistance of Lt. Tipton, the Operations Officer, and took steps to see that some needed changes were made. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander MacFarlane, William V., Capt, pilot Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", 1Lt, pilot The base at Ain M’Lila was picturesque. It was laid out on a plateau about 2500 ft. high which was surrounded by a ring of mountain. The village of Ain M’Lila was a typical Arab town with a few stores, an excellent Turkish bath, a couple of restaurants to those resourceful enough to find them, and a large supply of dirt. The Group took as its headquarters a large granary near the village. It was cold and damp inside and there was little or no light except for that furnished by the electricity. The other three squadrons first decided that they would stake out their areas about two miles away from the headquarters near their respective aircraft dispersal areas. The 445th decided that under circumstances it would be better to have their living area next to the Group headquarters and accordingly pitched their tents. After the arrival of Col. Knapp, it was decided that all of the Squadrons should have their living areas next to the Group headquarters and that the 448th moved into the tents in the area which the 445th had set up and our men went about the job of setting up a new area. Needless to say there was a great deal of complaining and moaning. The 445th was given an area which was the farthest from the granary building. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
March 1943 (continued)
There was plenty of space in the building for all kinds of offices but there was a great deal of difficulty in getting lumber, electric light fixtures and other necessary material for setting up a workable office. However, Operations and Intelligence took over one large corner and finally improvised a very satisfactory layout. Even a belly stove was installed with a long stovepipe extending up through a little window high up next to the roof. The main part of the granary was used as an auditorium for moving pictures and other shows which were held quite frequently. The men listened with pride and enjoyment to some of the 445th boys who were especially talented including Lt. Kent and Sgt. Knight, both of whom possessed a fine voice and who never failed to bring down the house. Ain M’Lila was the first operational base for the Squadron. March 15, 1943 will be remembered as the first day on which the Squadron flew in combat. At this time plans were just getting under way which were to unfold into the drives which push the last Germans out of Africa. The principal help which was given by the 321st Group was the destruction of airfields, aircraft and lines of communication and supply. The first target which was assigned to the Group was the Mezzouna Landing ground in southern Tunisia. The men in the Squadron who started out on this mission had never before flown in any combat mission. Indeed, no man in the entire formation had had any combat experience. If the men of the Squadron waited with anxiety for the combat crews to return from this, their first experience in war, needless to say the combat crews themselves must have, as they say, really “sweated the affair out”. The stories which had circulated as to the losses which had been sustained by even experienced units certainly did not relieve the tension. However, they all came back and no person was injured. Some of the planes made their first contact with the flak but without any serious results; and the reports were that the landing ground was covered fairly well. During this phase of the operations while most of the targets were in Tunisia or the surrounding waters, the Squadron also participated in raids on targets in Sardinia, Sicily and Pantelleria. This is not the place to set forth the factors concerning all the missions in which the 445th participated. Reference will be made only to a few which were led by the 445th. In these early days, Major Cook, Commanding Officer of the Squadron, himself acted as the lead pilot in most of the cases where a 445th man acted in this capacity. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander On March 20, Major Cook led a raid on the Tebaga North landing ground. Several single-engine planes were hit and one twin-engine bomber exploded and burned on the field. As evidenced by the smoke and dust through the area where the planes and revetments were located the target was well covered. On March 31, Major Cook led a formation of 15 planes on a sea search. There were two flights, an upper and a lower, Major Cook leading the upper. A large enemy convoy was sighted consisting of four large merchant vessels, one transport, four barges, one Siebel Ferry, four destroyers and one escort vessel. An effective defense was put up both by anti-aircraft guns and attacking fighters. Sgt. Krzyzanowski was seriously March 1943 (continued) wounded. In spite of his wounds he stayed by his guns until he had shot down an ME- 109. Sgt. Brainard was also wounded in his chest and he too stayed by his guns until he had shot down the attacking ME-109. Both men received a special citation for their heroism from the Commanding Officer. Notwithstanding the intensity of the flak and aggressive attacks by the enemy fighters, the upper element hit squarely the large transport and as the formation left, it was observed to be going down by the bow. A large merchant vessel was also hit and burst into flames. In addition, a string of bombs was laid across a large cargo and passenger boat. Four enemy fighters (destroyed) and one was probably destroyed by both the upper and lower flights. Cook, Bailey C., Maj, pilot, Commander Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Krzyzanowski, Frank J., S/Sgt, gunner
445th BS 1 Aug 43 Annual Report: The 321st Bombardment Group commenced its combat flights on March 15, 1943. At that time it will be recalled that the enemy held most of Tunisia with its positions extending south well beyond Gabes, north to the Mediterranean and to the east along a line running in the vicinity of Cape Serrat, Beja, Medjez el Bab, Pont du Fahs and Gafsa. It may now be seen that the 321st Bombardment Group went into action just about the time the big campaigns to drive the Axis from Africa were opening up. The part which the Strategic Air Force was to play included denying the use to the enemy of air bases and landing ground, destroying enemy aircraft on the ground, cutting lines of commutation and supply, and destroying railroads and shipping. In line with the general plan the first combat mission assigned to the 321st Bombardment Group was the Mezzouna landing ground in the southern part of Tunisia. Colonel Robert D. Knapp, the Group Commander, personally led, and the 445th Squadron participated, in this first mission. Knapp, Robert Duane, Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander JAMES E. NICKERSON, Captain, Air Corps, Squadron Historian.
March 1943 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: None
447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: On March 2 we received word that our flight echelon was then at Oujda, about 130 miles to the west. We were all anxious to join them again. On March 6 we boarded a train for Oujda. We had spent the day packing and loading and the train pulled out about 7 P.M. The trip took twenty hours and we arrived at the station in Oujda the afternoon of March 7. Our Commanding Officer, Capt. Raymond D. Sampson, met us at the station with trucks and we were transported to the air base which is about eight miles out of town. The squadron had a French building here to live in, large enough to accommodate the officers. The enlisted men set up tents near the area where the planes were dispersed. Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander On March 8 Captain Sampson flew to the front to look over the base which we were to use when beginning combat operations. He was followed on March 12 by the entire flight echelon. The squadron kitchen was flown up on March 14 to set up a mess for the flight echelon and the ground echelon, remaining at Oujda, messed with the 448th Bomb. Sq. Other elements of the ground echelon needed immediately so that the squadron could go into combat operations were flown up by transport between March 14 and March 21. On March 21 the remainder of the ground echelon boarded a train for the advanced air base located at Ain M’Lila, eastern Algeria. Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Capt, pilot, Commander The flight echelon of the squadron and a few members of the ground echelon were at the advanced base at Ain M’Lila ready for their first mission early in March. The Group ran its first bombing mission on March 15. The squadron participated in its first mission the following day. During these early days in combat the weather kept the planes on the ground about three or four days out of the week. At Ain M’Lila all members of the squadron lived in tents. There was a large stone granary which was occupied by group headquarters and it was there that briefings and interrogations were held. The granary also served as a movie and Special Services provided two films a week for us. The Red Cross took over two dwelling houses in the village and converted one of them into a club for the enlisted and another into a club for the officers. The village itself offered nothing in the way of diversion and its main attraction was a large Roman bath which was taken over for soldiers. When the squadron arrived at Ain M’Lila the battle for Tunisia was going full blast. The Axis troops were being pushed steadily toward Cape Bon, Tunis, and Bizerte. The squadron was a part of the Strategic Air Force and most of its targets were strategic ones. Many attacks were made on shipping to cut the axis supply line to Africa. Other targets were airdrome, rail center, supply dumps, and troop concentrations. Several commendations were received on the excellent bombing results achieved.
March 1943 (continued)
Squadron casualties were surprisingly small during the Tunisian campaign. Two gunners were killed on the first sea sweep on March 20 and two planes were lost but the rest of both crews survived. One of the planes was shot down at sea and the crew was behind enemy lines three days after rowing ashore. They all retuned to the squadron. Another plane was badly shot up and made a crash landing at the nearest friendly base. The crew was safe but the plane could not be salvaged.
March 1943 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1943: By transport and by train the Ground Echelon moved out of Oujda a few days later for Ain M’Lila. C-47 transports moved the most necessary equipment and personnel to the new base as quickly as possible and on March 22 at 02:45 hours the Ground Echelon departed by train on their 700 mile trip across the mountains of Africa. The accommodations consisted of one-half of one Third Class coach for the Officers and seven 40 and 8 freight cars for the Enlisted Men. Each man had enough of those delicious “C” rations for 8 days and his two barracks bags. It was very crowded and not too comfortable however everyone made the best of it. The train ambled slowly through the country side and everyone had the opportunity to see the beauties of North Africa. This, “Slow train through Arkansas” politely stopped at every way-side stations to allow the engineer and fireman to imbibe in the inevitable VINO and the soldiers sampled the many wares peddled by the Arabs. The trip lasted five days and on March 25th the squadron was once more whole and ready for action. While the Ground Echelon was traveling to join the Flight Crews the latter had its first taste of action against the enemy. On March 15 twelve planes, six of them from the 448, bombed Mezzouna A/D with very successful results and on March 16th the second raid over Tebaga North A/D also struck a telling blow against the enemy’s air strength in Tunisia. With the arrival of all personnel the squadron proceeded to build its first semi- permanent base. It was located on a level grassy plain just outside the village of Ain M’Lila. The field was just across the road, but the 448th line was located about one and one-half miles away on the other side of the airdrome. It became necessary to dispatch a truck to and from the airplane parking area in order to bring the men in or out. The bivouac area was located directly across from the large granary which was being used as the Group Headquarters. As the squadron was within reach of enemy bombers, the tents were dispersed in an irregular pattern and fox holes were dug. The Mess was set up in tents and with the help of Lt. Brandt automatic heaters for wash lines and coffee were built. Although the Mess was not too good at first it was a welcome relief to the Flight Echelon who had been Messing with other organizations for some time. The cooks became more skilled at their work and the Quartermaster Rations issued became better and soon the squadron could boast of the best Mess in the Group. Headquarters then asked and received permission from Captain Heinlen to Mess with the 448th. Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot Heinlen, Clayton H., Capt, pilot, Commander As Ain M’Lila was situated at an altitude of 2,500 feet the chill winds of March were very much in evidence and soon every tent had a stove pipe protruding from its top. Wood was none too plentiful but with the usual army ingenuity heat was obtained. Although all the natives said that the rainy season was over in February in Africa the rains continued to pour down and hamper operations. The local population admitted the weather was “unusual”.
March 1943 (continued)
At this time the Germans were more that holding their own at the Kasserine Pass and the Air Force was urgently needed but wet fields and impenetrable overcast effectually prevented take offs. The few missions possible for the 448th were aimed at destroying the enemy’s communication system and airdromes. Despite the accurate German flak the squadron came through with flying colors, with increasing accuracy Bombardiers were laying their bombs on Marshalling Yards, Airdromes, Roads, Bridges and other vital points. At Ain M’Lila events continued at a normal pace. The men on the Line became more accustomed to their jobs. Those who in the States saw little use for their talents were now busily engaged fixing flak holes, repairing damage done by enemy fighters. Lts: Wonnacott and Wallnau were kept scurrying to all points in Africa securing new parts or getting old ones repaired. But all the while “Kept ‘em flying”. Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering Wallnau, Carl N., Jr., 2Lt, engineering On March 31 on a low element sea sweep the first battle casualty of the squadron occurred. 1st Lts: Hess, McKinney; 2nd Lts: Campbell, Welton; S/Sgts: Cookman, Hines, Kirol, McGinnis, McMurray, Ratajczyk, Rodgers, Headings and Lottes were shot down into the Mediterranean Sea by enemy fighters. The mission however did succeed in sinking two enemy ships. Campbell, John F., 2Lt, pilot Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt, pilot Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt, gunner Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner Lottes, Richard O., Sgt, radio-gunner McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt, gunner McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 1Lt, pilot McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt, gunner Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot That evening on his return from a short trip to Batna, Lt. Plumlee met with a fatal accident when a jeep in which he was riding overturned. The squadron was very quiet that evening. Plumlee, Eldon A., 2Lt, pilot As the camp took on a more permanent appearance, electric lights with strict black-out rules made their appearance. Entertainment in the way of motion pictures and orchestra and local talent shows were almost nightly events. Days off were scheduled and the men visited the nearby cities of Constantine and Batna and the Roman ruins at Timgad. The town of Ain M’Lila offered much local color in the way of an Arab steam bath which was soon converted to American use, a few fresh vegetables and fruits and countless numbers of impoverished natives. Eggs became a regular item for the evening snacks which were nightly occurrences in every tent. Everyone was becoming accustomed to living in tents. With the steady stream of mail from the States morale became exceedingly high. Sometimes the addition of the local French wine made it go too high.
March 1943 (continued)
March 1 – 7 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. Usual squadron duties and detail labor for Le Senia Air Base performed. Passes granted to all personnel to visit Oran. At 18:00 hours March 6, 1943, 4829 E departed La Senia Army Air Base for Oujda, French Morocco, arriving Oujda, French Morocco, 12:00 hours, March 7, 1943. Weather good, Morale excellent, train very crowded. Upon arrival Oujda squadron moved via truck to Oujda Air Base and assigned tent area. Ground Echelon re-joined Flight Echelon March 7, 1943 at Oujda.
March 8– 14 – 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. 2nd. Lieutenant Lichtward appointed 1st Lieutenant. Usual squadron duties, combat crews given intense training for combat duty. Passes issued to all personnel to visit Oujda. Numerous flights made to front to observe combat conditions. Lichtward, Frederick W., 1Lt, intelligence
March 15 – 21 – 43: No Officer or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. Flight Echelon departed Oujda Air Base at 13:30 o’clock, March 12, 1943, for Ain M’Lila, Algeria, arriving new station without incident. Usual squadron duties performed by Ground Echelon in camp. Flight Echelon on active combat duty in Tunisian Campaign, flying its first mission on March 15, 1943. (NOTE) See Combat Mission Journal for complete details on all combat missions.
March 22 – 31- 43: No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. At 02: 45 hours, March 22, 1943, the Ground Echelon departed Oujda via train for Ain M’Lila, Algeria, arriving 13:45 hours, March 26, 1943. Accommodations on train very poor, trip scenic and interesting, distance traveled 700 miles, morale: excellent. Weather: good. Tent area assigned to squadron. First semi-permanent camp set up. Sleeping and Mess accommodations greatly improved. Squadron functioning well under combat conditions. Blackout regulations enforced. On March 31, 1943, while on low-element sea-sweep over Mediterranean Sea the squadron suffered its first casualty in combat, 1st Lieutenant: Hess, McKinney; 2nd Lieutenants: Campbell, Welton; S/Sgts: Cookman, Hines, Kirol, McGinnis, McMurray, Ratajczyk, Rodgers, H.E., Headings and Lottes were officially listed as missing in action. Next of kin notified. Campbell, John F., 2Lt, pilot Cookman, Harold F., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Headings, Boyd V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Hess, Robert G. “Rudy”, 1Lt, pilot Hines, Ralph V., S/Sgt, gunner Kirol, Edward A., S/Sgt, gunner Lottes, Richard O., Sgt, radio-gunner McGinnis, Lofton F., S/Sgt, gunner McKinney, Charles Asbury “Charlie”, 1Lt, pilot McMurray, Walter J., S/Sgt, gunner Ratajczyk, Thomas S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Rodgers, Herbert E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Welton, Mert J. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot