12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 321st Bombardment Group History: January 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: January 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, ) 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) 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.)

Saturday, 1 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): ARMY AIR FORCES, MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (AAFMTO): A complete reorganization of USAAF units in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) takes place: US Army Air Forces, North African Theater of Operations (USAAFNATO) is redesignated AAF Mediterranean Theater of Operations (AAFMTO); XII Air Force Services Command becomes AAF Services Command Mediterranean Theater of Operations (AAFSCMTO); III Air Services Area Command (Special) becomes XII Air Force Services Command; II Air Services Area Command becomes XV Air Force Services Command; XII Air Force Engineer Command (Provisional) becomes AAF Engineer Command, Mediterranean Theater of Operations (Provisional); and XII Air Force Training Command is changed to XII Air Force Training and Replacement Command. The XII Bomber Command, is reorganized as a medium bomber organization, 3 B-25 groups and the 3 B-26 groups of the 42d Bombardment Wing (Medium), under Brigadier General Robert D Knapp. HQ 33d Fighter Group transfers from Santa Maria to Cercola, Italy.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today.

445th BS War Diary: The New Year was ushered in very violently in the form of strong winds and a driving rain which started almost immediately after the celebrations had ceased. The baby cyclone leveled the Intelligence-Operations, Medical, Supply, Motor Pool and Communications tents. Other tents in the area also suffered damage. Despite the inclement weather, the men enjoyed the big New Year’s meal served at 2:00 P.M. It consisted of roast turkey with all the trimmings, practically the same meal that was served on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Immediately after the meal, a liquor raffle was held at the orderly room and many of the men had “liquid refreshment” that night.

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 01/01/44: “The day is one of the worst we have had. A terrific cold wind blew all night and at dawn a heavy rain began. We remained in the tent all forenoon, expecting any moment to have it fall on us, but as yet it hasn’t, though many others in the area have come down. We ventured out at two o’clock for a lavish meal of turkey and cranberries, but it was so cold no one could enjoy it. I returned yesterday from where I spent three days on pass, but I will write about that later on account of we have no light in the tent today.”

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Rain and windstorm blew down several tents during the morning. The ground was drenched and the big feast was postponed.

Saturday, 1 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “8th day at Casa. Doesn’t seem like New Year’s Day, Xmas didn’t seem like Xmas either. Everything closed here; I suppose back in the States they’re working the boys full blast. Funny set-up. Went into town but soon got disgusted with it, really a crummy town. Beggars here are very annoying – persistent, try anything to get money. Smart enough not to bother the Frogs.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I received your letter yesterday in which you sent the clipping of me and my crew. It turned out pretty good for the paper, especially for one being taken off those pictures. The boys thought it was o.k. Dickson has been sick with yellow jaundice so has spent the last week in rest camp. I guess he is feeling o.k. now and will return back here soon. Well, we seen the old year out and the new one in last night. We all did a fair job of it, but not too much celebrating. Sure hope we don’t have to celebrate the next one over here. It’s been very cold here lately and quite nasty weather. Some tents were blown down last night, but luckily ours stayed up. The top blew off and our stove fell down but we fixed that today.” Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Happy Hangover Day. No mission scheduled. 1944 started off by bringing headaches in the form of hell and high-water. A rain storm, the like of which few of us have ever witnessed, settled down on this area early this morning and lasted until evening. About half a dozen of our area tents were completely blown down and many ended up in a crippled condition. To see small groups of men drenched to the very marrow of their bones, battling wind, rain and mud in order to restore their tents to a somewhat upright position, would have won praise and admiration from the most hardened navel officer. 1st Lt. H.J. Fallone transferred to United States as of Dec. 29 by letter from XII Air Force. Morning Report for week ending Jan, 1: Officers—56; Enlisted men—254. Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 2 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's bomb the Terni marshalling yard and iron works and nearby barracks; P-40's and Spitfires from the AAF, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), South African Air Force (SAAF), and Royal Air Force (RAF) blast snowbound vehicles in the Avezzano-Popoli area, warehouses at San Benedetto de Marsi and gun positions and defended areas around Chieti; A-36's hit Civitavecchia harbor and marshalling yard to the S of town, the marshalling yard and nearby pun positions, and other targets of opportunity; B-26's bomb bridges at Riva Santo Stefano and Ventimiglia, the marshalling yard at Arma di Taggia, and bridge over the Var River. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 488th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) transfer from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Lt. Salvatore P. Casarella arrived in the Group and was assigned to the S-2 section of the 446th Bombardment Squadron. Casarella, Salvatore P., Jr., 2Lt, intelligence

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 177/mission 176) Group Mission # 178: Today’s target: Terni M/Y’s. Photos show two groups of bombs west of the M/Y. One cluster hit the main line near the bottle-neck at the west end of the yard. ------Mission Report # 178, 2 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1100 – 24 B-25’s took off to bomb M/Yds at Terni. 2 returned early. At 1230 hrs 22 dropped 116 x 500 lb bombs with 1/10 and .025 fusing on target from 10,000/11,500 feet. 22 returned at 1340. Axis of attack 230°.

3. RESULTS: Ref: T.C. No. 3 – 118 NA. Most bobs reported falling S. of M/Yds, near Terni ironworks and Brignone barracks, with a few hits observed at W. choke point. Smoke and dust from bombing by previous group obscured target. Bombs fell in area 0-11 to 5 with two rd. junctions reported hit, one at 0-5 – other 0-7. One building near M/Y seen to explode and a fire seen W of Ironworks.

4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------2 ME-109’s over target, did not attack. Ground—4 unidentified planes on Terni L/G. 2 trains 20 cars each at Porto S. Giorgie. Light traffic heading S near Cupra Marittima and also a train at that point. 60 car freight train at point about 2 miles S of Tortoreto. Marine---4/5 ships observed at San Benedetto, 3 about 300 feet. One report these seen on way to target and not observed on return. 2 medium M/V’s reported at Giulianova. Flak------Few bursts over formation reported at target.

Sunday, 2 January 1944 (continued)

5. WEATHER: En route – Clouds: 3/10 stratocumulus at 3,000 ft. 3/10 alto cumulus at 15,000 ft. Visibility: Unlimited. Over Target – CAVU Return – Same as weather enroute.

6. None Flight leaders Lt. Latremore and Capt. Beeson. Number of sorties – 22 Photos taken. Planes by Squadron: 445th - 6; 446th – 6; 447th – 6; 448th - 5

MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The day was ideal with a warm sun shining most of the day. There was plenty of work to do, repairing collapsed tents. All tents which went down yesterday were set up today and most of the men rebuilt their tents with an eye towards sturdy construction to withstand other assaults from the weather. The Squadron was restricted for five days because of the “fireworks” on New Year’s Eve. The men enjoyed the move “Juke Girl” with Ann Sheridan at the granary after supper.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 177/mission 176) Group Mission # 178:

A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” A/C No. 41-30354 P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Dillon, James A., Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt N None None B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Monk, William (NMI)., 2Lt E Henrich, James G., Sgt Vance, Chester L., Sgt R Maddox, Richard L., Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 2 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64575 P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Lorton, Harold E., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Orr, William J., S/Sgt Donegon John B., S/Sgt R Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Cpl Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: Successful three hour mission today. Big meal originally for New Years served at one o’clock. The morale of the squadron jumped ten points as we put away turkey and all the trimmin’s.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 177/mission 176) Group Mission # 178: Squadron Mission 143 TARGET: Terni M/Yds., Italy DATE: 2 Jan 1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 5 Lt. Latremore, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Most of the bombs were reported to have fallen south of the marshalling yards, with a few hits observed at the west choke points. However, two road junctions were hit; one building was seen to explode, and a fire was seen west of the iron works. Two ME-109’s seen at target but did not attack. Slight flak over target. Lt. Brady could not take off because of damaged elevator. Lt. Davison returned early due to low oil pressure. Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 2 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” St. Joe” P McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt Mitchell, John C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-30293 A/C No. 41-13200 (returned early: Low oil pressure/out 0:50) P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., Cpl Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, Cpl Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt F None Tissier, Rene G., Cpl

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 USCG Air Station, Borinquen, Puerto Rico to Waller Filed, Trinidad: Ferry Flying Time: 4:30 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “9th day at Casa. Nothing to do. Had a little change left over so went down to Finance & spent $150 on War Bonds. Wrote a letter to Ma so she’d know abut it. Went into town with ‘Little John’ Haymik & A.J. Boggie – visited the Sultan’s Palace, quite a show place with tennis courts, pool, etc. & a beautiful tea house. We ate in town, went to show. Same old grind.”

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: (1-2 Jan) “We have had bad weather again the last two days, so nothing new. Have visited a little town on the hill near by & drank a good share of their wine.

Sunday, 2 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: The following completed their fiftieth mission today: Capt. E.H. Beeson, Lt. Paiton, Lt Hanlon, and S/Sgt. Funk. Our New Years Day turkey was served today which helped considerable to remove the gloom that had settled over the moral on New Years Day. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, operations Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt, gunner Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., Lt, pilot Paiton, Harold K., Lt, navigator

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 177/mission 176) Group Mission # 178: 6 of our ships were scheduled to participate in a raid over Terni, Italy. 1 ship piloted by Lt. Jahrhaus returned early due to a malfunction of the nose wheel.

A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” Lady” P Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt N None None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Jeffery, James H., PFC R Myers, William W., T/Sgt Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt Beeson, Elwood H., Capt CP Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Haeberle, John H., 1Lt N None Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt B Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., T/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon) (Not completed – nose wheel door failed to close :30) P Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt N None None B Tudor, Matthew S., S/Sgt Harter, James E., S/Sgt E Henry, William R., S/Sgt McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt R Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Reilly, James M., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 2 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 177/mission 176) Group Mission # 178: Mission 140 (178): At 11:00 24 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y, 2 returned early. At 12:30 dropped 116 x 500 bombs from 10,000 feet and returned at 13:40. Most bombs S of M/Y near Terni iron works and Brignone Barracks with a few hits at W choke point. Smoke and dust from bombing by previous group obscured target. 1 building near M/Y seen to explode and 1 fire seen near iron works. 2 ME-109’s over target but did not attack. Flak: slight. Weather: CAVU at target.

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt E Currie James L., S/Sgt Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Pvt G Holguin, Renato (NMI), S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 42-64552 P Barton, Thomas M., F/O Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Fleming, George B., F/O Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt Bird, Robert G., Cpl E Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30548 P Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Spencer, John S., T/Sgt Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt R Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt McEntee, Peter M., Cpl G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 2 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64519 (not completed – Pilot became sick 1:10) P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Jones, Truman R., 2Lt N None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None

Monday, 3 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Brigadier General Edward M Morris assumes command of the XII Fighter Command.

In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb a troop concentration area at Prijedor, and hit Split and Sibenik.

In Italy, P-40's and A-36's bomb gun positions near , the Anagni railroad station, a village near Vicenza, the railway and trains between and Segni, and the harbor at Civitavecchia; P-40's, with SAAF and RCAF Spitfires, hit 100+ vehicles in the Avezzano-Sulmona area; other P-40's, with AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighters, hit targets in the Filetto-Tollo areas in support of ground troops.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Lt. D.G. Dobbins left his duties here as Historian and Assistant S-2 to work at the 12th Air Force Headquarters. Lt. S.P. Neprash assumes his assignments. Dobbins, Daniel G., 2Lt, intelligence Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0835 A/C # 41-29775 “Double Trouble” (Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, Capt, 447th BS)) to Grottaglia, 0915 take off.

0915 A/C # 41-30001 (Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 1Lt, 447th BS) to , 0945 take off.

1300 26 A/C off--1st plane at 0951, last at 1007. One spare returned at 1055. 2nd Spare returned at 1057. 24 A/C returned from 1245 to 1306. JET.

1355 41-30293 (Russell, Burton E., 2Lt, 446th BS), 41-29962 (McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt, 446th BS) take off 1415 for Dry Runs. 41-13203 (Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, 446th BS) for slow time.

1610 Bailey to Larson. “Crews available, 445th 7, 446th 11, 447th 7, 448th 6”.

1710 TBF to Asbury. “Have 24 A/C in readiness for tomorrow--no bomb load until tomorrow”.

1715 Asbury to Jamison. “Suggested spotting 500’s, 1000’s and Frags--no practice bombs”.

2245 TBF to Sheppard. “Primary: DODOJ, aiming point M230800, sheet #64 Yugoslavia 1/200000. Make run general direction from South to North.

Monday, 3 January 1944 (continued)

1st Alternate: TRAVNIK, barracks and troops, aiming point L915220, sheet #80 Yugoslavia 1/100000, Make run from East to West.

2nd Alternate: V552718, sheet 93, Yugoslavia”. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 178/mission 177) Group Mission # 179: Excellent coverage was reported by crews returned from today’s mission, which was to bomb troop concentrations in the Yugoslavian town of Prijedor. Bombs started at the river southeast of town and went through town with concentration of hits in center of town. ------Mission Report # 179, 3 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 0950 – 24 B-25’s took off to bomb City of Prijedor, Yugoslavia. None returned early. At 1135 hours 24 dropped 140 x 500 lb bombs with 1/10 and .025 fusing on target from 10,000/11,000 feet. 24 returned at 1245. Axis of attack 28°. 3. RESULTS: Excellent coverage of target. Bombs started at river SE of town and went through town with concentration of hits in center of town. Two strings over to the NE. Several small fires started. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------One report of 8/10 unidentified S/E A/C above formation W of target at 1130 hours, which made no attack. Ground—2 – 25 car freight trains or two strings of freight cars in yards at Prijedor. 1 train N of Prijedor halted under trees along tracks. 50/100 freight cars and two active locomotives on four tracks in M/Yds at Knin. A large unexplained explosion seen on ground over Vis Island at 1055 hours. Marine---1 medium M/V in harbor at Sibenik at 49 – ZK (Chart No. S/39(1)). Several small ships in channel outside Sibenik harbor. 1 unidentified ship burning in Split harbor. Flak------Slight, inaccurate, heavy from Sibenik. Slight inaccurate, light from L/G at Knin. 5. WEATHER: CAVU for entire route. 6. None. Flight leaders: Lt. Tapper and Capt. Culp Number of sorties – 24

Planes by Squadron: 445th - 5; 446th – 6; 447th – 7; 448th – 6

ROBERT W. MANLY, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

Monday, 3 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: A beautiful, balmy day today very reminiscent of spring. 2nd Lts. Farrell, a pilot; Walsh, bombardier; and Humphrey, Supply Officer, were promoted to 1st Lt. A delicious meat loaf was enjoyed by all for supper. The movie “Mrs. Miniver” was shown at the granary after supper. The men enjoyed this excellent show very much. Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 1Lt, pilot Humphrey, Malcolm R., 1Lt, supply Walsh, Frank J., 1Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 178/mission 177) Group Mission # 179: The mission today which went to bomb the town of Prijedor in Yugoslavia was very successful.

A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-64529 Gambler II” (returned early) P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt House, Robert M. 2Lt CP Walker, R.S, 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R. 2Lt N None None. B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Miller, Robert J, Jr., S/Sgt E Woogerd, W.G., T/Sgt Schaviak, Willis M. Sgt R Henrich, J.G., Sgt Carner, Donald E. Cpl G Hetland, A.M., Cpl Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt F Saegniten, Capt, (R.A.) (observer) Tolmie, J. S. Capt, (R.A.) (observer) A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64651 Judy” P Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Williamson, Loyd V. F/O CP Wetherbee, Dan A. 2Lt Noel, William Honoree 2Lt N None None. B O’Toole, Francis X. 2Lt. Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Dillon, James A., Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Cpl R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N. S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J. T/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G. Sgt Carson, Cecil F. Cpl F Cotter, Jack M. Sgt None A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Strenger, Marshall C. 1Lt Vallery, Dean B. F/O CP Knapp, Charles R. 2Lt Lorton, Harold E. 2Lt. N None Paduana, Joseph A. 2Lt B Souders, Walter E. 2Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy” 2Lt E Rose, J. W. S/Sgt Vance, Chester L. S/Sgt R Stone, Donald R. S/Sgt Johnson, John E. S/Sgt G Reddy, John E. S/Sgt Andrews, Lamar C. S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 3 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Another three hour mission—successful. Sergeants Pilcher and Underwood reached that big fiftieth mission. Mail call late in the afternoon. Pilcher, Byron E., Sgt, gunner Underwood, Ferrel E., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 178/mission 177) Group Mission # 179: Squadron Mission 144 TARGET: Prijedor, Yugoslavia. DATE: 3 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Tapper led the formation. Excellent coverage of target. Several fires started. Slight, inaccurate, heavy and light flak encountered. 8/10 unidentified S/E a/c reported above formation W of target, but did not attack. Lt. Davison was a spare, and returned early.

A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt Riordan, Ronald C., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2nd Storm, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None. B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N None None. B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt R Underwood, Ferrel E. T/Sgt Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, Cpl Mitchell, John C., Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Tapper, George C., 1Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B,, Jr., 1Lt B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt F None None

Monday, 3 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13200 (Spare –returned early) P Davison, William R., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl G Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “10th day at Casa. Nothing to do in camp so went into town. Walked around the park, met a little boy from Syria, been here in Casa with his parents for 2 yrs waiting to go to N.Y. Was a smart, intelligent kid, spoke English fairly well, also 3 other languages. Plenty disgusted w/Casa, seems that everyone is a beggar, really taking the Americans over the hurdles. At least they try to. Get a big laugh out of the American nurses here, go big for rank back in the states, no one would date them, but here they’re queens. C’est La Guerre.”

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “This is the day of our big event back home; if the baby was born today, sure hope both the wife & it are O.K. Sure would like to know what it is. I’ll have to wait.”

447th BS War Diary: A meeting of all section-heads was called by Maj. Sampson in order to discuss plans for another move. The date for this next move was temporarily set for Jan. 10. S/Sgt. L.B. Iverson taken to hospital to be operated on for appendicitis. Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt, gunner Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 178/mission 177) Group Mission # 179: 7 of our ships participated in a raid over Prijedor, Yugoslavia. Results: very good.

A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Bell” Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 1Lt Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt N None None B Sattenspiel, Stanley J., 1Lt Tudor, Marshall S., S/Sgt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 3 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64695 (spare) A/C No. 41-30638 P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt Thomas, David W., 1Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 1Lt B Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt Jeffrey, James H., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI)., S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-13176 “Alley Cat” P Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt Gill, Paul W., 1Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI)., Sgt F None Stratham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Deane, George J., 1Lt E O’Loughlin, William M., S/Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolf (NMI)., S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 178/mission 177) Group Mission # 179: Mission 141 (179): At 09:50 24 planes off to bomb Prijedor, Yugoslavia. All dropped bombs 140 x 500 on target from 10,000 feet and returned at 12:45. Excellent coverage of target, bombs started at River SW of town and went through town with concentration of hits on center. Several small fires seen. 8 to 10 E/A above formation at target but did not attack. Slight, heavy inaccurate flak at target. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L Culp.

Monday, 3 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 42-64552 P Culp, Merle H., Capt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Crowell, Weymouth (NMI)., 2Lt Cooper, James W., 2Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt None B Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., S/Sgt Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., Sgt Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-30327 P Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., Cpl Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Currie, James L., Sgt Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R Gately, Joseph A., Sgt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt VanCura, Edward W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Ally, George B., S/Sgt McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt E Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI)., S/Sgt G Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Pvt F None None

Tuesday, 4 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Yugoslavia, B-25's bomb the Brodac town area and marshalling yard, and the town of Travnik. P-40's hit a bridge and trains and fly patrols over the battleline in Italy.

Transfers in Italy: HQ XII Bomber Command and HQ 57th Bombardment Wing from Bari and Foggia respectively to Trocchia. HQ 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and 12th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron from San Severo to Pomigliano with F-4's and F-5's.380th and 428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), from Philippeville, to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 179/mission 178) Group Mission # 180: Primary target: Doboj not attacked due to an overcast so the formation bombed a bridge and barracks 64 miles further east. Photos show heavy concentrations of bursts on railroad and canal south of the barracks. ------Mission Report # 180, 4 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1306 – 24 B-25’s took off to bomb Doboj, Yugoslavia. None returned early. At 1450 hours 24 dropped 144 x 500 lb bombs with .1 and .025 fusing from 10,500/11,500 feet. 24 returned at 1605. Axis of attack 80°.

3. RESULTS: BARRACKS AND ROAD, 3 MILES NE OF D. BRODAC BOMBED. Hits seen in E end of barracks; 5 direct hits on RR, also hits on road SE of barracks; last 6 dropped in open areas, 2 miles south of target; one report of center of barracks hit.

4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------None. Ground—Center span of road bridge over river cut clean out. Marine---None. Flak------3 bursts from Mostar, 2 of them red, to rear and below formation.

5. WEATHER: Enroute: Clouds 8/10 cumulus over Yugoslavia, tops at 8,000 breaking about 30 miles from target – with 7/10 at 18,000 throughout. Visibility – unlimited. Target: Clouds 5/10 at 18,000. Visibility – unlimited. Return: Same as enroute.

Tuesday, 4 January 1944 (continued)

6. None. Flight leaders: Capt. Beeson, Lt. Latremore. Number of sorties – 24 Planes by Squadron: 445th - 6; 446th – 6; 447th – 6; 448th – 6

S.P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The warm weather continues to prevail and the men are “eating it up”. There was a training flight and some new gunners went up on a practice gunnery mission. Luxury rations were distributed from 11:00 to 15:00.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 179/mission 178) Group Mission # 180:

A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-64659 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Lorton, Harold E., 2Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Dillon, James A., Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Hannon, R P., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Jones, Robert C., Cpl Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D.., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler II” P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt N None None B Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Vance, Chester L., S/Sgt R Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Orr, William J., S/Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 4 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Lt. McClelland finishes his last mission. Lt. Casarella joins the squadron as assistant S-2 officer. Casarella, Salvatore P., Jr., Lt, intelligence McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 179/mission 178) Group Mission # 180: Squadron Mission 145 TARGET: Doboj, Yugoslavia. DATE: 4 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. Beeson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. The primary target was not reached. Barracks and road three miles NE of D Brodac bombed. Numerous hits reported on barracks. Five direct hits on RR. No fighters, no flak. Lt. Topham was a spare, and returned early. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, operations, 447th BS

A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” (Spare) A/C No. 41-13200 P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold H., 2Lt N None None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Underwood, Ferrel E., T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 41-30293 P Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N Schad, H C., 2Lt None B Brown, Harlan C., 2Lt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Cpl R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

Tuesday, 4 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt R Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F None

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Waller Filed, Trinidad to Zandery Field, Surinam: Ferry Flying Time: 4:00 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “11th day at Casa. Cleaned out B-4 bag today & found that the mice had built a home in it. Also ate a few of my O.S. caps & shirts. Down to ATC office – filled out form for my lost bags. Quite a black market in town – offers $45.00 for a good pen, watches go bit too. Butter goes for $4.00 a lb. Rationing system here is a lot of baloney, I think. GI clothes a lot cheaper here than in States. Luckily we have a good barracks orderly – really on the ball.”

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission?) “We finally got in another mission today, we went to Yugoslavia & bombed a town full of German troops, I haven’t found out, but don’t believe it was too much of a success. Its really cold again today, sure will be glad when warm weather gets here again. I’m sure waiting now to here from home. Would like to here how the Wife & Baby are, suppose I’ll have to wait for a couple of weeks.” Letter Home: “We are all hoping we don’t have to spend much more time over here. We haven’t seen a place that we dislike as much as we do Italy. Everything here is so dirty and torn up. What towns I have visited here are very dirty and have been torn up by bombs. There is hardly anything you can buy that amounts to anything. Perhaps they were all different in peacetime and were beautiful cities. They at least have a few buildings and some signs of beautiful things or at least they used to be that way. From the air the country farms look good and they really have lots of good land, but gosh they’re using it only to do their form work with. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that this Italy would be a beautiful place if the Italians weren’t here. I’ll sure be glad to get back to the good U.S.A. Well, we have been doing all we can here to help finish this thing up. Wish we could tell you all we are doing, but you can probably find a lot out by reading the papers and reading about the B-25 Mitchell bombers from Italy and remember we’re the 321st Bomb Group. We have been quite busy here and also today.”

Tuesday, 4 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Cpl Stonewall J. Williams trans. to organization unknown. Cp. Williams entered the hospital while we were stationed at Grottaglie. At the critique it developed that the wrong town was bombed on today’s mission. The town hit was about 65 miles Northeast of Doboj. Williams, Stonewall J., Cpl, intelligence

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 179/mission 178) Group Mission # 180: 6 of our planes and one spare were scheduled in a raid over Doboj, Yugo. The spare returned early. Results: Fair. Flak: light.

A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P McFadden, Kenneth L., 1Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F Hassett, Leo P., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 41-30557 P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N None None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt Tudor, Matthew S., S/Sgt E Jeffery, James H., PFC Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Ball” Lady” P Beeson, Elwood H., Capt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N Halloran, Robert F., 1Lt None B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 1Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 4 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” (Spare) P DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt N None B Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Sgt F None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 179/mission 178) Group Mission # 180: Mission 142 (180): At 13:06 24 planes off to bomb Doboj, Yugoslavia. All dropped 144 x 500 bombs at 14:50 from 10,000 feet, all returned at 16:05. Hits in E. end of barracks, 5 direct hits on RR and roads SE of barracks, center of barracks hit. Flak: Moderate, very inaccurate. Weather: 5/10th cover at target, visibility unlimited.

A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 42-64521 P Hicks, John T., 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt CP Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None None B Carr, Randall C., Cpl Bird, Robert G., Cpl E Spencer, John S., T/Sgt Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt G Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 42-64519 P Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt CP Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt Currie, James L., Sgt R Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt G Holguin, Renato (NMI), S/Sgt Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None , Charles E., Jr., Sgt

Tuesday, 4 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 41-30548 P Driver, William J., F/O Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt CP Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt N None Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt VanCura, Paul S., Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 5 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, A-36's hit gun positions N of Mignano and on the S slope of Monte Porchia. Weather cancels other operations. 489th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Foggia to Pompeii, Italy with B-25's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Missions Today.

445th BS War Diary: Hard rains and cold breezes broke the spell of good weather and turned the area into a muddy, wet lot. Captain Richard P. Tipton, our Commanding Officer, was promoted to Major today. The whole Squadron hailed his promotion. It was well-deserved. Aircraft 762, which was used for many ferrying trips, was transferred to the 57th Fighter Group. The snow-covered mountains around San Giovanni and San Angelo presented a beautiful sight in the distance. Tipton, Richard Pike, Maj, pilot, 445th BS Commander

446th BS War Diary: No mission—bad weather. Lucky seven go to rest camp at Capri: Lt. Brady, Lt. Clark, Lt. McCabe, S/Sgt. Helisek, and Sgts. Anderson, Bedwell, and Velarde. Anderson, Edward J., Sgt, gunner Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt, gunner Brady, Joseph J., Lt, pilot Clark, Robert A., Lt, pilot Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt, gunner McCabe, Peter T., Lt, bombardier/navigator Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt, gunner

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Zandery Field, Surinam to Val de Caens Field, Belem, Brazil: Ferry Flying Time: 3:25 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “12th day at Casa. Down on line for awhile. Back in barracks listening to radio. Good programs here with no commercials. Would like to get some mail but guess have to wait awhile. In town met a French-Jew refuge, about 10 yrs old – smart kid. Father was killed by the Nazis. Said real French aren’t like the Frogs here. Glad to hear that. Went to show.”

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Weather has turned for the worse, stormy & raining, also cold. No mission couldn’t even see the runway. We have stayed here in the tent most all day. I’m going to write a few letters tonight, because I spent most all day reading & sleeping. I’m still walking the floor, wondering if it’s a boy or girl & how the wife and baby are, so till tomorrow.”

Wednesday, 5 January 1944 (continued)

Letter Home: “It’s kinda cold here now and we’re keeping pretty busy…We’re just sitting here tonight having a bull session. I haven’t received much mail lately, but we’re eating nuts one of the fellows got today.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled due to bad weather. Cpl. Pat. Holland transferred to 7 Station Hospital as of Dec. 19. Holland, Patrick H., Cpl, engineering

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 6 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-26's bomb Pontedera hitting the marshalling yard and Piaggio aircraft factory there, the Lucca marshalling yard, and the railway N of Follonica; P-40 and A-36 fighter-bombers attack gun positions in the -Monte Trocchio area and near Aquino, the town of Cervaro, the railway at Civitavecchia, trains N and E of , the Velletri train station, and the town of Fondi.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Missions Today. Lt. Kneisle appointed Group Exchange Officer in addition to his other duties. Kneisle, Herman N., 2Lt, communications

445th BS War Diary: There were snow flurries in early morning but they didn’t last. A number of the Officers and enlisted men went to rest camp by truck today. There were practice gunnery and bombing missions and a new crew and plane arrived today. The plane has a large number of guns in the nose and it is designed for strafing.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Another day of bad weather. Captain Hixson, engineering officer, returns from rest camp, along with Lieutenants Braswell, Fetterly and Clark plus enlisted men Carstens, Langan, Ramirez, Valenti and Neiman. Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt, pilot Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, Sgt, gunner Clark, Samuel E., Jr., bombardier Fetterly, Orville D., Lt, pilot Hixson, Sherman, Capt, engineering Langan, Charles H., Sgt, gunner Neiman, John W., Sgt, gunner Ramirez, Zenon, Jr., Sgt, gunner Valenti, Alfio P., Sgt, gunner

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Val de Caens Fld, Belem, Brazil to Parnamirim Air Fld, Natal, Rio Do Sul, Brazil: Ferry Flying Time: 5:20 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “13th day at Casa. “Little John” & Boggie & crew leaving today. Sorry to see them go, no one left here now. Can’t find a thing to do, not even a book to read. Down on the line watching the ships take off & land. These “Spits” are real good ships. No sign of Burandt. The usual card games going on in the barracks – getting to be continuous.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Today was another slow day for us; we tried for a mission but just couldn’t make it, bad weather. There isn’t much news for the day today. As soon as I here from Enid, I’ll sure have some good news – so until tomorrow.”

Thursday, 6 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Friday, 7 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's strike Perugia Airfield; A-20's hit defenses in close support of the US Fifth Army; B-26's hit the marshalling yards at Foligno and Arezzo and attack a bridge at ; A-36's hit gun positions, trucks, and trains in the Cervaro- Aquino-Cassino area, bomb the Aquino station, and hit the Velletri railway yards; P-40's give close support in the Monte Maio, Monte La Chiaia, Monte Porchia, and Cedro Hill areas as the US Fifth Army drives toward the Rapido River. Air echelon of the 417th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, transfers from Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is at Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0815 Knapp to Asbury. “Unable to make trip, want CP for 0915 take off”.

0850 448th A/C (Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt, pilot) to Naples at 1100. Will return today”.

0920 TBF to Blake. “Weather no buono. South target - fighter area”.

0955 TBF to Elliott. “Target # 4, Primary H plus 0410. Attack SW dispersal and W side of A/D. We will not attack the Hangar. 12th BG will attack SE dispersal and E side of A/D at H plus 0400. Fighter sweep of Rome A/D. B-26’s will attack #22 at H plus 0400”.

Cumulus clouds to B/L--clear beyond.

1030 Asbury to TBF. “12th B. G. attack plan. 12 A/C on Dispersal area 240° 12 A/C on E 200° 10,000 feet left turn off. No alternate target.

1107 Tower--41-29995 “Pistol Packin’ Mama” (446th BS) off at 1055. Mission off at 1144.

1250 41-30548 (Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt, 448th BS)), 41-12926 (“Hawkeye”) (Wilt, Richard H., 1Lt, 448th BS) take off 1330 for Dry Runs. JET.

1325 445th A/C # 42-64508 (Haegele, Frederick G., 2Lt) test hop. 41-12924 (Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 1Lt) P.D.I. runs.

1408 From Tower. 41-12924 (445th BS) off at 1401 41-12926 (“Hawkeye” 448th BS) off at 1400

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

1535 Asbury to TBF. “Early mission results”.

1640 Bailey to Griffing. “Crews available: 445th, 7; 446th, 7; 447th, 8; 448th, 9”.

1730 TBF to Asbury. “Lead 24 A/C with 500’s .1 and .025 fuzing. Have one A/C and crew available for 0800 take off as weather craft”. Squadrons have been notified.

1835 TBF to ODO. “Target on other page”.

1900 Wing Com. Rose to Asbury. “Beginning Monday the 321st will drop nickels 12 A/C per week. Contact 12th Bomb Gp”.

2045 TBF to ODO. “Check all A/C for star painted on under surface of One Wing only. If there are any with star on both wings--report them to TBF.

2240 446th (Lt. Dickson) OD to ODO. “Guards O.K.”.

A/C lost after crossing over target: # 41-30352. (448th BS)

P. 1st Lt. ANDERSON. (Andrew H. L.) CP. Capt. M. H. CULP. (Merle H.) N. 2nd Lt. PERRY. (Lawrence A.) B. 2nd Lt. Matkins. (Marvin F.) E. T/Sgt. J. S. SPENCER. (John S.) R. S/Sgt. C. N. ALLEN. (Clifford N.) G. S/Sgt. R. HOLGUIN. (Renato (NMI)

Crew Chief: J. POLCAWICK. (John (NMI), Sgt)

------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 180/mission 179) Group Mission # 181: Mission to Perugia airdrome where 27 enemy aircraft were based. Bombs fell trough the southwest dispersal area as well as through the hangar and administration building area. Two, possibly 3 aircraft were destroyed on the ground. We lost one aircraft due to flak— Lt. Anderson (pilot) and Captain Culp (co-pilot) of the 448th Bombardment Squadron. Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot, 448th BS ------Mission Report # 181, 7 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1142 – 24 B-25’s took off to bomb Perugia A/D, Italy. None returned early. At 1312 hours 24 dropped 1566x20 lb. frags from 10,500/11,000 feet. 23 returned at 1420 hours. Axis of attack 225°. One aircraft lost over target.

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

3. RESULTS: Strings of bombs covered field just east of hangars and went into hangars. South dispersal area also well covered. Explosion in hangar on S/W corner of field. Two hangars observed burning. One fire in hangar was observed before bombing. 10 A/C seen in area east of hangars, with 1 direct hit observed and 3 planes burning. Also 1 plane observed on fire in south dispersal area. Scattered fires east of hangars and in south dispersal area, some appearing to be oil fires. One B-25 observed, just after target, with right engine smoking, going down under control. 5 persons seen bailing out. One report that plane made a controlled landing 10 miles south of target on level ground. Another report that plane nosed in and crashed. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------1 T/E plane took off from field but spun in and crashed at 200 feet. 10 A/A seen dispersed in area east of hangars and 5 to 7 in SW dispersal area. 5 JU-52’s believed to have been in front of hangars. Ground—None. Marine---None. Flak------Heavy, intense, accurate from vicinity of target. 3 heavy batteries about 1 mile south of field. 2 heavy batteries at 30-K. 3 heavy batteries scattered in area north of field between N-25 and L-25. 3 batteries in SE dispersal area. 4 west of field behind hangars. WEATHER: Enroute: Clouds 4/10 cumulus base at 3,000 feet tops 5,000 ft. Visibility – unlimited. At target: CAVU. Return: Same as en route. 5. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Anderson and Tapper. Number of sorties – 23 Planes by Squadron: 445th - 6; 446th – 6; 447th – 6; 448th – 6

MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Captain, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: Some of the Officers and enlisted men who have completed the required number of missions learned that they would leave shortly for the United States. There was a practice bombing flight and also a transition flight. The mission today was “hot” and one of the Group’s planes was lost. After successfully “sweating out” the intense flak barrage, one of the engineer-gunners fell off the truck taking the crews from the planes to interrogation and suffered a crushed foot. The victim, Cpl. Robert C. Jones, explained that he was “too eager” to get in the doughnut line. A number of men returned from rest camp today. Jones, Robert C., Cpl, engineer-gunner

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 180/mission 179) Group Mission # 181:

A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-64508 P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Cpl Jones, Robert C., Cpl R Maddox, Richard L., S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D.., Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” Gambler II” P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Dillon, James A., Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), T/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” Judy” (Bear - no lettering) P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt N None None B Fitzgerald, David J., Sgt Monk, William (NMI), S/Sgt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Vance, Chester L., S/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt None

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Tapper squadron operations officer finished his fiftieth today, along with Sgt. South and Sgt. Knapp of the original gang. Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner South, William R., Sgt, gunner Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 180/mission 179) Group Mission # 181: Squadron Mission 146 TARGET: Perugia A/D, Italy. DATE: 7 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Anderson, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Target well covered. Explosions in hangers on SW corner of field. Two hangers observed burning. One fire in hanger seen before bombing. Numerous scattered fires observed. Some from burning a/c hit on the ground, and some from burning oil. One B-25 observed just after target going down, under control, with right engine smoking. Five persons seen bailing out. Flak at target was heavy, intense, accurate. Our flight however, received very little flak. Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 41-13200 (spare – not A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” completed) P Davison, William R., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt France, John A., S/Sgt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt G Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of Polka” St. Joe” P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Tapper, George C., 1Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Ltt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Hanley, James M., Jr., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt Cpl G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 41-30293 P Elliott, Roger L., 1Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o), T/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None None

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64557 P Bettinger, Howard P., 1Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt G South, William R., S/Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 47) “# 47 Jan. 7, 1944 Time 3:05 Sqdn Mission # 146 Gr. Mission # 181 Frag bombs Perugia A/D, Italy Formation Leader - Lt. Anderson Results - String of bombs covered field just E of hangar & into hangar - explosion in hangar. 10 A/C seen in area E of hangar which 1 direct hit# 3 A/C burning. Scattered fires E of hangar. One B-25 went down just after target with right engine smoking. 5 seen to bail out - plane made a crash landing under control. Remarks - 1 T/E plane took off from field but spun in at 200 ft. 10 A/C seen dispersed in area E of hangars & 5/7 in SW dispersal area. Flak heavy, intense, accurate. Ship number - 41-30293 Formation 2-3 P- Cornell, CP - Walker, B- Milner, E - Kaney, RG- Smith, RW, G -DeBari” Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Cornell, Earl K., F/O, pilot DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt, gunner Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Milner, Walter C., Sgt, bombardier Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “14th Day at Casa. Capt Birmingham & crew arrived. Same old routine today. “Birm” & crew drunk as hell at the Bar bolly. He passed out & had to be carried by Ashmore & Hawkes. Still wild as heck, pouring drinks down everyone’s back. They came back to barracks & kept everyone awake by raising hell all nite. The damn frogs, driving U.S. equipment, have the nerve to charge the boys 15 francs, to drive them back to camp. Ashmore, Gerald U., 2Lt, pilot, 310th BG Birmingham, George G., Jr., Capt, 487th BS Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We had fairly clear weather today so we went on another mission today – Northern Italy, had a bad time from flak & fighters but got home O.K. We sure blew hell out of our target, a German rest camp. 4000 troops.”

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Sophisticated Lady (ship #41-13181) returned from a combat mission today for the hundredth time. She is the only one of our planes to hold such a record to date. Lt. Jahrhaus brought her in on the 100th. (Note: according to the mission crew lists, 1st Lt. R.C. Olson piloted 41-13181 on this mission) Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt, pilot Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 180/mission 179) Group Mission # 181: 6 of our ships and one spare took off to participate in a raid on Perugia, Italy. The spare was not needed and returned early.

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt CP Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Reilly, James M., S/Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle A/C No. 41-30557 II” P Knodle Robert A., 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt N None None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt Manning Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Ball” Lady” P Thomas, David W., 1Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt N Halloran, Robert F., 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt Deane, George J., 1Lt E Jeffrey, James H., PFC Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Kastelic, Frank M., T/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Smith, Argyle H., Cpl F None None

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt N Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Tracy, Boyd F., T/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 180/mission 179) Group Mission # 181: Mission 143 (181): At 11:42 24 planes off to bomb Perugia A/D, Italy. All dropped 1566 frags from 10,500 feet. 23 planes back 14:20. 1 plane lost over target (448) Strings of bombs covered field just E of hangars and in hangars, S dispersal area well covered, explosion in hangar in SW corner of field, 2 hangars burning and scattered fires in hangars of S dispersal area. B-25 hit just after target R engine smoking but going down under control, 5-6 persons seen bailing out, 1 report stated that plane nosed in and crashed, another report that plane made controlled landing 10 miles S of target on level ground. Crew members: Capt. Culp, Lieuts’ Anderson, Perry, Matkins, Sgt: Spencer, Holguin and Allen. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Anderson. (Culp)

A/C No. 41-30352 (MACR-1818 - shot A/C No. 42-64519 down) P Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt CP Culp, Merle H., Capt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt None B Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Spencer, John S., T/Sgt Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt R Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Holguin, Renato (NMI), S/Sgt Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None None

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-30355 P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Cooper, James W., 2Lt CP Hoffman Albert J., 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt N None None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Ritter, Robert E., S/Sgt Currie, James L., Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Pvt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-64552 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., Jr., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., 1Lt CP Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt (B & G) E Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Wilkerson, John J., Cpl Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt (G & B) F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None

448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1818:

A/C No. 41-30352 (MACR-1818 - shot down) P Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt - POW, liberated and RTD CP Culp, Merle H., Capt - POW, liberated and RTD 3 Jun 45 N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt - POW, liberated and RTD B Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt - KIA E Spencer, John S., T/Sgt - POW, liberated and RTD R Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt - POW, liberated and RTD G Holguin, Renato (NMI), S/Sgt - WIA, POW, liberated and RTD F None

Eyewitness Account: Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

Operations Office 448th Bombardment Squadron (M) 321st Bombardment Group (M) A. P. O. # 520

AG 360.33-Anderson, Andrew H. L. (O) and crew. January 14, 1944

SUBJECT: Eyewitness Account of Battle Casualty by 1st Lt. Marshall C. Strenger, 445th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), A.P.O. # 520.

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

TO :

1. On January 7, 1944 I was on the mission that 2nd Lt. Andrew H. L. Anderson led over Perugia Airdrome, Italy. Lieutenant Anderson led the first flight of 12 planes over the target at 1310. I would say at about that time he was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, however I was not close enough to say for certain.

2. Coming off the target I saw several parachutes which I counted and I am positive of five of them. I would say that the fifth man bailed out at about 9000 feet.

3. The two wing men of Lieutenant Anderson made a turn to the left as briefed. Lieutenant Anderson’s plane continued on straight with his wheels half down. The last I saw of the airplane it was on one engine with its wheels still half way down and under good flying control. MARSHALL C. STRENGER, (Attachment to MAC Report, Anderson, 1st Lt., Air Corps Andrew H. L. (O) and crew, dated 7 Pilot January 1944.) 445th Bombardment Squadron (M) ------

Eyewitness Account: Vallery, Dean B., F/O, pilot, 445th BS

Operations Office 448th Bombardment Squadron (M) 321st Bombardment Group (M) A. P. O. # 520

AG 360.33-Anderson, Andrew H. L. (O) and crew. January 14, 1944

SUBJECT: Eyewitness Account of Battle Casualty by 1st Lt. Marshall C. Strenger, 445th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), A.P.O. # 520.

TO :

1. On January 7, 1944 I was on the mission that 2nd Lt. Andrew H. L. Anderson led over Perugia Airdrome, Italy. Lieutenant Anderson led the first flight of 12 planes over the target at 1310. I would say at about that time he was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, however I was not close enough to say for certain.

2. Coming off the target I saw several parachutes which I counted and I am certain of five of them.

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

3. The two wing men of Lieutenant Anderson made a turn to the left as briefed. Lieutenant Anderson’s plane continued on straight with his wheels half down. The last I saw of the airplane it was on one engine with its wheels still half way down. I appeared to me that the feathered engine was on fire. The airplane was under good flying control.

DEAN B. VALLERY F/O., Air Corps Pilot (Attachment to MAC Report, Anderson, 445th Bombardment Squadron (M) Andrew H. L. (O) and crew, dated 7 January 1944.) ------

Eyewitness Account: Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 445th BS

Operations Office 448th Bombardment Squadron (M) 321st Bombardment Group (M) A. P. O. # 520

AG 360.33-Anderson, Andrew H. L. (O) and crew. January 14, 1944

SUBJECT: Eyewitness Account of Battle Casualty by 1st Lt. Marshall C. Strenger, 445th Bombardment Squadron (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), A.P.O. # 520.

TO :

1. On January 7, 1944 I was on the mission that 2nd Lt. Andrew H. L. Anderson led over Perugia Airdrome, Italy.

2. Coming off the target I noticed five parachutes and observed one ship missing from the lead formation.

3. The last I saw of the plane it was under good flying control, it had one engine feathered and the wheels were dropped half way down.

WARREN G. WOOGERD T/Sgt., Air Corps Radio Operator (Attachment to MAC Report, Anderson, 445th Bombardment Squadron (M) Andrew H. L. (O) and crew, dated 7 January 1944.) ------

Friday, 7 January 1944 (continued)

Individual Casualty Questionnaire: Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

“German Source - One officers chute failed to open - Tail Gunner T/Sgt now Mr. John S. Spencer, 150 E Prospect, Shreveport, LA. thinks Makin’s chute was hit by shell fire. Spencer saw chute open and later collapse.” ------

Saturday, 8 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): B-25's bomb the harbor, warehouses, and railway at Metkovic, Yugoslavia.

In Italy, A-20's hit railway stations at and in the Colleferro- Segni area; B-26's bomb marshalling yards at Grosseto and Lucca; P-40's support the US Fifth Army in the mountains E and SE of Cassino, and, with A-36's, hit railway targets S of Rome at Aquino, Frosinone, Palestrina and Castelforte; other P-40's hit Avezzano, and A-36's blast trains and vessels in the vicinity of Tarquinia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Lt. Bruce Lowery, a Headquarters veteran, transferred to the 448th Bombardment Squadron. Lowery, Bruce (NMI), 2Lt, armament

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0930 A/C 42-64526 “Patches” (Hinderer, Robert H., 1Lt), slow time.

1135 446th. A/C Nos. 42-64526 “Patches” (Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt) and 41-13203 (Knapp, Robert Theodore A., 1Lt) for Dry Runs, take off 1330. Also gunnery. TAS.

1200 Bradley to TBF. “Gunnery Range from 1400 to 1500 today. Coordinates: 41°38’N, 16° E; 41°30’N, 16°E; 41°25’N, 16°10’E; 41°30’N, 16°30’E.

1230 41-30001 (447th BS) up for instrument check.

1500 In case of trouble call 323 Wing and ask for Ground Controller.

1700 From TBF. “Lead 24 A/C with 500’s same fuzing as today”.

1730 445th needs CP to complete their 7 crews for tomorrow’s line-up--called 446th and they will furnish CP for them.

1635 Bailey to Asbury. “Crews available: 445th 7, 446th 6, 447th 6, 448th 6”.

TREVOR (Graham J., 1Lt) A/C 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” (447th BS) shot down presumably by Enemy Fighters. Last seen at 1233 to 1235 at 42°05’N, 16°35’E. Approximately 65 miles off the coast from Manfredonia, heading 55°. Fighters evidentially picked the formation up near the target and followed it nearly all the way back to the home base--resulting in the loss of said A/C.

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

Capt. Beeson (Elwood H.) in A/C 42-64600 “Lady Luck” (447th BS) went out over the spot where the A/C was last seen (with 2 Spits as escort) after the formation had landed. None of the crew were spotted. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 181/mission 180) Group Mission # 182: Back to Yugoslavian targets in defense of the Partisans, the important German-held marshalling yards at Metkovic was bombed. Concentrations of bursts covered the warehouses and tracks at the end, cratering the yards and setting fire to the warehouses. Two or three hits observed at the southwest chokepoints. After turning off the target the formation was attacked by 12 or 13 enemy aircraft which engaged them all the way back to the Italian mainland. Three enemy aircraft were shot down to one of ours—Lieut. Trevor of the 447th Bombardment Squadron. ------Mission Report # 182, 8 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).

2. At 1059 – 24 B-25’s took off to bomb Metkovic M/Yds. and docks. None returned early. 24 dropped 135 x 500 lb bombs with .01 and .02 fusing at 1210 hours on target from 9500/11,500 feet. 23 returned at 1250. Axis of attack 100°. 1 A/C lost.

3. RESULTS: Good pattern on M/Y. At least ¾ of M/Y hit, although smoke obscured vision of target before and after bombing. At least 3 fires, 1 of which was a large fire and several explosions, including one reported direct hit on fuel storage tank at SW tip of M/Y. R.R. tracks cut at E end of M/Y. Building area near station well covered along N side of M/Y. 1 B-25 shot down at 41°50’, and from 16°40’ to 17°10’

4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------Attacked by four enemy A/C believed to be FW-190’s. Attacked at the target. E/A followed formation back to Italian Coast, attacking all the way from 7 and 11 o’clock from high and low, also diving through the formation in head-on attacks. Enemy pilots seemed very experienced, apparently knowing the fields of fire of a B-25 and avoiding it. Formation also attacked by 6/9 ME 109’s, thirteen minutes after target staying with formation until the Italian Coast was reached. Very aggressive tactics consisting of head-on passes in groups of threes and from the rear in groups of twos passing underneath.

Ground—Warehouses across river observed burning before our formation reached target. Signals or smoke pots in marshes or meadows at 43°00’, 17°32’. Marine---None.

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

Flak------Heavy, slight intensity, inaccurate. Mostly from the vicinity of Gabela, 2 miles NE of target.

5. WEATHER: CAVU ENTIRE ROUTE.

6. 3 E/A claimed destroyed, 1 ME-109 and 2 FW-190’s, 2 probable ME-109’s Flight leaders: Lt Latremore, Capt. Beeson.

Number of sorties – 23 Photos taken. Planes by Squadron: 445th - 6; 446th – 6; 447th – 5; 448th – 6

FRED W. LICHTWARD, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: Eight Officers and 10 enlisted men combat crews officially received their orders to return to the United States. They will probably leave tomorrow. Major Tipton, Commanding Officer, was transferred to 12th Bomber Command and is to be succeeded by Captain Ellwood H. Beeson, formerly of the 447th Squadron. The Group lost another ship today when enemy fighters destroyed a bomber from the 448th Squadron not far from Manfredonia. There was a large mail call in the afternoon. The men enjoyed the doughnuts distributed by the Red Cross girl at supper. For further entertainment, there was an Italian accordionist serenading the enlisted men in the mess tent Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, commander Tipton, Richard Pike, Maj, pilot, Commander

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 181/mission 180) Group Mission # 182:

A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P House, Robert M., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Henrich, James G., Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Cpl F None None

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64659 P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Samuel M., 2Lt B Miller, Edward A., 2Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Reddy, John E., S/Sgt R Forbes, Robert W., Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 41-12924 A/C No. 41-30354 (spare) P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E Carner, Donald E., Cpl Dillon, James A., Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 P Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, 2Lt N None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Fighter opposition met on mission today against Metkovic, Yugoslavia. Lt. Riordan reached that happy “50” and Lt. Wright put on his silver bars. Captain Ford and Lt. Russell left for new assignments at the XII Bomber Command. Mail call with a few late Xmas packages. Ford, George L., Capt, intelligence Riordan, Roland C., Lt, pilot Russell, Burton E., Lt, pilot Wright, Theodore O., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 181/mission 180) Group Mission # 182: Squadron Mission 147 TARGET: Metkovic M/Y, Yugoslavia. DATE: 8 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Latremore, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Good pattern on M/Yds, at least ¾ or M/Yds hit. Building area near station well covered along N side. Fires and several explosions observed. One B-25 shot down at 40º 50’, 16º 41’ and to 17º 10’. Flak was

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued) heavy, slight, intense, inaccurate. Formation attacked by 4 e/a believed to be FW 190’s, at target, Enemy a/c followed the formation back to the Italian coast, attacking all the way. Enemy pilots seemed very experienced and seemed to know the fields of fire from the B-25’s. Formation also attacked by 6/9 ME-109’s, 13 minutes after target, staying with the formation until the Italian coast was reached. These were very aggressive. Three e/a claimed destroyed. Lt. Topham was a spare, and returned early. Lt. Dickerson flew lead navigator with Lt. Latremore of the 445th Sqdn. Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, bombardier Latremore, Fred S., Lt, pilot, 445th BS

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Riordan, Ronald C., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., Sgt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt Mitchell, John C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 41-13008 P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt CP Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Brooks, Gaylen BG., S/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13000 (spare – returned early) P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Nieman, John W., Cpl G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “15th Day at Casa. Rainy & dreary day. Hung around barracks all a.m. listening to hangar flyers. Went with Ferraro & Boatright to get there pay. O.K. Got a haircut, shave, shampoo, etc. for 25 francs. Not bad. Got mad down at PX. Tried to by a knife but no transients can buy them. What a base. Transient officer isn’t ever an ally here. Ashmore came in drunk, kept barracks in stitches telling how he got tossed out of club by an infantry officer. No love lost between the “Paddle feet” and the Air Corps.” Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “I flew to the upper NE coast of Italy today, we bombed a bridge & marshalling yards, did a good job, guess we won’t have to go back there. Sure am waiting for that telegram from my Wife – maybe tomorrow.”

447th BS War Diary: 7 of our ships took part in a raid on the railroad junction and yards at Metkovic, Yugoslavia. The target was well covered and the flak was practically nil. As the formation was on the route home, it was attacked by 9 German fighters. The attackers were very aggressive and persistent and concentrated on one of our ships which was being flown by Lt. Trevor. His plane had dropped behind due to a mechanical failure of the left engine and the fighters succeeded in knocking it down. The fighters tagged the formation almost to the Italian coast. Members of this crew were: Lt. G.J. Trevor, pilot, Lt. J.E. Briskey, Jr., Co-pilot, Lt. A.L. Kingsley, bombardier, Cpl J.H. Jeffrey, engineer, S/Sgt. J.C. Mays, radio-gunner, and Sgt. J.M. Reilly, turret-gunner. According to those who witnessed this ship go down there is little hope of any of the crew escaping. Morning report for week ending Jan. 8: officers—5; Enlisted men—252.

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 181/mission 180) Group Mission # 182:

A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Beeson, Elwood H., Capt CP Langston, Everett D., 1Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt B Deane, George J., 2Lt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Tudor, Matthew S., S/Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Vincent, Frederic W., 1Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt O’Loughlin, William M., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F Hassett, Leo P., Sgt None A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” (MACR-1825 - shot down) P Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt N None B Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Jeffrey, James H., Cpl R Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Sgt F None

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: On January 8, 1944 seven planes of this squadron participated in a raid on the railroad junction and yards at Metkovic, Yugoslavia. A successful bombing run was made with little opposition from flak. Several bursts were seen but they were not close enough to do any damage. Thirteen minutes after the bombing run the formation was attacked by nine German fighters. Just prior to the attack the left engine of the plane piloted by Lt. Trevor had been feathered, presumably because of some mechanical failure, and this ship lost altitude and straggled from the formation. When the fighters came in to attack they singled out the straggler and made a concentrated attack upon it. The plane continued to lose altitude and was finally seen to hit the water. The crew of the ship which was shot down was as follows: 1st Lt. Graham J. Trevor, pilot; 1st Lt. John E. Briskey, Jr., co-pilot; 1st Lt. Andrew L. Kingsley, bombardier; Cpl. James H. Jeffrey, engineer; S/Sgt. Jack C.

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

Mays, radio-gunner; S/Sgt. James M. Reilly, turret gunner. Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Jeffrey, James H., Cpl, engineer-gunner Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt, bombardier Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Reilly, James M., S/Sgt, turret gunner Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot The fighters were very aggressive in their attack upon the formation. In twos and fours they made pass after pass at various elements of the formation from the front, sides and rear and the attacks continued until the formation reached the coast of Italy. Three of the fighters were shot down, two by 448th gunners and one by Sgt. Robert Boyd of this squadron. Lt. Trevor’s plane was the only B-25 lost. The plane piloted by Lt. Knodle received a hit in the right engine but the engine continued to function until he was taxiing off the runway after landing. Lts. Nowakowski, Anderson and Vincent all reported observing Lt. Trevor’s plane as it was attacked. When Lt. Nowakowski saw the plane it was flying straight and level at about 1500 feet. The formation at that time was at about 4000 feet or 2500 feet above Lt. Trevor’s plane. Four German fighters were diving on the straggling plane and firing at it when Lt. Nowakowski lost sight of it. Lt. Anderson saw three fighters attacking Lt. Trevor’s plane from the rear. The fighters were flying along parallel to the formation and the waist gunner on Lt. Anderson’s plane, Sgt. Robert Boyd, got a good shot at one of the fighters. He shot about a hundred rounds into it, most of them into the enemy aircraft’s tail section. The tail of the fighter fell apart and it went down into the sea. The other two fighters continued to press their attack on Lt. Trevor’s plane. All during the running fight with the fighters the formation was diving down to get on the deck. Lt. Vincent reported seeing Lt. Trevor’s plane hit the water and at that time the altitude of the formation was about 400 feet. He was looking back and saw a tremendous spray of water as the plane hit. He did not see the plane after that. According to his estimate Lt. Trevor’s plane went in about twenty miles from the Italian coast. Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt, pilot Boyd, Robert J., M/Sgt, gunner Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt, bombardier Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot Capt. Beeson took a plane out to the area shortly afterwards and searched thoroughly for some trace of the plane which went down but could find nothing. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, operations

447th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1825:

A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” (MACR-1825 - shot down) P Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt - KIA / DED CP Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt - KIA / DED N None B Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt - KIA / DED E Jeffrey, James H., Cpl - KIA / DED R Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt - KIA / DED G Reilly, James M., Sgt - KIA / DED F None

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

Eyewitness Account: Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

447th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF A. P. O. # 520

AG 360.33-Trevor, Graham J. (O) and crew. January 10, 1944

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

TO : Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C. (Thru Channels)

1. On January 8, 1944, I was flying in the second ship, second element, and second flight. Lt. Trevor was pilot of the ship in the third position, first element, and second flight.

2. Previous to making our bomb-run, two fighters were observed following our formation. After making our bomb-run no fighters were observed up until the time Lt. Trevor feathered his right engine. Our location at that time was just off the Yugoslavian coast. Lt. Trevor’s plane started falling behind the rest of the formation. Before the communication had been received by the lead ship, enemy fighters had proceeded to attack Lt. Trevor’s ship, evidentially coming out of the sun. It would be my estimate that there were ten enemy fighters attacking, the ones of which I saw being FW 190s.

3. After receiving the first attack, Lt. Trevor unfeathered his bad engine and undoubtedly pushed all controls forward as he could be seen catching up with the formation. It was observed that Lt. Trevor was handling his ship in a most skillful and advantageous manner with regard to the safety of his crew.

4. After having crippled Lt. Trevor’s ship, the enemy proceeded to attack the weakened first element of the flight, making both frontal and side attacks as in breaking away they were able to strafe the entire flight. Immediately after these attacks Lt. Trevor made a water landing at a high rate of speed. Upon hitting the water, the ship spread a long, wide, high spray which lasted for so long a time that it was impossible to observe other pertinent facts.

FREDERICK W. VINCENT, 1st Lt., Air Corps.

(This is an attachment to Missing Air Crew Report concerning aircraft missing since January 8, 1944, and concerning the missing crew which is as follows: 1st Lt. Trevor, Graham J., 1st Lt. Briskey, John F., Jr., 1st Lt. Kingsley, Andrew L., S/Sgt. Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt. Reilly, James M., and Cpl. Jeffrey, James H.) ------

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 52) TARGET: Metkovic M/Y 1:50 500 lb bombs Plane 498: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Langston, Lt. Deane, S/Sgt Czabaj, S/Sgt, Ennis, S/Sgt Crowell Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt, gunner Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt, radar radio-gunner Langston, Everett D., 1Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot

“Lt. Trevor and crew which included Lt. Trevor Lt. Briskey, Lt. Kingsley, Pfc. Jeffery, S/Sgt Mays and Sgt. Reilly in plane 450 were attacked by several fighters and shot down in the Adriatic Sea. Sgt. Crowell shot down one E/A. ¾ of M/Y although smoke obscured visions of targets. At least three fires and several fires observed after explosions caused by direct hits on fuel tanks.” Briskey, John F., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Jeffrey, James H., Cpl, engineer-gunner Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt, bombardier Mays, Jack C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Reilly, James M., S/Sgt, turret gunner Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 181/mission 180) Group Mission # 182: Mission 144 (182): At 10:59 24 planes off to bomb Metkovic, Yugoslavia, M/Y and docks. All dropped bombs 135 x 500 at 12:10 from 9,500 feet. 23 planes returned at 12:50, 1 B-25 lost. Good pattern on M/Y at least ¾ of yard hit although smoke obscured observation, 3 fires 1 very large and several explosions resulted from direct hits on fuel storage tanks on SW tip of M/Y. RR tracks cut at E end of M/Y and building area near station well covered. 13 E/A attacked formation (FW-190’s) at target and followed it back to Italian coast, enemy apparently experienced and avoided B-25’s fields of fire by attacking high, low, and head on thru formation. 1 B-25 shot down by fighters at 41º 50’ N and 16º 40’ E. 3 E/A destroyed and 2 probables. Flak: Slight, inaccurate and heavy. Weather: CAVU.

A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 41-29967 P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Boatright, John S., 1Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt N None None B Robert, Maurice L., Cpl Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt E Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt R Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None

Saturday, 8 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-30327 P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Pvt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30548 P Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt CP Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., Sgt Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 9 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Prime Minister Winston S Churchill and General Charles A De Gaulle meet at Marrakesh, French Morocco. They discuss cooperation of a French expeditionary force in invasion of Europe and the degree of authority of the French inside France after the invasion.

In Italy, B-25's attack the marshalling yard and docks at Ancona; P- 40's hit tanks and trucks at Palena and S of Sulmona, and positions and vehicles near Cervaro; and A-36's hit positions in the same area. 414th Night Fighter Squadron, 63rd Fighter Wing, based at Elmas, Sardinia with Beaufighters, sends a detachment to operate from Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: An advance echelon was sent to our new field which is to be only 18 miles away from our present base and seven miles southwest of Foggia. The B- 17’s are crowding us out of our present spot which necessitates this short haul to an empty field. All Squadrons this date were on alert for possible strafing attack by fighters based in Yugoslavia. This warning was given by the anti-aircraft intelligence.

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

TBF to CWO. “Target for 10/1/44: Railroad. 47th B. G. will move planes 11th or 12th. We must notify TBF (ADW) that Vincenzo A/D is ready for us, then Group Capt. Huntley will get us transportation.

1123 From tower: 41-12926 (“Hawkeye” 448th BS) landed at 1121. 41-29998 (448th BS) landed at 1122.

1135 From tower: 1st A/C (Mission) landed at 1349 Last “ “ “ “ 1412

2000 Col Ferrell to Larson. Provisional TOT for 10/1/44. H minus 0335. 12th B. G. has further details. Area # 1.”

When weather Recce lands give 12th info. If area # 1 our TOT is H minus 0335.

------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 182/mission 181) Group Mission # 183: Mission sent to the port of Ancona. Photos show a concentration of bursts in the warehouse area south of the shipbuilding facilities. Also his on an overturned vessel and on the breakwater. ------

Sunday, 9 January 1944 (continued)

Mission Report # 183, 9 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1130 – 24 B-25’s took off to bomb North and East Quays and dock facilities at Ancona. 3 A/C returned early. 21 A/C dropped 123x500 lb. bombs with .1 and .025 fusing from 10,000/11,500 feet at 1250 hrs. 21 A/C returned at 1350.

3. RESULTS: (Ref. TC. 3-162-NA) Bombs seen to hit along quay (north quay) from F to N-30. Also among buildings M to N 31-32 and along E. dock side from L to 0-28 and 29. Dock hit at J-30 with some bombs in water near L-28. Five bombs reported hitting in town abut Q-24.

4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------3 S/E A/C seen near target. One E/A observed heading S. at 7000 ft. and another seen following formation S. at about 500 ft. off coast. Marine---M/V heading S from Falconara made 180° turn on seeing bombers. 3 medium M/Vs off Sari Gallia heading S about 5 miles apart. In harbor three 400’ M/Vs at 27-N and 4 small boats in S. harbor near M/Ys about K- 21. Ship about 6000 tons reported 10 miles S. of Ancona heading N. Flak------Large amount of light flak reported from around dock area. Two heavy batteries at I-30, another at N-27. Heavy, light, moderate, inaccurate. Some flak from Falconara and between Ancona and Isola Sirolo—heavy and inaccurate.

5. WEATHER: CAVU entire mission.

6. None Flight leaders: Lts. Tapper and Sowder. Number of sorties – 21 Planes by Squadron: 445th - 5; 446th – 6; 447th – 6; 448th – 4

MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Gp. Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: The Officers and enlisted men who are to return to the United States left this morning by truck for Foggia main where they will board a transport for Algiers. There were many handshakes and many envious glances were cast at the departing men. Two of the enlisted men did not leave today. One was at rest camp while the other hadn’t packed in time. The former sounded plausible but the men were scratching their heads all day over the latter. Among the Officers to leave was Lt. Haegele, Operations Officer and Flight Officer Vallery is rumored to be the new

Sunday, 9 January 1944 (continued)

Operations Officer. Lt. Stanley J. Malek was relieved of his duties as Mess Officer and was succeeded by Lt. Sam Gregory, the Adjutant. Major Tipton awarded Air Medals to flying personnel in a short ceremony in the afternoon. The men enjoyed the fresh stead for supper. Gregory, Samuel J., 1Lt, Adjutant Haegele, Frederick G., 2Lt, pilot Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence Tipton, Richard Pike, Maj, pilot, Commander Vallery, Dean B., F/O, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 182/mission 181) Group Mission # 183:

A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Joy” Judy” P House, Robert M., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Edward A., 2Lt Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Dillon, James A., Sgt Vance, Chester L., S/Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12924 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt G Henrich, James G., S/Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64575 P Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt CP Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt N None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt R Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt

Sunday, 9 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Six men put aside their parachutes and started sweating out orders for home today: F/O Cornell, Lt. Davison, Sgts. Beach, Neiman, Rockafellow, and J.C. Mitchell. Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Cornell, Earl K., 2Lt, pilot Davison, William R., 2Lt, pilot Mitchell, John C., Sgt, gunner Neiman, John W., Sgt, gunner Rockafellow, Alfred A., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 182/mission 181) Group Mission # 183: Squadron Mission 148 TARGET: Ancona M/Y, Italy. DATE: 9 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Tapper led the formation. Hits were observed along the north quay, among buildings and along the east dock side, the dock itself and part of the town. E/A seen but did not attack. Flak was heavy, light, mod., inacc

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Green Harry M., Sgt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 41-13008 St. Joe” P Tapper, George C., 1Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt None B Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Mitchell, John C., Sgt F None Tissier, Rene G., Cpl A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Neiman, John W., Cpl R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 9 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “16th day at Casa. Still cannot find a place to go to Mass. Raining when I got up. Had breakfast – clearing up. Took a trip to the flight line in hopes Burandt would show up. Nice chicken dinner today. Went into town, walked around the parks, saw Army-Navy baseball game. Visited the Rustique, Bar bolly, & select Bars. Still get a kick out of watching these $20.00 w---- operate. Ate at officer’s mess in town – went to show. Back to camp.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot “Boy, we sure did get another marshalling yard today, here in Northern Italy again – pardon me in Yugoslavia. We did a good job but got lots of flak, & were jumped by fighters & they followed us all the way home, made lots of passes at us & caused us lots of trouble. We lost one ship & crew; another ship got an engine shot out but finally got home OK. One ship got his landing gear shot out & had to make a belly landing, he did a good job. I picked up several holes but no one was hurt – all for now.”

447th BS War Diary: Lt. Anderson and S/Sgt. Cook completed their fiftieth combat mission today. A formal presentation of Air Medals was made at the squadron area today. The formation was called together by Capt. Gale after which Major Sampson presented the medals. Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt, pilot Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt, gunner Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 182/mission 181) Group Mission # 183: 5 of our ships participated in a raid on the marshalling yards at Ancona, Italy. Results—good.

A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped” (returned early) P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt Deane, George J., 1Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt

Sunday, 9 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 1Lt Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 42-64695 P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Nowakowski, Joseph J., S/Sgt E O’Loughlin, William M., S/Sgt Tudor, Matthew S., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 53) TARGET: North and East quays at Ancona 2:20 500 lbs bombs Plane 498: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Langston, Lt. Holloway, Lt. Mayben, S/Sgt Czabaj, S/Sgt, Ennis, S/Sgt Crowell Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt, gunner Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator Langston, Everett D., 1Lt, pilot Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot “This is my first experience at landing the flight. Bombs seem to hit on N quay and among buildings, on E side. Docks also hit.”

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 182/mission 181) Group Mission # 183: Mission 145 (183): At 11:30 24 planes off to bomb N and E Quays and dock facilities at Ancona. 3 returned early and 21 dropped 123 x 500 bombs from 10,000 feet at 12:50, all returned at 13:50, bombs hit along quay and among building on E dock side. 3 E/A seen near target but did not attack. Flak: Moderate, inaccurate, heavy. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Sowder.

Sunday, 9 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 42-64655 P Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI)., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., S/Sgt Robert, Maurice L., Cpl E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt R Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Driver, William J., F/O Boatright, John S., 1Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Currie, James L., Sgt R Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Griffin, E. I., S/Sgt Gately, Joseph A., Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None A/C No. 41-30538 A/C No. 42-64552 (returned early) P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt N Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt G Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl F None None

Monday, 10 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's hit San Benedetto de Marsi; P-40's, with RAF, SAAF, and RAAF airplanes, hit communications, gun positions, trucks, and tanks at numerous points in and NW of the battle area; other P-40's give close support to ground forces in the Chieti area; and A-36's hit trucks, tanks, trains, and other targets of opportunity N of Rome. Transfers: HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy. Air echelon of the 417th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force (attached to RAF 337 Wing) from Tafaraoui to La Senia, Algeria with Beaufighters; ground echelon is at Ghisonaccia, Corsica.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: With casualties and men going home upon completion of their tour of combat duty, 24 planes and crews represents pretty close to maximum effort. A far cry from that invasion day at Salerno when the Group put up a total of 72 aircraft for two missions in direct support to the 5th Army.

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0320 From 12th B. G. “Area # 2, 12th will contact us and arrange TOT. Area #1. Delouser will be laid for us. On Area #2 12th will arrange escort.

Recce should be in by 0900.”

A/C to Naples from 448th. Cleared for morning take off. # 41-29765 (Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt).

12th to Larson. “Yugoslavia target cancelled. Italy doubtful--another Recce going out. 1000 Stand-By”.

1005 Williams to Asbury. “24 A/C, #23 is the Primary; alternate #83. TOT H minus 0136. Delousers. No Aiming points. 12th B. G. Primary is inland.

1025 Squadrons notified of Briefing at 1200.

1110 Elliott to 323 Wing. A/C 41-29765 (448th BS) cleared to Naples, 1200 take off.

1145 Allen to Larson. “Coming over to pick up Tow Target equipment after lunch”.

1230 445th has A/C available for trip to Foggia Main.

1430 Same Bomb load for tomorrow, 24 A/C. Squadrons have been notified.

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued)

1500 Olmsted to FAS. “800lbs lime available. Contact 306th S. G. with conveyance and they will see that you get it. To be used for Bombing Range. Jaenicke notified”.

1550 Williams to Asbury. “Load 24 A/C with 500’s .1 and .025. Area #1 #67 column 11, Alternate #77. Area # 2 #8, Alternate # 64. If area 1 TOT will be H plus 0110, 12th BG H plus 0125. If Area # 2 we will set our own time H plus 0140. 12th B. G. if area # 2 will arrange delousers; over there at 1000, Flight Section on North side of field will meet any B-25’s.

1650 Bailey to Larson. “Crew status: 445th, 6; 446th, 5; 447th, 6; 448th, 6.”

1700 Williams to Asbury. “12th Bomb Group will furnish Courier on Odd days, we will furnish Courier on Even days. Courier must arrive at “Cercola” A/C at 1000- every morning.

1830 Asbury to TBF. “Unable to carry out Nickeling program”. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 183/mission 182) Group Mission # 184: 23 planes took off to bomb the marshalling yards at Falconara but due to 10/10’s coverage over the primary target, the alternate target of San Benedetto was attacked. No bombs hit the railroad tracks but photos show bursts on the breakwater and buildings along the shore line. ------Mission Report # 184, 10 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1300 – 23 B-25’s took off to bomb M/Y at Falconara. None returned early. 23 planes dropped 129 x 500 lb bombs with .1 and .025 fusing at 1440 hours from 10,500/11,500 feet on alternate target of S. Benedetto. 23 planes bat at 1530 hours. Axis of attack 180°. 3. RESULTS: Falconara found to be 10/10 covered by clouds. Bombs observed concentrated starting at bases of both the North and South moles, then across tracks and into town. Both choke points of M/Y reported hit. Large, red-topped building between shore and M/Y reported as having suffered direct hits. 6 ships dropped bombs just off shore. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------No E/A reported. Ground---One report M/Yds are filled with rolling stock. Marine---One M/V observed enveloped in heavy black smoke, burning, approximately 300 to 400 yds. Off shore and about one mile S of Porto Civitanova. Size of ship indistinguishable due to smoke. No other ships sighted.

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued)

Flak------Both heavy and light flak reported in moderate intensity, generally trailing, flak batteries pinpointed at highway and RR junction, 4 to 5 miles SW of San Benedetto. (In area 9079). 5. WEATHER: Enroute. Clouds: 4/10 at 20,000. Visibility: Slight haze – 15 miles. Weather at primary target: Clouds: 8/10 stratocumulus, base at 5,000 tops 7,000. Visibility: Slight haze – 15 miles. Weather at secondary target: Clouds: 4/10 at 20,000 feet. Visibility: Slight haze – 15 miles. Return: Same as enroute. 6. None Flight leaders: Lts. Fraser and Lathrop. Number of sorties – 23 Planes by Squadron: 445th - 5; 446th – 6; 447th – 6; 448th – 6

STANLEY J. MALEK, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer. ------445th BS War Diary: Another touch of balmy weather delights the men today. Major Tipton, our former C.O. left today and as a parting shot, left a letter for all to read on the bulletin board. It was a very friendly letter and was signed, “Your buddy –Dick Tipton”. It was regarded as one of the finest gestures from a C.O. Major Tipton will long be remembered by the men under his command. S/Sgt. Edward F. Klunke, a bombardier who completed 25 combat missions, was chosen to be considered for a radio interview from Algiers concerning his combat experiences. A public relations representative from Algiers is expected to come here to choose a man from the Group for the interview. A rumor was circulated to the effect that our Group would move within five days to a place near Foggia. There was a test hop today and flights to Naples and Bari. The movie “Big Shot” with Humphrey Bogart was shown at the granary at night. Tipton, Richard Pike, Maj, pilot, 12th Bomber Command Klunke, Edward F., S/Sgt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 183/mission 182) Group Mission # 184:

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64508 P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt CP Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Vance, Chester L., S/Sgt R Carson, Cecil F., Cpl Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Cpl Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued) A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-64529 P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None None B Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt Fitzgerald, Daniel J., S/Sgt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Carner, Donald E., Cpl G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12924 P Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt CP Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt N Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Hetland, Arthur M., Jr., T/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt G Hannon, Robert P., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Captain Chappell assumes command of the squadron in the absence of Lt. Col. Schwane. Lt. Wright and Lt. Topham fly their “50”. Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt, pilot Wright, Theodore O., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 183/mission 182) Group Mission # 184: Squadron Mission 149 TARGET: San Benedetto M/Y, Italy. (alt) DATE: 10 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Fraser, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Falconara, the primary target, was found to have a 0/10 cloud coverage. At the alternate, both choke points of M/Y reported hit. Direct hit reported on large red-topped building. Six ships dropped bombs just off shore. Flak was both heavy and light, immoderate, intensely, generally trailing. Lt. Wright was hit on the side of the face by flak after coming off the target, and required medical attention. Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Wright, Theodore O., 1Lt Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt None B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None None

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13005 A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None None B Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Bahm, Linston A., PFC Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “17th day at Casa. Met Bill Farney who just arrived from the states, said Burandt was at Dakar awaiting parts. Be there indefinitely. Wish he was wrong. Took Farney into town, visited bars, etc. Two Scots at the Select Bar putting on an impromptu show, Real good. Went to show at the Vox. Errol Flynn in “Northern Pursuit”. It was lousy. Back to camp – usual card game going on all nite – kept everyone awake.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Well, what a rough day today. Please, please, don’t give me another tough one like I had today. I really believe everyone was shooting at me. This was at a marshalling yard & docks in Italy, San Benedetto. I never did use so much evasive action but it had to be done. I picked up 3 flak holes, one in the top of the Bombardiers nose, in the right wing, and one near the tail. They were large holes but none of us were hit. I sure think the Good Lord was with me today. Hope I never have another mission like that. They’re getting close to me. So until tomorrow – Good Bye now.”

447th BS War Diary: Capt. Bugbee, Capt. Spikes, 1st Lt. Spingler, 2nd Lt. Werner, and S/Sgt. Mercer transferred to U.S. per letter of Jan. 6, 1944, 12th A.F. Hq. 1st Lt. Wm M. Johnston transferred to Hqs. 12th A.F. by Special Order #9 dated Jan. 9, 1944. Capt. E.H. Beeson transferred to 445th Squadron. The following promotions came through as of Jan. 9: Sgt. J.M. Reilly to S/Sgt. P.F.C. J.H. Jeffrey to Cpl, P.F.C David O. Erickson to Cpl., and Cpl. Foster R. Ludtke to Sgt. A new combat crew is assigned to this squadron as of today. They are:

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued)

2nd Lt. G.D. Seavey, 2nd Lt. H.D. Tompkins, 2nd Lt. J.W. McDermott, T/Sgt. R.W. Harman, Sgt. J.H. Grant, and Sgt. A. Schwartz. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, operations Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, Capt, pilot Erickson, David O., Cpl, engineering Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot Grant, James H., Sgt, gunner Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt, gunner Jeffrey, James H., Cpl, engineer-gunner Johnston, William M., 1Lt, bombardier Ludtke, Foster R., Sgt, gunner Mercer, William R., S/Sgt, gunner McDermott, James W., 2Lt, bombardier Reilly, James M., S/Sgt, turret gunner Schwartz, Arthur, Sgt, gunner Seavey, George D., 2Lt, pilot Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, Capt, pilot Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 1Lt, pilot Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt, pilot Werner, Robert G., Jr., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 183/mission 182) Group Mission # 184: 6 of our ships led by Lt. Fraser participated in a raid over San Benedetto, Italy. Our flight was first in the formation. Results of bombing—poor.

A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” Done Crapped Again” P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D., Maj, Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Commander N Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt Deane, George J., 1Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt F None None

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 183/mission 182) Group Mission # 184: Mission 146 (184): At 13:00 23 planes off to bomb M/Y at Falconara, all dropped 129 x 500 bombs at 14:40 from 10,500 feet on alternate target of San Benedetto, all back at 15:30. Falconara covered by overcast. At alternate bombs were concentrated starting at bases of both N and S moles, thence across tracks and into town, both choke points of M/Y hit, large red top buildings between shore and M/Y suffered direct hit. Six planes dropped bombs just off shore. Flak: Heavy, moderate and trailing. Weather: 4/10th cover.

A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 42-64655 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt R Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Pvt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt None Silver, George A., III, Capt (observer) A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30548 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt CP VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Roberts, Maurice L., Cpl McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt E Johnson, R , Cpl Carnathan, J D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Riss, Roy C., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., Sgt Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 10 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30343 P Driver, William J., F/O Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 11 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-26's attack the iron and steel works at Piombino during the night of 10/11 Jan; during the day, B-25's bomb Falconara (hitting the railroad junction) and railroad yards at Fabriano; P-40's and A-36's blast defenses and gun positions in Cervaro-Monte Trocchio, a gun position N of Minturno, the towns of Sora and , road traffic in the Macerata-Aquila-Popoli area, and railroad facilities at San Giorgio del Sannio. Transfers: HQ 87th Fighter Wing to Nouvion, Algeria from the US. 84th and 85th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

From Capt Henry. “Both areas are hopeless. Immediate stand-by at 1000. Squadrons notified”.

Alternate: Area # 4. Railway bridge at B977 592, on photo NA 7654044.

0940 12th on different target with same alternate.

Primary: TOT, 1330. They are to arrange Delousers. Will call later on alternate, do not strike at road Bridge, it is Blocked.

1015 57th Fighter going to Yugoslavia. Want Pin-Point where Bomber A/C (447th BS 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon”, Trevor, Graham J., 1Lt, pilot) went down coordinates: 42°05’N, 16°35’E. T.O. 1045 and return at 1200. Asked if Bombers would like to search area at same time--none available”.

1200 Elliott to 323. “2 Squadrons to T.O. from Amendola at 1205, Termoli at 1240, Termoli at 1420, Amendola at 1435.

1215 Tower to Blake. “22 B-25’s took off from 1205 to 1214. A/C nos. 41-13200 (446th BS) and 41-13179 “Booger” (445th BS) did not take off”.

1230 (445th BS) A/C 41-13179 “Booger” took off at 1229.

1310 (445th BS) A/C 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” returned at 1300.

1312 (448th BS “Hawkeye”) A/C 41-12926 took of at 1300.

1335 (446th BS) A/C 42-29760 (Bettinger, Howard P., 1Lt) local test hop, takeoff at 1400.

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

1345 Asbury to 323 Wing. A/C (Sampson) cleared for Gunnery.

1415 A/C 42-64659, 445th, cleared for local flight (Young, William G., 2Lt). ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 184/mission 183) Group Mission # 185: This date, 23 successfully bombed Falconara marshalling yard, cutting the railroad lines at three places including the choke point. They also hit a twenty wagon train and a locomotive repair shed. ------Mission Report # 185, 11 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1205 – 23 B-25’s took off to bomb M/Y at Falconara. One returned early. 22 dropped 71 x 500 lb bombs with .1 and .025 fusing at 1330 hours from 10,500/11,500 feet. 22 returned at 1425. Axis of attack 160°.

3. RESULTS: Strings of bombs observed falling across RR tracks – at NW end of M/Yds – near junction – in front of RR station and SE choke point. Some bombs over near barracks, some just off shore – Coordinates of bomb fall J to M 23-25, J-28 to K-28 and G-22. One fire in yards reported.

4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------One report of one E/A near San Benedetto. Ground---None. Marine---Two medium M/V, estimated (300’ – 400’) in Porto Civitanova harbor. Submarine observed while formation was heading north – sub was heading south then miles S of Porto Civitanova – crash dived turning 180°. Large vessel reported as cruiser headed N., 10 miles off coast at 43° N. One large M/V (500’) heading S. 5 miles N of Sari Gallia Flak------Target – slight, light, inaccurate – two guns reported at 33-F. 10/12 bursts from Ancona.

5. WEATHER: Clouds: 4/10 stratocumulus at 6,000’. Visibility 15 miles Slight haze. At Target: Clouds: 4/10 stratocumulus at 6,000’: Clear over target. Visibility: 15 miles, slight haze. Return: Clouds: 5/10 stratocumulus at 6,000’. Visibility: 15 miles, slight haze.

6. None Flight leaders: Lts. Sowder and Fetterly. Number of sorties – 22 Photos taken. Planes by Squadron: 445th - 7; 446th – 4; 447th – 6; 448th – 5

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

MALCOLM D. HAVEN Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer.

FALCONARA: First Flight came up the coast of Italy opposite to the Port of Ancona. Weather was hazy with 5/10 overcast of strato-cumulus clouds above Ancona and appeared so over Falconara. This caused Group Flight Leader to fly closer to the coast line, and for some reason turned shorter than briefed and approached target at approximately 270° (as observed by 2nd Flight). ------

445th BS War Diary: There were several instrument training flights scheduled. There was another flight to Bari and the plane which went to Naples yesterday returned today. Lt. Melvin A. Anderson, a bombardier in the Squadron, is gaining quite a reputation for his rare humor. Most of the men know him for his imaginary bombing of “broom factories and ball bearing factories”. Lt. Anderson is a cigar addict and has never been caught without at least a small stub in his mouth. Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 184/mission 183) Group Mission # 185:

A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” P Vallery, Dean B., F/O House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel "Danny", 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Dillon, James A., S/Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D.., Sgt Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None Asmus, G., D., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt CP Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt N None None B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Monk, William, 2Lt E Schaviak, Willis, M., Sgt, Chambers, Jimmie, Cpl R Townsend, Charles A., T/Sgt Stein, Louis, T/Sgt G Reddy, John E., Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-12924 P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Lathrop, Gerald T., 2Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt, Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt (446th BS) N Miller, Edward A., 2Lt None B Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Hetland, Arthur M., Jr, Cpl Carner, Donald E., Cpl R Marcoulier, William A., Sgt Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl Tarr, Charles F., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29985 P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., Sgt, F None

446th BS War Diary: Capt. Chappell relinquishes command of the squadron upon return of Lt. Col. Schwane. PX today and we draw some beer on rations, something new for us. Lt. Fetterly winds up his half-a-hundred missions. Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt, pilot Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 184/mission 183) Group Mission # 185: Squadron Mission 150 TARGET: Falconera M/Y, Italy. DATE: 11 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 500 lb. 446th Planes: 4 Lt. Sowder, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Strings of bombs observed falling across RR tracks at NW end of M/Y. Some bombs were over near barracks, and some were just off shore. One fire reported in yards. Four planes in first flight failed to drop their bombs. No fighters. Flak was slight, high, inaccurate. Lt. Strom did not take off, magneto trouble. Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS Strom, Ernest M., Lt, pilot

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 41-13208 P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None None B Bahm, Linston A, PFC Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., Sgt Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt F None Tissier, Rene G., Cpl A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Ryder, David, 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Nicklaus, George Edward, 2Lt, Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None None

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Parnamirim Air Field, Natal, Rio Do Sul, Brazil to Ascension Island Air Field: Ferry Flying Time: 7:45 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “18th day at Casablanca. No word from Burandt as yet. Wrote to Ma and A.M.B. Getting very monotonous here, not a thing to do. After bunch went into town with Fill Farney, went shopping, hung around town, and went to the show. Back to camp, then to bed. Made up mind if Burandt isn’t here by Monday we’ll go on w/out him.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “This was a swell mission today, just a little farther North in Italy from where we were yesterday, we got another marshalling yard and we sure did blow it to Kingdom Come, it will be a long time before they use that yard again. Sure should cut off supplies for the Germans at the front line. We sure are flying a lot now, and are beginning to get darned tired. I’m looking forward to a day off and waiting for that cablegram from my Wife, sure would like to know how she is and the baby and if it’s a boy or girl. Well I’ll hit the hay now, sot this is all for now, goodnight now.”

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

Letter Home: “Will you write to Manhattan, Kansas, to the Kansas State College and try to get a record of my R.O.T.C. time there. Have them state the exact time a am credited for so I can add it to my service time with the Army.”

447th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 184/mission 183) Group Mission # 185: 6 of our ships participated in a raid on the Marshalling Yards at Falconara, Italy. Results— fair. Choke point hit.

A/C No. 42-64-694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 42-64695 P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, T/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt, F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Vincent, Frederick W., III, 1Lt CP Seavey, George D., 2Lt Haeberle, John H., 1Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt E Schwartz, Arthur, Sgt O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Myers, William W., T/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

Tuesday, 11 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 184/mission 183) Group Mission # 185: Mission 147 (185): At 12:05 25 planes off to bomb Falconera M/Y, 1 returned early and 22 dropped 71 x 500 bombs at 13:30 from 10,500 feet. All returned at 14:25. Strings of bombs observed falling across RR tracks at NW end of M/Y near junction, in front of RR station and SE choke point. 1 fire in yards reported, 4 planes did not drop bombs. Flak: Slight, light and inaccurate. Weather: 4/10th Strato-cumulus, slight haze. F/L: Sowder.

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30355 (returned early – oil leak) P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt CP Bell, Albert R., Capt, Commander VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Carnathan, J D. (i.o.), S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Pvt Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30327 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt CP Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt R Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl G Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Bates, Willie L., F/O Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 2Lt CP Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt E Currie, James L., Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 12 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Colonel Archibald Y Smith assumes command of the XII Air Force Training and Replacement Command.

In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb the Giulianova railway bridge and attack a dam and road bridge; A-20's hit San Donato; P-40's attack a vessel in the Krka River of Yugoslavia, hit enemy defensive positions at San Biagio Saracinesa, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, Monte Trocchio, and Atina, and bomb ; A-36's attack the Avezzano railroad yards, a village near Atina, railroad facilities at Cisterna di Latina, and numerous trucks and train cars in the Rome area.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Lt. Thomas L. Blake, formerly of the 448th Bombardment Squadron, was appointed Group Bombardier and assigned to Headquarters. Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt, bombardier Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 185/mission 184) Group Mission # 186: A special target came in at the last minute—the Isoletta dam. We sent 18 planes to get that dam but on return, crews reported their bombs all around the target but no hits scored. We lost one plane to the heavy intense flak. We lost Lt. Fred Vincent of the 447th Bombardment Squadron. Two chutes were seen emerging from the plane. ------Mission Report # 186, 12 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1245 hrs. 18 B-25’s taken off to bomb Isoletta Dam. 18 dropped 54x1000 lb. bombs with .1 and .025 fusing at 1400 hrs from 10/10,500 feet. 17 A/C returned at 1445. One A/C B-25 shot down by flak.

3. Bursts seen on all sides of target. No hits observed on dam. Two possible hits on road bridge just S. of dam. Hits reported on E road, bridge approach, as well as road junction ¼ mile W. of dam. 10 A/C holed; one shot down, seen to break in two at navigator’s compartment. Seen to crash at 41° 32’ N, 13° 52’ E, after being hit one minute past target. Two parachutes observed. One Spitfire seen to explode when hit by flak over target area, no chute seen.

4. Air------None. Ground---None. Marine---None. Flak------Six heavy guns along coastal road at G-1505; heavy, intense, accurate from coast to target; firing from single guns. Heavy, intense, accurate at Priverno; gun position at 41° 33’ N, 13° 43’ E (G-8534). Four guns heavy position 900 ft. S of target in W. Bank of river.

5. Enroute and Return:----5/10 strato-cumulus at 6000 ft.; 7/10 altostratus at estimated 20,000 ft. Visibility 15 miles. Target------Clouds, clear over target. Visibility—Hazy, 15 miles.

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

6. None. Flight leaders: Capt. Beeson, and Lt. Thomas. Number of sorties – 18 Photos taken.

Planes by Squadron: 445th - 6; 446th – 3; 447th – 6; 448th – 3

SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t Group S-2 Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: The Medics had a big day today as typhoid, typhus and small pox “shots” were administered to all Squadron personnel. The mild weather hangs on and none of the men are complaining about it. Another instrument training flight was scheduled. It was this Squadron’s turn to send a courier plane to Naples. A new replacement crew arrived today. They were formerly of the 309th Group in Columbia, a familiar outfit to a number of the men in this Squadron. The movie “Bachelor Mother” with Ginger Rogers made quite a hit with the men. It was shown at night in the granary.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 185/mission 184) Group Mission # 186

A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Carney, James Bernard, 2Lt Beeson, Elwood H., Capt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt N None Dickerson, C M., 2Lt, 446th BS B Miller, Edward A., 2Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Orr, William J., S/Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 42-53373 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Hetland, Arthur M., Jr., Sgt R Carner, Donald E., Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Hermann, Byard G., S/Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” P Vallery, Dean B., F/O Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), Sgt R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D.., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: Sergeant Barber finishes his missions. Barber, Otis C., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 185/mission 184) Group Mission # 186: Squadron Mission 151 TARGET: Isoletta Dam, Italy. DATE: 12 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3 Capt. Beeson, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Bursts seen on all sides of target, but none on the dam though. Two possible his on road bridge just S of dam. Ten a/c holed, one shot down, seen to break in two at navigator’s compartment. Seen to crash at 21º 32’ N, 13º 52’ E, after being hit one minute past target. Two parachutes observed. Flak was heavy, intense, and accurate from coast to target, firing on single guns. No fighters. Lt. Rigling and Lt. Brellenthin were spares, and returned early. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, commander, 445th BS

A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 41-13208 P Knapp, Theodore A., 1Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Kaney, Oscar John, S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Cpl G Skill, Donald H., Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” (spare) P Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., Cpl Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), S/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” (spare) P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt N None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., T/Sgt G Edwards, David R., S/Sgt F None

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Ascension Island Air Field to Roberts Field, Liberia: Ferry Flying Time: 5:20 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 48) “# 48 Jan. 12, 1944 Time 3:05 Sqdn Mission # 151 Gr. Mission # 186 1000# demo Isoletta Dam, Italy Formation Leader - Capt. Beeson Results - String of bombs covered field just E of hangar & into hangar - explosion in hangar. 10 A/C seen in area E of hangar which 1 direct hit# 3 A/C burning. Scattered fires E of hangar. One B-25 went down just after target with right engine smoking. 5 seen to bail out - plane made a crash landing under control. Remarks - 1 T/E plane took off from field but spun in at 200 ft. 10 A/C seen dispersed in area E of hangars & 5/7 in SW dispersal area. Flak heavy, intense, accurate. Ship number - 41-13008 Formation 1-1 P- Knapp, CP - Bsharah, B- Pestalozzi, E - Kaney, RG- Orechia, G -Skill” Beeson, Elwood H., Capt, pilot, 445th BS Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Knapp, Theodore A., 1Lt, pilot Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl, radio-gunner Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt, bombardier Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “19th day at Casa. Hung around barracks all a.m. and played solitaire. Read & slept most of the afternoon. P-47 cracked up on take-off – pilot killed. Went into town with “Birm”, Shuler & Lewis. Had a good time. Met Bond in town – he was feeling good – funny. Went to show – saw C. Gable & Lana Turner in “Somewhere I’ll Find You”. Excellent show. The usual blackjack game going on in the barracks.” Birmingham, George G., Jr., Capt, 487th BS Lewis, Vernon (NMI), 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We lost another ship today, not from our Sqd. but from the 447 from this gp. This was by far the worse of all missions; we were under fire for about 15 minutes. Is the hardest days work I believe I’ll ever do. I honestly believe a few more like this and my hair will turn gray. So here is hoping we have a few or all the rest – milk runs from now on. Still haven’t heard from Enid telling if I’m a father or not – maybe tomorrow.”

447th BS War Diary: P.F.C. Anthony Bellonia transferred to hospital. S/Sgt. R.E. Armstrong completed his fiftieth combat mission today. Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt, gunner Bellonia, Anthony (NMI), PFC, mess

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 185/mission 184) Group Mission # 186: 6 of our ships took part in a raid on the Isoletta Dam, Italy. Flak was very heavy with results that the formation was broken up and bombing very poor. Ship #210 piloted by Lt. Vincent went down over the target when a direct hit was made on the right wing which caused the gas tank to explode thereby knocking off the right wing and pieces of the tail. Two parachutes were seen to open. Members of the crew were: 1st Lt. F.W. Vincent, pilot; 1st Lt. J.E. Haeberle, co-pilot; S/Sgt. W.P. Franklin, bombardier; Sgt Wm. O’Loughlin, engineer; S/Sgt D.A. Davis, radio-operator; S/Sgt. Harold F. Schrader, turret-gunner; and Sgt. L.P. Hassett, photographer. This was the second ship of this squadron to be lost this far during January.

A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt Thomas, David W., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” Ball” (MACR-1837 - shot down by flak after target) P Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N None None B Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F Hassett, Leo P., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-30557 P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Seavey, George D., 2Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N None None B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt, 445th BS G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt F None None

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: Six of our planes took part Jan. 12 in a raid, the objective being a dam near Isoletta, Italy. The target was a few miles behind the enemy lines and within range of their heavy anti-aircraft guns near the front. One minute before the target was reached intense, heavy and accurate flak was encountered by the formation and the flak continued until the formation was about four minutes away from the target. The plane piloted by Lt. Vincent received a direct hit in the outer wing gas tank of the right wing. The wing collapsed and fell off when the tank exploded and the entire plane was engulfed in flames. The plane spiraled to the right, spun down and crashed to the ground. Two parachutes were seen floating down after the wreckage. The crew was as follows: 1st Lt Fred W. Vincent, pilot; 1st Lt. John H. Haeberle, co-pilot; S/Sgt W.P. Franklin, bombardier; S/Sgt D.A. Davis, radio-gunner; Sgt. William O’Loughlin, engineer; S/Sgt. Harold F. Schrader, turret gunner; Sgt. Leo P. Hassett, photographer. Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt, bombardier Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot Hassett, Leo P., Sgt, photographer O'Loughlin, William M., Sgt, engineer-gunner Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt, turret gunner Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

The intensity and accuracy of the flak caused the formation to scatter somewhat and the bombing results as shown by the available photographs were poor. The camera in the third flight went down with Lt. Vincent’s plane so the photographic coverage was not complete but no hits on the dame were observed by the crews participating in the raid. Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot Lt. E.D. Langston who was in the same flight with Lt. Vincent and in the element behind his got a good view of the plane when it was hit. He reported that parts of the tail of the ship fell off also when it started down. He saw the two chutes open but was unable to tell what part of the plane they came from. Langston, Everett D., 1Lt, pilot Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot The flak was of the tracking variety rather than barrage. Apparently the enemy gunners were singling out elements and concentrating their fire on the selected element, following it all the way into and away from the target. Lt. Vincent’s plane was about two minutes away from the target when it was hit. The loss is the second for the squadron in this first month of 1944. Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1837:

A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” (MACR-1837 - shot down by flak after target) P Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt - MIA, POW CP Haeberle, John H., 1Lt - MIA, POW N None B Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt - MIA, POW for 16 days, escaped and RTD 25 Jun 44 E O’Loughlin, William M., Sgt - MIA, KIA R Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt - MIA, KIA G Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt - MIA, KIA F Hassett, Leo P., Sgt - MIA, KIA

Eyewitness Account: Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt, engineer-gunner, 447th BS

447th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 520

360.33-Vincent, Frederick W. III (O) and crew. January 17, 1944

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

TO : Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C. (Thru Channels)

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

1. On January 12, 1944, I was flying as tail gunner in plane no. 930 (42-53371 “Death Wind”) with Lt. Anderson as pilot. We were plane #3, 2nd element, 2nd flight. Lt. Vincent was pilot of the plane which occupied the second position, 1st element and the second flight.

2. I did not see the plane get hit, catch fire or explode, as I was lying in the tail and it was impossible to see it. When I first saw the plane it was spinning downward and we had pulled ahead of it. I saw four parachutes already open and dropping normally.

ARTHUR SCHWARTZ, 13152522, Sergeant. (Attachment to MAC Report, Vincent, Frederick W., III, (O) and crew, Dated January 12, 1944) ------

Eyewitness Account: Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 447th BS

447th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) 321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) A.P.O. 520

360.33-Vincent, Frederick W. III (O) and crew. January 17, 1944

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

TO : Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C. (Thru Channels)

1. On January 12, 1944, I was flying as Radio Operator-Gunner in Airplane No. 538 (A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again”) with Lt. Thomas, David W. as pilot. Our plane was #1 in the first element and the second flight. Lt. Vincent in plane no. 210 (41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball”) was in the second position, first element, and second flight.

2. Immediately after dropping our bombs and after a little evasive action, I happened to be looking out the right waist gun port and saw Lt. Vincent’s plane on fire. The fire was centered in the left hand side about where the bomb-bay begins. Immediately after seeing the fire, I saw an explosion in the locality of the fire.

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

3. After the explosion, the plane nosed up just a little and then banked off behind us therefore disappearing from my view. I did not see the plane again.

ERNEST F. BARTKUS, 31142674, Staff Sergeant. (Attachment to MAC Report, Vincent, Frederick W., III, (O) and crew, Dated January 12, 1944) ------

Eyewitness Account: Franklin, Willie P., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner, 447th BS

25 June 1944

Aircraft was hit by intense flak. FRANKLIN and VINCENT were blown out of the craft by an explosion and the ship immediately burst into flames. VINCENT’S chute was only other seen during Source’s (Sgt Franklin) descent. He saw the plane crash into the earth. Jerries informed that VINCENT, who had been badly wounded, had been picked up immediately by Germans and had been taken to a German hospital.

INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE

It is impossible to give exact detail on all crew members. The ship was hit directly in the center by flak and blew up in the air. All of us in the front of the ship, Franklin, Bombardier: Haeberle, Co-Pilot: and Myself (Sgt Franklin) are all alive. One of the men from the back of the ship, probably Davis or Hassett (It was easiest for them to leave) jumped and I saw his chute break into flames on the way down. One of the others bailed out successfully to die next to my co-pilot on the ground full of shrapnel. The latter I presume to be Hassett as his folks write that they have located his grave in Italy.

Schrader, Harold F. I am presuming that he went down with the ship as it is difficult to get out of the upper turret which he was operating.

O’Loughlin, William M. He too I am presuming went down with the ship as the tail of the B-25 is too small to maneuver in.

I have written to all of my men’s families and the Hassett family were the only ones to answer. ------

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 185/mission 184) Group Mission # 186: Mission 148 (186): at 12:45 18 planes off to bomb Isoletta dam, 55 x 1000 bombs dropped at 14:00 from 10,000 feet. 17 returned at 14:45. 1 plane shot down by flak (446), bursts seen on all sides of targets, no hits observed on the dam, 2 possible hits on road bridge S of dam, also hits on E road bridge approach and road bridge junction 1 mile W of dam. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate along coastal road. 11 A/C holed 1 B-25 broken in two, 1 Spit Fire exploded. Weather: 5/10th Strato Cumulus at 6000 feet, visibility 15 miles.

Wednesday, 12 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30343 P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt CP Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt N None None B McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Mauder, Charles J., Cpl Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Pvt Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-29967 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt Robert, Maurice L., Cpl E Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt Tudor, Owen M., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 (spare) P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Currie, James L., Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt F None

Thursday, 13 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's and B-26's bomb Guidonia, Centocelle, and Ciampino airfields; A-20's strike the town of Atina. AAF, RAF, SAAF, and RAAF fighter-bombers hit shipping along the Dalmatian coast at Sibenik and in the Krka River of Yugoslavia. A-36's hit the town and railway yards at Isola del Liri, a factory at Colleferro, docks at Formia, railroad yards at Valmontone, and a railway station SE of Frosinone. P-40's hit Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, San Biagio, Saracinesa, and a rail and road junction near . 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfer from Vincenzo Airfield to Vesuvius Airfield, Italy with A-20's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Intelligence reports previous day’s bombings weakened the Isoletta dam and it may be cracked. Today’s efforts of the 12th and 15th Air Forces were to be directed against the fighter activity of the Hun---with their airfields around Rome as the objective. Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

1145 Toohey to 323 Wing. “2 Formations of 12 A/C Mitchells, Penna Point 1235, Castel Volturno 1410, Foggia 1441. Gunnery mission at medium altitude S of spur of Italy, Now enroute”.

1157 21 A/C off 447th A/C 42-32498 “Dumbo” returned at 1255. 446th A/C 42-64526 “Patches” C/L at Naples. 448th A/C 42-64655 returned at 1250 446th A/C 41-13208 down near Target. 448th A/C 42-64514 returned at 1252 446th A/C 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” returned late. 15 A/C returned at 1445.

1355 Larson to 323 Wing. “Cleared A/C for Gunnery mission”.

1540 12th BG (Maj. Abernathy) to Larson. “Wanted to know if we have any A/C that have not been to Bizerte for modification. Stated that we are to transfer one A/C to 12th A.F.”

1552 12th B. G. (Maj. Williams) to Larson. “Bomb load for tomorrow is 1000’s .1 and .025 fuzing. Observed 5 parachutes from our formation and was under the impression that we had lost 2 A/C”.

1600 Col. Olmsted to TBF. “Requested that we have “Stand-Down” for 14 January 1944--no soap”.

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

1700 Larson to Maj. Abernathy. “Informed him that we do not have any A/C to send to Bizerte for modification. Also that B-25 # 41-29775 (“Double Trouble” 447th BS) will be transferred to 12th AF--they will cut orders and send them to us”.

1945 12th BG to Asbury. “Primary: FOLIGNO. Alternate: FALCONARA. 340th T.O.T. 1230. 12th T.O.T. 1235. 321st T.O.T. 1240.”

1925 Asbury to TBF. “18 A/C in place of 24. We will receive a teletype”.

2015 Ford to Haven. “Raid 10/15 ME-109’s with cannon and rockets, no flak at primary.”

Asbury to Ford. “Check on R. R. Junction”. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 186/mission 185) Group Mission # 187: Our target was Guidonia airdrome. We sent 18 aircraft who reported strings of frags through the Quarters and revetment area with one aircraft destroyed on the ground. The flak was intense and we lost one aircraft destroyed on the ground. The flak was intense and we lost one plane---Lt. Elliott of the 446th Bombardment Squadron who had been acting as the Group Assistant Operations Officer. The 12th Bombardment Group later reported five, maybe six chutes seen coming out of that plane. ------Mission Report # 187, 13 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1155 hours 18 B-25’s took off to bomb Guidonia A/D. None returned early. 17 A/C dropped 1020 x20 lb fragmentation bombs on target at 1310 hours from 11,000/12,000 feet. 16 returned at 1445 hours. One plane lost, one at friendly field. Axis of attack 290°. 3. Strings of bombs covered area from center of field to revetments on west extending up to hangars. Barracks at GH - 28-29 (Chart No. 3-30A-NA) and administration buildings at I-J – 27-28 hit and two fires observed. Some strings of bombs hit NE and some NW of target. Fire from previous bombing reported at west end of hangars. One B-25 hit by flak and crashed 1 mile NW of target, just west of cement factory. Four parachutes seen to leave plane, two opened. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------5 s/e a/c ON w SIDE OF Tarquinia L/G and one multi-motored A/C on same field. 6/7 S/E A/C on ramp in front of hangars at Guidonia A/D.. Ground---40/50 car train in M/Y West of Tarquinia. Marine---1 medium M/V, 10 miles N of Tarquinia, heading N. 1 medium M/V at Civitavecchia.

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

Flak------Heavy, intense, accurate from target area, and heavy, moderate and fairly accurate. 4 gun batteries observed NW of Guidonia A/D, and just N of experimental station, and 2 x 4 gun batteries near SW corner of A/D. 5. Enroute: 3/10 stratocumulus at 5,000 over mountain and 4/10 cirrus at 20,000. 6. Visibility, Hazy – 15 miles. Over Target: CAVU with slight haze. Return: Clouds: 4/10 cirrus at 20,000. Visibility Hazy – 15 miles. 7. Flight leaders: Lts. McClelland and Shutt. Number of sorties – 17 Photos taken. Planes by Squadron: 445th - 6; 446th – 6; 447th – 3; 448th – 3 ROBERT W. MANLY, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: Preparations are being made for a move. The other Squadrons are already starting the move to the new base. The mission today cost the Squadron one of its oldest ships, “Oh-7” (41-13207). F/O Vallery was forced to make a crash landing at this base after his hydraulic system had been shot up by flak. The landing was practically perfect but it was the last flight for this famous ship which had over 80 combat missions to its credit. Lt. Neumann was made Operations Officer and F/O Vallery was made Assistant Operations Officer. Orders came in for a number of the Officers and enlisted men combat crews to return to the United States. In the evening there were classes held in the intelligence office for cadet applicants. Neumann, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot, Operations Officer Vallery, Dean B., F/O, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 186/mission 185) Group Mission # 187:

A/C No. 41-12924 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-29985 A/C No. 42-53373 P Carney, Daniel (NMI), 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13207 “Oh 7” (belly A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” landing) P Vallery, Dean B., F/O House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Walker, Robert S., 2Lt 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Dillon, James A., S/Sgt R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: The squadron lost six men on a raid against an airdrome north of Rome today. It was reported that six chutes were seen leaving the ship. Lt. Elliott was pilot, with Lt. Farrell as co-pilot. Sgts. Brooks, Plaine, Valenti, and Wuotila were others on the plane. Radioman Haasch reaches his fiftieth. Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt, gunner Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot Haasch, George F., Sgt, radio-gunner Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt, gunner Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 186/mission 185) Group Mission # 187: Squadron Mission 152 TARGET: Guidonia A/D, Italy. DATE: 13 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: Frags. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. McClelland led the formation. String of bombs covered area from center of field to revetment on W, extending up to hangars. Barracks and Administration Buildings were hit and two fires observed. Some strings ob bombs hit NW of target. Fires from previous bombings reported at W hangar. Flak was heavy, accurate, intense from target. Lt. Elliott’s plane was hit, and crashed in flames two miles NW of the target. XII Bomb Gp reported seeing five parachutes on the ground. Lt. Boulton’s plane was also hit by flak, causing him to make a forced landing at Naples. Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt, pilot McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt, pilot

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13208 (MACR-1836 - shot A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” down) P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Milner, Walter C., S/Sgt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G Brooks, Galen B., S/Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt CP Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, Hq 321st BG Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl G Samsel, John C., Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Polka” P Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None

446th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1836:

A/C No. 41-13208 (MACR-1836 - shot down) P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt - KIA N None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt - DED E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD G Brooks, Galen B., S/Sgt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD F None

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

Eyewitness Account: Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS

446th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 520 January 13, 1944 360.33-Elliott, Rodger L. (O) and crew.

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. Airplane No. 41-13208, Lt. Elliott, pilot, was flying on the left wing of airplane No. 42-64509. I was pilot of airplane No. 41-12963 and was flying behind and slightly to the right of Lt. Elliott’s ship. Right over the target I saw flames coming out of the bottom of his ship while he was still in formation. Immediately his plane went into a steep climb to get away from the formation. His bomb bay doors were open and it looked as though he dropped his bombs. The last I saw of him, his airplane was in a steep dive and went behind my wing out of my vision. I saw no men leave the plane or chutes open

ORVILLE D. FETTERLY, 2nd Lt., Air Corps. (Attachment to MAC Report, Elliott, Rodger L. (O) and crew, dated 13 January 1944.)

Incl 4 ------

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

Eyewitness Account: Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS

446th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 520 January 13, 1944 360.33-Elliott, Rodger L. (O) and crew. SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. I was flying as Engineer-Gunner in airplane No. 42-64509. Airplane No. 41- 13208, Lt. Elliott, pilot, was on our left wing. Flak hit the right nacelle and the airplane burst into flames. It immediately went into a climb to get away from the formation.

Flame seemed to spread over the entire fuselage. While the airplane was in a climb I saw two of the crew jump and their chutes open. This was just a few seconds after the target. The ship then nosed over and went straight down all in one piece but in flames. It crashed about two (2) miles north of the target. LOUIS A. RAFFLOER, Jr., S/Sgt., 32323865. (Attachment to MAC Report, Elliott, Rodger L. (O) and crew, dated 13 January 1944.)

Incl 5 ------

Eyewitness Account: Samsel, John C., Sgt, gunner, 446th BS

446th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer A.P.O. 520 January 13, 1944 360.33-Elliott, Rodger L. (O) and crew. SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. I was the gunner in airplane No. 42-64509. Airplane No. 41-13208, Lt. Elliott, pilot, was on our left wing. The airplane was hit and burst into flames. It immediately went into a climb, then straightened out, started down once and pulled out seemingly under control. Then it went straight down and crashed at the foot of the mountain northwest of target. A fuel tank was probably hit for the airplane was a burning inferno before it reached the ground.

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

2. I saw four persons leave the ship and two chutes open. I don’t know whether the other two opened or not.

JOHN C. SAMSEL, Sgt., 32494470. (Attachment to MAC Report, Elliott, Rodger L. (O) and crew, dated 13 January 1944.)

Incl 6 ------

AG 201-P-Farrell, Joseph R. (O)

HQ MTOUSA, APO 512, US Army, 17 September 1945

To: CG, Army Air Forces, Washington 25, D. C.

1. Additional information as is available in the records of this headquarters follows:

a. On 13 Jan 44 in GUIDONIA, Italy, the remains of an American aviator was discovered by two members of the Italian forces.

b. This airman was shot down during that days’ raid and near the charred remains of the body was found an identification listing the name of JOSEPH R. FARRELL, O-677694 t-42, Hubert Farrell 331 Waine St., Archibald, Pa. Based upon this information the status of this officer was changed from MIA to KIA and so reported to the War Department.

2. Remains have been reinterred in an established US Military Cemetery. MACR in this casualty was forwarded the War Department 29 Jan 44.

FOR THE THEATER COMMANDER:

JACK K. ROBERTS Captain, AGD Asst Adjutant General ------

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

Eyewitness Account: Brooks, Galen B., S/Sgt, gunner, 446th BS

CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE 23 Oct 45

Valenti was out first in the rear of ship. Brooks was out next with Wuotila coming out last in the back. Elliott coming out through the tip ditching hatch burned very badly.

Joseph R. Farrell (0-677694) Plaine, Plaine, Robert J. 11055995, was never seen to get out of the ship.

Wuotila, Benjamin R. injured, left ankle broke. Last seen Stalag-Luft 4 Germany, February 1945 was believed to have been sent to Officers Camp. Last seen, was walking and in good shape. ------

Eyewitness Account: Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS

CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE 23 Oct 45 Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt, bombardier: KNOWN INFORMATION: I (the pilot) know the ship was hit by flak (direct hit) on the forward side of my instrument panel, blowing the instruments toward me. The bombardier’s compartment is directly forward of the instrument panel.

HEARSAY INFORMATION: The Germans told me that there were two dead men in the wreckage of the ship (fairly reliable). The Germans showed the wreckage of the ship to a P-38 pilot (shot down that morning); he saw a pair of G.I. shoes in the wreckage but he was not allowed to go closer (reliable), I talked to him myself.

Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt, co-pilot: KNOWN INFORMATION: Our ship received a direct flak hit in the Bombardiers compartment, blowing up the pilots instrument panel and setting ship on fire. Lt. Farrell made his way to the Navigators compartment and stood on the escape hatch fastening his parachute straps. That is the last I saw of him; he disappeared in smoke and flame. I (the pilot) went out the escape hatch above my seat. I saw only 3 chutes besides my own on the way to the ground. Those chutes were the 3 gunners whom I saw on the ground shortly after I landed. The Germans told me that there were two men dead in the wreckage. These two dead men would have to be: Lt. Joe Farrell and Sgt. Plaine, Bombardier. None of the crew men saw the wreckage or the bodies. I have been in contact with the three gunners and neither they nor I have ever heard of those two men since the accident.

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

I have written this many times but perhaps the next of kin would be interested:

The weather was fine as we went up the Adriatic Sea, and “broken” on the East coast of Italy. Inaccurate flak put two holes in our left wing - ships crew was ok. So continued on across Italy turned NW on I.P. and from here on flak was heavy and accurate. I kept checking with crew to see if all was all right. All this time we were taking evasive action. We had several close hits and I was checking with Sgt Plaine when we received a direct hit in between his compartment and the nose wheel compartment setting the ship on fire. The crew was told to bale out (no report from Plaine). Lt. Farrell pushed his seat back and his parachute stuck between his seat & mine - I cleared it for him. He was standing on the escape hatch when smoke & flame blocked my view. I held control of the ship until my eyes started to swell closed and I could no longer breathe. My last chance of escape was through the top hatch (normally to be used in water or crash landing only) I later met Sgt Valenti, R. G., Sgt Brooks, T. G., Sgt Wuotila E. G.

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 49) “# 49 Jan. 13, 1944 Time 3:00 Sqdn Mission # 152 Gr. Mission # 187 Frags Guidonia A/D, Italy Formation Leader - Lt. McClelland Results - Barracks hit & 2 fires observed. String of bombs covered area from center of field to revetment on W extending to hangars. Remarks - No fighters, flak heavy, intense accurate. Ship # 41-13208 (Lt Elliot) crashed two miles NW of target. Plane hi in right nacelle & set on fire. It pulled out of formation, leveled off & went straight down in flames. 3 men seen to bail out of rear of plane. (Lt Boulton) # 42-64526 was hit by flak causing oil leak in left engine. The autosyn instruments were shot out & a rudder cable shot away. The pro was feathered part way back but a two engine forced landing was made at Naples. XII Bomb Group reported seeing five parachutes on ground at target. G.B. Brooks on plane 208 seen to bail out. Ship number - 42-64526 “Patches” Formation 1-2 P- Boulton, CP - Strom, B- Green, E - Kaney, RG- Orechia (hit by flak in leg), G -Skill” Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt, pilot Brooks, Galen B., S/Sgt, gunner Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt, bombardier Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt, pilot Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl, radio-gunner Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “20th day at Casa. Got up again too late for breakfast. Went down to Special Service Office on the line & read old papers & magazines. Saw one of the boys from the parachute dept. make a jump from 10,000’. Ate dinner then came back to the sack & fell asleep. After supper went into town, met Farney, Malec & a few of the boys at the Bar bolly. Saw an excellent show – “Thank Your Lucky Stars”. Rumor has it we’re going to Telergma instead of Sardinia for training. Hope not.”

447th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 186/mission 185) Group Mission # 187: 3 of our ships took part in a raid on Guidonia A/D, Italy. Results—good. Center of field, barracks and administration buildings hit. 446th Squadron lost a ship over the target. 4 parachutes left the plane but only 2 were seen to open. Advance echelon moved to new location at Vincenzo L/G.

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Anderson, Lloyd G., 2Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 2Lt N None None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Harmon, Robert W., T/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” P Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 1Lt N None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 54) TARGET: Guidonia A/D 2:50 Frags Plane 512: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Langston, Lt Nowakowski, S/Sgt. Monroe, S/Sgt. Czaja, S/Sgt. Harmer “Strings of bombs covered area from center of field to revetments up to hangars. Barracks and administration buildings hit and two fires seen. One B-25 (446th) hit and crashed.” Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt, gunner Langston, Everett D., 1Lt, pilot Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt, bombardier

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 186/mission 185) Group Mission # 187: Mission 149 (187): At 11:55 18 planes off to bomb Guidonia A/D. None returned early, 17 dropped 1020 frags at 13:10 from 11,000 feet. 16 returned at 14:45. 1 plane lost, 1 at friendly field and 1 crash landed at our field. Strings of bombs covered area from center of field to revetments on W extending up to hangars. Barracks and Administration buildings hit and 2 fires observed, some strings of bombs NE and NW of target. 1 B-25 hit by flak and crashed 1 mile W of target just W of cement factory, 2 parachutes seen to open although 4 left plane. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Shutt.

Thursday, 13 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30343 P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt CP VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Pvt G Hopkins, Edgar G, S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Pvt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 42-64514 (spare) P Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O N McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt None B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Currie, James L., Sgt G Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64655 (spare) P Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt E Maurer, Charles J., Cpl R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., Sgt F None

Friday, 14 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's strike the bridge; A-20's offer close support to US Fifth Army forces in the Monte Trocchio area; P-40's blast Loreto tank repair shops; P-40's and A-36's hit defenses in the San Giuseppe, Sant' Elia Fiumerapido, and Monte Trocchio areas; A-36's also attack road and buildings E of Minturno, the town of Isoladel Liri, and the harbor at Anzio. Transfers in Italy: HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and 445th, 446th, 447th and 448th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) from Amendola to Vincenzo Airfield with B-25's and 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Moving day for Intelligence and Operations of Group Headquarters – ready for operations on the morrow.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: No Missions:

445th BS War Diary: Moving day for the Squadron. All the sectional tents came down and were transported to the new base by truck. The new base is located about 17 miles away, about 4 miles south of Foggia. The bivouac area is located on a farm a good distance off the main road. The Orderly room, Operations-Intelligence and a number of the pyramidals went up today in beautiful spring like weather. All available vehicles wee used all day to effect the move. Eight B-25’s were sent to the new base, enough to fill in a possible mission tomorrow. Also the scheduled combat crews and a small number of ground crew personnel were sent to the new base.

82nd BS, 12th BG: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 2224: (Ship previously assigned to the 445th then transferred to the 82nd BS, 12th BG in Sep 43. Later repaired and flown by 446th in Mar 44)

A/C No. 41-30387 “Kay Girl” (MACR-2224 - severely damaged - landed at Cercola Airdrome) P Arnold, Alfred L., 2Lt - landed with plane CP Albright, Clarence Stanley, 2Lt - bailed out, MIA, POW, liberated and RTD N None B McManus, John D, 2Lt - bailed out, MIA, POW, liberated and RTD E (referenced in MACR, but not identified) - landed with plane R Ohrberg, Lee T., S/Sgt - WIA, bailed out, rescued by British patrol, and RTD G Kruger, Karl R., Jr., Sgt - bailed out, MIA, POW, liberated and RTD F None

Friday, 14 January 1944 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Labasky, Albert J., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator, 82nd BS, 12th BG

82nd BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON 12th BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF APO 650, c/o PM, NYC, NY 16 January 944 S T A T E M E N T

I, Albert J. Labasky, 0-733203, Bombardier-Navigator, flying the lead B-25 Airplane of a formation on a bombing mission against a bridge at Pontecorvo, Italy, on Jan 14, 1944, made the following observations in regard to the left wing airplane of same element. Said left-wing airplane, Squadron No 30, A. C. No. 41-30387, being piloted by 2nd Lieut. Alfred L. Arnold. Immediately after the bombay was clear, at 1410 hrs., A/C # 30 was observed to be blanketed by bursts of Enemy A/A fire. A short time later this A/C was observed to pull away from the formation. A short time later, at approximately 1412 hrs., three parachutes were observed to open at a distance of two-hundred yards. A/C # 30 then turned back toward the formation and at a distance of about fifty yards a fourth parachute was observed to open. A/C # 30 then continued on past the formation and was last seen on a heading in the direction of assigned emergency landing field, Cercola A/D. ALBERT J. LABASKY 2nd Lieut., Air Corps.

------

Eyewitness Accounts: Arnold, Alfred L., 2Lt, pilot, 82nd BS, 12th BG

82nd BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON 12th BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF APO 650, c/o PM, NYC, NY 16 January 944 S T A T E M E N T

At an estimated distance of five (5) miles from the bomb line the Bomb-Nav. Jumped from the aircraft and the tail gunner later reported that he saw his chute open. After a lapse of approximately one minute or less the Radio Gunner and Turret Gunner jumped each after the other, but who went first is unknown. Within the next three (3) minutes the Co-Pilot jumped but as far as the Tail gunner and Pilot know, the C-Pilot should have gotten clear. The pilot got control of the ship and made a successful emergency landing.

Estimated position of jumping members, in order of their leaving the ship:

1. Bomb-Nav. on German side of the lines.

Friday, 14 January 1944 (continued)

2. Rad-Gun. reported to have landed between the lines.

3. Arm-Gun. depending on whether the Arm-Gun left the ship before or after the Rad-Gun., the Arm-Gun. landed either on our side, or the German side of the lines.

4. Co-Pilot on the allied side of the line.

ALFRED L. ARNOLD, 2nd Lieut., Air Corps. Pilot. ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Ohrberg, Lee T., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 82nd BS, 12th BG

82nd BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON 12th BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF APO 650, c/o PM, NYC, NY 16 January 944

S T A T E M E N T

I, Lee T. Ohrberg, 16052430, Radio-Gunner, followed Sgt. Kruger, Armorer- Gunner out of the rear hatch. When the chute opened I was not far from the target, and looking back to my left, saw two chutes about a mile away. When I last looked I saw the chutes go between two hills that were to the left of the target. Upon landing, I found that I was across the Corigiala River, separating me from the German lines. I was picked up by a British patrol which had an American Captain with them as an observer. This Officer stated that he had observed the other two chutes through field glasses, and reported that German patrols were already out after them. He also stated that they were being machine gunned as they descended. I remained with the British until dark and they then sent me with a patrol, to a First Air Station. From there I was sent to an Evacuation Hospital. The next morning I was sent to a small town and interviewed by a British Intelligence Officer. The Officer stated that the other three who parachuted from my plane had definitely been captured by German patrols and also said that our airplane had reached a base. That afternoon I was sent to Caserta where I had a piece of A/A shrapnel removed from my cheek. I remained in Caserta that night and returned to my Base, Foggia Main, the following day.

LEE T. OHRBERG, S/Sgt., Air Corps, ------

Friday, 14 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. The squadron moved from Amendola, Italy, to Vincenzo A/D, a distance of 18 miles by motor transport. Official confirmation regarding the air crash of one of our ships while in came in today. The accident was blamed on poor visibility and took place at Lion Mountain on December 24. Lt. Klang was pilot with Lt. Henson as co-pilot. Lt. Graham of our Tech Supply, along with Sgts. Bonacich and Carnes perished. More pleasant news was travel orders to the good old U.S.A. for Captain Caldwell, Lt. Anzalone, and S/Sgts. Corthell and McNair. Anzalone, Benjamin W., 1Lt, bombardier Bonacich, Matthew G., Sgt, gunner Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt, navigator Carnes, James B., Sgt, engineering Corthell, Richard J., S/Sgt, gunner Graham, Robert W., 2Lt, engineering Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt, pilot Klang, Irving E., 2Lt, pilot McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Roberts Filed, Liberia to Dakar, Senegal: Ferry Flying Time: 3:40 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “21st day at Casa. Finally made a.m. chow. Hung around flight line for awhile. Latest rumor has us going to Telergma instead of Sardinia for training. I hope not. After being 3 weeks I find myself acquiring a great dislike for the French & natives. Ungrateful as heck, I only hope the real French aren’t like the ones here. Also irks us to see the Frogs using all American equipment while we do w/out, also they’re getting overcoats while the GI’s have to do w/out. Also found out there is a whole whse. Full of “cokes” in town. Wonder why we don’t get any? To town. Met a nurse at the show, from Wisconsin, a lot of fun. Saw ‘Santa Fe Trail’.”

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Entire squadron moved to Vincenzo Landing Ground which is one of the Foggia satellites. 35 Q.M. trucks were available for the move. Tents were erected and all personnel settled by night fall at the new location. P.F.C. A.S. Landa transferred to hospital. 1st Lt. B.B. Miller, Jr and S/Sgt. R.D. Penson, transferred to U.S. as per letter Jan 12, 1944, 12th A.F. Hq. Landa, Arthur S., PFC, supply Miller, Benjamin Bartow, 1Lt, pilot Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 15 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Lieutenant General Ira C Eaker, USAAF, assumes command of MAAF and Army Air Forces, MTO (AAFMTO), replacing Air Chief Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder, RAF, and General Carl Spaatz, who along with Air Vice Marshall Sir Arthur Coningham, RAF, and numerous other American and British officers have departed for the UK. In Italy, B-25's attack the Foligno railway junction; B-26's bomb bridges at Orvieto. P-40's of the 79th Fighter Group and RAF 239 Wing hit the San Valentino station in a joint attack; A-36's and other P-40's, in support of US Fifth Army forces, hit gun positions and strongpoints, especially at and Atina; P-40's on armed reconnaissance hit the railroad W of Frosinone station and strafe the Ceccano station and railway cars.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The remainder of Headquarters moved into this new base, the Vincenzo landing ground. Co-inhabitants of this airfield are our old friends the 82nd Fighter Group, who are now operating with the 15th Air Force heavies.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 187/mission 186) Group Mission # 188: Eighteen planes this date assigned to bomb the Foligno railroad junction. Bombs were seen walking through the marshalling yard and town and cutting the road heading south from the town. The junction was not hit.

------Mission Report # 188, 15 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1320 – 18 B-25’s took off to bomb Railroad Junction at Foligno. One returned early. 17 planes dropped 47 x 1000 lb bombs with instantaneous fusing at 1450 hours from 11,000/12,000 feet. 17 planes returned at 1610. Axis of attack 220°. 3. RESULTS: Ref TC 3-40-NA: Although smoke and dust from previous groups bombing obscured results, strings were observed across M/Y and into barracks at K- 26, over the barracks and across road at 27-I and 26-H. Other bombs reported to have cut railroad lines N of junction running both E and W, and junction itself believed hit. Building at J-32 reported hit as were locomotive shed and power station. Fire at K- 31. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------None. Ground---50 car train heading S at Trevi, just S of Foligno. Heavy smoke over Foligno yards at L-24. M/C North of Macerata – S-5513, and much activity S of town around buildings, just E of highway. Marine---3/4 small boats in S. Benedetto. Flak------None. 5. WEATHER: Enroute Heavy haze. Clouds: 6/10 stratocumulus at 3,000, tops at 5,000 for first third of route. 10/10 altostratus at 18,000 becoming 5/10 after leaving coast. Visibility: One mile improving to ten miles after leaving coast. At Target: Weather: Hazy, Clouds: 5/10 altostratus at 18,000 Visibility 10 miles.

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued)

Return: Weather: Heavy haze: Clouds: 5/10 altostratus at 18,000 becoming 10/10 as formation approached base: 7/10 stratocumulus last third of route. Visibility: 10 miles decreasing to ¾ mile as formation returned to base. 6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. DeMay and Vallery. Number of sorties – 17 Planes by Squadron: 445th - 5; 446th – 4; 447th – 4; 448th – 5 MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: The weather today is cloudy, cold and windy. Personnel and equipment continue to arrive at the new base. The remainder of the planes were ferried to the new base and by the end of the day, all the remaining personnel had arrived at the new location. Lt. Strenger’s plane dropped a 1000 lb. bomb on the runway after returning from the mission of the day. The accident was apparently due to faulty bomb racks. Poor visibility made landings difficult today. Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 187/mission 186) Group Mission # 188:

A/C No. 42-53373 A/C No. 41-12924 P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E, 2Lt Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., TS/Sgt Ravesi, Thomas G., Pvt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 42-64508 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt CP Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: More travel orders—this time for Captain Bradley, Captain Chappell, Lt. Coe, plus Higgins, Chamberlain, Hershberger, Lovell, and J.A. Smith. Mail call. Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt, pilot Chamberlain, Don C., Sgt, gunner Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Coe, George A., 2Lt, bombardier Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., Sgt, gunner Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt, gunner Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt, turret gunner Smith, James A., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 187/mission 186) Group Mission # 188: Squadron Mission 153 TARGET: RR Junction at Foligno, Italy. DATE: 15 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3 Lt. DeMay, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Strings of bombs observed to cross M/Yds and hit barracks, also crossing road. RR lines N of junction reported cut. Buildings, locomotive shed, and power station hit. No flak or fighters. DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” (returned early – low oil pressure) P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Brady, Joseph J., pilot, 1Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Motika, John F., Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Cpl R Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None None

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-13200 P Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Bahm, Linston A., PFC E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt Samsel, John C., Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Dakar, Senegal to Casablanca, Morocco: Ferry Flying Time: 7:30 Cooper, Paul T., Capt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “22nd day at Casa. Made a.m. chow. Went down to flight line all a.m., saw Hawkes & Birmingham take off for Algiers. The whole town of Casablanca placed “off limits”. A lot of rumors why but nothing definite. Oranges here are better than the ones from California. Finding it difficult to write letters, nothing to say here. Felt plenty tired right after lunch so slept all afternoon. After supper took in a show on the base, “Coney Isle” with Betty Grable, a good show. Wrote letters to Ma and Alice, a hard job to do, on acct. there’s nothing to write about here.” Birmingham, George G., Jr., Capt, 487th BS Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “I have had the last 3 days off. I mean all of us have – the reason for this is that we have moved again – not far from our last place but its just a much warmer weather its 20 or 200 miles. We were North & east of Foggia now we’re West & south of Foggia. We have a field that is just about all mud, also the runway – just a place cleared off with scrapers & that is all. Your loading & take offs are just a continuous bounce until you’re stopped or off the ground. Well, I’m scheduled for another mission tomorrow, carrying 1000 lb. bombs. Don’t know where we’re going yet, sure hope it’s a milk run. We’re having bad weather now, especially to fly in – OK for now.” Letter Home: “We have just finished moving again and that is always a job. I sure would like to pitch the old tent and stay in one spot for a while.”

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. L.B. Iverson transferred to hospital. Morning report for week ending Jan. 15: Officers—46; Enlisted Men—232. Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt, gunner Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 187/mission 186) Group Mission # 188: 5 of our ships took part in a raid on the railroad yards at Foligno, Italy. Results—good. Hits on Marshalling Yards, barracks, shed and power station. Our flight was first in the formation, being led by Major Sampson.

A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Commander N Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt Zachary, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 42-64695 P Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 2Lt CP Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N None None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Werner, George P., S/Sgt Grant, James H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-43371 “Death Wind” (returned early - engine trouble) P Davis, Robert G., 1Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt R Bartram, Roy H., Sgt G Davis, Delbert D., Pvt F None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 187/mission 186) Group Mission # 188: Mission 150 (188): At 13:30 18 planes off to bomb Foligno RR Junction. 1 returned early, 17 planes dropped 47 x 1000 bombs at 14:50 from 11,000 feet, all returned at 16:10. Strings observed across M/Y and into barracks and across road, other bombs cut RR lines N of junction, E and W junction believed hit, locomotive shed and power station. Weather: Hazy with 6/10th Strato Cumulus cover.

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued)

(The page containing the full 448th BS crew lists was missing from the report. The report contained only A/C No. and Pilot names.)

A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 42-64552 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP N None None B E R G F None None A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 42-64655 P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt CP N None None B E R G F None None A/C No. 42-64514 P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt CP N None B E R G F None

Sunday, 16 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): In Italy, B-25's bomb the marshalling yard and choke points at Terni; B-26's attack the marshalling yard and bridge at Orte; A-20's bomb the town of Atina; P-40's attack bridges in the San Giorgio del Sannio area and gun emplacements near Cassino; Sant' Angelo in Theodice and Picinisco; A-36's hit the railway junction at Cecina, road and railway S of Siena, and the town areas of Avezzano and Formia. Transfers in Italy: HQ 79th Fighter Group and 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; and 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command (attached to 79th Fighter Group), from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Captain M.D. Haven appointed the Group Intelligence Officer. Lt. S.P. Neprash, Group Photo Officer. Haven, Malcolm D., Capt, S-2 Officer Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 188/mission 187) Group Mission # 189: At 11:30 eighteen aircraft took off to bomb the Terni marshalling yards. Photos show a successful mission with a heavy concentration of bombs on the choke point and a large explosion, presumably the gas works. All planes returned safely. ------Mission Report # 189, 16 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1130 - 18 B-25’s took off to bomb Terni Marshalling Yards. One returned early. 17 dropped 48 x 1000 lb bombs with .1 and .025 fusing on target at 1250 from 11,000/11,500 feet. 17 returned at 1425. Axis of attack 230°. 3. RESULTS: Good coverage. Hits either on, or near to, both choke points. Strings reported also across middle of yards. Fires and 2 or 3 explosions seen. Some bombs were short, and others were over to the southwest of the marshalling yards. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------1 – B26 observed going down and hitting ground, after having been shot at by flak, in the vicinity of Orte, probably about 5 miles South of that town. One report, unconfirmed, that another B-26 was seen going down, same place. Ground---One report that there were 2 long strings of cars in marshalling yards at Terni. Marine---6 merchant vessels reported in San Benedetto Harbor, one of which appeared to be just docking. Flak------No flak as to this flight. However, flak was reported coming from vicinity of Orte firing at B-26’s. One report that there were 3-gun batteries instead of 4-gun batteries. 5. WEATHER: En route: Clouds: 7/10 stratocumulus at 4,000 ft., tops at 7,000 ft. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles. Target: Clouds: 3/10 stratocumulus, base at 4,000 feet, tops 7,000 ft. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles. Return: Same as enroute.

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued) 6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Ryan and Brady. Number of sorties – 17 Photos taken. Planes by Squadron: 445th - 2; 446th – 4; 447th – 6; 448th – 5 JAMES E. NICKERSON, Capt., Air Corps, Assistant Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: The weather is very cool and appetites are sharp these days. The new area is located right in the midst of farmland and there are cows, chickens, turkeys, pigs, sheep and plenty of dogs roaming about. The mess tent is already set up, much to the joy of the various “chowhounds”. Several training flights were scheduled today and a new replacement crew arrived. The fuel situation is very poor and there are no lights in the area yet – two reasons for some of the “bitching” going on in the Squadron. S/Sgt. Thomas H. Flynn, bombardier in our Squadron, returned today after a harrowing experience following the October 8th mission over Athens-Eleusis airdrome in Greece. His plane was shot down by fighters, three of the crew members being killed. He survived and after several months spent through Greece and Turkey, hi finally made it back. He had some vivid stories to relate to his open-mouthed buddies. Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 188/mission 187) Group Mission # 189:

A/C No. 42-32333 A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt N None None B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt Dillon, James A., S/Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (spare) (Bear - no lettering) (spare) P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt 2Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Ravesi, Thomas G., Pvt Bixby, Jack H., S/Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt Orr, William J., S/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 15 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Brady finished his fiftieth today. Brady, Joseph J., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 188/mission 187) Group Mission # 189: Squadron Mission 154 TARGET: Terni M/Y, Italy. DATE: 16 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 4 Lt. Ryan, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Good coverage. Hits on or near both choke points. Strings reported across middle of yards. Fires and two or three fires seen. Some bombs short, and some over to SW of M/Yds. Two B-26’s see to go down near Orte. No fighters, no flak. Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt Parrish, William H., Cpl E Motika, John F., Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Polka” P Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt None B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Cpl Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “23rd day at Casa. Went to chow, then went to Mass at the French Chapel across the field. Very foggy this a.m., the field completely closed in. Quite a chapel we have here, it is a combination church, beer parlor, movie & day room. The sign reads: Chapel, Services – 0800 a.m. – 0900 a.m., Beer – 5f – (bring you own cup). Town of Casa still “off limits”. Wrote to Alice all afternoon. Ate & then went to show –“More the Merrier”. Very good show. Played double solitaire with Ben Boatright most of the evening, also fooled around with “Moe” Ferraro.” Boatright, Benjamin, Jr., S/Sgt, gunner Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 16 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We went to Terni Italy today & bombed a marshalling yard; did a good job & it was an easy mission. Still no word from the Wife & Baby.”

447th BS War Diary: A new crew was assigned to this squadron as of Jan 13. The crew consists of: 2nd Lt. Eugene E. Stocking, 2nd Lt. Eldon R. Haynes, 2nd Lt. Leonard E. Adcock, Sgt. Roy H. Bartram, Pvt. Delbert D. Davis, and Sgt. Sidney Orloff. Adcock, Leonard E., 1Lt, bombardier Bartram, Roy H., Sgt, gunner Davis, Delbert D., Pvt, gunner Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt, pilot Orloff, Sidney, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Stocking, Eugene, E., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 188/mission 187) Group Mission # 189: Six of our ships participated in a raid on the Marshalling Yards at Terni, Italy. Hits on or near both Choke points.

A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt Thomas, David W., 1Lt CP Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt N None None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Bartram, Roy H., S/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Davis, Delbert D., S/Sgt Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Seavey, George D., 2Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N None None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None

Sunday, 16 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 188/mission 187) Group Mission # 189: Mission 151 (189): At 11:30 18 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y. 1 returned early, 17 dropped 48 x 1000 bombs at 12:50 from 11,000 feet, all returned at 14:25. Good coverage, hits on or near both choke points, strings reported across middle of yards, fires and 3 explosions noted, some bombs fell short and others over to SW of yards. 1 B-26 observed going down and hitting ground in vicinity of Orte. Weather: 7/10th Strato Cumulus at 4000 feet. F/L: Ryan. Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt, pilot

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt CP Bell, Albert R., Capt, Commander Greene, William A., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt G Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 42-64552 P Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt CP Bates, Willie L., F/O Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt Bird, Robert G., Cpl E Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Cpl Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-29967 P Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None B Braun, Joseph M., S/Sgt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None

Monday, 17 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's attack marshalling yards at Terni, Chiaravalle, and Montemarciano; B-26's strike the Orte railway bridge and Viterbo marshalling yard; P- 40's hit the Sibenik, Yugoslavia harbor, the bridge at San Giorgio del Sannio, gun positions at San Giuseppe and Formia and docks at Anzio; A-36's bomb Anzio, the Avezzano town area and road junction, and Tarquinia town and factory buildings. Transfers in Italy: 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, from Madna Airfield to Capodichino with P-40's; 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, from Castelvetrano, Sicily to Capodichino with P-39's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Terni marshalling yards was the target but neither that nor the alternate was bombed due to a heavy overcast.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 189/mission 188) Group Mission # 190: ------Mission Report # 190, 17 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1200 - 18 B-25’s took off to bomb Terni Marshalling Yards. None returned early. None dropped on either primary or alternate target due to heavy overcast from 4000/10,000 feet over coast. 18 planes down at 1355 hours. 3. RESULTS: None. 4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------None. Ground---None. Marine---None. Flak------Heavy, moderate and accurate flak was experienced over overcast – on or near coast reported fro San Benedetto to Giulianova. However, lead navigator and another say flak came from a ship off San Benedetto since they believe they were too far from coast to get flak from shore. Their opinion is the most logical upon analyzing the course taken. Two reports that flak was of rocket type – coming up and bursting in a corkscrew motion – emitting whirling streamers upon explosion. 5. WEATHER: 6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Neuman and Fetterly. Number of sorties – 18 Planes by Squadron: 445th - 6; 446th – 6; 447th – 3; 448th – 3 MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

Monday, 17 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Charley Larkin returned to the squadron today after having spent several months in a hospital in North Africa. He was suffering from malaria and yellow jaundice. The men were very glad to see their old buddy back. Charley, a mechanic on the line, is very well liked in the Squadron. Lt. Underwood was name the Squadron Bombing Officer and Lt. Anderson was designated as his assistant. There was a big mail call this afternoon and nearly everyone got a good quota of letters. Lt. Underwood held a meeting for all bombardiers in his tent today. A Red Cross girl distributed doughnuts and coffee to the men in the afternoon. The men enjoyed the steak supper. Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt, bombardier Larkin, Francis C. “Charley”, S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier, bombing officer

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 189/mission 188) Group Mission # 190:

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 41-29985 P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Kalb, W. W., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt Schlott, Abraham W. “Abbie”, S/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Lewis, Harold E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 42-64529 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt CP Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt N None None B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Maugham, George W., 2Lt E Connolly, Frank N., Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-64508 (Bear - no lettering) P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt CP Vallery, Dean B., F/O Thomas, John J., 2Lt N None None B Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt

Monday, 17 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Bad weather kept our planes from reaching the target and Kaney got his 50 in. Promotions came out for ten combat men and they are happy. Twelve new combat personnel arrived from you-know-where. Kaney, Oscar John, Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 189/mission 188) Group Mission # 190: Squadron Mission 155 TARGET: Terni M/Y, Italy DATE: 17 Jan 1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Neumann, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. No bombs dropped. Both primary and alternate targets had heavy overcast of 4000/10000 ft. Heavy, moderate accurate flak over the overcast. Neumann, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS

A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 41-13008 P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Boulton, Richard E., 1Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Kaney, Oscar John, S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt Cpl G Skill, Donald H., Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., S/Sgt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Motika, John F., Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F None Tissier, Rene G., Cpl A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None None

Monday, 17 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 50) “# 50 Jan. 17, 1944 Time 2:10 Sqdn Mission # 155 Gr. Mission # 190 1000# demo Terni M/Y, Italy Formation Leader - Lt. Neumann Results - Targets covered with heavy overcast 4000/10000 ft. Remarks - Heavy moderate, accurate flak over overcast. Ship number - 41-30293 Formation 2-2 P- Cornell, CP - Church, B- Green, E - Kaney, RG- Orechia, G -Skill” Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt, pilot Cornell, Earl K., F/O, pilot Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt, bombardier Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl, radio-gunner Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “24th day @ Casa. Missed chow. Went down to PX and got weekly ration. After chow played solitaire with Moe kibitzing. Still no Burandt. Down to flight line. Went into PX, had quite an argument with one of the French Salesgirls. The 2nd time she has espoused her opinion about Americans, not favorably. Treating her like “a dog” she says. I think she is Pro-Nazi. After supper came back to the barracks & played double solitaire with “Moe” Ferraro. A lot of fun fooling around. No show to-nite, town still “off limits”, not a thing to do. Finished a letter to Alice, then read an Ellery Queen mystery.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “No mission today, so this morning I washed a shirt & pr of pants in gasoline, & fixed things up around the tent. This afternoon Slim & I went to Rignano & bought some eggs – So until tomorrow.”

447th BS War Diary: Everyone busy getting settled once more at the new site, rebuilding the mess halls (the EM were able to get a Nissen Hut for their mess), officers setting up their former one; bargaining with Italians for the digging of Fox-holes, latrines etc.

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 189/mission 188) Group Mission # 190: Three of our ships and two others acting as spares participated in a raid over Terni M/Y, Italy. The spares returned early. Target not reached due to faulty navigation.

Monday, 17 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1Lt Seavey, George D., 2Lt CP Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt N None None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., M/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Grant, James H., Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” Lady (spare) (spare) P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N None None B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew W., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P Langston, Everett D., 2Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None B Deane, George J., 1Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Bartram, Roy H., Sgt G Davis, Delbert D., Pvt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 55) TARGET: Terni M/Y 1:55 No bombs dropped Plane 512: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Haynes, Lt. Mayben, S/Sgt. Monroe, S/Sgt. Boyd, S/Sgt. Harmer Boyd, Robert J., M/Sgt, gunner Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt, armor-gunner Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt, pilot Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot “No bombs dropped due to heavy overcast on both primary and alternate target”

Monday, 17 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 189/mission 188) Group Mission # 190: Mission 152 (190): At 12:00 18 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y. No bombs dropped due to heavy overcast, all returned at 13:45. Heavy, moderate and accurate flak experienced over overcast.

A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 42-64552 P Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt CP Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt Greene, William A., 2Lt N None None B Waller, Colver K., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Polinsky, Marvin J., S/Sgt Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt F France, Charles E., Jr., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-30355 P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt CP Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Hales, Ermine L, 2Lt N None None B McCree, Malcolm B., 2Lt Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Cpl E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 18 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-26's hit the harbor, tin mills, steel works, power house, and blast furnaces at Piombino, and bomb the Montalto di Castro railroad and bridge; B-25's hit the town and railway viaduct at Terni, and A-20's blast gun positions in the Minturno area; P-40's hit trains, wharves and vessels in the Ploca and Metkovic, Yugoslavia areas; A-36's and P-40's pound troops, trucks, and gun positions in the Minturno area and near Pontecorvo and Atina, hit a gasoline dump at , a warehouse at , a factory at , the rail and road junction at Avezzano, and railway at Santa Marinella. Transfers in Italy: 81st and 434th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 12th Bombardment Group (Medium), from Foggia to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's; 344th, 345th and 415th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), from Manduria to with B-24's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0825 Asbury to Williams. “Alternate: RR Bridge GUILUANOVA”. 225° & 15°.

0855 Jamieson to Asbury. “Delayed fuzes can be used by putting in nose fuzes”.

0916 A/C cleared for Gunnery off Manfredonia between 1000 and 1100. WA.

0920 12th B. G. to Larson. “We are not to carry any long delays. Over land route. Axis 25° to 35°. Cover will come back with us to our alternate. 1 hour plus 5.

P-47’s will join us at field. Leader will fire a Green Flare when 47’s show up in the area. 12th B. G. will fire a Red Flare.

P-47 call sign “KOLA LEADER” channel “C”.

1133 Hoffman to 82nd Opns. “Notified 82nd of 1248 take off time on Mission--O.K.”

1205 Sampson (447th) would like to contact Col. Cook within the hour.

1300 448th BS A/C 41-30548 on local hop.

1303 Tower to Hoffman. “1st A/C off at 1251, 21st off at 1303”.

Tuesday, 18 January 1944 (continued)

1329 Tower to Hoffman. “448th A/C 355 returned at 1329”.

Tower to Blake. “448th BS 41-30343 landed at 1359 448th BS 42-64552 landed at 1400 448th BS 41-12926 “Hawkeye” landed at 1400 445th BS 42-64575 landed at 1403 448th BS 41-30327 landed at 1405. 445th BS 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” took off at 1414

1543 Tower to Blake. “1st Mission A/C landed at 1543 last at 1603”.

2130 Asbury to TBF. “Inquired if we will be following anyone tomorrow. Yes, a teletype is on the way.” ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 190/mission 189) Group Mission # 191: Eighteen B-25’s bombed the Terni viaduct. No hits were scored but hits were seen on the buildings in the target area. ------Mission Report # 191, 18 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1250 - 18 B-25’s took off to bomb Terni Viaduct. 3 returned early. 15 planes dropped 37 x 1,000 lb bombs with instantaneous and delayed fusing on target at 1415 hours from 10,500/11,000 feet. 15 returned at 1545. Axis of attack 135°. 5 A/C holed.

3. RESULTS: Smoke obscured target area but bursts were seen among buildings in vicinity of viaduct. Bombs fell on incline just N of target. Hits seen in Southeast part of Terni in vicinity of Royal Arms factory. One report of hit on viaduct. One B-25 crash landed at home base.

4. OBSERVATIONS: Air------None. Ground---15/20 Motor truck convoy between Terni and Strettura. Marine---None. Flak------Heavy, intense and accurate from Orte.

5. WEATHER: Enroute: Clouds: 7/10 coverage, tops at 8.000 ft. to 50 miles from target – then clear. Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles. Target: Clouds: None. Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles. Return: Clouds: Clear, becoming 7/10 overcast at 8,000 ft. when formation reached the eastern coast of Italy back to base. Visibility: Hazy, 10 miles.

Tuesday, 18 January 1944 (continued)

6. None. Flight leaders: Lts. Brady and DeMay. Number of sorties – 15

Photos taken. Planes by Squadron: 445th - 1; 446th – 6; 447th – 5; 448th – 3

S. P. NEPRASH, 1st lt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed to the men from 09:00 to 15:00. It was a very good ration this week. Four pilots, three bombardiers and a radio operator were assigned from the 310th Bomb. Group. Three of the planes held a practice bombing mission in which they simulated actual combat conditions. A plane went up to drop- check a parachute. The Italian K.P.’s became very excited when they saw the parachute floating down and were dismayed quite a bit when they saw the dummy on the ground.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 190/mission 189) Group Mission # 191:

A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-64575 (spare) P Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt 2Lt N None None B Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt N None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt G Reddy, John E., S/Sgt F None

Tuesday, 18 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Ship #3008 (41-13008), one of the oldest ships of the outfit, made a crash landing with Lt. Ryder at the controls. The hydraulics had been ruptured by flak on a successful raid. PX today—badly needed cigarettes finally acquired. Lt. Brown got to that well known 50. Brown, Aud W., 1Lt, pilot Ryder, David, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 190/mission 189) Group Mission # 191: Squadron Mission 156 TARGET: Terni Viaduct, Italy. DATE: 18 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Brady led the formation. Bursts seen among buildings in the vicinity of viaduct. Bombs fell on incline just N of target. Hits seen in SW part of Terni. One report of a hit on the viaduct. No fighters. Flak was heavy, intense and accurate from Orte. Lt. Ryder’s plane crash landed at home base. No casualties.

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt Haughom, Milford O., T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13008 (crash landed) A/C No. 41-30293 P Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt CP Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy” Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Brawn, Jean H., Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, PFC F None None A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Brady, Joseph J., 1Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl None

Tuesday, 18 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “25th day at Casa. Made chow, then went down to flight line, hung around, had a shave, and bought stuff in the PX. Found Casa was “off limits” due to Nazis agents from Spanish Morocco were in the Medina spreading rumors among the Arabs that the U.S. were pulling out, as a result of decrease in wages, no work and no “lend-lease” material that the “Frogs” were holing out on them. Scared of trouble between Frogs & Arabs. Afternoon-down to flight line then back to barracks & sacked. After supper read “Death in a White Tie”, fair. Had a lot of fun kidding “Moe” Ferraro while he was playing cards. Says I jinx him.” Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Back we went to Terni Italy today. Only this time it was no milk run but they gave us a good welcome. It was plenty rough. Every ship we had on this mission is grounded for tomorrow, every ship picked up flak. Ranged from 3 to 30 holes per ship. So until tomorrow.”

447th BS War Diary: P.F.C. Herman G. Kettler, Jr. assigned and transferred from Replacement battalion as of Jan. 16. Kettler, Herman G., Jr., PFC, armament

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 190/mission 189) Group Mission # 191: 5 of our ships participated in a raid over a viaduct near Terni. Hits seen near the viaduct but extent of damage not observed.

A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-13175 “The Saint Myrtle Lady” II” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt N Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt None B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P Seavey, George D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), 2Lt CP Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N None None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Bartram, Roy H., S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Davis, Delbert D., Pvt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt

Tuesday, 18 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt N None B Deane, George J., 1Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt F None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 190/mission 189) Group Mission # 191: Mission 153 (191): At 12:50 18 planes off to bomb Terni viaduct, 3 returned early and 15 dropped 37 x 1000 bombs on target at 14:50 from 10,500 feet, all back at 15:45, 5 A/C holed by flak. Smoke obscured target area but bursts seen among buildings in vicinity of viaduct, bombs fell on incline just N of target, hits on SE part of Terni in vicinity of Royal Arms factory. 1 hit on viaduct. 1 B-25 crashed landed at home base. Flak: Heavy, intense and accurate from Orte. Weather: CAVU.

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-29967 P Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Jones, Truman R., 2Lt CP Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Greene, William A., 2Lt N None None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30355 (spare) P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 18 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64552 (returned early – lost A/C No. 41-30343 (returned early – lost formation) formation) P Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O N None None B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Cpl F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” (returned early – lost formation) P Hicks, John T., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None B Petit, Rene P., 2Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Everhart, Clifford R., S/Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt F None

Wednesday, 19 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's bomb Rieti Airfield; B-26's hit the airfield at Viterbo; A-20's attack the marshalling yard at Colleferro; P-40's bomb and strafe 2 schooners at Makarska, Yugoslavia; A-36's hit guns, trucks, and trains N of Rome and fly 70+ sorties against rail, communications and troop positions in the US Fifth Army battle area as the Garigliano bridgehead expands; P-40's also hit defended positions in the battle area and near Scauri, Tremensuoli, and Alvito. Transfers in Italy: HQ 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 82nd and 83rd Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) from Foggia to Gaudo Airfield with B-25's; HQ 27th Fighter-Bomber Group and 522nd, 523rd and 524th Fighter- Bomber Squadrons from Paestum to Pomigliano with A-36's; HQ 31st Fighter Group and 309th Fighter Squadron from Pomigliano to Castel Volturno with P-51's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Lt. Harry K. Slaughter this date appointed Ass’t Group Statistical Officer. Slaughter, Harry K., 2Lt, statistical officer

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0900 Asbury to 12th BC. “Checked target of REITI--no alternate target”.

0900 Take off Training Flying Formation: (446th BS)

42-53377 “Flag Ship”

Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, Commander 42-32317 41-30551 “Pennsylvania Polka” “Pink Lady” Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” Tapper, George C., 1Lt 42-32429 42-64526 “Flamingo” “Patches” Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt

A/C cleared for 1330 take off: (446th BS) 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka”, Dry Runs (Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt)--3 B’s. 41-29760, Dry Runs (Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt)--3 B’s. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe”, Dry Runs (Kerr, John C., 1Lt)--3 B’s. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later Enid II”, “No Peekin’”), Test Hop (McClelland, Alva L., 1Lt). 43-3483, Test Hop (Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt).

Wednesday, 19 January 1944 (continued)

0910 12th BC to Asbury. “No delay fuzes”.

0915 Asbury to Ordnance. “Put in regular fuze at 1030 unless notified otherwise.”

0935 Asbury to Tipton. “Asked about sending us a new Code. P-40’s close escort. What about Bombing range”.

Capt. Asbury to issue a Memo to Squadrons in regards to Personnel not connected officially with briefing not to be present in area.

1410 AA to Asbury. “Hostile A/C 25 miles N of here, 12 miles NE. Sound Red Alert.

1415 Red Alert Off.

1515 Wing Commander RHOADES states that Range has been approved. We are to send pictures of target. Also details such as routes, altitudes and restrictions to be used in connection with orders that will be sent to other Groups that will use it.

1553 Capt. Henry 12th B. G. to Hoffman. “1000’s with usual fuzing .1 and .025 -- no delays to be used. Rest of order coming by Teletype”.

1610 Ordnance informed of Loadings.

1633 759 landed at 1632.

12th BC to Hoffman. “Use 1000’s with mixed long delays (longest delay possible). The remainder .1 and .45 fuzing. TBF would like to know longest delays available.” Delays available: 1, 6, and 12 hour.

1720 12th B. G. to Asbury. “Use 500’s, 75% with .1 delay, and 25% with long delay, to be fuzed in the morning.” ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 19/mission 190) Group Mission # 192: Rieti airdrome provided the site for one of our most successful missions. Eighteen aircraft literally post-holed the field with excellent coverage. The main road to Terni was also cut in several places. ------Mission Report # 192, 19 January 1944: Not Available ------

Wednesday, 19 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: A number of training flights were scheduled for the day. There was a test hop and another parachute was drop-checked. Lt. Lowman contributed a number of fine photographs of movie stars and the Intelligence section turned it into a pin-up gallery in the office. It caught the eye of one and all – a vision of breath-taking beauty. The oldest ship in the Squadron, old “Idaho Lassie”, was photographed today for a public relations story. She is the veteran of over 100 combat missions. Lowman, Robert S., 2Lt, intelligence

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 19/mission 190) Group Mission # 192:

A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Ehler, Leon J., H., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J. S/Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt None A/C No. 41-29985 A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Thomas, John J., 2Lt N None None B Wren, Frank J., 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt Kalb, W. W., S/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt G Orr, William J., S/Sgt Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P House, Robert M., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt N None Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B Smith, Paul F., S/Sgt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 19 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: No Entry

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 19/mission 190) Group Mission # 192:

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” (spare) A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” (spare) P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Turner, Allen B. S/Sgt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Cpl G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13200 (spare) P Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None B Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike” G Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “26th day @ Casa. 49th day overseas. After breakfast went to flight line as G. Raft & Louise Albritton were expected in. Met John Lee just in from Dakar, said Burandt should be in today or tomorrow. False Alarm on Raft, didn’t show up at noon, had gone to Algiers. Sleep all afternoon. Expected C.L.B. in but he didn’t show up. Met Dossey & McCabe in the barracks, said CLB should be in tomorrow. Was to leave today but Huntoon was acting up. Think it will be a good idea to get rid of him. Had a bull session with Moe, also swapped photos, etc. Played double solitaire with Moe and got licked. Cold out to-nite. Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt, pilot Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner Huntoon, Stuart L., S/Sgt, turret gunner McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt, pilot

Wednesday, 19 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission?) “Today was a very easy day; just 3 shops from our Squadron were scheduled for the mission & were as spares. I was flying one of them but since no one dropped out of formation we turned back at the bomb line there in Italy. I just got back and found I had some mail, the best I have ever had telling me I’m a Dad to a 7¼ lb boy. I’m sure happy & proud – Hope Enid & Baby are O.K. Sure hope so and I’ll be waiting for more letters to follow explaining it all. So that is all.”

447th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 19/mission 190) Group Mission # 192: The target today was the Airdrome at Rieti, Italy. 6 of our planes were on the mission. The L/G was completely covered and a power line Hit north of the Field.

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” II” P Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Pvt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt G Davis, Delbert D., S/Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1Lt Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt CP Davis, Robert G., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 2Lt N Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Payne, Leonard T., Sgt Grant, James H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Davidson, James C., 2Lt Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N None None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt G Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt

Wednesday, 19 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1lt, pilot (mission 56) TARGET: Rieti A/D 2:35 500 lb bombs Plane 695: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Davies, Lt. Paiton, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt Monroe, S/Sgt. Ennis, Sgt. Payne Davies, Robert G., 2Lt, pilot Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt, bombardier Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt, navigator Payne, Leonard T., Sgt, gunner Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot “Field well covered, road junction N of hangars also hit with power lines knock out.”

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 19/mission 190) Group Mission # 192: Mission 154 (192): At 12:05 18 planes off to bomb Rieti A/D. All dropped 105 x 500 bombs at 13:20 from 11,000 feet and returned at 14:40. Field well covered with bombs across center, in front of hangars and along NW side and across road running along N side of field, power line hit and cut. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Freeland.

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt CP Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Bird, Robert G., Cpl E Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Cpl Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 42-64655 P Hicks, John T., 2Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt CP Lewis, Quentin M., 2Lt Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None None B Petit, Rene P., 2Lt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None

Wednesday, 19 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-29967 P Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt

Thursday, 20 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-26's bomb the Viterbo marshalling yard and attack a bridge at Pontecorvo; B-25's attack railroads in the Carsoli area; A-20's give close support to the US 5th Infantry Division in the Minturno area; British and US P-40's follow RAF light bombers in a raid on the Popoli station; A-36's pound a rail and road crossing at Viterbo and P-40's hit communications at Frosinone, Palestrina, and Carsoli, where a traffic block is created; A-36's and P-40's fly nearly 200 sorties in support of the US Fifth Army ground forces as the 36th Infantry Division begins an assault across the Rapido River in the Theodice area; and P-40's hit targets along the British Eighth Army front.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The target today (railroad bridges two miles east of Carsoli) not bombed due to navigational difficulties.

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0800 Larson to 12th B.G. “12th does not have times as yet”.

0849 Tower to Larson. “Tower now uses “B” Channel”.

0915 321st Time over Target: column 6, H plus 50. 12th T.O.T. 10 minutes later. Alternate: Column 6 #32, San Benedetto. There will be Thunderbolt cover. 340th to attack Sulmona (Alternative).

1020 12 B. G. to Larson. “We are to call Capt. Cann at TBF in regards to taking photos of bombing range. 16 Thunderbolts for escort, 8 will come home with us and 8 with the 12th.

447th A/C 41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle II” (Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt) slow time.

1500 Lt. Martin (12th B. G.) to Hoffman. “2 Crews scheduled to report this Office still unreported. Lt. Martin will call this Office upon receipt of further info”.

2000 Received by Griffing. “Get Foggia and ask for Moru then to Bomber Control (Capt. Drugmore) or (Ampler).”

“Rendezvous with 24 A/C of 340th over Termoli at 0950 at 8,000 feet. We are to call Forward Bomber Control to arrange for Fighters over Termoli who will follow us to Target and back.

1st Formation to fire Red Flares. 2nd Formation to fire Green Flares.

Thursday, 20 January 1944 (continued)

1st Formation of 340th to fire Yellow Flare. 2nd Formation of 340th--none.

Fighter call -- “KOLA”, channel “A”.

1055 Hoffman to Maj. Gary (82nd Ops). “Informed him our mission to take off 1200. The 38’s will take off at 1105.”

1145 Tipton to Hoffman. “Lt. Hatcher (Leon F., Jr., 2Lt, 445th BS) & Crew and Lt Wren (Frank J., 2Lt, 445th BS) and Crew originally assigned to the 12th B. G. are to report here. Their original assignment orders have been rescinded and will be held for assignment to the 321st Gp.”

1217 1st Mission Plane off at 1204, last at 1216. 21 total.

1322 445th 42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler II” (Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 1Lt) W of Foggia for local transition-cleared.

1325 TBF to Asbury. “Courier will be in at 0940 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday”. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 192/mission 191) Group Mission # 193: ------Mission Report # 193, 20 January 1944 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. Mission # 193 Squadrons: 445 – 6; 446 – 6; 448 – 6. Target: G-277889 Time Up: 1205 T.O.T. Time Down: 1350 Axis of attack: Height: Planes lost: None Planes holed: 8 Bomb load: 6 x 1,000 Weather: Enroute 5/10 cumulus, base at 4,000, tops at 6,000 for 50 miles, then clear. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles. Target: Did not reach. Return: 3/10 stratocumulus, base at 4,000. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles Flak: Heavy, slight to moderate to intense – reported from Sora, Isola, Cassino, Roccasecca, and Frosione. Enemy Air: None Claims: None Results: None. Bombs dropped in an unidentified location. 1st flight made a 360° turn before crossing lines in order to avoid a collision course with another group. Proceeding on course they were mistaken in their position, and though they were N of correct course. Turned W and then S to avoid flak concentration. 2nd Flight were sure of their position and not wanting to proceed towards target alone, they made right turn back to original home course.

Thursday, 20 January 1944 (continued)

Observations: 2 reports of B-25 going down in flames S of target area – plane not identified. Flight leaders: Lts. Boatwright and Vallery. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: The food situation isn’t quite as good as it used to be. Consequently, the men have acquired the habit of taking slices of bread to their tents and toasting them at night. This takes the “edge” off their appetites.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 192/mission 191) Group Mission # 193: The planes were badly shot up today. After bombing the primary target, they were led over Roccasecca and Terracina where they received an intense flak barrage. Most of the ships had at least 15-20 flak holes. A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 42-64529 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt N None None B Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt Kauric, William J., 2Lt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt Knight, Arnold K., Sgt R Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 43-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-64659 (Bear - no lettering) P Vallery, Dean B., F/O Walker, Robert S., 2Lt CP Wilson, Victor H., 1Lt Auchter, Robert L., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Connolly, Frank N., Sgt R Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt Lewis, Harold E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12924 A/C No. 42-64508 P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 20 January 1944 (continued) A/C No. 42-64575 (spare) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt N None B O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., T/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Bad weather kept our ships from reaching the target again. Capt. Warren joins us as our new “Doc”. More new combat men come in and Lt. Shepard gets his “going home” papers. Lots of V-Mail today and morale is high. Haughom end 50. Haughom, Milferd O., Sgt, gunner Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt, bombardier Warren, Joseph E., Capt, medical officer

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 192/mission 191) Group Mission # 193: Squadron Mission 157 TARGET: G-277889 DATE: 20 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Boatwright, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs dropped on unidentified location. First flight made a 360º turn before crossing lines in order to avoid a collision course with another group. Flak was slight, to moderate to intense, and heavy. Eight ships holed. Lt. Dickson was a spare, and returned early. Boatwright, John S., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt, pilot

A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” Polka” P Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Jaksic, Francis R., 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Sgt R Holtzclaw, James Ralph, Cpl Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” P Kerr, John C., 1Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Franc, John A.,, S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R McArdle, Harry E., S/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt

Thursday, 20 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Mottley, John F., 2Lt E Motika, John F., 2Lt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), S/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” (spare) P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt N None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt F None

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: Cooper A/C B-26B-50-MA Marauder: 42-95880 Casablanca, Morocco to Telergma, Algeria: Ferry Flying Time: 4:40 - The plane was assigned to the 328th BS, 319th BG, and the crew assigned to the 446th BS, 321st BG.

A/C No. B-26B-50-MA 42-65880 Note: P Cooper, Paul T., Capt 328th BS, 319th BG B-26B-50-MA CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt 42-65880, piloted by 2Lt Ralph W. N None Walker was shot down, in the Viterbo B Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt A/D, Italy area, by AAA on 29 Feb 44 E Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt (MACR-2830) R Miles, Walter J., S/Sgt G Sharen, Robert L., S/Sgt F None

Thursday, 20 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “27th day @ Casa. Expected Charlie in this a.m. so hung around the flight line most of the morning. No news yet. Sat. nite Pro-Fascist French tried to take the BB Jean Bart to a Vichy port but was stopped also planned to take over P.O., telephone exchange etc. Start trouble with the Jews, but failed. Have to watch these Frogs all the time. Down to flight line. Got haircut, shave, etc. At 1600 Burandt landed. Showed them to barracks had Moe go on guard. After chow, Chudars, Burandt, & myself relieve Moe. Bull session in the barracks.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “I had another rough mission today, just above the lines here in Italy, lots of flak & Gee, are theses boys getting good up there, we sure have to watch our step. We have another mission tomorrow, so I’d better hit the hay, especially after that big celebration the boys gave last night in Honor of my Baby boy. So until tomorrow.” (This was the last diary entry made by Lt Walker; however, he did continue the letters home.) Letter Home: “I have been awfully busy lately and I guess will continue to be busy for a long time. Sure hope it’s all over soon.”

447th BS War Diary: Our squadron had practice bombing today. The other squadrons flew a mission. The officers’ mess hall is once more open for business. Last evening the first meal in the building at this field was consumed. Starting last evening a truck from the motor pool will carry men to the movies in Foggia every night.

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 192/mission 191) Group Mission # 193: (447th did not participate)

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 192/mission 191) Group Mission # 193: Mission 155 (193): At 12:05 18 planes off to bomb bridge (T-6-277889). Bombs not dropped because formation forced off course by another group, all planes returned at 13:50. Flak: Heavy, moderate and inaccurate. F/L: Boatwright.

A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 42-64514 P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl Lord, Wilson, E., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Cpl Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None

Thursday, 20 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 42-64552 P Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Greene, William A., 2Lt Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None None B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-30548 P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Bell, Albert R., Capt, Commander Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt E Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Sgt Morris, Raymond J., T/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” (spare) P Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt CP Lewis, Quentin M., 2Lt N None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Cpl E Mauder, Charles J., Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt F None

Friday, 21 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-26's hit railroad bridges N and S of Orvieto; B-25's bomb chokepoints around Rome and unsuccessfully attack the Pontecorvo bridge; A-20's attack communications at Atina; P-40's hit shipping at Povlje, Yugoslavia; other P-40's and A- 36's attack strongpoints, trucks, a command post, a HQ building, and radar station in the battle area; P-40's also give close support to US Fifth Army troops which are hardpressed at both Garigliano and the Rapido River bridgeheads; and A-36's bomb Veletri, a concentration at Minturno, and the area S of Viterbo. "B" and "C" Flights of the 15th Combat Mapping Squadron, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, depart Colorado Springs, Colorado to join "A" Flight. The 15th, based at Bari, Italy with F-5's and B-25's, has been in the MTO since Dec 42. 381st Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Philippeville, Algeria to Ghisonaccia, Corsica with B-25's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Colonel Olmsted returned from a conference at Tactical Bomber Force Headquarters and immediately called a meeting for the entire Group. The talks concerned the news of the new 5th Army bridgehead which was to be made south of Rome on the morning of the 22nd of January. Colonel Olmsted showed how the systematic bombing of certain communication centers had practically isolated the Rome area making this new invasion possible. Since our targets for the past month had consisted mainly of communication centers we felt that our bombing had helped in this latest Allied planning. Two missions scheduled for the morrow. Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot, Commander

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0925 Col. Terrell to Hoffman. “Wanted to know if we could change Bomb Load to 1000’s”.

0931 Larson to Terrell. “Informed him that we could change Bomb Load and that our 4:20 time for “on course” on the second mission was from target time”.

0930 Tower to Ops. “1st Mission plane off at 0913, last at 0923.”

0957 Maj. Duncan (12th AF) to Larson. “He may want A/C for Naples trip at approximately 1330 -- will call at noon to make sure”.

Road Bridge SW of #65 column 21. T.O.T. H plus 15. Area cover of Spits to cover withdrawal. Army long range AA will engage Flak defenses at T.O.T. Bomb Load 1000’s with .1 and .025--no long delays to be used. Pass along attack details. 12th will attack #98 at H minus 15 in conjunction with the 340th.”

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

We are to send one B-25 to Foggia Main at 1300 for 12th AF Flight (Secrecy) to report to S/L Schaff and Col Ramsey”.

1110 Hoffman to Olson (447th). “447th will furnish A/C 41-29775 “Double Trouble” (Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt) for Col. Ramsey on ferry mission. A/C took off at 1232”.

1150 Asbury to TBF. “Mission did not drop bombs due to cloud cover”.

1310 Capt Grimm to Hoffman. “Request transportation to 12th BC tomorrow. If available call him at Ozone 132 (Judge Advocates Office).”

1335Cann to Asbury. “Wanted to know if any of our A/C were flying around Caserta this morning at 1030.”

42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later Enid II”, “No Peekin’”), off at 1335.

1615 FAS to Maj. Gary (82nd). “Major Gary called in regards to removing Bomb that one of our A/C had dropped on the R/W. Informed him that Ordnance had been notified and that they were on the way”.

1615 Asbury to Ordnance. “Informed them of Bomb Load for tomorrow”.

1724 Capt. Graham (12th AF) to Larson. “Capt. Graham is to ride the Courier plane tomorrow, he will be here at 0930”.

1830 TBF to Asbury. “Crews to be Briefed by 0830 (Col 21, H minus 0630). TOT for Primary 1000 (H minus 0500). Set course for # 2 Mission 1430 (H minus 0030) return to base by 1600 (H plus 0100).

2100 Asbury to TBF. “TOT of Mission #1 confirmed as 1025. 12th will be there at 1010. TOT for Mission #2 as 1515. 12th will be there at 1500”.

“12th will attack from 300° at 10,000 ft, their call sign is “Big Boy”. They will make a left turn coming off the target”.

“Permission granted for UP representative to go on Mission”. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 193/mission 192) Group Mission # 194: Eighteen aircraft took off to bomb the Foligno marshalling yards in another attempt to disrupt the enemy lines of communication. Ground fog obscured the target so no damage was done and all planes returned. ------

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

Mission Report # 194, 21 January 1944 No. A/C 18 Squadrons: 445th 6 A/C 447th 6 A/C 448th 6 A/C Target: Foligno M/Y’s. Time Off: 0905 T.O.T. Time Down: 1130 Axis of attack: Height: 11,000 ft. Planes lost: None Bomb load: 48 x 1,000 Fusing: .1 & .025 6 x 1,000 12 hr delayed Weather: Enroute & Return: CAVU Target: Ground Fog plus low stratus. Flak: None Enemy Air: None Results: Formation returned after reaching IP and observing that the valley in which Foligno is located was filled with ground fog. One plane dropped two bombs, one with delayed action fuse S. of Porto Civitanova about 500’ short of RR bridge --- 5 other planes with delayed bombs dropped in Adriatic. Observations: Truck convoy headed NE --- about 25 vehicles in convoy – between Muccia (43° 05’ N, 13° 03’ E) and Tolentino. Convoy of four medium sized M/Vs—about 500 tons—15 miles off coast near Pedaso---headed N.

Flight leaders: Lts. Neumann and Frazer. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 194/mission 193) Group Mission # 195: On the second mission this date, Pontecorvo was attacked and missed. Photos showed a heavy concentration of bombs just west of the bridge cratering two roads. ------Mission Report # 195, 21 January 1944 (2nd Mission, January 21, 1944) Squadrons: 445th - 1; 446th - 6; 447th - 5; 448th - 6 Target: Pontecorvo road bridge Time Up: 1410 T.O.T. 1516 Time Down: 1540 Axis of attack: 80 degrees Height: 11,000 ft. Planes lost: None Planes holed: 18 Bomb load: 51x 1000 Weather: Enroute: CAVU with slight haze Target: Clouds: None, Visibility: Very hazy – 7 miles. Return: CAVU with slight haze. Flak: Heavy, moderate, accurate from G5605; G5109; 2 heavy guns at G4405, moderate to intense, heavy accurate at target. Enemy Air: 1 FW190 at target engaged by Spit. Claims: None Results: Most of bombs west of target from 300 feet to 300 yards. West approach and road junction believed hit. One crew reports last element’s bombs walked across bridge. Some bombs in town.

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

Observations: 20/25 M/T’s on Pico-Pontecorvo road 2/3 miles west of Pontecorvo. Flight leaders: Lts. Tapper and Freeland.

MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. ------

445th BS War Diary: Two missions were flown today and there are rumors rampant about another invasion. A beer ration was distributed to the men at noon chow. Captain Gaffney was named the Mess Officer and Lt. Lower is his assistant. It was officially learned that Lt. Fisher, pilot who went down on the October 8th mission, is a German prisoner of war. Lt. House accidentally dropped a 1000 lb. bomb on returning from the mission. The Squadron members attended a Group meeting after chow at which time Lt. Col. Olmsted pointed out the great work done by the Group in paralyzing rail traffic to Rome and then made the stunning announcement that landings would be made just south of Rome early tomorrow morning. He gave out all details and this policy was criticized in the Squadron. Fisher, James B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Gaffney, Charles, H., Capt, Executive Officer House, Robert M., 1Lt, pilot Lower, William C., Lt, personal equipment Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 193/mission 192) Group Mission # 194:

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64659 P Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Thomas, John J., 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30550 A/C No. 42-32333 P Vallery, Dean B., F/O Walker, Robert S., 2Lt CP Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt N Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt, None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt Stein, Lewis (NMI), T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt Wilson, Victor H., 1Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Wren, Frank J., 2Lt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Knight, Arnold K., Sgt R Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 194/mission 193) Group Mission # 195:

A/C No. 41-13179 A/C No. 41-30354 (spare) P House, Robert M., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt Dillon, James A., S/Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: Mission today. Our squadron sent six planes. Group meeting this afternoon, where we had a “preview” of the invasion plans to take place early the following morning. Lt. Col. Olmstead, the Commanding Officer of the group, and Captain Abbott, A.L.O. of the T.B.F. outlined the phases of the operation to us. Very interesting. Abbott, J. Roscoe, Capt, Royal Artillery, Allied Liaison Officer Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 193/mission 192) Group Mission # 194: (446th did not participate)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 194/mission 193) Group Mission # 195: Squadron Mission 158 TARGET: PonteCorvo Road Bridge, Italy. DATE: 21 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Tapper led the formation. Most bombs fell W of target. W approach and road junctions believed hit. One crew reports hits on bridge. Some bombs fell in town. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. No fighters. Eighteen planes holed.

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 41-30393 P Brellenthin, Harold L., 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., Cpl Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl G Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt. Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt. None A/C No. 42-64557 A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt CP Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Mastrioanni, Henry L., 2Lt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Motika, John F., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” St. Joe” P Tapper, George C., 1Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt CP LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt None B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Haasch, George F., T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 51) “# 51 Jan. 21, 1944 Time 1:50 Sqdn Mission # 158 Gr. Mission # 195 1000# demo Terni M/Y, Italy Formation Leader - Lt. Tapper Results - Most bombs fell west of target. Last element bombs possibly hit target. Remarks - Flak heavy, moderate to intense, accurate: No fighters seen. 18 planes received holes.

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Formation 2-3 P- Ryder, CP - Clark, B- Green, E - Kaney, RG- Haasch, G -Skill” Tapper, George C., 1Lt, pilot Clark, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt, bombardier Haasch, George F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “28th day at Casa. Up early & eat chow. Down to ship w/crew, removed guns, put-put, etc. Down & got ration cards for the boys. After dinner went into town with Burandt and Chudars. Walked around town sightseeing. Chudars got lost & took a lot of kidding. Spent most of the evening at the Bar bolly, Chudars got feeling good, afterwards went to the Vox Theatre, saw “Sherlock Holmes in Washington”, Lousy. Back to camp then to bed. Heard that Snead & crew got it, but it doesn’t seem possible as they only left here 10 days ago.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Two missions scheduled today. The following new men are assigned to this squadron: 1st Lt. Thomas C. Bounds, pilot, 1st Lt. Ernest P. Dusek, pilot, 1st Lt. W.J. Toltzman, co-pilot, 1st Lt. G.G. Baker, co-pilot, 1st Lt. J.H. Windler, bombardier, 2nd Lt. J.C. Davidson, pilot, T/Sgt. J.J. Altobello, radio-gunner, Sgt. H.E. Orzynski, gunner, PFC D.D. Isaacs, turret-gunner, S/Sgt. W.B. Mayhew, Jr., gunner, Cpl. W.W. Stewart, bombardier, S/Sgt. H.M. Glass, turret-gunner, Sgt. L. Cangillieri, turret- gunner, S/Sgt. H. Konchinsky, bombardier, PFC L.L. Huddleson, turret-gunner, Pvt. H.E. Drew, turret- gunner and Sgt. A. Evans, bombardier. As of S.O. #6, Hq. AAFSC, Med. Theatre of Operations dated Jan 6, 1944, Sgt. Andrew R. Richard is assigd 447 Bomb Sq. Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Baker, Gordon G., 1Lt, pilot Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt, pilot Cangillieri, Liobnick, Sgt, turret gunner Davidson, James C., 2Lt, pilot Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot Drew, Horace E., Pvt, turret gunner Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt, pilot Evans, Allen, Sgt, bombardier Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt, turret gunner Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC, turret gunner Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC, turret gunner Konchinsky, Herman, S/Sgt, bombardier Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt, gunner McFadden, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt, gunner Richard, Andrew R., Sgt, engineering Stewart, William W., Cpl, bombardier Toltzman, William J., 1Lt, pilot Windler, John H., 1Lt, bombardier

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 193/mission 192) Group Mission #194: On the morning mission 6 of our ships participated on a raid on the Foligno M/Y, Italy. The target was closed due to fog and all ships returned with their bombs. However, the ship piloted by Lt. Davies salvoed two bombs in the ocean.

A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt CP Toltzman, William J., 1Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 1Lt N None Deane, George J., 1Lt B Stewart, William W., Cpl Becker, Edward B., 1Lt E Isaacs, Clayton O., PFC Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt R Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt Payne, Leonard T., Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Drew, Horace E., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-12997 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Tudor, Matthew S., S/Sgt R Bartram, Roy H., Sgt Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt G Davis, Delbert D., Pvt Werner, George P., T/Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 41-12930 A/C No. 42-64-694 “Yankee Girl” P Seavey, George D., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt N None None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt F None None

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 194/mission 193) Group Mission # 195: In the afternoon mission 5 of our ships participated. The target was a road bridge near PonteCorvo, Italy. 1 ship flow by Lt. McFadden returned early due to a leak in the gas tank. Results of raid—good. As per special order #12 Hqs 321st Bomb Gp (M) AAF dated 19 January 1944

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64546 A/C No. 42-64696 (returned early: gas leaking from left wing) P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N None None B Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl None A/C No. 41-13181 A/C No. 41-13175 P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Huddleson, LeeRoy R., Sgt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC, turret gunner R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, T/Sgt Altobello, J.J., T/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Orzynski, H.E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-32498 P Davidson, James C., 2Lt Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt N None None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Boyd, Robert J., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt F None Lamoureau, Archille D, Sgt

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 193/mission 192) Group Mission # 194: Mission 156 (194): At 09:05 18 planes off to bomb Foligno M/Y. All returned at 11:30. Weather: CAVU at enroute, solid overcast at target. No alternate given and instructions not to bomb target of opportunity.

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Gouge, David J., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Cpl E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Hinton, Zane R., PFC R McEntee, Peter M., S/Sgt Marshburn, James T., T/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt N None None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 42-64514 P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Lewis, Quentin M., 2Lt Greene, William A., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Robert, Maurice L., Sgt E Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R Morris, Raymond J., T/Sgt Neview, Frederick J. G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 194/mission 193) Group Mission # 195: Mission 157 (195): 18 planes off to bomb PonteCorvo; road bridge. All dropped 51 x 1000 bombs at 15:15 from 11,000 feet and returned at 15:40. 18 A/C holed by flak. Most of bombs W of target by 300 – 900 feet, W approach and road junction hit, 1 elements bombs across bridge and some bombs in town. Flak: Heavy, moderate, accurate. Weather: CAVU, slight haze. F/L: Freeland.

Friday, 21 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-30327 P Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt CP Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Waller, Colver K., 2Lt Petit, Rene P., 2Lt E Nesbit, Andrew L., Sgt Luton, Howard W., S/Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-87455 A/C No. 42-64655 P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt CP Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt Bates, Willie L., F/O N None McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-29967 P Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt CP Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None None B Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Carr, Randal C., Cpl Davey, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 22 January 1944

321st Bomb Group Headlines:

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, maximum support is given to Allied landings at Anzio, which are begun by the US Fifth Army's VI Corps at 0200; fighter-bombers, light and medium bombers direct efforts toward isolating the landing area by cutting roads, bridges, and railroads and obstructing towns in the surrounding region, at Valetri, Valmontone, Colleferro, Ceprano, and Fondi and hitting traffic and communications throughout the area; fighters maintain a patrol over shipping and beachhead and successfully intercept several enemy fighter-bomber missions directed against the landings.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The Group lost a Medical and an Armament Officer when Major Pinger and Captain Jaenicke left for the 12th Bomber Command. They were replaced in Group Headquarters by Captain A. Silver, III, and Lt. Bruce Lowery of the 448th Bombardment Squadron. Jaenicke, Reinhart W., Capt, engineering Lowery, Bruce (NMI), 2Lt, armament Pinger, Robert R., Maj, medical Silver, George A., III, Capt, medical

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 195/mission 194) Group Mission # 196: An early briefing sent the crews of eighteen aircraft off to bomb the Valmontone road junction in almost direct support of the ground forces who had just landed on the coast south of Rome. The best news of that attack was the ALO who said that sixty motor trucks had to turn back because of the road block created by our bombs. ------Mission Report # 196, 22 January 1944 No. A/C – 18 Squadrons: 445th - 6; 446th - 4; 447th - 8 TARGET: Valmontone Road Junction G.100528, as identified on Photo 3067. TIME UP: 0910 T.O.T. 1025 TIME DOWN: 17 down at 1120. 1 at friendly field AXIS OF ATTACK: 34° HEIGHT: 10,000/10,500 PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: BOMBS DROPPED: 51x 1000 WEATHER: Enroute: CAVU with slight haze Target: CAVU with slight haze. Return: 3/10 cumulus at 4,000 ft. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles. FLAK: Target: Heavy, moderate, accurate – one report of “Pinwheel flak” which burst into spinners and lasted longer than ordinary flak. Other: Scattered heavy flak on approach from coast to target from Littoria and Cisterna. Also scattered heavy flak on route out from , and . ENEMY AIR: 8 ME-109’s strafing beaches Southeast of Anzio. RESULTS: Road junction referred to at G.100528 is that identified on Photograph 3067, furnished to this group by higher headquarters. Road about 1000 feet West of junction cut. Hits Northeast of junction in town. Some bombs short abut 1000 feet Southwest of junction. Engineer in ship # 181 was killed by flak just before reaching target.

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

OBSERVATIONS: 2 truck convoys, one of 50 and other of 12 at Civitella Roveta (41° 55’ N and 13° 26’ E.)

FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. McFadden and Strenger JAMES E. NICKERSON, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 196/mission 195) Group Mission # 197: On the second mission today against the same target, the lead ship did not pick up the town soon enough and the formation bombed the road and railroad at Palestrina which was well hit. ------Mission Report # 197, 22 January 1944 No. A/C – 18 Squadrons: 445th - 3; 446th - 6; 448th - 9 TARGET: Valmontone Road Junction (S) TIME UP: 1400 T.O.T. 1515 TIME DOWN: 1612 AXIS OF ATTACK: 38 degrees HEIGHT: 11/12,000 PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: One BOMBS DROPPED: 54x 1000 ROUTE: From base to Castel Volturno. Hit coast at 41 degrees 35’N – 12 degrees 48’E, N to just E of Cisterna; thence to target; to ; to Villa Castel di Sangro; thence to Base. WEATHER: Entire route – Cavu with slight haze. FLAK: Heavy, moderate, fairly accurate. Flak also from vicinity of Artena – Heavy, moderate, accurate; possibly flak tower. ENEMY AIR: 2 S/E A/C believed to be enemy just before target. High above. No attack. RESULTS: Strings of bombs, starting just SW of target, walked through R.R. close to target road. Area just E of target also covered. Believed target road cut near R.R. Some hits over and into town. Others to the right of target, about 90 ft. OBSERVATIONS: 20 M/T moving on road from Avezzano to Cassino observed at S Vincenzo. 20 M/T at Opi probably moving N. FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Brosnan and Ryder PHOTOS TAKEN

NOTE: Photographs disclosed that town Palestrina was mistaken for Valmontone. Out of 18 crews interrogated only 1 person indicated he had some doubt that wrong road junction was bombed. JAMES E. NICKERSON, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer. ------

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Two missions were flown again today. There was a practice bombing mission held today and Lt. Farrell flew to Naples as Group courier ferrying some P-40 pilots. Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 1Lt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 195/mission 194) Group Mission # 196: Our Squadron participated in the early mission this morning to bomb an important road junction near the point where landings were made south of Rome. Later that day it was learned that our mission was successful in blocking an important road between Rome and the 5th Army front. This blockage caused a German motor convoy to clog and turn around, making them easy prey for P-38 fighter bombers.

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-30354 P Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, 2Lt N None None B Wren, Frank J., 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Connolly, Frank N., Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32333 A/C No. 42-64508 P Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt CP Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt N None None B Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Kalb, W.W., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D.., S/Sgt Lewis, Harold E., Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl None A/C No. 41-29985 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P House, Robert M., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Kauric, William J., 2Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Ravesi, Thomas G., Pvt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F Jones, W. A., Sgt, Public Relations, 12th None Air Force (observer)

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 196/mission 195) Group Mission # 197:

A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64529 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt CP Thomas, John J., 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt None B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R Maddox, Richard L., T/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt A/C No. 41-30550 P Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None B Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Two missions today, ten of our ships participating. Supported invasion forces south of Rome, by hitting Valmontone road junction.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 195/mission 194) Group Mission # 196: Squadron Mission 159 TARGET: Valmontone Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 22 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 4 Lt. McFadden, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. Road about 1000 ft W of junction cut. Road about 1000 ft SE of junction believed cut. Hits NE of jct. in town. Some bombs short, about 1000 ft SW of jct. Flak was heavy, moderate accurate. Lt. Abraham was a spare, and returned early. Italy was invaded thirty miles S of Rome at 0200 this morning. McFadden, Kenneth L., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Mottley, John F., 2Lt Anderson, Edward J., Sgt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, McArdle, Harry E., S/Sgt Cpl G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), Sgt F None Tissier, Rene G., Cpl

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” (spare) P Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt CP Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Brawn, Jean H., Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F None

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 196/mission 195) Group Mission # 197: Squadron Mission 160 TARGET: Valmontone Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 22 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Brosnan, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. This was the second mission for this date. Palestrina, about six miles NNW of Valmontone was hit. Hits observed through RR close to road. Area just E also covered. Believed road cut near RR. Some hits over and into town. Flak was heavy, moderate, fairly accurate. Also heavy flak from Artena. Brosnan, Cornelius C., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold L., 2Lt CP Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Motika, John F., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt F None None

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B Mottley, John F., 2Lt Mastrioanni, Henry L., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Howe, Frank M., Jr., S/Sgt Cpl G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt South, William R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” P Dickson, Gale .M., 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), S/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “29th day @ Casa. After breakfast went out to ship. While there an A-31 (French) on take-off was pulled to one side by torque (guess) missed the tail of ship, sideswiped a tail of a B-36, then crashed into 2 B-26’s. By some miracle the pilot got out of the ship some mechanic working really got the other fellow out, with Burandt helping. Didn’t seem badly hurt. A-31, 2 B-26’s were a total loss. Hope no guard was asleep on the B-26, if there was he never got out. Slept a few hours in the afternoon, hung around the barracks, then ate. After supper went to show (The Iron Major). A good show. Had a bull session in the barracks with Charlie & Moe, load adjusting the big subject.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner

447th BS War Diary: The group flew two missions again today. The squadron was called together in a formation at 1620 last evening and marched to Hq. There Lt. Col. Olmstead enlightened the boys with a short talk as to the purpose behind our bombing and the strategy used. He also let us in on the “secret”—that another invasion just south of Rome was scheduled to take place at 0200 last night. As of Special Order #12 dated Jan. 19, 1944 321 Bomb Group Hqs. The following men of this squadron are promoted to T/Sgts: S/Sgts. M.L. Czaja, A. Kaufold, R.A. Lotitio, H.H. Dexter, J.J. Kordzi, Jr., E.C. Ennis, and R. Mellado. S/Sgt. Delore E. Monroe killed in action. Morning report for week ending Jan 22: Officers---50; E.M. ---255. Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt, gunner Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt, gunner Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner Kaufold, Adolph, S/Sgt, gunner Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt, communication Lotitio, Rocco A., S/Sgt, gunner Mellado, Ricardo, S/Sgt, gunner Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Olmstead, Charles T., Col, pilot Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 195/mission 194) Group Mission # 196: On the first mission the target was the road junction at Valmontone, Italy. 8 of our ships participated. Our squadron was 1st in formation, being led by Maj. Sampson. 1 ship, Lt. Knodle pilot, returned early due to generator trouble. Results of bombing—poor. The flak was extremely heavy and several of our ships were shot up rather badly. “Sophisticated Lady” piloted by Lt. Olson returned with a fatal injury to her engineer- gunner, S/Sgt. Delore E. Monroe, in all probability he was killed instantly over the target, having received two severe flak wounds about the head.

A/C No. 41-13181 A/C No. 42-64695 P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 1Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), 2Lt Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Commander N None Saiers, Edward L., 1Lt B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Monroe, Delore E. (KIA) Drew, Horace E., Pvt R Lotito, Rocco A., T/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F Vermillion, Robert “Bob” (United Press None Correspondent) A/C No. 42-64-694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-30638 P Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Davidson, James C., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt N None None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12930 A/C No. 41-12997 P Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N None None B Stewart, William W., Cpl McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt Tudor, Matthew S., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt Orloff, Sidney (NMI)., S/Sgt G Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt None

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 2Lt N None None B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt Grant, James H., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind)(returned early: generator trouble) P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt E Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC R Bartram, Roy H., Sgt G Davis, Delbert D., Pvt F None

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 196/mission 195) Group Mission # 197: On the second mission of the day 2 ships from our squadron flew as spares but both returned early. The target was Valmontone, Italy. Results—very poor.

A/C No. 41-12930 (spare) A/C No. 41-30638 (spare) P Davidson, James C., 2Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt CP Seavey, George D., 2Lt Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt N Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt (Bmb/Nav) None B N/A Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt E Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R.., Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt F None None

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: S/Sgt. Delore E. Monroe was hit fatally by flak over the target the morning of Jan. 22, 1944. An engineer gunner on the plane piloted by Lt. R.C. Olson, S/Sgt. Monroe was on his 27th mission when he received the fatal wound in the head. Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot The target for mission was the road junction at Valmontone, Italy and nine of the squadron planes participated in the raid. These nine planes made up the lead flight and Lt. Olson was leading the third element of this flight. Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

At the target moderate, heavy flak was encountered and as the third element came in on the bombing run there was a heavy burst of flak very near the tail on the left side. Many large holes were cut in the tail section by the fragments and there were two holes in the left wing when the plane landed. One large fragment entered S/Sgt. Monroe’s skull and the crew members believe that he was killed instantly. His position at the tail gun place him nearest the burst of flak and no other members of the crew were injured. Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Lt. Olson dropped out of the formation as soon as the bomb line was passed on the way home and flew to Foggia Main as quickly as possible so that immediate medical care would be available for the injured man. When he landed, however, and the ambulances came to the plane, S/Sgt. Monroe was dead. Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Olson, Robert C., 1Lt, pilot The deceased gunner joined the squadron in October while we were at Grottaglie and had participated in raids over the Balkans and northern Italy.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 195/mission 194) Group Mission # 196: (448th did not participate)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 196/mission 195) Group Mission # 197: Mission 158 (197): At 14:00 18 planes off to bomb Valmontone road junction. All dropped 54 x 1000 bombs at 15:15 from 11,000 feet, all planes returned at 16:12. Strings of bombs started SW of target walked thru RR close to road; area E of target well covered. Target road cut near RR, some hits over and into town. Flak: Heavy, moderate, accurate. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Brosnan. A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 42-64514 P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Bell, Albert R., Capt, Commander Greene, William A., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt Neview, Frederick J., Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J. Cpl Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30355 P Bates, Willie L., F/O Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt CP VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt N None None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt E Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt Franc, Charles E., Jr., S/Sgt

Saturday, 22 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-30548 P Gouge, David J., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None None B Petit, Rene P., 2Lt McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Marshburn, James T., T/Sgt McEntee, Peter M., S/Sgt G Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt N None None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt Waller, Colver K., 2Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Lewis, Quentin M., 2Lt N None B Robert, Maurice L., Sgt E Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Morris, Raymond J., T/Sgt G VanCura, Paul S., S/Sgt F None

Sunday, 23 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Colonel William S Gravely takes command of XII Air Force Training and Replacement Command.B-26's bomb the area S of Avezzano while B-25's hit the town of Avezzano and road junction at Monte Cornacchia; A-20's bomb Vallecorsa with good results; A-36's attack Vallecorsa, road junctions at Fondi and in the Priverno area, the town of Ceccano, and railroad at Sezze; P-47's bomb the bridge at Skradin, Yugoslavia; RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) fighters strafe tanks and trucks on the British Eighth Army front, and XII Air Support Command fighters cover the US Fifth Army's Anzio beachhead during the day.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 197/mission 196) Group Mission # 198: The railroad junction at Avezzano was bombed as an alternate to the railroad junction at Colli di Monti, was covered by an overcast. No hits were scored on the junction but roads to Roccasecca and Sulmona were cut. ------Mission Report # 198, 23 January 1944 No. A/C – 18 1 returned early Squadrons: 445th - 9; 446th - 3; 448th - 5 TARGET: Primary—Colli de Monte G-303888—RR Jct. Alternate--RR Junction—Avezzano. TIME UP: 0900 T.O.T. 1005 TIME DOWN: 1048 AXIS OF ATTACK: 180° HEIGHT: 11/11,500 PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: None BOMBS DROPPED: 38x1000 with .1 & .025 5x1000 delayed ROUTE: From base to Castel—WNW—Filettino—(41° 54’ N, 13° 19’ E) NWN to CARSOLI, NE to BORGOCOLLETEGATO (I.P.) SE to CASTEL ESE to base. WEATHER: Enroute & Return---CAVU. Primary target—Low strato cumulus on mountain to south causing difficulty in picking in observation. Alternate: CAVU with slight haze. FLAK: Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from town of Carsoli. ENEMY AIR: 2 ME-109’s S of Avezzano at 3000 ft. No attack. 4 unidentified (2 black) at target, and 3 ME- strafing troops at bomb line. RESULTS: (Ref. TC. CP-25) A few bombs reported hitting near road and rail junction (J-14). Others observed across road just W. of target area leading W from road to Rome. Other bombs widely scattered; and observed north of city, just N of main M/Yds on line to Sulmona (L-15), near center of city and along easterly edge of town as far south as beyond main road running SW and nearly a mile W of Roccasecca line which was reported cut approximately 1200 ft. SE of target area (H-12). OBSERVATIONS: 15/20 MT proceeding S on road from Arce to Cassino being strafed by 4 Spits.

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

PHOTOS TAKEN FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Neuman and DeMay

RAY L. DROTIS, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t S-2 Officer. ------

HQ 321st G Mission Summary: (Ops Order 198/mission 197) Group Mission # 199: The second mission right back to Avezzano was abortive due to weather. ------Mission Report # 199, 23 January 1944 No. A/C – 18 Squadrons: 445th – 1; 446th - 6; 447th - 2; 448th - 9 TARGET: AVEZZANO—Hairpin turn west of town. TIME UP: 1350 T.O.T. ---- TIME DOWN: 1550 hrs. AXIS OF ATTACK: ---- HEIGHT: ---- PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: None BOMBS DROPPED: None ROUTE: Base direct to Avezzano—thence NE-15 miles to Ovindoli, thence SE to hill 2208 on to base. WEATHER: Enroute and return—Clear until 25 miles from target then 8/10 strato- cumulus—tops at 7000 ft. Visibility unlimited. Target: -- Complete overcast—tops at 7000 ft. Visibility unlimited. FLAK: None ENEMY AIR: None RESULTS: None OBSERVATIONS: 2/3 M/T on road between Sulmona and Avezzano. 20/30 M/T at Roccaraso (SE of Sulmona) stationary. 35/40 M/T pulling guns at Vivia de Marsi (near Ortona) heading north. 13 M/T on road 2 miles S of Roccaraso (S of Sulmona) heading N. FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Tapper and Freeland. No Photos taken. RAY L. DROTIS, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t S-2 Officer. ------445th BS War Diary: There was pilots’ meeting at 13:00 ordered by Capt. Beeson. Three planes went on a practice bombing mission to test bomb racks. There was also a flight to swing the compass. The supper tonight was especially delicious. It consisted of fresh pork chops fresh potatoes, apple pie, fresh butter and coffee. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, Commander

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 197/mission 196) Group Mission # 198: Two missions flown again today. On the morning mission this squadron formed the entire first flight in an attack on another vital target near the invasion area.

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-64575 (Bear - no lettering) P Neumann, Robert H., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Wilson, Victor H., 1Lt Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt B Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Connolly, Frank N., Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-64529 P Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N None None B Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 41-30354 P House, Robert M., 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt N None Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt E Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Kalb, W. W., S/Sgt R Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt G Hickey, William R., S/Sgt Lewis, Harold E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-29985 P Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt N None None B Maughan, George W., 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” P Walker, Robert S., 2Lt CP Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt N None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Carner, Donald E., Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), C., Sgt F None

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 198/mission 197) Group Mission # 199:

A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny, 2Lt N None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Connolly, Frank N., Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Another doubleheader mission today, 9 ships taking part.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 197/mission 196) Group Mission # 198: Squadron Mission 161 TARGET: RR Junction Avezzano, Italy. DATE: 23 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3 Lt. Neumann, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. A few bombs hit road and rail junction. Others observed across road just W of target area, leading W from road to Rome. Other bombs widely scattered. Flak was heavy, moderate, inaccurate. Neumann, Robert H., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 41-12923 P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., Cpl Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt Samsel, John C., Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl None

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt R Schultheis, Thomas R., Sgt G Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt F None

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 198/mission 197) Group Mission # 199: Squadron Mission 162 TARGET: RR Junction Avezzano, Italy. DATE: 23 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt Tapper led the formation. This was the second mission for this date. No results. Complete overcast tops to 7000 ft, visibility unlimited. No flak or fighters.

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Bolt, Robert L., 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Motika, John F., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Tapper, George C., 1Lt Abraham, Frank W., CP Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Hurley, John R., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt Parrish, William W., Cpl E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., Sgt R Howe, Frank M., Jr., S/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, Cpl Thomas, Patrick (NMI), Sgt F Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, 321st BG Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt Commander

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Anderson, Edward J., Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt McArdle, Harry E., S/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) (spare) P Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt N None B Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Cpl G Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt F None

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: unknown A/C B-25 Local: Training – 3 landings Flying Time: 1:40 (1st mission in MTO)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “30th day @ Casa. After chow went down to the ship. Nothing to do so went over & got our parachutes. Expect to test hop this afternoon & leave tomorrow. After dinner, down to line, test hopped the ship. O.K. Did a little buzzing, chased a “Spit”, a lot of fun. After landing got briefed for tomorrow’s take-off. After supper went down to the ship and stood guard all nite. Plenty of quiet and had a snack of K-rations.” Flying time: 01:10.”

447th BS War Diary: Two missions scheduled for today. As per letter dated Jan. 22, XII Air Force Headquarters, the following men were transferred to the U.S: T/Sgt W.W. Myers., S/Sgt R.J. McGrail and S/Sgt. R.W. Sheets. Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt, pilot Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot Langston, Everett D., 1Lt, pilot McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner Myers, William W., T/Sgt, gunner Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt, gunner

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 197/mission 196) Group Mission # 198: 5 of our ships completed the mission with the morning formation. Two others returned early. One, flown by Lt. Dusek returned early when the left engine cut out. The other, flown by Lt. Bounds, was sent out as a spare but was not needed. The target was the RR junction at Avezzano, Italy. The flak was extremely heavy and the results of the bombing poor.

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 41-30557 P Seavey, George D., 2Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt CP Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt N None None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt Deane, George J., 1Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Bartram, Roy H., Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Davis, Delbert D., Pvt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 42-64694 Done Crapped Again” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt N None None B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt G Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt Payne, Leonard T., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” II” (spare) P Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” (returned early – engine trouble) P Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt N None B Stewart, William W., Cpl E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt G Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt F None

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 198/mission 197) Group Mission # 199: On the 2nd mission of the day 3 of our ships were scheduled to participate. However, one ship flown by Lt. Langston, after taxiing out of parking area discovered that an oil cover was loose. He returned to the ships hardstand where a hasty repair was made. He then took off in an attempt to overtake the formation but a spare had already filled in. The target was a road bridge at Avezzano, Italy but due to a complete overcast, no bombs were dropped. Upon returning from the mission Lt. Fraser crash landed his plane on our home field. After circling the field twice he, although blinded by the sun, attempted to land. (He decided to judge the runway by the dust of the ship ahead of him). In doing so he landed on the left side of the runway and has left landing gear hit a barrel placed at the runways edge. The plane had in it the original bomb load with which it started out.

A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” (returned early) P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt CP Seavey, George D., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Ludtke, Foster R., Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F Statham, Alvin F., Cpl None A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt N None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt G Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt F None

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Special Accounts: The squadron’s third plane of the month was lost January 23, 1944 when a landing accident occurred as the planes were returning from an afternoon mission. The plane, 42-64600, was piloted by Lt. Harry A. Fraser and his report of the accident was as follows. Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot “I approached the field in loose formation. I was leading the third element in a box of 9 planes. After leading my wingman into the traffic pattern I pulled out to go to sea to drop one 1000 lb. delayed action bomb. These orders were countermanded by instructions from the tower so I entered traffic but due to the sun I could not see the runway and so went around. By this time the second nine ships were in the pattern and I became number 10 in traffic. Again the sun and other airplanes in my predicament prohibited a safe approach so again I went around. This time I was number 6. Five other ships before me had also gone around.” “I dropped my wheels and attempted to follow the ships before me. On the final approach I could fairly accurately judge the position of the runway from the dust of the ship which had already landed on the left of the runway and from the approach of the ship ahead of me although I still could not see the outline of the runway. I spaced myself behind the other ship and slightly above and to the left of him, dumped full flaps and slowed for a landing. As my airplane dropped I caught the outline of the runway. At this time I was possibly 50 ft. back of the runway and 6 to 8 ft. in the air. My airspeed was between 105 and 110 mph indicated and my flare out for landing was about complete. At this time my left wing was caught in a mild prop was and dropped. I kicked full right rudder to pick up the wing. Ailerons were useless. The rudder action was sufficient to pick up the wing but would not skid the plane to the right. At this moment both my co- pilot and I saw the white barrels marking the end of the runway. It was too late to use throttle to skid right. Had I attempted to balloon the aircraft over the barrels I would have stalled at 20-30 ft. above the runway and would have fallen straight down. In consideration of 3000 lbs. of bombs aboard I elected to take no chance of stall out. Consequently my left landing gear hit the barrel and was torn from the nacelle. A normal landing position was assumed and I landed on my right wheel. As soon as we were on the ground Lt. Seavey cut all switches and mixture controls. I was able to hold the left wing off the ground by rudder until approximately 60 miles per hour at which speed the wing hit the ground and we slowed to a stop to the left of the runway. The entire left side of the plane was demolished. The bombs in the Bombay remained safe in the shackles. None of the crew were injured in any way.” Seavey, George D., 2Lt, pilot

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 197/mission 196) Group Mission # 198: (448th did not participate)

A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” (spare) P Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt CP VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt N None B Ream, Elmer (NMI), Cpl E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 198/mission 197) Group Mission # 199: Mission 159 (199): At 13:50 18 planes off to bomb Avezzano hairpin turn W of town. Target completed covered by overcast, all planes returned at 15:50, no bombs dropped. 2-3 MT on road between Sulmona and Avezzano, 20 to 23 M/T at Roccaraso, 35-40 M/T pulling guns at Vivia de Marsi. F/L: Freeland.

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt N McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Pvt Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-30355 P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt N None None B Waller, Colver K., 2Lt Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt E Johnson, Roy C., S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Marshburn, James T., T/Sgt G Frank, Donald L., Sgt Stackman, Walter C., Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt

Sunday, 23 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 42-64514 P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Greene, William A., 2Lt N None None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., Sgt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt Wolf, Elmer A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-30548 P Bates, Willie L., F/O Boatright, John S., 1Lt CP Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Nesbit, Andrew L., Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Coleman, Seaton L., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30327 P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt

Monday, 24 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF): Weather cancels all medium and light bomber operations. In Italy, fighters maintain cover over the Anzio beachhead (Anzio and Nettuno are captured during the day) and encounter increased air attacks; 3 fighters are claimed destroyed in aerial combat, while 1 Allied fighter is lost. P- 40 fighter-bombers hit road at Penne, while A-36's bomb Velletri and the road junction E of town, and hit other communications targets.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today, due to weather.

445th BS War Diary: The top meal for today was a fried chicken supper. The Red Cross girl distributed doughnuts and coffee immediately after supper. An unusual squall swept up just after supper and some rain fell driven by strong winds. It lasted for about one hour. There were two navigational training flights today and another to test bomb racks.

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 01/24/44: Five miles west of Foggia “We came from Amendola landing ground January 14th. According to plan our next move would have been to a new field near Naples and we were all rather eager for it, but on account our field being overcrowded with B-17s we were shoved over here until the field in Naples is prepared. We have a good location, a new tent and a dependable source of electricity so we are quite content. We have done much painting around the tent and it is quite homey. Weather has been very good and scarcely a night has passed that we haven’t loaded bombs. Our plane losses have been nil, though on two occasions 1000 pound bombs have fallen through the bomb bay when the planes landed. As yet the cause is unexplained. In all, life has gone pretty well so far this year. Christmas brought with it the assurance of many friends, expressed by boxes and cards. Christmas Eve many of our drinking friends came in with Louie and George for a session with their bottles and the evening ended by Rucker and I and the Dutchman cleaning up after them and putting them in bed. Most of the camp indulged in revelry throughout the season. Bell, Louis E. "Lew", Sgt, armament Cavalenes, George P., S/Sgt, armament Rucker, Elbert A., Sgt, armament Weidler, Clifford L. "The Dutchman", Sgt, engineering December 27th I left in a truck with 14 others for three days at rest camp in Naples. Those three days were the richest of all my experiences overseas and the successive happenings are indelibly enough impressed on my mind that I need not write them. On the way to Naples we came upon many bridges that had been blown up by the retreating Germans and it became clear to me why progress on that front had suddenly become so slow, when I saw the congestion of traffic one single destroyed bridge is capable of causing. Most of the bridges were being rebuilt by civilian and British workers and usually a British MP was directing traffic. We arrived in Naples at the apartment house taken over by our Group at about two o’clock, tired and hungry, but pleased with the prospect of seeing famous Naples. On our first foray to find something

Monday, 24 January 1944 (continued) to eat, we discovered the people to be very friendly. I went alone that afternoon to Via Roma and saw a movie. My major purpose was to obtain information pertaining to the city of Pompeii. We went to Pompeii early the next morning on the “Circumvesuviana” railway (a tourist line that circles Mt. Vesuvius). Had a good ride out to the city, and on the train, I became acquainted with an Italian woman and her very attractive daughter. The daughter spoke German and we conversed in that language. I spent part of the next day at their home where I met the father, who was chief physician of the municipal medical setup, and the others of the family. I was greatly amused by the old gentleman’s carefully explaining to me an Italian proverb to the effect that a man’s wife and his ox should come from his own country. We spent the entire forenoon perambulating the ruins of Pompeii. Our guide was intelligent and obliging and that made our tour very complete and interesting. After visiting the ruins we stopped at a shop that specialized in cameos and coral jewelry and we all indulged lavishly in purchases. From there we went to a restaurant for dinner. The food was nothing exceptional and the price was exorbitant, but I shall never forget the musicians who played and sang while we ate. The violinist and vocalist would come to our table and perform his talent with an enthusiasm I have never seen before. At a town near the ruin is a most exquisitely and richly adorned Catholic cathedral. In one corner was a very realistic miniature of the life and crucifixion of the Savior, even the boats could be seen sailing in the bay that provided a background for one of the scenes. Drifting back to the less romantic and more real aspects, one of the alarming situations to me was the unabashed approach of various pimps and even young girls rustling their own business. One could not more than enter the Piazza de Dante before he was accosted by a half dozen such characters vying in keen competition. I am yet mournful at the recollection of a waif of 13 or 14 years of age who took hold of my arm and, opening her coat to reveal a bottle of wine repeated, “Room, room.” I spent part of a day at the Red Cross talking with a woman from Indiana who had lived in Italy 21 years with her Italian husband and was very influential in organizing against the Fascists before the invasion. Her picture and that of her family and another woman whom I met appeared in Life magazine. While in Naples I attended a genuine Italian grand opera entitled “Andrea Chenier.” I enjoyed it greatly.”

446th BS War Diary: 43 enlisted men received promotions today. Seventeen men get their travel orders this morning—lucky fellows. Five more men come in on combat status. A mail call this afternoon with quite a few letters. Everyone happy.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: unknown A/C B-25 Local: Training – 6 landings Flying Time: 2:50 (2nd mission in MTO)

Monday, 24 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “31st day at Casa. Got relieved from Guard by Ben @ 0900. Ate, expected to leave but found our form 41-B wasn’t ready, so Charlie decided to stay another day. Guess we’ll never get out of here. After dinner, got a shave, got clothes out of the ship and went to town with Chudars. Did some shopping, hung around the Select and the bolly, quiet in town. Went to show, “H. Aldrich Haunts a House”. Very good. Boatright, Benjamin, Jr. "Ben", S/Sgt, gunner Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. The following new men were assigned to this squadron today: 2nd Lt. M. K. Matthewson, from the 310th, 1st Lt. H. J. Banks, 2nd Lt. L. L. Edwards, 2nd Lt. C. F. Jones, Cpl. Walter F. K. Tollefson, S/Sgt. E. P. Harriman and S/Sgt. W. E. Matthews. 2nd Lt. R. P. Dunn transferred from this squadron. Sgt. L. J. Steves transferred to hospital. The officers had as their guests last evening none other than Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey Bogart. Banks, Herbert J., 2Lt, pilot Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, pilot Edwards, Lyle L., Lt, pilot Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt, gunner Jones, Claude F, 2Lt, bombardier Mathews, William E., S/Sgt, gunner Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt, navigator Steves, Louis G., Sgt, engineering Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Tuesday, 25 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's bomb Valmontone; B-26's hit the Sezze marshalling yard, the Sezze-Bassiano road, Amelia, and Rieti marshalling yard; A-20's attack ; A-36's hit Civita Castellana, Itri, Velletri, and railroad rolling stock in the area; P-40's hit Velletri and Belmonte in Sabina and strafe trucks E of Fondi; P-40's and P-47's hit shipping in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, and nearby road and rail traffic. British fighters of the RAF DAF hit bridge approaches at Popoli, near the British Eighth Army front. Detachment of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force (attached to RAF No. 286 Wing) at Rerhaia, Algeria returns to base at Grottaglie, Italy with Beaufighters.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

0755 Tipton to Asbury. “Weather is O.K. Will not conflict with the 12th”.

0805 Asbury to TBF. “What altitude is the 12th going in at? We are going in at from 10000 to 10500”.

0825 TBF to Hoffman. “The 12th is going in at from 9500 to 10000. They have been notified of our altitude”.

0827 Hoffman to 82nd Ops. “No conflict in T.O. times”.

0906 Asbury to Hoffman. “Obtain Courier to land at Pompeii at 1100”.

0910 Hoffman to Bell (448th). Requested Courier--A/C 41-29765 (Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt, 448th BS).

1035 Hoffman to S/L “’Toole (TBF). “Gave T.O. time”.

0930 TBF to Griffing. “Bomb load is 1000’s, .1 and .025--no long delays to be used. Target: VELLETRI. Map reference PinPoint #F985440”.

1050 Tipton to Hoffman. “Wanted bombing altitude for 2nd Mission. Informed him that we would call back when the morning mission returned”.

1110 Vallery to Hoffman. “Reason for early return: Bomb-Sight telescope cable broken. Lts. Noel (William H., 2Lt, 445th BS) and Pamp (Arvid A., 2Lt, 445th BS) turned back after making 5 minute circle, because of the absence of Lead A/C”.

1115 Hoffman to 82nd Ops. “No conflict in T.O. times for the aft”.

Tuesday, 25 January 1944 (continued)

1145 Hoffman to Duncan (TBF). “Informed him of our Bombing altitude for aft Mission, 10,000 to 10,500. If he does not call back this will be O.K.”

1150 Hoffman to TBF (Duncan). “Time down for morning Mission 11:18”.

1330 Duncan to Larson. “Afternoon job cancelled”.

1335 Tipton to Hoffman. “Wanted to know results of morning mission. Gave info from S-2 report”.

1625 Hoffman to Capt. Anderson (82nd). “Suggested that barrels at end of R/W be removed unless they serve a practical purpose. He agreed, and will take action”. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 199/mission 198) Group Mission # 200: Mission to Ceprano road bridge. No hits scored, most of the bombs to the north and east of the target. One string scored hits on the Ceprano-Rome road. ------Mission Report # 200, 25 January 1944 No. A/C – 15 Squadrons: 445th – 3; 446th - 3; 447th - 2; 448th - 9 TARGET: CEPRANO ROAD BRIDGE. (G-599279) TIME UP: 0915 T.O.T. 1020 TIME DOWN: 1110 hrs. AXIS OF ATTACK: 35° HEIGHT: 10/10,500 Ft. PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: 14 BOMBS DROPPED: 5x1000 delayed & 37x1000--.1 & .025 fusing ROUTE: Base to Castel Volturno—recrossing coast 5 miles E. of Terracina—to Ceprano then NW to hill 1992—due E for 30 miles to hill 2014—then home. WEATHER: CAVU entire route, slight haze. FLAK: Target Area—Heavy intense accurate, with guns reported from N side of lake at Isoletta; 3 guns 1 mile SW of Ceprano. Other flak reported from around Isola with intense firing from valley E of Isola and from high land N of target. ENEMY AIR: None CLAIMS: None RESULTS: One report of bridge being hit. Greatest concentration of bombs east of target with some across road bend. Other bombs short and a few fell to N and W of bridge. OBSERVATIONS: At 1025, 20 trucks heading S near Isola and NW at same time convoy heading N from (NW of target) (could be same convoy) MARINE: At 1013 vessel, 400’ M/V, in Gaeta going NW along coast—shooting flak. FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Stephenson and Wetherbee. No Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Gp. Intelligence Officer. ------

Tuesday, 25 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The weather was very cold today and most of the men stayed in their tents around the warmth of the good old stoves. Seven new gunners were assigned to the Squadron today. Captain Beeson flew to Gioia. It is rumored that he will be sent home and many of the men are wondering just who his successor will be. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, Commander

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 199/mission 198) Group Mission # 200:

A/C No. 41-29985 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt N None Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B Maughan, George W., 2Lt, Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Lewis, Harold E., Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Kalb, W. W., S/Sgt Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt G Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-30354 (returned early) Gambler II” P Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Wilson, Charles B., 1Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Jones, Robert C., Sgt R Wilson, John P. “Phil”, T/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Reddy, John E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 (early return) A/C No. 42-64529 (early return) P Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt CP Thomas, John J., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None None B Wren, Frank J., 2Lt Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt R Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: Three of the squadron’s ships go on a mission against a road bridge at Ceprano. Four EM for combat join us from 47th Bomb Group. Carstens gets his missions in. Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, Sgt, gunner

Tuesday, 25 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 199/mission 198) Group Mission # 200: Squadron Mission 163 TARGET: Ceprano Road Bridge, Italy. DATE: 25 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 3 Lt Stephenson, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. One report of bridge being hit. Greatest concentration of bombs E of target with some across road. Flak was heavy, intense, accurate. Fourteen a/c were holed. Lt Morris was a spare, and returned early. Stephenson, Henry W., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-30293 P Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., Sgt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, T/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” (spare) P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., S/Sgt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “32nd day @ Casa. 45th day O.S. Had chow, got equipment together, expect to leave for Algiers @ 1000. Left Casablanca at 1125 for Algiers. Had my head way up and locked today, landed at Oran instead of Algiers. Never hear the end of it either. Left Oran @ 14:25 and arrived in Algiers @ 15:45. Had supper, then went to the Post theatre with Chudars. A good show, “Hi Diddle, Diddle”. Sleeping in tents here, w/rope mattresses, not to bad. Flying time: 03:00; 01:30.” Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot 446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “Have been awfully busy lately flying a lot. Hope this is over soon.”

Tuesday, 25 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: As per letter dated 24 Jan. 1944, XII A.F. Hqts., the following men are asgd to this squadron: 2nd Lt. W. A. Bryant, 2nd Lt. LeRoy Alger, 2nd Lt. H. G. McCaleb, Sgt. C. R. Collins, Sgt. J. T. Blalock and S/Sgt. A. W. Chatters. The following men came to us from 47th Bomb. GP: S/Sgt. D. H. Craig, PFC R. E. Morrissey, and Pvt. R. H. Gillies. Alger, LeRoy, 2Lt, pilot Blalock, Joe T., Sgt, gunner Bryant, William A., 2Lt, pilot Chatters Aubrey W., S/Sgt, gunner Collins, Clint R., Sgt, gunner Craig, Dana H., Sgt, gunner Gillies, Robert H., Pvt, gunner McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt, bombardier Morrisey, Raphael E., PFC, engineer-gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 199/mission 198) Group Mission # 200: Nine of our ships participated on a raid on the Ceprano road bridge, Italy. The bridge itself was missed but several roads hit.

A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1Lt Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt Commander N Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt None B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt E Schwartz, Arthur, Sgt Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, T/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., Cpl Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” Done Crapped Again” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt N None None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-30557 P Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Seavey, George D., 2Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N None None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt E Drew, Horace E., Pvt Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Bartram, Roy H., Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Davis, Delbert D., Pvt F None Austin, James W., Jr., Cpl

Tuesday, 25 January 1944 (continued) A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-64694 P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt N None None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt E Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl R Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt Mathews, William E., Sgt G Payne, Leonard T., Sgt Harriman, Elmon P., Sgt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Davidson, James C., 2Lt CP Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt N None B Stewart, William W., Cpl E Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC R Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt G Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), T/Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 57) TARGET: Ceprano Road Bridge 1:50 1000 lb bombs Plane 695: Lt. Stephenson, Major Sampson, Lt. Paiton, Lt. Boyle, S/Sgt Schwartz, T/Sgt. Ennis, Sgt. Smith Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, T/Sgt, radio-gunner Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Schwartz, Arthur, Sgt, gunner Smith, Argyle H., Cpl “One report of Road bridge hit. Greatest concentration of bombs east of target with some across road bend.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 199/mission 198) Group Mission # 200: A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” (spare) P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O N None B Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt F None

Wednesday, 26 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, A-20's attack Cisterna di Latina, toward which the US Fifth Army's VI Corps is moving; A-36's and P-40's fly harassing attacks against roads and railroads, bombing at Belmonte in Sabina, Cisterna, Itri, Ceccano, Frosinone, Poggio Mirteto and at points around these towns; A-36's destroy a fuel dump and several trucks and artillery caissons in the Ceprano-Priverno area.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today. Lt. Colonel Bailey C. Cook appointed 445th Bombardment Squadron’s Commanding Officer, vice Captain Elwood H. Beeson, relieved. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot, 448th BS Cook, Bailey C., Lt. Col, pilot, 448th BS Commander

445th BS War Diary: Today the Squadron flew its 166th combat mission helping the Group register its 200th combat mission (mission actually flown on 25 Jan 44). “Patricia” one of the Squadron’s oldest ships was tested for combat today and grounded. The boys claim she is just getting too old. The entire Squadron was delightfully surprised to learn that Lt. Col Bailey C. Cook had succeeded Captain Beeson as Squadron Commander. Col. Cook was the former Commanding Officer in this Squadron and is respected and well-liked by all. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: No mission-bad weather. PX late in the afternoon, cigarettes and candy.

446th BS Mission Summary: No Missions

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Expected to leave for Elmas, Sardinia this a.m. but it looks doubtful as Burandt and Chudars have the GI Runs. Decided not to leave today. Went into Algiers w/Charlie, Jim, Moe, & Ben. Walked around town sightseeing. Had a hard time getting supper, but finally found a place. Found these French girls have no conception of morality whatsoever, even to using the men’s room. At 0900 p.m. went to a vaudeville show at the Casino, the world’s worse Limey soldiers made a lot of noise. Finally got back to camp.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 2Lt, pilot Boatright, Benjamin, Jr. "Ben", S/Sgt, gunner Ferraro, Joseph L. "Moe", Sgt, gunner

Wednesday, 26 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “We’re working hard these days. Hope we all get home soon. I have 37 missions in now. Some have been pretty rough missions and we have had a few so-called milk runs. So we’re o.k. John Sweeney was missing in November about the 28th but I think he will get back soon now. I have that feeling. McDonough and Cobbett are o.k. and feeling good.” Cobbett, Stanley W., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 486thBS, 340th BG McDonough, John F., Sgt, gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled. Cpl D.E. Strait asgd from 57 Ftr. Gp. As per S.O. #12 Hq. XII ASC, dated 23 Jan. 1944. As per letter dated 26 Jan 1944, XII Bomber Command the following crew is assigned to this squadron: 2nd Lt. Nathan Mims, 2nd Lt. Harvey A. Dean, 2nd Lt. Svend P. Olsen, Sgt. L.W. Ford, Sgt. R.W. Bean and Cpl. W.H. Pierce. Bean, Robert W., Sgt, gunner Dean, Harvey A., 2Lt, pilot Ford, Leonard W., Sgt, engineer-gunner Mims, Nathan, 2Lt, pilot Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt, navigator Pierce, William H., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Strait, Daymond E., Cpl, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 27 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's attack roads at Velletri, the railway at Colleferro and marshalling yard at Orte; B-26's bomb bridges at Ceprano and marshalling yard at Terni; A-20's give close support to the US Fifth Army attack near Terelle; A-36's bomb railways and buildings at Poggio Mirteto, Ceccano, and Ciampino, hit rail and road traffic S of Rome, and, with P-40's, hit the town of Piedimonte; 70+ P-40's provide close support to Fifth Army forces in Cisterna di Latina and Atina, bombing gun positions; Allied fighters over the Anzio beachhead successfully meet increased enemy air effort, claiming 28 aircraft downed in aerial combat.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Joe E. Brown (himself) put on a show for us today out in the open air.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 200/mission 199) Group Mission # 201: Flak was heavy, intense, and accurate over the target of Velletri and two of our eighteen planes were shot down, another forced down at Naples. The 3rd Division reported two parachutes from each plane, all four landing in enemy territory. The flak spread the formation and the road junction was not hit. ------Mission Report # 201, 27 January 1944 No. A/C – 18 Squadrons: 445th – 4; 446th - 6; 448th - 9 TARGET: Velletri Road Junction TIME UP: 0905 T.O.T. 1015 TIME DOWN: 15 A/C at 1115 hrs. One at Naples. AXIS OF ATTACK: 330° HEIGHT: 10,500/11,000 PLANES LOST: 2 PLANES HOLED: 11 BOMBS DROPPED: 12 x 1000 lb long delay 29 x 1000 lb .1 & .025 fusing ROUTE: Lago di Patria heading west to 41° 05’ N, 13° 10’ E; then to Velletri on a northwest heading; due west to 41° 42’ N, 12° 20’ E then south to 41° 12 E, 12° 25’ N; to Lago di Patria; thence home. WEATHER: Enroute – 5/10 cumulus, base at 4000 ft. tops at 7000. Visibility unlimited. Target – CAVU Return - same as enroute. FLAK: Flak started at Cisterna di Roma continued to Velletri then due west to coast at Lido di Roma. Heavy, Intense and Accurate. ENEMY AIR: 2 ME-109’s followed formation until chased off by P-28’s. One report that ME’s called off altitude and air speed to AA. Found to be merely an opinion. RESULTS: Previous bombing obscured observation but hits reported in Northeast and middle parts of town. Road hit south of town (outskirts) leading to CISTERNA DI ROMA. Some bombs on road east of junction at target.

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

OBSERVATIONS: 1 report of 2 B-25’s from formation on single engine – one near Naples – other near Gaeta Point. 1 B-25 seen hit and exploding in air over target (pilot – Lt. Ryder) 1 B-25 seen to hit ground near target – 2 parachutes reported (pilot – Lt. Eddy) Flight leaders – F/O Sowder and Lt. Ryder. Photos taken.

NOTE: Report from 3rd Div. to ALO, TBF – 2 chutes seen from each plane coming down in enemy territory. One chute seen caught on fuselage.

FRED W. LICHTWARD 1st Lt. Air Corps. Ass’t S-2 ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 201/mission 200) Group Mission # 202: The Orte marshalling yards were well hit by the 2nd mission’s planes, especially the center and south choke point. ------Mission Report # 201, 27 January 1944 No. A/C – 17 Squadrons: 445th – 5; 446th - 4; 447th – 8; 448th - 1 TARGET: Orte Rail Junction TIME UP: 1340 T.O.T. 1505 TIME DOWN: 1630 AXIS OF ATTACK: 300° HEIGHT: 11/11,500 ft. PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: None BOMBS DROPPED: 9 x 1000 lb delayed 51 x 1000 lb .1 & .025 fusing ROUTE: Base to Porto S. Giorgio to Monteleone Di Spoleto to Tarano to target; then to hill 880; to Porto S. Giorgio and home. WEATHER: Enroute and Return---4/10 cumulus base at 5000 ft; tops at 7000 ft. Visibility unlimited. Target – CAVU FLAK: None ENEMY AIR: Two E/S painted black below formation—didn’t attack. Were engaged by Spitfires at target. RESULTS: Hits across M/Ys just south of north junction and from south choke point north to middle of M/Ys. Some bombs started at river S of M/Yds and walked along tracks northward. Dust from previous attack considerably obscured north part of M/Ys. One very large crater seen at north jct. OBSERVATIONS: 20 car train standing in station on railroad between Orte and Stimigliano. Four trucks headed west from Orte. Marine: Two small and one medium M/V at San Benedetto Harbor. The vessels were tied closely together at end of north jetty.

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

Flight leaders – F/O Vallery and Lt. McFadden. Photos taken.

ROBERT W. MANLY, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t. S-2 Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in two missions today as they lend air support to invasion forces south of Rome. The second mission of the day which raided Orte road junction was very successful. Captain Beeson left the Squadron today headed for the United States and a well-earned rest. Two practice bombing missions were flown today. A new crew arrived today, former B-26 fliers. A delayed action bomb which was dropped in this vicinity by one of our returning bombers exploded in the evening. No damage to anything as it was quite a ways off. The boys were talking far into the night about the unusually fine show put on by Joe E. Brown who appeared in person down at Group headquarters in the afternoon. Putting on a one-man show with cloudy, cold weather prevailing, Brown left his entire audience with a wonderful feeling all over and aching sides from the many laughs he gave them. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 200/mission 199) Group Mission # 201:

A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Walker, Robert S., 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt 2Lt N None Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Connolly, Frank N., Sgt Jones, Robert C., Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt Carner, Donald E., Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt Reddy, John E., S/Sgt F Cotter, Jack M., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 201/mission 200) Group Mission # 202:

A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Wilson, Victor H., 1Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Maugham, George W., 2Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Kalb, W. W., S/Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Johnson, John E., S/Sgt Clark, Thomas J., T/Sgt G Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt F Burton, Bernard A., Cpl Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 41-29985 P Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N None None B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt Dillon, James A., S/Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt DePete, J., A., T/Sgt G Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-64508 (spare) P Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Pamp, Arvid A., 2Lt CP Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt Thomas, John J., 2Lt N Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt None B Kauric, William J., 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: We lost a ship on the first of two missions today. Lt. Ryder was piloting #557 when it was hit over the target; Lt. Clark was co-pilot, with Lt. Schad, Sgt. Delesdernier, Sgt. Holtzclaw and Sgt. Langan making up the remainder of the crew. In the afternoon we were paid a visit by Joe E. Brown of the movies; he put on a swell show with lots of laughs. Clark, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Delesdernier, Chester N., Sgt, gunner Holtzclaw, James Ralph, Sgt, gunner Langan, Charles H., Sgt, gunner Ryder, David, 2Lt, pilot Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt, navigator

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 200/mission 199) Group Mission # 201: Squadron Mission 164 TARGET: Velletri Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 27 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 6 F/O Sowder, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Hits reported in NE and middle part of town. Road hit S of town. Some bombs fell on the road E of road junction. Flak was heavy, accurate, and intense. Two B-25’s lost over target. One of them was Lt Ryder’s, which received a direct hit in either the cockpit or navigator’s compartment and burst into flame. TBF reports that two parachute were seen from each of the ill-fated planes. Lt Abraham’s plane was forced to use the emergency system to lower the landing gear at the home base. Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” (MACR-2472 - shot down over target) P Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt Bahm, Linston A., Cpl E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Delesdernier, Chester N., T/Sgt McArdle, Harry E., S/Sgt G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt CP Walsh, George F., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Parrish, William W., S/Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Spoerl, Harry C., T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt Thomas, Patrick (NMI), S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” Polka” P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Motika, John F., S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt Kendall, Charles C. “Spike” T/Sgt G Heath, Thomas H., Jr., Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F None None

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 2472

A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” (MACR-2472 - shot down over target) P Ryder, David (NMI), 2Lt - KIA CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt - KIA N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt - KIA B Mastroianni, Henry L., 2Lt - KIA E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD R Delesdernier, Chester N., T/Sgt - KIA G Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD F None

Eyewitness Accounts: Walsh, George F., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS

446th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer APO 520 New York, N. Y. 27 January 944 360.33-Ryder, David (O) and crew.

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. I was co-pilot in airplane # 42-64526 (“Patches”), which was flying in number two position of the element behind Lt. Ryder’s element. We were approximately two miles southwest of the target when I saw a burst of flak explode in either the navigator’s compartment or the bomb bay of airplane # 42-64557 (“Lady Betty”) (Lt. Ryder, pilot).

2. The airplane seemed to buckle and simultaneously burst into flames. I watched it fall for approximately two thousand (2000) feet, during which time its forward section seemed to generally disintegrate. The ship was then out of my vision.

3. I saw no men leave the ship or parachutes open.

GEORGE F. WALSH, 2nd Lieut., A. C. (Attachment to MAC Report, Ryder, David (O) and crew, dated 27 January 1944.)

Incl 4. ------

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS

446th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer APO 520 New York, N. Y. 27 January 944 360.33-Ryder, David (O) and crew.

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. I was co-pilot in airplane # 41-30551 (“Pink Lady”) directly behind airplane # 42-64557 (“Lady Betty”) (Lt. Ryder, pilot). Just as the ship had leveled off for its bomb run a burst of flak hit it approximately between the navigators’s and pilot’s compartments. Both sides of the airplane seemed to be blown out by the explosion and it immediately burst into flames. Parts of the airplane and bodies of some of the crew members hit our airplane. It went into a dive straight ahead of us and then banked off to the right out of my vision. I saw no parachutes.

ERNEST M. STROM, 2nd Lieut., A. C. (Attachment to MAC Report, Ryder, David (O) and crew, dated 27 January 1944.)

Incl 5. ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS

446th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Operations Officer APO 520 New York, N. Y. 27 January 944 360.33-Ryder, David (O) and crew.

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. I was pilot in airplane # 42-64509 (“Enid II - previously “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) on Lt. Ryder’s right wing. We had just begun our bomb run when a burst of flak hit airplane # 42-64557 (“Lady Betty”) in the bombardier’s compartment, went into the pilot’s compartment, and exploded, blowing the forward part of the ship off. The right engine fell off at the same time and the airplane burst into

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued) flames. It then slipped below me and I could not see it anymore. I saw no parachutes open. FRANK W. ABRAHAM, 2nd Lieut., A. C. (Attachment to MAC Report, Ryder, David (O) and crew, dated 27 January 1944.)

Incl 6. ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Neprash, Sergius P., 1st Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG

Headquarters, 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Intelligence Officer APO 520 New York, N. Y. 27 January 944 360.33-Ryder, David (O) and crew.

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. The following is the text of the telephone message received from the Army Liaison Officer, TBF, concerning the two (2) aircraft of this Group shot down by anti- aircraft fire over Velletri, Italy, on the 27th January 1944.

“Observers from the Third Division in action southwest of Velletri report that two (2) parachutes emerged and opened from each of the B-25’s shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire in the Velletri area. An additional chute opened but became attached to the fuselage and thus went down with the plane. The four (4) men (two from each plane) landed in enemy controlled territory.”

S. P. NEPRASH, 1st Lieut., A. C. Asst Intelligence Officer (Attachment to MAC Report, Ryder, David (O) and crew, dated 27 January 1944.)

Incl 7. ------

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 201/mission 200) Group Mission # 202: Squadron Mission 165 TARGET: Orte Road Junction, Italy DATE: 27 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 4 F/O Vallery, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Hits across M/Yds just S of N junction and from S choke point N to middle of yards. Some bombs started at river S of M/Y and walked along tracks northward. Dust considerably obscured N part of M/Y. Two E/A seen, but did not attack. No flak. This was the second mission for this date. Vallery, Dean B., F/O, pilot, 445th BS

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt N None None B Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Noel, Ross K., Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 41-30293 P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bahm, Linston A., S/Sgt Parrish, William W., S/Sgt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, T/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt G Samsel, John C., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (passenger) Pilot: unknown A/C B-17 Telergma, Algeria-Pompeii, Italy: Ferry Flying Time: 4:10

A/C No. Unknown During this period, numerous B-26 P Cooper, Paul T., Capt crews arriving in the MTO were CP Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt retrained on B-25s in N. Africa, and B Mayo, Jack D., 2Lt assigned to the 57th BW. This crew was E Clickner, Albert H., S/Sgt assigned to the 446th BS, 321st BG R Miles, Walter J., S/Sgt G Sharen, Robert L., S/Sgt

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Little sleep last nite-too cold. Down to line, got briefed, left for Elmas, Sardinia at 10:02 a.m. Ran into bad weather, had to let down over the coast, finally mad Elmas, had dinner and took off for Vailleneaux, 19 miles up the line, landed, stripped the ship. Met Magda Bennett, and few boys for BY. Learned we’re to go to B-25’s at Naples. To get up at 6:00 tomorrow, got to Elmas and then to Naples. Naples appears to be a very nice city a few bomb ruins here & there, Italians seem nice, girls are good looking and are well dressed, even with silk stockings. The mess here is excellent, had my 1st steak here in a long time.”

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Two missions today for the Group.

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 200/mission 199) Group Mission # 201: On the first mission our squadron used only 1 ship, Lt. Dusek pilot, which flew as a spare but was not needed and returned early.

A/C No. 42-64498 “Dumbo” (spare) P Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 2Lt CP Bryant, William A., 2Lt N None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt R Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt F None

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 201/mission 200) Group Mission # 202: 8 of our ships participated in the 2nd or afternoon mission. The target was the road junction at Orte, Italy. Results – fair. On this mission PFC Harriman was wounded while test- firing his guns when his ammunition belt jammed and an empty cartridge hit him at the back of his head. Lt. Ryherd, his pilot, upon returning and not knowing the seriousness of the wound landed at Foggia Main where hospital facilities could be reached without delay. While the planes were assembling for the take-off, one ship, Lt. Stocking, pilot, hit the wing of another and damaged it to the extent that the plane could not take off.

A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt Banks, Herbert J., 2Lt N None None B Stewart, William W., Cpl Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt G Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt Craig, Dana H., S/Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” (landed at Foggia Main) P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt N None None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Jones, Claude F., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Mathews, William E., S/Sgt G Iverson, Lewis B., S/Sgt Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64695 Lady” P Seavey, George D., 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt CP Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt N None Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt B McDermott, James W., 2Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt Bartram, Roy H., S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” II” P Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), S/Sgt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Baringer, Paul S.,, T/Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt G Mathews, D. B., S/Sgt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC F None Austin, James W., Jr., Pvt A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” (taxi collision - did not take off) only ship and pilot identified P Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt CP N None B E R G F None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 200/mission 199) Group Mission # 201: Mission 160 (201): At 09:05 18 planes off to bomb Velletri road junction, all dropped 41 x 1000 bombs at 10:15 and 15 returned at 11:15, 1 landed at Naples and 2 were shot down over target (448 – 446). Previous bombing obscured observations, but hit reported in NE and middle of town. Road hit S of town leading to Cisterna di Roma. Some bombs on road E of junction at target. Flak: Heavy, intense and very accurate. 1 B-25 seen hit and exploding in air over target. 1 B-25 seen to hit the ground with 2 parachutes reported open. Weather: CAVU at target. 2 ME-109’s followed formation until chased off by P-38’s. F/L: Sowder.

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30355 (MACR-2474 - shot A/C No. 42-64655 down over target) P Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt Bell, Albert R., Capt, Commander N None Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt B Waller, Colver K., 2Lt Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt E Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Sgt R Marshburn, James T., T/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl G Stackman, Walter C., S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Cpl F None None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-30548 P Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Boatright, John S., 1Lt CP Lewis, Quentin M., 2Lt Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt McRee, Malcolm B., Jr., 2Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Morris, Raymond J., T/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 42-64519 P Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 42-64514 P Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt Greene, William A., 2Lt N None None B Ream, Elmer (NMI), Cpl Robert, Maurice L., Sgt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt Wolf, Elmer A., S/Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P McEvoy, John C., 2Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt N None B McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt E Nesbit, Andrew L., Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Frank, Donald L., Sgt F None

448th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 2474

A/C No. 41-30355 (MACR-2474 - shot down over target) P Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt - KIA CP Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt - MIA, POW, liberated and RTD N None B Waller, Colver K., 2Lt - KIA E Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt - KIA R Marshburn, James T., T/Sgt - KIA G Stackman, Walter C., S/Sgt - KIA F None

Eyewitness Accounts: Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

448th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF A. P.O. # 520 27 January 944

On the Group Combat Mission for 27 January 1944, target--Road junction at Velletri, Italy, I was flying in the last element of three, just behind Lieutenant Eddy’s element. Lieutenant Eddy was flying left wing (number three position), the same as I, which placed him directly in front of me.

I did not see Lieutenant Eddy’s ship get hit, due to the fact that I was very busy watching my engine instruments which were fluctuating from a flak hit in the left engine. However, I did see his ship leave the formation with its wheels partially dropped, and nose wheel pointed down, and fires in the right engine nacelle and nose wheel well.

From the violent actions the ship took on leaving the formation, I am under the assumption that both pilot and c-pilot were either killed or unconscious, thus leaving the plane uncontrolled.

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

ROBERT D. COFFEE, 2nd Lieut., Air Corps, Pilot. (Attachment to MAC report, Eddy, Willard B. (O) and crew, dated 27, January 1944.) ------

Eyewitness Accounts: France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt, photographer, 448th BS

448th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF A. P.O. # 520 27 January 944

On 27 January 1944, I was photographer on Lieutenant Coffee’s ship, which was flying directly behind Lieutenant Eddy’s aircraft. I did not see the ship get hit, but did see it leave the formation, smoke trailing from right engine. The ship was out of control, going into a series of slow rolls and spins. It appeared that the pilot and co-pilot were both killed or unconscious. The ship crashed on its back.

CHARLES E. FRANCE, Sergeant, Air Corps, Photographer. (Attachment to MAC report, Eddy, Willard B. (O) and crew, dated 27, January 1944.) ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl, radio-gunner, 448th BS

448th Bombardment Squadron (M) AAF 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF A. P.O. # 520 27 January 944

On our combat mission the 27th of January 1944, over the target--road junction at Velletri, Italy, I was flying as radio-gunner for pilot Flight Officer Sowder, and observed the following about Lieutenant Eddy’s ship which was lost.

Going in on our target two direct hits from flak hit the right engine nacelle and Navigator’s compartment, in Lieutenant Eddy’s ship.

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

As soon as the plane was hit, it went out of control, slow rolled twice, and looped before it hit the ground. I saw the plane crash upside down. No one could have possibly survived the crash. The only one that could have survived that was flying in the ship was the one man I saw parachute from the ship when it was hit.

PHILLIP D. ALEXANDER, Corporal, Air Corps, Radio-Opr-Gunner. (Attachment to MAC report, Eddy, Willard B. (O) and crew, dated 27, January 1944.) ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Neprash, Sergius P., 1st Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG

Headquarters, 321st Bombardment Group (M) AAF Office of the Intelligence Officer APO 520 New York, N. Y. 27 January 944 360.33-Eddy, Willard B. (O) and crew.

SUBJECT: Missing Air Crew Report.

1. The following is the text of the telephone message received from the Army Liaison Officer, TBF, concerning the two (2) aircraft of this Group shot down by anti- aircraft fire over Velletri, Italy, on the 27th January 1944.

“Observers from the Third Division in action southwest of Velletri report that two (2) parachutes emerged and opened from each of the B-25’s shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire in the Velletri area. An additional chute opened but became attached to the fuselage and thus went down with the plane. The four (4) men (two from each plane) landed in enemy controlled territory.”

S. P. NEPRASH, 1st Lieut., A. C. Asst Intelligence Officer (Attachment to MAC report, Eddy, Willard B. (O) and crew, dated 27, January 1944.) ------

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

Eyewitness Account: Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS (Sometime after return to the U.S.) CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE

The airplane was hit by 88mm. flak just as we crossed into enemy territory from the Anzio beach head. The fire started in the nose compartment and fanned due to our speed (210-220) immediately filled the pilot’s compartment with flames. Because of this flame I could not see to what extent the rest of the plane was damaged. I unbuckled my safety belt and the first pilot, Lt. Eddy, was calling the crew and unbuckling his safety belt at the same time. When we were both ready to leave, he released the top hatch and motioned me out. I left immediately. When my chute opened, I could see nothing because my eyes were burned. I was captured when I hit the ground. I tried to ask the Germans who captured me about the crew. We could not understand each other, but they tried to tell me something by holding up three fingers. This I took to mean either three men bailed out or three planes were shot down. I hope this information is of value to you.

Norman J. Tiefel (Co-pilot) 823 S. Walnut, Brazil, Ind. ------

Thursday, 27 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 201/mission 200) Group Mission # 202: Mission 161 (202): At 13:40 17 planes off to bomb Orte road junction, all dropped 9 x 1000 delayed and 51 x 1000 bombs at 15:05 from 10,000 feet and returned at 16:30. Hits across M/Y just S of N junction and from S choke point N to middle of M/Y. Some bombs started at river S of M/Y and walked across tracks northward. Dust from previous raids obscured N part of M/Y, 1 very large crater seen in N junction. 2 E/A seen below formation but did not attack, 20 car train standing in station on RR between Orte and Stimigliano. 1 small and 1 medium M/V in San Benedetto harbor. Weather: CAVU at target.

A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Hicks, John T., 2Lt CP Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt N None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl E Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt F None

Friday, 28 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's attack the Orte marshalling yard; B-26's hit bridges at Orvieto and Montalto di Castro; A-20's bomb Cisterna di Latina with good results; P-40's and P-47's bomb the Popoli road junction, and A-36's hit railroad, road, and gun positions in the Cassino-Vicenza-Velletri areas, the Colleferro marshalling yard, and Atina town area; P-40's hit Terelle, Belmonte in Sabina, and Cisterna; Allied fighters over the Anzio area claim 21 aircraft shot down. 416th Night Fighter Squadron, 62nd Fighter Wing, transfers from Grottaglie to Pomigliano, Italy with Beaufighters.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Communications Log:

The following are to report to Group Opns 29 January 1944 at 0800 with baggage: Lt. Farrell (Robert A. “Baldy”, 1Lt, pilot), 445th. Lt. Beebe (Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot), 447th. Lt. Dickerson (Claude M., 2Lt, bombardier, navigator), 446th. Lt. Pestalozzi (Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt, bombardier), 446th. All have been notified and A/C 41-29760 (446th) has been set up to take personnel and baggage to Pompeii A/D. Hoffman.

0845 Maj. Allensworth to Hoffman. “Suggested sending escort over target previous to our T.O.T. and remaining in area until we arrive and to escort us home. We will call back for confirmation”.

0915 Tipton to Asbury. “12th B. G. T.O.T. is the same as ours; their axis is 96° and 320°, turning to Right”.

0917 Hoffman to Allensworth. “Arrangements completed for fighter escort. Fighters notified of our T.O.T. Altitude of Attack, on Primary and Alternate targets. Fighter Bomber signals: Channel “C”, call sign “Kola Leader”.

0930 Olson to Hoffman. “Bombardier-Navigators for D.S.: Deane (George J., 1Lt), Matthewson (Merton K., Jr., 2Lt), Olsen (Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt).

1015 Tower to Zip. “41-29765 departed at 1013”.

1105 Asbury to TBF. “Our take off is 1100”.

1115 Hoffman to 323 Wing. “Cleared formation on return”.

1400 Asbury to TBF. “All home--how about other Groups?”

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

1415 Capt. Gaffney to Hoffman. “Save room for Capt. Patterson (12th AF) on the Courier plane tomorrow. He will be here at 0930”,

2215 TBF to Asbury. “Target: FOLIGNO, T.O.T. 1145. 12th B. G. on same Target 15 minutes later. Further details later”.

TBF to arrange Fighter Cover

Squadrons notified of 0800 briefing Stand-By. ------

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 241/mission 240) Group Mission # 203: Today’s mission directed at the Terni marshalling yard again. Twenty-four planes had a good run set up until another group’s planes forced them into a dive at the target. Most of the bombs landed south of the marshalling yard into the town. ------Mission Report # 203, 28 January 1944 No. A/C – 24 Squadrons: 445th – 6; 446th - 6; 447th – 7; 448th - 5 TARGET: Terni M/Y’s. TIME UP: 1115 T.O.T. 1230 TIME DOWN: 1345 AXIS OF ATTACK: 225° HEIGHT: 9000/11,000 ft. PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: None BOMBS DROPPED: 13 x 1000 delayed 66 x 1000 lb .1 & .025 fusing ROUTE: Base NW to 43° 14’ N, 13° 56’ E. Then SW to Hill 1417 near Triponzo, SW again to Terni due S to 42° 56’ N, 13° 25’ E; then NW to 43° 14’ N, 13° 56’ E and home. WEATHER: CAVU. FLAK: None ENEMY AIR: One twin engine—unidentified aircraft near Giulianova. One unidentified aircraft circling at 3000 ft. near Ancona. RESULTS: Tracks to Topi and Narni believed cut about 200 ft. from west choke point. Few hits near barracks at southwest corner of town. Hits in the NW corner of town. Some bombs in fields north of M/Ys and southwest of town. Two strings of bombs started in center of yards and walked into town areas. OBSERVATIONS: Two “E” boats in harbor at Giulianova—one leaving harbor. One small vessel in San Benedetto 42° 55’ N, 13° 52’ E. 60/70 freight cars at Stimigliano 42° 15’ N, 12° 35’ E. FLIGHT LEADERS: Lts. Fetterly and Freeland. PHOTOS TAKEN JAMES O. JACKSON, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t. S-2 Officer ------

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

TERNI marshalling yards bombed by the 321 Bomb Group. 28 January 1944

445th BS War Diary: The weather was not quite so cold today. A practice bombing mission was flown today and another was flown to swing the compass. A new combat crew arrived today. This Squadron is beginning to receive quite a few of replacements. The men enjoyed a delicious steak supper tonight.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 241/mission 240) Group Mission # 203: Col. Cook flew a mission today, acting as command pilot in F/O Vallery’s plane.

A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-64575 Gambler II” P Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt CP Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt Kauric, William J., 2Lt E Jones, Robert C., Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Marcoulier, William A., S/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Reddy, John E., S/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

F None None A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 41-30354 P Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt Thomas, John J., 2Lt N None Miller, Edward A., 2Lt B O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F None Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64529 P Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt CP Coale, Julian R., Jr., 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Filipiak, Theodore (NMI), S/Sgt Knight, Arnold K., Sgt R Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Zimmer, Henry G., Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and (Bear - no lettering) Joy” (spare) P Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Wilson, Victor H., 1Lt CP Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt 2Lt N None None B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Schutte, Warren G., 2Lt E Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R Ravesi, Thomas G., Sgt Ehler, Leon J. H., S/Sgt G Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None None

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 01/28/44: “Yesterday George and I flew to Naples. Returned in time for chow and to hear Joe E. Brown. Good show. The Group lost two planes over a target near the 5th Army beachhead. Cold and clear and windy.”

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: A successful mission today.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 241/mission 240) Group Mission #203: Squadron Mission 166 TARGET: Terni M/Y, Italy. DATE: 28 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt Fetterly led the formation. Tracks to Topi and Narni believed cut about 100 ft from W choke point. Few hit near barracks at SW corner of town. Other hits in town and some in fields N of M/Y. No flak or fighters.

A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Milner, Walter C., S/Sgt E Motika, John F., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, T/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-30293 Polka” P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Parrish, William W., S/Sgt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., S/Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Hurley, John R., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Bahm, Linston A, S/Sgt E Hanley, James (NMI), S/Sgt Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt Samsel, John C., S/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt Tissier, Rene G., Cpl F None None

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Left Vailleneaux at 0600 a.m. after early chow. Rode back in a GI truck to Elmas, then took off in a C-47 @ 0800 a.m. Arrived in Naples @ 11 a.m. Landed at Capodichino A.P. had chow. Went into III ASAC to see where we were to report. SNAFU. They didn’t know a thing. Got a room in the transit hotel. Hang around all afternoon. Had a swell steak supper. Went back to A.P. to get the boys & baggage. Nothing doing here in Naples – all blacked out. Had a nice room here in the hotel, people seem pretty well off here, a good indication that the Germans are still in pretty good shape, i.e. the home front.”

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “We will all be glad when it’s all over. I have been flying lots lately. We’re doing a good job over here and working hard. This is one job we will all be glad when it’s over. I’m writing Marion Sweeney soon about John. She has been notified about it. It was too bad. He was a swell kid. I believe he got out of the plane o.k. His pilot has turned up o.k. so hope John does.” Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG

447th BS War Diary: As per letter XII Hq. dated Jan. 27 the following officers and E/M were assigned for transshipment to the U.S.: 1st Lts. R.F. Halloran, J.P. Lanza, E.P. Mayben, D.W. Thomas, J.A. Hanlon, H.W. Joiner, A.M. Holloway, T/Sgt. R.A. Lotitio, S/Sgts. M.J. Funk, G.P. Werner, E.F. Bartkus, W.R. Henry and F.X. Early. Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt, gunner Early, Frank X., S/Sgt, gunner Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt, gunner Halloran, Robert F., 1Lt, navigator Hanlon, James Augustus, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Henry, William R., S/Sgt, gunner Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator Joiner, Harold W., 1Lt, pilot Lanza, Joseph Peter., 1Lt, bombardier Lotitio, Rocco A., T/Sgt, gunner Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt, bombardier Thomas, David W., 1Lt, pilot Werner, George P., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 241/mission 240) Group Mission # 203: 7 of our ships participated in a mission to bomb the Marshalling Yards at Terni, Italy. Results – good.

A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Dean, Harvey A., 1Lt Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 1Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt F None None

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 1Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt CP Bryant, William A., 2Lt Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt N Olsen, Svend P., 2Lt None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Ford, Leonard W., Sgt Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC R Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt Pierce, William H., Pvt G Gillies, Robert H., Pvt Morrissey, Raphael E., PFC F None None A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P Davidson, James C., 2Lt Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt CP Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt N None None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Jones, Claude F., 2Lt E Collins, Clint R., Sgt Tollefson, Walter F. K., Sgt R Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt Mathews, D. B., S/Sgt G Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt Payne, Leonard T., Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt N None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Harman, Robert W., S/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt F None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 241/mission 240) Group Mission # 203: Mission 162 (203): At 11:15 24 planes off to bomb Terni M/Y and dropped 13 by 1000 bombs from 9000 feet at 12:30. All returned at 13:45. Tracks Topi and Narni believed hit about 200 feet from W choke point, few hits near barracks at SW corner of town, hits in NW corner of town, some bombs in fields N of M/Y and SW of town. 2 strings of bombs started in center of yard and walked into town area. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Freeland.

Friday, 28 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” (returned early) P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt N Hough, William S., 2Lt None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt G Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-29967 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Hicks, John T., 2Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt N None None B Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Cpl Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt E Hinton, Zane R., PFC Daniels, John (NMI), S/Sgt R Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Frank, Donald L., Sgt Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt Greene, William A., 2Lt N None None B Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., Sgt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt Morris, Raymond J., T/Sgt G VanCura, Edward W., S/Sgt Wolf, Elmer A., S/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 29 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's bomb San Benedetto de Marsi marshalling yard; B- 26's hit bridges N of Rome; P-47's bomb a munitions factory at Bussi sul Tirino; P-40's and A-36's, in support of US Fifth Army forces, bomb positions in the Anzio beachhead area and hit enemy forward road and rail communications; fighters on patrol over Anzio meet little air opposition.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Humphrey Bogart and his troupe paid us an enjoyable visit today.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 242/mission 242) Group Mission # 204: San Benedetto was hit today as an alternate as Foligno the primary was closed in. Photos show the southern end of the marshalling yard well hit plus hits on the north mole.

------Mission Report # 204, 29 January 1944 No. A/C – 24 Squadrons: 445th – 6; 446th - 6; 447th – 6; 448th - 6 TARGET: Foligno Marshalling Yards (Attacked alternate of San Benedetto M/Yards). TIME UP: 1019 T.O.T. 1200 TIME DOWN: 1240 AXIS OF ATTACK: 180° HEIGHT: 10,500/11,000 PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: None BOMBS DROPPED: 23 x 1000 long delay of which one was jettisoned. 66 x 1000 lb .1 & .025 fusing ROUTE: From base north to S9606, due west to S2003 - 300° turn back over same route to S2606, thence southerly with 180° run over target – left turn out over water and thence home. WEATHER: Enroute: 7/10 altostratus at 20,000. 8/10 stratocumulus tops at 4,000’ beginning 20 miles from primary causing formation to bomb alternate. Visibility unlimited. Target: 7/10 altostratus at 20,000’. Visibility unlimited. Return: Same as over target. FLAK: None from target. Some heavy, moderate flak observed from Giulianova firing at another group. ENEMY AIR: None RESULTS: String of bombs in water east and southeast of target. South mole hit. Railroad tracks believed cut south of marshalling yards. Some reports of a few hits in marshalling yards. OBSERVATIONS: Ground: 25/30 cars reported moving into station in northerly direction at Porto San Giorgio. A few cars, stationary, reported at Pedaso. Marine: 3 M/V reported insane Benedetto harbor, estimated at from 3,000 to 4,000 tons. One large merchant vessel anchored off south end of quay at Porto Civitanova.

Saturday, 29 January 1944 (continued)

Flight leaders - Lts. Fraser and Wetherbee Photos taken. JAMES O. JACKSON, Capt., Air Corps, Ass’t. Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: A number of the 2nd Lts. made 1st Lieutenant today including Lt. Neumann, Operations Officer and Lt. Underwood, Bombing Officer. There was a practice bombing mission flown and two navigational flights were also flown. The latter were to instruct bombardier-navigators to become navigators. There was a mail call today and quite a few packages arrived. Humphrey Bogart and his wife, Mayo Methot appeared in person down at Group headquarters in the afternoon. The men enjoyed the show very much. The weather was fairly mild today. A new combat crew arrived tonight. Neumann, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot Underwood, James H., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 242/mission 242) Group Mission # 204:

A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” P House, Robert M., 2Lt Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt N Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt None B O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Carner, Donald E., Cpl R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-32333 “Lorelei” P Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 2Lt CP Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Filipiak, Theodore (NMI), S/Sgt Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt R Plunk, Charlie B., S/Sgt Ravesi, Thomas G., Pvt G Zimmer, Henry G., Sgt Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F None Cotter, Jack M., Sgt

Saturday, 29 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt CP Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt Thomas, John J., 2Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Hickey, William R., Sgt Kalb, W. W., S/Sgt R Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt G Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt Lewis, Harold E., Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: Humphrey Bogart dropped in this afternoon, along with his wife, a comedian and an accordionist. The show was entertaining.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 242/mission 242) Group Mission # 204: Squadron Mission 167 TARGET: San Benedetto M/Y, Italy (alt) DATE: 29 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. 446th Planes: 6 Lt Fraser, 447th Sqdn, led the formation. String of bombs fell in water E and SE of target. S mole hit. RR tracks believed cut S of M/Y. Report of few hits in M/Y. No fighters no flak. Lt Brellenthin was a spare. Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt CP Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt Hurley, John R., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Bahm, Linston A., S/Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Kendall, Charles C., “Spike”, T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt G DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt Samsel, John C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously Polka” “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 1Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., S/Sgt, Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt None

Saturday, 29 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Parrish, William W., S/Sgt E Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Spoerl, Harry C., T/Sgt McArdle, Harry E., S/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” (spare) P Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None B Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt E Motika, John F., S/Sgt R Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, T/Sgt G Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Ate chow, had my Natal boots repaired, Cost $5.00 but it was a good job. Got a shave and a haircut – excellent barber. Beginning to like these Italians. Received word we were to report to 12th B.G. – packed our stuff & took a Recon. Car out. Had dinner there, found out we were to go to Foggia in B-25’s. None of us like the idea. Staying here just at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius overnite. Billeted here in a house but have to sleep on the floor. After supper came back to the house expecting a quiet evening. Captain “Jack” came in, got drunk & had an argument with Charlie all evening. Fell asleep at 0200 a.m., he was still going.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: 1st Lt. P.I. Blumenfeld, T/Sgt. J.J. Kordzi and S/Sgt. R.C. Hoskins were assigned for transshipment to U.S. as per letter dated 27 Jan. 1944, XII Bomber Command. Sgt. L.G. Steves and S/Sgt. E.P. Harriman absent to hospital unknown. The following men were assigned to us through 321 B.G. from XII Bomber Command, letter dated 28 Jan. 1944: 2nd Lts. E.J. Button, J.E. Metzger, W.T. Rye, Jr., J.D. Snyder, Sgt. R.W. Koecher, T/Sgt. L.G. Hubert, Sgt. J.L. Bushnell, S/Sgt. M.A. Wilson, Sgt. H.E. Fowler and S/Sgt. M.H. Beckhart. Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Blumenfeld, Philip I., 1Lt, bombardier Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt, gunner Button, Ervine J., 2Lt, pilot Fowler, Harold E., S/Sgt, gunner Harriman, Elmon P., S/Sgt, gunner

Saturday, 29 January 1944 (continued)

Hubert Leo G., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt, communication Koecher, Robert W., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., T/Sgt, communication Metzger, Joseph Earl., 2Lt, pilot Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Snyder, John D., 2Lt, bombardier Steves, Louis G., Sgt, engineering Wilson, Max A., S/Sgt, communications

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 242/mission 242) Group Mission # 204: Six of our ships participated in a mission to bomb the railroad at San Benedetto, Italy. Results – good.

A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt CP Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt N None None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Snyder, John D., 2Lt E Tollefson, Walter F. K., Cpl Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Mathews, William E., S/Sgt Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt G Huddleson, LeeRoy L., PFC Harmer, Harry B., T/Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 1Lt Knodle, Robert A., 2Lt CP Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt N None None B Jones, Claude F., 2Lt Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt E Gillies, Robert H., Pvt Koecher, Robert W., Sgt R Chatters, Aubrey W., S/Sgt Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt G Craig, Dana H., S/Sgt Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” A/C No. 42-64694 P Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 1Lt CP Dean, Harvey A., 2Lt Button, Ervine J., 2Lt N None Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt B Evans, Allen (NMI), S/Sgt Becker, Edward B., 1Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Beckhart, Maurice H., S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, T/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Bean, Robert W., Sgt F None None

Saturday, 29 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” (spare) P Seavey, George D., 2Lt CP Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt N None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt F None

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 242/mission 242) Group Mission # 204: Mission 163 (204): At 10:19 24 planes off to bomb Foligno M/Y, all dropped 23 x 1000 delayed and 66 x 1000 from 10,500 feet at 12:00, all returned at 12:40. Strings of bombs in water E and SE of target, S mole hit, RR tracks cut S of M/Y, few hits in M/Y. 3 large M/V in San Benedetto harbor. Weather: 7/10th at 20,000 feet over alternate of Foligno.

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O Bates, Willie L., F/O CP Sandlin, Raymond H. F/O VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI) N Hough, William S., 2Lt None B Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt Bird, Robert G., Cpl E Mauder, Charles J., Sgt Currie, James L., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Sgt Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt G Beal, Herman L., S/Sgt Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 42-64655 P Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Lewis, Quentin M., 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt N None None B Carr, Randal C., Cpl Joyce, Robert W. “Dead-eye”, 2Lt E Jackson, Jewel D., PFC Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None None

Saturday, 29 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 42-64519 P Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt Greene, William A., 2Lt N None None B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Cpl E Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt Luton, Howard W., Sgt R Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” (spare) P Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt CP Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt N None B Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt R Burr, Harry C., S/Sgt G Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt F None

Sunday, 30 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, B-25's hit road junctions at Valmontone and Genzano di Roma, and bomb the town of Monte Compatri; weather cancels all B-26 operations and several B-25 missions. A-20's hit the town of and road junction near Cori, and XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit Sora; US and RAF fighters hit barges and fishing boats off Zara and Trojica, Yugoslavia; fighters on patrol over Anzio meet no air opposition. 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 64th Fighter Wing, transfers from Montecorvino to Marcianise, Italy with Beaufighters. The detachment operating from Gaudo Airfield also transfers.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: (No non-mission information)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 243/mission 241) Group Mission # 205: In direct support of the beach-head at Anzio we flew two missions today---the first to the Genzano road junction. It was fairly successful with at least one direct hit recorded. Other bombs hit town and caused an explosion. ------Mission Report # 205, 30 January 1944 No. A/C – 33 Squadrons: 445th – 7; 446th - 8; 447th – 10; 448th - 8 TARGET: Genzano Rd. Junction---F-910454 TIME UP: 0800 T.O.T. 0920 TIME DOWN: 1010 AXIS OF ATTACK: 10° PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: 21 BOMBS DROPPED: 113 x 1000 lb. .1 & .025 fusing

ROUTE: Base to Castel Volturno to 41° 10’ N, 12° 35’ E due N on 10° course over target—short break to left due to flak, then right break to Hill 1803 to base.

WEATHER: Enroute: 6/10 stratocumulus at 5000 ft. from west side of mountain to coast. Visibility—slight haze—15miles. Target: CAVU with slight haze. Return: 4/10 strato cumulus at 4000 ft. Visibility: slight haze, 15 miles.

FLAK: Heavy, moderate to intense, accurate from all around Genzano. Guns reported along RR south edge of town and between town and lake. Several large red bursts which were larger than ordinary bursts and “hung” in air. Elsewhere: Flak reported from Lanuvio to Rocca di Papa—heavy, moderate, accurate. Also from Norma and heavy from Velletri. Plane low on one engine experienced heavy, moderate flak from road Fiuggi—G-3555 to .

ENEMY AIR: One report of 1 unidentified S/E fighter followed formation from target to within 40 miles of base.

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

RESULTS: Bombs reported scattered with hits observed on both sides of road jct. and in town both N and S of main road. Hits observed on both N & S roads E of Jct. and at junction of three roads on NE side of main road in center of town. One report of direct hit on target area which was covered with smoke and dust. One large explosion reported near target area.

OBSERVATIONS: Ground—Several M/T on main road from Rome about 1 mile NW of target. Many M/T along road from Avezzano to S Vincenzo—stationary.

Flight leaders – F/O Sowder, Lts. House and Abraham. Photos taken. MALCOLM D. HAVEN, Capt., Air Corps, Gp. S-2 Officer ------

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary (Ops Order 244/mission 243) Group Mission # 206: The second mission to the Marino road junction was abortive due to weather. ------Mission Report # 206, 30 January 1944 No. A/C – 30 Squadrons: 445th – 6; 446th - 7; 447th – 11; 448th - 6 TARGET: Marino Road Junction F-888529 TIME UP: 1330 T.O.T. TIME DOWN: 1600 AXIS OF ATTACK: PLANES LOST: None PLANES HOLED: None BOMBS DROPPED: None

ROUTE: Base to Castel Volturno then to 41° 11’ N, 12° 36’ E thence north northeast to coast where solid overcast was observed so a left turn was made and ships came back to base

WEATHER: Enroute: and return: Clouds: None, becoming 8/10 stratocumulus tops at 6,000 ft. as formation passed over west side of mountain. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles. At Target: Clouds: 10/10 stratocumulus, tops at 6,000 ft. Visibility: Slight haze, 15 miles. FLAK: None ENEMY AIR: None

RESULTS: None. Solid overcast at target caused planes to return to base with bombs. OBSERVATIONS: None

FLIGHT LEADERS: Lt. Vallery, Stephenson and Abraham.

RAY L. DROTIS, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t Intelligence Officer ------

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron participated in two missions today as ideal weather prevailed for air operations. Taking advantage of the good weather, several training and test flights were flown. Sgt. A. M. Hetland conducted a class for new combat crews which consisted of familiarizing them with the B-25 aircraft. There was a meeting of all enlisted men at noon today to discuss mess improvements. 2nd Lts. Gifford and Kauric were promoted to 1st Lt. Gifford, Frank, 1Lt, pilot Hetland, Arthur M., Jr, Sgt, engineer-gunner Kauric, William J., 1Lt, bombardier

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 243/mission 241) Group Mission # 205:

A/C No. 41-30550 A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” P Wilson, Victor H., 1Lt House, Robert M., 1Lt CP Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt N None Sharp, Kenneth R., 1Lt B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt O’Toole, Francis X., 1Lt E Connolly, Frank N., Sgt Dillon, James A., T/Sgt R Heinbaugh, James C., S/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt Herrman, Byard G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64508 Judy” P Crider, Claude M., Jr., 1Lt Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt CP Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt N None None B Maughan, George W., 2Lt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt Jones, Robert C., Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt Marcoulier, William A., G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt Reddy, John E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 A/C No. 42-64529 P Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Knapp, Charles R., 1Lt CP Noel, William Honoree, 2Lt Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt N Miller, Edward A., 2Lt None B Kauric, William J., 2Lt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Donegon, John B., S/Sgt Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt R Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., T/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Sgt F None Burton, Bernard A., Cpl A/C No. 41-13179 A/C No. 42-32333 (early return) P Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Walker, Robert S., 1Lt CP Hatcher, Leon F., Jr., 2Lt Charville, Leighton Daniel “Danny”, 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Knight, Arnold K., Sgt Hawkins, Vernon L., Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt Ravesi, Thomas G., Pvt G Tarr, Charles F., Jr., S/Sgt Hunt, Jerry E., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 244/mission 243) Group Mission # 206:

A/C No. 41-29985 A/C No. 41-30550 (spare) P Newkirt, Renford Raymond, 2Lt Noel, William H, 2Lt CP Coale, Julian R. “Cozy”, Jr., 2Lt Waterman, LeRoy R., 2Lt N None Yepez, Oscar W., 2Lt B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Monk, William (NMI), 2Lt E Jones, Robert C., Sgt Carner, Donald E., S/Sgt R Lysowski, Raymond A., S/Sgt Johnson, John E., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Sgt Andrews, Lamar C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64529 (spare) A/C No. 42-64659 (spare) P Gifford, Frank (NMI), 2Lt Tarmichael, Arthur J., 2Lt CP Russell, Lawrence Lee “Scrap Iron”, 2Lt Hinsley, Maxwell D., 2Lt N None None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt Wren, Frank J., 2Lt E Chambers, Jimmie (NMI), Sgt Donegon, John B., S/Sgt R Bixby, Jack H., T/Sgt Stone, Donald R., S/Sgt G Reddy, John E., S/Sgt Forbes, Robert W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Wilson, Victor H., 1Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O CP Thomas, John J., 2Lt Neumann, Robert H., 1Lt N None Paduana, Joseph A., 1Lt B Schutte, Warren G., 1Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 1Lt E Kalb, W. W., S/Sgt Schaviak, Willis M., Sgt R Shiloh, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt G Lewis, Harold E., Sgt Irvin, Ralph D., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-32434 Judy” P Walker, Robert S., 1Lt House, Robert M., 1Lt CP Charville, Leighton L. “Danny”, 2Lt Smith, Alfred B., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Maughan, George W., 2Lt E Dillon, James A., S/Sgt Hickey, William R., Sgt R DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., T/Sgt Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt G Herrmann, Byard G., S/Sgt Imbastaro, Alexander J., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64667 “Wet Dreams” P Auchter, Robert L., 1Lt CP Shyshka, Lubomir P. “Cross Country”, 2Lt N None B Fitzgerald, Daniel J., Sgt E Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), T/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., S/Sgt F Cheosky, Alexander A., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: Two missions with fifteen ships of our squadron taking part. Heavy weather kept us off the target in the second raid. Lt. McGuire was relieved from assignment with us, going to XII Air Force. He served as assistant operations officer here. Three men got to that big fifty today—Ramirez, Smith, R.W., and Dick Leahy, one of the original boys back at Ain M’Lila. Mail call. Leahy, Richard P. “dick”, Sgt, gunner McGuire, Charles W., 2Lt, operations Ramirez, Zenon, Jr., Sgt, gunner Smith, Roy W., Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 243/mission 241) Group Mission # 205: Squadron Mission 168 TARGET: Genzano Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 30 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb. Demo. 446th Planes: 8 F/O Sowder, 448th Sqdn, led the formation. Bombs reported scattered. Hits on both sides of road jnct. And town N and S of main road. One large explosion reported near town. Flak was heavy, moderate to intense, and accurate. No fighters. Lt Abraham did not take off because of “Mag” trouble. Lt Holt’s plane had engine trouble one minute from target, and as a result his and two other planes in his element did not cross the target but brought their bombs back. Twenty-one planes in the formation were hit by flak. Sowder, Tony R., Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” A/C No. 41-30293 P Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt CP Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Brown, Jean H., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Howe, Frank M., Jr., T/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 41-13200 P Holt, Robert L., 2Lt Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Anderson, Edward J., Sgt E Motika, John F., S/Sgt Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt R Kendall, Charles C. “Spike”, T/Sgt Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., S/Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Hurley, John R., 2Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None None B Bahm, Linston A., S/Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Clay, Donald W., Sgt Stone, John R., Sgt R Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, Sgt G Samsel, John C., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt F Tissier, Rene G., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64509 “Enid II (previously A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” “Arkansas Traveler II”; later “No Peekin’”) P Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Kerr, John C., 1Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., S/Sgt Parrish, William W., S/Sgt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Franc, John A., S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt McArdle, Harry E., S/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt, None

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 244/mission 243) Group Mission # 206: Squadron Mission 169 TARGET: Marino Road Junction, Italy. DATE: 30 Jan1944 Type of Bombs: 1000 lb Demo. 446th Planes: 7 Lt Vallery, 445th Sqdn, led the formation. Target was reached but bombs were not dropped. Solid overcast over target. No fighters, no flak, Lt Brellenthin was a spare, and returned early.

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P Morris, Meade L., Jr., 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt CP Church, Edwin Adem, 2Lt Hurley, John R., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Edward J., Sgt Bahm, Linston A., S/Sgt E Schreiner, Lester B. “Les”, Sgt Clay, Donald W., Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt Cohen, George (NMI), T/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., S/Sgt Samsel, John C., S/Sgt F None Tissier, Rene G., Cpl A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 41-29760 P Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt CP Othick, Rolland R., 2Lt Hawkes, Leon R., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., T/Sgt Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., S/Sgt Heath, Thomas H., Jr., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30000 “Ruff Stuff” A/C No. 41-30293 P Abraham, Frank W., 2Lt LeClair, Edward R., 2Lt CP Herbert, John James, Jr., 2Lt Vivas, Frank Paul, 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E Brawn, Jean H., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Howe, Frank M., T/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Lorentson, Edward H., Sgt DeBari, Dominick R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” (spare) P Kerr, John C., 1Lt Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt CP Matzinger, Keith Robinson, 2Lt Walsh, George F., 2Lt N None None B Parrish, William W., S/Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Franc, John A., S/Sgt Stone, John R., Sgt R McArdle, Harry E., S/Sgt Orechia, James Raymond “Raymond”, T/Sgt G Ciach, Stanislaus (NMI), Sgt Skill, Donald H., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: unknown A/C B-25 Vincenzo-local: Training – 1 landing Flying Time: 1:20 (3rd mission in MTO)

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Up late-missed chow. Packed stuff on truck & left for Foggia @ 0900. Had a nice trip, enjoyed the Italian countryside, the mts. & valleys are really beautiful. Arrived at Foggia Narni @ 1330, got lost in town, which is in poor shape, really took quite a bombing. Finally got out to the 321st B.G. and assigned to the 446th BS, APO # 520. Had supper at the meeting right after the C.O. gave out 11 promotions & some Air Medals. A swell bunch of fellows here, morale is excellent; boys have a different attitude than those at Sardinia. Quite a few B-26 boys here. Slept on a litter on the floor of a shack, which was fixed up swell. Boys were ok, had a snack before going to bed. Wrote Alice, D.F., Ma, & Grandma.” Schwane, Henry H., Lt Col, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: Two missions were flown by the Group today. 2nd Lt. H. Beebe transferred to North Africa on detached service. PFC A.S. Landa transferred to organization unknown. The following men were assigned to this organization as per letter dated 29 Jan. 1944, XII Bomber Command. 2nd Lts. M.L. Speer, N.J. Lundmark, A.L. Schnoebelen, S/Sgts. C.S. Escher, C.M. Carlson and Sgt. John Corkill. Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Carlson Carl M., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Corkill, John, Sgt, gunner Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt, gunner Landa, Arthur S., PFC, supply Langston, Everett D., 1Lt, pilot Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier McDermott, James W., 1Lt, bombardier Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt, pilot Speer, Marvin L, 2Lt, pilot Statham, Alvin F., Cpl, photographer

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 243/mission 241) Group Mission # 205: On the first mission eleven of our ships were scheduled. Ten of these completed the mission. One ship (Lt. Langston, pilot) returned early due to failure of turret. The target was Genzano road junction, Italy. Results – poor. On this mission Lt. McDermott and Cpl Statham were slightly wounded by flak.

A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64-694 “Yankee Girl” P Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt Davidson, James C., 2Lt CP Button, Ervine J., 2Lt Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt N None None B Windler, John H., 1Lt Snyder, John D., 2Lt E Isaacs, Clayton O., PFC Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt R Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, T/Sgt G Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt Harmer, Harry B., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 42-64695 II” (early return) P Langston, Everett D., 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 1Lt CP Dean, Harvey A., 2Lt Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), S/Sgt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Collins, Clint R., Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Kellner, Joseph H., S/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-30557 Lady” P Davies, Robert G., 1Lt Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt CP Schnoebelen, Orval L., 2Lt Bryant, William A., 2Lt N None None B Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt E Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt Beckhart, Maurice H., Sgt R Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt Bartram, Roy H., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt Davis, Delbert D., Pvt F None Statham, Alvin F., Cpl A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt N None None B Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Sgt Stewart, William W., Cpl E Tollefson, Walter K., Cpl Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Mathews, William E., Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt G Blalock, Joe T., Sgt Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt F Austin, James W., Jr., Pvt None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Toltzman, William J., 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Rye, Wayne T., Jr., 2Lt Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt E Koecher, Robert W., Sgt Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt R Hubert, Leo G., T/Sgt Payne, Leonard T., Sgt G Bushnell, Jordan L., Sgt Huddleson, LeeRoy L, PFC F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” P Seavey, George D., 2Lt CP Alger, LeRoy (NMI), 2Lt N None B McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), Sgt R Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Grant, James H., Sgt F None

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 244/mission 243) Group Mission # 206: On the afternoon mission no bombs were dropped due to an overcast of the target. Our squadron had 11 ships on the mission. The target was Marianna, Italy.

A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” Lady” P Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1Lt Ryherd, Fred E., 1Lt CP Metzger, Joseph Earl, 2Lt Edwards, Lyle L., 2Lt N Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt None B Deane, George J., 2Lt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), S/Sgt E Morrissey, Raphael E., PFC Ford, Leonard W., Sgt R Wilson, Max A., S/Sgt Pierce, William H., Pvt G Blalock, Joe T., Sgt Corkill, John (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64694 A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Davidson, James C., 2Lt Bounds, Thomas C., 1Lt CP Banks, Herbert J., 1Lt Button, Ervine J., 2Lt N None None B Snyder, John D., 2Lt Windler, John H., 1Lt E Gillies, Robert H., Pvt Isaacs, Dwight D., PFC R Ennis, Edward Charles “Salvo”, T/Sgt Altobello, Joseph J., T/Sgt G Craig, Dana H., S/Sgt Orzynski, Henry E., Sgt F Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt None A/C No. 43-3413 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Stocking, Eugene E., 2Lt Davies, Robert G., 1Lt CP Bryant, William A., 2Lt Schnoebelen, Orville L., 2Lt N None None B McCaleb, Harold G., 2Lt Adcock, Leonard E., 2Lt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L., T/Sgt Orloff, Sidney (NMI), S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Roberts, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 41-12930 “SNAFU” II” P Langston, Everett D., 2Lt Seavey, George D., 2Lt CP Dean, Harvey A., 2Lt Alger, LeRoy INMI), 2Lt N None None B Evans, Allen (NMI), Sgt McDermott, James W., 2Lt E Baringer, Paul S., S/Sgt Schwartz, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt Harman, Robert W., T/Sgt G Crowell, James M., Jr., S/Sgt Grant, James H., Sgt F Austin, James W., Jr., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Tompkins, Howard D., 2Lt Dusek, Ernest Peter “Duke”, 1Lt CP Speer, Marvin L., 2Lt Haynes, Eldon R., 2Lt N None None B Lundmark, Norman J., 2Lt Stuart, William W., Cpl E Escher, Carl S., S/Sgt Cangillieri, Liobnick (NMI), Sgt R Carlson, Carl M., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), T/Sgt G Mayhew, Wesley B., Jr., S/Sgt Glass, Harry Martin, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-87459 P Toltzman, William J., 1Lt CP Mims, Nathan (NMI), 2Lt N None B Konchinsky, Herman (NMI), S/Sgt E Wadlow, Vernon L., S/Sgt R Payne, Leonard T., Sgt G Huddleson, LeeRoy, L., S/Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot (mission 58) TARGET: Marino RJ 2:15 No bombs dropped Plane 181 (41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady”: Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Metzger, Lt. Matthewson, Lt. Deane, Pfc. Morrissey, S/Sgt. Wilson, Sgt. Blalock Blalock, Joe T., Sgt, gunner Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier Matthewson, Merton K., Jr., 2Lt, navigator Metzger, Joseph E., 2Lt, pilot Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", Capt, pilot Morrisey, Raphael E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Wilson, Leo W., S/Sgt, gunner “Solid overcast over target caused planes to returned with bombs.”

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: (No non-mission information)

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 243/mission 241) Group Mission # 205: Mission 164 (205): At 08:00 33 planes off to bomb Genzano R/J and dropped 113 x 1000 bombs at 09:20. All returned at 10:20, 21 planes holed. Bombs reported scattered with hits observed on both sides of R/J and in town both N and S of main road. Hits observed on both N and S of main road. Hits observed on both N and S roads N of Junction and at Junction of three roads on NE side of main road and in center of town. One report of direct hit on target area which was covered with smoke and dust and one large explosion was seen. Several motor transports on main road from road about 1 mile NW of target. Many motor transports along road from Avezzano to Vincenzo. Flak: heavy, moderate and accurate from Genzano and Velletri. One E/A seen to follow formation. Weather: CAVU over target. F/L: Sowder.

A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-29967 P Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt CP Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt N None None B McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt Ream, Elmer (NMI), Cpl E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Neview, Frederick J., Sgt Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt F None France, Charles E., Jr., Sgt A/C No. 42-87455 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Stewart, Hugh W., 1Lt CP VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt Hicks, John T., 2Lt N None None B Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt Bird, Robert G., Cpl E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt R Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt McEntee, Peter M, Sgt G Tudor, Owen M., S/Sgt Wilkerson, John J., gunner F None None A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 42-64514 P Bates, Willie L., F/O Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt Lyons, John B., 2Lt N None None B Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Robert, Maurice L., Sgt E Jackson, Jewel D., PFC Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Clark, Gwyn E., S/Sgt Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt G Graham, Herbert J., S/Sgt Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30548 P Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt Sowder, Tony R., Jr., F/O CP Lewis, Quentin M, 2Lt Bell, Albert R., Maj, Commander N None Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt B Braun, Joseph M., T/Sgt Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt E Nesbit, Andrew L., Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Sgt R Pitts, Donald W., S/Sgt Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl G Deal, Herman L, S/Sgt Penhale, Walter B., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64655 (early return) P Jones, Truman R., 2Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt N None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl F None

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 244/mission243) Group Mission # 206: Mission 165 (204): At 13:30 30 planes off to bomb Marino R/J. All returned at 16:00 as complete overcast over target prevented bombing.

A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 42-64514 P Freeland, Levi B., Jr., 1Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt CP Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O Lyons, John B., 2Lt N Hough, William S., 2Lt None B McRee, Malcolm B, 2Lt Robert, Maurice L., Sgt E Mauder, Charles J., Sgt Gebhardt, Ralph J., T/Sgt R Alexander, Phillip D., Cpl Doss, Charles W., Jr., S/Sgt G Penhale, Walter B., Cpl Wilkerson, John J., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 42-87455 P Hicks, John T., 2Lt Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Greene, William A., 2Lt VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), N None None B Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt E Chosta, Louis (NMI), Sgt Currie, James L., S/Sgt R Acey, Marvin E., S/Sgt Anglin, Paul (NMI), Sgt G Jeffrey, Louis J., Cpl Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 30 January 1944 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt Stewart Hugh W., 1Lt CP Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt N None None B Bird, Robert G., Cpl Ream, Elmer (NMI), Cpl E Luton, Howard W., Sgt Jackson, Jewel D., PFC R McEntee, Peter M., Cpl Gilpatrick, Jack H., T/Sgt G Everhart, Clifford R., Sgt Lord, Wilson E., S/Sgt F Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt None

Monday, 31 January 1944

USAAF Chronology: MTO Tactical Operations (12th AF):

In Italy, A-20's bomb Artena and road junction N of town; P-40's and A-36's, operating E of the Anzio battle area, hit a road junction at Sezze, the town of Fondi, and junction and town area at Priverno; P-47's bomb San Benedetto de Marsi; the XII Air Support Command flies 250+ sorties over the Anzio beachhead; air opposition is absent.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today due to weather.

445th BS War Diary: Another ideal day today but the mission was cancelled. There were several training flights, some formation flying and another flight went up to swing a compass. Sgt. Hetland again conducted a class to better acquaint the new gunners with the B-25. The men enjoyed the supper very much today. It consisted of fresh pork chops, potatoes and butter. Hetland, Arthur M., Jr, Sgt, engineer-gunner

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Bad weather—no mission. Ten second lieutenants got that silver bar: Boulton, Brown, Cooper, Davison, Fetterly, Hinderer, Rigling, Riordan, Robertson, and Topham. Pay call at 3:30 plus a mail call later really made the day complete. Boulton, Richard E., 1Lt, pilot Brown, Aud W., 1Lt, pilot Cooper, Lester L., 1Lt, bombardier Davison, William R., 1Lt, pilot Fetterly, Orville D., 1Lt, pilot Hinderer, Robert H., 1Lt, pilot Rigling, Samuel, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Riordan, Roland C., 1Lt, pilot Robertson, Charles W., 1Lt, bombardier Topham, Arthur H., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: Pilot Log: Fitzgerald, John (NMI) “Jack”, 2Lt, pilot (Co-Pilot) Pilot: unknown A/C B-25 Local: Training – 1 landing Flying Time: 1:15 (4th mission in MTO)

446th BS: War Diary of: McRae, James Arrington, 2Lt, bombardier: “Up early this a.m., went scavenger hunting for awhile. 0915 turned my 201, & form 5 in. To dispensary, had records checked also rec’d a stimulating typhus shot. At 1000 attended a briefing at S-2. After eating, went to Hdqtrs. Got a tent & took it back to area. Found I had a class on Racks @ 1330. Went. After class, Charlie, Jim & I put up our tent and arranged our stuff as much as possible. Going to be cold to-nite, stove isn’t set-up, no lites, & no cot. Not bad so far. Have to go to bed early I guess.” Burandt, Charles Lawson “Chuck”, 2Lt, pilot Chudars, James E. “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot

Monday, 31 January 1944 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I have been busy the last two days. So busy I didn’t get to write to you…We’re working hard and all hoping to get home soon. Will be glad when this is all over with.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission cancelled—after setting up the briefing hour three times. A physical inspection and pay call were the main events of the afternoon.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

January 1944

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for January 1944

This first month of the year 1944 was a busy one and also one of contrasts. Twenty-seven combat missions were flown, surprising too since the first day of the month indicated poor weather for the future. Just after midnight of January 1st things began to pop in more ways than one. A wind hit the Group area with an intensity seldom seen, at least not in the Foggia area. Center poles of many a tent began to bend and otherwise secure occupants soon found themselves with no roof over their heads. Then the rains came and continued, along with the winds, until late evening. The cooks had trouble with their tentage but moved their stoves into the Group Theater in the granary and proceeded to put out one of their best meals yet. Main course: Turkey. After that the weather improved immeasurably. After a month and twenty days at the Amendola landing ground, Foggia, again our number was up and by the middle of this month we had completed another move, this one only 18 miles away, to the Vincenzo landing ground, Foggia. The end of the month saw ourselves and the 57th Fighter Group the only 12th Air Force units in the area, surrounded by many units of the 15th. This new location does not have the facilities for indoor offices and movie house so we’re back in tents again and the Squadrons are showing movies individually in their own areas. Hollywood stars are beginning to make their presence felt in this area and we were privileged to have Joe E. Brown on the 27th and Humphrey Bogart and company two days later. Joe E. is an excellent trouper and he has us all in stitches for a good forty minutes. His baseball pitcher pantomime especially hit a responsive note in the audience. Humphrey Bogart, his wife (Mayo Methot) and Don Cummings suffered from colds and trouper-fatigue but their efforts were appreciated nonetheless. For a Screw-ball comedian, red-headed, Don Cummings tops the list of any we’ve seen.

Joe E. (Mushmouf’) Brown Personal Appearance, 321st BG, 27 Jan 44, Vincenzo, Foggia

January 1944 (continued)

HUMPHREY (Tough Guy) BOGART …….wasted no time in establishing who was boss, Visited 321st Bomb Group on Jan 29, 1944 at Vincenzo L/G, Foggia.

The Group lost six planes this month, 12th Bomber Command took some more of our key personnel, and with men going home steadily the man-power shortage began to become critical. However, toward the end of the month, when higher headquarters became cognizant of our shortage the crews began to pour in and by January 31st we had more crews by far than we had had at the turn of the year.

Some of the crews had only B-26 time to their credit while most had no combat time at all. Operations, to overcome this situation, immediately instigated a transition and training program. As evidence to this program’s results our bombing on missions showed improvement toward the end of the month.

The support of the new Allied bridgehead near Rome bright-lighted the operations for the month. Our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Olmstead, called the Group together the night before the three division invasion and explained what our place in the strategists’ overall planning had been and what our job was to be now that the invasion party was on its way. The men kept their secret well and the operation of landing hundreds of craft on the beach at Anzio was a complete surprise to the Germans.

A sheep-shed near the Headquarters tents was selected as the site for the Officer’s Club and after it got a good dusting and swabbing it did not look bad at all. With the addition of a bar, radio, tables, chairs and a heater the club became down-right cozy and again the popular nightly rendezvous spot.

January 1944 (continued)

321st Bomb Group, headquarters assigned personnel only. Strength reports by month – February, 1943, January 1944.

Month Officers Enlisted Men February 1943 20 32 March 19 35 April 19 36 May 20 37 June 21 52 July 22 39 August 25 48 September 24 44 October 24 65 November 26 66 December 23 66 January 1944 24 65

THE RAID OF THE MONTH

January, 1944 At the conclusion of each month’s operations the Group Commander will select the one mission that has been outstanding during the month and present a picture of the results of same herewith.

This month’s selection:

RIETI AIRDROME

(40 miles NE of Rome) Attacked: 19-Jan-44

NUMBER OF PLANES OVER TARGET: 18

RESULTS:

1. Three elements covered the center of the landing ground with a heavy concentration of bursts and a good pattern.

2. One element dropped its bombs on N/E part of landing ground carrying across road to TERNI. One element dropped on the northern corner of landing ground and walked its bombs across road to TERNI into open area. Several direct hits are observed on the road to TERNI which forms the northern perimeter of the airdrome.

January 1944 (continued)

January 1944 (continued)

5 January, 1944.

SUBJECT: Commendation.

TO: All Concerned.

1. Statistics from Tactical Bomber Force Headquarters show that for the month of November 1943 the 321st Bombardment Group ranked first in maximum results obtained with equipment on hand.

2. The combat photographers, lab technicians, camera technicians and photo interpreters are to be commended for a job well done.

3. This letter will be posted on all Squadron bulletin boards for one week.

CHARLES T. OLMSTED Lt. Colonel, Air Corps, Commanding.

January 1944 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for January 1944

1. As of January 31, 1944, the assigned personnel in the Squadron was:

Officers: 59 Enl. Men: 276

2. As of January 31, 1944, the Squadron Commander was Lt. Col Bailey C. Cook. On January 8, Captain Ellwood H. Beeson was appointed Squadron Commander, Major Richard P. Tipton being relieved for an assignment with the 12th Bomber command. On January 26, Lt. Col. Cook was appointed Squadron Commander, Capt. Beeson being relieved for return to the United States. Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, Capt, pilot Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot Tipton, Richard Pike, Maj, pilot

3. On January 14, a number of the ground personnel and combat crews, which were scheduled for a mission the next day proceeded to the new base. 8 B-25’s were ferried up to fill in the possible mission next day. On January 15, the movement was completed for both the ground and air echelons. The move was from the Amendola base near Foggia, to the Vincenzo base near Foggia.

4. A recapitulation of the strength of the assigned personnel in the Squadron as of the end of each month from February 1943 follows:

Officers Enlisted Men February, 1943 63 303 March 63 301 April 61 299 May 63 298 June 82 306 July 78 314 August 79 301 September 79 292 October 66 281 November 59 268 December 53 272 January 1944 59 276

JAMES E. NICKERSON, Captain, Air Corps, Squadron Historian.

January 1944 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for January 1944

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF 321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF 1 February 1944 446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARATIVE HISTORY FOR JANUARY 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 January 1944 62 Officers, 267 Enlisted Men 2. Net Increase 9 Officers 5 Enlisted Men 3. Net Decrease 5 Officers None 4. 31 January 1944 71Officers, 272 Enlisted Men C. Stations permanent or temporary of unit or parts thereof: 1. None D. Commanding Officer in important engagements 1. None E. Losses in action: None 1. 2nd Lt D Ryder 8. 2nd Lt R L Elliot Ryder, David, 2Lt, pilot Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot 2. 2nd Lt R A Clark 9. 2nd Lt J R Farrell Clark, Robert A., 2Lt, pilot Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot 3. 2nd Lt H L Mastrioanni 10. S/Sgt R J Plaine Mastrioanni, Henry L., 2Lt, bombardier Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt, gunner 4. 2nd Lt H C Schad 11. S/Sgt B R Wuotila Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt, navigator Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt, gunner 5. S/Sgt C H Langan 12. S/Sgt A P Valenti Langan, Charles H., Sgt, gunner Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt, gunner 6. S/Sgt J R Holtzclaw 13. S/Sgt G B Brooks Holtzclaw, James Ralph, S/Sgt, gunner Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt, gunner 7. T/Sgt C N Delesdernier Delesdernier, Chester N., T/Sgt, gunner F. Former or present members of the Squadron who have distinguished themselves in action: 1. None G. Campaigns: 1. Complete data in attached mission summaries.

January 1944 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for January 1944

Missions Flown: 26 Sorties Flown: 153 Bombs dropped (weight): 372,460 Nickels dropped (packages): 8 Planes lost: 3 (2 due to enemy action, 1 due to landing accident) Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: 1 confirmed Enemy Aircraft Damaged (in air): 2 Squadron plane “Sophisticated Lady”, (181), completed 100th mission.

321st Bomb Group, 447th Bomb Squadron assigned personnel only. Strength reports by month – February 1943, January 1944

Month Officers Enlisted Men February 1943 63 299 March 63 297 April 63 296 May 61 294 June 78 307 July 79 316 August 94 315 September 88 292 October 66 269 November 62 260 December 57 254 January 1944 59 265

The most welcome event of the month to our weary combat men was the arrival of combat-crew replacements in numbers. They trickled in all during the month, come coming over from the states—others being transferred in from other bomb groups in this theater. A total of 30 officers and 40 enlisted men were received and most of them promptly put to work. Some of the crews had been trained in B-26s and a little practice was needed to prepare them for flying our B-25s. Another move was made during the month from the east side of Foggia to the west side. At our new location, Vincenzo, we are about five miles from the city. Half the distance is over a very bad unpaved road. All buildings, flooring, etc., were brought to the new area and within two or three days the squadron was settled once again. The squadron lost three planes during the month. One was shot down by fighters in the Adriatic January 8, one was shot down by flak January 12, one crashed in a landing accident January 23. The crews on the first two were lost. The crew members on the latter were unhurt. On January 22 one tail gunner was killed when a flak fragment hit him in the head while over the target. This brought the number of casualties for January up to 14---highest number for a single month since we were activated. Details appear in the Special Accounts Section.

January 1944 (continued)

The exodus of combat-fatigued men hit a lively stride during the month with 14 officers and 13 enlisted men leaving for the states. There was no specific number of missions that these men flew before being relieved from combat duty but most of them flew over fifty missions. Two of the men, Capt. Bugbee and Capt. Spikes flew 65 missions establishing a record for the group. Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, Capt, pilot Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, Capt, pilot

Twenty-six missions were flown by the squadron this month---the largest number tallied in one month since we have been in combat. On some days two missions were flown, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Not since the days of the Tunisian campaign has this been done. Most of the targets during the month were road and railroad junctions and marshalling yards. The squadron flew over the beach where landings were being made south of Rome January 22.

January 1944 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for January 1944:

Squadron Strength:

Date Officers Enlisted Men February 28, 943 63 312 March 31, 1943 63 311 April 30, 1943 58 301 May 31, 1943 63 308 June 30, 1943 81 321 July 31, 1943 81 327 August 31, 1943 91 328 September 30, 1943 89 303 October 31, 1943 84 301 November 30, 1943 70 276 December 31, 1943 66 275 January 31, 1944 52 268

January 1 – 7 – 44: Squadron strength as of January 1, 1944, 66 Officers and 275 Enlisted Men. No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined during this period. Three Officers and seven Enlisted Men went on DS to Casablanca, North Africa to pick up baggage belonging to the squadron. Several Officers and Enlisted Men returned from a weeks rest on the Isle of Capri and several more departed for that place. On January 7, 1944, while on a mission to Perugia, Italy, Captain. Culp; Lieuts’ Anderson, Matkins and Perry; Sgt: Spencer, Allen and Holguin were shot down by enemy flak. The New Year opened with the most violent windstorm yet experienced by the squadron since overseas but little damage was done. Despite the handicap caused by the rain and wind to the kitchen the cooks succeeded in turning out an excellent New Years meal. The New Year was ushered in with much good cheer of the bottled variety. Usual squadron duties performed during this period. Allen, Clifford N., Sgt, gunner Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt, pilot Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Holguin, Renato (NMI), Sgt, gunner Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt, bombardier Spencer, John S., Sgt, gunner Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt, navigator

January 8 – 14 – 44: The following Officers were assigned and joined. Lieuts’: Brown, McCue, Van Raam, Lowery, Greene and Waller. Sgts: Burr, Chosta and Sharpsteen, Strong, Luton, Cpl: Light, PFC. Blake, Langness and Pvt. Chappell. The following Officers and Enlisted Men were transferred to the U.S.A., Boland, Sinclair, Gibbons, Biener, Cassels, DeMuth, Haskell, Johnson, Kille, Edmonson, King, Barton, Blevins, Cain, Hammerschmiedt, Lard, Larson, Morris, Papile, Pitts, Poynter, Roberts, StAubin, Tanner, Lambert, Sipos, Watrous. Cpl. Carr and Pvt. Patterson received leg wounds in action but remained on duty. Lt. Wm. M. Tobias transferred to Hdq, 12th Ftr Cm’d. Lt:

January 1944 (continued)

Blake transferred Hdq, 321st Bomb Gp. (M). S/Sgts: Orman, Reid, Robb, Robinson and Rude transferred to U.S.A. Barton, Thomas M., 2Lt, pilot Biener, Martin B., 2Lt, pilot Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt, bombardier Blake, Thomas L., PFC, armament Blevins, Amos M., Sgt, gunner Boland, Chester H., 2Lt, navigator Brown, Wyndham E., III, 2Lt, pilot Burr, Harry C., Sgt, gunner Cain, George S., Sgt, gunner Carr, Randal C., Cpl, gunner Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt, pilot Chappell, William C., Pvt, armament Chosta, Louis, Sgt, gunner DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt, Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt, pilot Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Greene, William A., 2Lt, pilot Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt, gunner Haskell, John D., 2Lt, pilot Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt, bombardier Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt, pilot King, James L., 2Lt, pilot Lambert, Robert P., Sgt, gunner Langness, Irving (NMI), PFC, armament Lard, Claude F., Sgt, gunner Larson, Fred M., PFC, gunner Light, Edward B., Cpl, armament Lowery, Bruce (NMI), 2Lt, armament Luton, Howard, Sgt, tail-gunner McCue, William M., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Morris, Raymond A., Sgt, gunner Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt, gunner Papile, Frank M., Sgt, gunner Patterson, L. J. (i.o.), Pvt, gunner Pitts, Lawrence P., Sgt, gunner Poynter, Robert A., Sgt, gunner Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt, gunner Roberts, Harold L., Sgt, gunner Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt, gunner Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt, gunner Sharpsteen, Robert E., Sgt, gunner Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Sipos, Paul A., Sgt, gunner StAubin, Francis (NMI), Sgt, gunner Strong, Douglas W., Sgt, gunner Tanner, James T., Sgt, gunner Tobias, William M., 2Lt, pilot VanRaam, Rudolph (NMI), 2Lt, pilot Waller, Colver K., 2Lt, bombardier Watrous, Roger T., Sgt, gunner

In accordance with Squadron Order # 2: Lt. Lichtward is appointed Squadron Intelligence Officer, Lt. Brosnan is appointed Operations Officer, Lt. Crowell is appointed Assistant Operations Officer, Lt. Scopp is appointed Squadron Navigation Officer, Lt. Evans is appointed Bombardiering Officer, Lt. Stanley Greiff in addition to his other duties is appointed Officer of the Guard, Lt. Marrich in addition to his other duties is appointed Unit Exchange Officer. Six missions over Yugoslavian and Italian targets were flown during this period. Weather was ideal during this period for flying. Preparations were made for the move to a field just West of Foggia called Vincenzo. Several Officers and Enlisted Men returned from a weeks rest at the Isle of Capri. A epidemic of Typhus in the City of Naples caused the cancellation of all three day passes and rests in this area. Brosnan, Cornelius C., 2Lt, pilot Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 1Lt, pilot Evans, Ivor P., 1Lt, bombardier Greiff, Stanley (NMI), 2Lt, intelligence Lichtward, Frederick W., 1Lt, intelligence Marrich, Martin K., 1Lt, adjutant Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt, navigator

January 1944 (continued)

January 15 – 21 – 44: The following Officers and Enlisted Men were assigned and joined during this period. Lieuts: Petit, Annear, Hales, Stokes, Lewis, Stewart and Tiefel. Sgts: Morris, Gilpatrick, Marshburn, Graham, Acey, Wolf, Frank, Stackman, Neview, Nesbit, Holt, Cp’L. Ream, PFC. Hinton, Jackson, and Pvt. Dissen. In record time all personnel and equipment were moved to the new camp site and work began immediately on the Nissen Hut for Enlisted Men’s Mess and a smaller wood building housed the Officer’s Mess. Once again tents were floored, doors built and walls erected all for the comfort of the men; for winter was well upon us. In less than a week the squadron had an area equal to and in many respects superior to their previous location. Despite the many new faces and loss of old personnel, moral remained very high. When the men considered their warm, well sheltered tents against the lot of the Infantry on the Fifth Army front or the beaches near Rome they realized how little they had to complain about. Acey, Marvin E., Sgt, gunner Annear, Warren Raymond, 2Lt, pilot Dissen, Richard A., Pvt, armament Frank, Donald L., Sgt, gunner Gilpatrick, Jack H., Sgt, gunner Graham, Herbert J., Sgt gunner Hales, Ermine L., 2Lt, pilot Hinton, Zane R., PFC, engineer-gunner Holt, Charles M., Sgt, gunner Jackson, Jewel D., Sgt, gunner Lewis, Quentin M., 2Lt, pilot Marshburn, James T., Sgt, gunner Morris, Raymond J., Sgt, gunner Nesbit, Andrew L., Sgt, gunner Neview, Frederick J., Sgt, gunner Petit, Rene P., 2Lt, bombardier Ream, Elmer (NMI), Cpl, gunner Stackman, Walter C., Sgt, gunner Stewart, Hugh W., 2Lt, pilot Stokes, Louis S., 1Lt, pilot Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt, pilot Wolf, Elmer A., Sgt, gunner

January 22 – 31 – 44: The following Officers and Enlisted Men assigned and joined during this period. Lieuts’ Hough, Lyons, Armstrong, Barbour, Bond, Dossey, Malek, McCabe, Burday; Sgts: King, Dunbar, Humphress, Ryan, Jacobson, Hunt, Sullivan, Parham, Davis, Thompson, Goodwin. The following Officers and Enlisted Men were transferred to the U.S.A. Joli, Shutt, Thomas, Driver, Fleming, Cheetham, Ryan, Skeahan, Elkins, Ennis, Gouge, Mayer; Polinsky, Barry, Davey, Kessler, Ritter, Altus, Carnathan, Hilton, Hardy, Irby, Joubert, Oates Gurnee, Lyons, House, Vizzacco. Captain Silver transferred to Headquarters 321st Bomb. Group (M). Lt. Joyce assigned and joined. T/Sgt. Connors transferred to 33rd General Hospital, Lts: Hoffman and Lowry assigned to Headquarters 321st Bomb Group (M). On January 27, 1944 while on a mission Velletri, Italy, Lts: Eddy, Tiefel, Waller, S/Sgts: Marshburn, Strong, Stackman were shot down by enemy flak. Sgt. Tomerlin received a flak wound but remained on duty. January 29, 1944, Captain. A.R. Bell was promoted to Major and Lieuts: Brosnan, McEvoy, Stewart, Wik and Wilt were promoted to 1st Lieutenants. Missions continued to strike communication lines in front of the Rome beach head and in the squadron area further improvements were made on Mess and recreational facilities. Twice weekly movies were shown in the Officers Mess. With Foggia five miles away showers and days off took many personnel to town. Squadron strength as of January 31, 1944, was 52 Officers and 268 Enlisted Men.

January 1944 (continued)

Altus, Irving (NMI), Sgt, gunner Armstrong, Donald R., 2Lt, pilot Barber, Marshall Hall “Red”, 2Lt, pilot Barry, Robert A., Jr., Sgt, gunner Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, Commander Bond, Edward N., 2Lt, bombardier Brosnan, Cornelius C., 1Lt, pilot Burday, Harry (NMI), 2Lt, bombardier Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), Sgt, gunner Cheetham, McClain, 2Lt, navigator Connors, Roy W., T/Sgt, engineering Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., Sgt, gunner Davis, Jimmie L., Sgt, gunner Dossey, Vernon Curtis, 2Lt, pilot Driver, William J., 2Lt, pilot Dunbar, Louis C. “Louey”, Sgt, radio-gunner Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt, bombardier Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Fleming, George B., 2Lt, pilot Goodwin, Milford H., Sgt, armament Gouge, David J., 2Lt, pilot Gurnee, Clarence E., Sgt, gunner Hardy, Alexander A., Sgt, gunner Hilton, Daniel H., Sgt, gunner Hoffman, Albert J., 2Lt, pilot Hough, William S., 2Lt, navigator House, Harry H., Sgt, gunner Humphress, James (NMI), Sgt, gunner Hunt, Herbert C., Sgt, gunner Irby, Marvin J., Sgt, gunner Jacobson, Fred (NMI), Sgt, gunner Joli, William H., 2Lt, pilot Joubert, Ira W., Sgt, gunner Joyce, Robert W., 2Lt, bombardier Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt, gunner King, Oliver A., Sgt, personnel Lowery, Bruce (NMI), 2Lt, armament Lyons, Paul E., Sgt, gunner Lyons, John B., 2Lt, pilot Malec, Joseph A., 2Lt, bombardier Marshburn, James T., S/Sgt, gunner Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot McCabe, Norman M., 2Lt, pilot McEvoy, John C., 1Lt, pilot Oates, Theodore R., Sgt, gunner Parham, James E., T/Sgt, gunner Polinsky, Marvin J., Sgt, gunner Ritter, William C., Sgt, engineering Ryan, Joseph C. “Joe”, Sgt, personnel Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt, pilot Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt, pilot Silver, George A., III, Capt, medical officer Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Stackman, Walter C., S/Sgt, gunner Stewart, Hugh W., 1Lt, pilot Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt, gunner Sullivan, James G., Sgt, gunner Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt, navigator Thompson, Arthur R., Jr., Sgt, gunner Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt, pilot Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt, gunner Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt, gunner Waller, Colver K., 2Lt, bombardier Wik, John R., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Wilt, Richard H., 1Lt, pilot

With great gusts of wind and rain the year 1944 was ushered in to being at the squadron home in sunny Italy. As everyone except the few guards slept peacefully after a full night of merrymaking at the Bars, a storm of great intensity broke at the early hour of 5 A.M. on the unsuspecting squadron. Tents that had been too hastily erected soon departed leaving their inmates scurrying to more fortunate and secure abodes. Dawn revealed that 7 or 8 tents were down but everyone was as dry as could be expected in a rain torrent that sprayed into even the most water proof tents. Much to the surprise of

January 1944 (continued) everyone the large Orderly Room tent remained standing but the personnel of the Intelligence Section were not so fortunate, their tent took wings early that morning. It was soon discovered that neither the Officer Mess, or the Enlisted Men’s Mess or the Kitchen were water-proof, yet turkey, dressing, etc, etc were again on the menu. After a miserable showing at breakfast in which rain water turned everything served into soupy mush everyone had little hope for the afternoon mean. But the cooks not daunted by the handicap of weather or the jibes of Pessimistic onlookers, set to work and by 2 o’clock turned out a meal that compared favorably with that of Xmas and Thanksgiving. A unanimous vote of thanks was given the “bell robbers” for their efforts. Lt. Marrich and Sgt. Kocsis could be justly proud of their staff. Most of the men and Officers succeeded in enjoying their meal snugly housed in their own tents. Kocsis, Michael (NMI) “Mike”, Jr., Sgt, cook Marrich, Martin K., 1Lt, adjutant For the next tow days the storm raged unabated but by January 3 the sun again appeared and except for brief lapses shown every day for the remainder of the month giving lie to the native testimony that January was the worst month of winter. In the squadron the first real taste of winter found everyone with a dwindling coal supply and little prospect of securing more. More and more men converted their stoves to gas. On the Line the cold and rain hampered maintenance to a great degree but Captain Wonnacott and his crews continued their good work and “Kept ‘em flying”, Lt. Wallnau his able assistant departed early in the month for Sicily. Wallnau, Carl N., Jr., 2Lt, engineering Wonnacott, Robert C., Capt, engineering The Group Special Service Officer continued his good work in furnishing entertainment nightly in the granary. Ella Logan and her troupe provided an enjoyable New Year’s eve show. Frequent trips were made to Foggia but Manfredonia became increasingly popular due to the fact that meals, etc were obtainable. On January 7 occurred a loss that was sorely felt by everyone in the squadron. Captain Culp, Lts: Anderson, Perry, Matkins; Sgts: Spencer, Holguin and Allen were lost when their ship received a direct flak hit in the Navigator’s compartment. The wheels were seen to drop and immediately after Lt. Perry was seen to fall free and his parachute open. Four or five more chutes were seen and the shop was also seen going down under control. Some reports say that the plane made a controlled landing ten miles south of the target on level ground, another report states that the plane nosed I and crashed. No reports have yet been received about any of the crew members but all personnel of the squadron are optimistic as to the crews fate. Lt. Brosnan who was in Africa at the time was appointed the new Operations Officer. Allen, Clifford N., Sgt, gunner Anderson, Andrew H. L., 1Lt, pilot Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot Holguin, Renato (NMI), Sgt, gunner Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt, bombardier Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt, navigator Spencer, John S., Sgt, gunner Missions continued to pound Yugoslav targets in support of the Partisans and Italian communications. Fair but cold weather assured a mission almost daily and due to the accuracy and intensity of German flak the Group reported planes missing after several missions.

January 1944 (continued)

Many of the “Old Guard” departed for the U.S.A. towards the middle of the month and other combat crew members continued their weekly rest tours on the Isle of Capri. For a short time the ground crew members enjoyed 3 day passes at Naples but a serious typhus epidemic cause the cancellation of this privilege and only a few men were able to take advantage of it. The inclement weather soon worked its havoc among the men and daily more and more men reported to the Dispensary for “Sick Call”. One saving factor was the improvement in the Bill of Fare. Fresh meat became an ordinary event rather than a rare treat. On January 12, preparations were started for another move. This time not to the Naples area as everyone expected but to a small field seven miles west of Foggia on the road to Naples. Due to the shortness of the move and the experience of all personnel in such matters the event proceeded very smoothly. An advanced echelon set up camp for the flight personnel and by January 15 everyone and everything had been moved to the new base without a break in Operations. All lumber in both Mess Halls and the Kitchen was moved to the new area which later became a very valuable asset in buildings for the squadron’s new home. Vincenzo A/D was the small field set on relative high ground just west of Foggia. As the 82nd Fighter Group occupied the western half of the field, the 321st Group bivouacked on the north and east. The 448th found its area perched on the side of a long sloping hill prominently exposed to the cold north winds that blew consistently and persistently from the snow covered mountains. A Nissen Hut was secured from the 21st Engineers and converted into an Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall and Club. The Officers again put up their even more abbreviated German Barracks for their Mess Hall and the Kitchen was again made from the remains of the Officers Mess. Siding from the Enlisted Men’s Mess soon became flooring in many tents. The squadron was well housed an excellent Mess facilities were provided in the shortest time that this was ever accomplished. Gasoline however became almost a universal fuel. The 448th was the last in the long line of squadrons set upon the hill overlooking the field, Group Headquarters was only a short distance away and the Line was soon set up about a half mile from the bivouac area. The airplanes were dispersed in a small area, Tech-Supply, Engineering and other Line maintenance tents were all conveniently close. With Foggia so close, weather permitting frequent trips were made into town to the new Red Cross Clubs and the showers. Towards the close of the month a small contingent of Wacs moved into Foggia to work for 12th Air Force and this created added inducement for many to make the trip to Foggia. As the month drew to a close the last of the “Old Guard” combat crew men departed for the States and seemingly countless numbers of new men came into the squadron. Few promotions were made and among them Captain. A.R. Bell received his majority. Bell, Albert R., Maj, pilot, Commander

January 1944 (continued)

On January 27 while on a mission to bomb Velletri Road Jct., two planes were lost by the Group, one containing Lts: Eddy, Tiefel and Waller; S/Sgt: Marshburn, Strong and Stackman. Lt. Eddy’s plane was observed to be hit by flak one engine start smoking and the plane peeled off and headed for the ground. Two chutes opened but no further observations were made. Squadron was greatly saddened by this loss. Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Marshburn, James T., S/Sgt, gunner Stackman, Walter C., S/Sgt, gunner Strong, Douglas W., S/Sgt, gunner Tiefel, Norman J., 2Lt, pilot Waller, Colver K., 2Lt, bombardier

On January 22 the Allies invaded the Italian coast just south of Rome, for many days previous and after this event the 321st added its weight to the terrific air blows that were delivered to the Germans in that area, a total of 28 missions were flown by the 448th during the month of January.