12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 321st Bombardment Group History: March 1944
------For my dad, Colonel John “Jack” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army (deceased)
“Lil Butch” John T. Fitzgerald, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force (retired) ------
12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 321st Bombardment Group History: March 1944
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.)
Wednesday, 1 March 1944
321st Bomb Group Headlines:
Wednesday, 1 March 1944 (continued)
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Twelfth Air Force undergoes a reorganization as a result of the loss of several operational units (see 14 Feb 44). XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional), consisting of a single wing, is disbanded and its personnel absorbed into the 51st Troop Carrier Wing and other units, the 51st Troop Carrier Wing being placed under the administrative control of Twelfth Air Force. HQ XII Bomber Command is reduced to 1 officer and 1 enlisted man as other personnel are transferred to the 57th Bombardment Wing, which along with the 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium), is placed under the administrative control of Twelfth Air Force. HQ XII Bomber Command will exist as a retaining cadre until 10 Jun 44 when it is officially disbanded.
In Italy, P-40s attack gun positions and vehicles in the US Fifth Army battle area; P-40s and Spitfires of XII Air Support Command maintain cover over the Anzio beachhead area. P-47s attack a 2000-ton vessel in the Adriatic Sea. HQ 57th Fighter Group and 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons move from Amendola to Cercola, Italy with P-47s. During March, the detachments of the 347th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, operating from Capodichino, Italy with P-39s returns to base on Corsica.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission---weather.
445th BS War Diary: Unusual weather today – rain and hail with the sun playing hide and seek in the clouds – cancelled all flying. The combat crews were already out to their planes in preparation for takeoff on the mission when word came in on the postponement. A new replacement crew arrived today. An excellent supply of luxury rations were distributed to the men from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. Hamburgers were enjoyed by all for supper. A good number of the men attended the movie “Let’s Face It” with Bob Hope down at the group briefing room.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. A very large PX in the afternoon. Lts. Davison and Fetterly and Sgt Guzauskas leave for the United States. Davison, William R., 1Lt, pilot Fetterly, Orville D., 1Lt, pilot Guzauskas, Frank, Sgt, aerial photographer
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Hung around all a.m. listening to the radio. After dinner walked around town and decided to go to the show. On the way I met Joe Flynn from Union Sq. Invited him to supper then went to show. Saw “Get Going” – good. Bull session with Joe at supper, Joe Davis, Huck Fin and the boys are in Naples area. Talked over old times. Dance in the hotel, turned out to be a drunken brawl. Met “Big John” from Barksdale, said John Naynik went down.* Hope not. Packed, ready to leave in the morning, regretfully. * Found out later to be false.”
Wednesday, 1 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled, but cancelled due to weather conditions. The following officers and enlisted men have been assigned to this squadron per orders of the 12th Bomber Command: 2nd Lts. Fenton Dally, pilot, William H Martin, Jr., co-pilot, William C Huffman, bombardier-navigator, Sgt Hughie L. Currey, engineer- gunner, S/Sgt Edward S. Korzeniowski, radio-gunner, and Sgt Ralph Sinclair, gunner. The following enlisted men have been relieved of assignment and reassigned to Personnel Center No. 1 for transshipment to the U.S.A.: T/Sgt. Marion L. Czaja and S/Sgt. Lewis B. Iverson. The following enlisted men have been promoted to the grade of sergeant: Cpl. Robert P. Megivern, Cpl Richard H. Peal, and Cpl. William F. Whipple. One of our line trucks, operated by Sgt. Louis Steves, collided with a 2 ½ ton truck of the 58th Q.M. at the intersection of road leading to our area. Sgt. Charles Hopp and Sgt. Joseph Cler were riding in our truck. Our truck is in an irreparable condition. No one was injured but were slightly shaken-up. The officers’ mess hall and club is once more open for business. Last evening the first meal in the building, at this field, was consumed. Cler, Joseph, Sgt Curry, Hughie L., Sgt, engineer-gunner Czaja, Marion L., Sgt, gunner Dalley, Fenton M., Lt, pilot Hopp, Charles J., Sgt, gunner Huffman William C., Lt, bombardier-navigator Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt, gunner Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Martin, William H., Jr., Lt, pilot Megivern, Robert C., Sgt, gunner Perl, Richard H., Sgt, gunner Sinclair, Ralph, Sgt, gunner Steves, Louis G., Sgt, engineering Whipple, William E. Sgt, armament
448th BS War Diary: No Entry.
Thursday, 2 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-26s attack an assembly area E of Carroceto and, with B-25s, bomb guns and an assembly area NW of Cisterna di Roma, A-20s hit troops in the beachhead battle area; P-40s and A-36s blast troops and guns throughout the Anzio battle area, also hitting Cisterna and Littoria; P-40s and A-36s fly uneventful cover over Anzio. P-47s hit a motor vessel off Sibenik, Yugoslavia leaving it burning.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Bob Gilchrist and his USO show gave 2 performances today and we were all well satisfied with their variety of acts.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order ---/mission ---) Group Mission # ---: (Morning mission attempt) ------321st BG: Mission No: --- Date: 2 Mar 44 No A/C: 17 Squadrons: 445-3 446-3 447-9 448-2 Target: Guns and troop assembly areas, F-972387, F-982376, F-97-5370, F-963380 Time OFF: 1005 T.O.T.: ---- Time Down: 1212 Route: Did not rendezvous with fighters, formation returned. Flight Leaders: Capt. Olson and Lt. Wetherbee. S. P. NEPRASH,, Capt., Air Corps, Acting Group S-2 ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 262/mission 261) Group Mission # 224: Fourteen planes attacked a gun and assembly area, four miles NW of Cisterna di Roma in an attempt to stop a projected drive against our 3rd Division. A cloud cover right over the target prevented observation of damage done by bombs which were dropped by dead reckoning. Crews were unanimous in reporting that their bombs dropped generally in the target area. ------321st BG: Mission No: 224 Date: 2 Mar 44 No A/C: 14 Squadrons: 445-1 446-3 447-9 448-1 Target: Guns and troop assembly areas, F-972387, F-982376, F-97-5370, F-963380 Time OFF: 1427 T.O.T.: 1613 Time Down: 1726 Axis of Attack: 32° Height: 11/11,500 Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 1536 x 20 lb frags. Route: Base to N-1814 to M-9833 to M-1672 to F-9506 to target to F-7502 to M-1672 to N-1814 to base. Weather: Enroute and Return: Clouds: 6/10 towering cumulus to Volturno. Bases at 3,000; tops at 13,000. Clear from Volturno to Cisterna di Roma. Target: Clouds: 10/10 stratocumulus, tops at 7,000. Visibility Hazy, 10 miles. Thursday, 2 March 1944 (continued)
Flak: Heavy, slight, inaccurate. Crews report 2 bursts at the most. Enemy Air: 3 FW-190’s observed 1000’ below formation as they left target area. No passes made. Claims: None Results: Cloud cover over immediate target area prevented observation, however bomb run check points were picked up and bombs dropped by dead reckoning. Crews report bombs cleared RR tracks South of target and generally in target area. Observation: None.
Flight Leaders: Capt. Olson and Lt. Wetherbee. Number of Sorties: 14 Photos Taken S. P. NEPRASH, Capt., Air Corps, Acting Group S-2 ------
445th BS War Diary: 5 Officers and 8 enlisted men were sent to rest camp at the Isle of Capri. It is believed that Col. Cook will leave soon for a return trip to the United States. 3 B-25’s flew practice formation with dry run bombing. Another plane was slow-timed while still another was test hopped. Those who did not receive their luxury rations yesterday were taken care of today from 2 to 4 P.M. There were occasional rains today. There was a big mail call in late afternoon followed by a delicious hamburger steak supper. At the present time there is a parachute scare and precautions are being taken to protect the ships on the line from sabotage by having the combat crews sleep in their respective planes. At 10 P.M. a red alert was sounded and this added to the tension. No planes were heard, however. The men enjoyed a good USO stage show today.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 262/mission 261) Group Mission # 224:
A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-64659 (returned early- Joy” engine trouble) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 1Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt CP Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., Capt None B Souders, Walter E., 1lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Malloy, Edward J., Sgt Callister, Jack Roland, Cpl R Wells, Robert J., Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Kramer, Henry P., Sgt McClary, Louis E., Sgt F None None
Thursday, 2 March 1944 (continued) A/C No. 42-53373 (returned early- engine trouble) P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt N None B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt R Plott, John M., S/Sgt G McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt F None
446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown. Capt. Ford visits us around noon. Lts. Herbert, Mayo, Chudars, Vivas, Hurley and McRae and enlisted men Fontenot, Thomas, Raffloar, Green, Brawn, Turner, Clay, Lorentson and Tissier return from rest camp at Capri. Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt, Engineer-gunner Chudars, James E. “Jim”, Lt, pilot Clay, Donald W., Sgt, engineer Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt, radio-gunner Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt, gunner Herbert, John James, Jr., Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., Lt, pilot Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt, gunner, Mayo, Jack D., Lt, bombardier McRae, James Arrington, Lt, bombardier Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Thomas, Patrick, S/Sgt, gunner Tissier, Rene G., Cpl, engineering Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt, bombardier/gunner
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 262/mission 261) Group Mission # 224: Squadron Mission 187 TARGET: Guns and troops assembly area, Anzio, Italy. DATE: 2 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 3 Capt Olson, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. Cloud cover over immediate target area prevented observation. Bombs were dropped by dead reckoning. Crews report bombs fell in general target area. Flak was heavy, slight and inaccurate. Three FW-190s observed, but did not attack. Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot, 447th BS
A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt CP Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt N None None B Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt E Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt Bober, John (NMI), Jr., Sgt R Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt G Boatright, Benjamin (NMI) “Ben”, Jr., Parker, Jewell (NMI), Sgt Sgt F None None Thursday, 2 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” P Cooper, Paul T., Capt CP Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt N None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt R Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt G Foley, Joseph M., S/Sgt F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32494 “Peg O’ My Heart” Gaudo-local: Training Flying Time: 1:40 (16th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Up early this am, had chow, finished packing, settled bill and regretfully left Capri @ 0800. Had a rough, slow trip over, boat really rocked & rolled. Arr. Naples @ 1045. Had dinner in the Rest Camp mess, went to PX & purchased a few articles. Truck was late, didn’t lve. Naples until 15:45. Slow, tiresome truck ride back, arr. Salerno @ 1830. No chow. Happy to find some mail waiting for me. Started a letter to D.F. but will finish it tomorrow. Reread mail many times, sure was good to get some.”
447th BS War Diary: Four officers and eight enlisted men of this squadron have returned from rest camp at Capri. A matinee and an evening stage show was furnished by the USO, for the entertainment of the 321st Bomb Group at headquarters. A class was held for four new engineers. The class was held for one hour under the direction of M/Sgt. Blount. Blount, Lloyd L., M/Sgt, engineering
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 262/mission 261) Group Mission # 224: This morning 9 of our planes were scheduled to participate in a raid on enemy troops at F-972387, but failed to attack due to a complete coverage of target and also the failure to meet fighter escort. Each plane logged 2:05 (average) but was not credited with a mission. The same mission was again scheduled for take-off at 1425 hrs. Only 3 of the planes attacked and dropped all bombs. Cloud coverage over target prevented observation, but crews report that bombs cleared RR tracks S of target, and fell in target area.
Thursday, 2 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-30557 P Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt CP Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B Nelson, George B., 2Lt Snyder, John D., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt G Blalock, Joe T., Sgt Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64559 A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt CP Heitman, William F., 2Lt Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt N None None B Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Collins, Clint R., Sgt Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt R Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt G Noyes, Charles D., S/Sgt Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt CP Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt N None None B Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt James, Robert M., 2Lt E Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt R Mathews, William E., S/Sgt Reynolds, Frank J., Sgt G Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt Richards, Charles M., Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, Capt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, Capt CP Cloward, Glannin A., Capt Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st BG N None Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt Jones, Claude F., 2Lt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt R Shields, James B., S/Sgt Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt G Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl None
Thursday, 2 March 1944 (continued) A/C No. 41-30012 P Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI) S/Sgt E Biscailuz, Robert P., PFC R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt G Bean, Robert W., Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Fourth mission flew with Capt McFadden. Bombed Anzio beachhead with frags, 1 burst of flak.” McFadden, Kenneth L. "Mac", Capt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 262/mission 261) Group Mission # 224: Mission 182 (224). At 1427 14 planes off to bomb guns and troop assembly area, F 972387, 982376, 975370, 963380 and all dropped 1536 frags from 11,500 feet at 1613 and returned at 1726. Cloud cover over immediate target area prevented observation, however bomb run check points were picked up and bombs dropped by dead reckoning. Crews report bombs cleared RR tracks South of target and generally in target area. Three FW-190’s observed 1000 feet below formation as they left target area, did not attack. Flak was slight, inaccurate. Weather: 10/10th’s Stratocumulus, tops at 7000 feet. Visibility: Hazy 10 miles. A/C No. 41-29959 A/C No. 42-64655 P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 1Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt Riener, William F., 2Lt N None None B Bond, Edward N., 2Lt Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 2Lt E Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt R Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64514 (spare) A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” (returned early-bombsight malfunction) P Hicks, John T., 1Lt Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt CP Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt Howard, Charles E., 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt Bell, Robert C., 1Lt E Ernst, David L., Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None Thursday, 2 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64521 (returned early-lead ship fell out) P VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt N None B Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt E Gager, Joseph R., Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None Friday, 3 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s bomb Rome/Ostiense and railroad stations at San Benedetto de Marsi; weather cancels light and other medium bomber operations; P-40s hit gun positions in the N Anzio beachhead area while A-36s attack the train and tented area between Magliano Romano and Rome; other P-40s fly patrol over the Anzio beachhead area. 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, moves from Amendola to Cercola, Italy with P-40s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: After briefing and a few more false starts the mission was finally called off due to weather. The Army and Navy bomb disposal units have been detonating mines and depth charges in this general vicinity jarring our nerves a bit until we got used to them. The concussions here are quite evident despite a distance of 3 or 4 miles separating us and the disposing.
445th BS War Diary: Bad weather again played havoc with plans for a combat mission. Takeoff time was changed twice before the mission was finally cancelled. Once again the crews were out at their ships before word came through that the mission was cancelled. There were 4 transition flights made today. The noon meal was a decided success today. A delicious shredded chicken serving was enjoyed but the added touch of a blonde Red Cross girl who distributed doughnuts to the men and then proceeded to eat her meal with the men in the mess tent was the payoff. A large number of the men took more time eating this meal than usual. Precautions are still being taken against the danger of parachutists landing here for sabotage purposes and the crews are still sleeping at the ships. The Officers Club held its grand opening tonight and Col. Cook was toasted with a farewell party. A number of the Officers from headquarters and the other squadrons attended and the event was a great success. Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Mail call. No mission
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Scheduled for a mission today. Waked @ 06:30, had chow. Briefed @ 0750 mission delayed 2 hrs. on acct. of weather. Mission further delayed until 1250, then 1350, and finally cancelled. Hurley was supposed to fly as pilot, but he got sick. Stayed in the tent all afternoon, read, shaved and beat Charlie in cribbage. Finished a letter to D.F., also Ma and Alice. A mission scheduled tomorrow, flying with Herbert. Haven’t been paid as yet, guess I’ll have to wait until the tenth. The food has been lousy here lately, can’t get anything to eat, although the E.M. have all they want. Heard tough news today. Bill Forney went down while I was away.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Herbert, John James, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot
Friday, 3 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: A mock mission was scheduled with six of our planes participating. The crews were briefed by Capt. Robert W. Manly. The target was to be the Crotone A/D, but due to weather conditions the mock mission was cancelled. A six plane formation practice was led by Lt. Banks and also another six plane formation was led by Lt. Davies at 1:45. Lt. Button in plane #012 flew local transition for one hour and thirty minutes and made three landings. A class on T.O. and their use was held for four new engineers. M/Sgt. Blount was instructor. A class was held for sixteen radio operators on the V.H.F. set. This class was under the direction of Lt. Piasta and M/Sgt. Henderson. S/Sgt. Francis E. Davis is on D.S. at headquarters of the 321st Bomb Group. Six officers and 7 enlisted men have left for the rest camp at Capri. Plane #553 was landed by Major Raymond D. Sampson with a cocked and broken nose wheel. Maj. Myron Gale was a passage on 553 Banks, Herbert J., Lt, pilot Blount, Lloyd L., M/Sgt, engineering Davies, Robert G., Lt, pilot Davis, Frances E., S/Sgt, communication Gale, Myron, Capt, executive Henderson, James B., M/Sgt, communications Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence Piasta, John R., Lt, communications Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander
448th BS War Diary: No Entry.
Saturday, 4 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, weather cancels most operations; P-40s fly a few sorties against gun emplacements in the battle area, and others uneventfully patrol the Anzio area.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission---weather.
445th BS War Diary: Inclement weather again cancelled the mission and this time the crews were enroute to the planes when word came in of the cancellation. Practice formation flying and dry run bombing was also cancelled due to weather but three transition flights were made and another flight was made to swing the compass. The men drew shelter halves and pegs from supply today. Lights will be turned out at the 8 O’clock curfew place on the group temporarily due to the misconduct of several soldiers in the group in Paestum. One of the enlisted men’s tent located just adjacent to the dispensary caught on fire tonight and burned to the ground. Nobody was present in the tent when it went up except a small pup who was lost in the fire. Fire trucks were summoned to extinguish the blaze but by the time they arrived at the scene, it was too late to salvage the tent. The fire trucks did, however, manage to put a stop to the large sparks emanating from the tent which threatened other tents nearby. The “orphans” of the destroyed tent lost all their equipment and slept in nearby tents for the night.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Eleven combat men are assigned to the squadron.
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Mission not scheduled today until 1130. Doesn’t look like we’ll go anyplace as it is overcast & raining. Hanging around tent all a.m. After dinner the mission was cancelled due to rain & poor weather. Took a ride to the Finance Office and got paid for February. Felt lousy when I returned so I went to bed the rest of the afternoon while Burandt, Chudars, Hawkes & Lewis went to town. Supper was lousy, all I had was tea. Writing letters and reading the remainder of the evening. Burandt & Hawkes came in feeling good, but Charlie was a lot happier when he found he had 25 letters.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Due to bad weather there was no mission. Training was the order of the day. Six planes practiced assembly, led by Lt. Davies, which lasted for 45 minutes. A class was held by Capt. R.W. Manly for E/M combat crew members on the subject of map reading. M/Sgt. Blount held a class on the airplane in general for four engineer gunners. 4 officers and 6 E/M attached for rations. PFC John Callaghan assigned and attached to HQ. 321st Bomb Gp. 10th Feb. Callaghan, John, PFC, communications Blount, Lloyd L., M/Sgt, engineering Davies, Robert G., Lt, pilot Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence
448th BS War Diary: No Entry. Sunday, 5 March 1944 USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): XII Troop Carrier Command (Provisional) is disbanded at Palermo. Weather again severely hampers operations in Italy, but P-40s hit Pontecorvo and A-36s attack Formia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission. However a practice mission was dispatched to Southern Italy as a part of the training program but no bomb run was made due to weather over the immediate “target area”. The first drink of Coca-cola for most of us in over a year happened today when a ration of 3 bottles apiece was given to each man. It will be a regular weekly occurrence we hope. In spite of treacherous weather on their trip here from Naples, the Stirling Holloway show “Hey Rookie” made an appearance in the Tobacco Warehouse (Group Theater) tonight. Eight of their troupe, including Holloway himself, were ill but the hour and a quarter show of G.I. humor and variety that they staged had a sustained pace and professionalism that would rival any show on the Loews Circuit. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely during the performance despite a leaky roof overhead.
445th BS War Diary: The mission and also a mock mission were cancelled today but there was some training. This included 6 practice formation flying and dry run bombing, 2 transition flights and another flight to swing the compass. Ship 575 returned from Pompeii after having undergone repairs for damages incurred when Lt. Wetherbee was forced to make a tail-down landing while on a routine training flight recently. Capt. Underwood conducted a familiarization lecture for all bombardiers in his tent. The sun shone regularly today, a bit unusual considering all the wet weather we have been experiencing lately. Construction was started on the enlisted men’s club today led by the carpenter, Sgt. Stanford and a crew of volunteers. Some of the helmets belonging to the men were collected today in order that the combat crews would be adequately supplied with these valuable items while on missions. Ole Jupe Pluvius served up a weird mixture of heavy rain and hail, thunder and lightning during the course of the evening. Stanford, Hirman P., Sgt, Carpenter Underwood, James H., Jr., Lt, bombardier Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., Lt, pilot
446th BS War Diary: Drew Coca Colas at supply tent late in the afternoon. Gig GI stage show at the tobacco warehouse at night.
446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Rain came down in torrents during the nite. Mission scheduled @ 1155 so I didn’t get up, Chudars moaning because I didn’t get up & lite the fire (TS). Briefed at 1150, target the M/Y at Orte, got out to the ship, standby, then the mission cancelled. Group meeting of combat crews @ 1400 also cancelled. Sacked awhile. Got issued 3 Coca Colas today, what’s this Army coming to? Sterling Holloway has a show don to Group, don’t feel like going. Played cribbage with Charlie, won 3-0. Had a snack of tea & toast before going to bed. Have a bad head cold.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Sunday, 5 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: No mission due to weather again. Training was the order of the day. There were flights for transition, PDI runs and gunnery practice. A class was held for four new engineer gunners under the direction of M/Sgt. Blount. Lt McCormick and Lt. Nowakowski returned from DS at Capri to duty. Today we each received 3 bottles of Coca Cola, the first we have had since coming over seas. Blount, Lloyd L., M/Sgt, engineering McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt, bombardier Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt, bombardier
448th BS War Diary: No Entry.
Monday, 6 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, P-40s pound gun positions N of the Anzio beachhead (mostly NE of Ardea), and bomb Frosinone and hit guns near Littoria; A-36s fly armed reconnaissance of roads and railroad NE of Rome, hitting several vehicles and bombing railroad cars at Capranica. 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, moves from Montecorvino to Capodichino, Italy with P-39s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission---weather.
445th BS War Diary: 5 B-25’s flew practice formations today. Two new replacement crews were assigned to the squadron today. Veteran gunners Sgts. Irving, Beaudware and Forbes gave a lecture on combat gunnery to 9 of the new gunners in the squadron. The abundance of rainy weather lately has turned the area into a muddy conglomeration of puddles and muck. The men received their first Coca-Cola ration this afternoon. It consisted of 3 bottles of this rare liquid and needless to say, it was enjoyed by one and all. There was a big mail call in late afternoon and the morale of the men rose commensurate with the influx of correspondence from their loved ones. Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt, gunner Forbes, Robert W., Sgt, gunner Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt, gunner
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/06/44: “There has been scarcely a break at all in the stormy weather for the past two weeks. Each morning we wake up to a fresh slough of mud, that having been washed away by the rains in the night which was churned up by the jeeps and boots the day before. Toward the end of the day the clouds usually break away for an hour of sunshine, but with the coming of darkness, sheets of wind, water and often hail beat against the tent so viciously that conversation in an ordinary voice is almost impossible. When a brief quiet spell prevails, we can hear the angry sea beating against the sands and wrecked landing craft on the Salerno beachhead. Through it all we manage to keep dry and fairly comfortable by assiduous employment of overshoes and raincoats and take advantage of what fair weather there is to do a minimum of maintenance on the aircraft and break the men along by getting away from camp. On various such occasions I visited the ruins at Paestum with Borck and Rucker, and a tank savage dump and an American graveyard with Joe Beresh. Not being at all acquainted with tanks, I was appalled by their massiveness. I was no less amazed to see numerous American M.4 tanks with their armor plate pierced through with 88 mm shell holes one could almost put his fist through. The burned out remains were being salvaged by a crew of colored welders, to be sent back to the States as scrap iron. The cemetery was neatly laid out, and the white crosses in such strict alignment presented rather a peaceful aspect. We estimated there were something over 800 American graves, mostly of men from the 36 ID (Infantry Division) who died on the beachhead. In a plot marked “Allied” were a few American fliers. The “Enemy” plot contained some two hundred fifty graves. Monday, 6 March 1944 (continued)
Beresh, Joseph (NMI) "Joe", Sgt, armorer Borck, Jess S., Pvt, armament Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament Several nights ago we saw a USO camp show that everyone enjoyed. Last night a GI show entitled “Hey, Rookie” was presented by the “Yardbirds,” a traveling group of GIs. It was really good and is the kind of show men overseas need more of. The traveling professionals entertain, but they don’t carry the real spirit of patriotism the soldier needs. Their shows mostly remind him of what he is missing at home and further his disdain for civilians. We need more of the spirit of 1918.”
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual squadron duties.
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Rained & hailed all nite. Got up & lit the stove. Went over and saw the Doc about my head cold. Got some nose drops & pills. Cleared up a little but when I got back to the tent, I felt dizzy. Got briefed for a mission @ 1125, was delayed one and a half hours, then cancelled. Didn’t feel so good so I hit the sack. Got 20 letters tonite, so I felt pretty good. Hang around tent all evening, intend to write a few letters if Burandt ever finishes with my writing board. Wrote to Ma and Mary Beninati.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Morning report: 62 officers; 246 enlisted men. No mission due to weather. The day was devoted to training which included local formation flying, PDI runs, and dropping bombs from wing racks. A class was conducted by Maj. Sampson and Capt. Olson on the theory of formation flying, for the flying officers. A class was held for all new gunners and two photographers on the stripping, care and malfunction of the cal. 50 machine gun. Major Sampson held a discussion for all flying officers on the things to expect and avoid on future operations. Capt. Manly held a class on aircraft identification for enlisted combat crew personnel. After the class a test was held, the winner was S/Sgt W.E. Mathews with a perfect score. S/Sgt. Wadlow DS Capri to duty. The following officers and enlisted men were assigned this organization: 2nd Lts. Forrest T. Nettles, Sherman E. Anderson, Ivan E. Dean, Gerald E. Fisher, Sgt. Robert W. Engels, S/Sgt. Robert S. Champlain, Sgt. Gerald G. O’Neil, Sgt. Grant W. Baldridge, S/Sgt. John F. McFarland, and Sgt. Fredrick J. Tarra. Anderson, Sherman E., Lt, bombardier Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt, gunner Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Dean, Ivan E., Lt, pilot Engels, Robert W., Sgt, engineer-gunner Fisher, Gerald E., Lt, bombardier Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence Mathews, William E., S/Sgt, gunner McFarland, John F., S/Sgt, gunner Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt, pilot Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot O’Neil, Gerald G., Sgt, gunner Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt, gunner Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt, communications
448th BS War Diary: No Entry. Tuesday, 7 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s bomb the Rome/ Ostiense marshalling yard while other B-25s hit the Littoria marshalling yard; A-20s strike the Zagarolo railroad station; P-40s attack enemy positions in the Anzio beachhead area with good results, while A-36s hit communication at Montebello, railroad station near Civitavecchia, gun emplacements near Littoria Airfield, and a train at Monterotondo; P-40s over the Anzio beachhead encounter no air opposition.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
0730 Tipton to Hoffman. “We are to brief. If we do not take off as scheduled, the crews are to stand-by at the Squadrons. We are to call every 30 minutes and give the dope on weather”.
0750 Tipton to Cooley. “Rendezvous time has been set back to 1150. We are to keep tip posted on weather--to call every 30 minutes, and 30 minutes prior to take off”.
1010 Olmsted to Hoffman. “Call meeting of all combat crews at 1400”.
1100 Hoffman to Tipton. “Informed him of take off time, and that the weather situation was bad. Wants report on weather--in case we may have to land at another base”.
1105 Lowery to Hoffman. “Have Bombardier of A/C # 41-30538 (“Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” 447th BS) report malfunction of wing racks”.
1125 McCann to Hoffman. “Group staff meeting in Col. Olmsted’s Office at 1500”.
1320 12th AF to Larson. “Wanted to know if we had A/C set up to go to States. Maj. Asbury is to call Ozone 134 in regards to the above.
1342 An A/20 #92 came in on tail when landing.
Clayton to Larson. Wanted information as to who was buzzing Montecorvino”.
1640 TBF to Asbury. “Bomb load is 1000’s with inst. and .025, 10% long delays. Squadrons notified”.
12th AF to Larson. “Re A/C 41-12924 (445th BS). Sling chutes may be taken off, also Ammo boxes and racks. We are to proceed with stripping”.
Tuesday, 7 March 1944 (continued)
2145 Hawkes (ODO) to Hoffman. “350 hours on B-26, has not checked out on B-25 and has been with the 446th for 6 weeks”. ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 263/mission 262) Group Mission # 225: The mission to the Littorio Marshalling Yards was abortive. The formation got as far as Avezzano but returned as the fighter escort was running short of gas. The bombers climbed to 17,000 feet to get over a few layers of clouds and many of the crews reported traces of anoxia upon return to the base. ------321st BG: Mission No: 225 Date: 7 Mar 44 No A/C: 18 (3 returned early) Squadrons: 445-6 446-0 447-6 448-8 Target: Rome/: Littorio M/Y, northern half. Time OFF: 1030 T.O.T.: Time Down: 1318 Axis of Attack: Height: Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: Route: Base to N-1814 to M-9833 to M-9268 to H-0350 to G-8560 where escort turned back and bombers followed to H-0350 to M-9268 to M-9833 to N-1814 to base. Weather: Enroute and Return: 7/10 strato cumulus with tops at 12,000 between base and Volturno River. Cumulus tops over 20,000 with several layers of stratus with base about 4000 in general target area where there was 10/10 o/c. Flak: None. Enemy Air: None. Claims: None Results: None. Observation: None. Flight Leaders: Capts. Stokes, McFadden and Strenger. Number of Sorties: 15 Photos Taken R. W. MANLY, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t. S-2 Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: Occasional rains forced a cancellation of training flights but a mission was flown. Returning from the mission, the planes made downwind landings and Lt. Wetherbee had a mishap. He landed his ship (41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy”) on a slick runway, wetted by rain. His ship skidded, ground looped and for a time was skidding backward with Lt. Wetherbee giving the ship full throttle. The ship finally ended up in a ditch with only slight damage done and no crew members injured. It was a situation in which serious consequences might have occurred but the cool head and skill of Lt. Wetherbee saved the day. At a meeting at group after the mission today, the squadron’s crews together with the whole group heard Col. Olmsted declare that this Tuesday, 7 March 1944 (continued) group would remain in this theatre until Germany was defeated and then move as a unit to the Pacific theatre. Squadrons would be expanded, he explained so that crews could be rotated and become more experienced with constant association with one another. No one would be sent back to the U.S. after completing a number of missions but the group commander promised trips to the States for those who proved themselves “worthy”. The morale of the combat crews hung low tonight. There was a good mail call this afternoon and pork chops were served at supper. Olmstead, Charles T., Col, HQ 321st BG Commander Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., Lt, pilot
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 263/mission 262) Group Mission # 225:
A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 41-13169 Joy” (skidded into ditch during landing) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 1Lt Walker, Robert S., 1Lt CP McLain, Damon I., 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N Miller, Edward A., 2Lt None B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E Jones, Robert C., Sgt Connolly, Frank N., Sgt R Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Doswell, Richard (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29985 A/C No. 42-53373 P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 2Lt Gunder, William H., 2Lt N None None B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R Plott, John M., S/Sgt Ravesi, Thomas G., Sgt G McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt Abrams, Samuel (NMI), Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 42-64575 P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., Capt CP Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st BG N None Paduana, Joseph A., Capt B Paul, Vincent L., 2Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., Capt E Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Wells, Robert J., Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G McClary, Louis E., gunner Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt F None None
Tuesday, 7 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Usual squadron duties.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 263/mission 262) Group Mission # 225: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32494 “Peg O’ My Heart” Local: Training Flying Time: 1:30 (17th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Rained again last nite. No mission scheduled for to-day, only practice. Went to dispensary this a.m., had my nose cleared, hurt like heck doing it too. Also found I was running a fever so “Doc” Warren grounded me. Have to drink plenty of fruit juices & liquids. Finished a letter to D.F. Not feeling so good, hung around tent all afternoon. Played cribbage with Charlie. Am scheduled for a mission tomorrow. Colonel held a meeting of all combat crews and told them not to expect to go home upon completion of their missions, but were to stay over until the war is over. After the Germans are defeated, then the Southwest Pacific. Wrote a short letter to Alice.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Olmstead, Charles T., Col, HQ 321st BG Commander Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical officer
447th BS War Diary: No mission due to bad weather. There was little flying, two ships dropped practice bombs from wing racks. Another ship made a test flight of 30 minutes. Usual squadron duties. Sgt. Stokes and Cpl. Don Bailey abs sk hosp to duty. Bailey, Donald E., Cpl, transportation Stokes, Robert C., Sgt, gunner
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 263/mission 262) Group Mission # 225:
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-32505 P Alger, LeRoy L., 2Lt Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Heitman, William F., 2Lt Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt N None None B Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Ford, Leonard W., Sgt Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt R Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt G Bean, Robert W., Sgt Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl None
Tuesday, 7 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Cloward, Glannin A., Capt N McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt None B Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt Nelson, George B., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Gillies, Robert H., Cpl R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt Mathews, William E., S/Sgt G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13006 “Sahara Sue” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, Capt CP Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt N None Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt B James, Robert M., 2Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Collins, Clint R., Sgt Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt R Shields, James B., S/Sgt Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt G Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt Richards, Charles M., Pvt F None None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Fifth mission flew with Wigs did not drop bombs, flew at 17,000 feet, froze cold as hell.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 263/mission 262) Group Mission # 225: Mission 183 (225). At 10:30 18 planes off to bomb Rome/Littorio M/Y, northern half but none dropped bombs due to complete overcast over target. All returned at 13:18. No observations. F/L: Stokes.
A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-13186 P Stokes, Louis S., Capt Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt CP Lyons, John B., 2Lt Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt N Hough, William S., 1Lt None B Petit, Rene P., 2Lt Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Wilkerson, John J., Cpl Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None
Tuesday, 7 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13050 A/C No. 41-30125 (spare) P Hicks, John T., 1Lt Cooper, James W., 1Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt N None None B Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt E Ernst, David L., Sgt Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., S/Sgt Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt G Holt, Charles M., Sgt Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64514 (returned early) A/C No. 42-64552 (returned early) P Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Howard, Charles E., 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N None None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Gager, Joseph R., Sgt R Schaffner, Charles D., S/Sgt Parham, James E., T/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Neuman, Robert A., Sgt F Fitzpatrick, C. E., Maj, HQ 57th BW France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt A/C No. 41-29959 (returned early) P VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt N None B Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None
Wednesday, 8 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s strike at the Orte marshalling yard and Orte-Fabrica di Roma railroad; B-26s hit the Rome/Tiburtina marshalling yard and dock area at Porto Santo Stefano; P-40 fighter-bombers hit gun positions and a road junction near Rome while A-36s attack a road junction near Montalto di Castro, also hitting a bridge and a train, and guns and a castle SW of Celano; P-47s hit gun emplacements; P-40s strafe vehicles near Rome/Via Appia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: This date, Major Register appointed the Commanding Officer of the 445th Bomb. Squadron replacing Lt. Col. Cook who returned to the States. Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Register, Percy D, Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 264/mission 263) Group Mission # 226: The target of Orte Marshalling Yards was not hit by any of our 24 planes. Hits were made in the area along the railroad tracks 3.7 miles southwest of target. The tracks were cut at one point. ------321st BG: Mission No: 226 Date: 8 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 (1 returned early) Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-7 448-4 Target: Orte Marshalling Yards Time Up: 0940 T.O.T.: 1138 Time Down: 1249 Axis of Attack: 300° Height: 11,000/11,500 Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 45x1000 with .1 & .025 fusing. 6x1000 Delay. Escort: 12 Spitfires. Route: Base to N-1814 to M-9733, to M-9268, to H-0652, to G-4573, A-9016 to target, to A-7241, to G-4573, reciprocal course to base. Weather: Enroute and Return: Scattered light rain, Clouds: 8/10 to complete overcast through mountains breaking to 3/10, 20 miles south of target, base of clouds at 3.000’, tops at 11,000’. Target: Clouds: 3/10 stratocumulus, tops at 7,000’. Visibility 15 miles. Flak: None Enemy Air: None Claims: None Results: Target not hit. Hits in area along railroad tracks 2 miles southeast of target. 1 report tracks cut at one point. Observation: Large convoys (estimated 220 M/T) moving southeast along highway from Carsoli to Avezzano and south through Capistrello, also on road southeast from Avezzano through Trasecco; also some M/T, south on road from Pescina to Opi.
Wednesday, 8 March 1944 (continued)
Flight Leaders: Capts. Neumann and McFadden Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken:
JAMES E. NICKERSON, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: There was a test hop today, another flight for dry run bombing and another flight to Pompeii and return. Work is continuing on the enlisted men’s club and it will be ready for use very shortly. It should be pointed out that the squadron’s combat crews are engaged in an extensive training program which takes place daily whenever the weather permits. This program holds true even on days when missions are flown and any improvement noted in accomplishments on combat missions may be due in no small part to the rigid training received by all crew members on practice bombing missions, transitions, etc.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 264/mission 263) Group Mission # 226:
A/C No. 41-13171 “Trigger” A/C No. 42-64529 P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Thomas, John J., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, McLain, Damon I., 2Lt 2Lt N None None B Wren, Frank J., 2Lt Paul, V.L., 2Lt E DeRose, Louis A., Sgt Morisi, David D., Pvt R O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt Garza, Manuel, Pvt F None Cheosky, Alexander A, Cpl A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” Judy” P Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 1Lt N None None B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt E Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt Filipiak, Theodore, S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt Kramer, Henry P., Sgt F None None
Wednesday, 8 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 1Lt Neuman, Robert H., Capt CP Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, 2Lt Olmstead, Charles T., Col (Hq) N Fisher, Sigmund M., 2Lt Paduana, Joseph A., Capt B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., Capt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis, T/Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde, Sgt F None None
446th BS War Diary: Second Lts. Dickerson, LeClair, Morris get their silver bar. Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt, pilot LeClair, Edward R., Lt, pilot Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 264/mission 263) Group Mission # 226: Squadron Mission 188 TARGET: Orte M/Y, Italy. DATE: 8 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. Neuman, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Target not hit. Hits in area along railroad tracks two miles SE of target. One report of tracks cut at one point. No flak, no fighters. Lt Othick returned early because of a sick gunner. Lt LeClair was a spare and fill in to complete the mission. Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot, 445th BS A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Fitzgerald, John “Jack”, 2Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt E Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl None A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt Hunter, William Clark, Maj CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt B Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt Mottley, John F., 2Lt E Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt R Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt G Foley, Joseph M., Sgt Thomas, Patrick, S/Sgt F None None Wednesday, 8 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt CP Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt N None None B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Bober, John, Jr., Sgt Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt R Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., Sgt Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) (returned early) P Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Jordan, Henry L., 2lt N None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl R Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt G Parker, Jewel (NMI), Sgt F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 9, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: Orte M/Y, Italy. Flying Time: 3:30 (18th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 4) “Supposed to be grounded but I am scheduled for a mission. Pre-briefed 0805 T.O. 0930 Pilot: Vivas CoPilot: Sacker Ship # 963 (Mo. Waltz) Alt 11,000’ Bombs: 3-1000 # Demos (1 delay) Target: RR Marshalling Yds at Orte (42° 28’ N - 12° 23’ E). Run over Target at 11,000’, no flak or fighters. Weather was bad all the way up, but target was clear. Don’t think we hit it. At interrogation the Doc told me I was grounded. Fine time to tell me. Hung around tent all afternoon. Played cribbage with Charlie after supper, then Jack Herbert dropped in, ended up with a regular bull session. No scheduled for a mission tomorrow. Flying time: 03:30 hrs.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt, pilot Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt, pilot Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical officer
Wednesday, 8 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: Major Sampson held a class for pilots, co-pilots, bombardiers of the mission to discuss errors on today’s mission and remedies to be used. Plane 498 made an XC flight to Foggia. Plane 126 made an XC flight to Naples. Plane 417 flew 45 minutes local instruments. Pfc Robert P. Biscailus reclassified from aerial gunner to armorer. Biscailus, Robert P., PFC, armament McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 264/mission 263) Group Mission # 226: Mission today to Orte M/Y. 445th Sq. led the formation with Col. Olmsted flying as co- pilot in the lead ship. 445th dropped their bombs about 4 miles off the target. We didn’t drop our bombs. Cpt. McFadden was leading the second box of 12. They saw the target but didn’t break formation to bomb.
A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, Capt Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt CP Dean, Ivan E., 2Lt Cloward, Glannin A., Capt N Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt Jones, Claude F., Capt E Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt Gillies, Robert H., Cpl R McFarland, John F., S/Sgt Mathews, William E., S/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 42-64694 Done Crapped Again” P Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt CP Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt N None None B Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Engels, Robert W., Sgt R Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64559 A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt CP Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Snyder, John D., 2Lt Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt E Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt Fisher, Theodore M., Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt G Smith, Leland H., Sgt Richards, Charles M., Pvt F None None Wednesday, 8 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30123 P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt N Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Sixth mission flew with Wigs, bombed Orte marshalling yards, some flak, plenty of fighters.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot,
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 264/mission 263) Group Mission # 226: Mission 184 (226). At 09:40 24 planes off to bomb Orte M/Y. One returned early and others dropped 45 x 1000 and 6 x 1000 delays at 11:38 from 11,000 feet and all returned at 12:49. Target not hit. Hits in area along RR tracks 2 miles SE of target. One report says tracks out at one point. Large convoys (estimated at 220 M/T) moving SE along highway from Carsolia to Avezzano and S through Capistrello, also on road SE from Avezzano through Trasecco; also some M/T S on road from Pescina to Opi. Weather: 3/10ths Stratocumulus, visibility 10 miles.
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 41-29967 P Greene, William A., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Howard, Charles E., 2Lt Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt N None None B Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt Bond, Edward N., 2Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt R Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt Thompson, Arthur R., S/Sgt G Everhart, Clifton R., Sgt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Riener, William F., 2Lt Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt Greene, Louis P., 2Lt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt Lellis, Michael C., Pvt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None None Wednesday, 8 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30548 P Jones, Truman R., 1Lt CP Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st BG N Duncan, George F., 2Lt B Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 2Lt E Mauder, Charles J., S/Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None
Thursday, 9 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s strike the dock area of Porto Stefano, some bombs falling in the Port'oErcole area; B-25s bomb a bridge at Montalto di Castro; A-20s hit a tank repair depot N of Tivoli; P-40s blast gun positions W of Campoleone, W of Pratica di Mare, and S of Ciampino; A-36s bomb Capranica railroad station and targets nearby; and fighters fly uneventful patrols over Anzio.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 265/mission 264) Group Mission # 227: Twenty-four aircraft hit the auxiliary harbor at San Stefano. Results generally poor with the shipping and harbor installations being missed. Some bombs however hit in the marshalling yard and may have done some damage. Flak was moderate but accurate with 8 of our aircraft being holed. One plane was forced down at Pompeii, the landing ground of the 340th Bomb. Gp. ------321st BG: Mission No: 227 Date: 9 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 (2 returned early) Squadrons: 445-7 446-6 447-6 448-7 Target: San Stefano Auxiliary Harbor Time Up: 1130 T.O.T.: 1350 Time Down: 1510 Axis of Attack: 120° Height: 11,000/11,500 ft. Planes Lost: 1 plane crash landed at friendly field. Planes Holed: 8 Bombs Dropped: 81x1000 .1 & .025 and 5x1000 delay. Route: Base to N-1814 to M-9733, to M-9370 to E-2920 to E-3945 to target to F-0360 to M-1871 to M95-70 and retrace course to base. Weather: Enroute and Return: CAVU At Target: Clouds: 5/10 stratocumulus at 6,000’. Vis. Unlimited. Flak: Heavy caliber – moderate intensity – accurate from Orbetello and from Point Rividonia while on bomb run and immediately after bomb run from Tomboli di Fenigli. Enemy Air: None Claims: None Results: Cloud formation encountered after bomb run started causing bombs to be dropped by dead reckoning. However, some bombs observed hitting land north of Prot Ecole, on Isthmus at Tomboli di Fenigli and also ¼ mile southeast of target on land. Other bombs in water northwest of target. Observation: 4 boats length 200 ft. in outer harbor of San Stefano (main harbor) Flight Leaders: Lt. Col. Schwane and Lt. Jones. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: FRED W. LITCHWARD, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------
Thursday, 9 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: Major Percy D. Register, Jr., today officially took over duties as Squadron Commander, relieving Lt. Col. Bailey C. Cook who has left for the United States. Col. Cook is being flown to an appropriate base for transportation to the States by Capt. House piloting “Idaho Lassie”. Lt. Frey and Sgt. Castle are also in this ship headed for the U.S.A. 6 planes did some formation flying and dry run bombing. Radio operators received instructions today on VHF equipment modifications. The lecture lasted 1 hour. Castle, Roy V., Sgt, gunner Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, commander Frey, Ernest Z., Lt, pilot House, Robert M., Capt, pilot Register, Percy D, Maj, pilot, Commander
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 265/mission 264) Group Mission # 227:
A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” Gambler II” P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 1Lt CP McLain, Damon I., 2Lt Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt N None Smith, Raymond (NMI), 1Lt B Paul, Vincent L., 2Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Plott, John M., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 41-12929 P Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt Gifford, Frank (NMI), 1Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt None B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Soltysiak, Stanley J. “Salty”, Pvt R Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt Weaver, Dale W., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, Strenger, Marshall C., Capt 2Lt CP Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt N None Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt B Maughan, George W., 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 1Lt E York, Rufus (NMI), Sgt Knight, Arnold K., S/Sgt R Kintly, James E., S/Sgt Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Eiff, William C., Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None
Thursday, 9 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64508 P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt CP Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 2Lt N None B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt R Pate, Harris B., Jr., S/Sgt G Bellendir, John C., Sgt F None
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Gawrada is promoted to first Lt. Gawrada, Gabriel, P., 1Lt, bombardier
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 265/mission 264) Group Mission # 227: Squadron Mission 189 TARGET: San Stefano Aux. Harbor, Italy. DATE: 9 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 5 Lt Colonel Schwane led the formation. Cloud formation encountered after bomb run started. Bombs dropped by dead reckoning. Target missed. Flak was heavy, moderate and accurate. Eight A/C were holed. Lt Matzinger was forced to land at Pompeii. Capt Cooper landed at home base with a feathered prop.
A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” (spare) P Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt CP Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt Hollingsworth, George K., 2Lt N None None B Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt E Britton, William W., Jr., S/Sgt Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, T/Sgt G Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr. “Ben”, Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” A/C No. 41-13200 P Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt CP Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt Green, Salem M., S/Sgt G Brown, Ronald M., Sgt Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt F None None
Thursday, 9 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously St. Joe” “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Cooper, Paul T., Capt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, Commander Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt N Springer, Luther B., Jr., Capt None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt E Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl McArdle, John R., PFC R Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt G Foley, Joseph M., Sgt Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “No mission scheduled for me today. Burandt is flying as the Colonel’s co-pilot & Lewis is flying with Cooper. Filled out a “Statement of Service” today to start collecting Longevity. Be in 3 yrs. The 13th, time has certainly flown by. Wrote to Ma and Alice, also got a letter from Ma & Grandma and a box of cigars from Pa which I can certainly use. Burandt & Lewis cancelled out. Hung around all afternoon. At supper time we were given the European Theatre Campaign Ribbon. Meeting of all Bmbdr’s @ 1715 – routine. There is now a bomb trainer in Group. Back to the good old cadet days. Went to a show this evening, “Get Going”, Pretty good.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot` Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot Lewis, Vernon, 1Lt, pilot Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander
447th BS War Diary: Crotone airdrome was the target for a mock mission with 3 of our planes participating. The crews were briefed by Capt. Stevenson. Major Sampson conducted a class for seven pilots, seven co-pilots, seven bombardiers and one navigator. This class was a discussion of errors on today’s mission and remedies to be used. Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Stephenson, Henry W., Capt, pilot
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 265/mission 264) Group Mission # 227: Six of our ships participated in a raid on San Stefano auxiliary harbor. Cloud formation encountered after bomb run started causing bombs to be dropped by dead reckoning. However, some bombs observed hitting land north of port Edale, on Isthmus at Lomboli di Fenigli Valso ¼ mile SE of target on land. Other bombs dropped in water NW of target.
Thursday, 9 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 42-64559 (returned early) P Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt CP Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B Stewart, William W., S/Sgt Snyder, John D., 2lt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl R McFarland, John F., S/Sgt Pierce, William H., PFC G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle Lady” II” (returned early) P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval D., 2Lt Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt N Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-30123 P Stocking, Eugene 2Lt Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt James, Robert M., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Collins, Clint R., Sgt R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt Shields, James B., S/Sgt G O’Neil, Gerald G., Cpl Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None None
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 265/mission 264) Group Mission # 227: Mission 185 (227). At 11:30 24 planes off to bomb San Stefano Auxiliary Harbor and all dropped 81 x 1000 delay bombs at 13:50 from 11,000 feet. One plane crashed landed at friendly field and 23 returned at 15:10. Cloud formation encountered after bomb run started causing bombs to be dropped by dead reckoning. However, some bombs observed hitting land N of Port Ecole, on Isthmus at Tomboli di Fenigli and also ¼ mile SE of target on land. Other bombs in water NW of target. Eight planes were holed and flak was heavy, moderate and accurate from Orbetello and from Point Rividonia while on bomb run and immediately after bomb run from Tomboli di Fenigli. Four boats length 200 feet in outer harbor of San Stefano (main harbor). Weather: 5/10 cover at target at 6000.
Thursday, 9 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 42-64519 P Greene, William A., 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Riener, William F., 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt G Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt Neuman, Robert A., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29959 A/C No. 41-30327 P Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt Myers, Harold C. “Casey”, 2Lt N None None B Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt E Ernst, David L., Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None Silver, George A., Maj (observer) A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-13050 P Jones, Truman R., 1Lt Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt CP Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st Amo, Leo W., 2Lt BG N Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt None B Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 2Lt Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt E Kershaw, Raymond T., Sgt Hinton, Zane R., PFC R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Parham, James E., T/Sgt G Crow, Roscoe J., Pvt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC A/C No. 42-64552 (spare) P Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt N Olszewski, Henry (NMI), 2Lt B Petit, Rene P., 2Lt E Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt R Lellis, Michael C., Pvt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None
Friday, 10 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-26s bomb the Rome/Tiburtina marshalling yard and unsuccessfully attack the Orvieto railroad bridge, while B-25s hit the Littoria marshalling yard; P-40s and A-36s strike at enemy positions on the coast at San Felice Circeo, gun positions E of Littoria, guns and tanks at Cisterna di Roma, railroad at Montalto di Castro, train at Monte Libretti station and railway buildings at Zagarolo; and fighters patrol the Anzio area without incident. Flight of the 5th Combat Mapping Squadron, 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), begins operating from San Severo, Italy with F- 5s; the squadron is based at Pomigliano, Italy.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 266/mission 265) Group Mission # 228: Back to the Littorio Marshalling Yards our 24 crews reported a successful mission. The photos bore them out showing direct hits on the central choke point, 15/20 box cars, and the Rome-Florence line cut in two places. Four salvoed bombs scored direct hits on a road junction west of the yards. ------321st BG: Mission No: 228 Date: 10 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 (1 returned early) Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-12 (1 returned early) 448-0 Target: Littorio M/Yds. North Section Time Up: 1047 T.O.T.: 1248 2nd flight Time Down: 1420 2nd flight 1330 1st flight 1450 1st flight Axis of Attack: 130° Height: 10,000/10,500 Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: Eight Bombs Dropped: 75x1000 lb. plus 11 with delayed fusing. Escort: 12 P-47’s (left formation before initial point). Route: Base to N-1814 to M-9733 to M-9370 to M-2076 to F-7203 to F1574 to F-5696 to Target to G-0062 to G-1079 to F-8893 to F-3056 to F-7208 then reciprocate to base. 1st flight separated from 2nd flight due to heavy overcast. 2nd flight continued to target, 1st flight returned to Gulf of Salerno then proceeded to target area.
Weather: Enroute and Return: Scattered areas of light rain. 6/10 multi-layers of stratocumulus bases beginning at 4000 ft. Tops at 8000 ft also scattered cumulus clouds. Visibility 15 miles Target: 3/10 stratocumulus at 6000 ft. Visibility 15 miles.
Flak: Heavy, moderate, fairly accurate at target. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from Guidonia A/D area, and heavy, slight, along Tivoli/Rome RR. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Friday, 10 March 1944 (continued)
Results: The 2nd flight bombed first and reported a concentration of bursts just N of the central choke point. Car repair shop well hit. Some bombs on E. M/Y in area of forward sidings. The 1st flight bombed 42 minutes after the 2nd and reported most of the bombs short in Pilot School area with some bombs trailing into the M/Y at the north choke point.
Observation: One crew reported a flash of light on ground, possibly and airplane explosion, 3000 yards SW of target. 4 Chutes were seen in air N. of same spot. 3 other crews reported 4 chutes from B-25 shot down. One report of 6 chutes seen over target area before bomb run.
Flight Leaders: Capt McFadden and Lt. Vallery. Number of Sorties: 23 Photos Taken: SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t S-2 Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: There was one flight made for dry run bombing purposes. 4 new pilots were familiarized with the use of VHF equipment. Sgt. Thomas J. Clark, a radio gunner who completed 55 combat missions, left for the United States today. The enlisted men’s club held its grand opening tonight and it was hailed as a great success. A good time was had by all who remembered it the following day. Clark, Thomas J., Sgt, gunner
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 266/mission 265) Group Mission # 228: This squadron’s B-25’s helped deliver an unusual double-barreled punch at the Germans in Italy today. This squadron made up the 2nd flight in the formation which had as its target the important Littorio marshalling yards near Rome. The 1st flight failed to go over the target and bombed the alternate target instead, covering it with a good coverage of bombs. The 2nd flight proceeded over the primary target and gave the Littorio yards a healthy pounding with high demolitions.
A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-64529 P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Hatcher, Leon F., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Neumann, Robert H., Capt 2Lt N None Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B Paul, V.L., 2Lt Monk, William (NMI), 1Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Doswell, Richard (NMI), Sgt F None Abrams, Samuel (NMI), Pvt Friday, 10 March 1944 (continued) A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 41-12929 Judy” P Thomas, William J., 2Lt Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt Dickerson, Samuel M, 1Lt N None None B Werner, Samuel., 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt R Pate, Harris B., S/Sgt Plott, John M, S/Sgt G Bellendir, John C., Sgt McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-64659 (Bear - no lettering) P Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt CP Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ, 321st Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, 2Lt BG N Paduana, Joseph A., Capt None B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Filipiak, Theodore (NMI), S/Sgt R Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12817 (spare) P Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt CP Fischer. F. R., 2Lt N None B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E Connolly, Frank N., Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Garza, Manuel (NMI), Pvt F None
446th BS War Diary: Lt Gawrada flies his fiftieth. Gawrada, Gabriel, P., 1Lt, bombardier
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 266/mission 265) Group Mission # 228: Squadron Mission 190 TARGET: Littorio M/Y, Italy. DATE: 10 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. McFadden, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. The second flight bombed first and report good coverage. First flight bombed forty-two minutes after the second flight and reported most bombs short, with some trailing in M/Y at N choke point. Flak was heavy, moderate and fairly accurate. No fighters. Lt Morris and Lt Othick were spares, and returned early. McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt, pilot, 447th BS Friday, 10 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt CP Fitzgerald, John “Jack”, 2Lt Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Thomas, Patrick., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 41-13200 P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt CP Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt E Bober, John, Jr., Sgt Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt Green, Salem M., S/Sgt G Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., Sgt Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” A/C No. 42-64549 P Vivas, Frank P., 2Lt Cooper, Paul T., Capt CP Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt Lewis, Vernon., 2Lt N None Franklin, Arthur E., 2Lt B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 2Lt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 1Lt E Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC Shellhamer, Lawrence, Cpl R Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt G Brown, Ronald M., Sgt Foley, Joseph M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ A/C No. 41-13123 (spare) Mama” (spare) P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt N None None B Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt McArdle, John R., PFC R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt G Mittman, Milton M., Cpl Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None
Friday, 10 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 10, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: Littorio M/Y, Italy. Flying Time: 3:50 (19th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission today. Took shower. Ben was over, had a letter from Moe – 478 BS, 340 BG, APO # 650. Ben had a tough mission yesterday, and did a good job by shooting at the trim tab, will probably get a decoration for it. To fly a practice PDI mission with Hurley & Chudars this afternoon. Went to show with Chudars, Burandt, and Boatright, saw Margaret O’Brien in “Lost Angel” – a swell show. Scheduled for a mission today. Flying time: 02:10.” Boatright, Benjamin, Jr. "Ben", S/Sgt, gunner Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner
486th BS, 340th BG: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 2813: (Ship assigned to 446th, then transferred to the 486th BS, 340th BG)
A/C No. 41-13055 “All in A Circle” (MACR-2813 - shot down by AAA) P Swope, Richard G., Capt - KIA in crash CP Jones, Charles D., Col - bailed out, POW, liberated and RTD N Weil , George L., Jr., 2Lt - bailed out, evaded enemy and RTD B Hayes, Henry L., Jr., 2Lt - bailed out, POW, liberated and RTD E Spiewak, Anthony V., S/Sgt - bailed out, POW, liberated and RTD R Skertic, Joseph R., T/Sgt - WIA, POW, died in hospital G Lumpkin, Daniel T., S/Sgt - bailed out, POW, liberated and RTD F None
Eyewitness Account: Wiltshire, Buell O., F/O, pilot, 489th BS, 340th BG
489th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF 340th BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF
APO # 650, Postmaster, New York City, New York 10 March 1944
SUBJECT: Lost Crew Members
TO : All concerned.
1. On 10 March, 1944 I was flying co pilot in the lead ship of the last box of the formation in which one plane was shot down. Friday, 10 March 1944 (continued)
2. The men had already bailed out before I noticed anything wrong. I saw five (5) parachutes open about 5 to 8 miles directly west of Littorio (the chutes opened ½ to 1 mile apart). About 30 seconds after the fifth chute opened the plane made a fifty degree left turn and proceeded another thirty or forty seconds whereupon it suddenly went into a dive (from about 4000’) and exploded on contact with the earth at F-5872 at 1248 hours.
3. At no time did the plane appear to spin or go into a stall.
BUELL O. WILTSHIRE, Flight Officer, AC. ------
Eyewitness Account: Weil, George L., Jr., 2Lt, navigator, 486th BS, 340th BG 13 Jun 44 Source: 2nd Lt. George L., Weil
Substantiating Facts: Eyewitness flying on left wing of aircraft reported five chutes leaving aircraft. Radio reports from a German broadcasting system stated that COLONEL JONES was a Prisoner of War.
Source: was told by Italians that six chutes left aircraft and the four members thereof were captured. There were seven members in crew. ------
CASUALTY REPORT FOR AGO Prepared by MIS-X Section, POW Branch 21 Jun 44 NARRATOR: 2nd Lt. George L., Weil
KNOWN INFORMATION: The plane crashed on 10 Mar 44 at 1200 hours in the vicinity of Rome. The right engine was out of commission and burning. I was the first member of the crew out of the plane, bailing out at 7,000 feet. I don’t believe any of the crew were injured and I saw Col. Jones and Lt. Hayes in good conditions when I left the plane. I saw three chutes above me on the way down, but after that I saw nothing of the remainder of the crew.
HEARSAY INFORMATION: Italian friends reported there were six chutes and that the plane crashed and burned. The Rome radio reported the following day that five prisoners were taken. ------
Friday, 10 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: 12 pilots, sixteen co-pilots, two navigators and fourteen bombardiers attended a meeting at the officers’ mess. A lecture was given by Lt. Piasta on “Radio Procedures.” Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Piasta, John R., Lt, communications
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 266/mission 265) Group Mission # 228: 11 of our planes participated in a raid on Rome Littorio M/T, led by Maj. Sampson. The 2nd flight bombed first by 15 minutes and reported a concentration of bursts just N of the central choke point. Car repair shop well hit. Some bombs dropped on E side of M/Ys at the North Choke point.
A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64694 Lady” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt N Mathewson, Merton K., 2Lt None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt Huffman, William C., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Morrisey, Raphael E., Cpl R Orloff, Sidney, S/Sgt Pierce, William H., Cpl G Roberts, Herman, S/Sgt Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - Flak Magnate” P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt Commander N Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt E Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt Curry, Hughie L., Sgt R Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt CP Button, Ervine J., 2Lt Heitman, William F., 2Lt N None None B Nelson, George B., 2Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt G Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F None None
Friday, 10 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-30123 P Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt N None None B Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Escher, Carl S., Sgt Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt R Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt G Noyes, Charles D., S/Sgt Blalock, Joe T., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-32417 P Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt CP Cloward, Glannin A., Capt Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt N None None B James, Robert M., 2Lt Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt E Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt R Mathews, William E., S/Sgt Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt G Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt O’Neil, Gerald G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” (early return) P Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Snyder, John D., 2Lt E Engels, Robert W., Sgt Collins, Clint R., Sgt R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt Shields, James B., S/Sgt G Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Seventh mission flew with Wigs, bombed Rome marshalling yards, six miles north of Vatican, buku flak.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot,
448th BS War Diary: No Entry
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 266/mission 265) Group Mission # 228: (448th BS did not participate)
Saturday, 11 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, medium bombers strike at Florence, Orvieto and Fabriano marshalling yards with good results; P-40, A-36, and P-47 fighter-bombers attack a supply depot, railroad station, and factory in areas NE of Monterotondo, and numerous other targets, including gun positions in the battle areas, railroad facilities, and 2 supply trains.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
1115 Hoffman to Abernathy. “Informed him of take off of Mission”.
1035 Fenner to Larson. “324 Engineering reports 12th B. G. A/C 42-64526 “Patches” is ready to go. (Actually transferred to 12th BG sometime after 17 Mar 44)
1037 Capt. Gilchrist to Larson. “A/C to be sent to Foggia for Modification, numbers 43-3449 (380th BS), 43-3523 (379th BS) and 42-87448” (445th BS).
Larson to 447th. “Set up A/C with CP and E for 1300 take off for Col. Olmsted. A/C 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady”.
1435 Larson to 57th BW. “Preliminary report on Mission result.”
Headphone Controller to Larson. “120 Bombers headed this way, some in distress and may want to land”.
1510 341st S.S. to Larson. “They have 3 more A/C ready to be ferried to Foggia tomorrow morning. He will call in the morning and give us the numbers of the A/C.”
1005 Fenner to Hoffman. “PERUGIA M/Y, West choke point. Rendezvous H minus 0400 (10:20). Route to target via Alfedena. 12 Spits or P-47’s for escort. 24 A/C, Axis of attack 150°. Alternate target North Choke point Orte. Weather is doubtful. Load is 1000’s with .1 and .025 with 10% long delays. “Dry Beef” our bomber call. 340th will go over target 20 minutes prior to us--their axis of attack is the same”. ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 267/mission 266) Group Mission # 229: One of our most successful missions. The Orvieto Marshalling Yards as the target and 24 planes doing the “delivering”. Photo reconnaissance showed a large amount of damage
Saturday, 11 March 1944 (continued) done with all tracks cut. The yard buildings were demolished and a 38 car train destroyed by a terrific explosion, thought to be an ammunition train blowing up. A road bridge was also destroyed in the area. ------321st BG: Mission No: 229 Date: 11 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-6 448-6 Target: Orvieto Marshalling Yards. Time Up: 1015 T.O.T.: 1230 Time Down: 1350 Axis of Attack: 150° Height: 10,500/11,500 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: One Bombs Dropped: 77x1000 lb. with .1 & .025 fusing & 10x1000 lb with delay (2 Hrs.) Route: N-1814, M-9733, M-9370, M-1871, F-2645, E-9500, A-0335, A-1280, A-3381 to Target, A-0335 and return by same route.
Weather: Enroute and Return: Clouds: 3/10 cumulus, base at 5,000, tops at 10,000. Visibility, unlimited. Target: CAVU.
Escort: 12 Spits with high cover of P-47’s. Flak: Heavy, moderate to slight and inaccurate from target area. Two batteries reported – one at A-4075 and the other at A-3868. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: Hits were reported across north, center and south areas of M/Yds, and some distance southeast of South choke point. Other bombs reported hitting both north of target area and southeast. One large explosion and several fires observed in yards and warehouse type building on south side of yard reported hit.
Observation: Ground: Rolling stock – about 75 cars total seen at either side of bridge near Montaldo d. Castro (A-0119). 15/20 M/T heading east on Tuscania-Viterbo road. 20 M/T headed north on road running north out of San Lorenzo Nuovo. On shore of a small island in Lake Bolsena many small boats observed. House seen in middle of island with seemingly more than ordinary activity. Marine: Large M/V – reported 300/500’ seen either leaving or entering Civitavecchia Harbor.
Flight Leaders: Lt Sowder and Major Hunter. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Saturday, 11 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: 8 more pilots were checked out on VHF equipment and modifications. 3 ships flew formation and did some dry run bombing while 2 other transition flights were flown. 4 bombardiers and 3 pilots were down at the new bomb trainer at group. On the trainer, the bombardiers are now sharpening their eyes and brushing up on the fine points of their trade.
445th BS BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 267/mission 266) Group Mission # 229: The mission to bomb the Orvieto marshalling yards was very successful. The crews seem to be completing very successful missions lately, probably the results of the meticulous details carried out on the many practice bombing missions.
A/C No. 41-12817 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt CP Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt N None None B Wren, Frank J., 2Lt Paul, Vincent L., 2Lt E Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt York, Rufus (NMI), Sgt R Plott, John M., S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt G McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt Eiff, William C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-64659 P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt N Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt None B O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E DeRose, Louis A., Sgt Filipiak, Theodore (NMI), S/Sgt R O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” Gambler II” (Bear - no lettering) P Thomas, John J., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 1Lt CP Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt N None Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 1Lt E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt F None None
Saturday, 11 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Holloway is promoted to captain. 14 lucky Capri “visitors” return from rest camp. Mail Call. Holloway, McGlon T., 2Lt, intelligence
446th BS BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 267/mission 266) Group Mission # 229: Squadron Mission 191 TARGET: Orviete M/Ys, Italy. DATE: 11 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt Sowder, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. Hits were reported across N, center and S areas of M/Ys and some distance SE of S choke point. Other bombs reported hitting N and SE of target area. One large explosion and several fires observed in yards, and building on S side of yards hit. Flak was heavy, moderate to slight and inaccurate. No fighters. Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS
A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ Mama” P Hurley, John R., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt CP Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt N None None B McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt R Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Mittman, Milton M., Cpl Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt Hunter, William Clark, Maj CP Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt B Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt Mottley, John F., 2Lt E Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt R Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt G Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr. “Ben”, Thomas, Patrick (NMI), S/Sgt Sgt F None None
Saturday, 11 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt Hunter, William Clark, Maj CP Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt B Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt Mottley, John F., 2Lt E Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt R Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt G Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr. “Ben”, Thomas, Patrick (NMI), S/Sgt Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13180 A/C No. 41-13123 P Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E McArdle, John R., PFC Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32494 “Peg O’ My Heart” Gaudo-Pompeii-Gaudo: Ferry Flying Time: 1:00 (20th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 5) “Mission today. Pre-briefed 0905 T.O. 1015 Pilot: Hurley CoPilot: Chudars Ship # 963 (Mo. Waltz) Alt 11,500’ Bombs: 3-1000 # Demos Target: M/Y @ Orvieto (65 m. No. of Rome) (42° 43 N - 12° 07’ E). Over target @ 1225, 11,500’. Just after our turn from I.P. got light, inaccurate flak (about 24 bursts). Had a P-47 & Spitfire escort. Had a nice course to target to escape flak. Felt tired after the mission so I sacked until supper. After chow played catch with Hawkes. In tent all evening – reading. Burandt was gone to town. Pictures showed that we hit our target today, really blasted it. Boys also had excellent results on the mission yesterday, destroyed M/Y at Rome. Flying time: 03:55 hrs.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot
Saturday, 11 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: Lt. Wiginton, with Capt. Olson as co-pilot made a local transition flight. T/Sgt Ridge trfd to 448th Sq. Morning report: officers 66; enlisted men 251. Banks, Herbert J., 2Lt, pilot Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot Ridge, Willis E., T/Sgt, communications Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt, pilot, pilot, operations
447th BS BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 267/mission 266) Group Mission # 229: 6 of our planes participated in a raid on Orvieto M/Y. Hits were reported across N, center of south areas of M/Y and some distance SE of S choke point. Other bombs reported hitting both north of target area and SE. One large explosion and several fires observed in yards and warehouse type building on south side of yard. Lt. Banks was flight leader.
A/C No. 41-30123 A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - Flak Magnate” P Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt N None None B Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt Huffman, William C., 2Lt E Ford, Leonard W., Sgt Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl R Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt Pierce, William H., PFC G Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Button, Ervine J., 2Lt N None Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Nelson, George B., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt Koecher, Robert W., Sgt R Mathews, William E., S/Sgt Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt G Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32417 A/C No. 42-64694 P Davidson, James C., 2Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt Stewart, William W., S/Sgt E Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt R Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt G Noyes, Charles D., S/Sgt Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt
Saturday, 11 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Eighth mission flew with Lt. Stocking, bombed Orvieto marshalling yards, some flak, big explosion.” Stocking, Eugene, E., 2Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information).
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 267/mission 266) Group Mission # 229: Mission 186 (229). At 10:15 24 planes off to bomb Orvieto M/Y and dropped 77 x 1000 and 10 x 1000 delays from 10,500 feet at 12:30. All returned at 13:50 with one plane holed. Hits were reported across N and center and S area of M/Y and some distance SE of S choke point. Other bombs reported hitting both N of target area and SE. One large explosion and several fires observed in yards and warehouse type building on S side of yards reported hit. Rolling stock about 75 cars seen at either end of bridge near Montaldo di Castro (S-0119). 15-20 M/T’s heading E on Tuscania Viterbo road. 20 M/T’s headed N on road running N out of San Lorenzo Muovo. On shore of small island in Lake Boleena many small boats observed. House seen in middle of island with seemingly more than ordinary activity. Large M/V reported seen either leaving or entering Civitavecchi Harbor. Heavy moderate to slight and inaccurate flak from target area. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Sowder.
A/C No. 41-29959 A/C No. 41-29967 P Hicks, John T., 1Lt Greene, William A., 1Lt CP Cottle, Robert J., 2Lt Amo, Leo W., 2Lt N None None B Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt Greene, Louis P., 2Lt E Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Parham, James E., T/Sgt G Holt, Charles M., Sgt Neuman, Robert A., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13195 A/C No. 42-64514 P Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt CP Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt N None None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt E Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None
Saturday, 11 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 42-64552 P Cooper, James W., 1Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 2Lt CP Riener, William F., 2Lt Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st BG N None Scopp, Richard W., 1Lt B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt E Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt None A/C No. 41-30327 (spare) A/C No. 41-13186 (spare) P Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt CP Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt N None None B Bond, Edward N., 2Lt Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Thorsett, Clifford R., Sgt R Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt Griffin, William C., S/Sgt G Crow, Roscoe J., Pvt Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None None
Sunday, 12 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): 345th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, ceases operating form Corsica with P-39s and returns to base on Sardinia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission---weather.
445th BS War Diary: Poor weather today prevented any flying but the training program continued on the ground. Radio operators attended lectures which included the complete operation and maintenance of B-25 radio equipment. A new navigator was checked out on compass swinging by means of the astro-compass and also received instructions on the calibration of the air speed indicator. Another new crew arrived today.
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual duties.
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Was scheduled for a mission today, target being Perugia. Had briefing @ 0800, then a standby, finally called off due to weather. Wrote to Grandma. Rained all day. Read a book in the a.m., after dinner sacked all afternoon. Pork chops for supper, not bad. Bull session most of the evening.”
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 1Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “The squadron doctor sent me to rest camp for a week. I’m back and I guess ready to start flying again. There was no way of mailing letters where I was so I just didn’t write.”
447th BS War Diary: No mission was scheduled for today. A meeting was held in the enlisted men’s mess at 1330 for 16 engineers, 18 radio operators and 20 gunners. A lecture was given by Lt Piasta on the use and operation of all radio equipment, also on the failure that may occur and how to correct them. Lectures on all S.O.I. as to the proper method of using instruments was also given. M/Sgt. Horne gave a lecture on the care and use of parachutes. Six officers and enlisted men have returned from rest camp at Capri. S/Sgt. Matthew W. Czbaj is on DS Troop Carrier Command. The following officers have been promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. per orders of the 12th A.F. of March 9th, 2nd Lts. Howard D. Tompkins, LeRoy Alger, J. Maurice, Lyle L. Edwards, Claude L. Jones, Svend P. Olsen, Eugene E. Stocking, and James C. Davidson. 2nd Lt. George D. Seavey has been promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. per orders of NATOUSA dated Feb. 25. Alger, LeRoy, 1Lt, pilot Czaja, Marion L., Sgt, gunner Davidson, James C., 2Lt, pilot Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt, pilot Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering Jones, Claude F, 2Lt, bombardier Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt, navigator Seavey, George D., 2Lt, pilot Stocking, Eugene, E., 2Lt, pilot Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt, pilot Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt, pilot, operations
448th BS War Diary: No Entry. Monday, 13 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-26s bomb railway bridges NW and W of Sarzana and at Viareggio. hit tracks S of the latter, and, along with South African Air Force (SAAF) light bombers, bomb Fabriano marshalling yard; B-25s bomb Spoleto marshalling yard, hitting E and W chokepoints and line to Terni, and also attack Perugia marshalling yard with less successful results; and A-36s bomb a railroad station between Orte and Orvieto while P-40s hit a supply dump near Velletri and gun positions along a beachhead line directly S of Rome.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 268/mission 267) Group Mission # 230: 24 aircraft attacked the Spoleto Marshalling Yard and reported good coverage against no resistance by flak or fighters. The west choke point was particularly well covered. Other bombs on a factory and east choke point. ------321st BG: Mission No: 230 Date: 13 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-7 446-6 447-0 448-7 Target: Spoleto M/Y. Time Up: 0845 T.O.T.: 1045 Time Down: 1200/1223 (1 friendly field) Axis of Attack: 260° Height: 10500/11500 Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: Six Bombs Dropped: 83x1000 .1 & .025 and 13x1000 delayed. Route: N-1814, M-9733, M-9370, H-0957, B-3010, B-2254, Target, A-7444, G-4572, H-0957 to base. Weather: Enroute – Return – Target----CAVU Enemy Air: None Claims: None Flak: Target none. Heavy, intense, accurate from area—Opi (G-8554), Olvito (G- 7944). Sgt. Frank N. Connolly, engineer, ASN-17055245 killed and Sgt. Cecil F. Carson, turret gunner, ASN-6664533 wounded of plane #508 445th Bomb Squadron.
Results: Bombs observed scattered with largest concentration parallel with north tracks and over to west. Some hits reported in center of yards thru W. choke point. One explosion reported and several reports of multi-colored fires, one near brick works W of river and north of railroad, another just S of W end of M/Y. Hits reported on Buildings on N side of tracks at East end of yard.
Observation: 30 cars observed in Spoleto M/Y. Nine guns reported moving south near AcquasParte (A-8155).
Monday, 13 March 1944 (continued)
Flight Leaders: Colonel Schwane and Lt. Vallery. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Gp. S-2 Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: 6 combat crew officers were promoted to 1st Lieutenant today. 3 more radio operators were checked out on B-25 radio equipment while Capt. Underwood, Bombing Officer, gave orientation talks to new bombardiers. Hamburgers and fresh lettuce presented a tasty combination for the supper meal. Bellinder, John C., Sgt, gunner Carson, Cecil F., Sgt, turret gunner Connolly, Frank N., Sgt, engineer-gunner Paul, V.L., Lt, bombardier Underwood, James H., Jr., Lt, bombardier, bombing officer
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 268/mission 267) Group Mission # 230: After bombing the Spoleto marshalling yards in Italy, the group’s formation of B-25’s returned on a course which took them over Isoletta where they encountered and extremely intense flak barrage. Sgt. Connally, engineer-gunner, was killed by flak and Sgt. Carson, turret-gunner in the same ship, was injured in the head. The ship landed at Capodichino air-drome near Naples to allow Sgt. Carson to be taken to the hospital. Sgt. Bellendir was also wounded on the neck while Lt. Paul received a severe flak wound in his right ankle. A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 1Lt Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt N Smith, Raymond, (NMI), 2Lt None B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Soltysiak, Stanley J. “Salty”, Pvt Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt R Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Pate, Harris B., Jr., S/Sgt G Weaver, Dale W., Cpl Bellendir, John C., Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-64575 P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 1Lt Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., Capt B Paul, Vincent L., 2Lt Monk, William (NMI), 1Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt F None None
Monday, 13 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-12817 Gambler II” P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt McLain, Damon I., 2Lt N Fisher, Sigmund M., 2Lt None B O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt DeRose, Louis A., Sgt R Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt G Doswell, Richard (NMI), Sgt Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 P Thomas, John J., 2Lt CP Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N None B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt E Connolly, Frank N., S/Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt F None
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/13/44: “Last night was a hell of a one. We expected our tent to come down at any moment on account of a terrific wind. At last the floor beneath the center pole gave way causing a great sag on the windward side. I got up and went to chow. The wind was so strong I could hardly walk against it. Disgusted, I went back to bed and stayed until 10:00 when the gale subsided. We then got up, straightened things up. The scheduled mission carrying 1000 pound bombs took off to bomb a marshaling yard somewhere in the Rome vicinity. About twelve o’clock I went out to sweat out my plane “508,” but it did not return with the others. Little concerned, Raley and I went to chow where we learned it had landed at an advanced base to take off wounded. The ship came in a little later and the crew reported the tail gunner, Connolly killed and Carson, the turret gunner, wounded. After leaving the target an unsuspected flak barrage pierced the ship in several places. Connolly was hit in the leg just below the hip and died from loss of blood and shock on the way to the hospital. Some of the fliers seemed to blame the Colonel who led the flight for leading them over the flak positions they were warned against. Mistakes cost lives. Tonight we loaded 12 ships for three missions tomorrow. For the first time, whistles were attached to the bombs. We first used delayed action bombs over Bulgaria and have used them quite a lot since. After the wind died down, today was very calm and beautiful. There is much snow on the mountains and everything is pleasant and spring- like. Today reminded me of the day Howard Starr, Lee J. Esplin and I went out to Cedar Ridge (south of Short Creek, AZ) to measure a reservoir in 1938, February.” Monday, 13 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Captain Springer flies his “50” Springer, Luther B., Jr., Capt, navigator
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 268/mission 267) Group Mission # 230: Squadron Mission 192 TARGET: Spoleto M/Ys, Italy. DATE: 13 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 10 Lt Colonel Schwane led the formation. Bombs observed scattered with largest concentration parallel to N track and over to the W. Some hits in center of yards through W choke point. One explosion reported, and hits on buildings on N side of tracks at E end of yards. No flak over target, but heavy intense and accurate encountered on the route home. No fighters.
A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-13123 P Hurley, John R., 2Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt CP Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt N None None B McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt R Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt G Samsel, John C., S/Sgt Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr., “Ben”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” P Cooper, Paul T., Capt Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, Commander CP Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt N Franklin, Arthur E., 2Lt Springer, Luther B., Jr., Capt B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 1Lt Robertson, Charles W., 1Lt E Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt G Foley, Gerald M., Sgt South, William R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 41-13180 P Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N None None B Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E Mowry, Michael L., S/Sgt Franc, John A., Sgt R Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None
Monday, 13 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 41-30293 P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt CP Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt N None None B Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Bober, John (NMI), Jr., Sgt R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt G Parker, Jewel (NMI), Sgt Mittman, Milton M., Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” Mama” P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N None None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), S/Sgt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 6) “Mission today. Pre-briefed 0740 T.O. 0845 Pilot: Hurley CoPilot: Chudars Ship # 963 (Missouri Waltz) Alt 10,500’ Bombs: 3-1000 # Demos (1 delay) Target: M/Y at Spoleto (42° 44’ N - 12° 45’ E). Over target at 1045, after making a dry run, made a 360° and bombed target. Direct hits seen. No fighters or flak seen in target area. When on our way back met about 25 bursts of flak over the bomb line. Sacked awhile after dinner. Jerry Ashmore dropped in from the 310th, had a regular bull session. Today was my 3rd anniversary in the Army. Doesn’t seem that long. Went to show with Burandt, saw “Corvett-K-225”. Only saw ½ of it, the generator was going off and on. No mission scheduled for tomorrow as yet. Flying time: 03:25 hrs.” Ashmore, Gerald U., 310th BG? Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 1Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I told you in yesterdays letter that I’m back from rest camp and so back to work again. I guess we will be pretty busy again now. Oh, yes, I haven’t heard anything different, but it’s quite definite that John Sweeney didn’t get out at all. It’s too bad. I have also heard that John McDonough has gone down in a plane too. So don’t write to his mother until she writes to you or I hear from her.” McDonough, John F., S/Sgt, gunner, 489th BS, 340th BG
Monday, 13 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: No mission scheduled for today. Six of our planes and crews flew a mock mission to Crotone A/D. The flight was led by Lt. Wiginton. The following officers and enlisted men have been assigned to this squadron per orders from 57th Wing: 2nd Lt. Ward E. Manley, pilot, 2nd Lt. Allen E. Wingrove, bombardier, Cpl. Francis R. Ellis, engineer, S/Sgt Jack L. Phelps, radioman, and Sgt William H. Burke, Jr., gunner. Pfc James W. Austin, Jr. was discharged from the hospital and has returned to the squadron. The following officers and enlisted men received the Air Medal: Lts. F.E. Ryhead, G. J. Deane, D. P. McCormick, H. Beebe, E. D. Langston, R.G. Davies, J. J. Nowakowski, M/Sgt. R.J. Boyd, T/Sgt. A. Kaufold, and S/Sgt. H.E. Harmer. The formation took place at 1530 and the medals were presented by Major R.D. Sampson. Austin, James W., Jr., PFC, gunner Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Boyd, Robert J., M/Sgt, gunner Burke, William H., Jr., Sgt, gunner Davies, Robert G., 2Lt, pilot Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier Ellis, Francis R., Cpl, engineer Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt, gunner Kaufold, Adolph, T/Sgt, gunner Langston, Everett D., 2Lt, pilot Manley, Ward E., 2Lt, pilot McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt, bombardier Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt, bombardier Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt, pilot, operations Wingrove, Allen E., 2Lt, bombardier
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 268/mission 267) Group Mission # 230: (447th BS did not participate)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 268/mission 267) Group Mission # 230: Mission 187 (230). At 08:45 24 planes off to bomb Spoleto M/Y and dropped 83 x 1000 and 13 x 1000 delay bombs at 10:45 from 10,500 feet. One landed at friendly field and 23 down at 12:00. Six planes holed. Escort P-47’s. Bombs observed scattered with largest concentration parallel with N tracks and over to W. Some hits reported in center of yard through W choke point. One explosion reported and several reports of multi- colored fires, one near brick works W of river and N of RR, another just S of W end of M/Y. Hits reported on buildings on N side of tracks at E end of yard. 30 cars observed in Spoleto M/Y. Nine guns reported moving S near AcquasParte. Heavy, intense and accurate flak from Opi Olvito. Sgt. Frank N Connolly, Engineer killed and Sgt. Cecil Carson, Turret Gunner, wounded on plane #508 – 445th Squadron. Weather: CAVU at target. Carson, Cecil F., Sgt, turret gunner, 445th BS Connolly, Frank N., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 445th BS
Monday, 13 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30327 P Jones, Truman R., 1Lt Lyons, John B., 2Lt CP Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt Howard, Charles E., 2Lt N None None B Bell, Robert C., 1Lt Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 42-64519 P Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., S/Sgt Bond, Edward N., 2lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Sullivan, James G., Pvt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 41-13186 P VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L, S/Sgt Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64655 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 1Lt CP Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt N Hough, William S., 1Lt B Kreutz, Alfred W., 1Lt E Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Bennett, Ross F., Sgt F None
Tuesday, 14 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-26s bomb Prenestina marshalling yard and nearby chemical plant; B-25s strike Terni and Orte marshalling yards, causing considerable damage, while A-20s attack tank repair facilities unsuccessfully; P-40s attack guns in the Anzio beachhead area and also hit a supply dump; and A-36s and P-47s hit railway stations and the town of Ortia.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
0920 Fenner to Hoffman. “Rendezvous at 1310, rest of the deal is the same”.
1000 57th BW to Larson. “We are to submit the name of 1 Bombardier to them immediately, to leave for Cairo about 24 March. We are to keep them posted on the Weather.”
1135 Capt. WALLER. “Wants to have 6 Correspondents on Mission--coming off in near future. Arrangements have been made with Col. Olmsted and CG of 57th Wing by him. They will arrive the nite before and attend briefing--we are to arrange for their stay overnite”.
1200 Asbury to TBF. “Mission is off the ground”.
1420 Asbury to Ginger. “Cleared A/C to Bari”.
1430 Asbury to All Sqdns. “Meeting tonite in the chapel of all Pilots”.
1455 Asbury to Larson. “Have Maj. Moon get lights in Chapel”.
1600 Larson to 57th BW. “Flash report on Mission results. Bomb load for tomorrow: 1000’s with .1 and .025 with 10% long delays, 24 A/C. Squadrons notified of Bomb load. Participation as follows: 445th 7, 446th 7, 447th 6, 448th 7.”
1700 Fenner to Asbury. “PERUGIA M/Y. Rendezvous time 1000. 24 A/C Axis of 55°. Call sign “PORTRAIT”. Alternate: TERNI. Point of rendezvous will be given later”. CANCELLED.
1825 36 A/C. TOT: column 6, H minus 20 minutes. Target: “B”. Bomb load: 1000’s with .1 and .025 with Whistles. Area cover over target. 24 A/C to be loaded with Frags. If we bomb: on Channel “A” “Hello! ACORN, number 2 calling TOT Bombs away”. If we do not bomb: “Hello! ACORN, number 2 calling TOT abortive”. To Griffing. Tuesday, 14 March 1944 (continued)
2135 Volcano Blue to ODO. “Red Alert”.
2140 “ “ “ “. “All Clear”. ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 269/mission 268) Group Mission # 231: Back to the old standby—Orte Marshalling Yard, 24 of our planes put down a good coverage on the target with the south choke point and center of the yards particularly well hit. No casualties on our side. ------321st BG: Mission No: 231 Date: 14 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-7 447-4 448-7 Target: Orte Marshalling Yards. Time Up: 1155 T.O.T.: 1415 Time Down: 1520 Axis of Attack: 295° Height: 12,000/12,700 Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 83x1000 with .1 & .025 and 10x1000 with delay. Route: N-1814, M-9733, M-9370, H-0753, G-5594, Target, A-7040, A-9021, G-5594, to base. Weather: Enroute: Clouds: 6/10 cumulus, base at 4,000, tops at 13,000 ft. to Avezzano, from there on to target, Clouds: Nil. Visibility: Unrestricted. Target: CAVU. Return: Light scattered showers. Clouds: From Avezzano to base 6/10 cumulus, base at 4,000, tops at 13,000 ft. Visibility: Unrestricted. Flak: None. Escort: 12 Spits. Enemy Air: None Claims: None Results: A good concentration of bombs reported on south choke point, with other hits in center and north third of yards. Some bombs short and in river with a few over. One report of some small fires in yard. Observation: 2 trains of 30 cars each between M/Yds and Orte. One with steam up. 15/20 M/T going north of Stimigliano. 20/30 cars at Narni. 20 M/T south of Aquila. Large convoy of 30/50 M/T between Avezzano and Tagliacozzo heading north. Another large M/T of about 50 trucks heading south from Pescina and 8/10 going north from Pescina.
Flight Leaders: Lt. Wetherbee and Capt. Olson. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Gp. S-2 Officer ------
Tuesday, 14 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: 2 more radio operators received instructions on the B-25 radio system. Capt. Underwood and Lt. Anderson were given instructions on actual loading of bombs by armament personnel. There was 1 transition training flight flown. All personnel signed the payroll today. There was an alert sounded at about 9:30 P.M. and the men could see evidence of a raid in the direction of Naples. Another alert was sounded at about 2 A.M. There were no planes over the area on either occasion. Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, Lt, bombardier Underwood, James H., Jr., Capt, bombardier, bombing officer
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 269/mission 268) Group Mission # 231:
A/C No. 41-13169 A/C No. 42-53373 P Thomas, John J., 1Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt N None None B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt E Malloy, Edward J., Sgt Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt R Wells, Robert J., S/Sgt Plott, John M., S/Sgt G Kramer, Henry P., Sgt McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-12929 (Bear - no lettering) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 1Lt Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt CP Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt BG N Paduana, Joseph A., Capt None B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Simpkins, Everett L., 2lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt Knight, Arnold K., Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-32458 Gambler II” P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt CP Register, Percy D., Maj Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt N Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt None B O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Morisi, David D., Pvt Filipiak, Theodore (NMI), S/Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Kintly, James E., S/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Garza, Manuel (NMI), Pvt F None Abrams, Samuel (NMI), Pvt
Tuesday, 14 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 269/mission 268) Group Mission # 231: Squadron Mission 193 TARGET: Orte M/Ys, Italy. DATE: 14 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 7 Lt Wetherbee, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. A good concentration of bombs reported on S choke point, with other hits in center and N of yards. Some bombs short. One report of a small fire in yard. No flak, no fighters. Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., Lt, pilot, 445th BS
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 1Lt CP Fitzgerald, John “Jack”, 2Lt Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Zelnick, John J., Sgt Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 41-30293 P Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt CP Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt N None None B Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt E Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt Bober, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt Foley, Joseph M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-64549 P Kerr, John C., 1Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Smith, Randell L., 2lt Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt N None None B Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt McArdle, John R., PFC R Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt Mygrant, Robert F., S/Sgt G Zeman, Harold W., Sgt Parker, Jewell (NMI), Sgt F None None
Tuesday, 14 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ Mama” P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt N Kinney, John H., 2Lt B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Mittman, Milton M., Sgt F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 11, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: Orte M/Ys, Italy. Flying Time: 3:40 (21st mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission today, Burandt is on a mission. Doubt if he’ll go, poor weather. Sent $90.00 to bank today. Wrote to Moe Ferraro, Ma, Louise, Bill. A class on the line, “Fuses” and “loading and Unloading”. Not very interesting. Also wrote to Mary Mooney. Charlie came back from the mission mad at Bsharah, his pilot, so he quit him. At supper time had our every two weeks PX ration. As usual they ran short. Wrote to D.F. a good long letter.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner
447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. E.D. Langston and Capt. H.W. Stephenson are on D.S. at 47th Wing. Six of our planes and crews flew a mock mission to Crotone A/D. The flight was lead by Lt. Wiginton in plane #695. The second element was led by Lt. Seavey in plane #181. Langston, Everett D., 2Lt, pilot Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot Seavey, George D., 2Lt, pilot Speer, Marvin L, 2Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W., Capt, pilot Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 2Lt, pilot, operations
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 269/mission 268) Group Mission # 231: 4 of our planes participated in a raid on the Orte M/Y. Lt. Speer in plane #498 was scheduled to take-off but at take-off time discovered the plane to be without fuel. Lt. Seavey in plane #930 was to fly as element leader but returned after logging 1:20 due to tail and waist gun malfunction. Lt. Ryherd in plane #123 also took-off but was forced to return when the generators would not function properly. A good concentration of bombs reported on S. choke point with the other hits in center and north third of yards. Some bombs fell short. Capt. Olson was flight leader. Tuesday, 14 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - A/C No. 41-30012 Flak Magnate” P Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt CP Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt Heitman, William F., 2Lt N None None B Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., S/Sgt Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-32417 Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, Capt Davidson, James C., 1Lt CP Button, Ervine J., 2Lt Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt N Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt None B Becker, Edward B., Capt James, Robert M., 2Lt E Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt Fisher, Theodore M., S/Sgt R Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt Richards, Charles M., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-30123 (returned early) A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” (returned early) P Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Seavey, George D., 1Lt CP Bastin, Melville R., 2lt Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None None B Huffman, William C., 2Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Pierce, William H., PFC Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Burke, William H., Jr., Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F None None
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 269/mission 268) Group Mission # 231: Mission 188 (231). At 11:55 24 planes off to bomb Orte M/Y and dropped 83 x 1000 and 10 x 1000 delay bombs from 12,000 feet at 14:15 and all returned at 15:20. A good concentration of bombs reported on S choke point, with other hits in center and north third of yards. Some bombs short and in river with a few over. One report of some small fires in yard. 2 trains of 30 cars each between M/Y and Orte. One with steam up. 15-20 M/T going N of Stimigliano. 20-30 cars at Narni. 20 M/T S of Aquila. Large convoy of 30-50 M/T between Avezzano and Ta Gliscozzo heading N. Another large M/T of about 50 trucks heading S from Pescina and 8-10 going N from Pescina. Weather: CAVU at target. Tuesday, 14 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Bond, Edward N., 2Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Sullivan, James G., Pvt R Griffin, William C., S/Sgt Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-64514 P Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt CP Riener, William F., 2Lt Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt N None Duncan, George F., 2Lt B Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt E Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30125 A/C No. 41-29967 P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt N None None B Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Crow, Roscoe J., Pvt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F None Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC A/C No. 41-30327 P Hoffman, Albert J., 1Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt N None B Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt E Gager, Joseph R., Sgt R Lellis, Michael C., Pvt G Kozik, Frank D., gunner F None
Wednesday, 15 March 1944
321st Bomb Group Headlines:
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, medium and fighter-bombers, together with Mediterranean Allied Strategic Air Force (MASAF) heavy bombers and other aircraft of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force (MATAF) in the greatest air effort yet made in the MTO, rain bombs upon enemy concentrations in Cassino and surrounding areas as the New Zealand Corps begins the third battle of Cassino; light and medium bombers also hit a command post E of Ceprano and the town of San Benedetto de Marsi; fighters on patrol and a sweep over Anzio, Cassino and Rome meet no air opposition.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
0845 Asbury to TBF. “TOT, 1240. Axis to the Northwest, bread to the Right. 321 call sign “Portrait”. Target is Area Cover. 340th has same Axis.
1100 Larson to 448th. “Setup A/C 41-12926 “Hawkeye” (Stewart, Hugh W., 1Lt, pilot) for Maj. Pemberton”.
1102 445th to Larson. “A/C 42-53373 grounded for Prep Gov. Bracket.”
1145 Larson to Controller. “Cleared formation”.
1200 Larson to 57th BW. “Informed them of take off”.
1200 Larson to Gilchrist. “43-3481 (12th BG), 43-3456 (446th BS), 42-87440 (445th BS). 42-32443 (12th BG) ferry plane.
Col. Davies to Larson. “He will arrange to have our Pilots bring back B-25’s if any are to go back to the 341st Services Squadron”.
1400 Larson to 57th Wing. “Flash report on both missions”.
1615 Larson to Squadrons. “Informed them of Bomb load”. ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 270/mission 269) Group Mission # 232: Scheduled to be a part of the mass bombing of Cassino the crews of 36 aircraft were up for a six o’clock briefing. Number two of the host of bomb groups to go over the town, smoke had already covered the target area making the observations difficult. However the photos showed several strings at least hitting the town in the southern sector with other bombs short. Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
------321st BG: Mission No: 232 Date: 15 Mar 44 No A/C: 36 Squadrons: 445-6 446-12 447-12 448-6 Target: Area “B” Cassino. Time Up: 0720 T.O.T.: 0847 Time Down: 0925 Axis of Attack: 250° Height: 10/11,000 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 132x1000 pounders. Route: Base to N-1914 to M-8633, to H-1803, K-0827 to target, to M-8633, to N-1814 base. Weather: CAVU Escort: High Cover. Flak: None Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: Target area covered with smoke and dust but bomb hits observed starting NE in Area “B” and into center with large concentration on SE part of area and S and E of target cutting road running South to RR. Other bombs observed falling over town to SW.
Observation: None. FLIGHT COMMANDER: Lt. Colonel Remington. Flight Leaders: Lt. Bounds, Major Hunter, Captain Freeland. Number of Sorties: 36 Photos Taken:
MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Gp. S-2 Officer 448th A.M. 41-30343 (Kuykendall). Left engine smoking running rough—just imagination! Aircraft O.K. 446th A.M. 41-29962 (Bsharah) Salvoed. 41-13123 (Herbert) windshield hit by whistle? 41-13200 (Kerr) Big hole in bombardier’s compartment. Hole between nacelle and ? 445th A.M. 41-30354 (Crider) Nose wheel would not fully retract, returned early. A/C is O.K., mistake in communications.
------
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 271/mission 270) Group Mission # 233: Back to the same general area for a second mission, 24 planes carrying frags attacked a troop and gun concentration just west of Piedimonte. The target area was fairly well covered but many of the bombs fell south and east of the town. Toward evening the reports started to come in about the devastation wrought this date, on Cassino—the most bombed area in the world. 2500 tons was the total dropped during the day’s activities of the entire 12th and 15th Air Forces. ------321st BG: Mission No: 233 Date: 15 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-6 448-6 Target: G-78225, 789225, 789222, 782222. Time Up: 1132 T.O.T.: 1240 Time Down: 1314 Axis of Attack: 310° Height: 10500/11,000 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 1404x20 lb frags.
Route: Base to N-1814, M-8633, H-0303, G-6919 (target), H-0313, H-5515 to base. Weather: CAVU Escort: High Cover. Flak: None at target, few bursts from vicinity of Cassino. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: Eastern half of target area well covered. Some bombs over in hills. Some in town. Observation: None.
Flight Leaders: Lt. Souder, Captain Neuman Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken:
JAMES E. NICKERSON, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t S-2 Officer
447th P.M. 42-64694 (Yankee Girl) (Tompkins) Salvoed. 41-30126 (Bull of Sahara - Flak Magnate) (Speer) Salvoed. 41-30175 (The Saint Myrtle II) (Ryherd) Salvoed 10 Stations. 42-64512 (Scotch & Soda) (Wiginton) Salvoed 9 Stations. ------
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
The bombing of CASSINO, 15 March 1944
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: 7 bombardiers practiced on the bomb trainer at group today. All the bombardiers were given instructions today on the actual loading of bombs by armament personnel. Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 2 to 4 P.M. in the enlisted men’s club. Besides affording an excellent means of enjoyment and relaxation, the enlisted men’s club presents an excellent shelter in distributing the rations. There is plenty of room inside where the rations can be placed on long lines and the men can be kept moving in an orderly line from one end to the other.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 270/mission 269) Group Mission # 232: The squadron participated in the epic 2500 ton bombing of Cassino, flying 2 missions today. The battered city was left a town of rubble when the strong air blows ceased.
A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-53373 P Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton, D, “Danny”, 2Lt Gunder, William H, 2Lt N None None B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt Werner, Samuel, 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Soltysiak, Stanley J. “Salty”, Pvt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Weaver, Dale W., Cpl F None Bull, G.R. (War Correspondent) A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-12817 P Wilson, Victor H. Capt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”,, 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt Fischerm, F. R., 2Lt N Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde, Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt DeRose, Louis A., Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Plott, John M., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl. A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-32458 Joy” P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Hammar, Robert L, 2Lt Schweda, George J., 2Lt N Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt None B O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E York, Rufus S, Sgt Ceccucci, Harold A., Sgt R Kintly, James E., T/Sgt Hall, Warren Francis, S/Sgt G Eiff, William C., S/Sgt Semsker, Frank S., Pvt F None None
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-30354 (spare) (Bear - no lettering) P Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 1Lt CP McLain, Damon I., 2Lt Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt N Miller, Edward A., 1Lt None B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt McClary, Louis E., Sgt F None None
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 271/mission 270) Group Mission # 233:
A/C No. 41-12929 A/C No. 42-64575 P Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., Capt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 1Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., Capt B Underwood, James H., Jr., Capt Monk, William (NMI), 1Lt E Malloy, Edward J., Sgt Morisi, David D., Pvt R Wells, Robert J., Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt G Kramer, Henry P., Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt CP Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 2Lt Cormier, Emory O., 2Lt N None None B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt G McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt A/C No. 42-32434 A/C No. 41-30354 P Wilson, Victor H., Capt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt N Fisher, Sigmund M., 2Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt F None None Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12817 (spare) P Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt N None B Wren, Frank J., 1Lt E Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt R Pate, Harris B., Jr., Sgt G Bellendir, John C., Sgt F None
446th BS War Diary: Two combat missions. 2nd Lts. McCabe, Nicklaus, Pestalozzi, Phillips and Rice are promoted. Capts. McClelland and Tapper head for home. Sgts. Franc and Velarde finish their big fiftieth. Franc, John A., Sgt, gunner McCabe, Peter T., bombardier McClelland, Alva L., Capt, pilot Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 1Lt, bombardier Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 1Lt, bombardier Phillips, Lowell G., 1Lt, navigator Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt, bombardier Tapper, George C., Capt, pilot Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 270/mission 269) Group Mission # 232: Squadron Mission 194 TARGET: Area “B” Cassino, Italy. DATE: 15 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 12 Lt Colonel Remington led the formation. Target area covered with smoke and dust, but bombs observed hitting NE section of area “B” and on into center. According to news broadcasts 1400 tons of bombs were dropped on one square mile in an effort to rout deeply rooted enemy troops on the Fifth Army front. No flak, no fighters. Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Hurley, John R., 2Lt CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt E Antonelli, Anthony J., Sgt Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Brandoff, Daniel, S/Sgt F None None
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” A/C No. 41-29760 P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 1Lt CP Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 2Lt Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt E Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt Britton, William W., Jr., S/Sgt R Cohen, George, T/Sgt Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt G Samsel, John C., S/Sgt Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., S/Sgt F Heatley, H.L. (War Correspondent) None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walker, Dale F., 1Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N None None B Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13123 A/C No. 41-29962 P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Bsharah, Philip, 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” P Hunter, William Clark, Maj Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt None B Mottley, John F., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt McArdle, Harry E., PFC R Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., S/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), S/Sgt Parker, Jewel (NMI), Sgt F None None
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ A/C No. 41-13200 Mama” P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N Dunn, Thomas B., 2Lt None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 1Lt Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt G Bender, Thomas J., Pvt Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None Brodie, W. A., 2Lt, war correspondent (observer)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 271/mission 270) Group Mission # 233: Squadron Mission 195 TARGET: Piedmonte Area, Italy. DATE: 15 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 6 Lt Souder, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. This was the second mission for this date. E half of target area well covered. Some bombs over in hills some in town. No flak, no fighters. Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS
A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-29760 P Hurley, John R., 2Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt CP Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt N None None B McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt R Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt G Brandoff, Daniel (NMI), Sgt Boatright, Benjamin (NMI), Jr., “Ben”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 41-29995 P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt Cooper, Paul T., Capt CP Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt N None Kinney, John H., 2Lt B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 1Lt E Zelnick, John J., Sgt Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl R Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt G Bender, Thomas J., Pvt Foley, Joseph M., Sgt F None None
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical None (observer)
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 12, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: Area “B” Cassino, Italy Flying Time: 2:20 (22nd mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 8) Mission # 7: “Pre-briefed 0615 T.O. 0720 Pilot: Hurley CoPilot: Chudars Ship # 963 (Mo. Waltz) Alt 10,800’ Bombs: 3-1000 # Demos (with whistles) Target: Town of Cassino (41° 29’ N - 13° 50’ E). Over target @ 0845, followed 340th in. No fighters or flak. Cassino to be destroyed, to be bombed every 10 minutes, from 08:30 to 1200. Had a rack malfunction – mo bombs released.
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 7) Mission # 8: Pre-briefed 1025 T.O. 1130 Pilot: Hurley CoPilot: Chudars Ship # 446 (Mascot) Alt 10,500’ Bombs: 24 clusters frags Target: Bivouac area, 4 mi. NE of Piedmonte, 750 yds x 350 yds. (41° 30’ N - 13° 45½’ E). Over target @ 1238, followed 340th in. 5 bursts of inaccurate flak seen. Only friendly fighters in area. Rack malfunction, could only release 5 stations, Verified. Rec’d a nice letter from D.F., answered it. Wonder why no mail from Ma or Alice? Flying Time: #7 – 02:20hrs, #8 – 02:05 hrs.” Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 1Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “We have sure had a busy day today. You will probably read about it in your papers. Oh, yes, I found out yesterday John McDonough is still o.k. and going strong. I got a letter from Cobbett and he says they’re both o.k. As for John Sweeney, I’m afraid there isn’t much hope anymore. There is a slim chance.” Cobbett, Stanley W., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG McDonough, John F., S/Sgt, gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: 2 missions were scheduled for today. All bombardiers (18 officers and 2 enlisted men) were given instruction and actual practice on loading 1000 lb. bombs. This class was under the direction of Capt. Whitton and M/Sgt. Perry. Perry, Woodrow H., M/Sgt, armament Whitton, Walter H., Jr., Capt, armament
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 270/mission 269) Group Mission # 232: On the first mission 12 of our shops participated in a raid on Area “B” Cassino. The target area covered with smoke and dust but bomb hits seen NE in area “B” and into center with large concentration on SE part of area and S and E of target, cutting road running S to RR. Other bombs observed falling over to SW.
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 42-64694 P Murray, Richard E., 2Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt Dean, Ivan E., 2Lt N None None B McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt Engels, Robert W., Sgt R Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., T/Sgt G Fowler, Harold E., Sgt Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F Hurst, F. I., war correspondent None (observer) A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt Button, Ervine J., 2Lt N Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt Nelson, George B., 2Lt E Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl Koecher, Robert W., Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Bushnell, Jordan L., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-30012 P Stocking, Eugene E., 1Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Heitman, William F., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Tollefson, Walker F. K., Cpl Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt G Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13006 “Sahara Sue” A/C No. 42-64695 P Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st BG N None Olsen, Svend P., 1Lt B Deane, George J., 1Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt R Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt G Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64553 A/C No. 42-32505 P Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt CP Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt Cloward, Glannin A., Capt N None None B Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt Huffman, William C., 2Lt E Collins, Clint R., Sgt Gillies, Robert H., Cpl R Shields, James B., Sgt Mathews, William E., Sgt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl Mullar, R. R., war correspondent (observer) A/C No. 41-30123 A/C No. 42-32449 (returned early-?) P Davidson, James C., 1Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt CP Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B James, Robert M., 2Lt Snyder, John D., 2Lt E Fisher, Theodore M., Sgt Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt R Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt G Richards, Charles M., Pvt Blalock, Joe T., Sgt F Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st None BG (observer)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 271/mission 270) Group Mission # 233: Six of our planes participated in the second mission in a raid on G-78225-789225-789222- 782222. Easter half of target well covered. Some bombs into hill and town. Six planes and crews of this squadron flew local formation for 2:30. The formation was led by Lt. Banks. The second element was led by Lt. Stocking.
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II) P Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Cloward, Glannin A., Capt Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt N None None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt Huffman, William C., 2Lt E Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl R McFarland, John F., S/Sgt Pierce, William H., PFC G Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - A/C No. 42-64559 Flak Magnate” P Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt CP Manley, Ward E., 2Lt Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt Curry, Hughie L., Sgt R Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt G O’Neil, Gerald G., Sgt Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt Seavey, George D., 1Lt CP Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt B Wingrove, Allen B., 2Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Ellis, Francis R., Cpl Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F None None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Ninth mission flew with Wigs, bombed Cassino, biggest in history, used scare whistles, no flak, chased by fighters.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 270/mission 269) Group Mission # 232: Mission 189 (232). At 07:20 36 planes off to bomb area “B” Cassino and dropped 132 x 1000 bombs from 10,000 feet at 08:47. All returned at 09:25. Target area covered with smoke and dust but bomb hits observed starting NE in Area “B” and into center with large concentration on SE part of area and S and E of target cutting road running S to RR. Other bombs observed falling over town to SW. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Freeland.
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-13186 P Jones, Truman R., 1Lt Lyons, John B., 2Lt CP Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt Riener, William F., 2Lt N None None B Bell, Robert C., 1Lt McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 2Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 42-87455 P Greene, William A., 1Lt VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt CP Amo, Leo W., 2Lt Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt N None None B Greene, Louis P., 2Lt Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt R Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Neuman, Robert A., Sgt Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F Pearce, E., war correspondent None (observer) A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30548 (spare) P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., Capt Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt CP Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt N Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt Hough, William S., 1Lt B McRee, Malcolm B., 1Lt McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt E Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., S/Sgt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64519 (spare) A/C No. 41-30343 (returned early- engine trouble) P Cooper, James W., 1Lt Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt E Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), Sgt R Parham, James E., T/Sgt Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt
Wednesday, 15 March 1944 (continued)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 271/mission 270) Group Mission # 233: Mission 190 (233). At 11:32 24 planes off to bomb area G-78225, 789225, 789222, 782222 and dropped 1404 frags from 10,500 feet at 12:40. All returned at 13:14. Eastern half of target area well covered. Some bombs in hills, some in town. Few bursts of flak from Cassino. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Sowder.
A/C No. 41-30125 A/C No. 41-29967 P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Howard, Charles E., 2Lt Cottle, Robert J., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Crow, Roscoe J., Pvt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 1Lt CP Bell, Albert R., Maj, Commander Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 1Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Kreutz, Alfred W., 1Lt E Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., S/Sgt Kozik, Frank D., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 41-29959 P Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Bond, Edward N., 2Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Sullivan, James G., Pvt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64521 (spare) A/C No. 41-13195 (spare) P Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N Duncan, George F., 2Lt None B Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt E Thorsett, Clifford R., Sgt Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None None Thursday, 16 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, light, medium and fighter-bombers blast gun positions in the Cassino-Piedimonte area as the battle of Cassino rages on; fighter-bombers also hit gun positions along the Anzio beachhead front.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271) Group Mission # 234: The less said about today’s episode, the better. After today’s mission our ground forces reported that six of our planes dropped frags on them. This was borne out by the pictures taken on the flight. One man was killed, and 5 seriously wounded—a regrettable toll and an expensive lesson for us. ------321st BG: Mission No: 234 Date: 16 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-6 448-6 Target: G-78225, 789225, 789222, 78222 Time Up: 1345 T.O.T.: (see results) Time Down: 1535 Axis of Attack: 90° and 360° (see results) Height: 6500/6700 Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: One Bombs Dropped: 1st flight – None. 2nd flight 1512x20 frags. Route: Base to N-1814, M-9733, H-0303, Target, H-0818, N-5515 to base. (see results)
Weather: Enroute: Clouds. Clear until the initial point. From initial point to target 6/10 stratocumulus, base at 7,000 feet tops at 10,000 feet. Target: Clouds. 8/10 stratocumulus, base at 7,000 feet tops at 10,000 feet. Visibility: Unlimited Return: Clouds, from initial point back to base clear. Visibility: Unlimited
Flak: Heavy, moderate, accurate from area of Ceprano. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: The second flight went over the target at 310 degrees as briefed and finding overcast made a wide right turn and coming under overcast proceeded on correct heading to target. Recognized target area, continued past making a left turn inside Ceprano and came back on about a 90 degree heading at 6500 feet and bombed at 1515 west of Piedmonte, reporting some hits in target area – others on hills just west of town. The second box of six of the second flight after making the wide burn broke off from the first box while going under overcast. Making a 60 degree right turn, leveling out and bombing from 6700 feet what they considered the target area at 1514 – on heading of 360°. The first flight finding target area covered by overcast returned to base without dropping bombs. Thursday, 16 March 1944 (continued)
Observation: 200 trucks reported N of Pico at 1500.
Flight Commanders: Lt. Colonel Remington, 2nd flight, and Major Register. Flight Leaders: Lt. Vallery and Maj Hunter. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Group Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: 6 planes flew formation for two hours today. Plans for revising THE ratings to comply with various Technical Orders have been started by the new Commanding Officer. Two members of the 68th Service Squadron are painting sketches for the Officers Club. They are also painting squadron insignias on the jackets of many of the men. Both men are talented artists and are doing a fine job. The weather in the morning was very miserable with a cold wind driving a hard rain to turn the area into a mudhole. It cleared in the afternoon, however. Pork chops were served for supper.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271) Group Mission # 234:
A/C No. 41-12929 A/C No. 42-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt Register, Percy D., Maj N None Paduana, Joseph A., Capt B Underwood, James H., Jr., Capt Monk, William, 1Lt E Ceccucci, Harold A., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Zimmer, Henry G., Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler II” P Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt CP Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Gunder, William H., 2Lt N None Yepez, Oscar W., 1Lt B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt E Soltysiak, Stanley J., Pvt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt Isbell, Everett N., Cpl G Garza, Manuel, Pvt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F Abrams, Samuel, Pvt None
Thursday, 16 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 41-12817 Judy” P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Chambers, Jimmie, Sgt Callister, Jack Roland, Cpl R Plott, John M., S/Sgt Shiloh, Andrew, S/Sgt G McClary, Louis E., Sgt Doswell, Richard2Lt, pi, Sgt F None None
446th BS War Diary: Sgt. Thomas gets his fiftieth mission, behind him. Thomas, Patrick, S/Sgt, gunner
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271) Group Mission # 234: Squadron Mission 196 TARGET: Piedmonte Area, Italy. DATE: 16 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 7 The second flight bombed W of Piedmonte, reporting some hits in target area; others on hills just W of town. The second box of six of the second flight broke off from the first box while going under overcast, and from 6700 feet what they considered the target area. Flak was heavy, moderate and accurate. No fighters. Lt. Walker was a spare, and filled in to complete the mission.
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 1Lt E Antonelli, Anthony J., Sgt Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cohen, George , T/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Samsel, John C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29962 A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N None None B Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E Mowry, Michael L.S., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt Sweedler, Max , S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt Zeeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None Thursday, 16 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walker, Dale F., 1Lt Hunter, William Clark, Maj CP Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt Remington, Peter H., Lt Co (Hq) N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt Mottley, John F., 2Lt E Jupin, John, Jr., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt R Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt Thomas, Patrick , S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13180 P Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt N None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E McArdle, John R., PFC R Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., S/Sgt G Parker, Jewell , Sgt F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 13, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: Piedmonte Area, Italy. Flying Time: 2:25 (23rd mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for an early mission so I stayed in bed until noon. The late mission, which I was on, was cancelled. Got bomb trainer from 1500 to 1630, Had a haircut before going on the trainer. Colonel was also there, I guess he didn’t find the trainer so easy. Rec’d monthly letter & check from the United Carr. No other mail. At 1800 go on tour of duty as Squadron Alert Officer. To have an inspection of small arms by armament tomorrow so I cleaned my 45. Scheduled for a mission tomorrow. Inspected the Guard at 2130 and 0030 a.m. All OK.”
447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. Thomas C. Bounds has been appointed to the rank of Captain per orders from the 12th Air Force. Major R.D. Sampson in plane 553 with S/Sgt. Baldridge as engineer and Major Myron Gale as passenger made an XC flight to Foggia and returned. A year ago today seven of our ships participated in the squadron’s first mission from our base Ain M’Lila. Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt, gunner Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot Gale, Myron, Capt, executive Murray, Richard E., Lt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Thursday, 16 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271) Group Mission # 234: Five of our planes participated in a raid on area G-78225, 789225, 789222, 78222. Lt Murray in plane 559 returned early when the engines would not produce power enough to keep up with the formation. The second flight dropped its bombs while the first flight returned without dropping its bombs. The result of the second flight’s bombing is unknown, due to cloud coverage. Lt. Banks was flight leader. The second flight was led by Col Remington. The first six planes of the flight bombed while the last six also returned with their bombs. Some of our own troops were hit by this bombing.
A/C No. 41-13006 “Sahara Sue” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt CP Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt Snyder, John D., 2Lt E Ellis, Francis R., Cpl Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt R Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt McFarland, John F., S/Sgt G Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt Blalock, Joe T., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Stocking, Eugene E., 1Lt CP Button, Ervine J., 2Lt Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt N Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt None B Nelson, George B., 2Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl R Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt Bilski, Walter J., Sgt G Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64559 (spare) A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” (spare) P Murray, Richard E., 2Lt Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt CP Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt Cloward, Glannin A., Capt N None Jones, Claude F., 1Lt B McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt Gillies, Robert H., Cpl R Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt Mathews, William E., S/Sgt G Fowler, Harold E., Sgt Rogowski, Edmond W., Sgt F None None
Thursday, 16 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64694 P Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Dean, Ivan E., 2Lt N None B Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt E Engels, Robert W., Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., T/Sgt G Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271) Group Mission # 234: Mission 191 (234). 24 planes off to bomb target area G-78225, 789225 789222 and the second flight only dropped 1512 frags from 6,500 feet. The second flight went over the target at 310° as briefed and finding overcast made a wide right turn and coming under overcast proceeded on correct heading to target. Recognized target area, continued past making a left turn inside Ceprano and come back on about 90° heading at 6,500 feet and bombed at 15:15 W of Piedmonte, reporting some hits in target area. Other on hiss just W of town. The second box of six of the second flight after making the wide turn broke off from the first box while going under overcast. Making a 60° right turn, leveling out and bombing from 6700 feet what they considered the target area at 15:15. The first flight finding the target area covered with overcast returned to base without dropping bombs. 200 M/T reported N of Pico at 15:00. Heavy, moderate, accurate flak from area of Ceprano. Weather 8/10ths Stratocumulus at 7000 feet tops at 10,000 feet. Visibility unlimited.
A/C No. 41-30125 A/C No. 41-29967 P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt Amo, Leo W., 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry, 2Lt Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Wilkinson, Robert M., Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Crow, Roscoe J., Pvt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F None None
Thursday, 16 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30125 A/C No. 41-29967 P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt Amo, Leo W., 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry, 2Lt Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Wilkinson, Robert M., Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Crow, Roscoe J., Pvt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt Greene, William A., 1Lt CP Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bond, Edward N., 2Lt Greene, Louis P., 2Lt E Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Griffin, William C., S/Sgt Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt G Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt Neumann, Robert A., Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-64552 P Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt Jones, Truman R., 1Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt Lewis, Quentin M., 1Lt N None Olszewski, Henry (NMI), 2Lt B Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt E Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13195 (returned early) P Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt N None B Carr, Randall C., Cpl E Thorsett, Clifford R., Sgt R Ryan, Joseph C. “Joe”, S/Sgt G Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt F Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC
Friday, 17 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s bomb Montepescali marshalling yard, Cecina, Roccasecca and Castrocielo, while A-20s hit troop concentrations in the Cassino area; and fighter-bombers hit guns in the Cassino area and attack a nearby railroad bridge and underpass with good results.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: To us a surprise move, Col. Olmsted became the A-3 of the 57th Wing, which move placed Lt. Col. Remington, Deputy Commander, as Commanding Officer pro-tem until a new C.O., rumored from the Training Command, came in. Col. Olmsted moved today. Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Executive Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271 (Should read Ops Order 273/mission 272)) Group Mission # 235: In an about-face on yesterday’s mission 24 of our planes went back to the Casino area to bomb the troops and stores at Castrocielo with excellent results. Our best concentration covered the north and south parts of the town. ------321st BG: Mission No: 235 Date: 17 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-5 448-7 Target: Troops and Stores at Castrocielo. Time Up: 1000 T.O.T.: 1110 Time Down: 1155 Axis of Attack: 290° Height: 11/11700 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: One Bombs Dropped: 188x500 lb with .1 & .025 fusing Route: Base to N-1814, to M-9733 to H-0313, to target (G-7624) to G-9928 to N-6105 to base.
Weather: Enroute and Return: 3/10 stratocumulus at 4000 ft. Vis. Unlimited. Target: CAVU.
Flak: Slight to moderate inaccurate heavy on bomb run and scattered heavy of tracking type, mainly inaccurate on breakaway. Experienced from Roccasecca to Atina. Escort: 18x P-47; 12x Spits. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: North half of town well covered. Hits on south edge of town and along road and the road intersection on the south side of the town. Several explosions in and fires observed in northern part of town. Some bombs south and east and a few along to the north of the target.
Observation: Scattered M/T observed on main road north of Cassino going both directions. Friday, 17 March 1944 (continued)
Flight Commander: Major Asbury. Flight Leaders: Capts. Cooper and McFadden. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: ROBERT W., MANLY Capt, Air Corps, Ass’t. S-2 Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: There is a strong rumor in the squadron to the effect that Major Tipton, the squadron’s former C.O., will return to the group in the capacity of Group Operations Officer. Members of this squadron who are familiar with the “Tip”, as they affectionately call him, are very hopeful of his return and would welcome it enthusiastically. 3 planes did some formation flying today, another mad some practice dry run bombing and another plane went to Foggia and returned. There was a big mail call in late afternoon and some packages arrived. Pork chops made a repeat performance for chow at supper. Tipton, Richard P. “Tip”, Maj, pilot, operations officer, 321st BG
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271 (Should read Ops Order 273/mission 272)) Group Mission # 235:
A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Crider, Claude M., Jr., 1Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, McLain, Damon I., 2Lt 2Lt N None Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Dillon, James A., S/Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Dipietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander S., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 2Lt N Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt None B O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt Werner, Samuel, 2Lt E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt R Wells, Robert J., Sgt Plott, John M., S/Sgt G Doswell, Richard, Sgt McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt F None None
Friday, 17 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 41-30354 P Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, 2Lt CP Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt N None None B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Kintly, James E., S/Sgt Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt R York, Rufus, Sgt. Pate, Harris B., Jr., S/Sgt G Eiff, William C., S/Sgt Bellinder, John C., Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt A/C No. 42-64659 (spare) P Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt CP Schweda, George J., 2Lt N None B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Shiloh, Andrew, S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/17/44: “Today Borck and I went to Agropoli to get some film developed. Agropoli, I found, was a very quaint and interesting town. Typically Italian with its block houses perched above the sea on a promontory across the Bay of Salerno from Capri, it is extremely quiet and peaceful. We visited an old fortress of the Saracen period which was quite remarkable. I tried everywhere to get sheet music for “Lili Marlen” and a motor for Tom’s phonograph without success. Atop the castle I picked some flowers which I carried all the way home. With our “Screaming Mimmies” (whistles on the bombs) we assisted in “fumigating” Cassino two days ago. Yesterday part of the formation bombed some of our own troops.”
446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271 (Should read Ops Order 273/mission 272)) Group Mission # 235: Squadron Mission 197 TARGET: Troops at Castrocielo, Italy. DATE: 17 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. Cooper led the formation. Northern half of town well covered. Hits also reported on S edge of town. Several fires observed in N part of town. Flak was slight to moderate, inaccurate and heavy. No fighters.
Friday, 17 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-30293 P Hurley, John R., 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt CP Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt N None None B McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt Bober, John, Jr., S/Sgt R Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt G Boatright, Benjamin, Jr. “Ben”, Sgt Bender, Thomas J., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-13123 A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P Herbert, John J., 2Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Harry W., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Mittman, Milton M., Cpl Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously A/C No. 42-64549 “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walker, Dale F., 1Lt Cooper, Paul T., Capt CP Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt Asbury, Wilburn, Maj N None Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt B Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 1Lt E Jupin, John, Jr., S/Sgt Shellhamer, Lawrence, Cpl R Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt Foley, Gerald M., Sgt F None None
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 9) “Pre-briefed 0840 T.O. 1000 Pilot: Hurley CoPilot: Chudars Ship # 963 (Missouri Waltz) Alt 11,000’ Bombs: 8-500 # Demos Target: Town of Castrocielo (7 MW of Cassino) (41° 30’ N - 13° 42’ E). Over target 1108, followed 340th in. No flak over target, but encountered moderate and accurate flak after our breakaway to the right. Good evasive action by Capt. Cooper. Had a good pattern of bombs. After dinner went to Armament and had my 45 inspected. Also wrote up 2 reports on the rack malfunctions of the 15th. Sacked the rest of the afternoon. Combat flying hours to date – 25:50 hrs. Rec’d a V-mail from Ma. Spent the evening reading. Not scheduled for a mission tomorrow. Wrote to Ma. Flying time: 02:15 hrs.” Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot Friday, 17 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: Flight training including bombing practice and local transition took place today. At a formation of all officers and enlisted men which took place at 1530, Major Raymond D. Sampson read a special order, by which making M/Sgt. Wendell C. Horne a 2nd Lt. Air Medals were presented to S/Sgt. H. Roberts and S/Sgt. M.S. Tudor by Colonel C.T. Olmsted. The Good Conduct Medal was also presented to a large number of enlisted men of this squadron. Capt. H.A. Fraser has left on pass to inspect the Anzio Beachhead. Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, Capt, pilot Horne, Wendell C., Lt, engineering Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot Roberts, Herman, Sgt, gunner Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt, gunner
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271 (Should read Ops Order 273/mission 272)) Group Mission # 235: Five of our planes participated in a raid on enemy troops and stores at Castrocielo. The north half of the town was well covered. Hits on south edge of town and along road and the road intersection on the south side of town. Several explosions and fires were observed in northern part of town. Some bombs fell south and east along the north section of the target. Capt. McFadden, flight leader of the second flight.
A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-32505 (returned early) P McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt CP Cloward, Glannin A., Capt Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt N Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt E Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt Curry, Hughie L., Sgt R Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30012 A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” P Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt Davidson, James C., 1Lt CP Heitman, William F., 2Lt Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt E Ford, Leonard W., Sgt Fisher, Theodore M., Sgt R Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt G Bean, Robert W., Sgt Richards, Charles M., Pvt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt
Friday, 17 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30123 A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt Seavey, George D., 1Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None None B Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Collins, Clint R., Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Shields, James B., S/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 (spare) P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt N Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt G Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt F None
447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: Lt. Horne has an impressive record of 18 years continuous service as an enlisted man. He joined this Squadron as line chief in the original cadre, and did a particularly outstanding job in “keeping em flying.” His appointment was enthusiastically “approved” by the entire Squadron. Horne, Wendell C., 2Lt, engineering
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 272/mission 271 (Should read Ops Order 273/mission 272)) Group Mission # 235: Mission 192 (235). At 100:00 24 planes off to bomb Troops and Stores at Castrocielo and dropped 188 x 500 bombs from 11,000 feet at 11:10 and all returned at 11:55. One plane holed. North half of town well covered. Hits on S edge of town and along road and road intersection on the S side of town. Several explosions in and fires observed in N part of town. Some bombs S and E and a few along the N of the target. Scattered M/T observed on main road N of Cassino going in both directions. Slight to moderate inaccurate to heavy flak on bomb run and scattered heavy of tracking type, mainly inaccurate on breakaway, experienced from Rocca Secca to Atina. Weather: CAVU at target.
Friday, 17 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-13050 P Greene, William A., 1Lt Hicks, John T., 1Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt Amo, Leo W., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 2Lt E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David f., S/Sgt G Neuman, Robert A., Sgt VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 42-64552 P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., Capt Cooper, James W., 1Lt CP Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt Howard, Charles E., 2Lt N Hough, William S., 1Lt None B McRee, Malcolm B., 1Lt Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt E Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Parham, James E., T/Sgt G Wolf, Elmer A., S/Sgt Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 42-64521 P Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt Cottle, Robert J., 2Lt N None None B Bond, Edward N., 2Lt Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt E Sullivan, James G., Pvt Ernst, David L., Sgt R Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Wilkerson, John J., Cpl Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-87455 P VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt CP Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt N None B Petit, Rene P., 1Lt E Gager, Joseph R., Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None
Saturday, 18 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s, B-26s, and A-20s bomb Foligno marshalling yard, Orvieto marshalling yard and railroad bridge, Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Piombino dock area, Colleferro railroad tracks and assembly area N of Anzio; P-40s, A-36s, and P-47s attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead area, a factory at Carroceto, motor transport concentrations in the Cassino area, fuel dump, tank repair depot, and bivouac in the beachhead area, motor transport around Ladispoli, railroad bridge N of Rome, and railroad tracks and cars at other points.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On General Order, Lt. Col. Remington assumes command. Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
1300 Larson to Wing. “Flash mission report”.
Rest Camp.
1600 Capt. MARSHALL C. STRENGER, 0-376562, 445th. To 2nd Lt. DEAN B. VALLERY, 0-2056216, 445th. Wing 1st Lt. MEADE L. MORRIS, JR., 0-733957, 446th P. 41-13123 (446th BS) 1st Lt. GALE M. DICKSON, 0-803167, 446th CP.
Capt. JOSEPH A. PADUANA, 0-797057, 445th 1st Lt. LOWELL G. PHILLIPS, 0-670792, 446th ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 274/mission 273) Group Mission # 236: Returning to Orvieto, nicknamed “Boomtown” since the terrific explosion there on the last raid, 24 aircraft again reported excellent coverage. Photos showed several hits through the marshalling yard and choke point. ------321st BG: Mission No: 236 Date: 18 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-6 448-6 Target: M/Yds. Orvieto (alternate Orte M/Yds) Time Up: 0910 T.O.T.: 1100 Time Down: 1215 Axis of Attack: 340° Height: 11,000/11,500 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: One Bombs Dropped: 84x1000 with .1 & .025 and 10x1000 with delayed fuse. Route: Base to N-6838, N-2352, H-0853, G-6291, B-0216, A-5743, Target, A-5370, B- 0216 to base.
Saturday, 18 March 1944 (continued)
Weather: Enroute and Return: Clouds: 6/10 overcast through mountains, tops 8,000. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles. At Target: Clouds: 2/10 cumulus, tops at 7,000. Visibility Unlimited.
Flak: Slight inaccurate trailing at target probably from A/D and slight heavy, inaccurate on right turn after leaving target reported from Todi. Escort: 12 P-47’s
Enemy Air: 2 ME-109’s, low, appeared to be protecting train between Orviete and Orte. 3 E/A took off from Terni – didn’t get up to formation. Claims: None
Results: SE choke point reported well covered with bombs starting just southeast of that point between R.R. bridge and overpass. Other bombs observed starting just south of yards and going through center. Others fell north and south of target area. No reports of RR bridge being hit – all bombs reported west of that point. Leaflets dropped 6/8 miles N. of Avezzano.
Observation: 20 car train at Narni – some individual cars on sidings. 15/20 M/T heading north into Rieti. 25/30 M/T southeast of Avezzano heading north. 30 car train pulling out from Orvieto going northwest on line to Arezzo. One report of code being flashed from town of Attigliano, letter “B” being identified.
Flight Leaders: Capts. Olson, Lt. Crowell. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken:
MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: It was a bright, cold day in Italy today. All aerial engineers were sent to the line to witness the demonstration of raising and lowering the landing gear. They studied the mechanism and learned all the pertinent data in respect of this operation. T/Sgt. Shattuck, a crew chief, was the instructor. There was one plane practicing combat tactics and bombing on the range at Dino island and also 2 transition flights. There was another cross-country flight to Pompeii. All squadron personnel were ordered to turn in one mattress cover today. The area is still very muddy. Shattuck, Ernest D., T/Sgt, crew chief
Saturday, 18 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 274/mission 273) Group Mission # 236: The mission which was to hit the Orvieto marshalling yards resulted in a successful raid and there was some dispute between the squadrons as to whose bombs did the greatest damage in the target area.
A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 42-64575 P Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt CP Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt McLain, Damon I., 2Lt N None Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 1Lt E Ceccucci, Harold A., S/Sgt Morisi, David D., Pvt R Hall, Warren Francis, S/Sgt Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt G Semsker, Frank P., Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” P Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 1Lt CP Lyons, Lawrence L., 2Lt Schweda, George J., 2Lt N None None B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 1Lt CP Swanson, Harry A., 2Lt Dickerson, Samuel M., 2Lt N None Fisher, Sigmund M., 2Lt B Underwood, James H., Jr., Capt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Weaver, Gerald R., Pvt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Zimmer, Henry G., Sgt F Abrams, Samuel (NMI), Pvt None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler II” (spare) P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt N None B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None Saturday, 18 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Dickson and Sgt Fiebelkorn fly Number Fifty. Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt, pilot Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt, gunner
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 274/mission 273) Group Mission # 236: Squadron Mission 198 TARGET: Orvieto M/Ys, Italy. DATE: 18 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. Olson, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. SE choke point reported well covered. Other bombs observed starting just S of yards and going thru center. Others fell N and S of target area. Leaflets dropped 6/8 miles N of Avezzano. Flak was slight, inaccurate and trailing at target. Enemy a/c seen but did not attack. Lt Othick was a spare, and returned early. Olson, Robert C., Capt, pilot, 447th BS
A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Briles, Connolly O., 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 1Lt E Antonelli, Anthony J., Sgt Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Samsel, John C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ A/C No. 42-64549 Mama” P Morris, Meade L., 1Lt Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt N Franklin, Arthur E., 2Lt None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 1Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC Zelnick, John J., Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Crozer, Robert L., S/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt Wlodyka, Andrew J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” A/C No. 41-29760 P Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N None None B Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None Saturday, 18 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13180 (spare) P Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt N None B Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt E McArdle, John R., PFC R Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt G Parker, Jewel (NMI), Sgt F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 14, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-1: 41-13200 Target: Orvieto M/Ys, Italy. Flying Time: 3:30 (24th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission today. Hawkes went as first pilot today, his first mission as such. Stayed in bed until dinnertime. After dinner had a practice bomb mission with Cooper, Lewis & Gawrada. Not much to do today. Believe Hurley is due to be element leader tomorrow, means I’ll probably have a sight. No mail today. Hung around tent all evening and read. Flying time: 01:45 hrs” Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot Gawrada, Gabriel, P., 2Lt, bombardier Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot Lewis, Vernon, 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: Flight training included local formation and transition. The following enlisted men have been assigned to this squadron per orders from 57th Wing of March 17th: Cpl Dale G. Warner, Cpl. Lloyd L. Rader, Pfc Allen Zumwalt, Pvt. Robert T. Kipp and Pvt. Willie Hamilton. 1st Lt. Charles F. Jones is ordered to D.S. at Bollah Egypt. Morning report: officers – 68, enlisted - 258. Hamilton, Willie E., Pvt, armament Jones, Claude F, Lt, bombardier Kipp, Robert T., Pvt, gunner Rader, Lloyd L., Cpl, engineering Warner, Dale G., Cpl, engineering Zumwalt, Allen J., Pvt, personnel
Saturday, 18 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 274/mission 273) Group Mission # 236: Six of our planes participated in a raid on the Orvieto M/Y. The southeast choke point reported well covered, with bombs starting just southeast of point between railroad bridge and overpass. Other points observed starting just south of yards and going through center. Others fell south and north of target area.
A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 42-32449 II” P Murray, Richard E, 2Lt Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt CP Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt N None None B McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt Deane, George J., 1Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt R McFarland, John F., Sgt Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt G Fowler, Harold E., Sgt Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-30123 Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, Capt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Cloward, Glannin A., Capt Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt N Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt None B Jones, Claude F., 1Lt James, Robert M., 2Lt E Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt Engels, Robert W., Sgt R Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., T/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - Flak Magnate” P Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt CP Button, Ervine J., 2Lt Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B Nelson, George B., 2Lt Snyder, John D., 2Lt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt R Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt G Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None
Saturday, 18 March 1944 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 274/mission 273) Group Mission # 236: Mission 193 (236). At 09:10 24 planes off to bomb Orvieto M/Y (alternate Orte M/Y) and dropped 84 x1000 delayed bombs at 11:00 from 11,000 feet. All returned at 12:15. Escort 12 P-47’s. SE choke point reported well covered with bombs starting just SE of that point between RR bridge and overpass. Other bombs observed starting just S of yards and going through center. Others fell N and S of target area. No reports of RR bridge being hit all bombs reported W of that point. Leaflets dropped 6-8 miles N of Avezzano. 20 car train at Narni, some individual cars on sidings. 15-20 M/T heading N into Rieti. 25-39 M/T SE of Avezzano heading N. 30 car train pulling out from NW on line to Arezzo. One report of code being flashed from towns of Attigliano, letter “B” being identified. 2 ME-109’s low, appeared to be protecting train between Orvieto and Orte. 3 E/A took off from Terni but didn’t get up to formation. Weather: Clouds, 2/10ths Cumulus, tops at 7000 feet. Visibility: Unlimited. F/L: Crowell.
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 41-30125 P Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt CP Myers, Harold C. “Casey”, 2Lt Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bell, Robert C., 1Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Hinton, Zane R., PFC R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Griffin, William C., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Crow, Roscoe J., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-13186 A/C No. 41-30343 P Lyons, John B., 2Lt Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt E Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt Ernst, David L., Sgt R Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-29967 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt Riener, William F., 2Lt N Duncan, George F., 2Lt None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 1Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Holt, Charles M, Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt
Saturday, 18 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64519 (spare) P VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt N Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt B McCue, William M., Jr., 1Lt E Gager, Joseph R., Sgt R Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt G Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt F None
Sunday, 19 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force (MATAF) issues a directive for Operation STRANGLE, to interdict supply movements in Italy by destroying marshalling yards and attacking rail lines and ports in a concentrated campaign.
In Italy, B-26s attack a road bridge W of Arezzo and port installations at San Stefano al Mare; B-25s hit a bridge approach in S Orvieto, marshalling yards at Avezzano and Orte and a bridge at Orte; tank repair shops near Tivoli are bombed by A- 20s; and P-47s and P-40s strike at enemy concentrations, dumps and guns in the US Fifth Army main battle area and in the area N of the Anzio beachhead.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
0756 From 447th to ODO. “Change the following A/C in our line-up: 42-64695 to 42- 53371 “Death Wind”, 41-30557 to 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again”, 42-32498 “Dumbo” to 42-32449”.
0755 448th to ODO. “Weather Officer to call Capt. Stokes (Louis S., Capt, pilot) (448th)”.
Headphone to Larson. “AA Fire in area 10 miles South of Capri between the hours of 1300 and 1430”.
Anti-Tank practice firing Seawards from M3852 between the hours of 0800 and 1300 today.
A truck will arrive and pick up Flying Officer LONG”. 1 Baltimore (Transient) to remain here over nite. Montecorvino notified”.
1100 Asbury to Duncan. “informed him of Mission take off. Also that our A/C will take off for Cairo tomorrow”.
1410 Deputy Controller (Headphone) to FAS. “Practice AA fire between the hours of 1700 and 1800, 19 March 1944. 40 M/M from 4,000 to 5,000 feet”.
1420 Asbury to 57th Wing. “12 A/C bombed Orvieto Bridge, 12 A/C bombed alternate of Avezzano”.
1530 Larson to 57th Wing. “Flash mission report”.
1815 445th to ODO. “Received line-up for the 20th”. ------Sunday, 19 March 1944 (continued)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 275/mission 274) Group Mission # 237: The emphasis on communications targets in an attempt to starve out the Germans south of Rome continues and 24 aircraft were dispatched to attack the railroad bridge 9 miles southeast of Orvieto. Due to navigational error the first flight bombed the alternate while the second flight went on to the primary objectives. Surprisingly enough photos showed that the bridge near the north approach was hit directly and the alternate, Avezzano marshalling yard was hit squarely at the east choke point with the through track cut in several places. ------321st BG: Mission No: 237 Date: 19 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-7 446-6 447-6 448-5 Target: Principal: Bridge at A-561485. Alternate: Avezzano M/Yds. (See Results) Time Up: 1030 T.O.T.: Principle: 1230, Alternate: 1250 Time Down: 1330 Axis of Attack: Principle: 360°, Alternate: 120° Height: 10/11,000 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: Principle: 36x1000 .1 & .025 Alternate: 47x1000 .1 & .025
Route: Base to N-1814 to M-9733, to M-9368, H-0853, G-6292, A-5824, to Target, A- 6553 to H-5281 and return to base.
Weather: CAVU Escort: 8 Spits Enemy Air: None Claims: None Flak: Slight inaccurate, heavy flak reported from area of Attigliano.
Results: 1st Flight made navigational error and could not pick up target so returned to bomb alternate. Principal: R.R. Bridge: Some hits reported on NW approach and some in river to southeast. Alternate: Avezzano: Concentration of bombs running from east choke point east along railroad. Other bombs in southeast part of town.
Observation: 6 trucks headed west at Carsoli at 1215. Ten car train at Vignanello at 1210. Three strings totaling about 75 cars in Marshalling yards at Stimigliano.
FLIGHT COMMANDER: Major Bell Flight Leaders: Capts. Freeland and Wilson. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: ROBERT W. MANLY Capt, Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------
Sunday, 19 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: The volcano at Mt. Vesuvius is in the state of eruption and there were 4 transition flights which went to the mountain to see the sights and take some pictures. It was learned that Col. Olmsted is to be transferred to the 57th Wing. His successor is as yet unknown. There were 3 bombardiers practicing on the bomb trainer at group today. Pork chops for supper. Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot, HQ 321st BG
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 275/mission 274) Group Mission # 237: The Orte marshalling yards was today’s target and the results of the mission strongly paralleled those of the Littorio raid of March 10. The first flight veered away from the target before it was reached and dumped their bombs on the alternate target with good results. This squadron which was in the second flight went over the primary target and achieved an excellent bomb pattern on the target area.
Sunday, 19 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 41-29985 P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Crider, Claude M., 1Lt CP Charville, Leighton L. “Danny”, 2Lt Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt N None None B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt Werner, Samuel, 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Knight, Arnold K., Sgt R Wilson, John P., T/Sgt Stein, Louis, T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-53373 Gambler II” P Wilson, Victor H., Capt Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 1Lt Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 1Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Maugham, George W., 1Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Soltysiak, Stanley J. “Salty”, Pvt R DePete, J.A., T/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Garza, Manuel, Pvt. F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-32458 (Bear - no lettering) P Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, 1Lt 1Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt Fischer, Franklyn R., 2Lt N Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt None B Wren, Frank J., 2Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., Capt E Callister, Jack Roland, Cpl Isbell, Everett N., Cpl R Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt G Zimmer, Henry G., Sgt Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 2Lt N None B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt R Plott, John M., S/Sgt G McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt F None
446th BS War Diary: (1 entry for 19 and 20 March). A mission is flown each of these days. Mission # 200 is the second of these.
Sunday, 19 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 275/mission 274) Group Mission # 237: Squadron Mission 199 TARGET: Bridge (Primary) Avezzano M/Ys (Alt) DATE: 19 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. Freeland, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. First flight could not pick up primary target, so bombed alternate. Primary—RR Bridge: some bombs were reported hitting the NW approach and some in river to SE. Alternate--Avezzano: Concentration of bombs running from E choke point E along RR. Other bombs in SE part of town. Flak was slight and inaccurate. Heavy flak reported from Attigliano area. No fighters. Lt Walker was a spare and returned early. Freeland, Levi Z., Jr, Capt, pilot, 448th BS
A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Hurley, John R., 2Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt CP Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt N None None B McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt R Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt G Lanza, William A., Sgt Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously A/C No. 41-13180 “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) (spare) P Walker, Dale F., 1Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt Jordan, Harry L., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt E Jupin, John, Jr., S/Sgt McArdle, John R., PFC R Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt G Ciach, Stanislaus, Sgt Parker, Jewel, Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” Mama” P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Hodges, Richard E., 2Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N Kinney, John H., 2Lt None B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Bober, John, Jr., Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Bender, Thomas J., Pvt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None
Sunday, 19 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt N None B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt F None
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 10) “Pre-briefed 0915 T.O. 1030 Pilot: Hurley CoPilot: Chudars Ship # 200 Alt 10,000’ Bombs: 4-1000 # Demos Target: Avezzano M/Y (42° 02’ N - 13° 25 E), Primary target was RR bridge S. of Orvieto. Was there as scheduled, made 3 passes at it but didn’t drop any bombs. Snafu! Then went to our secondary target, bombed M/Y at Avezzano @ 1253. Our box of 6 dropped bombs right in there. No flak or fighters seen. Just got back to the tent found out Hurley & I had bomb trainer. Wrote to Grandma, Billy, Eddy, Ma, Alice, and D.F. Am not scheduled for a mission tomorrow, but have a practice PDI mission @ 0900. In DF’s letter said Clendenin got killed over Oil City, and Dick Farnsworth’s wife died at child birth. Flying time: 03:20 hrs.” Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 1Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I received your box of candy bars with the chocolate bits and the can of sardines in it. Boy, I have been living like a king. I have chili, soup, and sardines on toast, hot cocoa. You should see me cook here every evening. I bought more eggs too (20 cents apiece), but they sure taste good.”
447th BS War Diary: A meeting of all engineers, radio and turret gunners was held on the line between 1300 and 1500. Mt. Vesuvius started erupting yesterday. A number of planes made local hops to view the eruption today.
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 275/mission 274) Group Mission # 237: Six of our ships participated in a raid on the Avezzano M/Y. The first flight made a navigational error and could not pick up the target so returned to bomb alternate target. Principal target was railroad bridge at A-561485, some hits reported on NW approach some on river to southeast. Alternate target, Avezzano, concentration of bombs running from east choke point east along railroad. Other bombs in SE part of town. Six of our planes and crews participated in a mock mission to Stromboia. The flight was led by Lt. Banks in plane 371. Sunday, 19 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32505 A/C No. 41-30012 P Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt CP Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt Heitman, William F., 2Lt N None None B Snyder, John D., 2Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 42-32449 A/C No. 41-30557 P Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt Stocking, Eugene E., 1Lt CP Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt N None None B Wingrove, Allen E., 2Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Gillies, Robert H., Cpl Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl R Mathews, William E., S/Sgt Bilski, Walter J., Sgt G Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13175 (returned early) A/C No. 42-64553 P Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt CP Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt Manley, Ward E., 2Lt N None None B Huffman, William C., 2Lt Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt E Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl Collins, Clint R., Sgt R Pierce, William H., PFC Shields, James B., S/Sgt G Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt Blalock, Joe T., Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Dean, Ivan E., 2Lt N Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Tenth mission flew with Wigs, bombed Perugia yards, some flak.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot
Sunday, 19 March 1944 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 275/mission 274) Group Mission # 237:At 10:30 24 planes off to bomb bridge at A561485 and dropped 36 x 1000 bombs on bridge and 47 x 1000 bombs on alternate target of Avezzano M/Y at 12:30 from 10,000 feet. All returned at 13:30. Escort of 8 Spitfires. First Flight made navigational error and could not pick up target so returned to bomb alternate. The second flight bombed bridge and reported some hits on NW approach and some in river to SE. At Avezzano concentration of bombs running from E choke point E along RR. Other bombs in SE part of town. Three strings totaling about 75 cars in M/Y at Stimigliano. Slight inaccurate, heavy flak from Attigliano. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Bell and Freeland.
A/C No. 41-30125 A/C No. 41-30548 P Cooper, James W., 1Lt Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt CP Howard, Charles E., 2Lt Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt Petit, Rene P., 1Lt E Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Parham, James E., T/Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Kozik, Frank D., Sgt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30327 P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., Capt VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt CP Bell, Albert R., Maj Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 1Lt None B McRee, Malcolm B., 1Lt Greene, Louis P., 2lt E Mauder, Charles J., S/Sgt Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13186 P Hicks, John T., 1Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt N None B McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 2Lt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt F Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC
Monday, 20 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): 121st Liaison Squadron, AAF, MTO, arrives at Oran, Algeria from the US with L-4s and L-5s; first mission is in Sep 44. 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) is transferred from the XII Fighter Command to the 57th Bombardment Wing, thus consolidating all B-25 units of the Twelfth Air Force under 1 wing.
In Italy, B-25s strike the harbor and shipping at Piombino, the Poggibonsi railroad bridge, Port' Ercole and the area around the Orvieto railroad bridge; B-25s hit Orvieto marshalling yard and underpass and road bridge nearby, Terni marshalling yard and dock at San Stefano al Mare; a factory at Fontana Liri is accurately bombed by A-20s; P-40s hit troop concentrations, guns and fuel dump in the Cassino- Fontana Liri area while A-36s blast the railway station at Frosinone and also drop food for troops in the Cassino area; and P-47s hit a fuel dump at Fontana Liri. HQ 62nd Troop Carrier Group moves from Brindisi, Italy to Ponte Olivo, Sicily. 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63rd Fighter Wing, based at Elmas, Sardinia with Beaufighters sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica until Jul 44.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: An old name in the entertainment world but a new one in the Group—Jeffrey Lynn the movie actor reported in and was assigned to the 447th Bomb. Sq. as the Assistant Intelligence Officer. Lind, Ragnar G. "Jeffrey Lynn", 2Lt, intelligence, 447th BS
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 276/mission 275) Group Mission # 238: Back to “Boomtown” (our last raid failed to cut a through track) 24 aircraft laid down a close concentration all around and in the target area. Many hits were made on the marshalling yard, the choke point was hit, and at least a near miss on the railroad overpass. All in all a good mission. ------321st BG: Mission No: 238 Date: 20 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-6 448-6 Target: Orvieto M/Y Time Up: 0900 T.O.T.: 1100 Time Down: 1220 Axis of Attack: 355° Height: 11/11,500 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 83x1000 with .1 & .025 and 10x1000 with delay Route: Base to N-1814, M9733, M-9368, H-0853, G-6191, A-9223, A-5811 to target to A-5370, A-9223 and retrace to base.
Weather: Enroute: Area of light rain south of Naples. Clouds: 7/10 cumulus base at 3,000, tops at 8,000 ft. Visibility unlimited. Target: Clouds: 5/10 cumulus, base at 4,000, tops 7,000’. None over target. Visibility unlimited. Return: Clouds: 6/10 cumulus base at 4,000, tops 8,000. Vis. Unlimited.
Monday, 20 March 1944 (continued)
Flak: Slight, heavy, inaccurate from position 1 mile north of target. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: Concentration of bombs on east choke point and through M/Y. Several reports of underpass being hit. Hit believed scored on road bridge east of target area. Several bombs short of underpass and several long to north of choke point. One large explosion observed from 1st flights bombs.
Observation: 30 car train at Narni, much isolated road activity observed on main highways paralleling course; string of freight cars stationary at RR bridge 9 miles southeast of Orvieto; RR bridge at Orte has one side collapsed.
FLIGHT COMMANDER: Major Register Flight Leaders: Capts. Wilson and Cooper Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken: S. P. NEPRASH, Capt, Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------445th BS War Diary: It rained this morning but cleared in time for the mission which was led by Capt. Wilson. The target at Orvieto’s marshalling yards was well-covered. There was 1 test flight flown. There is now a volleyball court available for the Officers and they spend a good deal of their spare time at this healthful sport. Lt. Lloyd P. Crumb, former squadron Engineering Officer, paid his old buddies a visit today. Fresh beef was served at supper. There was a grand jam session held in S-2 office in the evening. Sgt. Herbick of the 68th Service Sq., brought his records and set over to make with the music. Wilson, Victor H., Capt, pilot Crumb, Lloyd P, Lt, engineering officer Herbick, Sgt, 68th Service Sq
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 276/mission 275) Group Mission # 238:
A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” (Bear - no lettering) P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt N Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt None B Maughan, George W., 1Lt Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt E York, Rufus (NMI), Sgt Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt R Kintly, James E., S/Sgt Bellendir, John C., Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt Cotter, Jack M., Sgt F None None
Monday, 20 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” Gambler II” P Wilson, Victor H., Capt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Register, Percy D., Maj Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt N None None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt E Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Plott, John M., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 42-32458 P Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 1Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt McLain, Damon I., 2Lt N None None B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Weaver, Gerald R., Pvt DeRose, Louis A., Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Hall, Warren Francis, S/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt F None None
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/20/44: “Just finished reading in The Bible and Book of Mormon from which I derive a great deal of satisfaction. Each morning after chow I read a chapter or two in one or the other of them. When there is no other source of rest and comfort to be found, reading the scriptures is a never failing balm. For the past several days there have been several disturbances at Mt. Vesuvius. In the evening, the glow of molten lava flowing down the sides of the mountain can be seen against the sky from our camp. Yesterday some of the boys went up via airplane to get a close up. I hope to go today. We have had quite a lot to do lately on account of having to change bomb loads so often. One night we had just finished loading 500 pounders when the order came to change to 1000s. Several nights ago we were awakened at 02:00 to change loads. To us it seems so unnecessary that it is very annoying. Rucker is leaving for a seven day leave to the Isle of Capri. I hope I get to go a little later.”
446th BS War Diary: (1 entry for 19 and 20 March) A mission is flown each of these days. Mission # 200 is the second of these.
Monday, 20 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 276/mission 275) Group Mission # 238: Squadron Mission 200 TARGET: Orvieto M/Ys, Italy. DATE: 20 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. Wilson, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Concentration of hits on E choke point and thru M/Ys. Several reports of underpass being hit. One large explosion observed from first flights bombs. Flak was heavy, inaccurate slight, from position one mile N of target. No fighters. Wilson, Victor H., Capt, pilot, 445th BS
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E Zelnick, John J., Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Sweedler, Max (NMI), S/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Zeman, Harold W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously Mama” “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Cooper, Paul T., Capt Walker, Dale F., 1Lt CP Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt N Springer, Luther B., Jr., Capt None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 1Lt Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt E Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt G Foley, Joseph M., Sgt Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” P Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N None None B Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Kane, Ronald J., Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Samsel, John C., S/Sgt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None
Monday, 20 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” (spare) P Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt CP Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt N None B Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt E Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt R Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt F None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 15, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: Orvieto M/Ys, Italy. Flying Time: 3:45 (24th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Fly a practice PDI mission with Hurley & Chudars. Also some excellent buzzing along the beach. Cleaned and swept out the tent this afternoon. Sacked awhile, then got up and took a shower. Scheduled for a mission tomorrow already. After supper, back to tent and read most of the evening. A few of the boys were feeling good last nite, raised heck most of the nite. Flying Time: 01:45 hrs.” Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: 2nd Lt. Ragnar G. Lind was assigned to this squadron as asst. Intelligence Officer per VOCO, and reported for duty. Flight training included local formation and transition. The following officers and enlisted men have been assigned to this squadron per orders of 57th Wing: 2nd Lts. John G. Nall, pilot, Harold N. Lindell, navigator, James E. Kelley, co-pilot, S/Sgts R.R. Vineski, radio-gunner, R. Mitchell, gunner and Sgt H.W. Scarberry, engineer gunner. Lind, Ragnar G. "Jeffrey Lynn", 2Lt, intelligence Lindell, Harold N., Lt, navigator Kelley, James E, Lt, pilot Mitchell, Rennie, S/Sgt, gunner Nall, John G., Lt, pilot Scarberry, Harold W., Sgt, gunner Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 276/mission 275) Group Mission # 238: Six of our planes participated in a raid on the Orvieto M/Y. Concentration of bombs on east choke point and then thru M/Y. Several reports of underpass being hit. Several bombs short of underpass. One large explosion seen. Lt. Seavey was flight leader.
Monday, 20 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Seavey, George D., 1Lt CP Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt B Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64694 Lady” P Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Cloward, Glannin A., Capt Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt N None None B Jones, Claude F., 1Lt James, Robert M., 2Lt E Gillies, Robert H., Cpl Engels, Robert W., Sgt R Mathews, William E., S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., T/Sgt G Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 41-13006 “Sahara Sue” A/C No. 42-32449 P Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt Phelps, Jack L., Sgt G Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt Fowler, Harold E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64553 (spare) P Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt CP Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt N None B Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt E Collins, Clint R., Sgt R Shields, James B., S/Sgt G Blalock, Joe T., Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Eleventh mission flew with Wigs, bombed Orvieto marshalling yards, some flak.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot
Monday, 20 March 1944 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 276/mission 275) Group Mission # 238: Mission 195 (238). At 09:00 24 planes off to bomb Orvieto M/Y and dropped 83 x 1000 bombs and 10 x 1000 delayed bombs from 11,000 feet at 11:00. All returned at 12:20. Escort 12 P-47’s. Concentration of bombs on E choke point and thru M/Y. Several reports of underpass hit. Hit believed scored on road bridge E of target area. Several bombs short of underpass and several along to N of choke point. One large explosion observed from first flight’s bombs. 30 car train at Narai, much isolated road activity observed on main highways paralleling course; string of freight cars stationary at RR bridge nine mile SE of Orvieto; RR bridge at Orte has on side collapsed. Slight, heavy inaccurate flak from position one mile N of target. Weather: Clouds 5/10ths Cumulus, Visibility unlimited. A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-29967 P Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Sullivan, James G., Pvt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Wilkerson, John J., Cpl Holt, Charles M., Sgt F Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-30343 P Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt N Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt None B Petit, Rene P., 1Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt Ernst, David L., Sgt R Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13186 A/C No. 42-64552 P Lyons, John B., 2Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 1Lt CP Riener, William F., 2Lt Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt N None None B Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt E Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None
Monday, 20 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” (spare) P Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt CP Myers, Harold C. “Casey”, 2Lt N Hough, William S., 1Lt B Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt F None
Tuesday, 21 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s make an unsuccessful attempt to bomb the Poggibonsi bridge; weather cancels other B-25 missions and all A-20 operations; B-26s attack Arezzo and Bucine viaducts and Poggibonsi and Cecina railroad bridges; P-47s hit railroad bridges N of Rome while P-40s bomb targets in the Anzio area; and A-36s drop food in the Cassino area.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission—weather.
445th BS War Diary: It rained most of the day turning the area into a slimy, soggy mess and cancelling all flights for the day. T/Sgt. Arceneaux left today for Engineering Officers training school in the United States. Sgts. Davis and Westbrook left for the United States also to attend aviation cadet school. S/Sgt. Larkin replaced Sgt. Arceneaux as squadron technical inspector. A number of the combat crews left today for rest camp at the Isle of Capri. The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius continues and the men are hearing rumors that several cities may have to be evacuated. Arceneaux, T/Sgt, engineering Davis, George W., Sgt, engineering Larkin, Francis C., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Westbrook, Vada L., Sr., Sgt, engineering
446th BS War Diary: Ten lucky combat members: Lt Dickson, Gawrada, McCabe, Morris, Phillips, and Sgts Howe, Brawn, Knapp, South, and Velarde go to Cairo, Egypt for a “vacation”. Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt, Engineer-gunner Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt, pilot Phillips, Lowell G., Lt, navigator Gawrada, Gabriel, P., Lt, bombardier Howe, Frank M., Jr, Sgt, gunner Knapp, Walter E., Sgt, gunner McCabe, Peter T., Lt, bombardier Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot South, William R., Sgt, gunner Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner
446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Was about and up at 5:45 a.m. Was scheduled for a mission, briefed at 0650 a.m. Was due to hit the RR bridge SE of Orvieto. 2 hr. standby, then mission cancelled. Burandt & Hawkes suffering from big heads after last nite. Sacked until dinner. Wrote Ray Leonard. Burandt taking quite a kidding about his big head. Rained quite hard this afternoon, maybe a sign that the storm is breaking. Got our weekly ration of 1 coke today. Found out our crew is to have a day off, the 26th. Scheduled for a mission tomorrow, standby until 1200. Went to show tonite, all the boys went, saw the Ritz Bros. in “Never A Dull Moment”, Good. No lights when we got back to the tent, guess generator is acting up.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot
Tuesday, 21 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled but cancelled due to weather conditions. M/Sgt Lloyd L. Blount has been reclassified from line inspector to line chief. M/Sgt. John W. Blue has been reclassified from flight chief to line inspector. Sgt. Joseph J. Oler has been reclassified from mechanic to crew chief. Two officers and five enlisted men left for the rest camp at Capri. A class under the direction of Capt. E.L. Becker and Lt. S.P. Olsen was held for 8 bombardiers and navigators on racks, switches and navigation. Becker, Edward B., Capt, bombardier Blount, Lloyd L., M/Sgt, engineering Blue, John W., M/Sgt, engineering Oler, Joseph J., Sgt, engineering Olsen, Svend P., Lt, navigator
448th BS War Diary: No Entry.
Wednesday, 22 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-26s attack the Poggibonsi railroad bridge and viaduct W of Arezzo; B-25s hit a road bridge near Poggibonsi; P-40s bomb guns in the Avezzano and Pico areas; P-40s on patrols over Anzio and Cassino claim 2 fighters destroyed. Moves in Italy: HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and 84th, 85th, 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light) from Vesuvius Airfield to Capodichino with A-20s; 486th and 488th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with B-25s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Not only was the weather miserable causing the mission to be cancelled but Mt. Vesuvius, 40 miles away, began to act up in a serious manner. Members of the Group coming in from Naples reported cinders and even rocks flying through the air and many of the inhabitants within range of the pumice barrage were seen shoveling the stuff off the roofs of their houses to prevent cave-ins. Eight hundred of the 340th Group became refugees and made their way to our spacious warehouse for shelter. They reported tents being torn to shreds and their planes severely damaged by the hail of Vesuvius’ pellets. The propagandists at Berlin found this freak eruption might good food for propaganda and expounded on the “complete destruction of the 340th and the 47th Bomb Groups located in the shadow of Vesuvius.”
445th BS War Diary: Rain this morning cancelled the mission and all training flights were cancelled due to the lava dust present in the air. This dust, coming from erupting Mt. Vesuvius, is whipped into our area by a strong wind and all engines were covered on the line. A P-39 pilot landed at this base after having his wings and plexiglass scorched from the heat of the volcano. Before the dust moved in, Capt. Neumann managed to test hop one of the ships. The men in the area at chow had to wear goggles to protect their eyes from the dust whipping into the eyes. It resembled a sand storm in many ways. The 340th group is scheduled to move to this base tonight and some of the personnel in that group will eat at this squadron. Their field is covered with 6 or 7 inches of lava dust and their large number of aircraft were rendered useless by the erupting Vesuvius. There was a USO stage show at group in the afternoon. There was a mail call in late afternoon after which meat balls were enjoyed for supper. Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot, operations officer
446th BS War Diary: No Missions. 1st Sgt Mabe is taken to the hospital. Mabe, John Ivan, T/Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Scheduled for a mission today but I doubt if we’ll go as it is raining and overcast this a.m. Mission finally cancelled. A USO show at 1330 at Group. A very good show, the M.C. was especially good. Meeting of all flying officers @ 1515, history of the 321st Group was read to us, also the escape procedure in Italy. Mt. Vesuvius has been erupting badly for the past 2 days. The 340th, from Pompeii, are moving down here, Wednesday, 22 March 1944 (continued) can’t get their ships off the ground. No lites in the tent. Hung around tent all nite, reading by flashlite.”
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 1Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I am writing this letter by a kerosene lantern. It’s the only light we have here tonight so hope you can read this o.k. Well, as far as you asking when I would be home, I only wish I knew. As for 50 missions you were asking about, that doesn’t mean anything here anymore. So, I have forgotten about that part of it. I can’t tell you how many I have either. I’ll sure be a happy guy when this is over with. I’m kinda getting tired of it, like most of the fellows. That is, those that have been here for some time.”
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled, but cancelled due to weather conditions. Capt. H.A. Fraser has returned from Anzio beachhead and gave a talk to the officers on conditions at the beachhead. Today’s flight training included local transition. A number of officers and enlisted men of the 340th Group, who had to evacuate their base due to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, are being fed at our mess halls. It is reported that all of the 340th planes have been destroyed. Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, Capt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: No Entry.
Thursday, 23 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-26s bomb Florence/Campo di Marte marshalling yard while B-25s hit the Pontassieve railway bridge and its approaches; P-40s attack guns in the Cassino-Esperia area, causing many fires and explosions; A-36s bomb the Cassino area with good results; the Germans have been forced into a narrow zone in the W edge of Cassino but still hold positions commanding the town and the Abbey; the New Zealand Corps breaks off the attack. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Pompeii to Paestum, Italy.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission—weather. 340th men still coming in and it appears that from here on they will operate from this base. Squadron areas have already been selected.
445th BS War Diary: A new replacement crew arrived today. The weather in the morning was miserable with a cold wind whipping a hard rain. Personnel of the 340th group ate chow this morning with this squadron and it made the chow situation very crowded. The rain ceased in the afternoon but the wind continued and more ashes from Mt. Vesuvius were swirled through the air making goggles a convenience. There was no fresh meat tonight, the first time such a thing has happened in a very long time. It was extremely cold tonight.
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/23/44: “Last night I witnessed a spectacle that in all my life is unequaled. For several days we have been hearing reports of the disturbances of Mt. Vesuvius. Yesterday I took a test hop in #508 (42-64508) in the hope of seeing it from the air, but the sky was so dark in the direction of Naples that the pilot, Capt. Newman, decided not to go up that far. Last evening for the first time the BBC reported the misbehavior of the great creator as the worst since 1906. The lava flow extended 2 miles down the mountain side and, advancing at the rate of 200 yards an hour, was threatening to engulf a small town. Already, civilian and military personnel were being evacuated from that area and great damage has been done. A rain of cinders and molten lava caught the 340th Bomb Group and destroyed every aircraft on the field. The intense heat and burning hot cinders overloaded the wings and tail surfaces and had burned off the tires, melted the Plexiglas and punctured great holes in the skin of the planes, causing them to break and crumble. The men were forced to flee, leaving everything behind. Many tents were burned. We have about 140 of the boys attached temporarily to our squadron for rations. Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot
Thursday, 23 March 1944 (continued)
Hearing all this, my curiosity was aroused and at the suggestion of Tom, Joe Beresh and Inman, I agreed to hitchhike to where we could get a view of the scene. It was about five o’clock in the evening, and quite cold. Others in the section became interested in the trip and Lash agreed to let us take the weapons carrier. Just beyond Salerno we encountered the first evidence of the eruption. The ground was covered everywhere to a depth of from six to eight inches with fine volcanic ash that rendered travel almost impossible. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, tank carriers and carts were stalled at intervals along the way and each one held up a line of vehicles. Our progress was good because of our load and four wheel drive machine and we overtook a great many trucks going our way. Here again, I saw demonstrated the superiority of American ordnance. Of all the stalled vehicles I remember seeing only one “six by six,” the majority being Italian and British trucks. Beresh, Joseph (NMI) "Joe", S/Sgt, armorer Davies, Thomas C. Jr. "Tom", Sgt, armament Inman, Gilbert E. "Gil", Sgt, armament Lash, Wayne H., Sgt, armament Though the time was well past midnight, there were innumerable carts drawn by a single horse that struggled almost in vain while the driver walked behind. How much better it is to have machinery do the heavy work even where horses are concerned. We were constantly passing civilians on foot, some pushing bicycles, who had been detained on their journey home. We stopped and picked up three girls and a man who were walking. One of the girls sat down by me. “Fredo,” she shivered as she snuggled close to me. Joe Liss gave her a pair of gloves and we made her as comfortable as possible. She told me her name was Titina. Liss, Joseph P. "The Blimp", Sgt, armament An orchestra on its way to Salerno to play the score of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” was forced to abandon the track and turn back. One of them rode with us. Most of the ten miles of blocked road we traveled in company with a British reconnaissance outfit that had left the front line at 03:00 that morning and were still being shifted around. They were traveling in armored cars, bren-gun carriers and weapons carriers. In spite of their long ride and provoking orders, they seemed like a jolly bunch of fellows. We drove through Pompeii and to where a sign read “Six miles to Naples” before attempting to drive up the side of the crater. Our first attempt led us to a dead end with no appreciable distance accomplished, but by repeated efforts, we finally found a passage up the side of the mountain that I guessed to be a combination flood-way and cart path. It was just wide enough for the truck and walled on both sides with a rock wall about ten feet high. Every little way, similar, smaller channels let into the main one from the uphill side. Not knowing where we would end up we continued to follow the water course until we were stopped by two civilians who were standing watch. Unable to go farther by truck, we started up the hill by hand. We could now see the top of the crater very plainly and were very near the lava flow that seemed to be coursing down the mountain to the left of us. We did not stop however, until we reached a point of vantage, which I judged to be about a mile and a half from the mouth of the crater. Here I beheld the most terrible, awesome, spectacular sight of my life, an entire Thursday, 23 March 1944 (continued) mountain virtually aflame. From the crest of the cone, as the monster belched, a column of smoke, ash and lava rose to a height of several hundred feet, lighting the sky by its incandescence. As the scorching fumes mingled with the rare cold atmosphere, great bolts of static electricity were released and in rapid succession, continued to stab the sky from all directions. At a higher elevation, the smoke collected and hung ominously in a huge black cloud that was gradually dispersed by the wind in time to make place for another. The gashes caused by the lightning were filled in with a thunderous roar that was accompanied by the lower tones of rumbling. A stream of molten lava flowed from the flaming lips of the crater, and cascaded down the side of the cone to join the avalanche that was crowding its way on to the floor of the valley. As often as this drama was enacted, it was repeated to the overture of receding thunder and the bass rumbling of the earth beneath. For more than an hour as the death of one day gave birth to another, we sat at the foot of the crater and witnessed the chaos of reformation. Occurring as it did in the scarcely dried blood of another scene of mankind’s folly, I wondered if all this was not the pains of Mother Earth’s groaning for man’s inequity. As the night waned toward day we began our return to camp. At Pompeii a British MP informed us that the road was closed and he had been given orders to stop all traffic. We were sure that, given a chance we could make it through, and did rather a smooth job of concerting our wits to convince him we intended to take a room a short distance down the road. Without further mishap, we painfully accomplished the fifty-odd miles of bumpy road arriving home about 05:30, tired and cold, but glad for having made the trip. Just as we were about to go to bed, Sgt. Lash came in to tell us we had to load bombs. By this time it was raining hard and a cold wind was sweeping down the mountain. The excitement and exertion was too much for Tom Byrne. As he was lifting a bomb he fell over in another one of his not uncommon fits. We called the ambulance to take care of him and it was noon before I finally got to rest. Since the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius the sky has been filled with ashes and dust which during the past twenty four hours has changed the color of the entire country to a rusty gray. The effect is identical to that of a terrific dust storm. Tonight, March 24, there is no sign of its abating. The air is so dense, flying has become hazardous. So far, no serious damage to health or equipment has appeared. However, living in it is miserable. Flew a frag mission today without loss.” Byrne, Thomas J. "T.J.", Sgt, armament Lash, Wayne H., Sgt, armament
Thursday, 23 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Usual duties.
446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Scheduled for a mission today, raining very hard this a.m. Briefed 0830, standby until 1100, then on alert. Raining very hard, weather closing in again, so mission finally cancelled. Had a regular bull session this a.m. in the tent, about old times at Barksdale. Really raining very hard at dinner time, sacked awhile. Rain stopped in late afternoon, then we got a lot of volcanic dust & ice from the erupting Mt. Vesuvius. On standby to evacuate the ships from the field, later cancelled. Volcanic dust very bad, have to wear our flying goggles to keep the dust out of our eyes. Lites still not working ok, nothing to do but hang around all evening. Bull session again all evening. Meeting of all officers @ 1630, in regards to the fate of the Sqdn. Bar.”
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled, but cancelled due to weather conditions. The following promotions were ordered: T/Sgt. John Ostrowski to M/Sgt., Sgt Joseph J. Oler to T/Sgt., and Cpl George F. Murray to Sgt. The orders placing Lt. Jones on D.S. to Egypt and the flight scheduled to take him there was cancelled because of the demand for crews and planes caused by the loss of the 340th Group’s planes and the ferry flight by one group to Telergma to pick up replacement planes for them. The 340th men and officers are continuing to arrive here. The ashes and cinders from Vesuvius are covering the countryside as far south as Battipaglia. It is about 3 inches deep in Salerno. Jones, Claude F, Lt, bombardier Murray, George F., Sgt, engineering Oler, Joseph J., T/Sgt, engineering Ostrowski, John, M/Sgt, engineering
448th BS War Diary: No Entry. Friday, 24 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s pound supply and bivouac areas in Piedimonte and Castrocielo and harbor installations at Leghorn; B-25s hit bridge and railroad tracks NW of Orvieto, and A-20s bomb guns in the Cassino area; P-40s and A-36s in Cassino area hit guns, troop concentrations, road, and causeway; and P-47s on armed reconnaissance in the Rome-Orvieto-Orte areas hit a train and a bridge. Moves in Italy: 11th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 487th and 489th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), from Pompeii to Gaudo Airfield with B-25s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Col. Richard H. Smith came in tonight and took over immediately as the new Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Remington reverting to his original status as Deputy Commander. Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, Commander
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 277/mission 276) Group Mission # 239: Aiming at Castrocielo and nearby Piedimonte against supply and bivouac areas there, 36 of our bombers reported excellent coverage and two explosions seen at Castrocielo. ------321st BG: Mission No: 239 Date: 24 Mar 44 No A/C: 18 Squadrons: 445-0 446-9 447-0 448-9 Target: Supply & Bivouac Area G-746252, 749250, 747244, 743247 (Castrocielo) Time Up: 0810 T.O.T.: 0930 Time Down: 1005 Axis of Attack: 310° Height: 9500/10,000 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: 7 Bombs Dropped: 1800 x 20 lb frags. Escort: High cover Route: Base to N-1814, M-9835, H-0308, target, G-9928, H-0308 and return. Weather: Enroute and Return: 4/10 stratocumulus, base at 5,000, tops at 8,000 ft. Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles. Target: CAVU
Flak: Heavy, moderate, accurate to inaccurate from just southeast of town, from buildings and road running east-west along south boundary of target area, and from near river northeast of target. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: Good coverage reported with hits and several small fires observed throughout target area. Concentration of bombs reported in northeast third of area with one report that most bombs were short and along south edge – crossing road on the south edge. Another report that a string went over and up through town. One man wounded by flak. Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
Observation: 30 car train at Narni, much isolated road activity observed on main highways paralleling course; string of freight cars stationary at RR bridge 9 miles southeast of Orvieto; RR bridge at Orte has one side collapsed.
FLIGHT COMMANDER: Lt. Col. Remington Flight Leaders: Major Hunter, Lt. Crowell Number of Sorties: 18 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 278/mission 277) Group Mission # 240: Photos also showed 75% cover on Piedimonte and at least 50% at Castrocielo. ------321st BG: Mission No: 240 Date: 24 Mar 44 No A/C: 18 Squadrons: 445-9 446-0 447-9 448-0 Target: Supply & Bivouac Area G-700228, 793227, 789222, 787225 (Piedmonte) Time Up: 0820 T.O.T.: 0930 Time Down: 1000 Axis of Attack: 303° Height: 11/11500’ Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: 7 Bombs Dropped: 2250 x 20 lb frags. Escort: High cover Route: Base to N-1814, M-9835, H-0308, target, G-9928, H-0308 and return. Weather: Enroute and Return: 4/10 stratocumulus, base at 5,000, tops at 8,000 ft. Visibility: 10 miles. Target: CAVU
Flak: Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from northwest of target area on turn. Believed to have been shooting at A-20’s below the formation. Enemy Air: One FW-190 seen hitting deck, chased by P-40 over target. 3 ME-110’s low near Cassino heading south. Claims: None
Results: Good coverage of area reported with concentrations of bombs seen on southwest slope of hill just before town and other on northwest of town. Some strings short and going up into town and others north of target area. Bombs bursting north and east of target believed to be those of A-20’s. Two explosions reported, one from south part of target area – another from east edge of town.
Observation: Red smoke on ground just short of Abbey hill. Saw A-20’s bombing just east of target below formation. Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
FLIGHT COMMANDER: Major Sampson Flight Leaders: Lt. Banks and Capt. Wilson Number of Sorties: 18 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
445th BS War Diary: Major Register and 5 other pilots left for Telergma to ferry back some aircraft for the 340th group. There were 3 transition flights and 2 flights over the bombing range. The tents in the area are tinged a lustrous pink from the effect of the falling ashes of Mt. Vesuvius. There was a package call in late afternoon and quite a few were distributed to the men. Roast beef was on the menu for supper. At night there was no wind but the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius were still prevalent and they fell like snow on the area. There was a particularly noise time in the enlisted me’s club tonight and the song craze “Marrzy Doates”, which is very popular in the United States, was sung many times during the evening. Register, Percy D, Maj, pilot, Commander
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 277/mission 276) Group Mission # 239: (445th BS did not participate)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 278/mission 277) Group Mission # 240:
A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 41-12929 Joy” P Wilson, Victor H., Capt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt CP McLain, Damon I., 2Lt Hammar, Robert L., 2Lt N Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Ceccucci, Harold A., Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Hall, Warren Francis, S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Semsker, Frank S., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Swanson, Harry A., 2Lt Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt N None None B O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt Werrlein, Harry F., Sgt E Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R Plott, John M., S/Sgt Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt G McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 41-29985 P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt CP Gunder, William H., 2Lt Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt N Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt None B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Morisi, David D., Pvt Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt Doswell, Richard (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-64575 P Crider, Claude M., Jr., 1Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 1Lt CP Fischer, Franklyn R., 2Lt Schweda, George J., 2Lt N None Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt Maughan, George W., 1Lt E DeRose, Louis A., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Wells, Joy E., S/Sgt Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt G Harris, Charles W, Jr., Sgt McClary, Louis E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64529 P Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 1Lt CP Cormier, Emory O., 2Lt N None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Malloy, Edward J., Sgt R Wells, Robert J., Sgt G Kramer, Henry P., Sgt F Abrams, Samuel (NMI), Pvt
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Walker finishes his 50th combat mission. Walker, Dale F., Lt, pilot
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 277/mission 276) Group Mission # 239: Squadron Mission 201 TARGET: Supply and Bivouac Area, Castrocielo, Italy. DATE: 24 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 9 Major Hunter led the formation. Good coverage reported with hits and several small fires observed throughout the target area. Concentration of bombs in NE of area, some bombs reported to have fallen short. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate to inaccurate. No fighters. Seven planes were holed. Lt Vivas was a spare and returned early.
Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 1Lt CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt E Zelnick, John J., Sgt Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Wlodyka, Andrew J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Briles, Connolly O., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt McArdle, John R., PFC R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt Parker, Jewel (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29962 A/C No. 41-30293 P Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt CP Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 1Lt Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt E Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt Bober, John (NMI), Jr., Sgt R Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt Bender, Thomas J., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ A/C No. 42-64549 Mama” P Cooper, Paul T., Capt Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt N Kinney, John H., 2Lt None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt E Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl Meier, John H., S/Sgt R Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt Harrison, Hoyt V., S/Sgt G Foley, Joseph M. Sgt Mittman, Milton M., Cpl F None None
Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” (spare) P Hunter, William Clark, Maj Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, HQ 321st Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt BG N Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt None B Mottley, John F., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Kane, Ronald J., Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., PFC R Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), S/Sgt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 278/mission 277) Group Mission # 240: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 16, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: Supply and Bivouac Area, Castrocielo, Italy. Flying Time: 2:05 (25th mission in MTO) 446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32494 “Peg O’ My Heart” Gaudo-Pomigliano-Gaudo: Ferry Flying Time: 1:30 (26th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission today. Burandt, Hawkes, & Lewis are scheduled. Chudars going to No. Africa to pick up ships for the 340th. Weather ok, mission went off as planned. Sacked all afternoon, no mail again today. In tent all evening reading.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot Lewis, Vernon, 2Lt, pilot
447th BS War Diary: The following officers and enlisted men have been assigned to the squadron per SO #54, Headquarters – 321st Bomb Group: 2nd Lts. John R. Lange, pilot, Charles D. Woods, bombardier, F/O Kenneth G. Sparling, co-pilot, S/Sgt. George J. Sarbello, radio-gunner, Sgt. Donald H. Pinkerton, engineer-gunner, and Sgt. Robert F. Lamparky, gunner. Flight training for the day included local transition and practice bombing. Lamparky, Robert F., Sgt, gunner Lange, John R., 2Lt, pilot Pinkerton, Donald H., Sgt, engineer-gunner Sarbello, George J., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Sparling, Kenneth G., F/O, pilot Woods, Charles D., 2Lt, bombardier
Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 277/mission 276) Group Mission # 239: (447th BS did not participate)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 278/mission 277) Group Mission # 240: Nine of our planes participated in a raid on supply and bivouac at Piedmonte. Good coverage of target reported with concentration of bombs seen on SW slope of hill just before town. Some strings short and going up into town and others north of target. Bombs bursting north and east of target believed to be those of A-20’s bombing at same time. Two explosions seen, one from south part of target and other from east edge of town. Red smoke seen just short of Abbey Hill. The mission was led by Lt. Banks.
A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-30123 P Stocking, Eugene E., 1Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Heitman, William F., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt G Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32449 A/C No. 41-13006 “Sahara Sue” P Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt CP Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt Nall, John G., 2Lt N None None B Snyder, John D., 2Lt Deane, George J., 1Lt E Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt Curry, Hughie L., Sgt R Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt Austin, James W., Jr., PFC A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 41-30638 P Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Cloward, Glannin A., Capt Commander N Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt Lindell, Harold N., 2Lt B Nelson, George B., 2Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Gillies, Robert H., Cpl R Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt Mathews, William E., S/Sgt G Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt F None None
Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32505 A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - Flak Magnate” P Button, Ervine J., 2Lt Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt N None None B Wingrove, Allen E., 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt Wilson, Max A., Sgt G McFarland, John F., S/Sgt Fowler, Harold E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32417 A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” (spare) P Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Seavey, George D., 1Lt CP Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt B Huffman, William C., 2Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Pierce, William H., PFC Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Burke, William H., Jr., Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64694 (spare) P Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt N None B James, Robert M., 2Lt E Engels, Robert W., Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., T/Sgt G Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “Twelfth mission flew with Wigs, bombed Piedmont with frags, some flak.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot
Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 277/mission 276) Group Mission # 239: Mission 196 (293). At 08:10 18 planes off to bomb supply and bivouac area C-749250, 747244, 743247 (Castreciele) and dropped 1800 frags from 9,500 feet at 09:30. All returned at 10:05 with 7 planes holed. Good coverage reported with hits and several small fires observed throughout target area. Concentration of bombs reported in NE third of area with one report that most bombs were short and along S edge of crossing road on the S edge of area. Another report that a string went over and up through town. One man wounded by flak. Two explosions observed on hill in vicinity of Mt. Cassino. Heavy, moderate, accurate to inaccurate flak from just SE of town, from buildings and road running E and W along S boundary of target area. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Crowell.
A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-13186 P Greene, William A., 1Lt Lyons, John B., 2Lt CP Amo, Leo W., 2Lt Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Greene, Louis P., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt R Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Neuman, Robert A., Sgt Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-29967 P Cooper, James W., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt Riener, William F. 2Lt N None None B Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Parham, James E., T/Sgt Wilkinson, Robert M., S/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-87455 A/C No. 42-64514 P Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2lt Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt CP Cottle, Robert J., 2Lt Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt N None None B McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 2Lt Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt E Ernst, David L., Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt Coleman, Seaton L. S/Sgt F None None
Friday, 24 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 42-64655 (spare) P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., Capt CP Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt N None Duncan, George F., 2Lt B Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt McRee, Malcolm B., 1Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt R Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt Sullivan, James G., Pvt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-30327 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 1Lt CP Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt Lewis, Quentin M., 1Lt N Hough, William S., 1Lt None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 1Lt Zinkand, Willard T., 2Lt E Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Gilpatrick, Jack H., S/Sgt G Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 278/mission 277) Group Mission # 240: (448th BS did not participate)
Saturday, 25 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather severely curtails operations. In Italy, B-26s bomb the Leghorn dockyard and town of Rignano sull' Amo; P-40 fighter-bombers attack gun positions in the Anzio beachhead battle area; and fighters fly cover over the Anzio and Cassino areas. Moves in Italy: 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi with C-47s; 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, from Marcianise to Pomigliano with Beaufighters.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission—weather.
445th BS War Diary: Rainy weather with high winds forced a cancellation of the mission and also training flights. 4 of our aircraft were transferred to the 340th group. They are now quartered at this base, have their own mess and are no longer attached to our squadron for rations. There was a meeting for all section chiefs of the various departments. At this meeting, Capt. Gaffney informed the enlisted men that Col. Smith would be the new group command and that it would be best to observe all the rules of military courtesy. He also gave them a good idea of what to expect in other aspects of their work. There were strong winds during the afternoon and night. Gaffney, Charles, H., Capt, Adjutant Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, HQ 321st
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/25/44: “Weather is very bad; dust from Vesuvius, rain and a strong cold wind. I have guard tonight. Some talk of moving to Corsica in a couple of weeks. Today I saw a man carrying four kid goats suspended from the handlebars of his bicycle by their legs. Also saw a girl of average comeliness carrying a two month pig in her arms. On the road to Agropoli were a bevy of women, young and old carrying gravel from the beach in baskets on their heads to mend holes in the road. As they were returning from work in the evening I stopped some of them and gave them each a book of matches. That delighted them and won me much thanks.”
446th BS War Diary: No Missions - Same old story.
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission today, Burandt, Hawkes & Lewis, was later cancelled due to rainy weather. Capt. Birmingham was in this a.m., had a bull session. Not feeling so good today, have the chills, spent all afternoon in bed. Moe Ferraro dropped in, like old times again. Rec’d letters from Ma, Pa, and Jim Horvath (17th B.G. (M) 37th B.S. APO 650) Ray Leonard’s address – 3rd R.T. Sq., APO # 639 c/o PM, NYC. (0-746958) Wrote to Ma, Pa, & Horvath. Lewis is sick.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot Birmingham, George G., Jr., Capt, 487th BS? Horvath, James “Jim”, 37th BS, 17th BG (M - B-26) Saturday, 25 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled, but cancelled due to weather conditions. Major R.D. Sampson held a meeting for all officers at 1700 concerning the policies of Col. Smith our new Group Commander. The following planes have been transferred from this squadron to the 340th Group: 175, 012, 123, and 417. It has been reported that vast clouds of volcanic ash today still billowed from Mt. Vesuvius but the eruption was apparently subsiding after 6 days of violent activity. Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, HQ 321st, Commander
448th BS War Diary: No Entry. Sunday, 26 March 1944
321st Bomb Group Headlines:
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Operations are at a minimum as bad weather continues.
In Italy, B-26s score numerous hits on Arezzo viaducts, B-25s attack the Perugia railway bridge, scoring near misses, and A-20s successfully bomb troop concentrations N of Velletri; P-47s achieve direct hits on a railway bridge NW of Stimigliano and near misses on a railway bridge SW of Tarquinia; and P-40s hit guns near Fontana Liri and N of the Anzio beachhead with good results. HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group moves from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: On General Order Col Smith assumed command of the 321st Bomb. Gp. Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, Commander
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 279/mission 278) Group Mission # 241: Sending two waves of 18 ships each against the railroad bridge ¾ of a mile east of the Perugia marshalling yards, the Group could report no real damage done. However the railroad tracks were cut by a direct hit of one of our 1000 pounders. ------321st BG: Mission No: 241 Date: 26 Mar 44 No A/C: 18 Squadrons: 445-0 446-0 447-8 448-10 Target: R.R. Bridge ¾ miles East of Perugia M/Yds. Time Up: 0830 T.O.T.: 1040 Time Down: 1205 Axis of Attack: 50° and 65° Height: 9500/10,000 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: 7 Bombs Dropped: 66x1000 lb. Escort: 14 P-47’s Route: N-1814, M-9733, N-0550, N-3253, H-0652, G-5693, A-9222, A-5380, Target, R-6805, W-5289, G-5693 and return.
Weather: Enroute and Return – 6 miles visibility south of Naples – rest of route unlimited. 5/10 stratocumulus, base at 4,000 ft., tops at 12,000 ft. Target: CAVU
Flak: Heavy, moderate, accurate from between bridge and A/D. Also report of heavy, slight, inaccurate from north bridge at Orvieto, and predicted fire from area around Opi, between Oltina and Olvito and Berria. Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: Formation swung off course near Orvieto – going too far west. 2nd flight overshot target so made turn and some elements bombed on 65° axis. Most bombs reported hitting west bridge – crossing tracks with some near misses on bridge, with others over and north of railroad bridge. One report of road bridge south of railroad bridge being hit – with other bombs short and west of river. Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
Observation: Air-ground: 10/20 planes on Perugia.
Ground: Many trucks moving north – south of Perugia with 20 car trains at Spello and Trevi. Reports of building activity on South Orvieto bridge and 15/30 car train just to northwest of Orte M/Yds. 9/10 trucks north of Magione (A-5497) going north.
FLIGHT COMMANDER: Major Bell Flight Leaders: Capt. Freeland and Lt. Banks. Number of Sorties: 18 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 280/mission 279) Group Mission # 242: Sending two waves of 18 ships each against the railroad bridge ¾ of a mile east of the Perugia marshalling yards, the Group could report no real damage done. However the railroad tracks were cut by a direct hit of one of our 1000 pounders. ------321st BG: Mission No: 242 Date: 26 Mar 44 No A/C: 17 (1 returned early) Squadrons: 445-8 446-9 447-0 448-0 Target: R.R. Bridge ¾ mile East of Perugia M/Yds. Time Up: 0900 T.O.T.: 1105 Time Down: 1240 Axis of Attack: 40° Height: 11/11,500 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: 8 Bombs Dropped: 65x1000 lb. Escort: 14 P-47’s Route: N-1814, M-9733, N-0550, N-3253, H-0652, G-5933, A-9282, A-5380, Target, R-6805, W-5289, G-5693 and return.
Weather: Enroute and Return: Moderate haze from base to Naples. Clouds: 5/10 cumulus, base at 4,000, tops at 12000. Visibility: 6 miles south of Naples, unlimited rest of route. Target: CAVU
Enemy Air: None Claims: None
Results: Most bombs reported falling short and through M/Yd with others over and to northeast of bridge with possible hits on east end of bridge. Some bombs reported between railroad and road just east of river with others observed hitting building several hundred yards short of target to west of river.
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
Observation: 65 and 35 car trains being shunted at Orvieto and Terni respectively. Repair crews at South Orvieto Bridge. 20/25 cars in yards at Narni, stationary and 2 trains reported moving north near Passignano. 7 S/E planes (2 silver) at Rieti A/D.
Flight Leaders: Capt. Wilson and Major Hunter. Number of Sorties: 17 Photos Taken: MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: Major Register returned with 2 planes for the 340th group. He stopped over at Catania in Sicily last night. A new replacement crew arrived today. There is quite a mystery surrounding the present location of Capt. House with “02”. The ship has been gone for over two weeks and no one seems to know where it is or when it’s coming back. The wind was particularly strong today and at times it reached a gale velocity. The tents were thrashed about but only one buckled. The wind blew so hard that it was difficult to carry food in the mess kit from the kitchen to the mess tent, a matter of about 10 yards. House, Robert M., Capt, pilot Register, Percy D, Maj, pilot, Commander
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 279/mission 278) Group Mission # 241: (445th BS did not participate)
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 280/mission 279) Group Mission # 242:
A/C No. 41-29985 A/C No. 42-64575 P Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt N None None B Wren, Frank J., 1Lt Maughan, George W., 1Lt E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R Wells, John R., S/Sgt Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt G Doswell, Richard (NMI), Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” Gambler II” P Wilson, Victor H., Capt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt CP Neumann, Robert H., Capt Swanson, Harry A., 2Lt N Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Soltysiak, Stanley J. “Salty”, Pvt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None Abrams, Samuel (NMI), Pvt A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-53373 P Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt CP Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt Gunder, William H., 2Lt N None Fisher, Sigmund M., 2Lt B Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 1Lt E Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Callister, Jack Roland, Cpl R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F None None
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 42-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt CP Schweda, George J., 2Lt Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt N None Yepez, Oscar W., 1Lt B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt E Isbell, Everett N., Cpl Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Garza, Manuel (NMI), Pvt McClary, Louis E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” (early return) P Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt CP Hammar, Robert L., 2Lt N None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Malloy, Edward J., Sgt R Wells, Robert J., Sgt G Kramer, Henry P., Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt
446th BS War Diary: Mission is flown.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 279/mission 278) Group Mission # 241: (446th BS did not participate)
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 280/mission 279) Group Mission # 242: Squadron Mission 202 TARGET: RR Bridge, Perugia, Italy. DATE: 26 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 9 Capt. Wilson, 445th Sqdn. led the formation. Most bombs reported falling short and thru M/Y with others over and to NE of bridge with possible hits on E end of bridge. Other bombs observed hitting building several hundred yards short of target. Flak was heavy, moderate, accurate. No fighters. Lt Walsh returned early without completing mission because of engine trouble. He landed at Capadachino on one engine. Wilson, Victor H., Capt, pilot, 445th BS
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” A/C No. 41-13200 (returned early – engine trouble - incomplete) P Walsh, George F., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt N None None B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt E Zelnick, John J., Sgt Mowry, Michael L. S., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously A/C No. 41-30293 “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walker, Dale F., 1Lt LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt CP Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt E Jupin, John (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Bober, John (NMI), Jr., Sgt R Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt G Wlodyka, Andrew J., S/Sgt Bender, Thomas J., Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Hunter, William Clark, Maj CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt Mottley, John F., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Kane, Ronald J., Sgt R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64549 A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt CP Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt Hawkins, Robert B., 2Lt N None None B Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Meier, John H., S/Sgt McArdle, John R., PFC R Harrison, Hoyt V., S/Sgt Huntoon, Stuart Layne, Pvt G Mittman, Milton M., Cpl Parker, Jewel (NMI), Sgt F None None
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ Mama” P Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt Cooper, Paul T., Capt CP Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None None B Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 1Lt E Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl R Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt G Brown, Ronald M., Sgt Foley, Gerald M., Sgt F None None
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: RR Bridge, Perugia, Italy: Aborted – engine trouble – landed at Pomigliano Flying Time: 1:40 (27th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot 446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32394 “Peg O’ My Heart” Pomigliano-Gaudo: Ferry Flying Time: 0:30 (28th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission. The wind blowing very strong today. Hung around tent all day. Hawkes, Burandt & Lewis on a mission to Perugia. Missed target completely. Hawkes & Lewis sick this evening, the Doc was down to check up on them, grounded Lewis. Had a meeting of all Bmbdr’s & flight leaders at Group. The new Colonel really chewed us out. I think they’ll be a big change around here. Chudars isn’t back yet. Rec’d a letter from Alice today, and 2 yesterday.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot Lewis, Vernon, 2Lt, pilot Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical officer Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
447th BS War Diary: Two crews returned from cross country flight. The ground training included a discussion of instruction by Major Sampson to the new crews and a discussion by Capt. Becker on the malfunctions of bomb racks; S/Sgt. Andrew Zacharya has been discharged from the 17th Gen Hosp. and has returned to the squadron. Banks, Herbert J., Lt, pilot Becker, Edward B., Capt, bombardier Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Zacharya, Andrew, S/Sgt, gunner
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 279/mission 278) Group Mission # 241: 10 of our planes, including one spare which filled in for another squadron, participated in a raid on Perugia RR bridge. Result poor. Clouds interfered with bombing on the first run on the target but the last element did drop, the bombs falling long due to an unusual omission of the lead bombardier who forgot to cock the trigger on the sight. Lt. Banks led our first 6 planes on a second run on the target but missed. Flak was meager.
A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-32505 P Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Button, Ervine J., 2Lt N Olsen, Svend P., 1Lt None B Nelson, George B., 2Lt Wingrove, Allen E., 2Lt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt R Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt McFarland, John F., S/Sgt G Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32449 A/C No. 42-64695 P Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt CP Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt N None None B Huffman, William C., 2Lt James, Robert M., 2Lt E Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl Engels, Robert W., Sgt R Pierce, William H., PFC Boyd, Robert J., T/Sgt G Burke, William H., Jr., Sgt Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13006 “Sahara Sue” A/C No. 41-30557 P Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 1Lt CP Nall, John G., 2Lt Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Ford, Leonard W., Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Flak Magnate” Lady” P Murray, Richard E., 2Lt Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt CP Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt Cloward, Glannin A., Capt N None None B McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Scarberry, Harold W., Sgt Gillies, Robert H., Cpl R Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”, Mathews, William E., S/Sgt S/Sgt G Mitchell, Rennie (NMI), S/Sgt Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 42-64553 P Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt CP Abbott, Fred E., 2Lt Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Snyder, John D., 2Lt Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt E Wise, Albert (NMI), Sgt Curry, Hughie L., Sgt R Reynolds, Frank J., S/Sgt Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt G Richards, Charles M., Sgt Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt F Austin, James W., Jr., PFC None
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 280/mission 279) Group Mission # 242: (447th BS did not participate)
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “13th mission, bombed Perugia bridge, buku flak, flew with Wigs.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 279/mission 278) Group Mission # 241: Mission 197 (241). At 08:30 18 planes off to bomb RR bridge ¾ miles E of Perugia M/Y and dropped 68 x 1000 bombs from 9,500 feet at 10:40. All returned at 12:05 with 7 planes holed. Escort 14 P-47’s. Formation swung off course near Orvieto, going too far W. Second flight overshot target some made turn and some elements bombed on 65° axis. Most bombs reported hitting W of bridge, crossing tracks with some near misses on bridge, with other over and N of RR bridge. One report of road bridge S of the RR bridge being hit, some bombs short and W of river. 10-20 planes on Perugia. Heavy, moderate, accurate flak from between bridge and A/D. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Bell and Freeland.
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 42-64519 P Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt Cooper, James W., 1Lt CP Riener, William F., 2Lt Myers, Harold C. “Casey”, 2Lt N None None B Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt E Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt Davis, Jimmie L., S/Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Parham, James E., T/Sgt G Wilkerson, John J., Cpl Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-13195 P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Lyons, John B., 2Lt CP Cottle, Robert J., 2Lt Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bond, Edward N., 2Lt Quartuccio, Anthony P., 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Sullivan, James G., Pvt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt Greene, William A., 1Lt CP Matthews, Thomas W., 2Lt McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt N None None B Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 2Lt E Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt G Holt, Charles M., Sgt Neuman, Robert A., Sgt F None Feagans, Kenneth J., Sgt A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-30548 P Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., Capt CP Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt Bell, Albert R., Maj N None Duncan, George F., 2Lt B Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 1Lt McRee, Malcolm M., 1Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., S/Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None
Sunday, 26 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-87455 (early return) P Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt N None B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt E Ernst, David L., Sgt R Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt G Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 280/mission 279) Group Mission # 242: (448th BS did not participate)
Monday, 27 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, A-20s successfully bomb the Sesti Bagni railway station; B- 26s hit Poggibonsi railway bridge, and tracks and train cars in the area; and B-25s attack bridges at Marsciano, Perugia and Grosseto railroad bridges, scoring damaging hits at Grosseto; P-40s hit a command post and supply dumps, and fly road reconnaissance SE of Rome with good results; A-36s bomb Sesti Bagni railway station and nearby trucks, while P-47s attack a bridge, junctions and train cars on the Rome-Orvieto railroad; and P- 47s and P-40s maintain cover over the Cassino and Anzio battle areas.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: In still another attempt to throttle Borche communications a formation of 24 aircraft was sent to knock out the Marsciano railroad bridge. Our bombs cut the tracks above and below the bridge but no hits on the bridge itself were recorded.
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 281/mission 280) Group Mission # 243: Sending two waves of 18 ships each against the railroad bridge ¾ of a mile east of the Perugia marshalling yards, the Group could report no real damage done. However the railroad tracks were cut by a direct hit of one of our 1000 pounders. ------321st BG: Mission No: 243 Date: 27 Mar 44 No A/C: 23 (1 returned early) Squadrons: 445-6 446-4 447-7 448-6 Target: R.R. Bridge South of Marsciano at A-685713 Time Up: 0935 T.O.T.: 1126 Time Down: 1248 Axis of Attack: 230° Height: 10/10,500 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 91x1000 - .1 & .025 Escort: 16 P-47’s Route: N-2553, H-0853, B-3010, X-0385, A-8588, A-6971 (Target), A-8821, G-6287, H-0853 to base.
Weather: Enroute and Return: Clouds: 3/10 cumulus, tops at 7,000 ft. Visibility Unlimited. Target: CAVU
Enemy Air: 1 E/A seen taking off from Perugia. Claims: None
Results: Bombs mostly in target area. Track cut west of northwest approach with bombs concentrated in that area. Cluster of bombs short of southeast approach, one string may have cut tracks there. Bridge did not appear hit.
Observation: 20/25 cars at Attigliano. At Alfadena a convoy of 25 trucks heading southwest. 12/15 trucks on road between Sulmona and Roccaraso. Large number of M/T’s seen at Narni supply depot.
Monday, 27 March 1944 (continued)
Flight Commander: Col. Smith Flight Leaders: Lt. Col. Schwane and Capt. Bounds (Lt. Col. Remington) Number of Sorties: 13 Photos Taken: S. P. NEPRASH, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------
Monday, 27 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: The crew which was recently assigned to us was transferred to another group. It was learned that they were erroneously assigned to this unit. There is a barber shop and shoe shine “parlor” available for use in the squadron area. The barber is quartered in a small tent with “windows”. The shoe shine boy has a tent of his own. A supply of K-rations was brought into squadron operations which will handle the distribution of these rations to the combat crews. The weather was clear but still a little windy. There is a strong rumor making the rounds to the effect that this unit will soon move to Corsica. The men gave their tents a good cleaning in the face of a promised inspection.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 281/mission 280) Group Mission # 243:
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt CP Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 2Lt Cormier, Emory O., 2Lt N None None B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt DeRose, Louis A., Sgt R Plott, John M., S/Sgt O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt G McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” Gambler II” P Wilson, Victor H., Capt Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 1Lt Hammar, Robert L., 2Lt N Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Malloy, Edward J., Sgt R Mattox, Richard L., T/Sgt Wells, Robert J., Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Kramer, Henry P., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 41-29985 P Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt CP Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt Lyons, Lyle L., 2Lt N None None B Werner, Samuel (NMI), 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 1Lt E York, Rufus (NMI), Sgt Morisi, David D., Pvt R Kintly, James E., S/Sgt Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt G Semsker, Frank S., Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl
Monday, 27 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Lt. Colonel Schwane, the squadron commanding officer finishes his fiftieth combat mission. Lt. Dickerson and Sgt Samsel finish, also. Dickerson, Claude M., Lt, bombardier Samsel, John C., Sgt, gunner Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 281/mission 280) Group Mission # 243: Squadron Mission 203 TARGET: RR Bridge, Marsciano, Italy. DATE: 27 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 4 Lt Colonel Schwane led the formation. Bombs mostly in target area. Track cut W of NW approach with bombs concentrated in that area. Bridge did not appear to have been hit. No flak, no fighters. Lt Herbert returned early because of smoking engines. Lt Bsharah had a flat tire while taxiing.
A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” P Walker, Dale F., 1Lt Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, Commander CP Hipson, Robert Graham, 2Lt Smith, Richard H., Col, 321st BG Commander N None Dickerson, Claude M., 1Lt B Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt Robertson, Charles W., 1Lt E Jupin, John M., Jr., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Youngblood, Woodrow W., S/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Lanza, William A., Sgt Samsel, John C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Sampson, Allan T., 1Lt Sacker, John R. “Sad Sack”, 2Lt N None None B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Bober, John (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Bender, Thomas J., Pvt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64549 (early return) P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt N None B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt F None
Monday, 27 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “No one in the tent scheduled for a mission. Lewis & Hawkes still sick. Hung around tent all a.m. Meeting down at Group at 1425, all Bmbdr’s & Pilots. Got chewed out by the Colonel again, the outfit missed the target again. Tried to go to the show, but couldn’t get a seat. Hurley & Chudars returned from Telergma tonite. Wrote to Alice. Charlie is teaching our Italian mess boy how to speak English. Funny to hear them. Quite an argument about the North & South, Texas, etc., but all in good fun. Really enjoy these little arguments.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot Lewis, Vernon, 2Lt, pilot Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
447th BS War Diary: Flight training for the day was one cross country hop. Ground training consisted of training on the bomb-trainer. Orders assigning the following officers, flight officer and enlisted men has been revoked and reassigned to the 340th Bomb. GP.: 2nd Lt. John R. Lange (P), 2nd Lt. Charles D. Woods (B), F/O Kenneth G. Sparking (CP), S/Sgt. George J. Sanbella (RG), Sgt. Donald H. Pinkenton (EG) and Sgt. Robt. F. Lamparky (TG). Lamparky, Robert F., Sgt, tail-gunner Lange, John R., Lt, pilot Pinkerton, Donald H., Sgt, engineer-gunner Sarbello, George J., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Sparling, Kenneth G., F/O, pilot Woods, Charles D., Lt, bombardier
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 281/mission 280) Group Mission # 243: Seven of our planes, including one spare which filled in for one of the other squadrons, participated in a raid on a bridge north of Todi. The target area was well covered but the bridge was not hit. No flak or E/A. One crew returned from cross country.
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., Capt CP Heitman, William F., 2Lt Remington, Peter H., Lt Col, Hq 321st BG N None Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt B Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Ford, Leonard W., Sgt Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt R Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt G Bean, Robert W., Sgt Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt F None None
Monday, 27 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32505 A/C No. 42-64553 P Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Cloward, Glannin A., Capt CP Sparling, Kenneth G., F/O Lange, John R., 2Lt N None None B Wingrove, Allen E., 2Lt Woods, Charles D., 2Lt E Ellis, Francis R., Cpl Scarberry, Harold W., Sgt R Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”, S/Sgt G O’Neil, Gerald G., Sgt Burke, William H., Jr., Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-32449 P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Dean, Ivan E., 2Lt Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt N Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt None B Deane, George J., 1Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Sanbello, George J., S/Sgt Wilson, Max A., Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Fowler, Harold E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 P Stocking, Eugene E., 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt N None B McCormick, Daniel P., 1Lt E Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt G Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “14th mission, flew with Capt Bounds, bombed Todi Bridge, no flak.” Bounds, Thomas C., Capt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 281/mission 280) Group Mission # 243: Mission 198 (243). At 09:35 24 planes off to bomb RR bridge S of Marsciano at A- 685713 and 23 dropped 91 x 1000 bombs from 10,000 feet at 11:26. One returned early and the rest at 12:48. Escort 16 P-47’s. Bombs mostly in target area. Track cut W of NW approach with bombs concentrated in that area. Cluster of bombs short of SE approach, one string may have cut tracks there. Bridge did not appear hit. 20-25 cars at Attigliano. At Alfadena a convoy of 25 trucks heading SW. 12 – 15 trucks between Sulmona and Roccaraso. Weather: CAVU at target. Monday, 27 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 2Lt Greene, William A., 1Lt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt N Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Greene, Louis P., 2Lt E Mauder, Charles J., S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt G Silva, John P., S/Sgt Neuman, Robert A., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-87455 A/C No. 42-64514 P Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt CP Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt Myers, Harold C. “Casey”, 2Lt N None Olszewski, Henry (NMI), 2Lt B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt E Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), Sgt R Ernst, David L., Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-13195 P Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Riener, William F., 2Lt Rose, John B., 2Lt N None None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Wilkinson, Robert M., S/Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt Holt, Charles M., Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC
Tuesday, 28 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s knock out the bridge approach E of Perugia and bomb the railway junction and marshalling yard at Montepescali; B-25s bomb a railway bridge S of Mignano and viaduct to the SE, and hit Certaldo railway bridge; A-20s attack a tank factory N of Tivoli; P-40s strike guns in the Anzio area; guns, trucks, and roads during armed reconnaissance of the Cassino-Giulianello area; and supply dumps and truck parks near Velletri and Sora; A-36s attack 2 railroad bridges and tracks at Montalto di Castro and near Orvieto; and fighters carry out a patrol over the Anzio and Cassino areas. Moves in Italy: HQ 87th Fighter Wing from Caserta to Bastia, Corsica; and HQ 57th Fighter Group and 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons from Cercola to Alto, Corsica with P- 47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 282/mission 281) Group Mission # 244: Back to Perugia Railroad Bridge, 19 of our bombers found the flak waiting for them with the result that two of our planes were shot down and every plane in the formation holed. Lt. Jones was seen to make a controlled landing in Lake Trasinieno. Three chutes were seen to open from Lt. Edwards ship—the second to go down. Lt. Jones is from the 448th; Lt. Edwards, 447th. Photos show a scattered pattern of bombs falling east of the bridge with at least one direct hit on the tracks. Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS Jones, Truman R., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS ------321st BG: Mission No: 244 Date: 28 Mar 44 No A/C: 20 Squadrons: 445-5 446-4 447-5 448-6 Target: R.R. bridge Perugia Time Up: 1436 T.O.T.: 1635 Time Down: 18 at 1745 Axis of Attack: Principle: 45° Height: 11/11,500 ft. Planes Holed: 17 Bombs Dropped: 72x1000 Planes Lost: 2 – Plane #498, Lt. Edwards, pilot, 447th Squadron hit just after dropping bombs and seen to go down in flames and hit ground. 3 chutes observed, two open. Plane #552, Lt. Jones, pilot, 448th Squadron reported hit just after leaving target and making controlled landing near small island in Lake Trasinieno. Route: Base to N-7040, N-2568, H-0853, G-6291, A-9122, A-5378, target to R-7705, X- 0199, B-2806, G-6291 to base. Weather: Enroute and return: Clouds: 6/10 cumulus, base at 5,000, tops 10,000’ to Terni, from then on to target clouds nil. Visibility: Unlimited. Target: CAVU. Escort: 20 P-40’s Flak: At target: Heavy, intense, accurate in four gun salvoes from southwest of bridge along river and from batteries from west side of A/D and from northeast of town. Also from just east of Baschi and Orvieto, Heavy, meager and accurate. Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
Enemy Air: None Claims: None Results: Bombs reported scattered with hits on both east and west approaches to bridge with others short and over to east near road bridge to south. One report that west span of bridge was hit. Observation: 20/25 cars seen at Narni M/Yds. Flight Commander: Col. Smith Flight Leaders: Capt. McFadden, Lt. Crowell (Lt. Col. Remington) Number of Sorties: 19 (1 back early from over lines) Photos Taken MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------
Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: There was 1 plane on the practice bombing range while another shop was test hopped. Lt James O. Jackson, Asst. S-2 Officer, is acting unofficially as squadron athletic officer. There was a tent inspection held today which proved to be satisfactory. An order was issued to dig slit trenches today. Jackson, James O., Lt, intelligence
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 282/mission 281) Group Mission # 244: The mission today was to hit a target near Perugia. This place never fails to present a “hot” flak barrage and today’s mission was no exception. The raid cost the group two ships, but this squadron came through unscathed.
A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-32458 P Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, 1Lt 2Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt Swanson, Harry A., 2Lt N None None B Werner, Samuel, 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Chambers, Jimmie, S/Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None Abrams, Samuel, Pvt A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt CP Schweda, George J., 2Lt Gunder, William H., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt B Simpkins, Everett L., 2lt Wren, Frank J., 1Lt E Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Dillon, James A., S/Sgt R Johnson, John E., T/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Andrews, Lemar C., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-29985 (Spare) Gambler II” P Shyshka, Lubomir P., 1Lt Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt CP McLain, Damon I., 2Lt Hardman, Albert F. “Al”, Jr., 2Lt N Miller, Edward A., 1Lt None B Maughan, George W., 1Lt Yepez, Oscar W., 1Lt E Swingholm, Raymond J., Sgt Ceccucci, Harold A., Sgt R Pate, Harris B., Jr., S/Sgt Hall, Warren Francis, S/Sgt G Bellinder, John C., Sgt Semsker, Frank S., Sgt F None None
Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: A mission is flown.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 282/mission 281) Group Mission # 244: Squadron Mission 204 TARGET: RR Bridge, Perugia, Italy. DATE: 28 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 4 Capt. McFadden, 447th Sqdn. led the formation. Bombs reported scattered with hits on both E and W approaches to bridge. One report that W span of bridge was hit. Flak at target was heavy, intense and accurate. Seventeen planes holed. Lt Kerr returned early with engine trouble. Lt Jordan returned early because his Bombardier suffered a nose bleed. Lt Herbert also returned early because he had no element leader. Lt LeClair was a lead spare and filled in to complete the mission. A/C No. 41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ A/C No. 41-13200 Mama” P Cooper, Paul T., Capt Bsharah, Philip, 2Lt CP Holt, Noel P., Jr., 2Lt Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt N Franklin, Arthur E., 2Lt None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 1Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Shellhamer, Lawrence, Cpl Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt R Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt G Foley, Joseph M., Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt CP Vancil, Alfred E., 2Lt Goff, Leroy Robert, Jr., 2Lt N Dunn, Thomas B., 2Lt None B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt E Bober, John, Jr., Sgt Zelnick, John J., Sgt R Bender, Thomas J., Pvt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, T/Sgt G Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt Thornton, Edward P., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” (Early A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” (Early Return) Return) P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Jordan, Henry L., 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Gibbons, George H., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt Hughes, John Jerome “Jack”, 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., Sgt F None None Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64549 (early return) P Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Smith, Randell L., 2Lt N None B Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt E Meier, John H., S/Sgt R McArdle, Harry E., T/Sgt G Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), S/Sgt F None
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission today. Was going on a practice bomb w/Hawkes & Robertson, cancelled. In tent reading a stack of Minneapolis papers. Got a real kick out of “Lil Abner’s” take-off on Frank Sinatra. Good. Fairly cold today. Sacked awhile this afternoon. Heard the Group had a tough mission at Perugia today and lost 3 ships. In tent all nite reading. Nick, our Italian messboy, in for his nitely English class.” Hawkes, Leon R., 1Lt, pilot Robertson, Charles W., 1Lt, bombardier
447th BS War Diary: 5 ships participated in practice bombing. 2 pilots and 2 bombardiers spent an hour on bomb-trainer. Button, Ervine J., Lt, pilot McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt, pilot Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG, Commander
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 282/mission 281) Group Mission # 244: Six of our planes took off to raid RR bridge at Perugia. Lt. Seavey returned due to engines failure to pull enough power. Lt. Button returned when the tail of his ship was shot by his Radio Gunner while test firing. 4 planes went over target. Capt McFadden with Col. Smith as co-pilot led the Group. We missed the target. The bomb run was confused because the lead bombardier forgot to turn the PDI on. Lt. Edwards and crew were shot down by flak immediately after the bomb run and went down in flames and was seen to strike the ground. Three chutes were seen of which two opened. Lt. Edwards crew were: Lt. Abbott (CP), Lt. Snyder (B), S/Sgt. Harmer (AG), S/Sgt. Champlain (RG), and Sgt. Wise (EG). Report of bombing – fair.
A/C No. 41-13176 “Alley Cat” A/C No. 42-64553 P Button, Ervine J., 2Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt CP Kelley, James E., 2Lt Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Baldridge, Grant W., Sgt Collins, Clint R., Sgt R McFarland, John F., S/Sgt Shields, James B., S/Sgt G Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt Blalock, Joe T., Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None
Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” (MACR- A/C No. 42-64695 3518 - shot down by AAA) P Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, Capt CP Abbot, Fred E., 2Lt Smith, Richard H., Col, 321st BG Commander N None Olsen, Svend P., 1Lt B Snyder, John D., 2Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Wise, Albert, Sgt Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt R Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Richards, Charles M., PFC F None None A/C No. 42-64559 A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” (early return) P Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 1Lt CP Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt N None None B Fisher, Gerald E., 2Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Korzeniowski, Edward S., Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt Grant, James H., S/Sgt F None None
447th BS War Diary: Special Account: The Squadron suffered its 10th plane loss in combat today, on its 211th mission, which was a return visit to the Railroad Bridge immediately South of Perugia. Four of our planes went over the target, two having returned early with mechanical difficulties. The ship lost was “Dumbo”, No. 498 piloted by 1st Lt Lyle L. Edwards on his 28th mission. The following were his crew-mates: 2nd Lt. Fred E. Abbott, co-pilot (19th mission) 2nd Lt. John D. Snyder, Bombardier (22nd mission) Sgt. Albert Wise, Engineer-Gunner (11th mission S/Sgt. Robert S. Champlain, Radio-Gunner (7th mission) S/Sgt. Harry B. Harmer, Armor Gunner (47th mission) Lt. Edwards’ ship was #2, or right wing ship of the lead element in a flight of 12 that took off at 1436 hours and attacked the target from 11/11,600 feet, axis 45°, at 1635 hours. The formation drew heavy accurate flak all the way from the IP throughout an unusually long bomb run, becoming intense at the B.R.L. Lt Edwards’ ship was hit shortly after bombs away, as described in the following eye-witness accounts:
Capt. K.L. McFadden, pilot of #695, lead ship of first element: “About 35 seconds after bombs away, I felt a heavy concussion and a wave of heat in my face. I looked right and saw my right wing ship in flames from what appeared to be a direct hit in the Bombardier’s compartment. I veered left as the flaming ship went into a steep climb but still staying close to our formation. I saw the bomb-bay doors fly open and the Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued) wheels drop down. Col. Smith, flying as co-pilot, motioned me down and as we lost altitude, Lt. Edward’s ship rolled over our formation flaming over-all.” Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt, pilot McFadden, Kenneth L., Capt, pilot Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
The crew of ship No. 667 of the 445th Squadron: “Flak picked us up at the IP, but all hell broke loose after bombs-away: At about 12,500 feet altitude, No. 2 of the first element seemed to be hit by a 4-gun battery simultaneously, wrapping it in flames from nose to tail. It pulled up in a sharp loop, then fell over and down into a steep dive, burning fiercely amidship and around the left engine. As it spun in, the tail broke off, and the plane seemed to hit in the smoke of the target area. We saw one chute open at 8/9000 feet.”
Ship #509 of the 446th Squadron: “Saw a flaming B-25 hit the ground, three chutes came out.”
From ship #005 of 448th Squadron, Lt. Armstrong, pilot: “Three chutes were seen to come out; only two opened. Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt, pilot
From ship #655 of 448th Squadron: “Lt. Edwards ship blew up in a ball of fire, climbed about 200 feet, then fell down 2000 feet and seemed to explode again. Two chutes came out O.K., possibly one scorched. Another came out on fire.” 448th Squadron also lost a ship that was last seen apparently trying a controlled landing in Lake Trasinieno. The fact that the target results were only fair, and that the 340th Group also lost a ship when they preceded us over the target, made the day unprofitable as well as tragic. There was very little conversation at the evening meal, but an unspoken prayer in everyone’s heart that by some miracle all our friends had gotten out of the ship alive and safe.
447th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 4844:
A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” (MACR-3518 - shot down by AAA) P Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD CP Abbot, Fred E., 2Lt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD N None B Snyder, John D., 2Lt - KIA E Wise, Albert, Sgt - KIA R Champlain, Robert S., S/Sgt - KIA G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt - KIA F None
Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
Eyewitness Account: Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 447th BS
447th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 650 March 30, 1944 360.33-Edwards, L. L. & crew.
SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.
TO : Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C., (Thru Channels)
1. I was flying as tail-gunner in the first plane, first element, and the first flight. Lt. Edwards was pilot of plane 498 (42-32498 “Dumbo”) which was flying on our right wing.
2. Just after the bomb-run, I saw Lt. Edwards’ ship receive a direct hit and catch fire. Immediately after receiving the hit, it looked as if Lt Edwards intentionally pulled the ship up so as to get it out of the formation. As it went upward it seemed to reach its peak and exploded. At the time that it reached its peak and just before it exploded it turned over on its back. After the explosion, pieces of the ship could be seen flying about in the air.
3. I saw no parachutes come from the plane, however, the bulk of the aircraft passed from my view and it was impossible for me to see it crash.
MAURICE H. BECKHART, 39542777, Staff Sergeant. (Attachment to MAC Rpt, on Lt. Edwards and crew, dated March 30, 1944) ------
Eyewitness Account: Abrams, Samuel (NMI) "Sam", Pvt, gunner, photographer, 446th BS
447th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 650 March 30, 1944 360.33-Edwards, L. L. & crew.
SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report. Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
TO : Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C., (Thru Channels)
1. I was flying as photographer on the mission on March 28, 1944. After Plane 498 (42-32498 “Dumbo”) was hit, I saw a parachute open and then I looked back and saw another chute. I also saw a piece of fire pass my right side. It looked as if something light had been blown from the ship. It seemed to float right by. Then I watched one chute until it almost touched the ground. It seemed that they were shooting at him from the ground.
2. I did not see the plane explode.
SAMUEL ABRAMS, 32336572, Private. (Attachment to MAC Rpt, on Lt. Edwards and crew, dated March 30, 1944) ------
Eyewitness Account: Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt, gunner, 446th BS
447th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 650 March 30, 1944 360.33-Edwards, L. L. & crew.
SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.
TO : Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C., (Thru Channels)
1. On the mission of March 28, 1944, which was a Railroad Bridge at Perugia, Italy, I saw a plane in our flight which was the first flight, go down in flames. I could not tell the planes position in flight because I did not see it get hit.
2. It was after we dropped our bombs that I saw the plane going down burning but intact. I saw nothing leave the plane but I did see a chute going down. I saw tracers coming up from the ground which were intended for the chute. The chute landed first a few yards from the plane. I kept my eye on the chute all the way down.
3. The plane threw up a cloud of smoke when it hit. I could not see anything after that because of the action taken by the formation to avoid flak.
Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
LEO J. BEAUDWARE, 20107413, Staff Sergeant (Attachment to MAC Rpt, on Lt. Edwards and crew, dated March 30, 1944) ------
Eyewitness Account: Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS (Some time after RTD) CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Three Persons bailed out of the ship, myself, the co-pilot Lt. Fred E. Abbott and a third person of the crew who’s chute burned up on the way down. (third person is unknown) The ship exploded and I had no chance to check the welfare of the crew.
We received a direct hit from 88mm and most of the explosion went to the rear of the ship and I believe all the crew members in the rear of the ship were killed instantly. I believe the bombardier had a chance to bail out. Germans said Chaplain, Wise, Snyder, and Harmer were buried near Perugia, Italy. ------
Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 282/mission 281) Group Mission # 244: Mission 199 (244). At 14:36 20 planes off to bomb RR bridge at Perugia and dropped 72 x 1000 bombs from 11,000 feet at 16:35 and 18 returned at 17:45. 2 planes lost. Plane #498 Lt. Edwards, pilot, 447th Squadron hit just after dropping bombs and seen to go down in flames and hit the ground; three chutes see, two open. Plane #552 Lt. Jones, Pilot, 448th Squadron crew reported plane hit just after leaving target and making controlled landing near small island in Lake Trasinieno. 17 planes holed. Escort 20 P- 40’s. Bombs reported scattered with hits on both E and W approaches to bridge with other short and over E near road bridge to S. One report that W span of bridge was hit. Flak: Heavy intense, accurate and four gun salvos in SW of bridge along river and from batteries on W side of A/D and from NE of town. Also from Just E of Baschi and Orvieto, heavy, meager, and accurate. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Crowell. Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt, pilot
A/C No. 42-64552 (MACR-3507 - shot A/C No. 42-64655 down by AAA) P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 1Lt CP Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt Remington, Peter H., Col, HQ 321st BG N None Hough, William S., 1Lt B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Kreutz, Alfred W., 1Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt Kozik, Frank D., Sgt F Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC None A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Cooper, James W., 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Amo, Leo W., 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N None None B Kukorowski, Albert A., 2Lt Bond, Edward N., 2Lt E Thorsett, Clifford R., Sgt Sullivan, James G., Pvt R Lellis, Michael C., Pvt Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-87455 A/C No. 41-30125 P Huffman, Albert J., 1Lt Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt CP Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt Moyer, Emerson C., 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt E Jackson, Jewel D., PFC Hinton, Zane R., PFC R Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt Griffin, William C., S/Sgt G Holt, Charles M., Sgt Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt None Tuesday, 28 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Greene, William A., 1Lt CP Olson, Orin E., 2Lt N None B Greene, Louis P., 2Lt E Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt G Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt F None
448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 3507: (MACR unavailable)
A/C No. 42-64552 (MACR-3507 - shot down by AAA) P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt - MIA, POW, escaped, evaded enemy and RMC CP Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt - MIA, POW, escaped, evaded enemy and RMC Jun 44 N None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt - MIA, POW, escaped, evaded enemy and RMC E Currie, James L., S/Sgt - POW, escaped, evaded enemy and RMC R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt - POW, escaped, evaded enemy and RMC Jun 44 G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt - POW, escaped, evaded enemy and RMC F Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC - KIA
Wednesday, 29 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s attack Viterbo Airfield, causing considerable damage to the target; B-26s hit Leghorn and many small craft nearby. French B-26s attached to the Twelfth Air Force bomb Portoferraio on Elba; P-40s attack supply dumps and a bivouac area SE of Rome, a tank repair shop E of Rome and guns and supply dumps E of Velletri; P-47s cut lines at a railway overpass W of Rome while A-36s bomb harbors at San Stefano al Mare and Civitavecchia and hit nearby targets of opportunity; Spitfires, P- 40s, and P-47s patrol the Anzio battle area. Unit moves in Italy: 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, from Brindisi to Pone Olivo, Sicily with C-47s; 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group from Gerbini, Sicily to Brindisi, Italy with C-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Communications Log:
Target info: Length: 1600 feet. Width 1600 feet. Elevation 1000 feet. Axis 5°.
Bounds to Larson. “Inform all concerned that when running up engines to face toward the sea, because the 447th gets all the dirt and ash wash”.
0940 Wing to Larson. “Escort call sign changed to ELBOW. P-47’s high cover, P- 40’s for close support”.
0817 Tipton to Asbury. “Knapp leaving there at 1000”.
1410 Larson to Wing. “Flash mission report” . 445th A/C Status. 42-32333 “Lorelei” Oil cooler. 42-32458 Left engine change. 42-64659 X-C. 41-32202 “Idaho Lassie” X-C.
448th A/C Status. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” Sheet metal. 42-64519 S.G. Fuel cell change. 41-32125 Sheet metal.
1815 Slaughter called. “Operational Status of Squadrons: 445th, 5 A/C and 1 New H (43-4195); 447th, 7 A/C; 447th, 7 A/C; 448th, 9 A/C”.
Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
1820 Someone called and said it was the fighters who had radio on today.
A/C # 41-12963 (“Missouri Waltz”, 446th BS) set up for Colonel Smith (Richard H. "Red", Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander) for 0800 take off with CP and E”.
1930 Maj. Gale called. “Asked for results on today’s mission”.
1955 Lt. Morse called. “Wanted information on deal for tomorrow”. ------
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 283/mission 282) Group Mission # 245: 24 aircraft dispatched this date to the Viterbo Airdrome to knock out the enemy planes on the ground with fragmentation bombs. Some of the bombs were short; others were east and west of the target area. No planes destroyed. ------321st BG: Mission No: 245 Date: 29 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-7 446-5 447-6 448-6 Target: West Dispersal, Viterbo A/D Time Up: 1010 T.O.T.: 1200 Time Down: 1330 Axis of Attack: 15° Height: 11/11,500 ft. Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: None Bombs Dropped: 2622 x 20 lb frags and 32 x 250 lb rod fuse
Route: Base to N-1814, M-9032, M-2067, F-2062, F-3595, Target to A-5533, F-3595, base.
Weather: Enroute and return: Clouds: 2/10 cumulus, base at 5,000 ft., tops 8,000 ft. Visibility unlimited. Target: CAVU.
Flak: Position reported observed 3 miles east of Civitavecchia, shooting at 340th Group formation. Enemy Air: 3 E/A reported being attacked behind formation by P-47’s over target. Claims: None
Results: Largest concentration of bombs reported on east side of target area with other strings observed falling short, through area, and over to northeast with some just west of area. Some reports of bombs hitting in south dispersal area. Two explosions and several fires seen, with reports of two direct hits on revetments.
Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
Observation: Air-Ground: As many as 20 E/A reported on ground at Viterbo – both single and twin engine – dispersed mostly in south and northeast dispersal areas, booth in and out of revetments. 1 large plane reported as glider and other planes both black and silver in color. Several reports of planes on Furbara A/D, 15/20, mostly S/E with t T/E. One observation that they are wrecked. Ground: 10/15 cars on sidings just south of S Marinella on coast. 20 M/T reported on road heading west from L Vico. Dump area observed between two N arms of Lake Vico in clearing. 2 trains of 10 cars each and many individual units reported on siding at Capranica. Flight Leaders: Capt. Freeland, Capt. Neumann (Maj. Register) Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------
Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: Capt. Gaffney called a meeting for all ground officers. The new group commander was discussed at this meeting. There was a test flight flown and another plane was out on the bombing range. There was another tent inspection which also turned out okay. The weather today was very warm and sunny, quite reminiscent of sprint. There was softball practice in the afternoon as the aspirants for this sport loosened up rust muscles and bones for the oncoming season. There was a meeting held in the enlisted men’s mess where the prospects of the softball team and its participation in league completion was discussed. A volleyball court is now available to the enlisted men as the sports program is being expanded. Gaffney, Charles, H., Capt, Adjutant
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 283/mission 282) Group Mission # 245:
A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler II” P Crider, Claude M., Jr., 1Lt Neumann, Robert H., Capt CP Lyons, Lawrence L., 2Lt Register, Percy D., Maj N None Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt B O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt E Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt Dillon, James A., Sgt R Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt CP Cormier, Emery O., 2Lt Dickerson, Samuel M., 1Lt N None None B Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt Simpkins, Everett L., 2Lt E Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt Thibodeau, Leo J., Sgt R Wells, John R., S/Sgt Plott, John M., S/Sgt G Doswell, Richard (NMI), Sgt McGinley, Joseph B., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 41-29985 P Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 1Lt Hinsley, Maxwell D., 1Lt CP Schiff, Frederick (NMI), 2Lt Hardman, Albert F. “Al”, Jr., 2Lt N Smith, Raymond (NMI), 2Lt None B Souders, Walter E., 1Lt Yepez, Oscar W., 1Lt E Callister, Jack Roland, Cpl Ceccucci, Harold A., Sgt R Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Hall, Warren Francis, S/Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt Semsker, Frank S., Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt
Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” (spare) P Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt CP Wagner, Gerald W., 2Lt N None B Miller, Edward A., 2Lt E DeRose, Louis A., Sgt R O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt G Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt F None
445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 03/29/44: “Several days ago I took advantage of a long awaited opportunity to visit Bari. I went by plane with a Major Keller of the 340th Group. We got off course going down and came over the Adriatic coast at Brindisi from which point we flew north to our destination. The almond trees were laden with blossoms though a high cold wind made things very miserable. In the harbor were the half-sunken hulls of some of the ships that were victims of the German raid early in December. I went to town and found Griff at 15th Air Force Headquarters, which is located in a modern and beautiful building overlooking the waterfront. In the evening I saw the operetta “The Merry Widow” played by a group from His Majesty’s Theater in London. It was a first class show. I visited the WAC headquarters with Jack in an effort to find a girl, Jean Pratt, from Baker, OR whom Stan Gwilliam had written about. We were unsuccessful. I stayed that night with Jack at his barracks. The next day I returned to base with Capt. Becker of 447 Squadron whom I encountered at Airport Operations while waiting for Major Keller. The return trip was interesting as we flew at extremely high altitude over a solid cloud layer. However it was very cold and the air was extremely rough. Today we flew our first mission with wing racks. One ship dropped only two of its bombs in armed condition. We will increase our bomb load considerably on all future missions. My ship 508 has been transferred to the 340th Group.”
446th BS War Diary: Three officers and eight enlisted men go to rest camp at Capri.
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 283/mission 282) Group Mission # 245: Squadron Mission 205 TARGET: Viterbo A/D, Italy. DATE: 29 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: Frags. And 250 lb. (Wing Racks) 446th Planes: 5 Capt. Freeland, 448th Sqdn. led the formation. Largest concentration of bombs reported on E side of target area with other strings observed falling short, thru area and over to NE with some just W of area. Two explosions and several fires seen, with reports of two direct hits on revetments. Lt Hawkes returned early due to low oil pressure. Lt Herbert was a spare and returned early. Freeland, Levi B.., Jr, Capt, pilot, 448th BS
Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” A/C No. 41-13200 P Jordan, Henry L., 1Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt CP Gibbons, George H., 2Lt Ritger, Frederic Charles, 2Lt N None None B McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt E Kane, Ronald J., Sgt Britton, William W., Jr., Sgt R Bufkin, Francis P., Jr., S/Sgt Mitchell, John J., S/Sgt G Burrow, Isom F., Cpl Nemet, Michael (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” P Kerr, John C., 1Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt CP Smith, Randell L., 2Lt Mayfield, Estel Allen, 2Lt N None None B Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt E Smetana, Frank C., Jr., Sgt Jacob, Elmer A., Jr., PFC R McArdle, Harry E., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., S/Sgt G Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), S/Sgt Brown, Ronald M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” St. Joe” (spare) (early return) P Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt CP Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt N Chapman, John E., 2Lt None B Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Leonard, Malcolm B., Sgt R Green, Salem M., S/Sgt Harrison, Hoyt V., S/Sgt G Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt Lanza, William A., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 P Hunter, William Clark, Maj CP Wallace, Robert D., 2Lt N Kinney, John H., 2Lt B Mottley, John F., 2Lt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt R Todd, Alfred J., T/Sgt G Napoliello, Felix (NMI), S/Sgt F None
Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier (mission 11) “Pre-briefed 0900 T.O. 1010 Pilot: Jordan CoPilot: Gibbons Ship # 387 (Kay Girl) Alt 11,000’ Bombs: 22 clusters frags Target: Viterbo Airdrome (42° 25’ N - 12° 04’ E). Over target 1205, visibility far due to low, scattered clouds. P-47 cover. No flak or fighters seen over target. Coming from target, the 340th & P-47’s got fairly heavy flak from town of Civitavecchia. On landing got caught in propwash, threw us up on 1 wing. Got in ok. Pretty tired upon return. Meeting at Group, all Bmbdr’s @ 1830. Again give hell by the Colonel. Flying Time: 03:20 hrs” Gibbons, George H., 1Lt, pilot Jordan, Henry L., 1Lt, pilot Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
447th BS War Diary: Training for the day consisted of local transition, navigation, bombing and XC flight to Foggia. Some low level flying in fighter formation was started. Lt. Joe L. Beal appointed Squadron Athletic Officer. He started work on two volley courts and a softball diamond. Beal, Joe L., 1Lt, executive Stocking, Eugene, E., Lt, pilot
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 283/mission 282) Group Mission # 245: 7 ships took part in a raid on Viterbo A/D, Italy. Result of bombing – fair. Lt. Stocking led our flight.
A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 42-32449 P Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 1Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt Heitman, William F., 2Lt N None None B James, Robert M., 2Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Engels, Robert W., Sgt Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., T/Sgt Williamson, Myles O., T/Sgt G Tarra, Frederick J., Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64553 P Stocking, Eugene 1Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt N Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt E Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl Collins, Clint R., Sgt R Bilski, Walter J., S/Sgt Shields, James B., S/Sgt G Sabo, Julius (NMI), Sgt Blalock, Joe T., Sgt F None None
Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - Flak Magnate” P Seavey, George D., 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Swanson, Robert Harold “Swanee”, 2Lt Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt N None None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt Huffman, William C., 2Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Pierce, William H., PFC G Grant, James H., S/Sgt Burke, William H., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Murray, Richard E., 2Lt CP Christian, Calvin B., 2Lt N None B McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Wilson, Max A., S/Sgt G Fowler, Harold E., Sgt F None
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 283/mission 282) Group Mission # 245: Mission 200 (245). At 10:10 24 planes off to bomb W dispersal at Viterbo A/D and dropped 2654 frags from 11,000 feet at 12:00. All returned at 13:30. Largest concentration of bombs reported on E side of target area with other strings observed falling short, through area, and over to NE with some Just W of area. Some reports of bombs hitting in S dispersal area. Two explosions and several fires seen with reports of two direct hits on revetment. As many as 20 E/A reported on the ground at Viterbo, both S/E and T/E, dispersed mostly in S and NE dispersal area, both in and out of revetments. Flak positions reported observed three miles E of Civitavecchia shooting at 340th Group formation. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Freeland.
A/C No. 42-32427 A/C No. 41-30548 P Lyons, John B., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., Capt CP McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 1Lt N None Hough, William S., 1Lt B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt McRee, Malcolm B., 1Lt E Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt Mauder, Charles J., S/Sgt R Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None Wednesday, 29 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 41-13050 A/C No. 41-13195 P Hicks, John T., 1Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 1Lt CP Howard, Charles E., 2Lt Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt N None None B Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt Bond, Edward N., 2Lt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt Groome, Daingerfield M., Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 42-64514 P Kuykendall, James William “Kukie”, 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt CP Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt Myers, Harold C. “Casey”, 2Lt N None None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl Petit, Rene P., 1Lt E Schaffner, Clarence Donovan, S/Sgt Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt R Ernst, David L., Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Slafkes, Milton M., Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt None
Thursday, 30 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):
In Italy, B-25s hit the harbor at Leghorn and railroad bridge NW of Orte; P-40s and A-36s attack an ammunition dump NW of Roccasecca, trucks and supply dump NE of Tivoli and near Fumone and Gaeta, railroad bridges SE of Civita Castellana and NW of Stimigliano and Orvieto and motor transport N of Cori and at scattered points. 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, moves from Cercola, Italy to Alto, Corsica with P-47s.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)
HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 284/mission 283) Group Mission # 246: Assigned to attack the railroad bridge south of Orvieto, 24 aircraft found both the primary and alternate covered by overcast. 12 of the 24 dropped their bombs on a target of opportunity—the Attigliano Railroad bridge. No hits scored. Plenty of air activity with our formation being attacked by about 10 enemy planes. No casualties on our side but our gunners claim a FW destroyed and an ME-109 probable. ------321st BG: Mission No: 246 Date: 30 Mar 44 No A/C: 24 Squadrons: 445-6 446-6 447-6 448-6 Target: Orvieto R.R. bridge south (bombed bridge NW Orte, A-6234 as alternate) Time Up: 1003 T.O.T.: 1200 Time Down: At Foggia, Approx. 1350 Axis of Attack: 250 degrees Height: 10500 Planes Lost: None Planes Holed: 2 by E/S Bombs Dropped: 48 x 1000 Escort: P-40’s and P-47’s Route: Base to N-6052, to N-2452, to L-9585, to F-2162, to A-4818. Couldn’t pick up I.P., made a 180 degree turn in target area. Came back over A-6234 to sea and returned to Foggia Main via Naples.
Weather: At target area clouds 9/10 cover at 7000’ Flak: None.
Enemy Air: Formation attacked by from 6 to 15 E/A in two main waves from coast. 6/8 ME-109’s sighted just at coast going in didn’t attack. Near Viterbo 8 ME’s and 3 FW- 190’s attacked but were not aggressive and were driven off by fighters. After bombs were dropped 6/9 ME’s and 3/6 FW-190’s came in from both 6 &12 o’clock, above and below and weren’t aggressive after first pass although seemed experienced. Worked in teams of two or three usually from 6 o’clock with one coming in from above doing split S and diving, other climbing and breaking to right or left. Reports of rockets being used and 4/6 flak like bursts seen only smaller and with white smoke. First element of first flight not attacked and E/A seemed to know bombers fields of fire. ME’s reported to be black with blue underneath. FW-190’s were grey.
Thursday, 30 March 1944 (continued)
Claims: 1 FW-190 destroyed claimed by both S/Sgt James Dillon and Sgt Howard Luton – tail gunners. 1 ME-109 probably destroyed. Confirmation of fighters destroying one FW-190.
Results: No hits on bridge seen. Bombs over. Clouds obscured observation
Observation: Nine seaplanes lined up on beach just South of Cape Linaro. 11 T/E and 10/12 S/E planes on Furbara. 80 empty freight cars on siding just South of Cape Linaro.
Flight Leaders: Major Register (Capt. Neumann) and Capt. Cooper. Number of Sorties: 24 Photos Taken MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------
445th BS War Diary: A B-25 H was assigned to the squadron today and will be used for a cargo ship after it has been stripped of all its armament. There was a mail call and pork chops were served at supper. The men spent some time putting up a backstop and smoothing out the infield of their new softball field located just behind the area.
445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 284/mission 283) Group Mission # 246: Capt. Neumann led today’s raid which was to bomb Orvieto but due to poor visibility, the alternate target or target of opportunity had to be hit. Fighter attacks were encountered through the clouds and Sgts. York and Dillon claimed a FW 190 each. Due to the poor weather – 6/10 cloud coverage was experienced – the planes landed at Foggia and spent a cold, uncomfortable night in the Red Cross at that town.
A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-64529 Gambler II” P Neumann, Robert H., Capt Rigler, Edward J., 2Lt CP Register, Percy D., Maj, Commander Rygh, Malvin S. “Mal”, 2Lt N Casaburi, Robert Roland, 2Lt None B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Werrlein, Harry F., 2Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Malmberg, Russell H., S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt Wells, Joy E., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Doswell, Richard (NMI), Sgt F None None
Thursday, 30 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” Judy” P Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 1Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 1Lt CP Moore, Henry D., 2Lt Fischer, Franklyn R., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Yepez, Oscar W., 1Lt E Kitts, Gordon L., Sgt DeRose, Louis A., Sgt R Smith, Francis L. “Smitty”, S/Sgt O’Leary, John D., T/Sgt G Gallo, Dominic J., Pvt Harris, Charles W., Jr., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 41-29985 Joy” P Wilson, Victor H., Capt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 1Lt Schweda, George J., 2Lt N Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt None B Maughan, George W., 1Lt Brule, Gordon J., 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt York, Rufus (NMI), Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Kintly, James E., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Eiff, William C., S/Sgt F None None
446th BS War Diary: Lts. Bsharah, Herbert, Hurley, Matzinger and Walsh are given their silver bar. Bsharah, Phillip, 1Lt, pilot Herbert, John James, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Hurley, John R., 1Lt, pilot Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 1Lt, pilot Walsh, George F., 1Lt, pilot
446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 284/mission 283) Group Mission # 246: Squadron Mission 206 TARGET: Bridge NW of Orte, Italy. DATE: 30 Mar 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Major Register led the formation. No hits on bridges seen. Bombs over. Cloud obscured observation. No flak. Unsuccessful attacks made by three different flights of enemy a/c, but all were driven off. Airplanes landed at Foggia because of bad weather, and returned to home base next day. Lt Hurley returned early with a sick gunner. Lt Hawkes was a spare, and filled in to complete the mission. Register, Percy D, Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS
Thursday, 30 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64547 “Princess Paola” A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” P Walsh, George F., 1Lt Cooper, Paul T., Capt CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None Kinney, John H., 2Lt B Reynolds, Laverne E., 2Lt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 1Lt E Zelnick, John J., Sgt Shellhamer, Lawrence (NMI), Cpl R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Miles, Walter J., Jr., S/Sgt T/Sgt G Thornton, Edward P., Sgt Foley, Joseph M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” P Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt CP Mickel, Alan T., 2Lt Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt N None None B Rice, Sumner W., 1Lt Mexal, Gus J., 2Lt E Bellamy, Herbert E., S/Sgt Leonard, Malcolm B., Sgt R Maddox, Everett R., S/Sgt Harrison, Hoyt V., S/Sgt G Nemet, Michael (NMI), Sgt Lanza, William A., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-32403 “Alley Oop” P LeClair, Edward R., 1Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt CP Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt Hollingsworth, George K., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Wotkowicz, Frank J., 2Lt Johnson, Henry W., 2Lt E Bober, John (NMI), Jr., Sgt Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Leary, Edward M., T/Sgt Green, Salem M., S/Sgt G Bender, Thomas J., Pvt Casper, Henry G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) (early return) P Hurley, John R., 2Lt CP Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt N None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 1Lt E Smith, Cephus M., Jr., S/Sgt R Bove, Anthony P., S/Sgt G Larson, Ralph L., Sgt F None
Thursday, 30 March 1944 (continued)
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 17, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-20: 42-64547 “Princess Paola” Target: Bridge NW of Orte, Italy. Flying Time: 4:05 (29th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Not scheduled for a mission today but the rest of the boys in the tent are. Took a shower & shaved this a.m. Hung around tent all a.m. Got bomb trainer from 1500 to 1600. Played several games of volley ball right after dinner. A lot of fun. On bomb trainer for an hour, our illustrious Colonel is changing the entire procedure, wish he were back in Midland. 2 letters from Alice today. Went to show with Chudars, saw Kay Kyser in “Spring Fever”. Good. Started to write to Alice – didn’t finish it. Upon return from the mission, the boys landed at Foggia, the field here was closed in.” Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 1Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I’m feeling pretty good now and o.k. Most of the boys are o.k. McDonough and Cobbett are here with us now. They’re not in our Group, but the 340th Group they’re in is here by us now. Cobbett is swell, but McDonough is about like Nicklaus. Neither one of them looks very good. I think their nervous system is getting abut shot. McDonough seems to have lost lots of weight and so looks thin. I got the letter of your, the registered one with my R.O.T.C. time in it…The R.O.T.C. time won’t help me in promotions, but in abut 4 months will help out on my pay a little. Well, I can tell places I have visited here in Italy now. Also send postcards. I’ll send them tomorrow. I have visited towns like Taranto, Foggia, Salerno, Naples, Grottaglia, Lecce, Agropole, and Pompeii. I have also spent 9 days and 6 nights on the Isle of Capri. These are the best 9 days I have spent since I have been overseas…The Isle of Capri was wonderful and a beautiful place. This darned mountain over here or rather Mt. Vesuvius. You have heard it is erupting again. It is sure causing us lots of trouble. I’ll be glad when it’s over. It’s so darn dirty around here.” Cobbett, Stanley W., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG McDonough, John F., S/Sgt, gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG Nicklaus, George Edward "Nick", 1Lt, bombardier
447th BS War Diary: Today’s training consisted of local transition, XC flight, navigation flights and practice on the bomb trainer. Rations were sold today and everyone enjoyed candy and fresh cigarettes once again. S/Sgt. Glass returned from hosp. S/Sgt. Dressler went to hosp. Lts. Davidson, Adcock, S/Sgts. Escher, Orloff, Orzynski, Sgt. Smith, Cpl. Statham returned from Capri. 2 officers and 8 enlisted men left for rest camp at Capri.
Thursday, 30 March 1944 (continued)
Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt, bombardier Davidson, James C., 2Lt, pilot Dressler, Elmer P., S/Sgt, engineering Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt, gunner Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt, gunner Orloff, Sidney, S/Sgt, gunner Orzynski, Henry E., S/Sgt, gunner Smith, Leland H., Sgt, gunner Statham, Alvin F., Cpl, photographer
447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 284/mission 283) Group Mission # 246: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on Orvieto N. RR Bridge. None of our planes dropped their bombs due to an overcast. All planes in the group landed at Foggia Main, because this field was closed in. Lt. Wiginton led our flight.
A/C No. 41-30126 “Bull of Sahara - A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Flak Magnate” Done Crapped Again” P Tompkins, Howard D., 1Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Nettles, Forrest Truett, 2Lt Dean, Ivan E., 2Lt N None None B Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt Martin, Wayne R., 2Lt E Collins, Clint R., Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Shields, James B., S/Sgt Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt G Blalock, Joe T., Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-32505 P Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Dalley, Fenton M., 2Lt CP Martin, William H., Jr., 2Lt Kelley, James E., 2Lt N None None B Fisher, Gerald E., 2lt Wingrove, Allen E., 2Lt E Curry, Hughie L., Sgt Ellis, Francis R., Cpl R Korzeniowski, Edward S., S/Sgt Phelps, Jack L., S/Sgt G Sinclair, Ralph (NMI), Sgt O’Neil, Gerald G., Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-32449 Lady” P Wiginton, J. Maurice “Wigs”, 1Lt Cloward, Glannin A., Capt CP Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt Nall, John G., 2Lt N Lindell, Harold N., 2Lt None B Windler, John H., 1Lt Anderson, Sherman E., 2Lt E Gillies, Robert H., Cpl Scarberry, Harold W., Sgt R Mathews, William E., S/Sgt Vineski, Robert R. “The Reverend”, S/Sgt G Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt Burke, William H., Sgt F None None
Thursday, 30 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64559 (spare) P Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Bastin, Melville R., 2Lt N None B Huffman, William C., 2Lt E Morrissey, Raphael E., Cpl R Pierce, William H., PFC G Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt F None
447th BS: War Diary of: Rogowski, Edmund (NMI) “Butch”, Sgt, gunner: “15th mission, flew with Wigs, did not drop bombs at Orvieto bridge, fought off plenty of fighters.” Wiginton, J. Maurice "Wigs", 2Lt, pilot
448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)
448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 284/mission 283) Group Mission # 246: Mission 201 (246). At 10:03 24 planes off to bomb Orvieto RR bridge S (bomb bridge NW of Orte A-6234 as alternate) and dropped 48 x 1000 bombs at 12:00 from 10,500 feet. All down at Foggia at approximately 13:50. Escort P-40’s and P-47’s. No hits on bridge seen, bombs over, clouds obscured observation. Formation attacked by from 6-15 E/A in two main waves from coast. 6-8 ME-109’s sighted just at coast going in but did not attack. Near Viterbo 8 ME-109’s and 3 FW-190’s attacked but were not aggressive and were driven off by fighters. After bombs were dropped 6-9 ME-109’s came in from both 6 and 12 o’clock above and below but were not aggressive after first pass although they seemed experienced. They worked in teams of 2 or 3 usually from 6 o’clock with one coming in from above and doing split S and diving, others climbing and breaking from right to left. Reports of rockets being used and from 4 to 6 flak like bursts seen only smaller and with smoke. First element of first flight not attacked and E/A seem to know bombers field of fire. ME-109’s reported black with blue underneath. FW-190’s were grey. Claims 1 FW-190 destroyed claimed by both S/Sgt. James Dillon and Sgt. Howard Luton, tail gunner. One ME-109 probably destroyed. Confirmation of fighters destroying one FW-190. Weather: 9/10ths coverage at target. Dillon, James A., S/Sgt, gunner, 445th BS
Thursday, 30 March 1944 (continued)
A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Coffee, Robert D., 1Lt Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt CP Elliott, Floyd A., 2Lt Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt N Duncan, George F., 2Lt None B Petit, Rene P., 1Lt Bond, Edward N., 2Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Hajny, Zdenek (NMI), S/Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Jacobson, Fred (NMI), S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-13186 A/C No. 41-13195 P Lyons, John B., 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 1Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 1Lt Riener, William F., 2Lt N None None B McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Rippel, Nat (NMI), Sgt Hinton, Zane R., PFC R Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., S/Sgt Dilts, Robert E., S/Sgt G Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32427 A/C No. 41-30548 (spare) P Greene, William A., 1Lt Doyle, Edward J., 1Lt CP Rogers, Harry (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt N None Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 1Lt B Greene, Louis P., 2Lt Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt R Dean, Wilmer J., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Sgt G Neuman, Robert A., Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64655 P VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 1Lt CP Verkruysse, Emile D., 2Lt N None B McCue, William M., Jr., 1Lt E Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt Friday, 31 March 1944
USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather prevents completion of most Twelfth Air Force operations; P-47s carry out a sweep N of Rome, Italy.
HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission—weather.
445th BS War Diary: Lt. Kauric, bombardier, returned from Ballah, Egypt where he had spent a month learning added tactics in bombing. There was no mission today and the weary, hungry crew members returned from Foggia. This squadron’s crews were interrogated at the squadron S-2. There was 1 test flight and 2 transitions flown today. The weather was again ideal and there was softball practice and a few volleyball games in the afternoon. The men were paid just after chow in the enlisted men’s mess tent and then received luxury rations from 2 to 4 P.M. in the enlisted men’s club. There was a mail call just before chow tonight. A practice softball game was played just after chow tonight. There was a wild time in the clubs tonight. The enlisted men’s club had a jam session with hot records and plenty of champagne flowing. Kauric, William J., Lt, bombardier
446th BS War Diary: Pay day again with a big mail call in the afternoon. The Cairo visitors return to camp.
446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions
446th BS: Pilot Log of: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (mission 18, Co-Pilot) Pilot: Walsh A/C B-25C-15: 42-32494 “Peg O’ My Heart” Target: unspecified Flying Time: 1:00 (30th mission in MTO) Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot
446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Practice bomb mission @ 0900, with Hurley, Vivas, & Wilcox. T.O. @ 0915, the target was completely overcast, we flew around, buzzed the Isle of Capri – good job. Paid this afternoon. Meeting all Bmbdr’s at Group, @ 1620 – new trainer procedure outlined. Ration day. Finished letter to Alice. Rec’d a star for our campaign ribbon. Rec’d 2 letters from Mary Jane Carney of S’port. Answered. C. Burandt feeling good to-nite, a lot of fun. Wrote to Alice’s girl-friend – T/5 Dorothy L. Clark (504275), Gardiner Gen’l Hospital, Chicago, Ill. (Room #603). Flying time: 01:45 hrs.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, Capt, pilot Hurley, John R., 2Lt, pilot Vivas, Frank Paul, 1Lt, pilot Wilcox, Harry Bradway, Jr., 2Lt, bombardier
Friday, 31 March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: The planes on yesterday’s mission returned at 0900 from Foggia. No mission scheduled for today. The day was devoted to practice missions of which there were two. E/M were paid at 1330 and officers at 1700 today. The cletrac which was being used for rolling the athletic field was stolen late in the evening, when found it was almost tipped over in the back of the E/M area. Pvt. Arthur T. Shand asgd and jd from 350th Fighter GP. SO 79, Hq, 12th Fighter Command, 19 March. Pfc Thomas Downey and Pfc Herbert Held duty D.S. Capri Rest Camp. Downey, Thomas, PFC, transportation Held, Herbert B., PFC, gunner Shand, Arthur T., Pvt, photographer
448th BS War Diary: No Entry March 1944
HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1944
STRENGTH Officers------25 Enlisted Men------65
For the most part our missions this month were directed against the German lines of communication north of Rome. Railroad bridges and marshalling yards along the main Rome-Florence road received our particular attention and it got so that toward the end of the month our crews could almost fly blind to those particular localities and drop their bombs on dead reckoning. As a result of our and other Group efforts the Heinies have their backs against the wall regarding supplies and reinforcements and only by the greatest of ingenuity can they keep even a trickle going of the vast waterfall of material needed to keep Armies going. It wasn’t until the latter part of the month that we received any casualties when on the 28th over the Perugia railroad bridge our only 2 planes lost during the month were shot down. There is an excellent chance that the greater proportion of the men in those two planes got out alive. It was during the month that 22 clusters of 6 fragmentation bombs each were carried in each of our aircraft for the first time on combat missions. This increased our frag capacity more than 80% - another step toward the ultimate destruction of the Hun.
March also saw the departure from this Group of two of our original members – Col. Olmsted, Commanding Officer of the Group and Lt. Col. Cook, Commanding Officer of the 445th Bombardment Squadron. Col. Olmsted became the A-3 of the 57th Bomb Wing, our next higher echelon; wile Col. Cook, after 55 missions, went back to the states. Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Commander, 321st BG
Their places were filled by Col. Richard H. Smith, formerly of the 68th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, as the Group Commanding Officer and Major Percy D. Register, an ex-member of the North African Training Command as Commanding Officer of the 445th. Cool, crisp and decisive, Col. Smith immediately called a meeting of the combat crews and explained just what was wanted and expected of them. Register, Percy D., Maj, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
The Isle of Capri in close proximity to our base here at Gaudo presented an excellent location for a rest camp and about 40 men a week from this Group got there to realize the beauties of the famous isle for themselves.
March 1944 (continued)
March 15th represented a milestone for the 321st Bomb Group – their first anniversary of operations overseas. During that time almost two complete sets of crews and a part of the third were rotated back to the States. Our losses in combat amounted to .7 of 1%. Two of the original Commanding Officers of the Squadrons still remain – one, Col. Cook returned to the States; another, Major Bates, of the 448th was shot down December 1st, 1943 over the Chieti road bridge and has yet to be heard from. For 9 of the 12 months, Col. Knapp (now General) was the Commanding Officer. He was promoted to a higher echelon at which time Col. Olmsted, then Group Deputy Commander, took over the reins. Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Brigadier General, pilot, 57th BW Commander Olmsted, Charles T., Col, pilot, Commander, 321st BG
The Air Liaison Officer became a new and valuable member of this Group when we joined forces with the Tactical Bomber Force (TBF). His job is to keep in constant communication with our ground forces—to know their disposition as well as the enemy’s. Due to the extreme proximity of the bombline on most of the tactical missions, the information supplied to us by the ALO was invaluable. Shown here is the Royal Artillery Captain Abbott who has been with us since the latter part of December. Abbott, J. Roscoe, Capt, Royal Artillery, Allied Liaison Officer
March 1944 (continued)
MISSION COMPLETED
The lead plane of the formation coming in from a mission lands on the steel-matting at our Gaudo, Italy base. Wide enough for one plane, this strip is a big improvement on the mud at our last base—Vincenzo, Foggia. In the background is the 448th Squadron area— formerly a Baron’s estate. The large squarish building holds the mess, officers, and officers’ quarters. The plane to the left is a crash-landed Baltimore which was being dismantled when this was taken.
THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES
One afternoon early in March proved to be an epoch-making one for most of us when we received our first Coca-coal in over a year. Lt. Herman Kneisle, Gp. PX Officer was the most liked man around and all of his customers were satisfied. Many a hardened sergeant picked up his allotted bottles, gulped and walked away speechless, overcome by emotion. That’s T/Sgt Joe Buss getting his ration while Sgts Schroeder, Dixon, Rappaport and Pvt. Budowsky drool in the background. Budowsky, David, Pvt, communications Buss, Joseph J., T/Sgt, supply Dixon, Eugene E., Sgt, communications Kneisle, Herman N., 2Lt, communications Rappaport, Louis (NMI), Sgt, photographer Schroeder, William H., Sgt, communications
March 1944 (continued)
Our landing strip at Gaudo (20 miles by road south of Salerno) was of the “all-weather” variety and the plane parking areas had plenty of hard-stands. Three of the stands were reserved for Italian Air Force planes. Two of our most frequent visitors were Marshal Badoglio and the King of Italy. Shown here is the crew, with their SM-79 torpedo- bomber, of the Marshal’s. The engineer (right) was a frequent visitor to Group Operations for weather data.
THE RAID OF THE MONTH
March, 1944 This month the Group Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Peter H. Remington, selected the one mission that, from photo coverage and interpretation, has been outstanding during the month. This month’s selection:
ORVIETO MARSHALLING YARD Attacked: 19-Feb-44
NUMBER OF PLANES OVER TARGET: 24
RESULTS: (First phase interpretation)
1. Photos show that a heavy concentration of bombs covered the central and part of the south section of the marshalling yard. At the time of bombing there was a train of 38 units on the east side and one of 30 units on southwest side behind warehouses. A few other units were scattered throughout the yards. Nineteen cars on the east side were well covered, with bursts causing an explosion. 17 to 20 cars on southwest side were also well covered. Two buildings (warehouses) each 100’ in length and part of the station were hit. The bombs must have hit an ammunition train because a terrific explosion measures 420’ in diameter and corkscrew-like projections can be seen for a distance of 1700 feet. There was either a direct hit or near miss on highway bridge over stream south of the yards. March 1944 (continued)
“Bombs Away!” Taken over Orvieto one of these “calling cards” might well have done the damage shown below.
“Boom – Town” A terrific explosion resulted when one of the 321st bombs scored a direct hit on an ammunition train in the Orvieto Marshalling Yards.
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
Office of the Engineering Officer
20 March 1944
SUBJECT: Yearly Combat Engineering Report.
TO: COMMANDING OFFICER, 321st Bombardment Group (NM), APO #650.
1. Having completed one year of Combat Operations as of 15 March 1944, and through reference to the records compiled and maintained by this office, a brief resume of various difficulties encountered and accomplishments achieved by the Engineering sections of this organization is herewith submitted in report form for your information.
a. Arriving on combat location with fifty-nine (59) aircraft flown from the States, assignment and subsequent loss of aircraft since arrive, classified in their respective categories is as follows:
Aircraft Lost in Combat 34 Aircraft Lost by Fire (due to enemy action) 3 Aircraft Lost Belly Landings (due to enemy action) 4 Aircraft Lost for Salvage (not enemy action) 8 Aircraft Lost by Transfer (Groups & Commands) 52 Aircraft Lost – Cross Country & Transition 6 Total Aircraft Lost & Transferred 107 Total Aircraft Received & Assigned to Group during this period 130 Total Aircraft on hand at March 15, 1944 82
b. Engines Changed by Squadrons:
445th 446th 447th 448th 35 36 34 19
c. Hours Flown – Combat & Transition – by Squadrons:
445th 9,587 Hours 446th 9,424 Hours 447th 8,542 Hours 448th 10,395 Hours Total Hours Flown 37.948 Hours Time on Lost Aircraft 26,470 Hours Total Time for Period 64,418 Hours
March 1944 (continued)
d. Gas and Oil Consumption:
Total Gallons of Gasoline Consumed 9,662,700 Number of Quarts of Oil consumed 312,090 Number of quarts of Oil Used on Engine Changes 18,840 Total Quarts of Oil Used and Consumed 331,930
e. Monthly Maintenance Percentage of Aircraft in Commission:
445th Sq % 446th Sq % 447th Sq % 448th Sq % Mar 83.61 75.30 73.69 83.46 Apr 88.83 95.67 90.63 83.20 May 94.40 93.00 97.40 94.10 June 88.47 95.25 95.93 90.70 July 96.42 95.48 93.51 97.22 Aug 96.87 96.06 96.96 98.35 Sept 96.06 88.20 95.90 96.60 Oct 95.42 98.51 91.26 89.22 Nov 91.63 91.39 82.95 92.13 Dec 94.63 91.90 86.96 93.63 Jan 73.48 81.11 83.84 82.00 Feb 65.80 80.68 85.76 74.74 Mar 90.85 92.57 94.00 95.21
Avg. 88.91 % 90.39 % 89.13 % 90.04 %
Average for Group 89.62 % Average of Aircraft Assigned for month of July 96 Average of Aircraft Assigned for month of August 101 Highest Number of Aircraft Assigned at any one time 107
2. It was realized soon after entering combat operations that our T/PA and O.E.L. was insufficient in authorization as to equipment needed to keep aircraft operational, therefore the necessity for such equipment has led to the fabrication and manufacture of many items of useful equipment by the personnel of the Engineering, Electrical, and Armament Sections of this organization, all of which have helped maintenance facilities considerably. A number of such items are listed in detail as follows:
a. Stills for battery water b. Battery Chargers. c. Hydraulic Presses. d. Portable Welding Carts, with pneumatic tires. e. Portable Hydraulic Test Stands, for testing hydraulic equipment wile in aircraft. March 1944 (continued)
f. Test Stands for Intervalometars. g. Tow Bars, with special attachment for towing aircraft from main landing gear, permitting steering from nose wheel. h. Special Tire Changing Tools. i. Air Compressors, modified with pneumatic tires and mounted on trailers for use with portable work shops. j. Portable Work Shops. k. Mandrels, for use with Goodrich rivets. l. Special Wing Jacks.
A more detailed description of some of the above-noted items of equipment, together with Photographs, follows.
MODIFICATIONS OF EQUIPMENT
3. a. M-2 Tractor (Cletrac) One of the most useful pieces of equipment on which modifications have been accomplished is the M-2 Tractor, commonly known as the “Cletrac”. In addition to its ability to tow aircraft and compress air to high pressures, it will perform many other important duties when modified as follows: (1) A hoist and boom has been installed, which when used in conjunction with the existing winch, enables the tractor to lift heavy boxes, crates, and aircraft engines. (2) Modified with a radio receiver having the same frequency as the field tower permits the operator of the tractor to keep constantly on the alert at take-offs and landings, and in the event of an accident makes him readily available to tow damaged aircraft from the runway. (3) Runway flood-lights have been installed, enabling the tractor in an emergency to assist aircraft in locating the runway at night. (4) Modified with two twelve-volt batteries and special B-25 external power fitting, enables the tractor to start contrary aircraft engines during cold weather and when weak batteries exist. (5) This tractor is the property of the 446th Bombardment Squadron, and all of the modifications mentioned above were conceived and accomplished by its operator, Sgt. Leo F. Alton of the same unit. (See photograph No. 1 – attached.) Alton, Leo F., Sgt, engineering, 446th BS
b. C 1-B Energizer with 01-M Generator. This piece of equipment has been equipped with a reverse current relay and voltage regulator for charging batteries, at the same time utilizing the 110 volt output of the C 1- B energizer for other purposes. This modification was originated by S/Sgt. R. E. Western of the 446th Bombardment Squadron, and constructed by him with the cooperation of the squadron Engineering Section. The invention was necessitated by the fact that authorized March 1944 (continued) equipment at the time made no provision for the charging of 24 volt batteries. (See photograph No. 2 – attached.) Western, Ralph E., T/Sgt, engineering, 446th BS
c. C 1-B Test Stand with Hydraulic Test Unit. This test stand has a hydraulic test unit made up and attached. The entire material was gathered from salvaged aircraft, improvised and attached to the test stand for the purpose of checking all valves, gauges, lines for breaks and leaks. The hydraulic testing unit is arranged to pump up by hand up to 1200 pounds pressure. The entire modification was the original idea of T/Sgt. William Mioduszewski, of the 446th Bombardment Squadron. (See photo No. 3) Mioduszewski, Wallace (NMI), T/Sgt, engineering, 446th BS
d. Portable Hydraulic Test Stand. This unit was made up from a prop-feathering motor and an ordinary gear-type hydraulic pump. This pump will operate from a 24-volt battery or a C-10 energizer. It will operate efficiently up to the pressure required for operating landing gear and all hydraulic systems in the aircraft. This unit is portable, being readily transported by one man from location to location. The equipment performs everything that a regular test set will do, and is connected directly to the aircraft system, using fluid from the reservoir of the aircraft itself. The entire set was devised by Sgt. Munstein and Sgt. Nagy of the 447th Bombardment Squadron. (See photographs Nos. 4 & t – attached) Munstein, Charles Allen, Sgt, engineering, 447th BS Nagy, Eugene R., Jr., Sgt, engineering, 447th BS
d. Tire Changing Tool. Due to the numerous difficulties encountered in the changing of aircraft tires with the authorized tools provided for the purpose, it was necessary to devise some more practical means. The tools shown in the attached photos are the invention of M/Sgt. Baldridge of the 447th Bombardment Squadron, and were fabricated from sections of a steel fence salvaged from the British. Although extremely simple, both in construction and operation, they have proved completely effective in the saving of much time and labor. (See photographs Nos. 6 & 7 – attached.) Baldridge, Walter M., M/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 447th BS
MODIFICATIONS OF AIRCRAFT
4. A majority of the B-25 aircraft delivered to this area were not modified n many respects for combat operations. Many necessary modifications were fabricated and accomplished by the Engineering Sections of this organization on assigned aircraft, namely:
March 1944 (continued)
a. Oil Tank Installation. This modification was deemed necessary as an additional safety measure, the process of which included the removal of both original metallic oil sumps, and replacing same with self-sealing types of sump. The oil heater plug was removed and replaced by a plug of local manufacture, since the heater unit was not necessary in this theatre of operations.
b. Oil Sump Stand-Pipe. The absence of the original standpipe installation for providing a reserve supply of oil for feathering the propeller was immediately noted on replacement aircraft assigned to this organization. This standpipe was extremely important, due to the fact that the oil line could accidentally be severed, causing all oil to be pumped overboard and thus making it impossible to feather the propeller. This condition would make it necessary for the aircraft to make an emergency landing with the propeller “windmilling” the engine, usually resulting in the necessity of changing engines. The trouble was remedied by a modification which consisted of the extension of the existing standpipe to six (6) inches in length, the blocking of the former oil line from sump to feathering pump, and the relocation of an oil line from sump to feather pump, and the relocation of an oil line direct from the sump to the prop-feathering pump, said line being sufficiently lower that the stand-pipe level to give the needed reservoir of oil for operation of the feathering pump, even though all oil above the standpipe level had been accidentally lost due to a severed oil line. This installation in several instances has saved engines, and probably the lives of many flying personnel.
c. Lux Fire Extinguisher Systems. In most instances, replacement aircraft arriving in this theatre for assignment to this organization were without fire extinguisher systems for extinguishing engine fires while in flight. The urgent need for this sort of protection necessitated the modification herein described, which was the result of the collaboration of all the Engineering Sections of the squadrons and the Group Engineering Sections of the squadrons and the Group Engineering Office. Two (2) type A-12 CO2 bottles were installed on the floor in the rear section of the Navigator’s Compartment, to be operated in flight by the Navigator by means of short flexible cables leading from each bottle. Aluminum tubing 5/8 inch in diameter and connected by “Parker” fittings runs from the CO2 bottles, through the landing edges of the wings to each engine, where similar tubes encircle the engine, ending at the carburetor. Holes 3/32 inch in diameter, four inches apart, are drilled in the encircling tubing. All of the necessary material for this installation was obtained from salvaged aircraft, and the modification has proved to be an important safety factor, resulting in the saving of many aircraft and engines for this organization.
March 1944 (continued)
d. Armor-Plating of Co-Pilot’s Seat. The co-pilot’s seat in B-25 C & D aircraft, being only half-size and with a minimum of armor plate necessitated the installation of additional protection at this point. Photographs attached, marked Nos. 8, 9, & 10 show a practical method of furnishing this protection with the least possible work and material. Further detail is shown by the photographs, identified as follows: (1) Side view of installation, showing protection furnished. (2) Back view, with hinged escape door open. (3) Back view, with escape door closed. This modification was suggested, and the first installation made, by the Engineering Section of the 448th Bombardment Squadron.
e. Modification of Waist-Gun Mount & Window: Photographs attached show mount, inner bracing, and plate on which mount is fastened. The mount shown is adoptions of the originals fabricated at the Macon modification center, and were manufactured from drawings made by S/Sgt. Joe H. Linn, Headquarters Section, 321st Bombardment Group. The actual fabrication was done at Casablanca under the supervision of the Group Engineering Officer. The inner bracing and window was originated and fabricated by the Engineering Section of the 447th Bombardment Squadron, with the collaboration of the Group Engineering Office. Two of the photographs show outside views of waist gun installation, from its inception, was the original idea of personnel of the 321st Bombardment Group, and has since been adopted by all modification centers throughout this theatre. (See photos Nos. 11, 12, & 13) Linn, Joe H., S/Sgt, engineering, HQ 321st BG
5. Included as a supplement to this report and made a part hereof, is an interesting record of the performance of one of our older planes. This account, entitled “The Sophisticated Lady”, is representative of a great many of the aircraft flown by this organization from the United States, and gives a graphic picture of the combat history of the 321st Bombardment Group (M).
6. In conclusion, it is hoped that the foregoing report will prove both helpful and beneficial to all before whom it may appear, and any further details in connection with any point mentioned will be gladly furnished by the Group Engineering Office.
E. C. Bell, Captain, Air Corps, Engineering Officer Bell, Ernest C., Capt, Engineering Officer
March 1944 (continued)
“The Sophisticated Lady”
“The Sophisticated Lady”, bearing the official Air Corps Identification Number AC 41-13181, is a B-25 airplane, which when combined with her combat crew members and ground personnel, provides an illustrious example of the superior types of machines and men the United States can produce. During her twelve months in combat, she has achieved the distinction of having participated in one hundred and twenty one (121) bombing missions during six hundred and eighty eight hours of flying time, of which five hundred and thirty hours were combat flying time, and dropped more than two hundred thousand pounds of destruction on enemy objectives. She has created this combat record, not by spectacular stabs at the enemy, but by many deliberate and successful bombing runs over enemy targets while under the skillful control of the original pilot, First Lieutenant Jack M. DeMoss, and the present pilot, First Lieutenant J. Maurice Wiginton. Lieutenant Wiginton and his crew were assigned to the “Sophisticated Lady” after Lieutenant DeMoss’s crew and subsequent crews had completed their combat tour and returned to the United States. The “Lady” has retained an almost perfect maintenance record, failing to qualify for a mission only once due to a double-engine change, which was made after her original engines had incurred 460 hours flying time. This maintenance was not due to critical malfunctioning of the engines, but to insure the peak performance which is essential in a combat airplane. She has had no occasion to utilize her many emergency operating systems, since she has never experienced a hydraulic failure. The “Lady’s” pink skin has been marred only seven times by enemy gunfire, and the resultant holes were nothing that could not have been covered by tin from a tobacco can. On only three occasions did damages approach a serious nature. The first occurred when a small calibre bullet pierced the outer wing training edge and narrowly missed severing the aileron control cable, the second when a bullet from an enemy fighter entered the upper turret dome and amputated the lower section of the turret operator’s left ear. All other damages inflicted by enemy gunfire were of no consequence with the exception of a small piece of shrapnel which entered the nose gun ammunition box, and exploded a few rounds of ammunition at the bombardier’s side. Although the “Lady’s” record of one hundred and twenty one combat missions has been accrued with rather an uneventful career, it is a mistake to assume that she has shirked her duty as a topnotch worker, because she has definitely played a superb part in the drama to gain air superiority over the Axis in this theatre. The “Sophisticated Lady” was assigned her original crew in February, 1943, just prior to the flight overseas. The crew consisted of: Pilot, First Lieutenant Jack M. DeMoss, Kansas City, Missouri; Co-Pilot, Second Lieutenant Charles Hoffman, Newport, Kentucky; Bombardier, Second Lieutenant Andy K. Garrett, Abilene, Texas; Engineer-Gunner, Staff Sergeant Edward Joseph, Hammonton, New Jersey; Turret- Gunner, Private First Class Robert Smith, Macon, Georgia; and Radio-Gunner, Technical Sergeant John Hofstedt, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew escorted the “Sophisticated Lady” on an uneventful flight overseas to her first combat base in North Africa via the southern ferry route along the east coast of South America and across the South Atlantic, landing at an airbase near Oran, Algeria. March 1944 (continued)
The bombardment group to which the “Sophisticated Lady” was assigned was then consolidated and moved to a base nearer the North African combat area. From this base, the “Lady” initiated her combat career by participating in bombing missions over various enemy airfields in North Africa. These missions were succeeded by raids on Sardinian harbors at Carloforte, Olbia, and Cagliari. Missions within the next few weeks included seven low sea sweeps over the Mediterranean Sea in search of enemy shipping. These missions proved extremely dangerous, since they were executed at deck level against the boats which invariably carried an abundance of armament manned by experienced gunners. After two raids on the marshalling yards at Mateur, in North Africa, and attacks on airports at Villacidro, Sardinia, the “Sophisticated Lady” then flew seven missions over the island of Pantelleria to share in the annihilation of the island by air power. Succeeding missions were aimed at the Sicilian Targets of Licata, Bo Rizzo, Sciacca, Gerbini, Biscari, San Pietro, Caltanissetta, Palazzolo, Messina, and Milo Airdrome.
During the foregoing raids, the “Lady’s” home base was advanced periodically, so as to permit closer coordination with Allied Forces and shorten the striking distance to enemy objectives. The mass bombing of Rome on July 19th marked the beginning of large-scale raids on Italy by the “Sophisticated Lady” and her associates. During the following weeks, Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew flew through flak and fighters to bomb the Italian targets of Naples, Monte Corvino, Crotone, the marshalling yards at Catanzaro marina, marina di Paolo, Benevento, Cancello, Lauria, and road junctions at Potenza, Ariano Irpino, Baronissi and Isernia. Airdromes at Minturno and Practica di Mare were also hit by the “Lady”. The Practica di Mare raid completed fifty combat missions for Lieutenant DeMoss and his crew and they were replaced by new combat crewman. The new crew continued operations by bombing Grecian airdromes at Argos, Salonika, Athens-Eleusis and Athens-Kalamaki airdromes. On the Kalamaki raid, the turret gunner was credited with dropping an enemy ME-109 by fire from the “Lady’s” upper gun-turret. The “Sophisticated Lady”, under the guidance of her new crew, also executed missions over Tirana Airdrome in Albania. Targets at Skoplje, Nis, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Sibenik were also hit by the unrelenting and yet sophisticated “Lady”.
And so, “The Sophisticated Lady”, under the latest guidance of her present crew: Pilot – First Lieutenant J. Maurice “Wigs” Wiginton; Co-Pilot – Captain Glannin A. Cloward; Bombardier – First Lieutenant Claude F. Jones; Engineer-Gunner – Corporal Robert H. Gillis; Radio-Gunner – Staff Sergeant William E. Mathews; and Turret-Gunner – Sergeant Edmund Rogowski; continues to fulfill her required assignments of combat routine from the home base, which is now located in Italy. Technical Sergeant Arthur Hasler, know as “Sitting Bull” by his buddies, has served as the “Lady’s” crew chief since she entered combat. He is justly proud of the “Sophisticated Lady’s” maintenance record and states that she is as good as the day she was born, and just as eager.
March 1944 (continued)
“BOBCATS”
ST 321 bombardment group (M)
Note: The raid pictures exhibited herein are not necessarily the best missions in our year old career. These were selected as “OUTSTANDING” from pictures and bombfall plot negatives now in our photographic files.
Edited and reproduced by 321st Photo Section.
March 1944 (continued)
“BISCARI/SAN PIETRO A/D” 6 July 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 36 (dropped 268 x 300 lb bombs)
FORMATION LEADER: Lieutenant Harold M. Bailey, 446th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: With the conclusion of the Tunisian Campaign imminent, the Germans moved most of their planes to their well organized network of air bases in Sicily. One of those bases was the Biscari/San Pietro airdrome. Steadily declining in importance since those hectic days of the Tunisian Campaign as a result of heavy German fighter losses while offering resistance to our myriad raids on Sicily, Biscari still remained as an excellent landing ground when needed. With the invasion of Sicily only four days away the presence of such an airdrome in close proximity to a possible landing party would be a definite threat against any action on our part. Placed in our hands was the responsibility for rendering the field unserviceable and demolishing its installations.
INTERROGATION REPORTS: Almost all the bombs dropped on the field. Results were excellent. The buildings in the northeast and northwest corner also hit. One JU-52 taking off believed hit.
PHOTO INTERPRETATION: Landing area very well covered. Several hits scored on administration buildings and quarters in northwest corner. None of eleven active aircraft in dispersal areas hit but fuel and munitions stores in northeast corner were fired.
DEFENSES: None.
March 1944 (continued)
“THE SEA SWEEP” 30 April 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 18 A/C (dropped 60 x 500 and 48 x 300 lb bombs)
FORMATION LEADER: Lt. Col (then Major) Bailey C. Cook, 445th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: Our Group, then stationed at Ain M’Lila, Algeria, had an advanced echelon stationed at Souk el Arba. Their purpose was to attack Axis shipping in the Sicilian Straits and around Cape Bon. Every type of vessel that could be mustered by the Nazis was seeing service in attempts to bring emergency supplies to their almost isolated troops. Also a mass evacuation was imminent as evidenced by new jetties along the coast of the Cape. Our crews were briefed for a sea search in the vicinity of Tunis Harbor.
TARGET: Two destroyers (one larger than the other) were sighted heading WNW, south of the tip of Cape Bon.
RESULTS: The vessels, estimated speed: 35/40 knots, immediately began VIOLENT EVASIVE ACTION. Our planes were at 8000 feet when their bombs were dropped on the larger vessel which was then located about three miles SE of Cape bon. Several direct hits on the bow, amidships, and stern were scored, with several near misses recorded. The ship was left burning fiercely, belching black smoke and appeared to be sinking.
AIR ACTIVITY: Six ME-109’s and a FW-190 attacked the formation immediately after “Bombs Away” of which one ME-109 was destroyed by our gunners.
FLAK: Light and generally inaccurate from the ships damaging one of our planes.
March 1944 (continued)
“CANCELLO M/Y, FACTORY & STORES DEPOT” 2 September 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 72 A/C (dropped 415 x 500 pounders)
FORMATION LEADER: Captain Frank J. “Grif” Griffith, 446th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: On the eve of the invasion of Italy from Sicily by the 8th Army, disruption of the enemy lines of communication necessary to a proper defense in the southern sector became our primary objective. The Cancello M/Y was the terminal for supplies from the Rome area as well as from the east coast and the store depot there became one of the main distribution points for the supplying of the 14th Panzer Corps in the Gaeta area and XIX Corps in the Naples region. We bombed Cancello on August 28th with poor results and were anxious to atone for that raid by sending 72 aircraft this date to demolish the place if possible.
INTERROGATION REPORTS: Coverage was excellent, only a few bombs falling outside target area. Marshalling Yard was completely covered from north to south choke points. Rolling stock, stations and shed hit resulting in numerous fires, explosions, electrical display, and clouds of black smoke. Stores depot and factory well hit. One MA-202 destroyed, exploded and crashed in water.
AIR ACTIVITY: 1. One green P-38, red spinner, U.S. markings, white cross, fired on formation. 2. At 1345 about fifty miles off coast, 5 single engine enemy aircraft slid in on deck from five o’clock, below the 13 escort planes. Fired shells which burst 40/50 yards short with red flash and black smoke resembling flak. Flame 5/6 feet long seen from enemy aircraft guns. Closed to close range firing tracers and peeled off after one pass, when attacked by escort. One shot down by bombers.
FLAK: Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from target, heavy, moderate, accurate from Ischia Island.
PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE: The railroad lines were blocked and all activity stopped.
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“CAPUA AIRDROME” 6 September ‘43
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 60 A/C (dropped 347 x 500 lb bombs)
FORMATION LEADER: Lt. Col (then Major) Bailey C. Cook, 445th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: Three days prior to the Salerno landings the Axis bigwigs were becoming increasingly dependent on the Capua Airdrome as a base for a large portion of their fighter strength. This Group, with their 500 pounders, was one selected to place that airdrome out of commission. There were 51 aircraft on the field when our bombers came over.
INTERROGATION REPORTS: Airdrome was well covered by this and preceding group. Hits were scored on hangars and on aircraft in front of hangars. One very large fire seen in buildings and smaller fires on field believed to be burning planes. Hits also made among planes in north and south dispersal areas.
PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE: 140 craters and bursts scored on landing area. Shed and barracks received direct hits; barracks half consumed by fire and still burning. One hangar received direct hits and is burning. Fire burning on north perimeter of field. An assembly hangar was hit and the roof blown off. Reconnaissance photos show the fuselages of 13 uncompleted aircraft destroyed in this building.
DEFENSES:
FLAK: Heavy, moderate, and fairly accurate at target; also before and after target.
LOSSES: None.
FIGHTERS: None
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“HIGHWAY AND RAILROAD NORTH OF POTENZA” 9 September ‘43
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 54 A/C (dropped 318 x 500 pounders)
FORMATION LEADER: Captain John P. Burns, 447th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: Italy had surrendered on the 8th of September. It was expected that the Germans would have to do some rapid reshuffling of their troops in Southern Italy using all highways and railroad facilities available in that area. Potenza was the center of the Axis communications at that time and would have to be attacked. Also an Allied amphibious attack was scheduled for September 10th in the Taranto sector toward which the main road from Potenza led.
SUMMARY: The attached bomb-fall plot gives an accurate description of the damage done. The following is submitted as a matter of interest by Lt. Joe Page of the 448th Bomb Squadron who visited relatives in Potenza in January 1944. “In a talk with an inhabitant of the city of Potenza who was a captain in the Italian Army during World War I, it was learned that Potenza was first bombed on the morning of 9 September 1943. He recalled that the formation was composed of two-engine bombers. The people in the city were horror stricken and were caught completely unaware. They had just been celebrating the recent announcement of the unconditional surrender of Italy and when the planes were seen overhead only a few took cover because they believed they were Allied planes merely passing over.” “In all Potenza was bombed 14 times—both by the American twin-engine and four-engine bombers and, when the city was occupied by the Allies, by German planes.” “The formation on September 9th morning found its mark—the marshalling yards and such serious damage was inflicted on the tracks, passenger and freight station, and surrounding buildings that even as late as January 1944 the damage had not been repaired. A hospital which was situated on a slight rise just north of the marshalling yards was hit and considerably damaged by a few of the bombs as they went across the target. In January a part of the hospital was being used by a British hospital unit.” “It is estimated that in the 14 raids, 400 inhabitants of Potenza were killed and 1000 injured. A large number of buildings in the city were damaged by the bombings and several buildings which were housing soldiers completely destroyed.”
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“ROAD, RAILROAD, AND BARRACKS AT EBOLI” 14 September 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 31 (dropped 177 x 500 pounders)
FORMATION LEADER: Captain William H. “Mort” Morton, 447th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: It was the fifth day of the 5th Army beach-head at Salerno and they were having a tough time of it. The attacks of our entire Air Force were accelerated against the Italian communications to impede German reinforcements and retreats in that area. Photographs of raids during this period, of tangled highways and rail nets bore out the statement attributed by the press to Marshall Badoglio that Italy had become helpless against invasion. Eboli, a key communication and troop concentration point of the Germans, was among the hardest hit of these targets.
VISUAL OBSERVATIONS: Crews reported German artillery firing on our land-barges at “the Beach”. At the target they saw our bombs smothering the underpass and hits on barracks, railroad, and road. One large and several smaller explosions and clouds of black smoke also observed.
DEFENSES: No fighters and slight inaccurate flak.
PHOTO INTERPRETATION AND RECONNAISSANCE: Road underpass, railroad and highway received concentration of hits—three craters and other bursts are visible off railroad. Two direct hits were scored on highway at underpass. Entire area is covered with smoke and explosions making actual count of hits impossible. West section of barracks at underpass hit. South of town received heavy concentration of bombs hitting and firing the buildings. Very few bombs fell outside the target areas. In addition to road and rail damages, at least 17 barracks were destroyed in one area and another barracks were destroyed in one area and another barracks area was wiped out entirely.
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“PRACTICA DI MARE” 17 September 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 60 A/C (dropped 216 x 250 and 254 x 300 pounders)
FORMATION LEADER: Lt. Colonel (then Major) Henry H. Schwane, 446th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: After two weeks of steady pounding by Allied bombers of their communications system, the Germans became desperate in their attempts to rush reinforcements and vital supplies toward the Salerno front. The highways and railways were for the most part blocked and with our warships patrolling the Tyrrhenian Sea, air transport became the only possible method of transport. Practica di Mare landing ground at this time assumed a new importance and the large number of transports including DFS- 230 Gliders indicated the use of this base as a terminal for the landing of those fresh troops and other reinforcements. On the day selected for the attack there were 134 aircraft present on the field and is dispersal areas.
INTERROGATION REPORTS: Extremely good coverage with very few bombs falling outside the target area. Strings of bombs fell through the dispersal areas, among parked aircraft resulting in one explosion and 9 fires. One JU-52 took off successfully but three others failed. Starting strip and field was well covered apparently rendering the field unserviceable. Six fires, one large, believed to be gasoline dump, seen from preceding group’s attack.
FLAK: Heavy, intense, accurate. 13 aircraft holed.
PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE:
AIRCRAFT PRESENT AIRCRAFT DESTROYED
DFS-230------52 16 Enemy Aircraft JU-52------30 JU-88 & HE-111------29 PROBABLY DESTROYED Fighters------23 Total----134 8/10 Enemy Aircraft
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“BENEVENTO ROAD BRIDGE” 24 September ‘43
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 36 A/C (dropped 98 x 1000 lb bombs)
FORMATION LEADER: Captain Merle H. Culp, 448th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: During the latter part of the week of 18/9/43, in order to surround the bulk of the Nazi Army with a ring of transport blocks which would interdict help from without and escape from within, the main force of our air power was concentrated on road junctions, bridges, and other bottlenecks north and east of Naples. Our group was chosen to destroy the main highway bridge across the Calore River north of town.
INTERROGATION REPORTS: First flight reports direct hits on bridge after which target area could not be observed. Hits reported on North and South approaches to bridge and on south edge of town.
PHOTO INTERPRETATION: Early pictures show 3 direct hits and 4 near misses on the bridge. Bomb strikes are hidden by smoke and explosions on later photos but entire area surrounding the bridge is covered with bursts. One of the roads leading into the North approach of the bridge received two direct hits and two or three near misses.
DEFENSES:
FLAK: Heavy, intense, accurate at target. No aircraft hit.
LOSSES: None.
FIGHTERS: None
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“NIS MARSHALLING YARDS” 20 October 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 36 A/C (dropped 283 x 250 lb bombs)
FORMATION LEADER: Lt. Colonel (then Major) Henry H. Schwane, 446th Bomb Squadron
LOSSES: No planes lost.
DAMAGE REPORT (BY 3rd PHOTO GROUP): Serious damage has been caused to NIS Marshalling Yards and railroad installations, particularly the south sidings. Damage is listed in detail below.
South Sidings: 1. A cluster of eleven bomb craters has completely cut the bottleneck at the eastern end of the South Sidings. Two of these bombs appear to have made a direct hit on several wagons which are now lying across the tracks. 2. Four hits on a group of approximately forty wagons at the east end of the South Sidings destroying or damaging the majority. A locomotive at the east end of one of these trains also appears to be severely damaged. 3. At least eight hits on the Passenger Station and adjacent installations. One direct hit on the west end of the station platform has scattered debris over the main tracks. 4. Three hits in the through sidings and one hit on main line adjacent these sidings. 5. At least seven hits on rolling stock in the sidings on the north side of the main tracks. Fires were started among a number of passenger coaches and large freight vans, and 20 or more have been completely gutted. At the time of photography some of the rolling stock is still burning fiercely. 6. Extremely severe damage has been caused to the railway workshops, probably rendering them incapable of continuing work for a considerable time. At least 20 direct hits can be seen, three being on the large multi-bay building. Two large buildings on the north side of the workshops have been completely gutted. Others in this group have received so many direct hits as to be little more than wrecks. At least three bombs fell directly alongside the long two-bay buildings just north of the main line, and evidence of severe damage is seen in the blast marks in the roof.
North Sidings: 1. Very severe damage has been caused to the locomotive shed. Approximately one quarter of the shed has been completely destroyed and the remainder, particularly the centre section, severely damaged. A large workshop building behind the sheds has been almost gutted by fire. 2. Three bombs have fallen among the wagons in the sidings, causing damage to rolling stock and tracks.
March 1944 (continued)
INTERROGATION REPORT: Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks. Many fires observed with smoke to 5,000’. Six explosions were seen, including one from a locomotive shed described as terrific. Fires and explosions observed among rolling stock. North Marshalling Yard reported well hit by P-38’s who also set 2 enemy aircraft afire at Skoplje Airdrome.
March 1944 (continued)
“TIRANA AIRDROME” 24 October 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 36 A/C (dropped 2596 x 20 lb fragmentation bombs)
FORMATION LEADER: Captain Merle H. Culp, 448th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: The Group now stationed at Grottaglie, Italy near the great Italian Naval Base of Taranto. Within fighter distance away and a constant threat to our safety lay the Tirana airdrome, the main base in Albania. The Germans were building their fighter strength in that sector for several reasons: (1) to attack targets of opportunity in Italy; (2) to harass the sea lanes of the Adriatic Sea; and (3) for offensive sweeps against the gallant guerillas of the Yugoslavian Partisan troops who at the time were tying up as many German divisions in Yugoslavia as we were in Italy. This raid marked the beginning of a long series of missions flown by the 321st in support of Tito’s Titans.
INTERROGATION REPORTS: Very good coverage. Strings fell in front of hangars paralleling runway on both sides. Hangars on north and southeast sides and warehouses on northwest hit. Hits made on enemy aircraft in front of hangars and large fire seen. Hits on enemy aircraft at end of runway and in dispersal area. Fires observed in hangars, in warehouses and building at southeast. Clouds of smoke observed on leaving target.
PHOTO INTERPRETATION: With the exception of a small part of the southwest and southeast corners the landing ground was completely covered with bursts. The barracks to the east of the field were hit and left burning. The warehouse at northeast of field received scattered hits.
AIRCRAFT PRESENT A/C DESTROYED A/C DAMAGED 1 JU-52------4 1 3 S/E Fighters------17 8 1 Medium Bombers------2 1 0 Caproni Type------2 0 0 BR. 20------6 2 0 Fiat 158------2 1 0 Total------33 13 5
FLAK: Heavy, moderate, inaccurate, trailing.
FIGHTERS: None.
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“SOFIA MARSHALLING YARDS” 14 November 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 48 (dropped 240 x 500 lb bombs)
FORMATION LEADER: Major Raymond D. Sampson (Col Robert D. Knapp, Com- mand Pilot) 447th Sqd.
SUMMARY: (Extracted from O.N.I. Weekly # 46 and Air Ministry Weekly Intelligence Summary #20)
“On the 14th about 90 U.S. B-25’s, escorted by 45 P-38’s, dropped 140 tons of bombs on rail installations at Sofia. The yards were well covered. Anti-aircraft fire was intense and about 15 enemy aircraft attempted interception. Enemy casualties were 9 destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 3 damaged; one U.S. fighter is missing. This was the first direct blow at Bulgaria since that country declared war on the United States, December 13, 1941. According to an Allied announcement to the press, ‘The Sofia yards link up with rail routes through Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria, and congestion at Sofia would have the effect of dislocating traffic over the whole Balkan rail system’.”
“The German radio hastened to describe the attack as ‘a naked and undisguised terror raid’ against civilians and declared that Germany will retaliate for raids on civilians of her southeastern allies by air attacks on the British Isles’.”
“The attack on Sofia is the first large-scale operation against the Balkans undertaken from bases on the Italian mainland and forms a landmark in air operations in this area in that it demonstrates the vulnerability of a large range of Bulgarian targets not only to attacks by heavy bombers but also to raids by medium bombers operating at relatively short range with fighter escort.”
“All reports agree that the effect on morale caused by the raid was out of all proportion to the damage inflicted on military targets attacked, and that the gravest apprehension is felt in Axis circles at the ultimate consequences of a continuation of air operations against the weakest link in the Balkan defense system.”
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
“ATHENS/KALAMAKI A/D” 17 November 1943
NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 36 A/C (dropped 72 x 500 lb and 1614 x 20 lb frags)
FORMATION LEADER: Lt. Colonel (then Major) Henry H. Schwane, 446th Bomb Squadron
SITUATION: During the period of November and early December our Group continued to carry out the primary objective of our air force at that time which was to attain the destruction of the enemy’s air force. The 69 aircraft based on Kalamaki on this date were long range bombers, dive bombers, reconnaissance bombers, and fighters and were being used in operations against shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean, over the islands south and east of Greece and against the Yugoslavian Partisan Forces. The 321st was one of two groups to be chosen as a striking force against this set-up. The main dispersal area lies to the east of the landing area. Two semi-circular taxi strips feed many side tracks and aircraft blast shelters.
DEFENSES:
FLAK: Heavy, intense, moderately accurate at target. Also heavy flak from the Corinth Canal.
FIGHTERS: Five ME-109’s attacked formation at target. One closed to 400 yards and was promptly shot down by Sgt. Argyle H. Smith of the 447th Bomb Squadron.
PHOTO INTERPRETATION: The east dispersal was well covered by the first two flights, destroying seventeen planes dispersed in that area. Two planes are burning and heavy smoke is observed in the vicinity of the others. One element of the first flight was wide, its bombs going through the east part of the town. The third flight, with demolition bombs, hit the northeast-southwest runway and carried on to the east of it, others from the flight hit the landing ground and crossed the north-south runway near the southern end.
March 1944 (continued)
March 1944 (continued)
445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1944
1. As of March 31, 1944, the assigned personnel in the Squadron was: Officers: 74 Enl. Men: 285
2. As of March 31, 1944, the Squadron Commander was Major Percy D. Register, Jr., Major Register succeeded Lt. Col. Bailey C. Cook and took over the duties of Commanding Officer on March 17, 1944. Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander Register, Percy D, Maj, pilot, Commander
3. There was no change of base during the month.
JAMES E. Nickerson, Captain, Air Corps, Squadron Historian. Nickerson, James E., Capt, intelligence March 1944 (continued)
446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1944 1 April 1944
446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR MARCH 1944
A. Original Unit 1. 446th Bomb Sqdn (M), 321st Bomb Gp (M) AAF 2. Organized August 1, 1942 3. Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C. 4. Activated at Barksdale Field, La. June 23, 1942 5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement centers.
B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted: 1. 1 March 1944 64 Officers, 254 Enlisted Men 2. Net Increase 10 Officers 20 Enlisted Men 3. Net Decrease None None 4. 31 March 1944 74 Officers, 274 Enlisted Men
C. Stations permanent or temporary of unit or parts thereof: 1. None
D. Commanding Officer in important engagements 1. San Stefano Harbor, Italy 2. Spoleto M/Y, Italy 3. Marsciano RR Bridge, Italy 4. Lt. Colonel Henry H. Schwane Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander
E. Losses in action: None
F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in action: 1. Air Medals were awarded to the following: 1st Lt Phillip Bsharah, pilot 1st Lt Gale M. Dickson, pilot T/Sgt V.L. Fontenot Bsharah, Phillip, 1Lt, pilot Dickson, Gale Monroe, 1Lt, pilot Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt, radio-gunner
2. The D.F.C. was awarded to: 2nd Lt Benjamin W. Anzalone Anzalone, Benjamin W., 1Lt, bombardier
G. Campaigns: Complete data in attached mission summaries. March 1944 (continued)
447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1944
1. The weather continued to be a jinx, with rain during the first fortnight, and cloud cover the last half, to interfere with bombing effectiveness. 2. The 20 combat missions flown attacked a variety of targets, with mixed results, to include marshalling yards, railroad bridges, troop and supply concentrations, harbor areas, and airdrome, and Cassino during the “all-out” attack. 3. March 16th marked the anniversary of the Squadron’s first combat missions from from the base at Ain M’Lila, in 1943. 4. A number of mock missions and training flights were flown, and ground training was “stepped up”, particularly for radio and bombardier personnel. Our strength was increased by 15 officers; 18 enlisted men. Only 2 enlisted men went home on rotation. 5. We lost one plane by enemy action, with its crew of 3 officers and 3 enlisted men Our line chief, M/Sgt. Wendell C. Horne was made Second Lieutenant by Special Order; 7 officers and 7 enlisted men were awarded the Air Medal; and a majority of Squadron enlisted men received the Good Conduct Medal. Horne, Wendell C., 2Lt, engineering
6. The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius was the main topic of conversation for several weeks following March 19th. Other items of interest were a “USO” show with “real girls from the States”, and the first appearance of “ole king” Coca-Cola since the Squadron came over-seas, to the tune of 3 bottles per man.
Missions Flown: 20 Sorties Flown: 142 Bombs dropped (weight): 398,440 lbs Planes lost: 1 Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: None Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): None
March 1944 (continued)
448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for March 1944
The month of March as a continuation of the previous month, the promised sunshine of Italy failed to appear but instead rain and cold damp weather held the squadron in its grip. Even the well drained roads leading from the Line to the Squadron Area slowly turned into almost impassable quagmires. Gazing up at the snow covered mountains that surrounded the field on three sides, the men remembered how eagerly they had left the East side of Italy for the West, only to find that the latter shore was just as bad as the former and the towns were much further away with even worse roads to them.
In the Squadron Area the building proved a great boon to the squadron as a dry place for the various offices and the large hospital tent secured by Major Bell was soon a model Mess Hall for the Enlisted Men. Pfc. Goldman soon furnished it with board floors, doors and tables and benches. The almost bottomless mudhole that was created by the almost constant traffic in front of the building was filled with gravel towards the end of the month and with the help of many Italian laborers the area took on an extremely well kept appearance. However drastic measures had to be taken to keep the ever increasing numbers of Peddlers, barbers, washwomen, etc out of the area and away from the tents. Laundry became a problem as the constant rain effectively kept the washwoman from doing clothes. Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, Commander Goldman, Jerome (NMI), PFC, Supply
In the first two weeks of the month what few missions there were, concentrated on the Anzio Beachhead and the German communication lines in Northern Italy. Most of the missions were abortive due either to overcast on the home field which prevented take- off or poor weather over the target. March 15, the day that marked the anniversary of the Group’s first year of combat was celebrated by two visits to the Cassino front with excellent results. The ground personnel appreciated the length of time they had been overseas when they looked at the faces of the combat crews, not one of the old members of the original crews was in the line up. It was very gratifying to all to realize that the greatest majority of these had gone home and not down.
As the month went in to its last half the weather broke and not only were missions increasingly frequent but the squadron personnel began to draw out of their winter hibernation and wander further afield in search of recreation and entertainment. Of course the Greek ruins at Paestum were visited but soon demands for transportation to other historic spots led to the establishment of a regular daily truck service to Pompeii and frequent trips to Naples. Ground personnel for the first time were sent to the Isle of Capri for a seven days rest. In the squadron, movies became an almost nightly event and through the efforts of the Group Special Service Officer many excellent USO shows were staged at the tobacco warehouse. Fresh meat continued as a daily treat on the menu and cokes and candy bars became a Permanent fixture on the PX rations mush to the
March 1944 (continued) gratification of all. The squadron was enjoying the best period in its history overseas despite poor weather and poor missions, the squadron moral was very high. Mail came in great quantities or not at all but after over a year overseas most of the personnel were very philosophic about the whole matter.
On March 21, after smoking and burping for several days previously, Mt. Vesuvius burst forth in a lavish display of power and might. All that night and the following week the volcano belched forth tons of molten lava on the surrounding countryside. It was regarded as a marvelous display of a great natural phenomenon by the members of the squadron until the night of March 22. Then following closely on the rumors that the 340th Bomb Group’s field at Pompeii had been destroyed, 150 men of that Group came straggling into the squadron Mess Hall with tales of the destruction of their airplanes and equipment by the falling rocks. The upheaval was not longer regarded as a mere fireworks display. The next day dust began settling down on the squadron area and effectually kept everyone closely confined either to the Baron’s Mansion or to their tents. The Group stood by awaiting orders to abandon the field but discovered a few days later that it would not be necessary. Only dust traveled the distance from Pompeii to Paestum.
Within a few days after the destruction of their field the 340th Bomb Group moved on the field occupied by the 321st, causing the 448th to move their planes towards the center of the field further away from the squadron area and the loss of four planes to the new group. By March 27 the two Groups were well set up in their own areas and not interfering as much with each other as was first expected. It was now possible to see two movies at Group if anyone so desired.
On March 26 Colonel Smith the new Commanding Officer of the Group, mad his appearance and put down very stringent rules as to the use of vehicles to eliminate much wasteful driving. A very heavy training schedule was inaugurated which kept all flying personnel very busy. New crews continued to pour into the squadron and seasoned veterans immediately filled the ears of the newcomers with harrowing tales of their experiences in the Italian campaign. Smith, Richard H., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander
As the month drew near its close everyone in the squadron was congratulating themselves on the fact that the squadron was going to get through the month of March without the loss of a single member, but on March 28 everyone was saddened to learn the Lt. Jones and his crew failed to return from a mission to bomb RR bridge at Perugia. The plane was hit just after leaving the target in the left engine and was seen making a controlled landing near a small island in Lake Trasinieno. Other crews report that the plane was under control at all times and it is believed that all members got out of the ship safely. Crew members were Lt. Jones, Pilot, Lt. Gilbert, Co-Pilot, Lt. Bell, Bombardier, S/Sgt. Currie, E/Gunner, S/Sgt. Gately, T/Gunner, Sgt. Anglin, R/Gunner and Private lcl, Feagans, Photographer. Anglin, Pall (NMI), Sgt, radio-gunner Bell, Robert C., 2Lt, bombardier March 1944 (continued)
Currie, James L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Feagans, Kenneth J., PFC, photographer Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt, turret gunner Gilbert, Stewart B., 2Lt, pilot Jones, Truman R., 1Lt, pilot
The close of the month brought spring weather and thoughts were turned to baseball. Under the leadership of Lts: Hales and Kukorowski a baseball diamond was constructed and each section contributed a team to the squadron league. Competition was hot. Work was begun on a squadron shower. Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt, pilot Kukorowski, Albert A., Lt, bombardier
March 1 – 7 – 1944: Squadron strength as of 1 March 1944 62 Officers and 266 Enlisted Men. The following Officers and Enlisted Men assigned and joined during this period. 1st Lt. Kneisle, Lts: Cottle, Olszewski; S/Sgt. Griffen, Sgts: Hospod, and Kozki. Only two missions were flown during the week due to the extremely inclement weather. Several Officers and Enlisted Men departed for the Isle of Capri for a 7 days rest. Mud became a serious problem on the new field as the incessant rains continued to pour down. Operations were seriously hampered on the line. The squadron personnel remained close to their tents during the bad weather venturing forth only to see occasional shows at Group Headquarters. With fresh meat on the daily menu the Mess was much improved. Cottle, Robert J., 2Lt, pilot Griffen, Harry J., S/Sgt, intelligence Hospod, Benjamin (NMI), Sgt, gunner Kneisle, Herman M., 1Lt, communication Kozik, Frank D., Sgt, armament Olszewski, Henry (NMI), 2Lt, navigator
March 8 – 15 – 1944: The following Officers and Enlisted Men were assigned and joined during this period. Lts: Swanson, Lonsdorf, McDonough: Sgts: Clark, Wilkinson and Groome and Ridge. Seven missions over German communication lines in Northern Italy were accomplished during the week although the weather remained somewhat inclement it became more and more urgent that missions be flown despite that handicap. More Officers and Enlisted Men departed for Capri. The addition of a new Special Service Officer to the Group resulted in several USO camp shows appearing at the Tobacco Warehouse. Usual garrison duties were carried on in the squadron with activity at a minimum. The Mess continued to serve fresh meat all to the delight of the squadron. Trips to the neighboring cities of Salerno and Pompeii became exceedingly popular. Clark, Raymond S., Sgt, gunner Groome, Daingerfield, M., Sgt, gunner Lonsdorf, Frank L., Jr., 2Lt, pilot McDonough, Thomas E., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Swanson, Erle G. “Swanny”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Ridge, Willis E., Sgt, communications Wilkinson, Robert M., Sgt, gunner
March 16 – 21- 1944: The following Enlisted Men were assigned and joined during this period: Privates: Hansen, Kryda, Lehti. Lts: Joyce, McCue and Petit promoted to 1st Lieutenants. Five missions over troop concentrations, communication lines in Northern Italy were carried out during this period with mediocre success, due to weather conditions. Usual squadron duties carried out during this period. Officers and Men
March 1944 (continued) continued to depart for one weeks rest on the Isle of Capri. A regular truck schedule was inaugurated to Pompeii. On the 21st of March, 1944, Mt. Vesuvius began erupting and continued for several days covering several small towns on the Easter slope. Although it was a magnificent sight falling ash was not only dangerous to those in the vicinity but extremely discomforting to everyone even as far south as the Guado L/G. Hansen, Robert E., Pvt, armament Joyce, Robert W., 1Lt, bombardier Kryda, Thomas J., Pvt, armament Lehti, George E., Pvt, armament McCue, William M., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Petit, Rene P., 1Lt, bombardier
March 22 – 31 – 44: Squadron strength 69 Officers and 279 Enlisted Men. The following Officers and Enlisted Men were assigned and joined during this period. Lts: Mathews, Hickey, Olson, Moyer, Apple; Sgts: Hassenbein, Sommer, Hutchinson, Bixler, Hersh, Weyeneth. Lt. Crowell promoted to Captain. Lts: W.A. Greene and L.P. Greene Sgts: Everhart, Coleman, Rosencranz, Thorsett and Private. Lellis lightly wounded on missions but remained on duty. Six missions were flown during the week. One ship in the 448th was shot down on a mission over Perugia. The crew was Lt. Jones Pilot, Gilbert Co-Pilot, Lt. Bell, Bombardier, S/Sgt. Currie Engineer Gunner, S/Sgt Gately, Turret Gunner, Sgt. Anglin, Radio Gunner and Private 1st Class Feagans, Photographer. The plane was seen to make a controlled landing on a small lake just North of the target. On March 22, due to the volcanic dust completely destroying their planes and field the 340th Bomb Group (M), moved to Guado L/G. Usual squadron duties performed during this period. Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt, radio-gunner Apple, John A., 2Lt, bombardier Bell, Robert C., Lt, bombardier Bixler, Frederick F., Sgt, gunner Coleman, Smith B., Sgt, gunner Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., Capt, pilot Currie, James L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt, gunner Feagans, Kenneth J., Pvt, photographer Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt, turret-gunner Gilbert, Stewart B., Lt, pilot Greene, Louis P., 2Lt, bombardier Greene, William A., 2Lt, pilot Hassenbein, Sam (NMI), Sgt, gunner Hersh, Bertram (NMI), Sgt, gunner Hickey, William O., 2Lt, navigator Hutchinson, James (NMI), Sgt, gunner Jones, Truman R., Lt, pilot Lellis, Michael C., Pvt, duty soldier Matthews, Thomas W., 2Lt pilot Moyer, Emerson C., 2Lt, pilot Olson, Orin E., 2Lt, pilot Rosencranz, Harvey R., Sgt, engineering Sommer, Robert F., Sgt, gunner Thorsett, Clifford R., Sgt, engineering Weyeneth, Carl H., Sgt, engineer