West Field, Tinian, Marianas Islands Xxi Bomber

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WEST FIELD, TINIAN, MARIANAS ISLANDS XXIST BOMBER COMMAND

JUNE 1945

THE BIG PUSH IS ON THE WAY

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468TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (VH) - JUNE 1945

June was the anniversary month for the 468th Bomb Group. On 5 June 1944 the first B-29 mission flown was directed at Bangkok, Thailand. June 15th of that year, the Group took part in another, more important “first” – the first land based mission against the Japanese home islands. Amongst those of us that are still here with the Group, the twelve succeeding months have been long, hard, and eventful. Thousands of words have been written during the year. The story of America’s new weapon, the B-29 Superfortress, the beginning of the assault on Japan, the longest bombing raids in history, and the new “Global Air Force.” One could go on forever, yet not capture the true meaning behind all of these. Underneath the pretty word picture was the blood and guts spilled, making the project a huge success. Further there was sweat, labor and red tape. Also to be found were good men and bad, efficient and inefficient. Somehow this heterogeneous mass congealed, and in so doing, brought forth the finished product – the most potent striking force in the Air Force today.

The finest illustration can be found in the records of the Group’s June operations, which follow.

The 468th Bomb Group flew 359 effective long-range bombing sorties against the Japanese homeland. Taking part in 10 missions, the Group averaged 35.9 aircraft per mission and led all other Groups in the Wing in operational performance. All records were shattered as the aerial “Blitz” of Japan went into high gear. The previous highs registered in the months of January and May were totally eclipsed by the figures amassed in June. In nearly every form of comparison the results are more than double the best performance figures of previous months. The box score for the individual missions flown is as follows:

The first mission of the month was a daylight incendiary strike on 1 June against Osaka (58th Bomb Wing Field Order #10). The 468th Bomb Group had 35 aircraft airborne of which 32 hit the Primary Target, 1 a Target of Opportunity, with 2 aircraft failing to bomb because of mechanical difficulties. Bombing results were excellent with nearly all aircraft dropping visually from an altitude of 20,500 feet. Air opposition was slight. Sightings by Crew Members identified Jacks, Franks, Nicks, and Irvings - enemy fighter aircraft. Twenty-one attacks and three claims were reported. Flak was encountered at or near the Departure Point on Awaji, from Kobe, and from the target area. At the Primary Target it was meager to intense, accurate to inaccurate, with four of our aircraft reporting minor damage. It was believed that flak accuracy was affected by the heavy smoke spouting up to 25,000 feet from the burned city. A/C 542, Lady Hamilton II, Lt. Johnson, Pilot, 794th Bomb Squadron, was lost with cause unknown.

Four days later a “3 Squadron” strike was flown against Kobe. This was Mission #11, another daylight incendiary attack. Thirty-three aircraft were scheduled and airborne. Of this number 32 aircraft bombed the Primary Target and 1 aircraft a Target of Opportunity. Bombing was excellent with the majority of aircraft getting good visual runs at 17,200 feet. Casualties were 1 aircraft lost to enemy action over the target (A/C 665, Capt. Arnold) and A/C 703, Major Mills, which crash landed at Iwo Jima. All members of A/C 703 were unharmed except the Bombardier who received a severe head injury. Air opposition was considered moderate.

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Approximately 95 enemy aircraft were sighted and 51 attacks reported. Enemy aircraft attacks were not aggressive, with only 2 coordinated attacks noted. A/C 665 was a victim of the fighters. Hit at the Primary Target, it made a valiant effort to reach the sea, but was unsuccessful. Many of the Crew were seen to bail out and it is believed that there was a good chance for all, unless injured by enemy action. The anti-aircraft fire encountered at Kobe was classed as moderate, accurate concentration with a few phosphorous bursts observed.

Field Order No. 12, 7 June 1945. The third mission for the month was our first daylight precision attack. 31 aircraft were airborne each carrying twelve 1,000 lb. general-purpose bombs with a destination of the Osaka Arsenal. 27 aircraft bombed the Primary Target, 3 aircraft bombed Targets of Opportunity, with 1 aircraft failing to bomb any target due to mechanical failure. The execution of the mission was greatly hampered by poor weather. All aircraft had to bomb by radar due to a solid front from the Assembly Point over the target area and return. Fighter escort was furnished by P-51s from Iwo Jima. All 3 of our formations described it as excellent with cover furnished from the Assembly Point to the Initial Point, and the Primary Target. There was no enemy air opposition. The first two formations over the target reported flak as meager and inaccurate. The last formation received none. RCM “jamming” and the solid undercast were probably the chief cause of the enemy’s ineffectiveness. There were no personnel casualties, nor damage sustained by our aircraft.

Field Order No. 14, 10 June 1945. Tomioka was the next target to face the weight of our bombs. On 10 June 33 aircraft were airborne with all but one bombing the Primary Target. Again weather upset our plans for precision bombing. The undercast over the Japanese mainland was 10/10 causing all aircraft to bomb by radar. Results ranged from poor to good. Some Crews reported their formation’s course onto the target as perfect followed by a glimpse of a few bombs hitting water, with the majority on land. One Crew reported smoke extending to a height of 11,000 feet. Again enemy air opposition was nil with only 7 sightings of enemy aircraft reported. Flak was meager and inaccurate. One Gunner reported seeing two yellow balloons flying at 5,000 feet north of the Primary Target area. There were no losses from the mission. A/C 424 sustained minor flak damage while bombing a Target of Opportunity.

Field Order No. 15, 15 June 1945. Weather again plagued the next mission flown by the Group. On 15 June 40 aircraft were airborne for an incendiary strike against the urban area of Osaka. All of the aircraft bombing encountered solid 10/10 “soup” over the Empire. 33 aircraft hit the Primary Target by radar, 4 aircraft bombed Targets of Opportunity, while 3 aircraft failed to bomb for mechanical reasons. Results were unobserved. No opposition from the enemy was reported. No flak, no fighters, no losses!

Field Order No. 16, 18 June 1945. Omuta was the next target. With the advent of this mission on 18 June came the new policy designed to knock out the secondary cities of Japan. This city with a population of approximately 200,000 was typical in all respects of many targets to follow. The attack was at night with all aircraft carrying incendiary bombs. 37 aircraft were airborne of which number 34 bombed Omuta, 1 aircraft hit a Target of Opportunity, and 2 aircraft were Early Returns having jettisoned their bombs because of mechanical failure. Again the Group came through unscathed with no losses and no aircraft damage. Crews reported sightings on 12 enemy night fighters, but no

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Two searchlights were seen on left of course at the Initial Point and one in the target area. A barrage balloon was spotted at the first turning point. Most Crews reported excellent bomb runs and there were visual observations of general conflagration. Weather was from 6/10 to 10/10 undercast at the target. This forced most of the aircraft to bomb by radar, although 6 aircraft managed to drop visually.

Field Order No. 17, 20 June 1945. The seventh mission of the 468th Bomb Group during the month was another night incendiary attack against Toyohashi. The mission was unique in that the greatest dangers encountered by the Crews came from the tremendous fires created by their own bombing.

Aircraft reported severe turbulence coming from the thermal updrafts. Two aircraft had several Crew Members injured in the violent shake-up. Others reported debris hitting the bottom of the aircraft, smoke and fumes penetrating cabins, damage to bomb bay doors, etc. For totals on this mission, the Group had 38 aircraft airborne of which 35 bombed the Primary Target. Three aircraft were Early Returns. Casualties were confined to the 4 Crew Members injured by the thermal bouncing. None of these were serious, merely minor cuts and contusions. Two aircraft received minor damage. Enemy opposition was slight. There were 15 sightings reported on night fighters with 3 non-aggressive attacks. Flak over the target was of automatic weapons and medium type with the anti-aircraft fire throwing up meager to moderate, inaccurate fire, while the medium was meager and inaccurate. Some phosphorous bursts were seen and one ineffective searchlight spotted in the target area. A/C 663 (Capt. Doherty, Pilot) flew as an Air Sea Rescue “Super Dumbo” on this mission.

Field Order No. 18, 22 June 1945. On 22 June came the “roughest” mission of the month. It was a daylight strike with 33 airborne carrying 1,000 lb. general-purpose bombs against the Kure Naval Arsenal. 33 aircraft bombed this target, 1 aircraft hit a Target of Opportunity, 1 aircraft jettisoned because of engine failure. Bombing results were reported as excellent, with the weather CAVU to 3/10 allowing all formations to bomb visually. The “rough” part of the mission was the flak. This was encountered from both naval vessels and ground batteries from the Initial Point to the target. Crews rated it as intense and accurate with all sorts of colored bursts reported (black, brown, purple, yellow, white, white phosphorous!). A/C 084 (Capt. Nelson, Pilot) was hit by anti-aircraft fire and was last seen going down at 330 16’ N - 1330 25’E with upwards of 6 parachutes observed. Of the 31 planes over the target, 7 received major flak damage, 17 received minor damage. Casualties were 11 men in A/C 084 Missing in Action, and 2 other members of other Crews with slight wounds. There were no attacks from fighters. A/C 719 (Maj. Eaton, Pilot) flew as a Super Dumbo Air Sea Rescue.

Field Order No. 19, 26 June 1945. On June 26th the Group went out after another precision target. This was the big Sumitomo Propeller Plant at Osaka. To do the job 36 aircraft were airborne carrying the huge M-56 4,000 lb. general-purpose bomb. It was our first attempt with “blockbusters” and the Lead Crews were eager to do a job. Again the Japanese were lucky and had the weather on their side. 30 of our aircraft bombed the Primary Target in 10/10 weather with radar runs and releases. A few Crews spotted single bomb hits through slight breaks in the clouds, but the great majority went unobserved. 4 of our aircraft were forced to bomb Opportunity Targets, 2 aircraft were

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Early Returns.

There was no enemy air opposition in the target area. Flak was generally reported as meager and inaccurate over the Primary Target. One of our aircraft received minor damage. There were no casualties. P-51s furnished fighter escort and were successful in a few cases. The majority of our aircraft however, reported no escort. Captain Olson and Crew in A/C 893 spotted two life rafts when enroute to the target (290 45’ N - 1380 18’E). He circled for three hours keeping in contact with all Air Sea Rescue facilities and orbiting the area until properly relieved.

Field Order No. 20, 20 June 1945. For the last mission of the month the Group returned to the night incendiary attack program on Japan’s secondary cities. This time they finished up with a bang – or rather, one helluva fire! Thirty-six aircraft were scheduled, 36 aircraft were airborne, 36 aircraft hit the Primary Target! Target weather varied from CAVU to 8/10 undercast and enabled approximately one half of the aircraft to bomb visually. Results were excellent with general conflagration reported. There was no known air opposition. Flak was reported as nil to moderate by various aircraft and the fire encountered was described as A/W, medium, and heavy weapons with a predominance of reports describing a possibly new bursting flak similar to a phosphorous burst encountered previously. A/C 573 (Lt. Morris, Pilot, 792nd Bomb Squad) was lost on the mission. The aircraft unreported from time of take off. No messages of distress or trouble were ever received. Several Crews reported seeing lights in the southwest corner of the target area, going downward followed by an explosive fire on the ground. As our aircraft was the only missing aircraft in the Wing, this may possibly have been it. However, there is no means of establishing actual proof at the present time.

The following events occurred during the month of June and are worthy of mention:

The Rear Echelon of the 468th Bomb Group comprising 11 Combat Crews, Ground Officers and Enlisted Men from Group Headquarters and the 3 Squadrons, arrived on 7 June from India. This brought the Group to full strength for the first time since March. The Rear Echelon left Kharagpur on 6 May, moving by rail to Calcutta, embarking there aboard the USS General LeRoy Eltinge (AP #154) for the completion of the journey by water.

On 16 June the new Group Theatre was opened officially with the US Army Special Service Show “Shape Ahoy”. Christened the “Bomb Box Bowl”, the theatre is really a remarkable tribute to American ingenuity and the men’s ability to make the most out of the inadequate materials available. The name Bomb Box Bowl is especially fitting as nearly every piece of lumber used in the creation of the stage and projection booth came from salvaged bomb crates. The finished product is actually architecturally satisfying – a fine rotunda stage, projection booth, plus a seating capacity of 3,000.

Plans were drawn up for an Enlisted Men’s Club. This promises to be the finest on the island. The Quartermaster Corps has promised four prefabricated units to meet the basic building requirements and a sum close to $5,000 has been subscribed to buy furnishings which will include ice cream makers and refrigeration units, etc.

Tentative arrangements were also begun on an Officer’s Club. Capt. Martin Roe, a 792nd

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Crew Member (Squadron Navigator), an architect in civilian life, was hard at work on plans for a structure, which would combine facilities for a reading and writing room, bar, etc.

Award of the Distinguished Unit Citation

It was only fitting that during this month which marked our first anniversary in combat, suitable recognition should be awarded to all personnel who took part in the noteworthy effort. At the briefing on 14 June, “Col. Jim” (Colonel James V. Edmundson) our Commanding Officer, gave us the word that we might expect something the next day. Sure enough, on June 15th, exactly one year to the day of our first bombing of the Japanese mainland, the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces, General of the Army Henry H. Arnold, arrived on Tinian and presented to the four Groups of the 58th Bomb Wing the Distinguished Unit Citation. Although the General Order announcing the award has not been received to date a true copy of the message is available. It reads as follows:

468th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) XXth Bomber Command is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy. On 20 August 1944, the Group dispatched B-29 Aircraft to its Forward Bases and all aircraft were airborne on D-Day as a part of the XXth Bomber Command. Fighter opposition was successfully overcome on the way to target. Despite a steady hail of intense and accurate flak concentration which accounted for the destruction of one aircraft and damage to a second, which caused it to crash on the return to the mainland of China, and despite continuous enemy fighter attacks employing suicide ramming tactics which accounted for the destruction of two or more of the aircraft, the 468th Bomb Group succeeded in destroying the Imperial Iron and Steel Works of Yawata on the Japanese mainland. In the accomplishment of its primary mission, fifteen enemy aircraft were damaged or destroyed. The success of its part of the mission by the 468th Bombardment Group was especially outstanding in that the method of attack used called for the utmost in daring and skill. The first daylight raid over the Japanese home islands since the historic raid of Tokyo in April 1942 proved the real effectiveness of daylight precision bombing by B-29s. The hazards of mechanical failure, fighter opposition, flak and barrage balloons on the mission of over three thousand miles were all overcome by the valor and high professional ability of all members of the 468th Bombardment Group, and by their courage, cooperative spirit and tireless energy, the individuals of this Group have reflected great credit on themselves and the Army Air Forces

By COMMAND OF GENERAL ARNOLD

Although the strength of the Group showed little change in statistical figures (1 June: 393 Officers, 1687 Enlisted Men; 30 June: 431 Officers, 1696 Enlisted Men) there were a number of changes in personnel that had widespread effect.

June saw the first of our older Crew Members finishing up their tours of duty. The XXIst Bomber Command policy at the present time calls for 35 missions, with an adjusted compensation allowance made for Crew Members of the 58th Bomb Wing for combat hours accrued to India and China. Capt. Pat Saunders of the 793rd Bomb Squadron was the first Airplane Commander to reach this goal. During the month many other Crew Members completed their tours, and it is estimated that by the end of July all of the old Crews will have finished up.

Because of the unusually large number of Crews reaching 35 missions, the need for replacement Crews has been tremendous. Every effort is being made by Colonel Edmundson and Brigadier General Ramey to fill the breach and assure the veterans of honest and just treatment. During the month the 468th Bomb Group received 13 new Crews, which were carefully allotted to the various Squadrons in proportion to their needs. © 2008 New England Air Museum. All rights reserved.

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On 12 June three of our older Crews were sent back to the States for Lead Crew training. The Crews headed by Captains Ezell, Warner and Leighty will proceed to Muroc Army Air Base, Muroc, CA for 30 days training after the completion of which they will return to the Group.

There were a number of promotions during the month all involving flying personnel. Douglas H. Hatfield, O-403899, Commanding Officer of the 793rd Bombardment Squadron, was promoted from Major to Lt. Col., Captains Goodrich, Michaliszyn, Bores and Skelley received their majorities. In addition there were a number of Airplane Commanders promoted to Captain in each of the Squadrons.

Lt. Col. Walter R. George, O-397383, Commanding Officer of the 794th Bombardment Squadron, was returned to the United States on emergency leave. Maj. Clarence C. McPherson, O-397564 assumed command of the 794th Bomb Squadron.

Morale: EXCELLENT

792ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (VH) – JUNE 1945

Beginning our operation from the Tinian Base in May, the air echelon and the advanced echelon arrived in April 1945; the remainder of the Squadron personnel, which traveled by ship, arrived at the Base on June 8th 1945.

The month of June was the busiest month the Squadron has ever had from the standpoint of the number of missions completed. The Squadron participated in ten missions.

Osaka Harbor Area, June 1 1945. A daylight incendiary by the four Bomb Wings of the XXIst Bomber Command took part. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft # Pilot Target Bombed

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Brown, H. Primary Target 4 Mills, R. Primary Target 5 Wildman, A. Primary Target 7 Clark, H. Primary Target 9 Good, H. Primary Target 10 Clark, G. Primary Target 11 Goeringer, J. Primary Target 14 Leighty, C. Primary Target 15 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Hokanson, J. Primary Target

Kobe-daylight incendiary June 5 1945 in which four Bomb Wings took part.

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Goeringer, J. Primary Target

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2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 4 (703) Mills, R. Primary Target Crashed Iwo Jima, no one seriously hurt 7 Clark, H. Primary Target 9 Good, H. Target of Opportunity #3 engine went out 10 Wildman, A. Primary Target 11 Keathley, H. Primary Target 14 Leighty, C. Primary Target 15 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target

Capt. Reida flew the first “Super Dumbo” mission in the Squadron and received no distress calls while on patrol.

Osaka Urban Area, June 7 1945, a daylight incendiary mission in which the four Bomb Wings of the XXIst Bomber Command took part. Our Group dropped 1,000 lb. high explosive bombs on the arsenal. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Goeringer, J. Primary Target 3 Brown, H. Primary Target 5 Hokanson, J. Primary Target Feathered #1, landed at Iwo Jima 7 Clark, H. Primary Target Landed at Iwo Jima, refuel 9 Good, H. Primary Target Abort 10 Clark, G. Primary Target 11 Keathley, H. Primary Target 14 Leighty, C. Primary Target Landed at Iwo Jima, refuel 15 Wildman, A. Primary Target Landed at Iwo Jima, refuel 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target Landed at Iwo Jima, refuel

Tomioka Aircraft Factory, June 10 1945. A daylight precision mission in which the 468th Bomb Group only participated. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Brown, H. Primary Target 6 Goeringer, J. Primary Target 7 Welsh, T. Primary Target 9 Good, H. Primary Target 11 Keathley, H. Primary Target 10 Clark, G. Primary Target 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target

Osaka Urban Area, June 15 1945. A night incendiary mission in which four Bomb Wings participated. The following Crews participated:

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Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Shafer, E. Primary Target 6 Jackson, D. Target of Opportunity (Tokashima) 7 Clark, H. Primary Target 8 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 9 Good, H. Primary Target 10 Clark, G. Primary Target 11 Keathley, H. Primary Target 14 Welsh, T. Target of Opportunity Landed Iwo Jima, refuel 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target 17 Brown, H. Primary Target

Omuta Urban Area, June 18 1945. A night incendiary mission in which the 58th Bomb Wing only took part. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Morris, M. Primary Target 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Goeringer, J. Primary Target 6 Mills, R. Primary Target 7 Clark, H. Primary Target 8 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 9 Tolzmann, R. Primary Target 10 Clark, G. Primary Target 11 Igou, P. Primary Target Landed Iwo Jima, refuel 14 Welsh, T. Primary Target 15 Shafer, E. Primary Target Landed Iwo Jima, refuel 16 Lippencott, H. Primary Target 17 Jackson, D. Primary Target

Toyohashi Urban Area, 19 of June, which was a night incendiary mission. The 58th Bomb Wing took part. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Goeringer, J. Primary Target IFF* out 5 Wildman, A. Early return 6 Tolzmann, R. Primary Target 7 Clark, H. Abort 8 Hokanson, J. Early return, #1 feathered 9 Good, H. Early return 10 Igou, P. Primary Target Landed at Iwo Jima, refuel 11 Keathley, H. Primary Target 12 Morris, M. Primary Target

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14 Welsh, T. Primary Target #1 feathered, structural damage 15 Shafer, E. Primary Target Landed at Iwo Jima 16 Lippincott, H. Primary Target 17 Brown, H. Primary Target Bomb bay trouble, landed Iwo Jima · IFF = (Radar Set – Identification Friend or Foe)

Kure Naval Arsenal, a daylight precision mission on the 22nd of June in which two Bomb Groups took part. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Brown, G. Primary Target 3 Goeringer, J. Abort 5 Igou, P. Primary Target Landed Iwo Jima, #2 feathered 6 Mills, R. Primary Target Minor flak damage 7 Clark, H. Target of Opportunity (Iwo Jima) 8 Hokanson, J. Abort 10 Clark, G. Primary Target 12 Tolzmann, R. Primary Target Minor flak damage 14 Welsh, T. Primary Target Minor flak damage 15 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target Minor flak damage

Osaka (Sumitomo-Osaka Propeller Plant) a daylight precision raid with two Groups participating on the 26th of June 1945. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Jackson, D. Primary Target Landed Iwo Jima, refueled 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Goeringer, J. Target of Opportunity #3 feathered, oil leak (Tokushima) 5 Igou, P. Primary Target 6 Morris, M. Primary Target 7 Clark, H. Primary Target #1 feathered, #1 losing oil, landed at Iwo Jima 8 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 9 Good, H. Primary Target 10 Clark, G. Primary Target #1 landed at Iwo Jima 12 Tolzmann, R. Primary Target 14 Lippincott, H. Target of Opportunity (O’Shima) 15 Wildman, A. Primary Target 16 Skelley, E. Primary Target 17 Brown, H. Primary Target

Okayama Urban Area, incendiary night mission on the 29th of June in which the entire 58th Bomb Wing took part. The following Crews participated:

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Aircraft Pilot Target Bombed Remarks

1 Gifford, C. Primary Target 2 Smith, W. Primary Target 3 Goeringer, J. Primary Target 5 Wildman, A. Primary Target 6 Morris, M. Primary Target 8 Hokanson, J. Primary Target 9 Good, H. Primary Target 11 Keathley, H. Primary Target 14 Welsh, T. Primary Target 15 Shafer, E. Primary Target 16 Jackson, D. Primary Target 17 Lippincott, H. Primary Target

A total of three new aircraft were assigned to the Squadron during the month.

Five new Crews were assigned to the Squadron during the month; the First Pilots of the Crews assigned are listed below:

Major Willis, Edward B. 1st Lt. Lippincott, Howard F. 1st Lt. Morris, Melvin W. 1st Lt. Stavin, Irwin A. 1st Lt. Maxwell, Kenneth L.

1st Lt. Claude C. Leighty and Crew left upon orders for the Muroc Army Air Base in California for further training and upon completion of their training, they will return to the organization.

The following ten Officers and Enlisted Men completed their thirty-five missions during the month:

Maj. Brown, Harold R. Maj. Skelley, Edgar R. Capt. Good, Harold W. Capt. Roe, Martin D. 1st Lt. Tolzmann, Raymond F. 1st Lt. Marcheterre, Robert J. 1st F/Eng Beam, Walter W. T/Sgt. Howland, Charles R. S/Sgt. Emperor, Joseph C. S/Sgt. Richardson, Russell L.

The promotions of Officers and Enlisted Men during the month were as follows:

To Major: Edgar R. Skelley

To Captain: Harris G. Clark, Jr. Jack Goeringer

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Harold L. Keathley Thomas G. Welsh Charles C. Gifford

Enlisted Men:

From T/Sgt. To 1st Sgt.:

Joseph S. Longosz

To T/Sgt.:

Robert E. Becker

To S/Sgt.:

Albert D. Ingle Ernest Halco Raymond Landry Michael Petra Newton E. Kennedy Angelo S. Piraneo Robert F. Geddes John A. Stich Charles O. Matlock Alex Krawchook Marcel Rogissart, Jr. Louis F. Gzajkowski

To Sgt.:

George E. Clark, Jr. Robert H. Duffield Frederick W. Harrington, Jr. Norris B. Smith James Bergolias Stephen Fromel

To PFC: Robert B. Anderson

Nine of our Enlisted Men were eligible and requested discharge through the age limit set by the War Department during the month. All nine left the organization during the month.

The members of 1st Lt. Morris’ Crew lost on the Okayama raid on June 29th are listed below; the Crew had participated in three missions previous to this one.

Morris, Melvin W., 1st Lt. Pilot O-672655 O’Nan, Bernard S., 1st Lt. Radar Operator O-449414 Wells, Thomas H., 2nd Lt. Bombardier O-2061296 Drew, Ernest L., 2nd Lt. Navigator O-932037 Black, Vernon D. 2nd Lt. Co-Pilot O-833295 Heckler, Francis E., S/Sgt. Flight Engineer 16018237 Shuler, Charles R., Sgt. Radio Operator 35903613 Polacco, Augustine L., Cpl. Left Gunner 12101958 Petty, George B., Cpl. Right Gunner 34919791 LeBlanc, Rixby J., Cpl. Tail Gunner 38487795 Ardoline, Robert F., PFC. Top Gunner 33609796

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The Squadron strength at the start of the month consisted of 111 Officers and 530 Enlisted Men as compared to 126 Officers and 529 Enlisted Men at the end of the month.

793RD BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (VH) – JUNE 1945

“Back in India, it was really tough! Why compared to flying out of those Cheng-tu hills, these Tokyo strikes are milk runs.” Daily, this line of “snow” is being drummed into our new Crews by the old XXth Bomber Command originals. But despite this talk, ten tough missions this month kept everyone at a high pitch. Lt. Serbay led the entire Group with flying nine out of these ten.

We have been told that the B-29s are now in the second phase of operations, with the main cities of Japan burned to the ground, there remains some 50 cities of moderate size that will be attacked so long as weather prevents the daylight precision strikes. The 793rd Bomb Squadron has had an outstanding record this month culminating in the winning of the Billy Mitchell Flag, the Group award presented for inter-Squadron competition. There follows a listing of missions and participation by Crews of this Squadron:

The first mission was on the first of June to the Osaka Urban Area. A daylight incendiary attack by all four Wings that resulted in the destruction of 5.2% of the built up area and leaving the second largest city in the Empire 18.6% burned out. Our Group contributed 192 tons to this success. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

22 Sullivan 23 Joyce 24 Windler 25 Arnold 26 Bores 27 Serbay 28 Warner 29 Doherty 30 Dean 32 Carlton 33 Saunders 34 Michaliszyn 35 Jennings

The second mission was on the 5th of June to the Kobe Urban Industrial Area in which 28% of the built up area was reduced to ashes. On this strike we lost the fine Crew of Captain “Hap” Arnold and all his men who had been with us since the formation of the Squadron at Salina. The men were close friends and the loss was stunning.

A/C Mingtoy 25 was in a 313th Bomb Wing formation with Major McPherson in A/C 2. They were the only aircraft of our Group in this formation and they joined it between Initial Point and Primary Target. The formation dropped their bombs without incident. Enemy aircraft attacked from the bomb release line until course to land’s end. At which time the fighters broke off and there was a long space in which no opposition was met.

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A Tojo fighter attacked the formation from 12 o’clock high. The enemy aircraft appeared to come from the sea. He went through the entire formation until slightly below and in front of Arnold, who was flying on the right outside, at this point the fighter rolled over on his left and broke off over and in front of A/C 25 strafing as he went up. Immediately #1 engine started streaming smoke. This was at 340 23N/1360 05E at 15,000 ft. altitude while the formation was on a heading of 1160 true at midnight. Major McPherson’s Crew reports that Arnold’s aircraft peeled off to the left directly under his position on the left of formation and started a wide 3600 turn with the left wing down. Although no severe smoke or fire was seen from the aircraft, the left wing never came up and continued on descending circles until out of sight. It was estimated by this Crew that both Pilot and Co-Pilot were mortally wounded from the fighter attack, as the aircraft appeared controllable. The 468th Bomb Group formation that followed reported seeing a B-29 at approximately this time, making a wide circle to the right and losing altitude with #1 engine trailing smoke. This formation led by our A/C 46 passed right over this aircraft, assumed to be Arnold, as it crossed from left to right and parachutes began to appear and nine were definitely counted by Captain Doherty and Crew in A/C 29 while Lt. Britton of the 794th in A/C 47 reported possibly ten. All aircraft of this formation saw at least seven chutes. The chutes were seen to come out while the aircraft was at 8,000 ft. altitude. Enemy fighters were seen to fly through the open parachutes and it was variously reported that they were strafing the chutes or they were still chasing the damaged aircraft. It was last seen with both #1 and #2 engines trailing smoke. No distress message was heard over the radio. The aircraft went into dive, recovered and was observed to crash and explode on a hill reported from 340 20N to 340 14N and 1360 05E to 1360 20E.

The following is the load list of A/C 665:

Capt. Robert T. Arnold 1st Lt. Garman 1st Lt. Roy M. Young F/O Melvin Wolf Sgt. Joseph R. McDaniel S/Sgt. Charles Vreeland S/Sgt. Glenn C, Huhnstock S/Sgt. Theodore P. Ladd S/Sgt. Kenneth R. Kirkland Cpl. Theodore Mainero

The following Crews aided the 468th Bomb Group in delivering a record 231 ½ tons:

Aircraft Pilot

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30 Dean 31 Carlton 32 Marbury 33 Saunders 34 Michaliszyn 35 Jennings

Without a breather the Command went out on the 7th of June for a repeat performance at Osaka, this being the first precision mission of the month. The target was the Osaka Arsenal and 10/10 cloud coverage prevented good results. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 23 Joyce 24 Windler 26 Bores 28 Warner 29 Sullivan 30 Dean 31 Carlton 33 Saunders 34 Michaliszyn 35 Wolf

Out of 11 aircraft from this Group that landed at Iwo, only one from our Squadron, Capt. Bores, was forced to stop there.

10 June the Japan Aircraft Company at Tomioka, just south of Yokohama, was the target but was in a “socked in” condition again preventing visual bombing but some excellent radar runs were reported. No photo coverage prevents assessment. Fourteen of our aircraft flew this strike as listed below. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 29 Doherty 34 Michaliszyn 30 Sullivan 35 Wolf 26 Pattillo 27 Serbay 23 Joyce 32 Marbury 22 Jennings 33 Vester 31 Nelson 24 Greenwald 28 Warner

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The 15th of June an Osaka night incendiary mission raised the total damage to 25.6% of the built up portion. The 468th Bomb Group contributed 225 tons. Lt. Wolf in A/C 35 was forced to return early due to mechanical trouble, this being our first abort of the month. Lt. Cobb and Crew were forced to land at Iwo Jima but the remaining aircraft made the strike in good order. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

35 Wolf 31 Nelson 32 Marbury 34 Greenwald 30 Dean 29 Doherty 23 Joyce 22 Jennings 24 Vester 21 Cobb 33 Saunders 27 Serbay 28 Sullivan

On the 17th of June, Omuta, Kyushu, an urban area very near to the cloud-covered nemesis Omura, was the target. Saunders and Doherty were forced to abort and landed early. The remaining Crews completed the mission in good style reporting good results. The final assessment showed only .11% damage. A great disappointment and an unsolved mystery. The following Crews participated with Lt. Nelson acting as Air Sea Rescue Super Dumbo:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 22 Wolf 23 Joyce 24 Windler 26 Boland 27 Serbay 28 Vester 29 Saunders 30 Dean 31 Carlton 32 Jennings 34 Sullivan 35 Nelson

General of the Army Henry H. Arnold was on Tinian for the first anniversary of the B-29 bombing of Japan and presented the Presidential Unit Citation to the four Bomb Groups of the 58th Bomb Wing for the daylight Yawata raid of the 20th of August 1944.

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On the Toyohashi night incendiary of the 19th of June violent thermals were encountered from the blazing city that tossed the B-29s about like match sticks and caused injury to many Crew Members. Captain Doherty in A/C 29, old “Dragon Lady” flew a Super Dumbo mission.

The following Crews helped drop the Group’s 263 tons, a new record, causing destruction of 52% of the city.

Aircraft Pilot

23 Joyce 24 Windler 25 Greenwald 26 Boland 27 Serbay 28 Vester 29 Doherty 30 Sullivan 31 Carlton 32 Saunders

The Primary Target on the 22nd of June was the Kure Naval Arsenal. A daylight strike of the “roughest” type over the foremost naval base on the Japanese mainland. Flak was intense and accurate and caused a loss of A/C 35 with Lt. Nelson and Crew and A/C 23, 26, 30 and 34 received major battle damage. Nellie and his Crew’s aircraft were hit by flak over the Primary Target and was last seen afire, going straight down after making a valiant attempt to reach air rescue facilities. At least three chutes and possibly six were seen by nearest friendly aircraft. An accurate count being impossible as A/C 35 disappeared into 10/10 undercast at 10,000 ft. on its way down. The first chute was seen to open at 18,000 ft., which time the wing came off and the aircraft was last seen ablaze going down. It is believed to have crashed on Shikon Island at 330 25N - 1330 26E. Visibility for sighting parachutes was very poor as the 10/10ths cloud cover below made poor contrast with the white silk. It was estimated at the time that some of the parachutists may have reached water’s edge and a submarine went in to investigate. No positive report to date. This was the second time Lt. Nelson was hit seriously by naval flak, the first being at Singapore against the naval storage area, just south of the sunken floating drydock. The following is the Crew list of A/C 35:

Capt. Earl J. Nelson Sgt. Alvin J. Einstein 1st Lt. John D. Taylor Sgt. Theodore J. Prince 1st Lt. Robert N. Dyer Sgt. Stanley V. Petric 1st Lt. Frank W. Maloney Sgt. John A. Moore, Jr. Sgt. Charles J. Carnett

If it were not for this grievous loss, the mission would have been a great success. Although there have as yet been no post strike photos, all returning Crews reported excellent results and the strike photos later bore this out. Capt. Michaliszyn led our formation with Lt. “Plot” Plotkowski on the bombsight. The following Crews participated:

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Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 23 Jennings 24 Vester 25 Greenwald 26 Bores 27 Serbay 29 Doherty 30 Sullivan 31 Wolf 33 Boland 34 Michaliszyn

For the first time in the Group’s history 4,000 pounders were carried to the Sumitomo Light Metal Co., manufacturers of propellers for the Japanese Navy, in the Osaka Harbor district. The mission took place on the 26th of June and was planned to be the first of our daylight Empire strikes with each of the Bomb Wings striking at different targets and in Group strength. Unfortunately 9 to 10/10 coverage allowed only single aircraft runs and all bombing except for one aircraft was done by radar. The target is rated as 12% destroyed as the result of this strike. Again Pilot Cobb and Crew aborted and just about frayed the nerves of Will Holderby and some of the other members as they were “sweating out” their thirty-fifth mission. The following Crews participated:

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 23 Bores 24 Boland 25 Jennings 27 Serbay 28 Vester 29 Tice 31 Wolf 32 Marbury 33 Madden

Another incendiary mission and a blow at Okayama, an important inland sea manufacturing town was run on the 28th of June. The following Crews burned 63% of that city to the ground.

Aircraft Pilot

21 Cobb 22 Sturgis 23 Joyce 24 Windler 25 Sullivan 27 Serbay 29 Doherty

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30 Dean 31 Carlton 32 Wolf 33 Madden 36 Jennings

You can’t operate at this accelerated rate without pushing some of the “old timers” into the graduating class of June ’45, men who have completed 35 missions. We had a total of 25 graduates this month and some have already left for Uncle Sugar Able. A list of these men follows:

Maj. W.B. Marbury S/Sgt. J.A. Kosoglov Capt. P.H. Saunders S/Sgt. R. Iverson Capt. D.C. Dean S/Sgt. A.E. Finch 1st Lt. H.H. Fauth S/Sgt. G.R. Muir 1st Lt. H.D. Madden, Jr. S/Sgt. V.H. Brutlag 1st Lt. H.K. Parrock S/Sgt. R.T. Auth 1st Lt. W.W. Holderby S/Sgt. J.E. Pokraka 1st Lt. H.F. Teague S/Sgt. F.L. Kirby, Jr. FO H. Patgurski S/Sgt. K.F. Hunt T/Sgt. H.W. Sukowaty S/Sgt. E.F. Mierzewski T/Sgt. M.J. Herrighty S/Sgt. L.L. Murray S/Sgt. A.L. Butler S/Sgt. J.F. Lynch

On 1 June the Squadron had 111 Officers and 501 Enlisted Men assigned whereas on the 30th there were 138 Officers and 528 Enlisted Men, 9 Officers and 13 Enlisted Men were listed Missing in Action. The growth of the Squadron this month is due to the influx of six stateside replacement Crews who at this writing have already captured the sprit of the 793rd Bomb Squadron. The men by Crew are listed below:

Crew #1 Crew #14

1st Lt. Patton, E.H. 1st Lt. Camarena, A. 2nd Lt. Anthony, L.M. 2nd Lt. Williams, J.M. 2nd Lt. Keegan, J.J. FO Strauel, H.A. FO Derzen, D. 2nd Lt. Dillon, R.J. T/Sgt. Martin, O.C. S/Sgt. Breckner, C.N. Cpl. Casterton, C.C. Sgt. Jamison, G.L. 2nd Lt. Burden, J.D. 1st Lt. Flodder, R.P. Sgt. Carlisle, J.H. Sgt. Bost, J.W. Sgt. Mantovani, G. Cpl. Nix, F.W. Sgt. Gaber, R. M. Sgt. Didia J.V. Sgt. Brown, J.D. Cpl. Spellman, M.D.

Crew #15 Crew #22

1st Lt. Chiles, E.B. Jr. 1st Lt. Burggraf, D.R. 2nd Lt. Kellogg, L.S. 2nd Lt. Garner, V.W. 2nd Lt. Lundberg, D.E. FO Hahn, L.J. 2nd Lt. Budd, M.H. 2nd Lt. Murphey, J.T.

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Sgt. Fenush, M.H. S/Sgt. Mummah, J.F. Cpl. Tkach, H.V. Sgt. Hart, H.E. 2nd Lt. Gordon, J.E. Jr. 2nd Lt. Wright, R.D. Sgt. Burnett, W.F. Sgt. Doughty, R.N. Sgt. Holbert, R.B. Cpl. Rodolph, C.P. Sgt. Cody, J.C. Sgt. Schroeder, W.C. Sgt. Hill, S.L. Cpl. Berry, J.T.

Crew #23 Crew #24

1st Lt. Cooper, G.H. 1st Lt. Cariacato, L. 2nd Lt. Daniell, R.B. 2nd Lt. Brady, R.C. 2nd Lt. Eubanks, J.W. 2nd Lt. Haynes, J.J. 2nd Lt. Beck, K.G. 2nd Lt. Carisio, J.M. Sgt. Lesh, L.C. S/Sgt. Vancott, E.K. Cpl, Madary, A.V. Sgt. Briggs, L.A. Jr. 2nd Lt. Elrod, J.H. 1st Lt. Clark, W.E. Sgt. Campbell, J.E. Sgt. Dupell, J.L. Cpl. Earl, T.E. Cpl. Rhode, E.W. Sgt. Curry, J.A. Cpl. Sharp, O.L. Jr. Cpl. Crossan, J.A. Cpl. Glasgow, B.M.

Major “Cactus Kenny” Baile was transferred out of the Squadron to be Group Adjutant.

Cpl. Harry C. Hunter was returned to the States on an emergency furlough.

Starting with the chief, the Squadron Commander, Pappy Hatfield, receiving his Lt. Colonel, there was a flood of long awaited promotions:

Theodore J. Michaliszyn to Major Edward J. Warner to Captain Albert D. Bores to Major Leonard J. Irwin to M/Sgt. Curtis P. Vester, Jr. to Captain Paul O. Peterson to M/Sgt. William J. Greenwald to Captain Michael J. Herrighty to T/Sgt. Earl J. Nelson to Captain Robert N. Smith to T/Sgt.

While most of us sweat out the real meaning of the critical scores under the readjustment regulations, our respected “40-year olders” left for the States. Those that left are listed below:

S/Sgt. J.J. McKeigue Sgt. P.A. Biedon Cpl. A. Gazarek Cpl. N. Crichton PFC. W. Greensides

This was a big month for the Group with a total of 2,143 tons of bombs dropped in ten missions. On these 10 missions the Squadron had:

1. The greatest total of effective sorties – 118

2. The greatest number of combat hours – 1794:10

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3. The greatest number of training hours – 151:55

794TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (VH) – JUNE 1945

The strength of the 794th Bombardment Squadron on 30 June was 126 Officers and 525 Enlisted Men.

The three new Crews listed below were added to the Squadron during the month of June:

Pilot Capt. James W. Keefer Co-Pilot Lt. Verlyn T. McCarty Navigator Lt. Parker J. Corbitt Bombardier Lt. Herbert A. Hall Radar Operator Lt. Osburn E. McKInzie Flight Engineer S/Sgt. Howard E. Shepherd Radio Operator Sgt. Winfree A. Hines, Jr. Senior Gunner Sgt. Charles J. Reynolds Right Gunner Cpl. Elliott P. Price Left Gunner Sgt. Henry Jenkins Tail Gunner Cpl. Allen W. Kennard

***** Pilot Capt. Robert J. Ray Co-Pilot Lt. Jason O. Riley Navigator Lt. George K. Harbinson Bombardier FO Thomas Lamb Radar Operator Lt. Emil Cott Flight Engineer Sgt. George C. Wallace Radio Operator Sgt. Richard Zind Senior Gunner Sgt. Robert W. Bushouse Right Gunner Cpl. Arthur H. Finer Left Gunner Cpl. John Petroff Tail Gunner Cpl. George E. Leahy

***** Pilot Capt. Merwyn S. Ellis Co-Pilot Lt. Nevo F. Capitina Navigator Lt. Jesse M. Howart Bombardier Lt. Ben F. Fargason Radar Operator Lt. John Palin Flight Engineer S/Sgt. John W. Forbeck Radio Operator Sgt. Giacinto Gimbaleo Senior Gunner Sgt. Edward Buckman Right Gunner Cpl. Gerald Wylie Left Gunner Cpl. Floyd E. Mytton Tail Gunner Sgt. Loren S. Harshman

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On the 6th of June 1945 “C” shipment (Ground Personnel and spare Combat Crews who made the journey from India to Tinian via water) arrived aboard the USS Leroy Eltinge, one of the Army’s newest troop transports. 20 Officers and 171 Enlisted Men of this organization were aboard. Capt. Robert Cotton, Communications Officers of the 794th Bomb Squadron was in command of the Squadron in the absence of Major Loren Reitz, Executive Officer. “C” shipment was about a month enroute but the tedium of the long voyage was relieved by liberty in Perth, Australia. The most notable aspect of the trip was the even temper and good humor of the men on board. This geniality may be attributed to the excellent rations, shipboard radio station and such minor items as a well-stocked ship’s library and Post Exchange rations.

Capt. William Ezell’s Crew arriving with “C” shipment was selected for the Lead Crew training in the US. His Crew was placed on temporary duty and returned to the US via B- 29 on 12 June 1945. They will receive this training at Muroc AAB in California.

Lt. Col. Walter R. George, former Communications Officer of the 794th Bomb Squadron left Tinian on the 12th of June for an emergency leave in the US. He accompanied Capt. Ezell’s Crews. Lt. Col. George was transferred to the 468th Bomb Group where upon he received orders for his emergency leave.

Lt. George was replaced as Commanding Officer of the Squadron by Maj. Clarence C. McPherson who was formerly Operations Officer of the 792nd Bomb Squadron. Maj. McPherson has been in the 468th Bomb Group since October 1943 when he was assigned as an Airplane Commander in the 792nd Bomb Squadron.

Maj. McPherson is from Pennsylvania. His mother and father live at Cheswick, PA and his wife and daughter live in Tionesta, PA. He attended West Liberty College. On the 26th of December 1939 he entered the Army Air Force as a cadet taking primary training at the Spartan School of Aeronautics. His basic training was at Randolph Field followed by Advanced Training in the class of 40E at Kelly Field, after which he was commissioned on 31 August 1940.

Maj. McPherson’s first assignment was at McDill Field with the 29th Bomb Group where he remained until July 1941. In July 1941 he was among 10 Crews selected to help start a new Ferry Command and was placed on temporary duty with his new organization. After remaining on temporary duty for eight months he was permanently assigned and stationed at Long Beach, CA. In October 1943, Maj. McPherson was selected because of his experience and four-engine time as a Crew Commander for the new B-29. He was assigned to the 792nd Bomb Squadron at Salina, KS and received his Majority on 12 January 1944.

Maj. McPherson has about 2,400 flying hours to his credit of which 700 are B-29 hours. He has flown 27 combat missions since arriving in the theatre. Two of those missions were flown during the month (June 1945) with the 794th Bomb Squadron.

The following awards have been earned by Maj. McPherson: Air Medal with two clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Soldier’s Medal. The Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal were received for outstanding performance of duty and combat hours. The Soldier’s Medal was awarded for bravery and performance of duty without consideration for his own safety while in an air emergency.

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Maj. McPherson’s account is given in the last mission of the aircraft Mary Ann which is included in the Appendix.

Total Combat Flying Hours: 1598:30 Total Training Time: 132:40

The Squadron participated in 10 combat missions during June 1945:

MISSION 10 OSAKA 1 JUNE 1945

8 bombed the Primary Target 2 Early Returns 1 A/C Missing in Action

MISSION 11 KOBE 5 JUNE 1945

9 bombed the Primary Target

MISSION 12 OSAKA 7 JUNE 1945

8 bombed the Primary Target 1 Early Returns 1 hit the target

MISSION 14 TOMIOKO 10 JUNE 1945

10 bombed the Primary Target 1 ground abort

MISSION 15 OSAKA 15 JUNE 1945

10 bombed the Primary Target 2 hit Targets of Opportunity 2 Early Returns

MISSION 16 OMUTA 17-18 JUNE 1945

11 bombed the Primary Target 2 hit Targets of Opportunity

MISSION 17 TOYOHASHI 19-20 JUNE 1945

13 bombed the Primary Target

MISSION 18 KURE 22 JUNE 1945

11 bombed the Primary Target

MISSION 19 OSAKA 26 JUNE 1945

10 bombed the Primary Target 2 hit Targets of Opportunity

MISSION 20 OKAYAMA 28-29 JUNE 1945

12 bombed the Primary Target

For the last 5 missions in June, all scheduled aircraft were airborne to the score of 100%

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Capt. Harry Olson was credited with an “effective sortie” although he did not bomb Osaka on the 26th of June. On the way to the target the Crew spotted a life raft and Capt. Olson reported its presence to Air Sea Rescue and circled it until his visibility was absolutely restricted. A few days later the Navy reported through official channels that a US submarine had found two life rafts at this location and 4 survivors in the vicinity. The 58th Bomb Wing has acknowledged the aid given by Capt. Olson in the rescue of the survivors picked up by the US submarine.

Capt. Gordon Johnson and Crew are Missing in Action. They failed to return to this Base after the Osaka mission of 1 June 1945. One of the returning Crews reported that several aircraft, including Capt. Johnson’s flew into instrument weather 200 miles south of Japan. His aircraft was not seen after this time. No distress message was received and his loss was not suspect until several hours later when they failed to land at Iwo Jima or their home Base on Tinian. Air Sea Rescue was dispatched to their last known location and the area was searched for several days without success.

Listed below are the Crew Members and the number of combat missions they are credited with: MISSIONS

Pilot Capt. Gordon Johnson O-734239 15 Co-Pilot Lt. Robert S. Nave O-825240 14 Navigator Lt. John S. Hardin O-773376 13 Bombardier Lt. Buford B. Betts O-205840 15 Radar Operator S/Sgt. Donald P. Klein 13073569 16 Flight Engineer Cpl. Owen D. Nail 6859980 17 Radio Operator Sgt. Patsy J. Grimaldi 12160153 14 Senior Gunner Sgt. Eugene Hawks 19148766 14 Right Gunner Sgt. Duilio Paloetti 11009635 12 Left Gunner Sgt. Frank Fitzpatrick 13126050 14 Tail Gunner Cpl. Dan Chmielecki 42091740 9

The aircraft in our Squadron during June were:

42-24893 44-69660 42-24892 42-24734 42-24714 42-65275 42-65279 44-70146 44-70140 44-61674 44-70042 44-61566

In accordance with the War Department regulation allowing men over 40 to apply for discharge, S/Sgt. Frank Hanson and S/Sgt. Carl Westman, both over 40, were assigned to a Casual Depot awaiting shipment home. There are several additional men in the Squadron who are scheduled to leave under this regulation and are expected to be transferred in July.

The Squadron is at full strength. The men have discovered the coral beaches here on Tinian, where the water is as clear if not as pure as the water we drink. Most of the beaches have floats with diving boards and the lifeguards are on duty during the day.

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The morale of any outfit is necessarily higher when there are movies available and the 794th Bomb Squadron is no exception. Since there is little else to do, Special Service has a different film every night and there are frequent stage shows to enliven our evenings.

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Cow dung patties drying to keep the home fires Engine change burning. This photo by Ormand Pate. All others by

Noyes.

Our home away from home, a thatch-roof Prop adjustment hut in India.

Preparing the rice paddies in China Water well near chow hall A-7 China. “Boil it first before you drink it.”

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Ladies gathering thatch for our roofs. * Noyes with Indian guard

A building near A-7 in China. Could it be a bath house? Looks like men carrying bath towels. *

*Photos by TAMMINEN – 793RD

Below: she works with kids along. No baby sitters available. * Below: Returning to Base after bombs away. Automatic pilot on and fully relaxed. Pilot, Bombardier and Co-Pilot.

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General Doolittle’s plane sitting on the field at Kharagpur

There they are tailing you down the runway after an abort in the traffic pattern- 7,000 gallons of fuel, 5,000 lbs of bombs. Highest you ever got 120 ft. with No. 3 and 4 engines throwing smoke and flames. After Armorers preparing to load the bombs at Karagpur. you stop on the ramp so Photo: Al Zrodkiewicz other planes can continue to take off, they are there putting out the flame and helping the Crew clear the plane. THANK GOD for the fire fighters! This rugged guy is ELDON F. BRALEY, Fire Fighter at Kharagpur, standing by his crash truck. Thank you, Eldon, for being there. Tell the others you worked with, we think they were great.

Former 599th Air Engineering Squadron, 383rd Air Service Group. Posing for a picture to share with family and friends for the future. Photo: WALTER PYTLOWANY

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We give you the POSTVILLE EXPRESS in sections so as to present a better picture of 3 important people. On the left is Co-Pilot EARL J. NELSON, standing while assisting his Left Gunner, DANA GILLETT, check the cylinder heads.

On the right, of course, is MAJOR DON HUMPRHEY, Pilot of the POSTVILLE EXPRESS.

He and his Crew, with LT. COL. BILLINGS as Co-Pilot, were shot down over Singapore in A/C 704 January 11th 1945. (See pages 151-52.) He and the new plane were with the 792nd at this time. Pictures here and on the next page were furnished by DON HUMPHREY.

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The POSTVILLE EXPRESS was returned to the States on 12-30-44 as a war-weary. So these unweary guys are starting out the NEW YEAR with a brand new plane with all modifications completed. They are, L to R, rear: HUMPHREY-Pilot; NELSON-Co-Pilot; HANSMAN-Navigator; DUFFY-Bombardier; SALTZMAN-Flight Engineer; and GOVEDNIK- Radar Operator. Front row: KUNDRAFT-Radio Operator; LINDLEY-Right Gunner; McDONALD-Senior Gunner; SPRATT-Tail Gunner; FRANK CANCILLA-Crew Chief. 792nd Squadron A/C 704

L-R: Col. Jim Edmundson, C. O. 792nd. Lt. Col. Clinkscales, C. O. 794th. Major Humphrey, Operations Officer, 793rd, and “Cactus Jack” Van Horne, Operations Officer, 792nd. Clink is holding his little Cocker Spaniel, Sally, who always flew with him and was shot down with him over Yawata, 8-20-44.

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He served in the C.B.I. with the 9th Recon. Squadron. He wasn’t with us them, but he surely was with us during the preparation of this History. After retiring from the Air Force as a Lt. Col., he worked with the History Center at Maxwell Field. I found him through the CBI ROUNDUP when trying to find what happened to the two red-tailed B-29s I tagged onto to bomb Singapore one day. But…that’s another story. (See ROUNDUP, Jan. ’90.) They had both tossed out all equipment to lighten the ship, and made it back to Burma. They used an axe on anything bolted down. Bill set the record straight. He met and stayed with me making copies of the hard copy monthly reports. He did all the work and even bought my lunch!

Months later, in January 1991, he met with Joe Pokraka and me to help us again, including finding records for the three other Groups in our Wing. He did it all because he is interested in books of Historic Recall. He is WILLIAM GREENHALGH from Newburgh, NY, married to a lovely Brooklyn girl who is still at his side. They’ve been living in Watumpka, AL, since 1967. Thank you, Bill, for helping us.

WILLIS GATES believes we should put this photo in our History even though we don’t know what plane nor crew. We agree... 794th Squadron, he thinks.

Maybe we will have a list by second printing.

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Here is CAPTAIN MICHALSYN with same old Crew as on page 204, but in different order. They pose in front of the brand-new RAIDEN MAIDEN II. There is a big difference in the new B-29s as compared with those we started with. The Captain is first, left to right, and ANDREONI, who sent the picture, is 5th in the same back row. Editor’s note: Notice the stencil right above the front wheel well…”Home Alive in ’45, Hell or Heaven in ’47.

Prior to changes made the following month (October 1944), the 794th poses for a Squadron picture in front of a thatch-covered barracks. Photo by J.C. Smith. We now become a 3 Squadron Group.

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After his promotion to group headquarters, Col. Jim continued to participate in our missions, but in a different capacity. He shared his vast experience with our Lead Crews as he shares his thoughts with us now:

“In regard to the Yawata day mission, it was the first after I left the 792nd Squadron and Bill Savoie took over the squadron and my Crew. I set up the practice of flying with Lead Crews of all Squadrons and I flew this one with Doc Schonlau and his Crew in the 794th. We were leading the second element behind Clink when he was knocked down and Stauffer went down at the same time. Doc and I had troubles after the bombing because we had two props stuck in high pitch and we were burning too much fuel. We landed in Liangshan where they had never seen a B-29 before. They were anxious to get us out of there before daylight because they felt that a B-29 on the field would draw a Jap bombing attack, so they set up a Coolie bucket brigade and serviced us with 1,000 gallons 5-gallon flimsies. We took off and got back to A-7 a little after sun-up.”

Photo sent by John Sullivan who was also present as Flight Engineer on A/C 272 above, on that 20th day of August 1944. 794th squadron.

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Reading L to R they are: CAPT. JAMES W. SCHONLAU-Pilot; CAPT. DEXTER C. DEAN- Co-Pilot; LT. JOHN CONEFRY-Navigator; LT. JOSEPH CONNELL-Bombardier; LT. JOHN C. SULLIVAN-Flight Engineer; LT. MAURICE YOUNG-Radar Operator; SGT. MAX E. MALONE-Right Gunner; SGT. JAMES A. MERRIAM-Radar; SGT. JACK G. FARRIS-Radio Operator; SGT. RAYMOND SULLIVAN-Tail Gunner; SGT. ALFORD FORD-Senior Gunner; SGT. DARRELL VINSON-Crew Chief; SGT. JACK N. BUSH-Left Gunner.

This is the same Crew that flew A/C 272 over Yawata that day in August with COL. JIM. Due to a fuel transfer system malfunction, they landed at a fighter base near Liangshan, China. After repairs were made, they returned to A-7 the next day. The photo was taken by CAPT. OLAF and Crew in A/C 354, a plane in which MAJOR MARBURY and Crew also flew in combat. Both planes were in the 795th that became the 794th in October, 1944. A/C 272 was flown on 12 missions from the C.B.I. and 6 Hump trips. This plane was returned to the USA as a war-weary on 1-15-45.

Front – L to R:

ALFORD FORD JACK BUSH

Rear – L to R:

RAY SULLIVAN MAX MALON

795TH AND 794TH

Photos by: JOHN SULLIVAN

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This Crew had a horrible experience when taking off for the first mission over Japan by B-29s. At the request of GEN. SAUNDERS, LT. COL. KENNETH STACK, a Catholic Chaplain, blessed Saunder’s plane and those plane and Crews flying in his formation.

Taking off to the South, A/C 229 aborted take-off and rolled to a stop about 100 yards off the South end of the runway (in a rice paddy), caught fire and burned.

The Crew above lived through it all in spite of the fact that the rescuers were blown over twice, and machine guns started spraying shots in their direction. A-7 had no fire trucks or ambulances. They lived through it despite the total destruction of the plane. GEN. WOLFE jokingly said to the Chaplain: “You’ve been on the payroll a long time now; at last you’ve proved your value.” (Quote from the New York Times.)

The Pilot and Crew of the smashed bomber you see spread over these two pages are, L to R: CAPT. RICHARD E. HUGHES-Pilot; LT. CLAYTON K. TROYER-Co-Pilot; LT. D. C. McROSELL-Bombardier; LT. NORMAN E. PICKARD-Navigator; LT. SAM G. WOLFE-Flight Engineer; LT. J. B. JETT-Radar Operator; S/SGT. ROBERT A. SINGLETON-Radio Operator; S/SGT. E. A. SHRIVER-Senior Gunner; S/SGT. WILLIAM P. SCOTT-Left Gunner; S/SGT. BEN F. SMITH-Right Gunner; and S/SGT. EUGENE C. HILL-Tail Gunner. A/C 6229 – 793rd Squadron. THE INJURED: Left to Right:

E. A. SHIVER E. C. HILL B. F. SMITH W. P. SCOTT

SMITH sent the photos on pages 242-243.

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ALL IN PIECES

IN A MATTER

OF SECONDS

PROP AND ENGINE STUCK TOGETHER

WELL-TRAINED

MEN CLEARED

IN TIME

ENGINE & FUSELAGE HANGING IN THERE.

COCKPIT AREA CLEARED OUT

TAIL SECTION STILL ERECT

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ANSHAN AFTER 14 OUT OF 17 FROM THE 468TH PASSED OVER ON JULY 17TH 1944

CAPT. SCHNONLAU AND CREW, IN A/C 354 FROM THE 793RD SQUADRON, PERFORMED THE PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK AND JOHN C. SULLIVAN, FLIGHT ENGINEER ON THIS MISSION, SENDS US THE PHOTOS FOR OUR HISTORY. HE STATES THESE TWO SHOTS WERE MADE USING THE R-20 CAMERA, OPERATED BY OUR GUNNERS FROM THE SIDE BLISTERS.

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Formal burial service for S/Sgt. Martin Gregorski of The 599th Air Engineer Squadron, 383rd Air Service Group In Margarita, India.

Struck by lightning, in a basha while writing a letter to his wife.

Walter Pytlowany on a rest leave in Ranket, India. At first, he was an aircraft sheet metal man. Then he joined the base fire fighters 599th Air Engineers, 383rd Air Service Group and became Fire Chief.

They served the 468th until the group moved to Tinian. They looked out for our welfare, and remained to shut down Kharagpur.

These photos supplied by him.

An Indian lady catching

The cow dung before it

Fell into the dirt. They

Baked it in the sun and

Used it to replace fire

Wood, for cooking and

Heating.

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Left: Sgt. Ormond Pate, who has given us interesting pictures of Indian life. He was in the 794th and worked at the Squadron level.

At 86 years of age now, he still wears his 1943 uniform to one social event at each reunion.

This photo by: Leonard O’Dell of the Derby City Basha.

Editor’s note: Ormond E. Pate passed away in August 12 1997 in Louisville, KY at 91 years of age.

Another burning Ghat in Calcutta.

Photo by Pytlowany.