12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing 321st Bombardment Group History: October 1943

------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: October 1943

The following is a compilation of the 321st Bomb Group’s Headquarters and individual Squadron War Diaries. They have been transcribed word for word, from the Squadron Histories provided by the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama. At the end of each Squadron’s daily entry, the individuals cited in the entry are identified by full name, rank and duty, in alphabetical order. The day’s entry begins with the Tactical Operations Statement, from the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Chronology, for the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). The history also includes mission reports, mission crew rosters, Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR), personal mission logs, journals, and diaries made available by various sources.

Invitation

Anyone who has documentation pertaining to the 321st Bomb Group or its members, and would like to have it included in this history, is welcome to participate. Copies of: photos (official or personal); orders (promotion, decoration, travel, etc.); Mission Reports; Missing Air Crew Reports; personal diaries, logs, journals, etc; other documentation; or information that will help identify hi-lited individuals will be greatly appreciated, as one of my goals is to correctly identify every man and plane assigned to the 321st Bomb Group.

My only interest in this project is to honor those who served by perpetuating their story, and making it available for future generations, particularly the families and friends of our Great Heroes. If you are interested in helping, or if I may be of assistance in finding information about your 321st BG Hero, please contact me at: [email protected]

Special Thanks to Very Special Folks

Agostino Alberti: Professor - historian (Soncino, Italy) Michele Becchi: aviation history - archaeologist (Reggio Emilia, Italy) Jack Brellenthin, great nephew of: Harold Ray Brellenthin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Cecile Burandt, daughter of: Charles Lawson “Chuck” Burandt, Capt, pilot, 446th BS Sally Brown, daughter of: Barnard H. Seegmiller, Sgt, armament, 445th BS Dave Charville, grandson of: Leighton Daniel “Danny” Charville, 1Lt, pilot, 445th BS Barbara Connolly, daughter of: Edward Charles “Salvo” Ennis, T/Sgt, radar-radio- gunner, 447th BS 1Lt Robert S. Crouse: pilot, 379BS Ralph “Monguse” Gimenez: Software Architect, IL2-FB Skinner Bob Haney, son of: Vincent M. Haney, M/Sgt, flight engineer, 341st BG Ed Haney, cousin of: Gale Monroe Dickson, Capt, pilot, 446th BS Special Thanks to Very Special Folks (continued)

Jim Hawkins, son of: Frank B. “Pancho” Hawkins, 2Lt, pilot, 381st BS John Hughes, son of: John Jerome “Jack” Hughes, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS Patti Johnson: genealogist, proofer, and family friend of: James Raymond Orechia, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS Don Kaiser, son of: Quentin C. Kaiser, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 489th BS John Lanza, nephew of: William A. Lanza, Sgt, gunner, 446th BS Stephanie Lile, daughter of: Keith B. Lile, S/Sgt, gunner, 445th BS 1st Lt Joseph A. Malec: bombardier, 448th BS and friend of: Vernon Curtis Dossey, Capt, pilot, 448th BS Vince Mango, son of: Vincent A. “Vince” Mango, S/Sgt, aerial gunner, 447th BS John J. McCarthy: Sgt, engineer-gunner, bombardier, 447th BS Lorraine McRae, daughter of: James Arrington McRae, 1Lt, bombardier, 446th BS T/Sgt Rocco F. “Rocky” Milano & daughter Peggy Chatham: Crew Chief of Peg O' My Heart, Lil Butch, and Haulin' Ass, 446th BS Bob Ritger, nephew of: Frederic Charles Ritger, 1Lt, pilot, 446th BS Irving J. Schaffer: T/Sgt, radio-gunner, photographer, 448th BS 1st Lt Frederick H. Smith: pilot, 447th BS Marsha Gurnee Suszan, daughter of: Clarence E. “Shine” Gurnee, S/Sgt, gunner, 448thBS Dominique Taddei: author, U.S.S. Corsica (Corsica) S/Sgt George B. Underwood: gunner, 381st BS David Waldrip, nephew of: Robert Laseter Waldrip, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 447th BS Vinny J. White, son of: Joseph P. White, T/Sgt, radio-gunner, 381st BS S/Sgt, Harry (NMI) Yoa: engineer-gunner, 445th BS

Crew lists

Aircraft information - serial #, name, etc Sometimes used P Pilot Bomb/Nav Bombardier-Navigator CP Co-pilot BN Bombardier-Navigator N Navigator EG Engineer-gunner B Bombardier RG Radio-gunner E Engineer-gunner TG Turret gunner R Radio-gunner AG Aerial gunner G Gunner PH Photographer F Photographer AP Aerial photographer CL Cannon Loader (on B-25G) CC Crew Chief O Observer

Acronyms & Abbreviations

A/C: Aircraft M/G: Machine Gun A/D: Aerodrome MIA: Missing In Action AE: Aerial Engineer M/T: Motor Transport (Truck) A/F: Air Field, also Anti-Flak MTB: Motor Torpedo Boat AA or AAA: Anti-Aircraft (Artillery) M/V: Military Vessel, Maritime Vessel abs: absent M/Y: Marshalling Yards AGL: Above Ground Level MC: Maintenance Crew ALO: Allied Liaison Officer NARA: National Archives and Records Administration ALW: Alive and Well NASAF: Northwest African Strategic Air Force AMGOT: Allied Military Government for NATC - Northwest African Training Occupied Territories Command A.R.C.: American Red Cross NATOUSA: North Atlantic Theater of Operations USA ASC: Air Support Command Nav: Navigator ASN: Army Serial Number (personnel) N.B.S.: National Bureau of Standards Assg: Assigned NC: Nurse Corps. ASV: Anti-Surface Vessel (radar) NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer ATA: Actual Time of Arrival Nickels: propaganda Leaflets ATC: Air Transportation Command (NMI): No Middle Initial ATS: Air Transport Service - also Army NOK: Next Of Kin Telegraph Service Azon: Azimuth only (guided bomb) NRO: National Reconnaissance Office BC: Bomber Command OAF: Occupation Air Forces BIC: Bruised in Crash OD: Officer of the day, also Olive Drab Bmb: Bombardier OLC: Oak Leaf Cluster Bn: Battalion OTU: Operational Training Unit B.R.L.: Ballistic Research Laboratory PAX: Passengers BSM: Bomb System Maintenance PDI: Pilot Direction Indicator CA: Heavy Cruiser POE: Point of Embarkation CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited POW: Prisoner of War (also PW) C.B.I.: China-Burma-India Theater PRO-Kit: Individual Chemical Prophylactic packet C/D: Coastal Defense PW: Prisoner of War (also POW) CE: Circular Error PWB: Psychological Warfare Branch CEP: Circular Error Probable PX: Post Exchange Chaff (US term): Radar countermeasure: QBB: Base of cloud tiny strips of aluminum, metalized glass fiber, or plastic. See Window CL: Cannon Loader QDM: Course to steer CO: Commanding Officer QM: Quarter Master CG: Commanding General R/B: Road Bridge CP: Command Post RC: Red Cross CQ: Charge of Quarters R/J: Road Junction C/S: Call Sign R/Y: Railroad Yards CWS: Chemical Warfare Service Repl: Replacement D/H: Direct Hit RMC: Returned to Military Control DD: Destroyer RON: Remain OverNight DED: Declared Dead - no body or remains RR/B: Railroad Bridge found Demo: Demolition RR/J: Railroad Junction DL: Dead List RR: Railroad DNB: Died Non-Battle / Died Not-Battle RTD: Returned To Duty DOW: Died Of Wounds. R/V: Rendezvous DOWRIA: Died of Wounds Received in S-1: Administration Action DS: Detached Service S-2: Intelligence E/A: Enemy Aircraft S-3: Operations E/F: Enemy Fighter S-4: Supply EM or E/M: Enlisted Men SAP: Semi-Armor Piercing ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival SD: Special Duty ETIR: Estimated Time In Route S/E: Single Engine (plane) EUS: Evacuated to the United States S.E.: Special Equipment (Shoran) E/V: Enemy Vessel S/F: Siebel Ferry F Boat: Flying Boat sk: sick F/L: Formation Leader - also Flight Leader S/M: Submarine FO or F/O: Flying Officer SO: Special Order FOD: Finding Of Death SOI: Standard Operating Instructions? Frag: Fragmentation S/P: Sea Plane F.S.: Flight Section Sq: Squadron GLO: Ground Liaison Officer (UK) Sqdn: Squadron GO: General Order SWA: Seriously Wounded in Action GP: General Purpose/Gun Position T/A: Target Area GTC: General Time Convention (railroad) T/C: Troop Concentration HE: High Explosive T/E: Twin Engine (plane) IAS: Indicated Air Speed TAC: Theater Allied Command I & E: Information & Education TBF: Tactical Bomber Force I.F.F.: Identification, Friend or Foe TD: Temporary Duty (i. o.): Initials Only (initial is the name) TDY: Temporary Duty IP: Initial Point TLC: Tactical Landing Craft KNB: Killed Not Battle TO: Take-Off (time), also Technical Order, and Transportation Officer KIA: Killed In Action T/O: Table of Organization L/A: Landing Area TOT: Time Over Target/Time On Target LC: Landing Craft Trfd: Transferred L/G: Landing Ground TWX: Teletypewriter Message Lox: Liquid Oxygen u/i: Unidentified, also unit of issue L/S: Landing Strip UNRRA: United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration L/V: Large Vehicle Very Pistol or Verey Pistol: Flare gun LST: Landing Ship Tank VOCO: Verbal Order of the Commanding Officer Ltr: Letter WC: Water closet LWA: Lightly Wounded in Action W.O.: Warrant Officer MACR: Missing Air Crew Report WIA: Wounded In Action MATS: Military Air Transport Service Window (British term): Radar countermeasure: tiny strips of aluminum, metalized glass fiber, or plastic. See Chaff WP: White Phosphorus (bombs) WT, W/T: Watch Tower XC: Cross Country ZI: Zone of Interior (U.S.A.)

Friday, 1 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MEDITERRANEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MTO):

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (9th AF): In the first half of October, HQ Ninth Air Force and HQ IX Bomber Command begin a movement to England from Egypt and Libya.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's hit communications targets in the Capua, Grazzanise, Arce, and Mignano areas. B-24's, including heavy bombers on detached service from the Eighth Air Force, bomb Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; B-17's, sent against an airplane factory at Augsburg, Germany, fail to locate the target, and bomb several alternate targets and targets of opportunity in Austria, Italy, and off Corsica and Elba Island, Italy.

In Italy, Northwest African Tactical Bomber Force (NATBF) and XII Air Support Command medium and light bombers, and fighter-bombers hit the Benevento town area and marshalling yard, the bridge at Capua, and motor transport, trains, and railroads mainly in the Isernia area and N to Avezzano. The British King's Dragoon Guards (with the US Fifth Army) occupy Naples. British Eighth Army troops occupy Foggia airfields. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its 66th Fighter Squadron transfer from Gioia Airfield to Foggia, Italy with P-40's. The 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light), and 311th Bombardment Squadron (Dive), Twelfth Air Force, are disbanded at Nouvion, Algeria and Gela, Sicily respectively. A detachment of the 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) based at Enfidaville, Tunisia with B-24's, begins operating from Bengasi, Libya. During October, HQ 63rd Fighter Wing transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Bastia, Corsica; HQ 68th Reconnaissance Group transfers from Berteaux, Algeria to Massicault, Tunisia; the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Egypt to El Aouina, Tunisia with C-47's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Packing and preparations for the move to Grottaglie was the order of the day. Everyone was busy packing organizational and personal equipment as we were told that transport planes would arrive tomorrow to move part of the group to Italy. No mission because of moving.

445th BS War Diary: Preparations are being made for the move to Italy. The combat crews and the necessary ground personnel are scheduled to fly up tomorrow. Most of the men hate to leave their present post because of the nearby beach which they had come to take for granted. The kitchen was dismantled by the Italian prisoners this evening after chow.

Friday, 1 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS: War Diary of: Seegmiller, Barnard H., Sgt, armament: 10/01/43: “Day before yesterday Conner, Schlott and I drove to Le Kef to get some photos we had made there two months ago. It was an all-day, but enjoyable, trip. We got the pictures. Yesterday a torrential rain caused water to flow six inches deep through our tent. This morning there is a substantial rumor that an advance echelon is moving to the heel of Italy to bomb across the Adriatic.” Conner, Frederick P., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Schlott, Abraham W. “Abbie”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner, armorer

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual garrison duties.

447th BS War Diary: Packing and preparing to move were the order of the day for the flight echelon. A number of the tents were taken down and packed in the planes. Also the necessary equipment for immediate operations was loaded on the planes. A large number of DC transport planes came in late this evening. Ten of them will assist the squadron in the movement. As usual when a move is contemplated it rained furiously late in the night. There was a wild scamper by the men whose tents had been taken down to get under shelter. The move is planned to begin early tomorrow morning but the rain has made the runway a muddy mess and things look doubtful. The 446th will send their mess with the flight echelon and are messing with our squadron temporarily.

MORNING REPORT for the week ending on the 1st of October, 1943: Assigned strength E.M.---292, Officers---88. Lt. Hasty and Lt. Daume were sent to the States. Klein and Weiss were transferred to the 331st Signal Wing. There are 6 E.M. and 9 Officers in Cairo. There are 4 men in the Hospital: Lamoureau, Fish, Dobbs, Penson. Daume, Oscar R., 2Lt, navigator Dobbs, William R., Cpl, mess Fish, Harold E., Sgt, gunner Hasty, Curtis B., 2Lt, pilot Klein, Almer A., Sgt, communications or Klein, Irving (NMI), Sgt, communications Lamoureau, Archille D., Sgt, photographer Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner Weiss, George G., Sgt, communications

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Saturday, 2 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Brigadier General Gordon P Saville becomes Commanding General, XII Fighter Command. Weather curtails operations.

In Italy, fighter-bombers of the XII Air Support Command attack motor transport, roads, and bridges during armed reconnaissance missions from the Volturno Valley N to Isernia and W to Benevento. The 64th and 65th Fighter Squadrons, 57th Fighter Group, transfer from Rocco Bernardo to Foggia, Italy with P-40's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The first transports arrived today, packed up loads of equipment and left for the new base. No mission.

445th BS War Diary: Early this morning, a severe rainstorm struck the area accompanied by sharp lightning and thunder. This heavy rain flooded the camp area, roads and runway and caused a postponement of the flights. Col. Knapp, Group Commander, managed to get off and was the first one to arrive in Italy. The order was to “stand by” for the whole day. Our men were forced to eat at the 448th area since our mess had already been moved. Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We were notified that we were to send an advance echelon to Italy so the day was spent in making ready. Everyone was excited over the coming move glad to soon be out of North Africa and hoping the next base would be better.

447th BS War Diary: The ten transports loaded with squadron equipment took off today for our new base in Italy. The flight echelon had a false alarm right after lunch and all went out to the planes with bed rolls and personal belongings in preparation to take off. The weather was deemed unsuitable however and they weren’t able to get away. All the men returned to the area for another night. Capt. R.W. Richardson returned from Cairo with the group of men from the squadron who flew there with him September 25. Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “On way to Italy, sight many ships, fog and rain. Arrive at Grottaglie, sleep under plane. W. House – 10 cents, Haircut – 10 cents, Shave – 5 cents.”

Sunday, 3 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's, B-25's, and P-38's bomb railroad, highway, and pontoon bridges, an overpass, and road junction at Capua, Castel Volturno, Piana, Arce, Mignano, and Isernia; P-38's also hit shipping between Corsica and Italy. XII Bomber Command fighter-bombers hit motor transport in the battle area as US Fifth Army troops take Benevento. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Grombalia, Tunisia to San Pancrazio, Italy with P-38's. HQ 313th Troop Carrier Group and its 29th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Sciacca to Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily with C-47's. HQ 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 445th, 446th and 447th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) transfer from Soliman, Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy with B-25's. HQ 324th Fighter Group and its 314th, 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons transfer from El Haouaria to Menzel Heurr, Tunisia with P-40's. These units have been regrouping since Jul 43. Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), based at Enfidaville, Tunisia begin operating from Bengasi, Libya with B-24's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Part of the flight echelon left today for Grottaglie with instructions to be prepared for a mission tomorrow. No mission.

445th BS War Diary: Impatiently “sweating out” the weather, the men rejoiced at the blue skies this morning. However, it was in the midst of showers and dark clouds that a large number of the ships took off and headed for Italy. Upon landing at the new base, most of our men were visibly impressed by the wreckage of German, Italian and even Allied planes; and the two large hangars that were severely hit by bombs. Supper at the new base consisted of C-rations. Most of our men slept out in the open tonight in view of the absence of our tents.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. The advanced Flight and Air echelons departed from Soliman North for their destination which was Grottaglie, Italy.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: Letter Home: “I’m getting along o.k. and the crew is all feeling o.k. They’re a swell bunch of fellows. Hope you get the pictures o.k. of the crew.”

447th BS War Diary: Nineteen of our aircraft left the Soliman air port at 1230 hours this date to go to the Grottaglie airport. Twelve of these ships were loaded with frag bombs in order that a mission might be carried out at the earliest possible time. The other seven ships carried men and equipment. We arrived at Grottaglie at 1530 hours, there was a slight rain but the camp was arranged and set up before dark. Our squadron messed with the 446th tonight at which place we witnessed one of the longest chow lines of my army life. The flight over, which was led by Major Sampson, was uneventful and went off as scheduled. We also had several transport planes at our disposal for the trip over. They

Sunday, 3 October 1943 (continued) carried the heavy equipment, among which were jeeps, motorcycles, and material for the engineering department. There were also eleven men who came with the transports to see that all the equipment was unloaded and tents erected. Of the nineteen ships that took off for Grottaglie airfield only eighteen made the trip. One ship piloted by Lt. Ashley turned back because of engine trouble. Ashley, Wilson S., 2Lt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander

REAR ECHELON: We received word about two O’clock in the afternoon that the rest of the unit had 24 hours to prepare to leave. There was a mad scramble to make it. All combat men who have completed their fifty missions are being transferred out and are going to a rest camp near Oran to await orders. Capt. Gale returned to the squadron from the hospital at Mateur. Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot: “Moved to Taranto, Italy. Twelve ships carried frags plus the crew and baggage. Rest of airplanes in the squadron shuttled back & forth. Sixty odd C-47s moved all the equipment of the group including the jeeps, airplane parts, tents, kitchens, etc.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Work on plane. Repair work on nose wheel.”

Monday, 4 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb the Pisa marshalling yard and Bolzano bridges; B-25's and B-26's attack the airfield at Argos, road defiles at Terracina and Isernia, a highway overpass at Mignano, and shipping at Bastia; NATBF aircraft hit road and rail junctions on the main road N from Capua; XII Air Support Command fighter-bombers hit trains, roads, railroads, and vehicles near Isernia, Avezzano, Pescara, and Isolella. The Allies now have complete control of Corsica. The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force, based at La Marsa, Tunisia begins operating from Pontecagnano, Italy with F-5's. The 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, transfers from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-40's. The 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia sends a detachment to Gambut, Libya with P-38's. The 448th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Soliman, Tunisia to Grottaglie, Italy with B-25's. "A" Flight of the 15th Photographic Squadron (Heavy), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, based at La Marsa, Tunisia sends a detachment to Grottaglie, Italy with B-17's and F-5's. "B" and "C" Flights are still in the US.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: More transports came in today to take more of the ground echelon’s equipment and personnel to our new base.

The first mission of the month took off from the Grottaglie airdrome to bomb Argos Airdrome. Numerous direct hits were made on enemy aircraft on the ground and ten fires were counted. Three oil fires were seen, small buildings left burning and one large explosion was observed as the planes left the target.

On the take-off for this mission one engine of the plane, piloted by Lt. Brinkley of the 447th Squadron, failed and Lt. Brinkley, unable to get enough power out of the remaining engine to return to the field, crash-landed a few miles after the take off. Lt. Shaw, Brinkley’s co-pilot was killed in the crash, dying on the way to the hospital, and the rest of the crew were hospitalized for various injuries. Luckily the plane did not catch on fire nor did the bombs explode. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 132/mission 131) Group Mission # 133: ------Mission Report # 133, 4 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).

2. At 0925 48___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Argos A/D. __One__ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C crashed on take off. _None_ returned early. ___47___ dropped 3050x20 lb frag No. A/C No. A/C No. & Type

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

bombs at 1155 hours from 8000/9000 ft. __47___ returned at 1400. One lost, Time No. A/C Time none missing, none at friendly field.

3. Bomb pattern was reported good although field was so large that it was not completely covered. One string fell to W of field and one short. Numerous direct hits were made on E/A on ground, and ten fires counted. Fires were seen among planes on W, SW, NE sides of field. Small buildings on SW side burning. Three oil fires seen and a large explosion on E side when leaving.

4. Air------E/A were widely dispersed around field. Highest estimate of planes on field was 30/40 mostly S/E. Heaviest concentration on N, S and SE sides. Revetments were empty. L/G at 37-35N 22-43E approximate with few planes.

Marine----None.

Ground----None.

Flak------Light, slight, inaccurate. Some crews believe 40mm. Two guns observed at village N of field and two at SW corner of field.

5. Enroute----Light rain until off Italian coast. 3/10 at 1500. Visibility unlimited.

Target------CAVU.

Return------Light rain 9/10 at 9000 ft.

6. None

Flight leaders--Lt. Sinclair, Capts Griffith and Seel, Major Cook.

Number of sorties---47

Photos taken.

FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Our kitchen personnel are faced with the monstrous task of feeding all four squadrons plus Group Headquarters. They were forced to serve C-rations for breakfast. The new Squadron area is located in the midst of an olive tree orchard. It is quite muddy. The base is located just about two miles from the small town of Grottaglie which can easily be seen from our area. We are about 5 miles from the large seaport-town of Taranto. The men ate some delicious English stew for dinner in the midst of light showers which lasted till early afternoon. Many tents are starting to spring up in the area as the Squadron digs in once again. Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 132/mission 131) Group Mission # 133:

A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-30354 Gambler II” P O’Harra, Roderick E., 1Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt N Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt None B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Martin, William E., S/Sgt Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt R Hendricks, Harold L., T/Sgt Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt G Herbert, Richard J., S/Sgt Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Bonus, Robert M., Capt Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Ward, James M., 2Lt N Becker, Virgil C., 1Lt None B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt E Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt G Bryant, James C., S/Sgt Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 41-13202 “Idaho Lassie” Judy” P Butela, William F., 2Lt McGee, William N., 1Lt CP Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, 446th BS N None None B Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt E Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt R Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt O’Neil, Phillip W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt N None None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt Zimmer, Paul E., PFC E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Winston, E. G., S/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Calvert, Murley E., Sgt F None None

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Shaw, William H., 2Lt Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander CP Young, William G., 2Lt Miller, Gail G., 2Lt N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, S/Sgt Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt R Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt Eagan, Joseph E., T/Sgt G Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt Carleo, John J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-64575 P Bitner, William H., 2Lt Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt CP Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt N None Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt B Morgan, Robert E., S/Sgt McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt R Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt G Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt Woronuk, John (NMI), Cpl F None Landron, George J., Capt, 82nd FG

446th BS War Diary: Today Lt. C.M. VanArtsdalen finished his fiftieth mission. He was thinking of running more missions and later did go on another but was told this was his last. VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 132/mission 131) Group Mission # 133: Squadron Mission 105 TARGET: Argos A/D, Greece DATE: 4 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 13 Lt. Sinclair, 448th Sqdn, led the formation and the results of the attack were good. The bomb pattern was good although the field was not completely covered. One string of bombs fell West of the field and one fell short. Numerous direct hits were made on E/A on the ground and ten fires were counted. Fires were seen among planes on W, SW, and NE side of field. Three oil fires and a large explosion was seen. There were 30/40 aircraft on the ground. The flak was light, slight, and inaccurate. Lt Elliot flew as co- pilot for the 445th squadron. Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt, pilot Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt CP Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt Coe, George A., 1Lt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., Pvt Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt N None None B Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt E Milner, Walter C., Sgt Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt G Edwards, David R., S/Sgt Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Taylor, Peter D., Capt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N None Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Smith, James A., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-13200 Polka” P Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Haasch, George F., S/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam II of A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” St. Joe” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Chappell, Howard L., Capt CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt N None None B Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt G Skill, Donald H., Sgt South, William R., S/Sgt F None None B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt N None None B None None E Zittel, Harold L., S/Sgt Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer-gunner A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt CP Klang, Irving E., 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “Time is going pretty fast. The rains are about to start in North Africa. Occasional storms and fronts move in. They have held up several missions now. I have not flown past 45 missions and the Doc has sent me back to a hospital at Tunis. This time I am going to stay till I’m well. Have been here in the hospital for three days now. They still can’t find anything definite. I won’t go into the possibilities now, I may be entirely wrong. Backer, Max B., Capt, medical officer The day I came here the outfit moved into Taranto, in the heel of Italy. They will probably work ground support for Clark’s Army and then do work in the Balkans. They’ll be busy for a while.

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

Schmidt, Hileman and Cosner are now flying DC-3’s in a Troup transport…(line missing)…Max Garmon got sent home a week ago. I have lost a lot of weight. I don’t know what it is, but this country is no good for me, either the climate or food, or maybe just my nervousness. I’ll write more later.” Cosner, Oliver J. "Ollie", 2Lt, pilot Garmon, James M. "Max", Capt, pilot Hileman, Donald L. "Buck", 2Lt, pilot Schmidt, Frederick C. “Fred”, 2Lt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was the 50th for Lts. Nixon, Bugbee, and McDuff. Everyone spent a busy day in the squadron area erecting more tents and whipping the area into shape. Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt, pilot Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt, pilot

REAR ECHELON: We got up at five this morning and rushed around furiously getting all the tents down and personal belongings packed. Transports were to arrive at nine this morning to ferry the ground echelon to the new base in Italy. The tents were hauled out to the line and left there to be loaded when the transports arrived. They never came. Four squadron planes piloted by Capt. Richardson and Lts. Grantham, Hingel, and Fabling returned to the base to ferry the second group over. The first group of men who have completed fifty missions got their orders in the afternoon to return to the States. Some of the fifty-mission men are still at our new base in Italy; others will assist in ferrying the second group over tomorrow. The rest who still haven’t received orders to return to the States will go to rest camp to await them. Fabling, Charles R., 1Lt, pilot Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, 1Lt, pilot Hingel, Edward D., 1Lt, pilot Richardson, Robert W., Capt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 132/mission 131) Group Mission # 133: Twelve of our planes took off to bomb Argos Landing Ground, Greece. Bombing results good. Ten planes completed the mission and returned safely. Lt. Stephenson turned back soon after take off because of engine trouble and landed safely. The right engine on Lt. Brinkley’s ship cut out as he was taking off. He was about thirty feet in the air when it happened. He was unable to gain altitude and crashed a few miles north of the field. The plane was completely destroyed and all members of the crew injured except the bombardier, S/Sgt Harter. The crew was as follows: Lt. H.M. Brinkley, Lt. James Shaw, S/Sgt James Harter, S/Sgt Frank Johnson, S/Sgt Edward Ennis, and Pfc. Robert J. Smith. Lt. Brinkley, S/Sgt. Johnson, and Pfc. Smith are in the hospital in Taranto. S/Sgts. Harter and Ennis received first aid at the Group dispensary. Lt. Shaw has been flown to the hospital in Catania, Sicily. He suffered more serious injuries than the rest of the crew.

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12925 “Huckelberry A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” Duck” (crashed near base, shortly after (returned early – engine trouble) take off) P Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt Stephenson, Henry W. “Steve”, 1lt CP Shaw, James A., 2Lt Baxter, William T., 2Lt N None None B Harter, James, E., S/Sgt McCone, Walter G., 2Lt E Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt R Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt G Smith, Robert J., PFC Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt CP Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt E Roever, George W., S/Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., Sgt Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., Sgt Farrell, John J., Pvt F None Leon, Robert D., Cpl A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 42-64695 P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt Nixon, Donald O., 1Lt CP Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt N Colby, John W., 2Lt None B Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt Myers, William W., Sgt G Werner, George P., Sgt Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt Gill, Paul W., 2Lt CP DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt N None None B Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt Mercer, William R., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt Alton, David D., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt N None Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt Balsom, James P., S/Sgt G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt N None None B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt None

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 35) “Forty eight ships hit the airdrome at Argos, Greece. This was the first time in the war that a medium group had operated off the continent. The weather was very poor, scattered rain and clouds all the way. Light, inaccurate, heavy flak at the target. Forty- eight P-38s for escort. Brinkley crashed on the take off. He was flying off our wing. Shaw killed.” Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot

447th BS: War Diary of: McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 50) “…I got my fiftieth---and lad---bombing mission. It wasn’t a bad mission, but it started off badly. We had been at Soliman North in Tunisia, and one day we moved to Battipaglia, Italy. Fuel for our ships was carried by air transports in 5 gallon cans. Our ground crews worked all night fueling our airplanes for a raid the next day. Our mission was to bomb an air field at Argos, Greece. I was to fly in the last element of a 24 ship formation. I would be “Tail End Charley”—the position that usually get the worst of the flak. A fine kettle of fish for my fiftieth mission! As we took off—I was on the right wing of my lead ship---the ship on the left wing put out a long yellow flame from the right engine exhaust. It got off the ground, but couldn’t stay up. It went down in an olive orchard. The co-pilot was killed. The rest of the crew survived with minor injuries. The rest of the mission was uneventful. We bombed the airfield going in a northerly direction without a shot being fired at us. Tail End Charley saw no burst of black smoke! We stayed at altitude and flew north for a short time, then turned west to Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued) get back over water. After the turn, I looked back at the airfield and saw a thick layer of black smoke over it. They did a lot of shooting after we had gone! While we were gone it rained on our landing strip which was a dirt field. When I got on the ground, as was my usual practice, I touched my brakes to make sure they were undamaged. This time, nothing happened. I thought; Oh Boy! My last mission and no brakes! But when I looked out at my wheel, I saw that it would stop rolling when I touched my brake and was sliding on the wet dirt! I set my brake lock and skidded around to my parking area using my engines for directional control. When I got parked, I got out and kissed the muddy ground! It turned out that Bill Brinkley was the pilot of the ship that crashed after take-off. His brother, Jack had been his co-pilot for most of his missions, but had only recently been replaced. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Some cans of kerosene had been mixed with the cans of gasoline, and, unnoticed during the night, his ship had been fueled with kerosene! It might just as easily have been my ship! Thus ended my tour of combat…”

447th BS Special Account: On October 4 twelve of our planes were to participate in a raid on Argos L/G, Greece. The plane piloted by Lt. H.M. Brinkley had an engine quit immediately after take-off and crashed about five miles from the field. This account of the accident is based on information obtained from survivors of the crash and from others who say the plane in trouble. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot

As Lt. Brinkley’s plane raced down the runway for the take-off his right engine was seen smoking. When he was about 30 feet in the air the engine was on fire. Lt. Brinkley reported that he noticed unevenness in his right engine right after take off. Lt. Shaw at about the same time reported that the engine was on fire and pulled the Lox system switch. The plane was very hard to handle so Lt. Brinkley pushed the feathering button and believes the prop feathered as the plane immediately became easier on the controls. He had to cut down on the throttle of his left engine as he was afraid too much throttle would cause the plane to flip over on its back. The highest speed attained by the crippled plane was 135 MPH and it was not possible to gain any altitude – partially because the take off was to the north where there is a gradual rise in the terrain. It was necessary for Lt. Brinkley to bring the plane down and he ordered the crew to prepare for a crash landing. He made a controlled crash landing in the foot opening he saw. One wing hit a tree and the plane came to a stop as it crashed into a stone wall. The bad engine was burning a little and there was a fire in the vicinity of the tail. No serious fire developed and the bombs did not explode. The plane was completely demolished. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

The turret gunner, Pfc. Smith, was thrown clear of the plane at the first impact. His left arm was broken. S/Sgts. Harter and Ennis came out of the wreckage under their own power. S/Sgt. Harter had strapped himself in the navigator’s compartment and was unhurt in the crash. These three, assisted by some Italians who had appeared on the scene, removed Lt. Brinkley, Lt. Shaw, and S/Sgt. Johnson from the wreckage. Lt. Brinkley suffered a severe fracture of his right arm, Lt. Shaw a deep head wound, and S/Sgt. Johnson a broken arm and broken leg. S/Sgt. Ennis suffered slight injuries. When the plane crashed Lt. Shaw’s seat broke loose from the tracks and he was thrown through the top. If this had not occurred it is likely that his injuries would not have been so serious. Shortly after the crash help from the Group arrived and the men with more serious injuries were taken to the hospital. Lt. Brinkley and S/Sgt. Johnson were taken to the hospital in Taranto, Lt. Shaw was injured more seriously than the rest and he was flown to the hospital in Catania, Sicily. It was reported later by the Group surgeon, Maj. Pinger, that he died before they reached the hospital. Pvt 1cl Smith was stunned by the crash and wandered away from the scene before help from the Group arrived. He turned up later in the hospital at Taranto. Of the entire crew S/Sgt. Harter was the only one who was able to continue combat during the month of October. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, 321st BG Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 132/mission 131) Group Mission # 133: Mission # 98 (133): At 09:25 48 planes off to bomb Athens, Argos A/D. 1 crashed on take off, 47 dropped 3050 Frags at 11:55 from 8000 and returned at 14:00. Bomb eastern yard, numerous direct hits on A/C on ground and 10 fires reported, small buildings and three oil fires seen. Flak slight, heavy, inaccurate. Weather: CAVU over target. F/L: Sinclair.

A/C No. 42-64661 A/C No. 42-64552 P Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt King, James L., 2Lt N None None B Cain, George S., S/Sgt Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 42-64514 P McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt, Bowman, William W., 2Lt CP Driver, William J., F/O Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt G Silva, John P., S/Sgt Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 42-64519 P Culp, Merle H., Capt Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt CP Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Anderson, Andrew H., 2Lt N Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 1Lt None B Reich, William John, 2Lt StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt Tanner, James T., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F None Hobert, Walter W., PFC A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Ford, Charles L., “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt Sinclair, Erwin W., Jr., 1Lt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, Commander N None Holt, William E., 2Lt B Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29967 B-25 A/C No. 42-64668 P Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt Peplinski, James L., F/O CP Biener, Martin B., 2Lt Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O N None Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt B Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt None E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt R Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt Haberman, Marvin A., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 4 October 1943 (continued)

B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Black A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” Magic” P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt N None None B Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R Keller, Richard S., S/Sgt Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt Ally, George B., S/Sgt F CL None listed - likely the bombardier Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt

Tuesday, 5 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Lieutenant General James H Doolittle assumes command of the Twelfth Air Force during the absence of General Carl Spaatz. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's hit the Bologna marshalling yard; B-25's and B-26's bomb the Formia road, a road loop N of Mignano, and Isernia chokepoint; NATBF, XII Air Support Command, and RAF Desert Air Force (DAF) aircraft bomb numerous targets in and N of the battle area, including heavy traffic in the Isernia area, gasoline dumps at Alfedena, trains at Termoli, and towns of Venafro and Isolella. The 15th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C-47's. The 27th and 71st Fighter Squadrons, 1st Fighter Group, based at Mateur, Tunisia send detachments to Gambut, Libya with P-38's. The 85th and 86th Fighter Squadrons, 79th Fighter Group, transfer from Crotone to Salsola, Italy with P-40's. The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, transfers from Sele to Pomigliano, Italy with P-51's. A detachment of the squadron is operating from Capaccio, Italy. The 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Sele Airfield to Seretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Showers and threats of really bad weather ahead hampered those remaining at Soliman as they endeavored to get the ground echelon to the new base.

Today’s mission was aimed at Salonika/Sedes Airdrome. Fragmentation bombs covered the field with strings falling through ten parked planes resulting in four direct hits. Hits were also made on hangars and in revetments causing explosions. The sky was very cloudy and bombing through a hole in the cloud formation mad other observations difficult.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 133/mission 132) Group Mission # 134: ------Mission Report # 134, 5 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).

2. At 0920 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Salonika/Sedes A/D. __One__ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C Returned early. ___36__ dropped 2394x20 lb frag bombs at 1200 hrs from No. A/C No. & Type Time 8500/9500 ft. __36___ returned at 1255. None lost, missing or at friendly field. Alt. No. A/C Time

3. Field was well covered with strings falling through 10 parked planes on W side resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits made on hangars and in revetments causing explosions. Bombs fell across SE dispersal area. Bombing through hole in clouds made complete observation impossible.

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

4. Air------10/12 S/E on side of target. 15 near landing strip. 10 on SE side. E/A were mostly on W and S sides of field, half T/E and half S/E. Two HE- 177s some JU-88s and 87s were reported. One JU-52 in air near target. Observed Megalo on MIKRA A/D—8 S/E on S side, 16 transports and 4 T/E and twin tail, possibly JU-86s. 20/30 S/E were observed on VALONA A/D, 5/6 in revetments on S side. 18 E/A on NW side. On PTOLEMAIS L/G 5 E/A were observed on square field. L/G with 4 E/A on it seen in area E of MESOVOUNOS 40°38’N, 21°50’E.

Marine----Three medium M/V, two large white transports with two masts in harbor. Two large M/V docked at Salonika. In Valona Bay two 5000 ton freighters, 8 barges off Kanina. 15/20 small boats. One large ship, possibly warship.

Ground----90/100 M/Ts heading S on coast S of Valona A/D at 1010.

Flak------Heavy, slight, generally inaccurate and to right but becoming more accurate at rear of formation. Position observed on NE bank of river SW of target. From MEGALO MYRKA A/D heavy, slight, inaccurate, generally below. Three batteries at center of E Side of Valona A/D. Heavy, slight, fairly accurate. Battery two miles E of Kanina on Bay of Valona.

5. Enroute----8/10 cumulo nimbus at 7000 ft. Visibility unlimited.

Target------8/10 cumulo nimbus at 8000 ft.

Return------7/10 cumulo nimbus at 9000 ft.

5. None

Flight leaders—Lt. Col Cook, Capts. Griffith and Seel.

Number of sorties---36

Photos taken.

FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: A bright sun in a cloudless sky this morning. Upon further exploration just on the limits of the Squadron area, the men in the Squadron discovered large supplies of German ordnance equipment including bombs, racks, hand grenades, flares, ammunition and other equipment. The returning combat crews were mighty pleased to see the comely Red Cross girl serving hot coffee. More men and equipment are arriving daily via B-25’s and C-47’s. The weather here is cold and very damp.

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 133/mission 132) Group Mission # 134:

A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-64675 (No art - "Poochie" under bombardier's window) P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 2Lt CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt N None Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt B Nysson, John W., 2Lt McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt R Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt Woronuk, John (NMI), S/Sgt F Lowery, Bruce (NMI) “Field Marshall”, None MSgt, HQ 321st BG A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64590 P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt N None None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt R Winston, E. G., S/Sgt Bruyneel, Dennis A., S/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ (Bear - no lettering) Judy” P Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt Butela, William F., 2Lt CP Ward, James M., 2Lt Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt N None None B Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt E Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt R Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt G Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander CP Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt Miller, Gail G., 2Lt N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt Eagan, Joseph E., T/Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., Sgt Carleo, John J., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued) A/C No. 42-64575 P Bonus, Robert M., Capt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N Becker, Virgil C., 1Lt B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt R Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt G Bryant, James C., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: The Air echelon finally took off this afternoon for Grottaglie although it looked for awhile as if they wouldn’t. It seemed that it took longer than usual to get everyone aboard and ready to go.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 133/mission 132) Group Mission # 134: Squadron Mission 106 TARGET: Salonika Sedes A/D, Greece. DATE: 5 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: FRAGMENTATION 446th Planes: 12 Lt. Col. Cook, 445th Sqdn, led the formation and the field was well covered. Strings of bombs fell through 10 parked planes on W side of field resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits were made on hangars and in revetments causing explosions. Bombs fell across SE dispersal area. Completed observation was impossible because of clouds. Flak was heavy, slight, and generally inaccurate but was becoming more accurate at the rear of the formation. Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, 445th BS Commander, 445th BS

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 P Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt None E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt F None CL None listed - likely the engineer A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Pee Wee” Beckie” P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt CP Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt N None None B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt None E Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G South, William R., S/Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None CL None listed - likely the engineer Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” Polka” P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt CP Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st BG, Commander N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt Coe, George A., 1Lt E Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt G Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 41-13200 P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Taylor, Peter D., Capt CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt N None Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt Chappell, Howard L., S/Sgt G Skill, Donald H., Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F None None A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-64551 P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt E Smith, James A., S/Sgt Milner, Walter C., Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., S/Sgt Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt Edwards, David R., S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 41-30293 P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt N None None B Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt Smith, Roy W., Pvt G Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot: “Between the last time I wrote and now has been probably the most interesting and hardest times I’ve had over here. I got out of the hospital on October 5th and caught a transport from Tunis to Taranto, our new base n the Adriatic coast in Southern Italy. Doc Backer wanted to ground me and send me home, I was in really poor physical shape. I talked to the Major and he said to finish my five missions if I could and then he’d get me sent home. I wasn’t so eager about it, but now that I have finished I’m damned glad I did. Backer, Max B., Capt, medical officer Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander Italy is really in bad shape. All of this country around here is literally starved. I haven’t been off the base, but there are Italian soldiers going around in gangs without shoes, and little kids hang around in gangs looking for something to eat. It’s a pretty horrible mess. You feel sorry for the Italians, but they also really brought on this war almost as much as the Germans.”

447th BS War Diary: 4 more shuttle planes arrived from Soliman carrying men and equipment. Among those arriving from Soliman were Capt. Manly, Capt. Herrmann, Lt. Whitton, and M/Sgt. Horne. Our kitchen equipment also arrived and we hope to have our own mess before long. Major Sampson assigned one of our ships to fly the men and officers to Oran in order that they may go back to the states. These officers and men have completed their 50 missions and have received their papers for the return trip. Sgt. Ennis was taken to the hospital in Taranto and sent word back for some of his clothes. Sgt. Kelly took them to him. Lt. Joseph, Lt. Morganti, and S/Sgt. Jones finished their 50 missions today. The usual routine was followed in and around camp. More tents were pitched for the officers and men who arrived today. After the mission was completed the restriction was lifted and the men were permitted to go into town, but were warned to stay away from the local cat-houses by Major Sampson. Items can be bought much cheaper here than in Africa and most of the fellows seem better satisfied. Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Herrmann, Eugene R., Capt, engineering Horne, Wendell C., M/Sgt, engineering Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt, bombardier Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt, bombardier Kelly, Denver E., Sgt, personnel Manly, Robert W. "Horse", Capt, intelligence Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt, pilot Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot Whitton, Walter H., Jr., 1Lt, armament

REAR ECHELON: A small breakfast in the mess hall. All further meals amounted to what the fellows could find to cook for themselves – such as cocoa, coffee, vegetable stew, bread, etc. – except for a few small meals that were scraped together out on the line. The work around the line amounted to loading the various shuttle ships. A convoy of Service Group trucks loaded with luggage and squadron supplies left today for Bizerte. They will be transported to Italy by TLC. Four more plane loads of squadron personnel and equipment left for the new base in Italy.

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 133/mission 132) Group Mission # 134: There was a 9 ship mission to Salonika Landing Ground in Greece this morning. The flight was led by Capt. Seel. Report received from the mission was good, very little flak and no enemy aircraft.

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” II” P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 2t Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt CP Fallone, Henry J., 1Lt Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B McCone, Walter G. 2Lt Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt E Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Werner, George P., S/Sgt F Asmus, George D., Sgt None A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt CP DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N None None B Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, S/Sgt Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt Farrell, John J., Pvt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl None A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Morganti, Clyde J., 1Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt N None None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt Myers, William W., Sgt G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt F Akers, M. J., Maj, HQ 47th BG None A/C No. 41-12210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 42-64695 Ball” P Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt CP Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt N Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 2Lt Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt E Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt R Balsom, James P., S/Sgt Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt G Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt F None None Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt CP Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2lt N None B Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 29) TARGET: Salonika L/G Greece 3:35 Frags Plane 175 (41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Fallone, Lt. McCone, Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt, Jondro, S/Sgt Armstrong, Sgt. Asmus “This was my first mission as first pilot. Field was well covered with strings falling through ten park planes on W side resulting in 4 direct hits. Hits made on hangars and revetments, causing large explosions. Flak heavy, slight, and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 36) “Thirty-six ships dropped frags on the Salonika airdrome; P-38’s for escort – Flak at the coast on the way in and again at the target. Poor weather again today – rain and clouds – landed singly because of the rain.”

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 133/mission 132) Group Mission # 134: Mission # 99 (134): At 09:20 36 planes off to bomb Salonika, Sedes A/D, dropped 2394 frags at 11:03 and returned 12:55. Field well covered with stings through 10 parked planes resulting in 4 direct hits. Bombing through hole in clouds made observation difficult. Flak heavy, inaccurate. Weather: 9/10th Cumulus.

A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-30548 P McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt Culp, Merle H., Capt CP Driver, William J., F/O Boatwright, John S., 1Lt N None Holt, William E., 2Lt B Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt Reich, William John, 2Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt G Silva, John P., S/Sgt Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt F Hobert, Walter W., PFC None

Tuesday, 5 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64661 A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Cain, George S., S/Sgt Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 42-64514 P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Bowman, William W., 2Lt CP Bruton, John E., 1Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt E Mauder, Charles J., Cpl Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Harding, John E., S/Sgt Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt G Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” (spare) (spare) P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt CP Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt N Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt None B Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt G Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 6 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb the Mestre marshalling yard while B-26's hit a highway chokepoint at Isernia, the highway at Mignano, and road junction at Formia; P-38's strafe Araxos Airfield in Greece; NATBF planes on road- blocking missions hit targets at Teano, at Alfedena, between Cassino and Capua, and near Sessa Aurunca; XII Air Support Command P-40's and A-36's attack roads and vehicles N of the US Fifth Army battle zone and patrol the Naples area. The US Fifth Army reaches the S bank of the Volturno River; Capua falls to British units. HQ 61st Troop Carrier Group and its 14th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Licata to Sciacca, Sicily with C- 47's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The threatening storm broke and rain and resulting mud hindered the movements of the rear echelon. The transports bogged down time after time and were unable to take a full load. Soliman was one of the few fields open today and many types of aircraft landed to wait out the storm further cluttering up the landing strip and loading areas the transport planes were using. Much complaining was heard when some of the pilots had to stay overnight with no place to sleep. Many spots on the field changed into lakes making taxing impossible. No mission flown today.

445th BS War Diary: Our mess situation is somewhat relieved now that we are feeding 448th and Headquarters only. Men and equipment continued to pour in by plane. In the afternoon, the men had a chance to sample the numerous stone air raid shelters in our area. Photo Jerry came over very high taking pictures and several bursts of flak were thrown up at him. No damage done. There is a shortage of water over here and many of the men are having great difficulty getting drinking water let alone water for washing. It did not rain today and in this climate at this time of the year, that is strictly news.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We broke camp early in the morning for the previous afternoon we received orders to move. The entire camp was torn down and everyone moved out to the line where they awaited further orders. Lt Fox assembled his convoy and started out about two o’clock was stopped and told there were no ships for him to load the convoy onto. The few planes that had returned from Italy loaded up as much as possible and started back to Italy. The men remaining at Soliman set up camp on the line and waited for some air transportation. It was necessary for Lt. Fox to remain there with his convoy until he received word to move to the harbor. Fox, Richard F., 2Lt, supply

447th BS War Diary: Word was received today through Major Pinger that Lt. Shaw died the afternoon of the crash as a result of the accident. The other crew members seem to be getting along nicely. No mission today because of lack of gasoline. All combat crews are straightening out their equipment or going to town, this is the first opportunity they have had since arriving here and all are anxious to see the sights. Capt. Seel took some men to Battipaglia to get one of our ships that has been there for some time, being forced Wednesday, 6 October 1943 (continued) down on a mission. They brought back the ship and also two men who had been staying with the ship since it had been there. A JU-88, flying at 38,000 feet, flew over today. It is presumed they were after pictures of the field. All that we could see with our naked eye was a trail of vapor. The AA fired a few bursts but was short. Our mess was set up today and officers and men are enjoying chow in their own organization now. Pinger, Robert R., Maj, Surgeon, 321st BG Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot

REAR ECHELON: Five more transport loads of squadron equipment left today for our new base in Italy. One B-25 also left for the new base piloted by Capt. Morton. Capt. J. Hamilton, Lt. Beal, and some enlisted men went with the transports and with Capt. Morton. Rain came down today in a deluge which almost bogged down further loading. All planes were forced to use the new runway for take-off and landing. There is little food here and everything is a muddy mess. Still nothing definite about when and how the rest of us will go to the new base. Beal, Joe L., 1Lt, Adjutant Hamilton, John M. “Doc”, Capt, Medical Officer Morton, William H., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Thursday, 7 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Bad weather cancels many operations.

In Italy, NATBF medium and light bombers strike roads, railway, junction, and town areas in the Capua and Guglionesi regions. RAF DAF fighter-bombers hit trucks in the Termoli-Vasto areas. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Lentini, Sicily to Naples, Italy. HQ 64th Fighter Wing transfers from Milazzo, Sicily to Frattamaggiore, Italy.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Rain continues to pour down on Soliman. Chaplain Johnson does the cooking now and is self appointed mess officer for the headquarters rear echelon. No transports got off today. No mission today.

445th BS War Diary: A heavy rain whipped by high winds struck the area all night and through early morning. It turned our area into a mud hole and most of the men were soaked eating breakfast. Men and equipment continue to pour in via B-25 and C-47, the latter flying in almost any kind of weather to deliver the goods. The Italian soldiers and civilians seem cooperative. The soldiers aided in putting many large tents up while some civilians were helping the kitchen personnel in serving food.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. The camp was set up but nothing permanent was established as it was decided to move it to a more suitable place. T/Sgt. Kreig, Thomas E., S/Sgt. Pyle, Joseph W., and S/Sgt. StAntoine, James J., were transferred to the Port of Debarkation, U.S.A. Kreig, Thomas E., T/Sgt, gunner Pyle, Joseph W., S/Sgt, gunner StAntoine, James J., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS War Diary: There was a mission scheduled for 0800 today but was called off because of bad weather. There was a continuous down-pour of rain all morning. Another plane or two came in this afternoon bringing more men and supplies. Lt. Neprash, Lt. Holloway, Lt. Kamensky, and Lt. Huchingson arrived on one of these planes. The usual camp duties were continued with the pitching of tents for the incoming men. Holloway, Arthur M., 1Lt, navigator Huchingson, Lee F., 1Lt, Adjutant Kamensky, George L., 1Lt, personal equipment Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence

REAR ECHELON: Word came through about noon that all except for the motor convoy would leave today – but only three transports showed up. The Frenchmen gave up today – decided that we weren’t going to leave. Capt. Gale managed to get a hold of a sheep – mutton steaks were cooked out on the line – and were darn good after what we had been eating. Incidentally, a few of the men have been getting breakfast at the Engineers’ camp nearby. Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive

448th BS War Diary: No Entry Friday, 8 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Greece, XII Bomber Command B-24's bomb Tatoi and Eleusis Airfields at Athens, airfields at Kastelli and Heraklion Airfields on Crete, and Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes; B-25's also hit Eleusis airfield; P-38's fly convoy cover, patrols, and sweeps over the Aegean Sea. Weather prevents the XII Air Support Command from operating. In Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF hit a bridge at Minturno and a road junction and military concentration at Termoli.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Although the mud and conditions of the field are no better several transports got off for Sicily and Grottaglie today in a break in the storm. Most of the jeeps have gone forward and those left bog down in the mud continually.

Coverage of the target was excellent on today’s mission to Athens/Eleusis Airdrome. Strings of fragmentation bombs fell across the hangars crossing the field and runway and dispersal areas, with seven direct hits claimed on enemy aircraft. Three fires were observed and a flak battery on the edge of the field was reported hit. Two of our planes were lost on this mission. One exploded as it hit the water and the other made a controlled water landing. Both ships from the 445th Bombardment Squadron.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 134/mission 133) Group Mission # 135: ------Mission Report # 135, 8 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1125 48___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Athens/Eleusis A/D. _None__ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. ___48__ dropped 32464x20 lb frag bombs at 1332 hrs. from No. A/C No. & Type Time 8500/9500 ft. __46__ returned at 1525. Two lost, none missing, none at friendly field. Alt. No. A/C Time

3. Coverage of target was excellent with strings falling across hangars, crossing the field and runway, and dispersal areas. 7 direct hits are claimed on E/A. Three fires observed in NW pat of field. Flak battery at NE corner of field reported hit. Two B- 25s were lose, one exploding on hitting water and one making a controlled landing on water. One P-38 crashed into mountain and one into water. 1 FW-190 and two ME- 109s destroyed. 1 unidentified E/A possibly destroyed. Two ME-109s and one unidentified E/A damaged.

4. Air------30/35 FW-190s and ME-109s attacked very aggressively and persistently after bomb run. Repeated passes were made from 6, 9, and 3 o’clock. Individual E/A attacked from rear to 200/300 yds range and broke off in

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

half roll and dive. Pairs attacked from 6 and 9 simultaneously. A few frontal attacks and attacks from below were also made. B-25 landing on water was strafed and exploded. 50/60 E/A were on field. 25/30 T/E being in revetments. One JU-290 was taxiing across runway during bombing. 20 E/A were in the SW dispersal area and numerous E/A in the NE area. Planes were also reported W of the hangars. 20 barrage balloons observed at Corinth Canal.

Marine----One large and 1 small M/V in Corfu harbor. 1 medium M/V at 38°15’N, 21°55’E. at 1311, and 1 in Bay of Korinthos off Cape Velanidhia. Large tanker heading out to sea off Preveza 38°19’N, 20°45’E. 10/12 vessels possibly 4 destroyers in Piraeus harbor.

Ground----50/60 cars in M/Y at Thive, 38°19’N, 23°19’E. 50 M/T W of Eleusis. Convoy at Perakhora 38°03’N, 22°58’E.

Flak------Heavy, moderate to intense, fairly accurate at target. Positions observed at SW and NE corners of field. 200 yds N of field, ¼ mile E of town of Eleusis, at NW corner of Kalyvia, and 5 miles E of field. Light flak from Tatoi A/D. Heavy, inaccurate from Leros Island, dockyards #21 on Map A/10 of Athens and Araxos A/D.

5. Enroute----& Return--Light rain, 8/10 cumulo-nimbus at 6000 with 7/10 alto-cumulus at 11,800 ft.

Target------3/10 cumulus at 10,000 ft with 5/10 alto-cumulus at 17,000 ft.

6. Flight leaders--Major Schwane, Capts. Seel, Culp and Bonus.

Observers------Majors Pinger and Pemberton, Capts. Corning and Weld.

Number of sorties---46 Photos taken.

FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Our men are encountering more and more small Italian children who stand by the garbage pails and be food. They are apparently ill fed. Back in Africa there were the Arab children who pulled the same thing. Here, the plot is the same but the characters different. Once again our men got a look at Photo Jerry this morning. He is apparently interested in this base which is an aerial beehive. Our Squadron lost two planes today in the raid on the Athens Eleusis Airdrome. Great damage was caused and several enemy fighters were destroyed, however.

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 134/mission 133) Group Mission # 135:

A/C No. 42-64675 (No art - "Poochie" A/C No. 42-64590 (MACR-1307 under bombardier's window) (MACR- missing crews – at sea) 927 & 1301 missing crews – at sea) P Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt CP Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt N Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt None B McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt E Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt R Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt G Woronuk, John (NMI), Cpl O’Neill, Phillip W., Sgt F Corning, Clarence H. “Pop”, Capt, 97th Chaney, Kenneth Morgan, T/Sgt, 9th FS, 82 FG (observer) Combat Camera A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64575 Judy” P Butela, William F., 2Lt Bonus, Robert M., Capt CP Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt R Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt Nicholson, John F., T/Sgt G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt Bryant, James C., S/Sgt F Kmetevicz, Gene J., M/Sgt Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander (mission commander) A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt N None None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Winston, E. G., S/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Calvert, Murley E., Sgt F Asmus, George D., Sgt None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-30354 (spare) (Bear - no lettering) P Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Cossel, Peter G., S/Sgt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt R McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 927 & 1301: Aircraft 42-64675, B-25C, was seen to make a controlled landing in the Gulf of Patrai, about 10 miles northwest of the town of Patrai, enroute to the home base after a raid on the Eleusis Airdrome in Greece, 8 October 1943. When last seen the airplane was afloat.

A/C No. 42-64675 (No art - "Poochie" under bombardier's window) (MACR-927 & 1301 missing crews – at sea) P Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 1Lt - POW, liberated and EUS CP Carmine, John Walter, 2Lt - POW, liberated and EUS N Osburn, Hobart G. “Bart”, 2Lt - POW, liberated and EUS B McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt - POW, liberated and EUS E Kunis, Theodore C., S/Sgt - POW, liberated and EUS R Garthwaite, Howard L., S/Sgt - POW, liberated and EUS G Woronuk, John (NMI), Cpl - POW, liberated and EUS F Corning, Clarence H. “Pop”, Capt, 97th FS, 82 FG (observer) - POW, liberated and EUS

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, navigator, 448th BS

2nd Lieut. Bryan A. Joyce, 0-798814, navigator of the No. 2 plane (42-64668), 4th element of the 4th flight, commented as follows: “From the astrodome, I observed plane 42-64675, which was two elements in front of us, make a sharp turn of 180° and head back toward another B-25 which was falling behind and quickly losing altitude after an attack by enemy fighters. It seemed to me that Plane 675, in which Lt. Fisher was the pilot, slightly overshot his second 180° turn and when once again heading in the same direction we were, the plane was several hundred yards behind the damaged B-25 and was quickly gaining on him. Enemy fighters began to attack both of the planes behind the formation; the damaged B-25 went into the water and plane 675 pulled back up to rejoin our formation. His right engine was feathered and he continued to gain on us as we were only flying 150 mph. When we approached the narrows just before reaching Cape Avia, we were attacked by a fresh bunch of enemy fighters. Plane 675 had not quite reached our element and was the main prey for the aggressive fighters. The bomber began to lose altitude quickly and was forced to make a water landing with the fighters still attacking. There were splashes from bullets all around the bomber as the landing was made but none after the plane had stopped. The plane was still afloat when I last saw it. There was a slight haze and soon the plane could not be seen at all. I plotted the position where the plane landed in the water on my map.”

Eyewitness Accounts: Morris, Raymond A., T/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 448th BS

S/Sgt. Raymond Morris, 34202342, the tail gunner in the No. 3 Plane (41-12926 “Hawkeye”), 4th element of the 4th flight, said: “I saw plane 42-64675 pass by the tail of our plane going in the opposite direction. He was heading for the other B-25 that had fallen back after an attack on our formation by enemy fighters. Plane 675 went on slightly behind the damaged bomber and then made a 180° turn back in our direction. At this time, the enemy fighters began to attack both of the bombers behind the formation. I tried to cover both of the planes with my tail gun but they were out of range. I saw the other bomber hit the water and explode. I was busy with attacking fighters for a moment and when I again looked at plane 675, the right engine was feathered and it was closing the gap between us. Before he had a chance to rejoin us, the formation was again attacked by enemy fighters. Several of the fighters picked plane 675 for their target. Plane 675 began to lose altitude and went into the water. It appeared that a good landing was made as the plane did not burn or fall apart when hitting. As we pulled away, I could see the plane floating on the water but couldn’t watch it for long because of more fighter attacks on our element which kept me very busy. When I again looked at the water, we were too far away to see if the aircraft was yet floating.” ------

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1307: Aircraft 42-64590, was seen to go down and hit the water in the Gulf of Korinthos, at the mouth of the Livadhostra Bay, after a break from the target following the bombing of Eleusis Airdrome in Greece, 8 October 1943.

A/C No. 42-64590 (MACR-1307 missing crews – at sea) P Hartmeister, Joel T., 2Lt - rescued by fishing boat, ALW in Greece CP Frey, Ernest A., 2Lt - rescued by fishing boat, RTD N None B Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt - rescued by fishing boat, EUS E Kerbow, Joseph E., S/Sgt - KIA R Wright, Warren D., T/Sgt - KIA G O’Neill, Phillip W., Sgt - KIA F Chaney, Kenneth Morgan, T/Sgt, 9th Combat Camera - rescued by fishing boat, ALW in Greece

Eyewitness Accounts: Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, navigator, 448th BS

2nd Lieut. Bryan A. Joyce, 0-798814, navigator in no. 2 plane (42-64668), 4th element of the 4th flight, states: “I observed the airplane flying beneath us with the left engine feathered. The plane that I was in was going at approximately 150 mph and plane 590, in which Lt. Hartmeister was the pilot, was falling back of us and losing altitude quickly. While making a water landing, the bomber was strafed by enemy fighters and burst into flames upon hitting the water. I plotted the position where the plane hit on my map”.

Eyewitness Accounts: Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 448th BS

S/Sgt. Jeff D. Robinson, 33141188, tail gunner in the lead plane (41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt”), 4th element of the 4th flight, made the following statement: “I first saw plane 590 beneath the tail of my plane. The left engine was feathered and the plane was quickly losing altitude and falling behind the formation. It appeared that our pilot was trying to keep his element back to protect the bomber, as we were slowing down and losing altitude. I saw several fighters attack the plane and I attempted to cover him with my gun but he dropped back to far out of range. Plane 590 continued to lose altitude and began to make a landing in the water. I saw the wake made by the tail dragging along the water and then the nose hit. The plane bounced, hit the water again and immediately burst into flames and exploded. ------

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Flynn, Thomas H., S/Sgt, bombardier-gunner, 448th BS

CASUALTY INFORMATION

SUBJECT: Thomas H. Flynn, S/Sgt. ASN 31124434 DATE OF INTERROGATION: 19 Feb 1944

KNOWN INFORMATION

After completion of bomb run, on target in France, the ship was attacked by enemy fighters, damaged and forced out of formation. A landing was made on the sea.

After the plane was brought down, Lt. Hartmeister the first man out, followed by Lt. Frey, Sgt, Flynn and Sgt. Chaney who was the photographer on the mission. The other members of the crew were all dead. The plane was on fire and although the life raft came out of the ship, the tide carried it over toward the plane and it was consumed in the flames. Lt. Hartmeister did not have a Mae West and was unable to swim, so Sgt. Chaney gave him his Mae West to Lt. Hartmeister. Lt. Frey could not swim either and Sgt Flynn assisted him. After swimming for nine hours toward shore, the flyers sighted a fishing boat and were picked up. ------Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Operations Officer, HQ 321st BG

Hqs 321st Bomb Gp (M), O of the Opns O, 30 November 1943. TO: Commanding General, Hqs, Twelfth Air Force, APO 650, US Army. (THRU: Commanding General, XII ASC, APO 766, US Army).

1. It is felt that a narrative of the details of this casualty by the undersigned eye- witness might aid in the interpretation by Intelligence of the diverging views mentioned in 6th Indorsement.

a. The “Missing Air Crew Report” is correct.

b. Heavy accurate flak severely damaged Lieutenant Hartmeister’s plane over the target. He feathered one engine, left the formation and lost altitude toward the Gulf of Korinthos. One element (3 planes) of my flight detached itself and dropped back and down to protect this cripple. I (in 42- 64575) left the formation (48 planes) with my flight of (7 planes) to cover this element and the crippled # 42-64590 as they were being aggressively attacked by enemy fighters. Lieutenant Hartmeister retained control of his plane from 10.000 feet to the water’s surface but continued to drop back farther and farther until our tail guns no longer covered him. I did not actually see him hit the water, as did witnesses in the element behind me and nearer the cripple, because we entered a rain storm and the visibility became relatively poor. However, Lieutenant Hartmeister could not have bailed out his crew from the altitude at which I last saw him. His gradual dropping back leads me to suppose that he retained control of the plane despite one feathered engine and another damaged.

c. At the time Lieutenant Hartmeister (42-64675) was forced to leave his element and try for a water landing, bombing had been completed and a breakaway to the left was being effected. At this point his element leader, Lieutenant Fisher, peeled out of formation in a suicidal attempt to single- handedly save his wing-man by joining on and flying formation with him. Before Lieutenant Fisher could maneuver into this position, enemy fighters shit out one of his engines. He feathered it and continued to close fast on Lieutenant Hartmeister (I am told).

d. Hence we have a flight of seven (7) planes at zero altitude, entering a storm, followed by an element of 3 planes a mile behind, trailed by two planes each having one engine feathered. According to other witnesses, one of these two exploded - they could not agree which. At this time a P- 38 crashed into the water near by and exploded. Three other P-38’s, flying on one engine, fell in on my wing for navigation home as I entered the storm. Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

e. In a water landing, the B-25 type airplane usually cracks open just abaft the wing. The engineer-gunner, radio-gunner and turret-gunner have their posts in this part of the plane. Their avenues of escape are (1) downward through hatch (usually jammed in belly landing) (2) through small port hole (provided no parachutes are worn) (3) via the waist-gun ports (after first removing the gun and mount) and (4) through the cracked fuselage itself (if they are not wounded, panicky or rendered unconscious). The pilot, co-pilot and bombardier ordinarily escape through the pilot’s hatch which opens upward. The average length of time this type plane remains afloat after crash landing is three (3) minutes.

f. Lieutenant Fisher’s crew follows:

P. Lt. J. B. Fisher CP. Lt. J. W. Carmine N. Lt. H. G. Osburn B. Capt. C. H. Corning (S-2, 82nd Fighter Gp) E. S/Sgt. T. C. Kunis R. S/Sgt. H. L. Garthwaite G. S/Sgt. J. Woronuk

BAILEY C. COOK, Lt. Colonel, Air Corps Group Operations Officer. ------

446th BS War Diary: T/Sgt. Chappell, Jack F., and S/Sgt. Mencher, Fred S. finished their fifty missions. There has been quite a bit of rain but the sun always comes out and dries everything out for which we are thankful. Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt, gunner Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 134/mission 133) Group Mission # 135: Squadron Mission 107 TARGET: Athens Eleusis A/D, Greece. DATE: 8 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 12 MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and the coverage of the target was excellent. Strings of bombs fell across the hangars, the field and runway, and the dispersal area. Seven direct hits were claimed on E/A. Three fires were observed in the NW part of the field. A flak battery at the NE corner of the field was reported hit.

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

Two B-25’s were lost, (not 446th) one exploding on hitting the water and one making a controlled landing on the water. One P-38 crashed into a mountain and one went into the water. One FW190 and two ME 109’s were destroyed. One unidentified E/A possibly was destroyed. Two ME 109’s and on unidentified E/A were damaged. 30/40 E/A attacked very aggressively after the bomb run and made repeated passes. The B25 which landed on the water was strafed and exploded. 50/60 E/A were on the field. The flak was heavy, moderate to intense, and fairly accurate.

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Chappell, Howard L., Capt Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt CP Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt None E Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt R Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), S/Sgt G Skill, Donald H., Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None CL None listed - likely the engineer A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Williams, Wallace (NMI), “Spike”, Jr., Russell, Burton E., 2Lt 1Lt CP Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Rodgers, Horace K., S/Sgt E Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt G Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-13208 P Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt Milner, Walter C., Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt Edwards, David R., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt E Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. B-25 G 42-32501 “Eager Beaver” P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt CP Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt N None None B Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt None E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., Pvt Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” St. Joe” (formation leader) P Carr, Philip O., 2Lt Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, Commander CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Akers, M. J., Maj, HQ 47th BG N None Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt Coe, George A., 2Lt E Smith, James A., S/Sgt Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt South, William R., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 29) “# 29 Oct. 8, 1943 Time 4:15 Sqdn Mission # 107 Gr. Mission # 135 Frags Athens Eleusis A/D, Greece Formation Leader - Major Schwane Results - Coverage of target excellent - hangars, field, runway & dispersal areas. 7 direct hits on E/A - 3 fires observed in NW part of field - flak battery NE of field hit. 2 B- 25’s lost - 1 exploding on hitting water & one making controlled landing on water. 1 P- 38 crashed into a mountain & 1 (P-38) into water. 1 FW-190 & 2 ME-109 destroyed. One unidentified E/A possibly destroyed. 2 ME-109’s attacked very aggressively & persistently. Repeated passes made at 6-9 & 3 o’clock. B-25 landing in water was strafed & exploded. 50/60 E/A on field. Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

Remarks - Flak heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Formation 3-1 P- Chappell, CP - Bettinger, N- Schad, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Chappell, JF, G - Skill” Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt, pilot Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Chappell, Jack F., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt, navigator Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, pilot, Commander Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner

446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 46) “I went on the next five missions the Group ran. We were not, as I thought, to support the 5th and 8th Armies, but were to start right in on the Balkans. We hit Greece and Albania and Yugoslavia. We are the only Medium Group in this sector and the only one working on these targets. The 82nd (P-38’s) came over with us and are our escort. Number 46, the Major led and I led the second element in his flight. It was an airdrome just north of Athens. It was a rough one. There was some historic country to fly over, Corinth Bay, Athens, etc. ME-109’s came up after us and the P-38’s had a terrific dogfight with them, trying to keep them off of us. We had a good formation, but a boy in Whitey’s Squadron, in the 3rd flight, was hit by flak and one engine went out. He got behind and the ME’s jumped him. Fischer, his element leader went back to help him and cover him, but fighters knocked both of them down. It was Fischer’s 50th mission. I tucked my element right under the Major’s and watched the fight. It was the biggest battle I had ever seen. 30 or so ME-109’s and FW-190’s and 24 P-38’s, and our 36 airplanes. The sky was full of tracers. One of the most thrilling sights I ever saw was a 109 coming up in front of the formation with a 38 on his tail. The 38 was out climbing him, and he was trying to climb into a big cloud before it was too late. He couldn’t make it in time so he rolled over and came straight down. 2 more 38’s were on him then and the last I saw was the four of them going straight down pushing 600 M.P.H. very close, I imagine. The weather over here is very bad and there are mountains of 7000 and 8000 feet all through Greece and Albania. If you lose an engine it’s the end. You bail out, its almost impossible to get out of that country on one engine.” Fisher, James Buckner, Jr., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander Whiteford, Floyd R. “Whitey”, Capt, pilot, 445th BS

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: There was a mission this morning to Kalanaki Landing Ground, Greece, just outside Athens. The bombing was reported as good. Sgt. Clausen, a gunner in our squadron was wounded in the head by flying glass. The 445th lost two planes due to E/A. One of the pilots was on his 49th mission and the other was on his 50th. There was no serious injury to any of our ships. Twelve of our ships took part in the mission. S/Sgt. Quilty finished his 50th mission today. We also have five combat claims in our squadron from this mission. They are: S/Sgt. Zoll, S/Sgt. Jensen, Sgt. Funk, and S/Sgt. Batteiger. These claims are being filled out and sent into Group. We have 14 ships being serviced tonight in order that a mission may take off tomorrow morning. The gasoline has to be poured from 5 gallon cans which make the job a long and hard one. Combat crews are helping with this. Capt. Gale, Executive Officer, arrived at the new base today. 1st Sgt. Vishy arrived from Soliman today and relieved Sgt. Kelly of his duties as acting 1st Sgt. Usual camp duties were continued. Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt, gunner Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt, gunner Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt, gunner Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner Kelly, Denver E., Sgt, personnel Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt, bombardier Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt, gunner

REAR ECHELON: Everybody all excited again – beaucoup transports came in, but the 447th received one. Lt. McDuff came in and told us that his ship was down in Potts field with something wrong with the propeller. He took M/Sgt. Baldridge with him to fix it and then returned to Italy. Capt. Gale and 1st Sgt. Vishy left early this morning for Italy in a B-25 that had been left behind because it was stuck in the mud. Lt. McGill and M/Sgt. Blue are now in charge of those of us that are left behind. Blue, John W., M/Sgt, engineering Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant Vishy, Joseph J., Jr., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

MORNING REPORT: for the week ending on the 8th of Oct., 1943. Assigned strength: E.M. ---274, Officers---82. The 12 men of the 62nd Service Group were sent back to their group. 18 E.M. and 5 Off. Were sent back to the States (50 Missions) on Oct. 4th. They were as follows: 1st Lt. John M. Allison (bombardier) S/Sgt. Michael M. Galich (gunner) 2nd Lt. Andy K. Garrett (bombardier) S/Sgt. John F. Murphy (gunner) 2nd Lt. Stanley Lieberman (bombardier) S/Sgt. Daniel E. O’Connell (gunner) 2nd Lt. Roy W. Tate (bombardier) Sgt. Raymond A. Tornio (gunner) 2nd Lt. George Ghetia (bombardier) T/Sgt. Lee E. Byerly (gunner) T/Sgt. Walter A. Cantrell (gunner) T/Sgt. John R. Fryer (gunner) S/Sgt. Patrick H. Desjardins (gunner) S/Sgt. Jack G. Ferrier (gunner) S/Sgt. Carl D. Hannemann (gunner) S/Sgt. Edward R. Joseph (gunner) S/Sgt. Gilbert W. Kramer (gunner) S/Sgt. Russell E. Murphy (gunner) S/Sgt. Hendrick Osowiecki (gunner) S/Sgt. Benjamin Skorupa (gunner) S/Sgt. Joseph M. Vaccaro (gunner) S/Sgt. Arnold R. Sparby (gunner) S/Sgt. Joseph S. Carrin (gunner) Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

Lt. Shaw was killed. There are 5 men in the hospital: Nieman, Ennis, Johnson, Smith, R.J., Brinkley, N. Brinkley, Hamilton M., 2Lt, pilot Ennis, Edward C., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Johnson, Frank L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Niemann, Harry C., T/Sgt, engineering Shaw, James A., 2Lt, pilot Smith, Robert J., PFC, turret gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 134/mission 133) Group Mission # 135: There was a mission this morning to Kalanaki Landing Ground, Greece, just outside Athens. The bombing was reported as good. Sgt. Clausen, a gunner in our squadron was wounded in the head by flying glass. The 445th lost two planes due to E/A. One of the pilots was on his 49th mission and the other was on his 50th. There was no serious injury to any of our ships. Twelve of our ships took part in the mission.

A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” II” P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt CP McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt N None None B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 1Lt Kingsley, Andrew L., 1Lt E Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt Myers, William W., Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” Lady” P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt N None None B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt E Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Fish, Harold E., Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt CP DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt N None Colby, John W., 2Lt B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., S/Sgt Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt F None Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt A/C No. 42-30557 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt CP Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt N None None B McCone, Walter G., 2Lt Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Alton, David D., S/Sgt Funk, Marvin J., Sgt F None Weld, David (NMI), Capt, HQ 82nd FG (observer) A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” Ball” P Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt CP Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt None B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, S/Sgt E Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R Balsom, James P., S/Sgt Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt G Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Baxter, William T., 2Lt Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt CP Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt N None None B Harter, James E., S/Sgt Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Werner, George P., Sgt F None None

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 30) TARGET: Athens / Eleusis A/D Athens, Greece 4:00 Frags Plane 175 (41-13175 “The Saint-Myrtle II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. McLaughlin, Lt. Mayben, Sgt Newhouse, T/Sgt Jondro, S/Sgt Armstrong “Coverage of target was excellent with strings falling across hangars, crossing field and runways and dispersal areas. 7 direct hits were claim on park E/A. Flak battery on NE corner reported hit. Two B25’s were lost but neither of them from this squadron. Flak heavy, moderate and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 37) “Forty-eight ships with twenty four 38s for escort. Dropped frags on the Eleusis airdrome at Athens, Greece. At the target we got intense light and heavy inaccurate flak. Just after bombs away and we started our turn off the target, we were jumped by about ten 109s and 190s. What a show! A couple flew along beside us and peeled off toward us then came up underneath us. One made a pass at us from head on. We fired the flexible and fixed at him and he peeled down away from us. Two 25s were shot down (Jack McLeod was in one). The 38s seemed to be in a tangle behind us while the 109s & 190s were making passes at us. One enemy fighter hit the ground a few miles in back of us. Three 38s lost. Don’t know total results yet.” McLeod, Jack P., 2Lt, bombardier, 445th BS

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

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Dig fox holes. Mission over Athens encounters heavy flak & fighters. 2 bombers & 5 P- 38s lost.”

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 134/mission 133) Group Mission # 135: Mission # 100 (135): At 11:25 48 planes off to bomb Athens, Eleusis A/D, dropped 3245 frags at 13:32 from 8500 feet. 2 planes and crews shot down by E/A, 46 planes returned at 15:25. Coverage of target excellent with strings across hangars, dispersal areas and runways, 7 direct hits on E/A also on flak battery. Formation attacked by 30-35 FW- 190’s and ME-109’s from 7 and 9 o’clock simultaneously and from beneath. 2 B-25’s were lost, one exploding on hitting water and one making controlled landing. One P-38 crashed into mountain and one into water, one FW-190 and two ME-109’s destroyed and one probably destroyed. Two ME-109’s damaged. Flak intense, heavy, accurate. Weather: 3/10th at 10,000 feet. F/L: Culp.

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. B-25 G 42-32487 “Black A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” Magic” P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O Urquhart, Donald A., 1Lt CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt N None Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt B None Mundell, Roy E., 1Lt E Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt G Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64661 A/C No. 42-64552 P Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt King, James L., 2Lt N None None B Cain, George S., S/Sgt Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F Snyder, C. H., Capt, HQ 47th BG Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st (observer) BG A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64514 P Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt Bowman, William W., 2Lt CP Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Clark, Paul I. 2Lt CP Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt N None None B Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt G Ally, George B., S/Sgt Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-29967 P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., Capt Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt CP Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt N None None B Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F Pinger, Robert R., Maj, HQ 321st BG None (observer) A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt Fleming, George B., F/O CP McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt N None None B Parrott, George G., S/Sgt Moorman, Arthur L., Sgt E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt F Hobert, Walter W., PFC Turner, Clyde R. “Bulldog”, Sgt, 445th BS A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30548 P Bruton, John E., 1Lt Culp, Merle H., Capt CP Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Boatwright, John S., 1lt N None Boland, Chester H., 1Lt B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Reich, William John, 2Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt R Harding, John E., S/Sgt Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt G Spencer, John S., T/Sgt Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt F None Olmsted, Charles T., Lt. Col, HQ 321st BG (mission commander) B-25G A/C No. 42-64668 A/C No. 41-30327 P Peplinski, James L., F/O Veum, Ole E., Capt CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O Haskell, John D., 2Lt N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt B None Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt F CL None listed - likely the engineer None

Friday, 8 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 (returned early – engine trouble P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt N Holt, William E., 2Lt None B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt Smith, Harold W., Sgt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Nithman, Charles E., Cpl R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Charles E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Rowley, Lester T., Sgt F None CL None listed - likely the bombardier

Saturday, 9 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb airfields at Larissa, Athens and Salonika, Greece and Argos, Italy. B-24's hit Kastelli/Pediada Airfield on Crete. P-38's fly a sweep between the island of Corfu, Greece and Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and escort shipping in the Karpathos Straits between Karpathos and Rhodes. In Italy, the XII Air Support Command does not operate, but the NATBF and RAF DAF hit traffic in the Termoli and Montenero areas, guns N of Capua, a HQ at Palata, and roads and railroads N of Naples. HQ 79th Fighter Group transfers from Crotone to Foggia, Italy. The 66th, 67th, 68th and 506th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), cease operating from Tunis, Tunisia and return to their base at Shipdham, England with B-24's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Good coverage of the field was reported with strings falling across planes parked in center of the field on today’s mission aimed at Larissa Air drome. Hits were made on 15 twin engine aircraft and hangars and small buildings were also hit. Ten fires were seen as planes left the target.

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 21/Mission 21): (The “G” Squadron is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons) ------Mission Report # 21, 9 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 351 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1310 _4___ _B-25-Gs took off on sea-search from Corfu to Dubrovnik. Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission One returned early. ___3___ returned at 1710. None lost, none missing and none at friendly field.

3. No sightings made.

4. Air------Escort shot down one unidentified A/C 20 miles S of Dubrovnik at 1625. Marine----None. Ground----None. Flak------None.

5. Scattered cumulus: 3/10 at 3,000, 4/10 at 4,000, 2/10 at 10,000.

6. None. Flight Leader: McLaughlin. Number of sorties: 3. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32488 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654 P Edwards, James T., 2Lt McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt N Lang, Robert B., 2Lt Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B None None E Hughes, James C., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 B-25G A/C No. (returned early) Squadron, A/C, and crew not identified P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N None None B Foote, Douglas G., 2Lt (observer) None E Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt G Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt CL None listed - likely the engineer None

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 135/mission 134) Group Mission # 136: ------Mission Report # 136, 9 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1115 36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Larissa A/D. __One__ returned Time No. A/C Type A/C Target No. A/C early. ___35__ dropped 2258x20 lb frag bombs at 1251 hrs from 8000/9000 ft. No. A/C No. & Type Time Alt. ___35__ returned at 1420. None lost, missing, or at friendly field. No. A/C Time 3. Good coverage of field is reported. Strings fell across planes parked in center of field. Hits made on two T/E on S perimeter, on 13 T/E around buildings at NW part of field on 5 E/A in NE corner. Hangers in SW corner and small buildings N of hangars hit. 4 fires seen when approaching target and 10 after bombing. 4. Air------One E/A out of range over target. 7 E/A heading W 30 miles W of target. 16 T/E in center of field, 5/6 JU-52s on NE side. 13 T/E around hangars, believed HE-111s and one ME -323. Field was obscured by smoke pots. Marine----One large and 1 small M/V in Corfu harbor. 1 small M/V SE off Parga 39° 26’N, 20°28’E. E boat 45 miles off Italian coast fired at escort and was strafed. Ground----Double line of trenches observed 1½ miles W of Kastrosyika 39°05’N, 20°39’E. 30 M/T heading N 10 miles N of Lake Ioannina, 39°40’N, 20°50’E. Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

Flak------At target heavy, intense, varied from accurate to inaccurate. 15 planes hit. Positions observed at NE corner of field, at Nembegler near target. Two miles NE and two miles NNW of field, from barracks-like buildings past town of Topuslar, from 39°38’N, 22°31’E on N side of road, and 6 gun positions on Map L/12(2) L-18/19, U-9/10 and S-18. 5. Enroute----5/10 cumulus at 9000 with tops at 14,000 over mountains. Visibility unlimited. Target & Return---CAVU. 6. None. Flight leaders--Lt. Fineman, Capts VEUM & Griffith. Observers------Gen. Ridenour, Colonel Knapp. Number of sorties--35 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The Squadron carpenter together with his assistants constructed the mess tables for both the Officers and enlisted men. Gradually the area is taking shape and the boys are again “digging in”. Some of our men made their first visits to the nearby towns of Grottaglie, Francavilla and Taranto and returned with various articles which they purchased for reasonable prices. From their mess table the men can see the barrage balloons over the port of Taranto – a constant reminder of this business of war.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 135/mission 134) Group Mission # 136:

A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” Gambler II” (Bear - no lettering) P Miller, Gail G., 2Lt Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt CP Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt Cook, Bailey C., Lt., Col, Commander N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Poranda, Michael A., Pvt Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt G Carleo, John J., S/Sgt Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt F Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig. Gen. 47th None Wing Commander (mission commander) A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt CP Davenport, H. E., F/O, HQ 47th BW Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Pvt Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt R McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt Peterson, Karl E., S/Sgt G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., T/Sgt F None Asmus, George D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 41-30354 P Shaw, William H., 2Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP Young, William G., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Rokotz, Peter (NMI) “Pete”, S/Sgt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt Finn, Robert F., T/Sgt R Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: Lt. F.O. Carr and S/Sgt. Porter finished fifty missions. Carr, Philip O., F/O, pilot Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt, gunner

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 135/mission 134) Group Mission # 136: Squadron Mission 108 TARGET: Larissa A/D, Greece. DATE: 9 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 8 Lt. Fineman, 447th Sqdn, led the formation and good coverage of the field was reported. Strings of bombs fell across parked planes in the center of the field. Hits were made on two T/E on S perimeter of field, on 13 E/E in NW part of field, and on 5 E/A in NE corner. Hangars in SW corner and small buildings N of hangars were hit. 4 fires were seen while approaching target and 10 while leaving it. The flak was heavy, intense, and varied from accurate to inaccurate. Capt Taylor and Lt. Wright were spares but filled in. Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Cornell, Earl K., 2Lt Carr, Philip O., 2Lt CP Riordan, Ronald C., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N None None B DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Smith, James A., Sgt R Smith, Roy W., Pvt Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 42-64551 P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N None None B Rogers, Horace K., S/Sgt Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt Coe, George A., 1Lt E Milner, Walter C., Sgt Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt R Valenti, Alfio P., S/Sgt Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt G Edwards, David R., S/Sgt Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Pee Wee” P Taylor, Peter D., Capt Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr, 1Lt CP Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

447th BS War Diary: Lt. Cohagan, S/Sgt. Jensen, and T/Sgt. Jondro finished their 50 missions. Two of our G ships were sent on a sea sweep today also. The report was that no ships were sighted. Their escort destroyed an enemy plane on the mission. Lt. Grantham and Capt. Gale flew to Bizerte to see about the equipment which was supposed to be sent over by boat. Several more men arrived from Soliman today; this jus about completes the shuttle service. The remainder will comb by boat. Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt, pilot Fineman, Ernest, 2Lt, pilot Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, 1Lt, pilot Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt, gunner Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt, radio-gunner

REAR ECHELON: The rest of the men who are flying to the new base in Italy took off today. Only the men in the motor convoy who are to go to Italy by boat remain at Soliman. Lt. McGill is in command of this detachment. McGill, James F., 1Lt, Adjutant

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 135/mission 134) Group Mission # 136: We had a 12 ship mission to Larissa L/G, Greece. Lt. Fineman led the flight. The report on the bombing was good. Flak was very heavy and accurate. S/Sgt. Jensen was wounded slightly by the flak. No serious damage was done to hour planes.

A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, 1Lt CP Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 1Lt Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt N None None B Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt McCone, Walter G., 2Lt E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt F None None

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt N None None B Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt Werner, George P., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt N None None B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt G Fish, Harold E., Sgt Smith, Argyle H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt CP McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N None None B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt E Henry, William R., S/Sgt Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt R Myers, William W., Sgt Jondro, William G., Jr., T/Sgt G Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 41-30557 Done Crapped Again” P Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt CP Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Commander N None Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., S/Sgt Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., Sgt Reilly, James M., Cpl F None None

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt CP Baxter, William T., 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt N None Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt B Harter, James E., S/Sgt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, Balsom, James P., S/Sgt S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Jensen, Aage E., S/Sgt F Manly, Robert W. “Horse”, Capt None (observer)

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 50) TARGET: Larissa A/D 3:05 Plane 546 (42-64546 “Jessie James”) “Flight leader Lt. Fineman. Sgt. Jensen and Sgt. Newhouse hit by flak. No of fires seen. Good coverage of field reported.

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 31) TARGET: Larissa A/D 3:05 Frags Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt Lalum, S/Sgt Gregory, S/Sgt McCown, Cpl Leon “Coverage of field very good. Strings fell across planes on west side resulting in four direct hit. Hits made on Hangars and on revetments. Bombs fell on two T Engine on S perimeter and on 13 Twin Engine around buildings.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 38) “Larissa Airdrome in Greece – thirty-six ships dropped frags. Forty-eight P-38s for escort – intense, accurate, heavy flak – as we left the target I could see at least eight airplanes burning on the ground.”

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

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Mission #8. Larissa, Greece. Very heavy flak, Gen. Ridenour hit.” Ridenour, Carlyle H., Brig Gen, HQ 47th Wing, Commander

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 135/mission 134) Group Mission # 136: Mission # 101 (135): At 11:15 36 planes off to bomb Larisa A/D, 35 dropped 2258 x 20 frags at 12:51 from 8000 feet and returned at 14:20. Good coverage of field resulted with hits on two 2E planes at S end and 13 2E planes at NW end and on 5 2E planes in NE corner, 4 fires seen,. Field obscured by smoke ball. Flak intense, heavy intense and accurate. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Veum

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P Bowman, William W., 2Lt Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt CP Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Bruton, John E., 1Lt N None None B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt Harding, John E., S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Taylor, Henry F., T/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 42-64655 P Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP King, James L., 2Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt Boland, Chester H., 1Lt B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Ally, George B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-30327 P Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt Veum, Ole E., Capt CP Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st BG Commander N None Holt, William E., 2Lt B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” P Culp, Merle H., Capt Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt CP Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt None B Reich, William John, 2Lt Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Nithman, Charles E., Cpl R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Rowley, Lester T., Sgt F None None

Saturday, 9 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” (returned early – engine trouble) P Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt CP Joli, William H., 2Lt Driver, William J., F/O N None None B Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R House, Harry H., S/Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt A/C No. 42-64661 (returned early – A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” gun out) (returned early – engine trouble) P Haskell, John D., 2Lt Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt CP Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt McEvoy, John C., 2Lt N None None B Cain, George S., S/Sgt Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt McEntee, Peter M., PFC G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Paschel, John W., S/Sgt F Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt None

Sunday, 10 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-17's bomb 2 airfields at Athens, Greece while B-24's hit Maritsa Airfield on Rhodes and Calato and Heraklion Airfields on Crete. P-38's escort shipping off Rhodes hit Antimachia Airfield in the Dodecanese Islands, and attack vessels in the harbors of Corfu, Greece and Kotor, Yugoslavia, and off Tivat, Yugoslavia and hit targets of opportunity in the Aegean Sea and along its E coastline.

In Italy, the NATBF and RAF DAF concentrate on gun positions on both the US Fifth and British Eighth Army battlefronts; vehicles, railroads, and town areas also are hit; the attacks take place NE of Capua, at Guglionesi, at Cassino and Mondragone, between Rome and Terracina, and around the Termoli-Isernia-Pescara areas. HQ 82nd Fighter Group and its 95th, 96th and 97th Fighter Squadron transfer from San Pancrazio to Lecce, Italy with P-38's. A detachment of the 380th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's begins operating from Oudna, Tunisia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Mission. Final combat planes arrived today.

445th BS War Diary: Luxury rations were distributed to the men this afternoon. They were paid for in American, Italian, British and French money and kept the cashier pretty busy. Two red alerts were sounded today, one in the afternoon and one in the evening but there was no bombing. The mosquitos are very abundant in this sector and many of the men have bumps on various parts of their anatomy. Medical Officers have warned the men that this is “malaria country” and that atabrine should be taken “religiously”.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Today 2nd Lt. Donald J. Meier was assigned and joined our squadron as Communications officer. He had formerly been with the 97th Bomb Group which was heavy bombers. Also Lt. Stanley D. Robinson was transferred from DS to the 448th squadron. Meier, Donald J., 2Lt, communications Robinson, Stanley D., 2Lt, communications

447th BS War Diary: Business as usual – of setting up the various squadron sections. There was a red alert in the afternoon – about 4:30, and another about 8:00 o’clock in the evening. No raiders appeared.

448th BS War Diary: No entry.

Monday, 11 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb Garitsa Airfield, Greece and P-38's hit a vessel in the Corfu harbor on Corfu Island.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command and NATBF operations are cancelled or aborted due to weather, but RAF DAF fighters hit trains, trucks, and gun positions near Montesilvano and Vasto. The 381st and 428th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's begin operating from Oudna, Tunisia. Detachments of the 512th, 513th and 514th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which have been operating from Bengasi, Libya with B-24's, return to their base at Enfidaville, Tunisia. The 527th and 528th Fighter-Bomber Squadrons, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfer from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Our original target of Salonika/Sedes Airdrome was not hit today due to 10/10 cloud coverage. The alternate target, Corfu/Garitsa Airdrome was hit, the pinpoint targets being trucks and supplies. 5/10 cloud cover restricted observations, but hits were seen across south side and center of the field.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 136/mission 135) Group Mission # 137: ------Mission Report # 137, 11 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 0825 36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Salonika/Sedes A/D. __None__ Time No. A/C Type A/C Target No. A/C returned early. ___36__ dropped 2514x20 lb frag bombs at 1035 hrs from No. A/C No. & Type Time 8000/9000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1125. None lost, missing, or at friendly field. Alt. No. A/C Time 3. Original target obscured by 10/10 clouds and mission turned back 10 minutes short of target. Bombed alternate target which was trucks or supplies on Corfu/Garitsa A/D. This target obscured by 5/10 clouds which restricted observation of results. However hits were seen across south side and center of field. 4. Air------Two S/E seen far back, pursued by P-38. Two reports of one transport on Garitsa A/D. One report of 5 A/C on Katsiki A/D--39° 36’ N, 20° 55’ E. Marine----.Corfu--1 large M/V possibly listing and down by stern. 1 medium M/V, one Siebel Ferry. Valona--Two medium M/V, 12 small vessels, one 300 ft. M/V headed toward Corfu just off Cape Kalamasia 39° 33’ N, 20° 09’ E. One large naval vessel and 1 possible large transport on opposite sides of spit of land in Lazaretto harbor inside submarine nets. Ground----Many trucks seen S. of Ioannina--39° 40’ N, 20° 50’ E, headed N toward town. 12/15 M/Ts traveling N. just west of Lake Kastorias. Flak------Light, slight to moderate 4000 ft. below formation at target. A few scattered bursts of heavy. Monday, 11 October 1943 (continued) 5. Enroute----Scud and light rain. 10/10 cover at 7000/10,000 ft strato cumulus near land surface. Target-----Did not reach due to solid cloud cover. 5/10 cumulus at 8000’, 7/10 at 15,000’. Visibility unlim. Return-----Same as route out. 6. None. Flight leaders--Major Bates, Capts. Griffith and Bonus. Observers------Major Pemberton. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Monday, 11 October 1943 (continued) 445th BS War Diary: The weather is very damp and cold here especially at night and during the early morning hours. A new mascot appeared in camp this morning – a fox. It was the object of great attention for some time. There were occasional rains during the day.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 136/mission 135) Group Mission # 137: A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt CP Davenport, H. E., F/O, HQ 47th BW Ward, James M., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Castle, Roy V., Pvt Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt G Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64575 Judy” P Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt Bonus, Robert M., Capt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Goodwin, Norton (NMI), 2Lt N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E Sterling, Joseph M., S/Sgt Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt R Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt G VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt Bryant, James C., S/Sgt F Asmus, George D., Sgt None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” Gambler II P Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt CP Miller, Gail G., 2Lt Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Pvt Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt G Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt Calvert, Murley E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt N Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 1Lt None B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt Buckingham, Richard P., 1Lt E Halpin, John J., Sgt Childress, W. H., S/Sgt R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt Winston, E. G., S/Sgt G Smith, James B., Sgt Pierce, William V., S/Sgt F None None Monday, 11 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64529 P Young, William G., 2Lt CP Shaw, William H., 2Lt N None B Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt E Brainard, Walter R., S/Sgt R Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt G Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Gilbert D. Orrantia, Lt. Howard E. Carlisle, S/Sgt. Jack Fieldon and S/Sgt. Zook finished fifty missions. Lt. John Bleech was transferred to Hq, 12th Air Force. Bleech, John, 2Lt, pilot Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt, pilot Fieldon, Gordon S. "Jack", S/Sgt, gunner Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt, pilot Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 136/mission 135) Group Mission # 137: Squadron Mission 109 TARGET: Corfu Garitso A/D, Greece. DATE: 11 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 12 Major Bates, 448th Sqdn, led the formation to within 10 minutes of the original target which was Salonika-Sedes A/D, Greece but turned back as it was covered by 10/10 clouds which restricted observations of the bombing. However hits were seen across S side and center of field. Two were seen across S side and center of field. Two S/E aircraft were seen pursued by P38’s. Flak was slight to moderate at 4000 feet which was below the formation. There were a few scattered bursts of heavy flak. Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS

A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt E Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None

Monday, 11 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13008 B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 “Eager Beaver” P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt N None None B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt None E Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt MacDougal, Alan J., S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt F None CL None listed - likely the engineer A/C No. 41-13200 B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 P Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt None E Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt Zittel, Howard E., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., S/Sgt Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt F None CL None listed - likely the engineer A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 41-30551 P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt CP Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., Pvt Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Martin, Edward F., Cpl F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt 1Lt CP Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt Fieldon, Gordon S. “Jack”, S/Sgt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt G Zook, Urie H., S/Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 11 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Smith, James A., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt G Edwards, David R., Sgt Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 47) “Number 47 was to Salonika and there was some flak, no fighters and the weather was lousy. We are hitting airdromes all the time and using 20 pound fragmentation bombs, 72 of them in each plane. They are deadly on barracks areas or dispersed aircraft. We’ve really been doing good bombing too.”

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

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 136/mission 135) Group Mission # 137: 3 of our planes filled in as spares with the 445th on a raid of Sedes L/G in Greece. However the target was covered with clouds – so the alternate target, Corfu A/D, was bombed. No AA or E/A was encountered. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Only A/C & pilot identified Lady” Only A/C & pilot identified – – likely crew is: likely crew is: P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt CP Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt N None None B Joseph, Merwin J., 1Lt Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Roever, George W., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Kastelic, Frank M., Sgt G Alton, David D., S/Sgt Smith, Argyle H., Sgt F None None A/C No. A/C & crew not identified P CP N None B E R G F None Monday, 11 October 1943 (continued)

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 136/mission 135) Group Mission # 137: Mission # 102 (137): At 08:25 35 planes off to bomb Salonika, Sedes A/D, dropped 2514 frags at 10:35 from 10,000 feet and returned at 11:25. Original target obscured by 10/10 coverage, formation turned back 10 minutes short of target and bombed alternate which was trucks and supplies at Corfu Garitso A/D. This target obscured by 5/10th cover and haze, hits seen on S side and center of field. 2E/A seen and chased by escort, slight, light flak. Weather: Rain and 5/10th coverage. F/L: Bates.

A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 42-64514 P Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt CP King, James L., 2Lt Biener, Martin B., 2Lt N None None B Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt Papile, Frank M., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Griffin, Pink C, S/Sgt F Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt BG (observer) A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64521 P Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt CP Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt N None None B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 42-64661 P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt Haskell, John D., 2Lt CP Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt Barton, Thomas M., F/O N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt None B Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt Cain, George S., S/Sgt E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Ally, George B., S/Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 11 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-30327 P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt Veum, Ole E., Capt CP Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Clark, Paul I., 2Lt N Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt Holt, William E., 2Lt B Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ 321st BG E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt Paschel, John W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 41-30343 P Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Driver, William J., F/O N None None B Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-30355 P Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, Bruton, John E., 1Lt Commander CP Stultz, Raymond B., Capt Gouge, David J., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt None B Ellington, John H., Jr., 1Lt Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Terho, Harold V., S/Sgt R Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt Spencer, John S., T/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Harding, John E., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 12 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command operations are canceled by weather.

In Italy, the XII Air Support Command and other Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) elements (NATBF and RAF DAF) operate on a reduced scale, hitting road junctions at Vasto and Fossacesia, Aquino Airfield, motor transport on the Itri-Pico road and on a road N of Rome in the Bolsena and Capranica areas, roads near Tarquinia, rail facilities at Cisterna di Latina, trains between Pescara and Benedello, and guns and troops near Cercemaggiore. HQ 81st Fighter Group and its 91st Fighter Squadron transfer from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39's. HQ 86th Fighter-Bomber Group and its 526th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, transfer from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's. The 86th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20's. The detachment of the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, that has been operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38's since 4 Oct, returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia. The detachment of the 515th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), at Bengasi, Libya with B-24's since 1 Oct, returns to its base at Enfidaville, Tunisia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today’s mission was cancelled due to bad weather.

445th BS War Diary: The men’s morale took a decided turn for the better this afternoon coincidental with the arrival of a large number of packages and letters. The sunset was beautiful this evening and there was a full moon tonight. The air was cold and crisp – typical fall weather. It gets dark very early these days and that together with the cold weather sends the men to bed very early.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We moved to our new area which was much better. There was a building there and we moved our offices into it. There were also some rooms which the officers selected by Major Schwane, moved into. The enlisted men and those officers living in tents immediately started construction work on their tents using the lumber that was available. Two officers even started building a house which they later finished and moved into. Schwane, Henry H., Maj, pilot, Commander

447th BS War Diary: A mission was scheduled for today but was cancelled because of bad weather.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Wednesday, 13 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Italy declares war on Germany.

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's and B-26's bomb the town of Alife, a road junction at Sessa Aurunca, and airfield at Tirana; XII Air Support Command, supplemented by RAF DAF fighters, supports the US Fifth Army, which begins an assault crossing of the Volturno River on a 40-mile (64 km) front during the night of 12/13 Oct. Fighters and fighter-bombers hit troop and tank concentrations, trains, trucks, and communications the lines in the forward areas, especially around Ortona, Giulianova, and Campobasso. NATBF light bombers join in the attacks, hitting road junctions in the Vairano, Carinola, Dragoni, Vasto, Terracina, and Minturno areas. The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, transfers from Ariana to La Marsa, Tunisia with F-4's and F-5's. The detachment of the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, operating from Gambut, Libya with P- 38's since 5 Oct, returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia. The 92nd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39's. The 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, transfers from Montecorvino to Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 379th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), based at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's, begins operating from Oudna, Tunisia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today’s target was Tirana Airdrome which was well covered. Strings of bombs started in the barracks area and ran through dispersed planes and the hangars. Several fires were started and four explosions were observed.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 137/mission 136) Group Mission # 138: ------Mission Report # 138, 13 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1150 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Tirana A/D. _None__ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. ___36__ dropped 2514x20 lb frag bombs at 1310 hrs from No. A/C No. & Type Time 10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1355. _None_ lost, _None_ missing, _None_ No. A/C Time No A/C No A/C No A/C at friendly field. 3. Strings of bombs observed starting in barracks area NW of field and going through dispersed planes and N. Hangars, crossing field and runway into SE hangars. A few strings over. Two fires in N dispersal area – three or four fires in hangars – 4 explosions observed – one in front of SE hangars. 4. Air------A few planes seen taking off during bomb-run. Approximately 30 planes seen on field – mostly T/E. – located approximately as in photo 9/10/43 # 3005. 10 or 12 transports in N. dispersal area – 6/7 in front of S/E hangars. S/E’s in N & S dispersal area. 3 4-engine observed. 6 E/A observed on Durazzo/Shijak A/D. Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

Marine----2 small boats in cove at 40° 55’ N, 19° 28’ E.

Ground----Possible L/G reported at 41° 55’ N, 19° 20’ E – many trucks moving on field. A runway reported SW of Sauk at 40°47’N, 19°43’E. Another reported at 40° 43’ N, 19° 28’ E – possibly the same. Flak------Target. Heavy, moderate to slight – inaccurate – generally trailing. Position noted SW corner of field – just W of hangar. Heavy, slight, inaccurate flak came up through clouds about 10 miles SW of target. 5. Weather En route- 4/10 cumulus at 6000 ft. Visibility unlimited. Target - 5/10 cumulus at 7000, tops at 8500 ft. Visibility unlimited. Small convective cloud over tower. Return - same as out. 6. None. Flight leaders—Capts. Bonus, Seel, Griffith. Observers------Mr. R. Vermillion, U. P. Correspondent. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Squadron supply issued stoves to the men today. These are very welcome in this cold weather. Another large number of letters arrived this afternoon and the men don’t mind it a bit. Captain Bonus led today’s raid on the Tirana airdrome in Albania and subsequent reports indicated that at least half the aircraft on the ground were destroyed by this attack.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 137/mission 136) Group Mission # 138:

A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 42-64508 P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt N Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt None B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt Poranda, Michael A., Pvt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., Sgt VanHall, Ernest G., Jr., S/Sgt F Lord, Robert O., Jr., Capt (observer) Kmetevicz, Gene J., M/Sgt A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64659 P Bonus, Robert M., Capt Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt CP Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt BG N Larson, Harold W., Maj Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 1Lt B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt Childress, W. H., S/Sgt R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt Winston, E. G., S/Sgt G Bryant, James C., S/Sgt Pierce, William V., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 42-54527 (Bear - no lettering) P Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt Young, William G., 2Lt CP Ward, James M., 2Lt Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Pvt Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt E Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Nickens, Cletus P., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Pvt F None Asmus, George D., Sgt

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-30354 Gambler II” P Miller, Gail G., 2Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt N None None B Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., Sgt Halpin, John J., S/Sgt R Loveless, Lloyd E., T/Sgt Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt G Carleo, John J., S/Sgt Smith, James B., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64529 P Shaw, William H., 2Lt CP Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt N None B Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt R Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. E.V. Mitchell departed for the Port of Debarkation U.S.A. Lt. Jack Porter was transferred to Hq. 12th Air Force. Mitchell, Edgar V., S/Sgt, gunner Porter, Jack Grafton, 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 137/mission 136) Group Mission # 138: Squadron Mission 110 TARGET: Tirana A/D, Albania. DATE: 13 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 12 Captain Bonus, 445th Sqdn, the formation and the field was well covered. Strings of bombs started in the barracks area NW of the field and going through dispersed planes and hangars N of runway. Some crossed the field and runway into SE hangars. Two fires were started on E end of runway and one fire N of North hanger. 4 explosions were seen in front of SE hangars. The flak was heavy, moderate to slight, inaccurate. Approximately 30 planes, mostly T/E, were seen on target. Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64526 A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt Taylor, Peter D., Capt CP Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt G Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt Fiebelkorn, Earl C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30293 B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N None None B Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt None E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., Pvt Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt F None CL None listed - likely the engineer A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas St. Joe” Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Porter, Lloyd A., 2lt N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt R Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Haasch, George F., T/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Morris, Richard Pervis, “Big Moe”, Jr., 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt E Smith, James A., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 “Eager A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - Beaver” Pee Wee” P Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 1Lt CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt N None Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B None Shepard, Eugene D., 2lt E MacDougall, Allen J., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt Fontenot, V. L. (i.o.), T/Sgt G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl F CL None listed - likely the engineer None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 41-13208 P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt N None None B Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt McMahon, Francis D., Sgt G Martin, Edward F., Cpl Edwards, David R., Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt Vermillion, R., United Press Correspondent (observer)

446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 48) “The 48th was an airdrome 40 miles north of Athens, Larissa. There was lots of flak and it was accurate. A piece came in through the windshield directly in front of my face and sprayed glass all around. It didn’t hit me or the CoPilot either, although it was that close.”

447th BS War Diary: Squadron luggage and supplies which came over by boat in 62nd Service Group trucks arrived today. Today’s mission was the 50th for Lts. Weaver and McCone, and S/Sgt. Lalum. Statistically we sent our 6000th man on a combat mission today. Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt, gunner McCone, Walter G. 2Lt, bombardier Weaver, Charles, 1Lt, navigator

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 137/mission 136) Group Mission # 138: 12 of our planes and crews participated in a raid on Tirana A/D Albania. Flak was Heavy moderate to light inaccurate. No E/A. Results good – field well covered, planes in dispersal areas hit, several large fires. All our planes returned safely.

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 1Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt CP Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N None Weaver, Charles M. “Jug”, 1Lt B Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt McCone, Walter G., 2Lt E Lalum, Luther I., S/Sgt Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt G McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, Capt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt CP Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt N None None B Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt E Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., Sgt Hoskins, Raymond C., Sgt F Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, None Commander (mission commander) A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG N None Bodine, Arnold F. “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Balsom, James P., S/Sgt G Fish, Harold E., Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl None A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt CP Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt Thomas, Robert E., 2Lt N None None B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-30557 A/C No. 42-64598 “Sylvester the Snarp” P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt Gilluly, John W., 2Lt CP Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Baxter, William T., 2Lt N Colby, John W., 2Lt None B Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt Harter, James E., S/Sgt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L, S/Sgt Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl Manning, Hillard J., Sgt F None Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” II” (spare) (spare) P McLaughlin, Robert A., 2lt Edwards, James T., 2Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt N None Lang, Robert B., 2lt B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt None E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt R Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt Hughes, James C., S/Sgt G Farrell, John J., Pvt Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt N None Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2lt E Henry, William R., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Myers, William W., Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt Werner, George P., Sgt F None None

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 51) TARGET: Tirana A/D 2:00 Plane 371 (42-53371 “Death Wind”) “AA heavy, inaccurate. No of fires started in barracks runways and hangars. No of explosions in area of hangar.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 32) TARGET: Tirana A/D 2:00 Frags Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Paiton, S/Sgt Lalum, S/Sgt Gregory, S/Sgt McCown “Strings of bombs observed starting in Barracks Areas on field and going through dispersal of planes and N hangar. Two fires in N dispersal Area. Three or four fires in Hangar. Flak heavy moderate, inaccurate.” Wednesday, 13 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 39) “Tirana, the capitol of Albania has a big airport just outside the city limits. The Germans have about thirty bombers dispersed on and around the field. Thirty-six ships with twenty-four P-38s for escort. Dropped frags on this target today. The flak was slight, inaccurate and heavy. There were four or five fighters fields in the vicinity but none came up to intercept us. This target is only a little over ninety miles away from our base. It was the shortest mission I have ever been on.”

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 137/mission 136) Group Mission # 138: Mission # 103 (138): At 11:50 36 planes off to bomb Tirana A/D, dropped 2414 frags at 13:10 from 10,00 feet and returned at 13:55. Strings of bombs scattered in dispersal area NW of field, across runway and went through hangars on N and E side of fields. 2 fires started N dispersal area and 4 in hangars, 4 explosions in SE hangar. Flak moderate, heavy and inaccurate. Weather: 5/10th at 7000 feet at target.

A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30548 P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Culp, Merle H., Capt CP Bruton, John E., 1Lt Boatwright, John S., 1Lt N None Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt R Harding, John E., S/Sgt Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64655 P Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt N None B Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Ally, George B., S/Sgt F None

Thursday, 14 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's hit Argos Airfield and B-17's bomb the Terni marshalling yard. Other B-17's and B-24's attack a bridge at Giulianova, the town area of Piano-Vomano and railroad and highway bridges N of Pescara and along the E coast of Italy. Weather hinders tactical aircraft operations, but the XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF hit trains and vehicles and fly patrols from N of the Volturno River to Formia and N of Pescara. HQ 31st Fighter Group and its 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Montecorvino to Pomigliano, Italy with Spitfires. The 5th Photographic Squadron (Light), Twelfth Air Force, based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-5's transfers operations from Pontecagnano to Pomigliano, Italy. The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter), 68th Reconnaissance Group, ceases operating from Capaccio and returns to its base at Pomigliano, Italy with P-51's. The 525th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Sele Airfield to Serretella Airfield, Italy with A-36's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Argos Airdrome was hit today. The fragmentation bombs covered the field with the best pattern through the center and on the east side. Several fires were started and one flak battery was hit.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 138/mission 137) Group Mission # 139: ------Mission Report # 139, 14 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 0740 36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Argos A/D. _None__ returned Time No. A/C Type A/C Target No. A/C early. ___36__ dropped 2394x20 lb frag bombs at 0957 from 8500/10,000 ft. No. A/C No. & Type Time Alt. ___36__ returned at 1150. None lost, missing or at friendly field. No. A/C Time 3. Field was well covered with best pattern in center and E side. Some bombs short and to W. Strings through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of runway, E/A on S. side and in NW dispersal area. Fires seen in buildings on SW side, one fire in middle of field and 3 fires on N edge. One flak battery hit. 4. Air------4 S/E took off from target. Did not attack. Two JU-88s taxiing. Estimated up to 40 E/A of which 25 were S/E on field. E/A dispersed along N edge, 3 NE of field. 7/10 T/E on SE side, 9 S/E and 3 T/E on W side, and several in front of buildings on SW. Two 4-engine and 1 glider observed. One report of two E/A taking off from Araxos A/D, and 4 on field. Marine----One 3/400 ft. M/V in Argos harbor. 1 barge SW of Corfu headed S at 1030. Strafed barge 15 miles SW of Cape Pappas. Large M/V at 38°17’N, 21°10’E at 1005. Large white vessel, possibly hospital ship, headed E at 37°12’N, 21°30’E at 0935. One report of barge at 38°53’N, 20°15’E. Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued) Flak------Heavy, moderate to intense, accurate. Considerably more than on mission of October 4. Positions at SE corner, 1 mile S, on road W of field, on center of S side and on N edge of field. Position at 37°42’N, 22°40’40”E. Two guns observed ¼ mile W of Koutsopodi just S of road, one gun on E side S of road, 3 guns ½ mile E. Ground----NS runway, observed at 37°05’N, 21°56’E. 5. Enroute---& Return---Scattered showers. 7/10 at 5,000’, tops 7000 over land. Target------4/10 at 5000’. Break in clouds over target. 6. None. Flight leaders---Major Schwane, Capt. Seel, Lt. Sinclair. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued) 445th BS War Diary: Many pairs of cold feet took the men to breakfast this morning. There is a cold spell prevailing at present, a raw, penetrating cold that goes right to the bone. A roof was built to the enlisted men’s mess and the men welcomed the protection from the elements. The Officer’s mess is now completed also. A number of the men attended the movie shown tonight which was “Air Force”. It was enjoyed by all.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 138/mission 137) Group Mission # 139: A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 42-64508 (spare) (spare) P Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Young, William G., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt G Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Wallace Williams finished fifty missions. The 62nd Service Group started showing movies over at Group Hqs. And many of our boys went. It was a big help to the squadron’s morale. Moving over to Italy was also good for the morale for it seemed we were actually getting somewhere at last. Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, 2Lt, pilot 446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 138/mission 137) Group Mission # 139: Squadron Mission 111 TARGET: ARGOS A/D, Greece. DATE: 14 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 12 MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and the field was well covered with best pattern in center of east side. Strings of bombs fell through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of runway. Aircraft were hit on the S side and in the NW dispersal area. Fires were seen in the buildings on the SW side, one fire in the middle of the field, and three fires on N edge. One flak battery was hit. 4 S/E fighters took off from target but did not attack. There was considerably more flak than the formation encountered on Oct. 4th over the same target. A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Commander CP Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N Caldwell, Grady B., 1Lt None B Coe, George A., 2Lt Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt G South, William R., S/Sgt Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt F None None Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed A/C No. 41-13200 Beckie” P Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 1Lt CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B None Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt E Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Shields, James A., T/Sgt G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Martin, Edward F., Cpl F CL None listed - likely the engineer None A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Capt CP Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt Haasch, George F., T/Sgt G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 41-30293 P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt N Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG None (observer) B Porter, Walter E., S/Sgt Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt Smith, Roy W., Pvt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr., 2Lt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt G Edwards, David R., Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued) B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Flying A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” Caisson” P Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt CP Durante, Angelo M., C., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N None None B None Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt Smith, James A., S/Sgt R Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt G Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt F CL None listed - likely the engineer None

446th BS War Diary of: Williams, Wallace (NMI) “Spike”, Jr., 2Lt, pilot (mission 50) “The last one was southwest of Athens and there was a lot of flak. I could hardly sleep the night before I was so nervous, thinking about what I would do if there were fighters or flak. When the flak came I slowed the throttles and went straight up 500 feet. We were in it a long time and it seemed like an eternity. I did the wildest evasive action I had ever done and we did not get hit. Flew through a lot of weather and there was hail on the way home. That was the day before yesterday and I was really happy when we landed. My orders went in to the 47th Wing yesterday and I should be home before Thanksgiving. I’m just about walking on air. No sense in writing ay more here though, cause the fighting is all over now and I’m just waiting around for the orders to come through. Griff finished yesterday and we should be coming home together. I have been recommended for the Ferry Command in the States. Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt, pilot This is for you all at home and I think will make up for all that I’ve left unsaid in my letters.

447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Orr and S/Sgt. McCown. At about 1300 all the “G” combat crew members were put on the alert with instruction that they were not to leave the field until further notice. At about 1600, it was learned 3 of the crews were to leave for parts unknown on the morning of the 15th October. Alton, David D., S/Sgt, bombardier McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt, gunner Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt, bombardier Lt. Neprash, S/Sgt. J. Yates, Sgt. M. Andryscak, Cpl. Haley, S/Sgt. Eckenrode left in transport to form the ground echelon for this mission. Statistically our 1000th plane went on today’s mission. Andryscak, Michael A., Sgt, gunner Eckenrode, Garnet M., S/Sgt, armament Haley, Francis R., Jr., Cpl, armament Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 138/mission 137) Group Mission # 139: 12 planes and crews participated in a raid on the Argos A/D in Greece. The AA was heavy, moderate, and accurate. Only one plane was slightly damaged by flak. S/Sgt. Alton received minor wounds by flak. No E/A attempted to intercept. All our planes returned safely. Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Edwards, John E., 2Lt CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt N None None B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr, Alton, David D., S/Sgt S/Sgt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Hughes, James C., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt F Christensen, Lars, Sr., Sgt None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle Done Crapped Again” II” P Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt McLaughlin, Robert A., 1Lt CP Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt N None None B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., Sgt Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt N Colby, John W., 2Lt Lang, Robert B., 2Lt B Orr, Douglas Cameron. “Doug”, 1Lt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt G Fish, Harold E., Sgt Smith, Argyle H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt CP McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt N None None B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt E Henry, William R., S/Sgt Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R Myers, William W., S/Sgt Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt G Farrell, John J., Pvt Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F None None

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt CP Baxter, William T., 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt N None None B Harter, James E., S/Sgt Holliman, Marion P., Sgt E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, McCown, J. Logan, S/Sgt S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., S/Sgt Leon, Robert D., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” Ball” P Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt CP Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt N Kresge, James G., 2Lt Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2lt E Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Balsom, James P., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F None None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 33) TARGET: Argos A/D Greece 4:05 Frags Plane 557 (41-30557): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Sholund, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl Reilly, Sgt Christensen “Field was well covered. Strings seen through 4 E/A in center of field on edge of runway. Fire seen in buildings on SW side. Four S/E took off from target but did not attack. Flak heavy moderate and accurate.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 40) “Thirty-six ships with forty-eight P-38s hit the Argos Airdrome in Greece. Uneventful raid. Lots of transports on the field. Flak was moderately intense, heavy and fairly accurate.”

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 138/mission 137) Group Mission # 139: Mission # 104 (139): At 07:40 36 planes off to bomb Athens, Argos A/D, dropped 2594 frags at 09:57 from 8500 feet and returned at 11:50. Field well covered with best pattern in center, one string through 4 E/A on edge of runway and on S and NW dispersal areas, fires seen in buildings on SW side, one flak battery hit. Flak intense, heavy and accurate, flak more than on mission of October 4. Weather: 4/10th at 5000 feet. F/L: Sinclair. Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., Capt, pilot

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1lt CP Driver, William J., F/O Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt B Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt E Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt G Silva, John P., S/Sgt White, George E., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 42-64655 P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Brosnan, Cornelius G., 2Lt CP Bruton, John E., 1Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R Harding, John E., S/Sgt Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Ally, George B., S/Sgt F Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” A/C No. 41-30327 P Sinclair, Elwin W., Jr., 1Lt Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2lt N Holt, William E., 2Lt Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Tanner, James T., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Peplinski, James L., F/O Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt N None None B Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt Clement, Sam (NMI), Sgt R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt F None None

Thursday, 14 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” P Culp, Merle H., Capt Tolton, Justin C., 1Lt CP Bell, Albert R., Capt, HQ 321st BG McEvoy, John C., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt None B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Griffin, Pink C, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64521 P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt N None None B Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt Paschel, John W., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 15 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): B-25's of the XII Bomber Command hit airfields at Salonika and Megalo Mikra, Greece.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command and other elements of NATAF hit roads, railroads, bridges, junctions, railway facilities, town areas, and motor transport at or near Piedimonte, Vairano, Termoli, Petacciato, Sparanise, and Civitanova, and hit gun positions and communications in the general battle area N of the Volturno River. HQ 47th Bombardment Group (Light) and its 84th and 85th Bombardment Squadron (Light) transfer from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20's. HQ 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) and its 489th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) transfer from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's. The detachment of the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, operating from Gambut, Libya with P-38's returns to its base at Mateur, Tunisia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The B-25G series aircraft assigned to this group left Grottaglie today for Detached Service with the British Coastal Command in Tobruk. They are to be stationed at Gambut. Captain Donald A. Bell as the commanding officer of the detachment and Lt. Sergius P. Neprash as his adjutant and intelligence officer. The B-25 C & D series planes had another mission over Greece today hitting the two airdromes of Salonika/Sedes and Salonika/Megalo Mikra. On Megalo Mikra the frag bombs strings started on the west side and crossed the field to buildings on the north east. Bursts were observed among eighteen planes. Three fires were observed and one terrific explosion caused flames to shoot up to 1000’ and grey smoke to 3000’ visible forty miles from the target. On Sedes bombs started in the dispersal areas, hitting seven planes, went across the field and made direct hits on the hangars. Three fires and one explosion were observed. Bell, Donald A., Capt, operations Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 139/mission 138) Group Mission # 140: ------Mission Report # 140, 15 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).

2. At 0855 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Salonika/Sedes A/D and Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C Salonika/Megalo Mikra A/D. __One__ returned early. ___35__ dropped Target No. A/C No. A/C 2448x20 lb frag bombs at 1036 hrs from 9500/11,000 ft. ___35__ returned at 1155. No. & Type Time Alt. No. A/C Time None lost, missing or at friendly field.

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

3. On Megalo Mikra strings started on W side and crossed field to buildings on NE. Bursts observed among 18 planes on S side. Three fires observed and one terrific explosion S of center of runway. Flames shot up to 1000’ and grey smoke to 3000’, visible 40 miles away.

On Sedes bombs started in W dispersal area, hitting 7 planes; went across field and made direct hits on hangars. Coverage was excellent. Three fires and one explosion observed.

4. Air------30 E/A mostly T/E believed JU-88s, observed on Megalo Mikra, on S side of runway. 15 S/E on N side. One E/A taking off. 2/3 4-engine planes near runway, 6 ME-110s on S. Marine----Two large white M/V, possibly hospital ships anchored in Salonika harbor. Three other large M/V there. One transport or naval vessel entering harbor. 20 small boats and two barges in harbor. Large M/V heading N at 1040 at 40°20’N, 23°00’E. One report of 16 tankers and freighters in Valona bay at 1130, and one report of 13 barges and 5/6 small craft. Ground----String of RR cars in Salonika M/Y. 17 or more M/T heading S at 1005 S of Koritna 40°38’N, 20°46’E. Flak------Heavy, very intense, fairly accurate from targets. Altitude good but trailed somewhat. Position noted in center of Sedes S dispersal area. Heavy, slight, inaccurate from N and S side of Valona A/D.

5. Enroute---& Return---8/10 strato-cumulus at 5,000, tops at 9000’. Target------2/10 cumulus at 7,000’, visibility unlimited.

6. None. Flight leaders—Lts. Bugbee, Spikes and Ford, Captain Culp. Number of sorties--35 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Mission Report No. 140 (cont)

A B-25, believed green, came out of overcast near Valona and flew at some distance to left of formation. 25/30 miles from this field, it dropped one bomb on an A/D pealed off to left hitting deck and flew away to E.

FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: More mail arrived this afternoon although on a reduced scale. Our Squadron continued the incessant pounding of airdromes in Greece today. The Balkans are receiving many of our bombs these days. There was some rain tonight but it is not nearly as cold.

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 139/mission 138) Group Mission # 140:

A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ A/C No. 42-64529 Judy” P Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt Shaw, William H., 2Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Young, William G., 2Lt N None None B Smith, Warren W., S/Sgt Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt E Haney, T. J., Sgt Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt R Peterson, Karl E., T/Sgt Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Pvt Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt F Asmus, George D., Sgt None A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler” P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt CP Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt N Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 1Lt None B Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt Poranda, Michael A., Pvt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., Sgt Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt F Smith, William C. “Doc”, Capt None (observer) A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt Ward, James M., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Pvt Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt R McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64575 P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt CP Bonus, Robert M., Capt N Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E Laird, Ellsworth A., Jr., S/Sgt R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt G Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt F None

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS War Diary: Capt. Frank Griffith, S/Sgt. Dewitt, T/Sgt. Haley, S/Sgt. L.M. Mitchell, Lt. Richard P. Morris, and S/Sgt. Billy Dykes finished fifty missions. DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt, gunner Dykes, Billy, S/Sgt, gunner Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt, pilot Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt, gunner Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt, gunner Morris, Richard Pervis, Jr., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 139/mission 138) Group Mission # 140: Squadron Mission 112 TARGET: Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece. DATE: 15 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation 446th Planes: 6 Lt. Bugbee, 447th Sqdn, led the formation and the coverage was excellent. On Megalo Mikra strings started on W side and crossed the field to the buildings on the NE side. Bursts were observed among 18 aircraft on the S side. Three fires were started and one terrific explosion S of the center of the runway. Flames shot up to 1000 feet and grey smoke up to 3000 feet. It was visible for 40 miles. On Sedes bombs started on the W dispersal area hitting 7 planes, went on across the field and made direct hits on the hangars. The flak was heavy, very intense, and fairly accurate. Eleven A/C were destroyed on ground. Lt. Axson and Lt. Knapp were spares and returned early. Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” St. Joe” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Griffith, Frank J. “Grif”, Capt CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt Mitchell, Lance M., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt Haley, Woodrow H., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl Dykes, Billy (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr., 2Lt CP Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N None None B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt DeWitt, Joe B., S/Sgt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Brooks, Gaylen B., S/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt G Edwards, David R., S/Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30293 A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Russell, Bruton E., 2Lt CP Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt N None None B Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Roulier, Edward T., Cpl Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13200 (spare) A/C No. 41-13008 (spare) P Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt None B Pappas, William J., 2Lt Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt E Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt R Shields, James A., T/Sgt Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “We reached Casablanca today (2:15 PM). We got off the boat & checked in at a camp called – Don B passage. We have tents here to sleep in, no beds – so we’re sleeping on the nice soft wood floors. Eating can C-rations, but it’s really pretty good. Everyone still O.K. & no trouble of any kind.”

447th BS War Diary: Lt. Bugbee, Capt. Gale flew to Palermo, Sicily to pick up a “jeep” engine and parts for the squadron. All our planes returned safely from the mission. Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Bodine and S/Sgt. Nittle. Bodine, Arnold F. "Beeny the Bum", 2Lt, navigator Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr, 1Lt, pilot Gale, Myron, Capt, Executive Nittle, Samuel, S/Sgt, gunner

MORNING REPORT for the Week ending on the 15th of Oct., 1943: Assigned strength: E.M.---274, Officers---81. Capt. Burns transferred to the States. There are 8 E.M. and 13 Off. On D.S. with the G’s. (see Oct. 14th.) Burns, John P., Capt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 139/mission 138) Group Mission # 140: 11 of our ships were scheduled to participate in a raid on the A/D at Salonika/Megas, Greece. However Lt. Fraser was forced to return early because of an oil leak in his right engine. The rest of the planes completed the mission. There were no E/A sighted. The AA was heavy, moderate, and accurate.

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 42-64695 P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt CP Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt N None None B Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr, Myers, William W., Sgt S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated Lady” P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt N None None B Harter, James E., S/Sgt Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt R Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt G Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt Smith, Argyle H., Sgt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl None A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt CP Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt N Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt None B Boyle, Joseph G, Jr., 2Lt Sattenspiel, Stanley J., S/Sgt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl Funk, Marvin J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt N Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt None B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt Alton, David D., S/Sgt E Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F None Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., S/Sgt

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt CP Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt Baxter, William T., 2Lt N None Colby, John W., 2Lt B Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Nittle, Samuel (NMI), S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Balsom, James P., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Commander N Bodine, Arnold F., “Benny the Bum”, 1Lt B Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Werner, George P., Sgt G Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 52) TARGET: Salonika A/D 3:00 Plane 371 (42-53371 “Death Wind”) “Bursts observed among 18 planes on S side. Explosion S of center of runway. Flames shooting up to 1000 feet. Gray smoke to 3000 feet visible 40 miles away.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 34) TARGET: Salonika/Megala Mikra A/D 3:00 Frags Plane 997 (41-12997 “Southern Belle”): Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Sgt Manning “Bursts observed among 18 planes on S side. Three fires and one terrific explosion on side of runway. Coverage excellent. 30 E/A observed on Mikra. No flak.”

448th BS War Diary:

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Italy to Tobruk, Libya. Gambut #3, very dusty.”

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 139/mission 138) Group Mission # 140: Mission # 105 (140): At 08:55 36 planes off to bomb Salonika, Sedes and Salonika, Mikra A/D’s, 35 dropped 3448 frags at 10:35 from 9500 fee and returned at 11:55. At Mikra A/D strings started on W side across field to buildings on NE side and across 18 planes on S side, 3 fires and 1 large explosion S of center of runway. At Sedes A/D Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued) bombs in dispersal area and hits seen on hangar, 3 fires observed. 30 E/A on ground at Mikra. Intense, heavy, accurate flak from both targets. Weather: 2/10th at 7000 feet at the target. F/L: Culp and Ford.

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30343 P Veum, Ole E., Capt McCurry, Milton L., 1Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt 321st BG E Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt Polinsky, Marvin J., T/Sgt R Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-30548 P Clark, Paul I., 2Lt Culp, Merle H., Capt CP Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt Boatwright, John S., 1Lt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt Boland, Chester H., 1Lt B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt E Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt R Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt G Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 42-64519 P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt CP Bruton, John E., 1Lt Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt R Harding, John E., S/Sgt Tanner, James T., S/Sgt G Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-29967 A/C No. 42-64655 P Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt CP Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt N None None B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Pvt Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Ally, George B., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 15 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt Fleming, George B., F/O CP Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Driver, William J., F/O N Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt None B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt Moorman, Arthur L., S/Sgt E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt R Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt G White, George E., S/Sgt Griffin, Pink C, S/Sgt F None Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64661 A/C No. 42-64521 P Haskell, John D., 2Lt Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt CP Gouge, David J., 2Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt N None None B Cain, George S., S/Sgt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 16 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): P-38's bomb a vessel in Leukas Channel off the W coast of Greece. In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb the marshalling yard and rail lines, railroad tunnel, highway underpass, warehouses, industrial buildings, and gas works in or near Bologna; XII Air Support Command and other NATAF elements provide close support to the US Fifth and British Eighth Armies; fighters and light and medium bombers hit communications centers of Venafro, Vairano, Sparanise, Latina, Alife, and the town of Pietravairano; roads, railroads, and junctions in the areas SE of Rome to the bomb line, between Vasto and Pescara, and at Mondragone; gun positions, trucks, and military concentrations near Vinchiaturo, Boiano, and Termoli; landing ground of Cisterna di Latina; and several other targets in the area between Rome and Ancona.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The marshalling yards at Ancona on the east coast of Italy was today’s target. The whole of the yards save a small portion in the center was completely covered. The north and south choke points were hit and the gas works blown up and left burning. Hits were observed on warehouses, cars in the M/Y, locomotive sheds, repair shops, round house, factories south of the yards and fuel tanks were set afire. Two explosions, several fires and columns of smoke were observed coming from the target as the formation left.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: (The “G” Squadron is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons) 321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 1/Mission 1): ------Mission Report # 1, 16 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 352 on 4 Jun 44) B-25 G’s DS, Gambut. 1. At 1200 four B-25 G’s took off for shipping strike Pserimos (Cappari) – Cos area. None returned early. Four shot five seventy-five MM shells at 1408 from 450 feet, closed to 2000. Four aircraft returned at 1610. None lost, missing, or at friendly field. 2. No hits scored on E-Boat. Three Beaufighters escort strafed same boat with 20 mm cannon fire. Boat seen smoking. 250 50 caliber rounds fired by B-25s at E Boat. No hits observed. 3. Air------None. Marine----At 36 degrees 55’ North – 27 degrees 05’ East – “E” Boat heading SE. Cos channel, East of Pserimos. Caique (60 ton, 1 masted vessel) sighted heading SE. 36 degrees 48’ North – 27 degrees 28’ East – medium M/V, believed Turkish heading 200 degrees. Ground----None. Flak------Light, slight, inaccurate from Caique. 4. Enroute—3/10’s broken cumulus 500’ – 600’. Target-----2/10’s stratus-cumulus 1000’ 1500’. Return----3/10’s broken cumulus 500’ – 600’.

Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued) 5. None. Flight Leader -- Lt. Dorman (Capt: D. A. Bell) No. of sorties--4. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Red Nosed Beckie” “Black Magic” P Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, 447th BS CP Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt, 447th BS N Lang, Robert B., 2Lt, 447th BS Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS B None None E Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt, 447th BS R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, S/Sgt, 447th BS G Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt Fish, Harold E., Sgt, 447th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 P Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS None (observer) B None None E MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt R Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt CL Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 2/Mission 2): ------Mission Report # 2, 16 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 353 on 4 Jun 44) 1. B-25 G’s DS, Gambut. 2. At 1400 four B-25 G’s took off for shipping strike of Calino – Cos area. One returned early. Three shot 13 rounds of seventy-five mm shells at 1001 from 100 feet. 3 returned at 1810. None lost, missing or at friendly field. 3. B-25’s made 2 passes at “E” Boat located at 36 degrees 54’ N – 26 degrees 54’ E. Closed to 2000 yards. Near misses recorded. Ship seen smoking at middle. 150 rounds of 50 caliber shot at “E” Boat, no hits observed. 1800 rounds of 50 caliber shot at attacking JU-88’s, 2 probable damaged. 4. Air------Sighted 4 ME-109’s at target at 4000 yards on B-25 course. No passes made. At target after second pass B-25 and 2 Beaufighters escort attacked simultaneously by 3 JU-88’s. No hits on bombers, 1 Beaufighter hit, B-25 Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

gunners claim 2 JU-88’s probably damaged. B-25’s fired 1800 rounds of 50 caliber at JU-88’s from 1000 to 750 yards when JU-88’s turned off. JU-88’s made several passes in 15 minute running battle. Attacks made at 5 and 7 o’clock. JU-88’s echeloned to right, followed each other in. Marine----MTB sighted and attacked at 36 degree 54’ N – 25 degree 54’ E. Ship going 20 knots at a heading of 100 degrees. Time 1601. “Numerous” vessels seen in Cos harbor. Flak------from “E” boat – intense, light, accurate; few puffs of 40 mm, inaccurate. 5. Enroute----5/10’s – 500’ cumulus. 5/10’s – 4000’ strato-cumulus. Target-----Clear. Visibility unlimited. Return----Scattered showers. 7-8/10’s – 500-1000’. 6. None. Flight Leader – F/O Peplinski. No. of sorties--3. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32464 “The Goon Bird” P Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt CP Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt N None Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt, 446th Nithman, Charles E., Cpl BS R Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, 445th BS Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt Rowley, Lester T., Sgt CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32488 P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O Peplinski, James L., F/O CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O N None Joyce, Bryan A., F/O B None None E Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt G Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt CL Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS None listed - likely the engineer

Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 140/mission 139) Group Mission # 141: ------Mission Report # 141, 16 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).

2. At 0940 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Ancona M/Y. __None_ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. ___36__ dropped 288x250 lb_ bombs with .1 and 45 second fusing No. A/C No. & Type at 1128 from 7500/9500 ft. ___36__ returned at 1300. None lost, missing or at Time Alt. No. A/C Time friendly field.

3. Marshalling yards completely covered except for small portion of center. North and south choke points hit. Gas works blown up and left burning. Fuel tanks set afire. Hits were observed on warehouses, cars in M/Y, locomotive sheds, repair shops, round house, and factories S of M/Y. Two explosions and several fires observed. Columns of smoke were coming from target as formation left.

4. Air------Some A/C observed on Marina di Falconare. A/D too far away to identify. Ground----Two trains 35 cars each, mostly tank cars, east of Loreto--43°27’N, 13°39’E. Much activity in M/Y at Loreto. Marine----One large DD or light cruiser and one large M/V on S. side of harbor. One medium M/V and 25/30 small boats on N side. Flak------None.

5. Enroute----5/10 cumulus at 7000ft. Target------4/10 cumulus at 9000ft. Thin stratus at 6500 ft. Return------4/10 cumulus at 8000ft.

6. None. Flight leaders---Lts. Ford and Farrell, Captain Chappell. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: This afternoon the men listened with great interest to the story of a former B-24 gunner who was shot down near Naples almost a year ago and spent 10 months in an Italian prisoner of war camp. After he listed the food he had eaten for the past ten months, the men certainly must have enjoyed their spam more than ever. Some lucky members of the Squadron, who were tuning in their radios, happened to hit upon the play by play broadcast of the Penn State-Navy football game direct from the States. Thus the magic of radio brought them right to the 50 yard line today.

Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 140/mission 139) Group Mission # 141:

A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-64529 Gambler II” P Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt Shaw, William H., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st BG Commander N None None B Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., Sgt Perry, Gilbert E., S/Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt G Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Miller, Gail G., 2Lt Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Poranda, Michael A., Pvt Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt E Halpin, John J., Sgt Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt R Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt G Smith, James B., Sgt Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt F None Cook, Bailey C., Lt. Col, Commander (mission commander) A/C No. 41-30354 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Jackson, John I., 2Lt Young, William G., 2Lt CP Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Ward, James M., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Pvt Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Pvt Pierce, William V., S/Sgt F None Asmus, George D., Sgt

446th BS War Diary: Free rations were issued and came in very handy as quite a few of the men were getting low on cigarettes. The fact that it was free was also appreciated.

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 140/mission 139) Group Mission # 141: Squadron Mission 113 TARGET: Ancona M/Y, Italy DATE: 16 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: 250# Demolition. 446th Planes: 12 Lt. Ford, 448th Sqdn, led the formation and the M/Y were completely covered except for a small portion of the center. North and south choke points were hit, gas works blown up Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued) and left burning. Fuel tanks were set afire. Hits were observed on warehouses, cars in the M/Y, locomotive sheds, repair shops, roundhouse and factory south of the M/Y. Two explosions and several fires were observed. Columns of smoke were coming up from the target as formation left. No flak or fighters. Ford, Charles L., Jr., 1Lt, pilot, 448th BS

A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Bradley, James M. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Chappell, Howard L., Capt Capt CP Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt B Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt E Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., Cpl G Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Russell, Burton E., 2Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt N None None B Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt E Smith, James A., S/Sgt Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt South, William R., S/Sgt F Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl None A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania A/C No. 41-13200 Polka” P Morris, Richard Pervis “Big Moe”, Jr., Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt 2Lt CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt R Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt Shields, James A., S/Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of St. Joe” P Taylor, Peter D., Capt Tapper, George G., 2Lt CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Brown, Newton E., 2Lt Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt G Edwards, David R., S/Sgt Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl F None None Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 41-13008 Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt CP Porter, Lloyd A., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt G Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt Martin, Edward F., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-30293 P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt Smith, Roy W., Pvt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 30) “# 30 Oct. 16, 1943 Time 3:50 Sqdn Mission # 113 Gr. Mission # 141 250# demo Ancona M/Y Italy Formation Leader - Capt Ford Results - M/Y completely covered. N & S choke points were hit, gas works blown up & left burning. Fuel tanks set afire. Warehouses, cars in M/Y, locomotive shed, repair shops, round house & factories south of M/Y were hit. 2 explosions & several fires seen. Remarks - No flak - no fighters. Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Formation 1-1 P- Chappell, CP - Knapp, N- Springer, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G -Skill” Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., Capt, pilot, 448th BS Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt, pilot Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt, navigator

Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “I went in to the city of Casablanca this afternoon, its very interesting, the city, people, & there ways of living, also getting used to their money, and language. I can’t seem to talk French very good. I’m going back to town tomorrow afternoon to see if I have missed anything.”

447th BS War Diary: The squadron moved today to a new bivouac area. The site is an olive grove directly behind our line and parking area from the runway. There is one white stone building which will serve as an officers’ mess and club. Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 140/mission 139) Group Mission # 141: 6 of our planes took part in a raid on the Marshalling Yards at Ancona, Italy. Bombing results excellent. All our planes returned safely. Capt. Seel’s plane blew a tire when landing.

A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 42-64695 P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt CP Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt N None None B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 1Lt Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt Myers, William W., Sgt G Zacharya, Andrew, Pvt Werner, George P., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle II” P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt Baxter, William T., 2Lt N None None B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt Manning, Hillard J., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Done Crapped Again” Ball” P Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt CP Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt N None Colby, John W., 1Lt B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., S/Sgt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt Newhouse, Ralph W., S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Balsom, James P., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt F None None Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” (returned early – engine trouble) (spare) P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2lt B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl None

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 35) TARGET: Ancona M/Y Italy 3:20 250 lb. Bombs. Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, Lt., Lanza, S/Sgt Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Pvt Zacharya “M/Y completely covered. N and S choke points hit. Gas works blown up and left burning. Fuel tanks set afire. No flak.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot: “On mission to Salonika Greece to hit the two airdromes bounding the city, we had to turn back because our left engine started throwing oil. We were at about 11,000 ft into Albania when we first noticed it. So we made the good ole 180° and returned to the base.”

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 140/mission 139) Group Mission # 141: Mission # 106 (141): At 09:40 36 planes off to bomb M/Y at Ancona, Italy, dropped 268 x 250 bombs at 11:08 from 7500 feet and returned at 13:00. M/Y completely covered except for small portion in center, and 3 choke points well hit, gas works blown up, and one fuel tank set afire, many buildings around yards hit and several fires observed. Weather: 4/10th Cumulus at target. F/L: Ford.

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30343 P Veum, Ole E., Capt Mayer, Brantz (NMI), Jr., 2Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt Biener, Martin B., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt 321st BG E Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt R Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt Spencer, John S., T/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” A/C No. 41-30355 P Fleming, George B., F/O Bruton, John E., 1Lt CP Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt N None None B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt E Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-64552 P Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt Boatwright, John S., 1Lt CP Joli, William H., 2Lt King, James L., 2Lt N None None B Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt Cain, George S., S/Sgt E Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R House, Harry H., S/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt G Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F None Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64661 P Coffey, Kenneth H. F., 2Lt Haskell, John D., 2Lt CP Anderson, Andrew H., L., 2Lt Gouge, David J., 2Lt N None None B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Schmidt, Walter I., S/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt Marlow, Sterling H., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st None BG A/C No. 42-64655 A/C No. 42-64514 P Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt Clark, Paul I., 2Lt CP Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt N None None B Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt G Ally, George B., S/Sgt Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 16 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-12926 “Hawkeye” A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., Capt CP Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, Commander N None Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt B Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., Pvt Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt White, George E., S/Sgt F None None

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Mission #9. working with RAF – Island of Kos. 3 B-25s attack E. boats. We were attacked by JU-88s.”

Sunday, 17 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Weather prevents operations by the XII Bomber Command. US and RAF units of NATAF operate at a reduced pace. In Italy, light and medium bombers hit the towns of Teano and Alife and motor transport at Benedello, Penna, and Pedesso; fighter-bombers bomb and strafe troops, trucks, guns, train stations, and a bridge near Vinchiaturo, Benedello, Teramo, and Sparanise; other fighters strafe locomotives S of Ancona. The 97th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 47th Bombardment Group (Light), transfers from Grottaglie to Vincenzo Airfield, Italy with A-20's. The 99th Fighter Squadron, XII Air Support Command, transfers from Barcellona, Sicily to Foggia, Italy with P-40's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: (The “G” Squadron is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons) 321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 3/Mission 3): ------Mission Report # 3, 17 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 354 on 4 Jun 44) 1. B-25 G’s DS, Gambut. 2. At 1308 5 B-25G’s took off on a shipping strike of the Pserimos-Cos area. No A/C returned early. 5 A/C shot 17 75-mm shells and 750 50 caliber at 1529 from 350 feet altitude, 5000-1000 yards range. 4 returned at 1757; 1 with left engine shot out returned at 1610 with 3 Beaufighter escort. None lost, missing, or at friendly field. 3. Results: Attacked 2 beached small F boats on N. shore of Kos Island at 36 degree 52’ N- 25 degree 08’ E with 75-mm and 50 caliber fire. Scored 2 direct hits on east boat with cannon and covered east boat and personnel with 50 caliber fire. 4. Air------None. Marine----sighted 2 beached F boats, 40 feet apart, on N. Kos Island shore at 36 degrees 52’ N – 25 degrees 08’ E. Ground----None. Flak------20-mm and 40-mm, slight, inaccurate from coast from 5 mile E of target to target. Light, accurate, intense from target area. Lt. Edwards received direct 20-mm hit in port engine which cut out. He salvoed 2 waist guns, 75 and 50 ammunition and radio equipment, 2-250 pound bombs to stay in the air. 5. Weather at target—2/10’s coverage - strato-cumulus 1000-1500’. Visibility: 19-20 miles. 6. None. Flight Leader - Lt. Edwards. No. of sorties-5. No. of photos-None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Sunday, 17 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32464 “Red Nosed Beckie” “The Goon Bird” P Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt, 447th BS CP Slater, Edward N., 2Lt, 445th BS Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt N Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS None B None None E Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Biebighauser, Roy A., 447th BS G Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt Farrell, John J., Pvt, 447th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), 445th BS 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 “Eager Beaver” P Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt Gilluly, John W., 2Lt CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B None None E MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt R Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, S/Sgt G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Fish, Harold E., S/Sgt CL Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32488 P Edwards, James T., 2Lt CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt N Lang, Robert B., 2Lt B None E Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt R Hughes, James C., S/Sgt G Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt CL Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 4/Mission 4): ------Mission Report # 4, 17 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 355 on 4 Jun 44) 1. B-25 G’s DS, Gambut. 2. At 1410 5 B-25 G’s took off for shipping strike of the Calinos-Pserimos-Kos area. None returned early. 5 A/C shot no 75-mm ammunition. 5 A/C returned at 1825. None lost, missing or at friendly field. 3. Results: No target sighted. 4. Air------1 unidentified A/C S of Nisiro Island heading due S. Marine----1 single stack, 200’ vessel painted grey in Kos harbor; 1 Turkish M/V in Kos channel.

Sunday, 17 October 1943 (continued) Ground----None. Flak------None. 5. Enroute----rainstorm south of Crete. At target---CAVU. Return-----CAVU. 6. None. Flight Leader – F/O Peplinski. No. of sorties--5. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64668 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Black Magic” P Peplinski, James L., F/O Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O CP Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt, 446th BS Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt R Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O (observer) Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32464 “The Goon Bird” P Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt CP Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt N None Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt B None None E Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt Nithman, Charles E., Cpl R Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, 445th BS Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt G Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt Rowley, Lester T., Sgt CL Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt None listed - likely the engineer 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N None B None E Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt G Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt CL Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS

Sunday, 17 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: A number of the men are complaining of colds due no doubt to the extreme dampness of the climate. The Officers celebrated the grand opening of their club this evening in a most turbulent manner. Plans are now being laid for the construction of an enlisted men’s club.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual garrison duties.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Everyone is still O.K. I hope Enid, the folks are all alright in the USA. I looked over more of Casablanca today, I don’t believe I’d care much for Africa, just pass through & that’s all. The town & people are not quite as clean as they should be; in fact they’re just plain dirty. Until tomorrow.”

447th BS War Diary: Everyone worked today getting settled in the new area. A wooden building is being constructed by the enlisted men for their kitchen. Most of the men have obtained lumber and made floors for their tents. Because of the shallow rock formations some difficulty is being experience in digging to latrine and in sinking tent stakes to a holding depth. Capt. P. Seel flew to Soliman today for medical supplies. Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 41) “Thirty-six ships hit Ancona Marshalling yard by the harbor. This is the second most important port left in Italy that is still in German hands. We went right across the harbor over two cruisers but they must have been dismantled Italian vessels because they didn’t put up any flak. Our bombing was pretty good. Forty-eight P-38s for escort.”

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Mission #10. Recon off coast of Turkey – nothing sighted.”

Monday, 18 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-25's bomb the marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia; P-38's follow with a strafing mission, damaging or destroying several locomotives and vehicles.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36's hit the Venafro railroad yards, and other fighter-bombers hit gun positions, troops, and railway stations in or near Boiano, Petacciato, and Vairano. Fighters strafe airfields around Rome and also hit Viterbo, Grosseto, and the seaplane base at Bracciano, and attack trains on the Rome- Orte and Rome-Naples, Italy lines. NATBF light bombers bomb the road and railway near Cassino, the town of Carpinone, the road junction at Castiglione della Valle, and roads, bridges, and motor transport near Minturno and Chieti. HQ 316th Troop Carrier Group transfers from Mazzara to Borizzo, Sicily. The 4th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Catania, Sicily with C-47's. The 12th Photographic Squadron (Light), 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, based at La Marsa, Tunisia with F-4's and F-5's, sends a detachment to operate from Ajaccio/Camp del Oro, Corsica.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Both the east and west ends of the West Marshalling Yards at Skoplje, Yugoslavia were hit today with some bombs in the center of the yards. Hits and fires were observed in building on the NE end of the yards and two direct hits were made on sheds at the west end. One explosion and two fires were noticed.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: (The “G” Squadron is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons) 321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 5/Mission 5): ------Mission Report # 5, 18 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 356 on 4 Jun 44) 1. B-25 G’s DS, Gambut.

2. At 1344 4 B-25G’s took off for shipping strike of Pserimos-Kos area and to bomb Antimachia A/D on Kos Island. None returned early. 4 dropped 7 x 300 pounds demolition bombs with 8-11 second fusing at 1534 from 400 feet. 4 shot 10 75 mm shells at 1536 from 300 feet altitude from range of 8000 to 2500 yards. 4 A/C returned at 1725. None lost, missing or at friendly field.

3. A/D runway was hit in center with 2 bombs. Other 5 bombs were long with one A/C having trouble releasing bombs. Field strafed by 325 rounds of 50 caliber fire. 2 “F” boats sighted on heading of 130 degrees. Westerly boat attacked and 10 75 mm shells fired. 2 direct hits observed with one more probable. Beaufighters skip-bombed the easterly ship coring 2 direct hits, also strafed both boats with 20 mm and machine gun fire.

4. Air------8/10 A/C in SW dispersal area including a Spitfire and a JU-87. 3 MA- 202’s in NE dispersal area near hangars. Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

Marine----2 “F” boats sighted at 36 degrees 52’ N – 27 degrees 00’ E on a heading of 130 degrees going 6-8 knots. Boats were in trail, westerly boat attacked by B-25G’s, easterly by Beaufighters skip bombing.

Ground----None.

Flak------Slight, slight and heavy from Masticari. Intense light, inaccurate from “F” boats; mostly 20 mm and small arms fire with few 40 mm bursting late. 5. Weather--CAVU in and out. 6. None. Flight Leader -- F/O Peplinski. No. of sorties--4. Photos taken---none. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, 448th Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, 448th BS BS CP Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt, 448th BS Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt, 448th BS N None Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt, 448th BS Nithman, Charles E., Cpl, 448th BS R Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, 445th BS Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, 448th BS G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt, 448th BS Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS CL Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, 446th BS None listed - likely the engineer 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64668 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Black Magic” P Peplinski, James L., F/O, 448th BS Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, 448th BS CP Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, 445th BS N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, 448th BS None B None None E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, 448th BS Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt, 448th BS R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt, 448th BS Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt, 448th BS G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt, 448th BS Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt, 448th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 141/mission 140) Group Mission # 142: ------Mission Report # 142, 18 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1025 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ West M/Yds. At Skoplje, Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target Yugoslavia. __None_ returned early. ___36__ dropped 231x250 lbs with .1 & 45 No. A/C No. A/C No. & Type Second fusing at 1215 hours from 10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1325. Alt. No. A/C Time __None__ lost, __None__ missing, __None__ at friendly field. No. A/C No. A/C No. A/C

3. Results: Both east and west ends of yards were hit, with some bombs down center and over. Hits and fires observed in buildings on NE end and two direct hits on sheds on W end, with some bombs to North of sheds. Possible hits on locomotive sheds reported, and explosion to North of sheds, and two fires on south side of tracks.

4. Air------Two S/E seen taking off from Skoplje A/D – with 5/8 E/A on ground – 3/4 JU-52’s and two S/E (2 on west side and three around perimeter). Huge M/T convoy reported, several hundred vehicles heavily laden – with trailers – some artillery – moving NW between Veles 41°43’N, 21°47’E through Skoplje towards Tetovo, About a third of W M/Y facilities filled.

Marine----Two small boats at Kneta E. Kravastase and 3 M/V in Durazzo harbor reported all tied up along SW pier.

Flak------One report of seven bursts, heavy, inaccurate – trailing formation at target and 12 bursts heavy inaccurate from Tirana.

5. Weather En route and return: Scattered Cumulonimbus with 6/10 cumulus at 9000 to 40 miles inland. Target: CAVU.

6. None. Flight leaders: Lt. Col. Cook, Maj. Schwane and Capt. Seel Observers : Col. Walsh, Maj. Pemberton, Capt. Landron and Lt. Drotis. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken.

FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Captain Tipton, Squadron Operations Officer, today flew his 51st mission. The weather was fair until the evening when the rain started and looks like it might continue all night. Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 141/mission 140) Group Mission # 142:

A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Shaw, William H., 2Lt Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt CP Young, William G., 2Lt Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Pvt Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Anthony, Loren R., S/Sgt Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” Gambler II” (Bear - no lettering) P Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt CP Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt Ward, James M., 2Lt N None None B Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt Castle, Roy V., S/Sgt E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R McIntosh, Kermit S., S/Sgt Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt N None None B Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Winston, E. G., S/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Calvert, Murley E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Joy” P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt E Halpin, John J., Sgt Haney, T. J., S/Sgt R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt G Smith, James B., Sgt Carleo, John J., S/Sgt F Asmus, George D., Sgt None

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64575 P Bonus, Robert M., Capt CP Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG N Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E Laird, Ellsworth A. Jr., S/Sgt R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt G Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Sawyer and S/Sgt. Brei finished fifty missions. Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt, gunner Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 141/mission 140) Group Mission # 142: Squadron Mission 114 TARGET: Skoplje, Yugoslavia. DATE: 18 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: 250# Demolition. 446th Planes: 12 Lt. Col. Cook, 445th Sqdn, led the formation and both East and West ends of the yards were hit, with some bombs down center and over. Hits and fires observed in buildings, on NE end, and two direct hits on shed on west end, with some bombs to north of sheds. Possible hits on locomotive sheds reported, and explosion north of sheds and two fires on south side of tracks. No flak or fighters encountered. Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 445th BS

A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, Chappell, Howard L., Capt Commander CP Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt None B Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., Cpl G South, William R., S/Sgt Skill, Donald H., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Taylor, Peter D., Capt CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC Edwards, David R., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 41-30293 P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt N None None B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt Brei, Harold G., S/Sgt E Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt Smith, Roy W., Pvt G Martin, Edward F., Cpl Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas St. Joe) Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Tapper, George G., 2Lt McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt CP Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N None None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt Sawyer, George D., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt Haasch, George F., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 41-13200 P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None Drotis, Ray L., 1Lt (observer) B Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Smith, James A., S/Sgt Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt Shields, James A., S/Sgt G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt Gehrts, Walter F., Sgt F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Sgt

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 31) “# 31 Oct. 18, 1943 Time 3:20 Sqdn Mission # 114 Gr. Mission # 142 250# demo Skoplje, Yugoslavia Formation Leader - Lt Col. Cook Results - Both east & west end of yards hit - hits & fires observed in bldgs on NE end & 2 direct hits on sheds on W end & N sheds - possibly hits on locomotive shed & explosion N of sheds & 2 fires S side of track. Remarks - No flak - no fighters encountered. Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Formation 2-1 P- Chappell, CP - Fetterly, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G -Skill” Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander, 444th BS Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt, pilot Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner Skill, Donald H., Sgt, gunner

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Well we moved over to the airport today, the Camps Airport – still at Casablanca. We also loaded our baggage in a B-17 – we’re supposed to take off tomorrow morning. I also went into Casablanca to night – Nick, and Dickson went with me, Cobbett, Sweeney & McDonough left earlier this afternoon. Bought Enid a silver bracelet but could not find any S & P shakers for Mom – not much to buy here. I’d guess I’d better get some sleep now, cause I have to get up early tomorrow morning. Oh yes, we rode home in a Dingy cart, tonight – 4 miles in 45 minutes.” Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier Cobbett, Stanley W., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG McDonough, John F., S/Sgt, gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG Sweeney, John Patrick., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 486th BS, 340th BG

447th BS War Diary: Today’s mission was the 50th for Lt. Colby, T/Sgt. Anderson, and T/Sgt. Balsom. Anderson, Chester E., T/Sgt, gunner Balsom, James P., T/Sgt, gunner Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 141/mission 140) Group Mission # 142: 12 of our ships participated in a raid on the M/Y’s at Skoplje, Yugoslavia. Due to the shortage of pilots in our squadron, the group furnished us with 3 co-pilots. Results good – No AA or E/A was seen. All our planes returned safely. Capt. Seel came in on one engine because the left engine blew a cylinder on the return trip. He made a perfect landing and the ship was not damaged. Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 41-13210 “Buckeye Cannon Ball” P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt CP Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt N None Colby, John W., 1Lt B Davis, Donald A., S/Sgt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt Balsom, James P., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl Dunlap, Woodrow W., S/Sgt F Christensen, Lars, Sr., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 41-30557 P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt N None Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt E Henry, William R., S/Sgt Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R Myers, William W., Sgt Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt G Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F Landron, George J., Capt, 82nd FG None A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Driver, William J., F/O, 448th BS N None None B Harter, James E., S/Sgt Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., S/Sgt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt G Jeffrey, James H., PFC, Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl Walsh, James H., Col, HQ 47th Wing (mission commander) A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP Ennis, John H., Jr., 448th BS Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt N None Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt B Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt E Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Wagner, Harvey H., S/Sgt Werner, George P., Sgt F None None

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64695 A/C No. 42-32450 P Baxter, William T., 2Lt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt CP Sholund, John D., 2Lt Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st BG N None None B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Smith, Argyle H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You B-25 G A/C No. 42-64654 Done Crapped Again” P Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt CP McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Anderson, Chester E., S/Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt F None None

447th BS Special Account: While returning from a raid on the Skoplje, Yugoslavia Marshalling Yards on October 18, the plane piloted by Captain P. Seel developed engine trouble. The left engine blew a cylinder and caught on fire. The Lox system took care of the fire and the prop was feathered. Capt. Seel flew the rest of the way home on one engine and made a perfect landing. The Navigator, Lt. Colby, was on his 50th mission and it was his first one-engine landing. He was really sweating it out. Colby, John W., 2Lt, navigator Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 53) TARGET: W M/Y at Skoplje Yugo 3:00 Plane 512 (42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”) “Possible hits on engine sheds.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 36) TARGET: M/Y at Skoplje Yugoslavia 3:00 250 lb Bombs Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Miller, Lt. Stephenson, S/Sgt Davis, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl Reilly, Sgt. Christensen “Both east and west of yard hit, with direct hits on sheds on W side. Possible hits on Engine, sheds and explosions to N of shed and two fires on south side of tracks. No flak.”

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 42) “Thirty-six ships with twenty-four P-38s for escort went to Skoplje Yugoslavia to hit the marshalling yard. There were about two hundred pieces of rolling stock in the yard. Going into the city was a truck convoy that extended about fifteen miles south. Slight, inaccurate heavy flak. Eight P-38s came along with us to dive bomb a bridge near the city.”

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

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Mission #11. Dodecanese Isles, off coast of Turkey. Skip bomb airfield. Hit’s scored on E. boats with cannon. Flak and machine gun fire. Baltimore crashes on take off.” Note: “Baltimore” is the British designation for the Martin A-30 bomber, used by RAF.

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 141/mission 140) Group Mission # 142: Mission # 107 (142): At 10:25 36 planes off to bomb W M/Y’s at Skoplje, Yugoslavia, dropped 231 x 250 bombs at 12:15 from 10,000 feet and returned 13:25. Both E and W ends of yards hit with a few bombs in center, locomotive sheds hit with 2 fires on S side of tracks. Bombs also in buildings to N of sheds with one large explosion. Slight, light flak. Weather: CAVU.

A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-30355 P Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt CP Anderson, Arthur H. L., 2Lt McEvoy, John C., 2Lt N None None B Colby, Arthur R., S/Sgt Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt G Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt Dellwo, Lawrence H., S/Sgt F Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st BG (observer) A/C No. 41-30548 (spare) A/C No. 42-64655 (spare) P Veum, Ole E., Capt King, James L., 2Lt CP Clark, Paul I., 2Lt Boatwright, John S., 1Lt N Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt 321st BG E Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 18 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64514 P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt N Abbe, Richard A., 2Lt B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt F None

Tuesday, 19 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, during a low-level raid, XII Bomber Command B-24's bomb bridges at Porto Civitanova, S of Porto Sant' Elpidio, N of Pedaso, and N of Cupra Marittima; fighters, fighter-bombers, and light bombers of the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF attack the town of Boiano, gun positions and troop concentrations on the outskirts of town, and an ammunition dump and railroad tunnel nearby, Viterbo and Tarquinia landing fields, the towns of Cassino and Anzio, the railroad N of Pesaro and near Pineto, trains near Barisciano, troops near Mintumo, and vehicles at several points.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: (The “G” Squadron is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons)

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 6/Mission 6): ------Mission Report # 6, 19 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 357 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). DS Gambut.

2. At 1108 4 B-25Gs took off on shipping strike of Antikythira Channel and NW Crete area. None returned early. 2 dropped 4 x 300 pounds demolition bombs and shot 37 75 mm shells from 1245 to 1247, the bombs were dropped from mast level, the shells fired from 8000 yards to 900 feet and altitude of 400 feet. 4 returned at 1415. None lost, missing or at friendly field.

3. Results: Convoy of 3 LC’s, one Caique, and one armed trawler sighted and attacked 20 miles NE of Cape Spetha on Crete. 2 75 mm hits scored on most southerly landing craft; 3 75 mm hits on most northerly LC, 1 75 mm hit on armed trawler which was middle boat. LC and trawler loaded with personnel many of whom abandoned their ships when strafed with 50 caliber and 75 mm fire. Armed trawler skip-bombed from mast level and sunk by B-25. 3 Beaufighters escort strafed vessels with 20 mm and 50 caliber fire. Beaufighters confirmed sinking of trawler as they followed B-25’s in. Beaufighters shot down one Arado-196 which was patrolling north of the convoy; also destroyed one Dornier seaplane on the water one mile north of convoy. Dinghy seen 25 yards south of Dornier.

4. Air------2 Arado 196’s sighted, one N and one S of the convoy attacked. 2 Beaufighters shot down northerly A/C; southerly A/C last seen headed for Crete to the south. One Dornier S/P 1 mile north of convoy sighted by Beaufighter; sank same

Tuesday, 19 October 1943 (continued)

Marine----At 35 degrees 45’ N – 25 degrees 55’ E convoy consisting of 3 LC 1 caique, and 1 armed trawler sighted. Convoy headed South in trail. First 2 ships, caique and LC attacked on first pass. 180 degree turn made and last 2 ships, armed trawler and LC attacked. Ground----none.

Flak------Light, slight inaccurate from Cape Spetha; light, slight, inaccurate from trawler.

5. Weather---Out and in – broken cumulus at 800 feet, scattered showers. 15-20 mile winds.

6. None. Flight Leader – Lt. Gilluly. No. of sorties--4. No photos taken. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654 “Flying Caisson” P Edwards, James T., 2Lt, 447th BS McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, 448th BS N Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, 448th BS B None None E Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt R Hughes, James C., S/Sgt, 447th BS Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt G Fox, Robert J., Sgt, 447th BS Farrell, John J., Pvt CL None listed - likely the engineer Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 “Eager Beaver” P Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt Gilluly, John W., 2Lt CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt N None Kresge, James G., 2Lt B None None E MacDougall, Alan J., S/Sgt Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt R Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, S/Sgt G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Fish, Harold E., Sgt CL Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt None listed - likely the engineer

Tuesday, 19 October 1943 (continued)

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 7/Mission 7): ------Mission Report # 7, 19 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 358 on 4 Jun 44) 1. B-25 G’s DS, Gambut. 2. At 1302 3 B-25 G’s took off for a shipping strike of the south Rhodes Islands. None returned early. 4 dropped no bombs or shot ammunition. 3 returned at 1720. None lost, missing or at friendly field. 3. Results: No sightings. 4. Air------None. Marine----None. Ground----None. Flak------None. 5. Weather—CAVU out and in except for scattered rain 80 miles from coast coming back. 6. None. Flight Leader – Lt. Dorman. No. of sorties--3. Photos taken---none. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O, 448th BS Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, 448th BS None B None None E Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS G Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt CL Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64531 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Black Magic” P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt N None Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt Nithman, Charles E., Cpl R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt G Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt, 446th BS CL Horton, Felton E., Sgt, 445th BS None listed - likely the engineer

Tuesday, 19 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: There was no mission today and the men just took it easy in their tents while others visited the nearby towns for food, wine and “senioritis”. The weather is very damp again tonight but the men are beginning to get used to it.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Usual garrison duties.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “This finds me at Telergma field, 30 miles from a town called Constantine, a good sized town & quite pretty, ran into some of my old classmates here, but we got separated from my enlisted men. Hope we get back together some day soon.”

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Marion P. Holliman, while returning from Taranto, was standing next the curb hitch-hiking with Sgt. Argyle H. Smith when an English truck hit Holliman and knocked him down – and out. At that time Sgt. Smith called on all the Italians around for aid, but water didn’t seem to do any good. When Holliman came to, he was in an Italian car setting in front of our own dispensary. It seems that the English truck didn’t stop. Holliman wound up with a few scratches, a sore jaw – and a knot on his head. Lt. Bugbee took one of our planes to Catania, Sicily. The trip was made to take a Red Cross girl to the hospital there. Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt, bombardier Smith, Argyle H., Sgt, turret gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Take off but return due to engine trouble.”

Wednesday, 20 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's, B-26's, B-25's and P-38's bomb the Rome-Casale landing ground, Marcigliana and Cerveteri Airfields, railroad bridges at Montalto di Castro, Grosseto, and 13 miles (21 km) SE of Orvieto, and the marshalling yard at Nish, Yugoslavia obstructing the Belgrade-Sofia line; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and other aircraft of the NATAF devote most of their efforts to bombing gun positions, trucks, and rail and road communications S of Vasto, at Mignano, N of Cassino, in Cassino and Chieti, at Castropignano, Carpinone, Arce, Tratella, and at various other points along highways and railroads. Fighter-bombers also hit shipping along Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia, claiming 2 vessels sunk. HQ 62nd Fighter Wing transfers from Palermo, Sicily to Naples, Italy. The 527th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group, transfers from Serretella Airfield to Pomigliano, Italy with A-36's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks at the South Marshalling Yards at Nis provided good results for the day. Many large fires were observed with smoke to 5000 feet. Six explosions were seen including one from a locomotive shed which was described as terrific.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: (The “G” Squadron is not a designated squadron – planes & crews are from all 321st squadrons)

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 8/Mission 8): ------Mission Report # 8, 20 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 359 on 4 Jun 44) 1. B-25 G’s, DS Gambut.

2. At 1344 4 B-25 G’s took off to attack 4 “F” boats beached on NE coast of Kos Island. 4 shot 11 75 mm shells at 1600 hours from altitude of 400 feet with range from 4000 to 2500 yards. 4 returned at 1750. None lost, missing or at friendly field.

3. Target not sighted but flight attacked 2 “F” boats beached 7 miles W of original target sighting. Both boats fired upon by 75 mm and 50 caliber fire. 2 hits at water line scored on West boat with 75 mm shells; numerous hits with 50 caliber fire.

4. Air------None. Marine----2 “F” boats seen beached about center of N shore of Kos Island. Ground----none. Flak------From A/D at Antimachia, heavy, slight, inaccurate and some 40 mm fire. 20 mm and 40 mm fire from Kos coastline near beached vessels, intense, accurate.

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

5. Enroute--raining to 50 miles out then scattered cumulus, 4/10’s coverage at 200 feet. At Target--Scattered cumulus, 3/10’s coverage at 400 feet. Visibility-15-20 mile. Back—Same as out.

6. None. Flight Leader--Lt. Dorman. No. of sorties--4. Photos taken--none. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Red Nosed Beckie” “Flying Caisson” P Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, 448th BS None B None None E Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Lefstad, Paul R., S/Sgt G Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt CL None listed - likely the engineer Fish, Harold E., Sgt, 447th BS 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654 P Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt CP Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt N None Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt Nithman, Charles E., Cpl R McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt, 446th BS CL Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt None listed - likely the engineer

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 9/Mission 9): ------Mission Report # 9, 20 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 360 on 4 Jun 44) 1. B-25 G’s DS, Gambut. 2. At 1302 4 B-25 G’s took off to attack 2 “F” boats beached on N. coast of Kos Island. None returned early. 4 fired 14 75 mm shells at 1530, 4 fired 22 75 mm shells at 1555 to 1559 and 2 dropped 3 x 300 pound bombs at 1559. Ranges from 7000 to 1000 yards. 2 returned at 1755 hours. None lost or missing. 2 landed at El Adem.

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

3. At 1530 2-masted schooner attacked at 35 degrees 40’ N 26 degrees 53’ E with 75 mm fire. 2 direct hits claimed with 2 more, at least, probable. 2 “F” boats on N central coast of Kos attacked from 1555 to 1559 with 75 mm and 50 caliber fire and skip bombed. 3 direct hits with 75 mm seen with 3 more probable, all on Westerly boat. Westerly boat hit directly on stern with one skipped bomb from Lt. Gillluly’s plane. One of Lt. Black’s 2 skipped bombs landed in water between the 2 “F” boats probably causing damage to both. Other bomb was long. Schooner and “F” boats strafed by 50 caliber fire. Westerly boat last seen keeled over, easterly boat out of commission and supplies were seen burning on the beach near boats. 2 B-25’s damaged by flak. 4. Air------10 a/c seen in SW dispersal area of Antimachia A/D, 2 MA-202, 2 ME- 109’s and the rest medium a/c. Marine----2 masted schooner sighted and attacked at 35 degrees 40’ N, 26 degrees 53’ E. Speed 3-6 knots, heading 270 degrees. 2 “F” boats sighted and attacked on N central coast of Kos Island. Ground----Considerable trucking activity seen at A/D, apparently aiding in large scale repair work being done to A/D. Flak------Heavy, slight, inaccurate from A/D. 3-gun heavy battery seen at centre of A/D; 3-gun light battery seen at N perimeter of A/D; spasmodic 20 and 40 mm fire from N Kos coastline near beached boats. Intense, light, fairly accurate from “F” boats. 5. Weather--Enroute--raining to 50 miles out then scattered cumulus, 4/10 coverage at 200 feet. At target--scattered cumulus, 3/10 coverage at 400 feet. Visibility--15-2-miles. Route Back--Same as out. 6. None. Flight Leader--Lt. Gilluly. No. of sorties--4. Photos taken---none. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64668 “Eager Beaver” P Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS Peplinski, James L., F/O CP Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, 445th BS Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O N None Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt B None None E Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt R Jones, Harold G., Sgt, 445th BS Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt G Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt CL Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, 445th None listed - likely the engineer BS Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64487 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, 448th BS Gilluly, John W., 2Lt CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt, 448th BS Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt N None Kresge, James G., 2Lt B None None E Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt, Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt 448th BS R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt, 448th BS Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt G Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt Farrell, John J., Pvt CL Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt, 448th BS None listed - likely the engineer

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 142/mission 141) Group Mission # 143: ------Mission Report # 143, 20 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1055 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ S. M/Y at Nish. __None_ Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C returned early. ___36__ dropped 283x250 lbs bombs with .1 & 11 second fusing at No. A/C No. & Type 1302 from 10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1435. None lost, missing or at Time Alt. No. A/C Time friendly field.

3. Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires observed, one with smoke to 5000 ft. 5 explosions were seen, including 1 from a locomotive shed described as terrific. Fires and explosions observed among rolling stock. N. M/Y reported well hit by P-38s, who also set two E/A on fire at Skoplje A/D.

4. Air------Two S/E seen taking off from Skoplje A/D Also two transports on the ground, and one report of 1 large E/A and 4 S/E E/A on same field. One report of 10 T/E E/A on Bajanovac. Marine----Three medium M/V in center of Durazzo Harbor and two M/V at the docks. Ground--- 50 truck convoy proceeding S from Shegas to Bushnesh (41°35’N, 9°40’E) observed at 1402. 40 M/Ts going south from Nis to Spaj (43°15’N, 22°15’E) Road from Vranje to Skoplje filled with M/Ts, some hauling guns, and 12 tanks proceeding south, observed at 1243. Two trains carrying heavy guns on cars seen 60 miles NW of Skoplje. Two long trains of 30 cars each seen west of Kumanovo, 42°08’N, 21°43’E. 200 cars observed in M/Y at Kliona, 42°37’N, 20°34’E. Flak------None.

5. Enroute and return---5/10 towering cumulus at 6000 ft over mountains. Vis Unlimited Over Target------CAVU. Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

6. None. Flight leaders:--Major Schwane, Capt. Seel and Capt. Culp. Observers---Captain Silver. Number of sorties---36 Photos taken.

FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Two combat crews arrived today as replacements to bolster our rapidly diminishing combat crew ranks. The Squadron received word today of the death of “Slug” Coburne, an armorer in the Squadron. He was well-liked by all and will be missed greatly by his buddies. Coburne, "Sluggo", Sgt, armorer

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 142/mission 141) Group Mission # 143:

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64529 P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Shaw, William H., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Ward, James M., 2Lt N None Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 1Lt B Poranda, Michael A., Pvt Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt Halpin, John J., Sgt R Winston, E. G., T/Sgt Choka, Andrew J., T/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” (returned early – engine trouble) P Miller, Gail G., 2Lt Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Pvt Calvert, Murley E., Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt N None B Stokes, Oliver O., Pvt E Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Carleo, John J., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Ralph Axson, S/Sgt Foley, S/Sgt. Miles, and S/Sgt. Ludwig finished fifty missions. Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 2Lt, pilot Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt, gunner Ludwig, Michael E., S/Sgt, gunner Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt, gunner

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 142/mission 141) Group Mission # 143: Squadron Mission 115 TARGET: South Marshalling Yards, Nis, Yugoslavia. DATE: 20 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: 250# Demolition. 446th Planes: 12 MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and very good coverage was obtained on both locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires were observed, one with smoke rising in the air to 5,000 feet. Six explosions were seen, including one from the locomotive shed described as terrific. Fires and explosions were observed among rolling stock. The north marshalling yards were reported well hit by P-38’s dive bombing, who also hit two enemy aircraft and set them on fire at Skoplje. No flak or fighters. Group reported that this was the most perfect bombing the Group has yet done.

A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 42-64526 St. Joe” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, Commander CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt N None Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt B Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt R Foley, Gerald M., T/Sgt Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl South, William R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13008 A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt N None None B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Martin, Edward F., Cpl Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-30293 P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Riordan, Roland C., 2Lt N None None B Coe, George A., 1Lt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Carstens, Clarence H. “Rusty”, S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., S/Sgt Smith, Roy W., Pvt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Taylor, Peter D., Capt CP Clark, Robert A., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N None None B Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Smith, James A., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Higgins, Thomas T., Sgt Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt G Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt Edwards, David R., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 42-32317 “Pennsylvania Polka” P Chappell, Howard L., Capt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt CP Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt N Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt None B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt Plaine, Robert J., S/Sgt E Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt R Roulier, Edward T., Cpl McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC Mitchell, John C., Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64599 “Old 99 - PLUTO - A/C No. 41-13200 Pee Wee” P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Axson, Ralph Leonidas, Jr., 1Lt CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt Pappas, William J., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Ludwig, Elvin C., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Shields, James A., T/Sgt G Miles, Thomas P., S/Sgt Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 32) “# 32 Oct. 20, 1943 Time 3:55 Sqdn Mission # 115 Gr. Mission # 143 250# demo South Marshalling Yards, Nis, Yugoslavia Formation Leader - Major Schwane Results - Very good coverage on 2 locomotive sheds & tracks. Many large fires obscured - one with smoke rising to 5000 ft. 6 explosions were seen - 1 from loco. Shed was terrific. Fires & explosions among rolling stock - P-38 dive bombed & hit 2 E/A & set them on fire at Skoplje, Yugoslavia. Remarks - No flak or fighters. Perfect bombing reported by group.

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

Ship number - 42-64551 Formation 2-1 P- Chappell, CP - Russell, N- Springer, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G - Bonacich” Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC, gunner Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner Russell, Burton E., 2Lt, pilot Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, pilot, Commander Springer, Luther B., Jr., 1Lt, navigator

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Now I am at Tunis, Africa – at Alaina field quite a lot of damage down here, a large town, but still the same kind of people – Arabs and French Jew – Stayed in town till 9:00 PM. We’re still traveling in the B-17 – 19 of us – everything O.K.”

447th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. James E. Harter had a close call while on the mission. He received a slight wound from a bullet which went “thru” the nose of the ship. Today’s mission was the 50th for Capt. Seel. It was the 40th for S/Sgt. Perpich and concludes his tour of duty. He is being relieved after a tour of 40 missions because of the exceptional number of harrowing experiences he has had in combat. On three different occasions his plane made one-engine landings. Harter, James, E., S/Sgt, bombardier Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt, gunner

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 142/mission 141) Group Mission # 143: 9 of our planes and crews participated in a raid on Nis M/Y in Yugoslavia. The target was well covered. No E/A or AA was sighted. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 42-64695 P Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt McFadden, Kenneth L., 2Lt CP Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt N None None B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt S/Sgt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt Myers, William W., Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl None

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” Lady” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt CP Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt Joiner, Harold W., 2lt N None None B Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt E Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt None A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” A/C No. 41-30557 P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N None Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” II” P Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt CP Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt N None Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt B Harter, James E., S/Sgt Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2lt E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt Perpich, Joseph G., S/Sgt R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt Hilton, Maurice J., T/Sgt G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Fallone, John J., 2Lt CP Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt N None B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 54) TARGET: S M/Y at Nis 3:35 Plane 557 (41-30557) “Very good coverage. Many large fires. No of explosions described as terrific.” Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 37) TARGET: Nis Yugoslavia 3:35 250 lb. Bombs. Plane 512 (42-64512 “Scotch & Soda”): Lt. Stephenson, Lt. Miller, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt Fiorello, S/Sgt Gregory, Cpl Reilly, Cpl Leon “Very good coverage on both locomotive sheds and tracks. Many large fires were observed with smoke up to 5000 ft. Six explosions were seen, one from locomotive shed described as terrific. No flak.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 43) “Marshalling yards at Nish, Yugoslavia was today’s target. The 38s put up twenty-four ships to dive bomb a RR yd on the North side of town that had three hundred freight cars in it. Our RR yd on the West side of town had six hundred cars in it. Sixteen additional P-38s for escort. As we passed over Skoplje we flew right over a JU88 and two fighters. Some of the gunners got shots at them but no claims were put in. No flak at the target and good bombing. Thirty-six ships made the trip.”

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

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Mission #12. Dodecanese Isles. Get 3 holes in ship, one through radio seat, transmitter and life raft. Luckily, I had moved to machine gun runway just seconds before.”

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 142/mission 141) Group Mission # 143: Mission # 108 (143): At 10:55 36 planes off to bomb M/Y’s at Nis, Yugoslavia, dropped 283 x 250 bombs at 13:02 from 11,000 feet and returned at 14:35. Very good coverage on locomotive sheds and track, many fires seen, 1 large explosion and 6 small ones, fires among rolling stock. Escort of P-38’s with bombs hit the field N of the yards and caused fires and destroyed 2 E/A on the ground. Many truck convoys on the roads also train movements. No flak. Weather: CAVU at target. F/L: Culp.

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-29967 P Veum, Ole E., Capt Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt CP Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, HQ 321st Gouge, David J., 2Lt BG N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ None 321st BG E Masteller, Harry M., S/Sgt Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt R Milton, Daniel H., S/Sgt Lyons, Paul E., S/Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt F None None

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30355 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Driver, William J., F/O CP McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Fleming, George B., S/Sgt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt None B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Cain, George S., S/Sgt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt G Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30343 A/C No. 42-64519 P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Clark, Paul I., 2Lt CP Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt N None None B Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt R Papile, Frank M., S/Sgt Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-12995 “Charlie’s Aunt” P Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt Ford, Charles L. “Junior”, Jr., 1Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt N None Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt B Perry, Lawrence A., 2Lt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt G Ally, George D., S/Sgt White, George E., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-30352 P Culp, Merle H., Capt Biener, Martin B., 2Lt CP Haskell, John D., 2Lt Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt N Boland, Chester H., 1Lt None B Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt Tanner, James T., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt F None Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt

Wednesday, 20 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-64661 (spare) P Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt Boatwright, John S., 1Lt CP Barton, Thomas M., F/O King, James L., 2Lt N None None B Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R House, Harry H., S/Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F Silver, George A., III, Capt Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt

Thursday, 21 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Colonel Arthur Thomas takes command of the XII Air Force Service Command.

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-17's hit a railroad viaduct at Terni and rail and road bridges in Albania. B-24's hit Orvieto railroad bridge; B-26's and B-25's bomb bridges at Montalto di Castro and NW of Acquapendente and the railroad at Orbetello; P-38's bomb a radar station at Pellegrino and the marshalling yard at Skoplje, Yugoslavia; RAF and US NATAF light and medium bombers concentrate on Cassino, hitting the town, a bivouac area nearby, and railroad to the S; vessels along Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia are also attacked; XII Air Support Command fighters and fighter- bombers patrol the Naples area and attack numerous roads, railroads, bridges, junctions, trucks, gun emplacements, and other targets in the battle area. The 93rd Fighter Squadron, 81st Fighter Group, transfers from Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia to Castelvetrano, Sicily with P-39's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission today.

445th BS War Diary: Another replacement crew arrived today. The men find it rather odd to see these new faces around camp after having been together so long. In the evening, the generator balked and finally stopped. Many of the men who had been reading or writing letters came out to see what was being done to fix the generator. It was a large gallery that watched the vain two-hour attempt to start the generator. Finally, all left in disgust to hit the hay.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Squadron received its’ weekly rations. Morale was improved.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Believe it or not, here I am in Italy. We left Tunis about 10:30 P.M. flew over Cantania Sicily, not much left there, then on to this place, Grottaglie, Italy. We are at an airport here, what’s left of it, pretty well blown alt to hell. We have lots of planes here, & I am connected with the 446th Sqd, 321st group, all nice fellows.”

447th BS War Diary: No mission. Capt. Seel flew to Palermo, Sicily to obtain a new rear end for our gas truck and to pick up jeep parts. Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Rain, mud, tent swamped with water.”

Friday, 22 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) approve the plan, submitted by General Henry H "Hap" Arnold and the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), to create a new Air Force (the Fifteenth) in Italy from part of the Twelfth Air Force to be used in strategic bombing against Germany as well as in support of ground operations.

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's bomb railroad bridges N and SE of Omvieto; B-25's hit a railroad bridge S of Grosseto and Eleusis Airfield, Greece; The XII Air Support Command, along with other elements of the NATAF, hit town areas, highways, vehicles, gun positions, railroad communications, strongpoints, and targets of opportunity at or near San Salvo Teano, Venafro, Cantalupo el Sannio, Isernia, Cassino, Montenero, and Boiano. Aquino Airfield is also bombed. The 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, based at Gela, Sicily, begins operating from Comiso, Sicily with C-47's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Our planes took off today to attack the dispersal areas of the Athens/Eleusis Airdrome. A good pattern fell across both dispersal areas and three direct hits are claimed.

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 143/mission 142) Group Mission # 144: ------Mission Report # 144, 22 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).

2. At 1025 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ NE & SE dispersal areas of Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target Athens/Eleusis A/D. __None_ returned early. ___36__ dropped 2430x20 lb No. A/C No. A/C No. & Type frag bombs at 1222 hrs from 10,000/11,000 ft. ___36__ returned at 1415. None lost, Time Alt. No. A/C Time Missing or at friendly field.

3. NE dispersal----Good pattern with three direct hits and other bursts among dispersed planes are reported. Also three fires seen.

SE dispersal-----Strings started at runway and crossed into dispersal area. One direct hit claimed on T/E. One E/A destroyed by escort. One P-38 shot down at 18,000 ft. shortly after leaving target.

4. Air------15/20 E/A observed. 8 over target and others after leaving. Attacks not aggressive—held off by bombers fire. 12 ME-109s made pass 5 minutes after target. One flew 2000’ above for 8 minutes. 6 Mes black with white stripes on wings. Escort seen dog fighting in distance.

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

Target-Up to 30 E/A situated on target, 15 being in revetments. 10/12 T/E on E. perimeter.

Tatoi—10 S/E and 25 T/E. Many airplanes on W. side.

Tanagra-20 T/E and some JU-52s reported.

Marine----8 large and 10 medium M/Vs in Piraeus. One large and 4 small M/Vs end one E/V heading W. off Pearomita (38°20’N, 22°23’E). One medium M/V in harbor south Dhomnriana (38°20’N, 22°56’E). One DD and one transport heading E off C. Andromache (38°20’N, 22°23’E). 4 medium M/Vs on E. side of Eleusis Bay.

Flak------Heavy, moderate, inaccurate from target. Altitude correct bursts to left of formation. Positions noted N end of runway and on E & W edge of field. From TATOI—heavy, fairly intense and moderately accurate. Three positions noted around E. edge of field. From TANAGRA—heavy, fairly intense, moderately accurate.

5. Enroute---5/10 coverage at 5000 ft. Haze over Italy. 3/10s scattered cumulus over Corfu. Towering cumulus from 6,000/10,000 ft. over Albania.

Target-----2/10 scattered. Tops at 9/10,000 ft.

Return-----Cumulus building up to 4500’.

6. None.

Flight leaders—Lt. Spikes, Major Bates, Captain Bonus.

Number of sorties--36

Photos taken.

FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The shower which was used at the last two bases is now being built in the area. The men welcome this latest innovation but don’t particularly relish a cold shower in this weather. The generator again went bad in early evening and for the second night in a row the area was in darkness, presaging an early trip to bed without writing “that letter to the girlfriend”.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 143/mission 142) Group Mission # 144: A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi Gambler” P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Miller, Gail G., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt Haney, T. J., S/Sgt R Winston, E. G., T/Sgt Schuster, S. B., S/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-64575 Joy” P Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt Bonus, Robert M., Capt CP Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O N None Larson, Harold W., 1Lt B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt R Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt G Quintin, Stanley, J., S/Sgt Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt F None Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, Commander (mission commander) A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt CP Ward, James M., 2Lt Standley, Charles A., 2Lt N None Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt E Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R McIntosh, Kermit S., T/Sgt Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt G Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 41-30354 P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP House, Robert M., 2Lt Asbury, Wilburn (NMI), 1Lt, HQ 321st BG N None Wilson, Samuel P., Jr., 1Lt B Nysson, John W., 2Lt Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt Halpin, John J., Sgt R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, S/Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., Sgt Carleo, John J., S/Sgt F Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG Asmus, George D., Sgt (observer) A/C No. 42-64529 P Young, William G., 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Smith, James B., S/Sgt F None

446th BS War Diary: S/Sgt. Mercuri finished fifty missions. Six officers and three E.M. reported for duty. The following are the names: Lt. Robert L. Holt, Lt. Dale F. Walker, Lt. Phillip Bsharah, Lt. Gale M. Dickson, Lt. George E. Nicklaus, and Lt. Rudolph H. Pestalozzi. These officers were all 2nd Lts. The E.M. were S/Sgt. George Cohen, S/Sgt. John A. Franc, and Sgt. John C. Samsel. Bsharah, Phillip, 2Lt, pilot Cohen, George, S/Sgt, radio-gunner Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot Franc, John A., T/Sgt, gunner Holt, Robert L., 2Lt, pilot Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt, gunner Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier Pestalozzi, Rudolph H., 2Lt, bombardier Samsel, John C., Sgt, gunner Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 143/mission 142) Group Mission # 144: Squadron Mission 116 TARGET: Athens/Eleusis A/D, Greece DATE: 22 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 7 Lt. Spikes, 447th Sqdn, led the formation and coverage was good. In the NE dispersal area there were three direct hits and others bursts among the dispersed planes and three fires were started. In the SE dispersal area strings of bombs which started on the runway crossed into the dispersal area. One direct hit was claimed on a twin-engine aircraft. One enemy aircraft was destroyed by the escort. 15 to 20 enemy aircraft were observed, eight of them over the target and the others after leaving. Attacks were made on the formation

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

but were not aggressive. They were held off by concentrated fire from a tight bomber formation. The escort was seen engaged in a dog-fight in the distance. Flak was from the target and was moderate heavy and inaccurate. One P-38 was shot down shortly after leaving the target. Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS

A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” St. Joe” P Tapper, George G., 2Lt Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt CP Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Coe, George A., 1Lt Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Mercuri, Ralph W., S/Sgt Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R Ramirez, Zenon (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Velarde, Servando J., Jr., Cpl Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 41-13208 P Wright, Theodore O., 2Lt Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Davison, William R., 2Lt N None None B Milner, Walter C., Sgt Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt R Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt McMahon, Francis D., S/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Mitchell, John C., Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Green, Harry Marshall, Sgt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt Haasch, George F., T/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt F None None

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” A/C No. 41-30293 (spare) P Taylor, Peter D., Capt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Braswell, Thomas J., 2lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt None B Brown, Newton E., 2lt Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt E McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Barber, Otis C., S/Sgt Smith, Roy W., Pvt G Edwards, David R., Sgt Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Nothing much new today, checked in & I got all our records fixed up, cloths unpacked & bed set up in our tent, & got to know all the fellows.”

447th BS War Diary: MORNING REPORT: for the week ending on the 22nd of Oct., 1943: Assigned Strength: E.M.---275, Officers---86. James H. Jeffery was assigned as a radio-gunner to this squadron on the 16th. 6 Off. And 6 E.M., combat crew men, were assigned to the squadron on the 22nd: 2nd Lt. Harwood Beebe, Pilot 2nd Lt. Donald P. McCormick, Bombardier 2nd Lt. Joseph J. Nowakowski, Bombardier. 2nd Lt. Robert G. Davies, Pilot 2nd Lt. Theodore G. Jordan, Pilot 2nd Lt. John H. Haeberle, Pilot S/Sgt. William R. Milam, Engineer S/Sgt. Charles D. Godwin, Engineer. S/Sgt. Elmer V. Boza, Radio Sgt. Harold F. Schrader, Turret gunner. Sgt. William F. Kazar, Turret gunner S/Sgt. Adolph Kaufold, Radio

6 E.M. were transferred to headquarters: Bolton, Cook, D.C., Sobol, Budowsky, Woodward, Noble. Lt. Dunn was sent to the hospital on the 19th. Sgt. Dobbs came back from the hospital on the 21st. 5 E.M. are on D.S. to Group on the 21st. Lt. C.D. Lungren was transferred to the M.A.T.S. on the 22nd. Bolton, Harry A., Pvt, mess Budowsky, David, Pvt, communications Dobbs, William R., Sgt, mess Dunn, Robert P., 2Lt, pilot Jeffrey, James H., PFC, radio-gunner Lungren, Charles D., 2Lt, pilot Noble, Francis L. “Frank”, Pvt, gunner Sobol, Fred W., Pvt, duty soldier Woodward, Theodore B., Pvt, armament

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 143/mission 142) Group Mission # 144: 9 of our planes participated in a raid on Athens/Eleusis A/D in Greece. About 15 to 20 E/A attacked the formation over the target – but were driven off by the escort and by the bomber machine gun fire. No claims were made. One of our own planes was damaged when the radio-gunner shot through the tail. The AA was heavy, moderated, and inaccurate. All our planes returned safely. Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 41-30538 “Shad Rack You Done Crapped Again” P Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt CP Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt N None None B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt S/Sgt E McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt R Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt G Reilly, James M., Cpl Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13175 “The Saint Myrtle A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated II” Lady” P Baxter, William T., 2Lt Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt CP Sholund, John D., S/Sgt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt N None None B Alton, David D., S/Sgt Holliman, Marion P., S/Sgt E Mercer, William R., S/Sgt Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt R Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt G Manning, Hillard J., Sgt Smith, Argyle H., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-32450 A/C No. 42-64695 P Gill, Paul W., 2Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt N None None B Harter, James E., S/Sgt Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt Myers, William W., Sgt G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” P Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt CP Sampson, Raymond D. “Sammy”, Maj, Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt Commander N Holloway, Arthur M., 2Lt None B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt Mayben, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt R O’Mara, Robert M., T/Sgt Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt G Armstrong, Robert E., S/Sgt Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30557 P Fineman, Ernest (NMI), 1Lt CP Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt N Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt E Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt G Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F None

447th BS: War Diary of: Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot (mission 55) TARGET: NE and SE areas of Athens Eleusis 3:50 Plane 600 (42-64600 “Lady Luck”) Flight leader Lt. Spikes. “Good pattern with hits on parked planes. 1E/A destroyed by escort. One P-38 shot down.”

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 38) TARGET: Athens Eleusis A/D Greece 3:50 Frags Plane 487 (42-53487 “Alley Cat II”): Lt. Miller, Lt Stephenson, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl Reilly “Three direct hits and other bursts among park planes. Also three fires seen in SE dispersal. One direct hit claim on T/E, one E/A destroyed by escort and one P-38 shot down. Flak heavy, medium, intense.”

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 143/mission 142) Group Mission # 144: Mission # 109 (144): At 10:25 36 planes off to bomb NE and SE dispersal areas at Athens Eleusis A/D, dropped 2430 frags at 12:22 from 10,000 feet and returned at 14:30. NE dispersal area had good pattern with 5 direct hits among parked E/A, 3 fires seen and strings in SE dispersal area with direct hit on 2E airplane. 15-20 E/A seen made passes at formation but not very aggressive and held off by fire. Flak heavy, moderate and inaccurate. Weather: 2/10th scattered over target. F/L: Bates.

A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” A/C No. 42-64514 P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt Culp, Merle H., Capt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Boatwright, John S., 1Lt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt Boland, Chester H., 1Lt B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt F None None Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 41-30343 P Veum, Ole E., Capt Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt 321st BG E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt R Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt Vizzacco, Rocco (NMI), Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt F None Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt A/C No. 41-30352 A/C No. 42-64655 P Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt CP Gouge, David J., 2Lt King, James L., 2Lt N None None B Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt Cain, George S., S/Sgt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R McEntee, Peter M., S/Sgt Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), S/Sgt Ally, George B., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt None A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64521 P Clark, Paul I., 2Lt Jacobson, Norman S., 2Lt CP Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt Driver, William J., F/O N None None B Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt Bell, Robert C., 2Lt E Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Silva, John P., S/Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt Haskell, John D., 2Lt CP Biener, Martin B., 2Lt Barton, Thomas M., F/O N None None B Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Mauder, Charles J., Cpl R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt Papile, Frank M., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt F None None

Friday, 22 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 41-30355 (returned – engine trouble) P Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Commander CP Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt McEvoy, John C., 2Lt N Hurst, Joseph B., 1Lt None B Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt R Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt F None None

Saturday, 23 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-26's bomb railroad and road bridges at Marsciano and Montalto di Castro; P-38's hit the airfield at Tirana; B-25's hit a bridge in Albania; the XII Air Support Command, RAF Desert Air Force (DAF), and NATBF attack troop concentrations in the Spinete area, and town areas, vehicles, trains, railroads, highways, bridges, and gun positions at or near Gaeta, Pescara, Vasto, Isolella, Sulmona, Isernia, Vairano, and Ancona.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Great secrecy surrounded the arrival of a group of B-17’s today. It is rumored that they are to fly in a combined mission a few days hence. The field is terribly crowded now and the 17’s had to be parked wing tip to wing tip.

HQ 321st BG Communications Log: 11:30 Willhite to Asbury. “36 with Frags, target time 13:00.”

Set-up A/C for Tunis to procure Mess Supplies (Lt Kneisle) Monday.

14:30 The A/C taking Capt. Blake (416th) to Algiers will remain over-nite.”

Check with Capt. E. C. Bell when any A/C is going to Africa—must procure Engineering Equipment.

445th BS War Diary: With this crisp weather prevailing, football is in the air. This was typified by a lively game of “touch football” held in front of the S-2, Operations headquarters by some of the men. When they were through, most of them realized – as they soothed aching muscles – that they “weren’t as young as they used to be”. In the evening, the men watched a large number of B-17’s land at the base. They apparently have some important target to hit. Some of the men were able to get the classic Minnesota-Michigan football on the radio. The broadcast of these games bring the men much closer to home, especially the sports enthusiasts in the Squadron of which there are many.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. 26 E.M. arrived from Soliman. Approximately 80 B-17’s landed at our field and stayed all night. They left on an early mission the next day and returned here again. One overshot the field and cracked up slightly. Orders came through transferring the following officers and men to the Port of Debarkation. Lt. C.M. VanArtsdalen, Lt. Leroy O. Brooks, Lt. C.H. Conner, Lt. H.L. Carlisle, Lt. G.D. Orrantia, Lt. P.O. Carr, T/Sgt. S.C. Swenson, S/Sgt. C. Elk, S/Sgt. G.S. Fieldon, S/Sgt. F.S. Mencher. Brooks, LeRoy O., 2Lt, pilot Carlisle, Howard L., 1Lt, pilot Carr, Philip O., 2Lt, pilot Conner, Clarence H., 2Lt, pilot Elk, Charles, S/Sgt, gunner Fieldon, Gordon S. "Jack", S/Sgt, gunner Mencher, Fred S., S/Sgt, gunner Orrantia, Gilbert D., 1Lt, pilot Swenson, Stanley C., S/Sgt, gunner VanArtsdalen, Charles M., 1Lt, pilot Saturday, 23 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “This was a day off for the group. Everyone seems to be taking it easy, & resting up. Nick, Dickson & I went into town, we walked all over & see the town, now I can’t seem to talk Italian so I’m stuck on language again, at least I can make them know what I want & carry on a partial conversation. We bought some candy, quite good – I guess this is all.” Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: No mission today. Twelve replacements were assigned to the squadron, six officers and six enlisted men, all combat crew members. The replacements (listed below) are the first to come into the squadron since June. The men did not bring planes with them. The replacements are as follows: Lt. Davies, Lt. Beebe, Lt. Haeberle, Lt. McCormick, Lt. Jordan, Lt. Nowakowski, S/Sgt. Milam, S/Sgt. Kaufold, S/Sgt. Godwin, S/Sgt. Boza, Sgt. Kazar, Sgt. Schrader. Beebe, Harwood, Jr., 1Lt, pilot Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Davies, Robert G., 1Lt, pilot Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Haeberle, John H., 1Lt, pilot Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt, pilot Kaufold, Adolph, T/Sgt, gunner Kazar, William F., Sgt, turret gunner McCormick, Donald Patrick, 1Lt, bombardier Milam, William R., S/Sgt, engineering Nowakowski, Joseph J., 1Lt, bombardier Schrader, Harold F., S/Sgt, turret gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 24 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-24's of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) hit Wiener-Neustadt, Austria; the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) fails to complete the mission because of clouds.

In Italy, medium bombers hit Tirana Airfield, a railroad bridge N of Orvieto, and a viaduct at Terni; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF attack communications and shipping targets, hitting vessels, vehicles, trains, roads, bridges, and the town areas in and around Formia, Sora, Chieti, Minturno, Sessa Aurunca, Popoli, Terracina, between Ancona-Pedaso, Frosolone (just before it is taken by allied ground forces), and along the Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: The B-17’s, which arrived yesterday, joined several other groups of B-17’s and B-24’s in a raid on the Messerschmitt works at Wiener Neustadt. Our planes were unable to hit their primary target, Larissa Airdrome, due to 9/10 cloud cover so hit the alternate at Tirana Airdrome. Strings of fragmentation bombs fell in front of hangars paralleling the runway on both sides. Hangars and warehouses were hit and hits were made on E/A in front of the hangars. Hits were seen on enemy aircraft in dispersal area. Fires were observed in hangars, in warehouses, and in buildings at the south east and clouds of smoke were observed on leaving the target.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut Libya: Came Oct 24th, and no supplies. Capt. Bell waited until noon and then dispatched a plane to Deversoir, an Air Corps Supply Depot, to get some definite action done on our own hook. Lts. Gilluly, Schwindle and crews went out on this special mission. They should be back tomorrow. Bell, Donald A., Capt, pilot, operations, HQ 321st BG Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS The 2 planes from El Adem came in this morning carrying, among others, Lts. Black and Slater and S/Sgt Barneycastle who had been there since the evening of the 20th. After a cleaning and shaving, which they badly needed, both planes’ crews were put on the alert with 4 others for a possible raid in the afternoon. Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Black, Gordon J., 2lt, pilot, 445th BS Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, pilot, 445th BS Briefing time came in just around chow time as usual and the combat men went out to their ships right after eating. The flight of 4 was to go out on a general shipping strike of the Kalinos area. It was adjudged good hunting when they came back at 1800 and told of how 2 Caiques were attacked and a 75 mm hit scored on each. F/O Peplinski can chalk another successful mission to his record as he led the flight. F/O Keith scored a hit also on this last strike and none of our ships were hit. Lt. Bailey on his first mission as a 1st pilot ran into some engine trouble and had to turn back. One less a/c didn’t make too much difference and the Jerry is finding that the B-25-Beau-fighter combination is a pretty rough one to contend with. A squadron of 15 Beaufighters breezed into this base from their base at Cyprus. They are all equipped and trained for torpedo work.

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

Intelligence says that there are 4 more “F” boats fully loaded at Piraeus harbor, Greece, ready to pull out. It looks as though those Beaus and ourselves have our work cut out for us. But the big question seems to be, “Why not let the Beaus take care of those “F” boats themselves”? Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot, 448th BS Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot, 448th BS Today is also a big day for our C. O., Captain Donald A. Bell, he completed his last tour of combat mission. It took him 18 months to do it, including service in and over England, Tunisia, Sardinia, Italy, Greece, and finishing up his tour here in Dodecanese. It’s truly an impressive record and every one realizes it. Those that were around helped him celebrate at the local Officers Club. And so to bed. Bell, Donald A., Capt, pilot, operations, HQ 321st BG

SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian.

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 10/Mission 10): ------Mission Report # 10, 24 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 361 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, DS Gambut.

2. At 1345 4 B-25 G’s took off for a shipping strike of Kalinos-Pserimos-Cos Area. One returned early. 3 shot 7 75 mm shells at 1555 from 350 feet at range of 5000 yards to 1500 yards. 3 A/C returned at 1740. None lost, missing or at friendly field.

3. Results--sighted 2 masted caique off E coast of Kalinos Island. Attacked both simultaneously. Ships anchored and facing E and W, attacks made at 220 degrees. 3 75 mm HE fired at NW vessel, 4 75 mm HE fired at SE boat. One direct hit scored on each caique, starting a fire on NW target and causing pieces to fly off of SE target. Both boats strafed with 500 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition. One A/C made one pass, fired 150 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition at beached “F” boats previously disabled on N central shore of Kos Island.

4. Air------Sighted 1 JU-52 at 1515 halfway between Crete and Kos heading S at 1400, 3 S/E E/A sighted at 1500 feet heading E over NE tip of Kos Island. Marine----At 1555 sighted and attacked 2 caiques, one each ½ mile off E coast of Kalinos and ½ mile off W coast Pserimos Island. Boats anchored facing E-W. 2 beached “F” boats previously attacked sighted at N central shore of Kos Island. Ground----None. Flak------From W coast of Kalinos and E coast of Pserimos in target area, heavy and light, moderate, falling short for most part. No B-25’s hit.

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

5. Out--Visibility unlimited except for scattered thunder showers. Target--CAVU. Return--Scattered cumulo-nimbus.

6. None. Flight Leader--F/O Peplinski. No. of sorties--3. Photos taken---none. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Flying Caisson” “Black Magic” P Peplinski, James L., F/O, 448th BS Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O CP Bell, Donald A., Capt, HQ 321st BG Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt, 2Lt, 448th BS None B None None E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, 448th BS Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt, 448th BS Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt, 448th BS Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt CL None listed - likely the engineer Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64501 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654 “Eager Beaver” P Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS N Lang, Robert B., 2Lt, 447th BS Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt R None listed - likely the cannon loader Hughes, James C., S/Sgt G Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Fox, Robert J., Sgt CL Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt None listed - likely the engineer

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 144/mission 143) Group Mission # 145: ------Mission Report # 145, 24 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1125 36___ _B-25s__ took off to bomb Tirana A/D. _None_ returned early. Time No. A/C Type A/C Target No. A/C ___36__ dropped 2586x20 lb frag. Bombs at 1346 hrs from 10/11,000 ft. ___36__ No. A/C No. & Type Time Alt. No. A/C returned at 1425. None lost, missing or at friendly field. Time

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

3. 9/10 cloud cover began 30 miles W. of Larissa and continued over target. Alternate target of Tirana A/D was bombed with very good coverage. Strings fell in front of hangars paralleling runway on both sides. Hangars on N and SE sides and warehouses on NW hit. Hits made on E/A in front of hangars and large fire seen. Hits on E/A at end of runway and in dispersal area. Fires observed in hangars, in warehouses and building at SE. Clouds of smoke observed on leaving target.

4. Air------Boneyard at NW had about 25 E/A in it. 25/30 other E/A on field including 15 HE-111’s and JU-52s at SW corner. Transports parked on field parallel to runway, and 5/6 around perimeter. On Durazzo/Shijak 8 T/E were observed on E perimeter and 15 T/E in revetments. Marine----Two large M/V and 5/6 small in Durazzo harbor. 1 small 15 miles W of Durazzo at 1357. Ground----40 M/T heading E from Korca at 1319. 30 M/T heading S at Pogradec (40°54’N, 20°38’E) at 1319. 8 very large and 6/8 small warehouses, piles of equipment and 3 hospitals observed S of Milik Sea. Flak------Heavy, moderate, inaccurate, trailing through clouds at Larissa. Heavy, moderate to fairly intense, accurate from Tirana. Heavy, slight from Durazzo/Shijak. 7 A/C hit by flak.

5. Enroute---Variable 4/10 to 7/10 cumulo-nimbus over mountain areas. Base at 5,000’ tops at 12,000 ft. Larissa----9/10 cumulus at 6,000 ft. Tirana-----3/10 cumulus at 6,000 ft. Return-----5/10 cumulus.

6. None. Flight leaders--Capts. Culp, Bonus, Chappell. Observer--Colonel Taylor. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The general health of the Squadron at present is low. A number of the men have colds with even a few cases of flu reported. A larger number have yellow jaundice caused by the lack of a nutritious, balanced diet. The weather and food seem to be more formidable foes than the Germans. Another large mail call this evening. It is very damp tonight.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 144/mission 143) Group Mission # 145:

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64508 P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Crider, Claude M., 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt R Winston, E. G., T/Sgt McIntosh, Kermit S., T/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Branch, Robert H., S/Sgt F None None Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt CP House, Robert M., 2Lt Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt Zimmer, Paul E., Pvt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt Matthews, Earl L., Pvt G Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt F None Asmus, George D., Sgt A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Young, William G., 2Lt Miller, Gail G., 2Lt CP Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt N None None B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Rose, J. W., S/Sgt Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-30354 (Bear - no lettering) P Behrhorst, Donald C., 2Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP Ward, James M., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt N None None B Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt Halpin, John J., Sgt R Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt G Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F Cook, Bailey C., Lt. Col, Commander None (observer) A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and Gambler” Joy” P Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip”, Capt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Standley, Charles A., 2Lt N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt Carleo, John J., S/Sgt F None Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG (observer)

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64529 A/C No. 42-53373 P Shaw, William H., 2Lt Bonus, Robert M., Capt CP Kuester, Wilbur H., 2Lt Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, HQ 321st BG Commander N None Anderson, Charles C., 1Lt B O’Toole, Francis X., 2Lt Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt Dillon, James A., Sgt R Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt G Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt F Choka, Andrew J., T/Sgt None

446th BS War Diary: Lt. R.H. Kirk, Lt. A.W. Brown, Lt. J.K. Martin, and Lt. K.E. Boyd were transferred on paper from this squadron. They were already gone but the officers were on DS. We received some more new men into the squadron. They were Lt. Harold R. Brellenthin, Lt. Joseph R. Farrell, Lt. Sawyer W. Rice, Sgt. I.E. Epperly, S/Sgt. E.M. Leary, and Sgt. D.R. DeBari. S/Sgt. Haresign was slightly injured by flak on today’s mission. Again received rations. Bradley, James L., Jr., Capt, pilot Brellenthin, Harold R., 2Lt, pilot Brown, Aud W., 1Lt, pilot DeBari, Dominick R., Sgt, gunner Epperly, Ivan E., Sgt, gunner Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot Haresign, James M., S/Sgt, gunner Kirk, Robert H., 2Lt, pilot Leary, Edward M., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Martin, John K., 2Lt, pilot Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 144/mission 143) Group Mission # 145: Squadron Mission 117 TARGET: Tirana, A/D, Albania. DATE: 24 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 6 Capt. Culp, 448th Sqdn, led the formation, but clouds obscured the original target, Larissa, Greece, and the formation bombed Tirana with very good coverage. Strings fell in front of hangar paralleling the runway on both sides. Hangars on north and SE side, and warehouses on the NW side were hit. Hits made on enemy aircraft at end of runway and in dispersal area. Fires observed in hangars, in warehouses, and buildings on SE. Clouds of smoke were observed on leaving the target. We had no escort and no enemy planes were seen in the air. Flak was heavy but trailing through clouds near Larissa and accurate heavy at Tirana. S/Sgt. Haresign was slightly wounded by flak coming through the turret. Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot, 448 BS

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64511 “The Madam 2 of A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” St. Joe” P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Chappell, Howard L., Capt CP Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt Walker, Dale F., 2Lt N None Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt B Coe, George A., 1Lt Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Roulier, Edward T., Cpl G Samsel, John C., Sgt Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt F None None A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Kemp, Quentin, B., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, T/Sgt Shields, James A., T/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64551 A/C No. 41-30293 P Klang, Irving E., 2Lt Cornell, Earl K., F/O CP Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt R Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt G Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC Haresign, James M., S/Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 33) “# 33 Oct. 24, 1943 Time 3:30 Sqdn Mission # 117 Gr. Mission # 145 Frags Tirana A/D Formation Leader - Capt. Culp Results - Good coverage on target. Hits observed on E/A, hangars, warehouses. Fires in hangars, warehouses & bldgs on S.E. Clouds of smoke observed on leaving target. Remarks - E/A seen but did not attack. Flak heavy, moderate inaccurate. S/Sgt. Haresign slightly wounded.

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Formation 1-1 P- Chappell, CP - Walker, N- Dickerson, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G - Schultheis” Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Culp, Merle H., Capt, pilot, 448th BS Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, navigator Haresign, James M., S/Sgt, gunner Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt, gunner Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 1) “This was a very exciting day. I went on my first mission today, we went to Albania & bombed an airport at Tirana, we did a pretty good job, had lots of flak & few fighters but no damage done to our plane at all, every one returned safe. This is 17 days from the time I left the States. Nick & Dickson also got in there first mission. I went with a Capt. Chappell; he’s sure a swell fellow.” Letter Home: “Well, here I am somewhere in Italy. The trip over was very nice, no trouble of any kind. I went on my first mission today. It was quite all right. Nothing too exciting, but still o.k. Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: Orders came in today for several of our 50 missions men relieving them from combat duty and ordering them back to the States.

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 144/mission 143) Group Mission # 145: 6 of our planes participated in a raid which was to be on Larissa A/D, Greece, but because of the poor visibility, the alternate target, Tirana A/D was bombed. Lt. Jahrhaus had to return early because of a defective turret. The target was well covered. No E/A was seen. The AA was heavy, moderate, moderate, and inaccurate. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt CP Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt None B Lanza, Joseph Peter, 2Lt Maybe, Ernest P., Jr., 2Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Sheets, Ralph M., S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Kordzi, Joseph J., Jr., S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Werner, George P., Sgt F None None Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” A/C No. 42-64695 P Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt CP Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt Haeberle, John H., 2Lt N None None B Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt S/Sgt E Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Myers, William W., Sgt G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt F None Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64598 “Sylvester the Lady” Snarp” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt Fraser, Harry A. “Fearless”, Jr., 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 2Lt Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt N None None B McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt Early, Frank X., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt Tracy, Boyd F., S/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., Sgt Hoskins, Raymond C., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” (spare) (returned early) P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Gill, Paul W., 2Lt CP Baxter, William T., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt None B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt Alton, David D., S/Sgt E Milam, William R., S/Sgt Mercer, William R., S/Sgt R Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Schrader, Harold F., Sgt Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt F None Leon, Roger D., Cpl

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 44) “Thirty-six ships started out for Larissa Airdrome in Greece. We, Hank & I, went as spares. One ship dropped out on the climb so we filled in. My first mission as first pilot. No escort today. The 17s using our base also used our escort. When we got to Larissa at 14,000 ft the clouds prevented our seeing the target. We knew we were over it by the flak that they put up through the blanket of snowy clouds. We went to the alternate target, the airdrome at the capitol of Albania, Tirana. Moderate heavy, fairly accurate flak. Also a few shots from Durazzo harbor and airdrome. We landed just a few minutes before the 17s.” Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 1Lt, pilot

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

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

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 144/mission 143) Group Mission # 145: Mission # 110 (145): At 11:25 36 planes off to bomb Tirana A/D, dropped 2586 frags at 13:46 from 10,000 feet and returned 14:36. 9/10th cloud cover beginning 30 miles W of Larissa caused formation to bomb secondary target of Tirana with good coverage. Hits and fires among buildings and hangars and among parked planes, clouds of smoke observed on leaving target. Moderate, heavy, accurate flak, 7 planes hit. Weather: 7/10th at target.

A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 42-64661 P Culp, Merle H., Capt Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt CP Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt Commander N Boland, Chester H., 1Lt None B Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt Elkins, Stanley A., 2Lt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., S/Sgt Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-30343 P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Driver, William J., F/O CP Jones, Truman R., 2Lt Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Tomerlin, Louis H., S/Sgt E Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt G Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt F Taylor, Y. H. (i.o.), Col, HQ 47th Wing Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt (observer) A/C No. 41-30327 A/C No. 42-64552 P Clark, Paul I., 2Lt Biener, Martin B., 2Lt CP Veum, Ole E., Capt Gouge, David J., 2Lt N Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt None B Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ Cain, George S., S/Sgt 321st BG E Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt Robinson, Jefferson D. “Jeff”, S/Sgt G Paschel, John W., S/Sgt Griffin, Pink C., S/Sgt F None None

Sunday, 24 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 42-64655 P Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt CP McEvoy, John C., 2Lt Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt N None None B Bell, Robert C., 2Lt Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R Papile, Frank M., S/Sgt Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Davey, Joseph (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Ally, George B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” A/C No. 41-30352 P Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt Sinclair, Erwin W., Jr., 1Lt CP Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 41-30005 “The Duck” P Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Barton, Thomas M., F/O CP King, James A., 2Lt Haskell, John D., 2Lt N None None B Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Morris, Raymond A., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 25 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Italy, XII Bomber Command P-39's strafe and bomb the landing ground at Podgorica; XII Air Support Command, NATBF and RAF DAF concentrate on blocking roads and destroying bridges; town areas, vehicles, radio stations, trains, and vessels are also attacked; targets attacked are in or near Frosinone, Formia, Gaeta, Cetraro, along the Sangro River, Kuna, along the Dalmatian coast of Yugoslavia, W of Lagosta Island and S of Rome; Tarquinia Airfield is also bombed. HQ 324th Fighter Group and its 314th Fighter Squadron transfer from Menzel Heurr, Tunisia to Cercola, Italy with P-40's. The squadron, which has been out of combat since 21 Jul, will fly its first mission on 30 Oct. The 36th Troop Carrier Squadron, 316th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Mazara to Castelvetrano, Sicily with C-47's. The 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, transfers from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with P-40's. The 486th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfers from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today’s target was Podgorica Landing Ground. Many clouds over the target interfered with observation but the field was generally well covered.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: Came the morning of the 35th and the first thing on the docket was to take stock of the maimed, lame, and the blind. The results; 4 men in the hospital near Tobruk – Lt. Dorman, Sgts. Jones, MacDougall, and Drotts. Their respective ills were malaria, infected ear, and 2 with yellow jaundice. Here to the base medicos went Sgt. Hanna with a badly infected arm, Sgt. Archambeau with an infected toe, and Sgt. Lefstad with a hernia of some sort. Sgts. Hanna and Lefstad will be on a plane to Italy tomorrow that is going after the mail, supplies, personnel, etc. It is expected that Lt. Beavers will fly that plane up with the Adjutant to arrange for the payroll and other personnel problems. Archambeau, Willard Joseph, Sgt, gunner, 446th BS Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt, 446th BS Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS Hanna, R. J., S/Sgt, gunner, 445th BS Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 445th BS Lefstad, Paul R., Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS MacDougall, Alan J., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG At 1300 F/O Peplinski and his “gang” of 4 more planes set out after what is generally considered a tough target, namely, 7 “F” boats snug in Kos harbor. It can be admitted that it was not without foreboding that we watched them take off. However our fears were groundless and the story they told was one of sighting one solitary LC about a mile S of Kos harbor and shooting it up a bit. The rest of the day was spent in compiling lists of requirements that could be picked up in Italy for personnel here in Africa. And quite a list it became too. The plane in Egypt has yet to arrive back here. Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian. Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 11/Mission 11): ------Mission Report # 11, 25 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 362 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, DS Gambut.

2. At 1300 6 B-25 G’s took off to attack 7 “F” boats sighted in Kos harbor. One returned early. 5 shot 11 75 mm shells at 1505 from 400 feet at range of 5000 to 2500 yards. 5 returned at 1700 hours. None lost, missing or at friendly field.

3. Results: Sighted one LC anchored 1 mile SE of harbor installations at Kos. Attacked at 1505 with 11 75 mm shells. No hits observed. Shot 250 rounds of 50 caliber ammunition through nose guns 1 75 mm shell hit pier.

4. Air------None. Marine----At 1505 sighted and attacked LC anchored 1 mile SE of Kos Harbor. 1507 sights neutral M/V anchored near coast 2 miles NW of Karai Island. Ground----none. Flak------slight, light inaccurate from harbor.

5. Enroute--CAVU until Crete, then scattered showers. Target--Rain few miles out from coast CAVU at harbor. Back--Showers to Crete; CAVU from then.

6. None. Flight Leader--F/O Peplinski. No. of sorties--6. Photos taken---none. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 “Black Magic” P Peplinski, James L., F/O Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, 448th BS CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 448th BS N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt Nithman, Charles E., 448th BS R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, 448th BS G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Flying Caisson” “Red Nosed Beckie” P Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS CP Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, 448th BS Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS N Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, 448th BS None B None None E Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt R Lang, Arthur W., 445th BS Hughes, James C., S/Sgt, 447th BS G Farrell, John J., Pvt, 447th BS Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt, 447th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 “Eager Beaver” P Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt, 446th BS CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt, 446th BS N Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS None B None None E None Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt, 446th BS R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt, 446th BS G Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt, 446th BS CL Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 145/mission 144) Group Mission # 146: ------Mission Report # 146, 25 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M).

2. At 1155 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Podgorica L/G. _None_ returned Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target No. A/C early. ___36__ dropped 2502x20 lb frag. Bombs at 1313 hrs from 10/12,000 ft. No. A/C No. & Type Time Alt. ___36__ returned at 1425. None lost, missing or at friendly field. No. A/C Time

3. Generally good coverage, with concentrations on East and W. side of field, in NW corner and through middle. Some bombs short of target to S and some over to N. and into town. Clouds over target interfered with observation.

4. Air------Two fires observed on approach just south of center of field. One E/A landing, and one E/A taking off,--observed at bomb release point. About 15 T/E and 10 S/E A/C observed on L/G on E, W, and N. perimeter. 7/10 A/C reported on Scutari/Stoja A/D. Ground----A possible landing strip, narrow and 4000-5000 feet long, 200 yards from beach W of Drin River at 41°54’N, 19°18’E. Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

Flak------Heavy, intense, accurate, tracking at first and last flights. Marine----None. 5. Enroute and Return--8/10 cumulus at 6000 ft. Visibility unlimited. Return------7/10 convective cumulus at 6000 ft; tops 10,000 ft. Visibility unlimited. 6. None. Flight leaders---Capts. Bonus, Bradley and Lt. Olson. Observer: Major Pemberton, Capt. Vincent. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Despite measures taken against them, the Italian kids seem to be continually coming back to beg for food from the men. Occasionally they are chased off but apparently their hunger gets the better of them and they come back. There is quite a number of Italian women circulating through the camp usually in the morning. They collect laundry for the men and thus render a helpful service. Weather still remains damp.

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 145/mission 144) Group Mission # 146:

A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” A/C No. 42-64529 P Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt CP House, Robert M., 2Lt Berryman, B. H., Capt, HQ 334th BG N None None B Nysson, John W., 2Lt Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt E McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt R Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt McIntosh, Kermit S., T/Sgt G Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-64508 Joy” P McGee, William N., 1Lt Shaw, William H., 2Lt CP Standley, Charles A., 2Lt Kuester, Wilbur H., 2Lt N None None B Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt Greenblatt, Milton H., 2Lt E Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt R Stein, Louis (NMI), S/Sgt Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt G Carleo, John J., S/Sgt Moynihan, Walter F., S/Sgt F Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., Capt, HQ 321st None BG A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” P Latremore, Fred S., 2Lt Miller, Gail G., 2Lt CP Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt Ward, James M., 2Lt N None None B Poranda, Michael A., Cpl Castle, Roy V., Cpl E Childress, W. H., S/Sgt Cross, Vassil W., Jr., S/Sgt R Winston, E. G., T/Sgt Fehr, Robert A. “Bob”, T/Sgt G Pierce, William V., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl F None Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” (Bear - no lettering) P Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt Young, William G., 2Lt CP Jackson, John I., 2Lt Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt N Padua, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl E Halpin, John J., Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Smith, James B., S/Sgt Carson, Cecil F., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-32434 “Mississippi A/C No. 41-30354 Gambler II” P Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt CP Walker, Robert S., 2Lt Vallery, Dean B., F/O N None None B Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt Souders, Walter E., 2Lt E Haney, T. J., S/Sgt Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R Schuster, S. E., S/Sgt Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt G Beaudware, Leo J., Sgt Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt F None Asmus, George D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Bonus, Robert M., Capt Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt CP Cook, Bailey C., Lt. Col, Commander Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N Larson, Harold W., 1Lt None B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt Zimmer, Paul E., Cpl E Dillon, James A., Sgt Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt R Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt DiPietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt G Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt Quintin, Stanley J., S/Sgt F Malek, Stanley J., 1Lt None

446th BS War Diary: B-17’s went back to their own base. S/Sgt Haresign finished his fifty missions. Haresign, James M., S/Sgt, gunner

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 145/mission 144) Group Mission # 146: Squadron Mission 118 TARGET: Podgorica L/G, Albania. DATE: 25 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 12 Capt. Bonus, 445th Sqdn, led the formation with generally good coverage, concentrations on E and W sides of field. One enemy aircraft landing and on taking off observed at bomb release point. Heavy, intense, accurate flak tracking first and last flights. Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot, 445th BS

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-32446 “Mascot” A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P Davison, William R., 2Lt McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt CP Brellenthin, Harold Ray, 2Lt Dickson, Gale Monroe, 2Lt N None Schad, Harlan C., 2Lt B Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt E Wuotila, Benjamin R., S/Sgt Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt R Haughom, Milferd O., T/Sgt Haasch, George F., T/Sgt G Bedwell, Joy L., Sgt Samsel, John C., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 41-30551 “Pink Lady” P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Bradley, James L. “Jungle Jim”, Jr., Capt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Holt, Robert L., 2Lt N None Phillips, Lowell G., 2Lt B Rice, Sumner W., 2Lt Cooper, Lester L., 2Lt E Hanley, James (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Rockafellow, Alfred A., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Leahy, Richard P. “Dick”, T/Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Lovell, Curtis L., S/Sgt F None Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” A/C No. 42-64551 P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N None None B Turner, Allen B., S/Sgt Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, S/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., S/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F None None A/C No. 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” P Chappell, Howard L., Capt Bettinger, Howard P., 2lt CP Walker, Dale F., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt None B Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt E Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt Smith, James A., S/Sgt R Roulier, Edward T., Cpl Higgins, Thomas T., T/Sgt G Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), Cpl

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-13200 A/C No. 41-13008 P Cornell, Earl K., F/O Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt CP Bsharah, Phillip (NMI), 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N None None B Pestalozzi, Rudolph H. “Rudy”, 2Lt Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt E Helisek, Paul A., S/Sgt Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt R Smith, Roy W., T/Sgt Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt G Haresign, James M., S/Sgt Martin, Edward F., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64526 A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” P Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt Taylor, Peter D., Capt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 2Lt B Milner, Walter C., Sgt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Shields, James T., T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt Edwards, David R., S/Sgt F None None

446th BS: War Diary of: Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner (mission 34) “# 34 Oct. 25, 1943 Time 2:55 Sqdn Mission # 118 Gr. Mission # 146 Frags Podgorica L/G, Albania Formation Leader - Capt Bonus Results - Good coverage - concentrations on E & W side of field. 1 E/A landing & 1 taking off obscured at bomb release point. About 15 T/E & 10 S/E A/C observed on L/G on E, W & N perimeter. 7/10 A/C reported on Scutari/Stoja A/D. Remarks - Heavy intense accurate flak. Ship number - 41-12963 “Missouri Waltz” Formation 2-1 P- Chappell, CP - Walker, N- Dickerson, B- Robertson, E - Kaney, RG- Roulier, G - Schultheis” Bonus, Robert M., Capt, pilot, 445th BS Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot Dickerson, Claude M., 2Lt, navigator Kaney, Oscar John, Jr., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Robertson, Charles W., 2Lt, bombardier Roulier, Edward T., Cpl, radio-gunner Schultheis, Thomas R., Pvt, gunner Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot (mission 2) “Another good day, more exciting, went on my second mission, also with Capt. Chappell. We went to Yugoslavia, bombed an airport at Podgorica, did a good job, 38 – 25s in our formation also 36 P-38 for escorts. Lots of flak and a few planes were hit but all came home O.K.” Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Three more replacement crews were assigned to the squadron today as follows: Lt. Trevor S/Sgt. Monroe Lt. Vincent Lt. Langston S/Sgt. Moomaw Lt. Deane Lt. Ryherd S/Sgt. Tudor Lt. Johnston Lt. Drury S/Sgt. Wadlow Lt. Briskey Lt. Muirhead Sgt. Roberts Sgt. Crowell Sgt. Harmer Cpl. Boyd Boyd, Robert J., Cpl, gunner Briskey, John F., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Crowell, James M., Jr., Sgt, gunner Deane, George J., 2Lt, bombardier Drury, Alfred Charles, 2Lt, pilot Harmer, Harry B., Sgt, armor-gunner Johnston, William M., 2Lt, bombardier Langston, Everett D., 2Lt, pilot Monroe, Delore E., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt, gunner Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt, bombardier Roberts, Herman, S/Sgt, gunner Ryherd, Fred E., 2Lt, pilot Trevor, Graham J., 2Lt, pilot Tudor, Mathew S., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt, pilot Wadlow, Verlin L., S/Sgt, communications

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 145/mission 144) Group Mission # 146: 6 of our planes participated in a raid on Podgorica L/G. No E/A were seen. The AA was heavy, moderate, and accurate. Bombing results good. All our planes returned safely.

A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” A/C No. 42-64694 “Yankee Girl” P Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt Gill, Paul W., 2Lt CP Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt Beebe, Harwood (NMI), Jr., 2Lt N None None B Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt Harter, James E., S/Sgt E Batteiger, Norman J., S/Sgt Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, S/Sgt R Bartkus, Ernest F., S/Sgt Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt G Funk, Marvin J., S/Sgt Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt F None Leon, Robert D., Cpl A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-64598 “Sylvester the Lady” Snarp” P Olson, Robert C. “Ollie”, 2Lt Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt CP Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr, 2Lt N Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt None B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., S/Sgt E Roever, George W., Jr., S/Sgt McGrail, Robert J., S/Sgt R Kastelic, Frank M., S/Sgt Czaja, Marion L., S/Sgt G Smith, Argyle H., Sgt Reilly, James M., Cpl F None None

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64512 “Scotch & Soda” A/C No. 41-12997 “Southern Belle” P DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt Baxter, William T., 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 2Lt Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt N None None B Szczepanski, Leonard A., S/Sgt Alton, David D., S/Sgt E Henry, William R., S/Sgt Mercer, William R., S/Sgt R Myers, William W., Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt Manning, Hillard J., Sgt F None Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt

447th BS: War Diary of: Stephenson, Henry W. "Steve", 1Lt, pilot (mission 39) TARGET: Podgorica L/G 2:35 Frags Plane 598 (42-64598 “Sylvester the Snarp”): Lt Stephenson, Lt. Miller, S/Sgt Brown, S/Sgt McGrail, S/Sgt Czaja, Cpl Reilly “Generally good coverage, with concentrations on E and W side of field. Some bombs fell short and some over into town. Flak heavy, moderate, and accurate.”

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

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Mission #13. Kos – attack German barge, light flak.”

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 145/mission 144) Group Mission # 146: Mission # 111 (146): At 10:55 36 planes off to bomb Podgorica L/G, dropped 2560 frags at 14:13 from 10,000 feet and returned at 13:30. Generally good coverage with concentration on E and W side of field. Flak intense, heavy, accurate, trailing first and last flights. Weather: 7/10th cover at target.

A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” (spare) A/C No. 42-64519 (spare) P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt CP Edmondson, Howard D., 2Lt Biener, Martin B., 2Lt N Boland, Chester H., 1Lt None B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Ally, George B., S/Sgt F None None

Monday, 25 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64552 A/C No. 41-13172 “Boyd Toyd” P Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt Shutt, Ervin F., 2Lt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Kille, Wesley G., 2Lt N None None B Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt E Potosky, John S., S/Sgt Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt R Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt Altus, Irving (NMI), S/Sgt G Lambert, Robert P., S/Sgt Senec, Joseph F., Jr., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt Pemberton, Francis R., Maj, HQ 321st BG (observer) A/C No. 42-64521 A/C No. 41-30327 P Ennis, John H., Jr., 2Lt Veum, Ole E., Capt CP Wik, John R., Jr., 2Lt Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt N None Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt B Cain, George S., S/Sgt Gibbons, James (NMI), Jr., 1Lt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt G Brisco, Albert S., M/Sgt Paschel, John W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64514 A/C No. 41-29967 P Haskell, John D., 2Lt Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt CP Barton, Thomas M., F/O McEvoy, John C., 2Lt N Scopp, Richard W., 2Lt None B Blake, Thomas L., 2Lt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Coleman, Smith B., S/Sgt Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt R Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt Lard, Claude F., S/Sgt G Hopkins, Edgar G., S/Sgt Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt F None None Tuesday, 26 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Greece, B-25's and P-38's of the XII Bomber Command attack the airfields of Salonika/Sedhes and Megalo Mikra.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF fighters and fighter-bombers attack gun emplacements and road junctions in the battle area along the E coast and in the center of Italy, also destroying many vehicles and parked aircraft in the Ancona area, where railroad facilities are also hit; a schooner at Porto Civitanova is left smoking; medium bombers of the NATBF bomb Terracina and an ammunition dump.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Today our planes again bombed Salonika/Megalo Mikra and Salonika/Sedes Airdromes. A very good bomb pattern was laid across the field and dispersal areas of Megalo/Mikra. Hits were seen on the runway and a building in the south dispersal area. Strings of bombs hit among parked aircraft there of which three received direct hits. One large fire was observed as the formation left the target. Salonika/Sedes was well hit, direct hits being made on four aircraft near the hangars and among other dispersed aircraft. Three fires were observed and the dispersal area between the two airdromes was well hit. The crew of one plane from the 447th Squadron were reported as missing in action after this mission. The plane was last seen on the deck with one propeller feathered, the engine having been hit by flak. The following were the crew of this aircraft. Pilot- Lt. Baxter, Co-pilot – Lt. Jordan, Bombardier – Lt. Muirhead, Radio – Sgt. Newhouse, Engineer – S/Sgt. Gregory, Gunner – Sgt. Wagner, Photographer – Cpl. Leon. Baxter, William T., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 447th BS Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Leon, Robert D., Cpl, photographer, 447th BS Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt, bombardier, 447th BS Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt, radio-gunner, 447th BS Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt, Gunner, 447th BS

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: The first thing on the docket on the 26th was S/Sgt Yates, acting Medical Corps, caravan to the dentist near Tobruk. We took three men who needed that sort of treatment. Yates also checked up on our men in the hospital there and found that Sgt. Jones was about to come back to us. However, Sgts. Drotts and MacDougall, with jaundice would have to be flown to an American hospital in Cairo. Lt. Dorman, over his malaria scare, now has jaundice and also is in Drotts and MacDougall’s class. Lt. Beavers, with the Adjutant took off for Italy about 0930. Yates, Jack, S/Sgt, intelligence, 447th BS Jones, Harold G., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 445th BS MacDougall, Alan J., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued) Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Neprash, Sergius P., 2Lt, intelligence, HQ 321st BG Two planes from Italy arrived in the afternoon. They were on their way to Cairo, the “happy hunting grounds” evidently, and brought some mail, mostly for the 448th men, however, which irritated the others more than somewhat. Our maintenance men got 7 planes into the “combat flying” status so two missions were dispatched today. The first bunch had no sightings. However the 2nd flight of 3 planes and escort ran into 3 JU-52’s and had quite a tiff there for about 10 minutes. When the smoke and JU-52’s had cleared away the score was: Germans 1 JU- 52 I the briny drink (exploded they say) 2 other 52’s damaged as was their Arado-196 escort. Americans: “Peps” right engine knocked out by fire from the Arado. He had to limp 380 miles home on one engine. Like Edwards, he had to salvo half the plane to keep from settling. A neat feat in any man’s language. Jerry must have been surprised at being peppered by 75 mm fire from an opposing a/c. Edwards, James T., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot, 448th BS Lt. Gilluly with Line Chief Mais came in from the Deversoir Air Depot with a plane load of parts and PX rations. Most of us saw our 1st bar of Nestles chocolate since last April when the boxes were opened. Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Nothing much of a count happened the rest of the day and after the mission the fellows gabbed---mostly about that JU-52 scramble. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian.

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 12/Mission 12): ------Mission Report # 12, 26 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 363 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, DS Gambut. 2. At 1100 4 B-25G’s took off for a shipping strike of the Kos-Kalinos area. None returned early. 4 dropped no bombs nor fired any shells. 4 returned at 1520. None lost, missing or at friendly field. 3. Results: None. 4. Air------1 unidentified A/C turned away half way between Kos and Crete. Marine----2 small fishing boats sighted in Turkish waters. Ground----none. Flak------Light and heavy, moderate, inaccurate from Kos Harbor. 5. Weather--Cloudy, strato-cumulus, 500 to 100. Wind from SW. Visibility 20 miles Rain in target area. 6. None. Flight Leader--Lt. R. W., Johnson. No. of sorties--4. No. of photos--none. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued) 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654 “Flying Caisson” P Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, 448th BS CP Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, 448th BS Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt, 448th BS N Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, 448th BS Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt Nithman, Charles E., Cpl, 448th BS R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, 448th BS G Farrell, John J., Pvt, 447th BS Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 “Eager Beaver” P Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, 445th BS Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt CP Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt N None None B None None E Wenrich, Richard E., S/Sgt, 445th BS Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt R Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt G Holubek, John W., Sgt, 445th BS Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt CL Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, 445th Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt BS

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 13/Mission 13): ------Mission Report # 13, 26 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 364 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS Gambut. 2. At 1315, 3 B-25G’s took off on shipping strike of the Amorgas Island area. At 1520 and for 10 minutes thereafter 16 x 75 mm shells and 4100 50 caliber fired. 3 returned at 1745. None lost, missing or at friendly field. 3. Results—At 1520 4 A/C – 3 JU-52’s and 1 Arado-196 sighted and attacked in a 10 minute running battle. Beaufighter escort destroyed on e JU-52. B-25’s shot 16 x 75 mm and 4100 50 caliber. Hits observed on all a/c. Possible one other destroyed and 2 damaged. One B-25 received one direct hit disabling one of its engines which was feathered. 4. Air------At 1510 sighted 4 unidentified A/C. At 1515 2 A/C sight destroyer. A/C fired flares. At 1520 sighted and attacked 3 JU 52’s, 15 minutes S of Amorgas, Marine-----At 1515 sighted destroyer, did not attack. Ground-----None. Flak------Intense, heavy and light from destroyer. 5. Weather--CAVU. 6. None. Flight Leader--F/O Peplinski. No. of sorties--3. Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

No. of Photos taken--none.

SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Black Magic” P Peplinski, James L., F/O Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt N Joyce, Bryan A., 2Lt None B None None E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt R Williams, Almas C., Sgt Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt Krueger, Charles Oliver, S/Sgt CL None listed - likely the engineer Horton, Felton E., Sgt, 445th BS 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt CP Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS N None B None E Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS R Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS G Fox, Robert J., S/Sgt, 447th BS CL Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary: (Ops Order 146/mission 145) Group Mission # 147: ------Mission Report # 147, 26 October 1943 1. 321st Bombardment Group (M). 2. At 1155 36___ _B-25s__ took off to _bomb_ Salonika/Megalo Mikra and Time No. A/C Type A/C Mission Target Salonika/Sedes A/Ds. _None_ returned early. ___36__ dropped 2588x20 lb frag. Target No. A/C No. A/C No. & Type Bombs at 1338 hrs from 10/11,500 ft. ___35__ returned at 1500. None lost, one Time Alt. No. A/C Time missing, none at friendly field. 3. Megalo Mikra-----Very good bomb pattern across field and dispersal areas. Hits on runway and building in S dispersal area. Strings of bombs hit among parked A/C three of which received direct hits. One large fire seen as left target.

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued) Sedes A/D------Good coverage of A/D with hits on 4 A/C near hangars and among 10 T/E and S/E A/C in northeast corner. Three fires observed, one very large. Dispersal area between two A/Ds hit. One plane hit by flak over target. Last seen on deck with prop feathered. 4. Air------Megalo/Mikra--20/25 T/E mostly in S dispersal area. Sedes A/D------About 25 E/A. Ground---7 M/Ts at Kastorias 40°32’N, 21°16’E. Marine----One medium M/V and 15/20 small boats in Salonika Harbor. Flak------Heavy, very intense, accurate, tracking. Three bursts from Skala Eleuther--Okhorion (40°26’N, 22°35’E). Position observed at X-18 on TC-S/12 (2). Six A/C hit by flak. 5. Enroute and Return--8/10 convective cumulus at 7/11,000 ft. Visibility unlimited. Return------3/10 cumulus at 7/10,000’. Visibility unlimited. 6. None. Flight leaders---Major Schwane, Captain Tipton, Lt. Sinclair and Beeson. Observer: Major How. Number of sorties--36 Photos taken. FRANCIS R. PEMBERTON, Major, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The enlisted men’s club was opened tonight with a wild celebration. Speeches were made by C.O. Col. Cook, Captain Nickerson and Lt. Jackson. Col. Cook described the club as “not only the best club in any Theatre of Operations but the best I’ve ever seen coming from the best Squadron I have ever seen”. It was a very successful opening of a very successful club. As expected, the bar was very busy and the men had their fill of the drinks. Cook, Bailey C., Col, pilot, Commander Jackson, James Oliver, Capt, intelligence Nickerson, James E. "Nick", Capt, intelligence

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 146/mission 145) Group Mission # 147:

A/C No. 41-30550 “Hetties Pride and A/C No. 42-32486 “CENSORED” Joy” P Tipton, Richard Pike “Tip” Capt, Kaschenbach, Carl E. “Kasch”, Jr., 2Lt CP Crider, Claude M., Jr., 2Lt Lorton, Harold E. “Turk”, 2Lt N Paduana, Joseph A., 2Lt None B Walsh, Frank J., 2Lt Nysson, John W., 2Lt E Lockwood, Patrick B., M/Sgt McKee, Paul L., S/Sgt R Garner, Argyle R., T/Sgt Russell, Clayton B., S/Sgt G Carson, Cecil F., Cpl Calvert, Murley E., S/Sgt F None Asmus, George D., Sgt A/C No. 42-64575 A/C No. 41-13179 “Booger” (spare) P Miller, Gail G., 2Lt Jackson, John I., 2Lt CP Standley, Charles A., 2Lt House, Robert M., 2Lt N None None B Zimmer, Paul E., Cpl Poranda, Michael A., Cpl E Gallaher, Dewitt C., T/Sgt Dillon, James A., Sgt R Winston, E. G., T/Sgt Dipietrantonio, Joseph N., S/Sgt G Pierce, Mickey (NMI), S/Sgt Herrman, Byard G., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-30354 (spare) A/C No. 42-32321 “The Big Bear” (Bear - no lettering) P Kailer, William Frederick “Bill”, 2Lt Haegele, Frederick G., 1Lt CP Strenger, Marshall C., 1Lt Knapp, Charles R., 2Lt N None None B Castle, Roy V., Cpl Whittaker, Robert N., 2Lt E Donegan, John B., S/Sgt Halpin, John J., Sgt R Boyd, Ewell V., T/Sgt Townsend, Charles A., S/Sgt G Forbes, Robert W., Sgt Smith, James B., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64508 A/C No. 41-13198 “Maybelle” P Shaw, William H., 2Lt Young, William G., 2Lt CP Wetherbee, Dana A., Jr., 2Lt Armbruster, Charles C., 2Lt N None None B Souders, Walter E., 2Lt Anderson, Melvin Anders “Andy”, 2Lt E Perry, Gilbert R., S/Sgt Rose, J. W., S/Sgt R Anthony, Loren R., T/Sgt Woogerd, Warren G., S/Sgt G Boyette, Roy E., S/Sgt Ellison, Clyde (NMI), Cpl F None Cox, Bernard L., Sgt

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64659 A/C No. 42-64529 P Ward, James M., 2Lt Farrell, Robert A. “Baldy”, 2Lt CP Vallery, Dean B., F/O Walker, Robert S., 2Lt N None None B Stokes, Oliver O., Cpl Czekai, Adolph B., 2Lt E Belt, Hunter C., S/Sgt Merrill, Joseph H., S/Sgt R Carson, Donald (NMI), T/Sgt McIntosh, Kermit S., T/Sgt G Irvin, Ralph D., Sgt Branch, Robert J., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64527 “Sycamore 1½ Judy” P Triplett, Walter A., 2Lt CP Thornburn, Thomas H., 2Lt N None B Miller, Robert J., Jr., S/Sgt E Webster, Raymond L., S/Sgt R Stapfer, Arthur (NMI), S/Sgt G Kilejian, Herbert Peter “Peter”, S/Sgt F Cooper, Robert H., Cpl

446th BS War Diary: Lt. Shepard and T/Sgt. Beach were slightly injured by flak on today’s mission. A plane in another squadron failed to return. Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt, radio-gunner Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt, bombardier

446th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 146/mission 145) Group Mission # 147: Squadron Mission 119 TARGET: Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece. DATE: 26 Oct 1943 Type of Bombs: Fragmentation. 446th Planes: 9 MAJOR SCHWANE led the formation and very good coverage was obtained. On Sedes A/D there were direct hits on four aircraft near hangars and among ten single- and twin- engine aircraft in the NE corner. Three fires were observed, one very large. Dispersal area between the two A/Ds was hit. At Megalo Mikra a very good bomb pattern crosses the field and dispersal areas. Hits scored on runway and buildings in S dispersal area. Strings of bombs hit among parked aircraft, three of which received direct hits. One large fire was seen as the formation left the target. Flak was intense heavy and six planes were hit. One plane, not 446th, was lost seen on deck with a prop feathered. T/Sgt. Beach was hit in the let and Lt. Shepard was sprayed by glass when flak hit the planes.

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-53377 “Flag Ship” A/C No. 42-64557 “Lady Betty” P Schwane, Henry H. “Hank”, Maj, Bettinger, Howard P., 2Lt Commander CP Rigling, Samuel (NMI), Jr., 2Lt Clark, Robert A., 2Lt N Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., 1Lt None B Anzalone, Benjamin W., 2Lt Lantz, Daniel W., S/Sgt E Knapp, Walter E., S/Sgt Smith, James A., S/Sgt R Beach, Louis A., T/Sgt Higgins, Thomas T., S/Sgt G South, William R., S/Sgt Didiwick, Claudius T., S/Sgt F None Guzauskas, Frank (NMI), S/Sgt A/C No. 42-64526 “Patches” A/C No. 42-64551 P Boulton, Richard E., 2Lt Klang, Irving E., 2Lt CP Strom, Ernest M., 2Lt Hinderer, Robert H., 2Lt N None None B Green, Harry Marshall, S/Sgt Milner, Walter C., Sgt E Kemp, Quentin B., S/Sgt Pilcher, Byron E., S/Sgt R Shields, James A., T/Sgt Underwood, Ferrell E., T/Sgt G Gehrts, Walter F., S/Sgt Bonacich, Matthew G., PFC F Blake, Charles H., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-13208 A/C No. 41-13008 P Elliott, Roger L., 2Lt Knapp, Theodore A., 2Lt CP Davison, William R., 2Lt Henson, Gerald J., 2Lt N None None B Chamberlain, Don C., S/Sgt McCabe, Peter T., 2Lt E Warner, Harold W., S/Sgt Hershberger, Ralph G., Jr., S/Sgt R McMahon, Francis D., T/Sgt Walsh, Thaddeus J., S/Sgt G Mitchell, John C., Sgt Martin, Edward F., Cpl F None None A/C No. 42-64509 “Arkansas A/C No. 42-32429 “Flamingo” Traveler II” (later “Enid II, “No Peekin’”) P McClelland, Alva L., 2Lt Taylor, Peter D., Capt CP Farrell, Joseph R., 2Lt Braswell, Thomas J., 2Lt N None Springer, Luther B., Jr., 2Lt B Shepard, Eugene D., 2Lt Brown, Newton E., 2Lt E Raffloer, Louis A., Jr., S/Sgt McNair, Luddie L., S/Sgt R Haasch, George F., T/Sgt Barber, Otis C., T/Sgt G Samsel, John C., Sgt Edwards, David R., S/Sgt F Haw, Marvin Tinsley, Maj, HQ 82nd FG None (observer)

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 42-64520 “Duchess” P Russell, Burton E., 2Lt CP Fetterly, Orville D., 2Lt N None B Gawrada, Gabriel P., 2Lt E Langan, Charles H., S/Sgt R Kent, Carl Hugh, T/Sgt G Osterman, Raymond (NMI), Sgt F None

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “No mission today, layed around, wrote some letters & went into Grottaglie & looked around the town, not much there & no news so this is all for today.”

447th BS War Diary: Capt. Seel flew to Cairo to take some crews, mail, etc. to the G’s. Lt. Spikes and Lt. Bugbee took crews that had finished their tour of duty to Oran. Lt. Neprash returned from Tobruk in a “G” to pick up needed equipment, etc. Bugbee, James Metcalf “Jim”, 1Lt, pilot Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence Seel, Peter B., Jr., Capt, pilot Spikes, Robert F. “Bob”, 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 146/mission 145) Group Mission # 147: 9 of our planes participated in a raid on Salonika, Sedes A/D in Greece. Results – pretty good. The AA was heavy, very intense and accurate. One plane (450) was severely damaged by flak – one (557) was slightly damaged. S/Sgt. Milam was severely injured by flak. Lt. E.F. Becker, Lt. Johnston, and S/Sgt Kaufold were slightly injured by flak. Lt. H.K. Paiton had a piece of flak enter thru his leather jacket and hit the seam of his Mae West – result, a slight bruise just below the collar bone. Plane # 487 with Lt. Baxter, Lt. Jordan, Lt. Muirhead, Sgt. Newhouse, S/Sgt. Gregory, Sgt. Wagner, and Cpl. Leon had one engine shot out over the target and was last seen loosing altitude.

A/C No. 42-53487 “Alley Cat II” A/C No. 42-32450 “Lumber Wagon” (missing – was seen on deck after crossing target) P Baxter, William T., 2Lt Broyles, Porter A., 2Lt CP Jordan, Theodore G., 2Lt DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt N None None B Muirhead, Graham K., 2Lt Johnston, William M., 2Lt E Newhouse, Ralph W., Sgt Milam, William R., S/Sgt R Gregory, Ralph J. H., S/Sgt Kaufold, Adolph (NMI), S/Sgt G Wagner, Harvey H., Sgt Schrader, Harold F., Sgt F Leon, Robert D., Cpl None

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30557 A/C No. 42-32498 “Dumbo” P Thomas, David W. “Dave”, 2Lt Williams, William Thomas, 2Lt CP Vincent, Frederick W., III, 2Lt Sholund, John D., 2Lt N Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt None B Becker, Edward B. “Jalone”, 2Lt Brown, Charles Orville “Brownie”, Jr., S/Sgt E Tudor, Mathew S., M/Sgt Godwin, Charles D., S/Sgt R Wadlow, Verlin L., T/Sgt Boza, Elmer V., S/Sgt G Roberts, Herman (NMI), Sgt Kazar, William F., Sgt F None None A/C No. 41-13181 “The Sophisticated A/C No. 42-53371 “Death Wind” Lady” P Jahraus, Alfred B., 2Lt Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 2Lt CP Haeberle, John H., 2Lt Fallone, Henry J. “Hank”, 2Lt N None None B Deane, George J., 2Lt Sattenspiel, Stanly J., 2Lt E Fiorello, Thomas R. “Tom”, Sgt Czabaj, Matthew W., Sgt R Lotito, Rocco A., S/Sgt Moomaw, Otis W., S/Sgt G Dunlap, Woodrow W., Sgt Harmer, Harry B., Sgt F None Christensen, Lars (NMI), Sr., Sgt A/C No. 42-64546 “Jessie James” A/C No. 42-64600 “Lady Luck” P Beeson, Ellwood H. “Buck”, 1Lt Gill, Paul W., 2Lt CP Joiner, Harold W., 2Lt Langston, Everett D., 2Lt N Halloran, Robert F., 2Lt Saiers, Edward L., 2Lt B Boyle, Joseph G., Jr., 2Lt McCormick, Donald Patrick, 2Lt E Cook, Gerritt C., S/Sgt Mercer, William R., S/Sgt R Dexter, Harold H., S/Sgt Mellado, Ricardo (NMI), S/Sgt G Clausen, Ansgar E., S/Sgt Alton, David D., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64695 P McFadden, Kenneth L. “Mac”, 2Lt CP Davies, Robert G., 2Lt N None B Nowakowski, Joseph J., 2Lt E Henry, William R., S/Sgt R Myers, William W., T/Sgt G Zacharya, Andrew (NMI), Pvt F None

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

447th BS: War Diary of: Williams, William Thomas, 1Lt, pilot (mission 45) “Thirty-six ships hit the twin airdromes at Salonika Greece. This was the first mission for my radio gunner, engineer and turret gunner. Eighteen ships hit one airdrome and eighteen hit the second one (Sedes) the flak was intense, accurate and heavy (unbearable??) Baxter was shot down at the target with a co-pilot on his second mission, a bombardier on his first and a cameraman on his fiftieth. Broyles was shot up pretty badly, his engineer had a big hole in his leg. The plane had about a hundred holes in it. Spingler’s gunner was sick. Becker & Paiton were hit in the face. Thirty-two P-38s for escort. Good coverage. About thirty JU 88s on the field with fifteen or more gliders and few JU 52s.” Baxter, William T., 2Lt, pilot Becker, Edward B. "Jalone", 1Lt, bombardier Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot Paiton, Harold K., 1Lt, navigator Spingler, Richard H. “Dick”, 1Lt, pilot

447th BS Special Account: On 26 October 1943, B-25C plane No. 42-53487 was missing after a raid on Salonika-Sedes Airdrome, Greece. As the plane completed its bomb run on the target it apparently was hit by flak, at about 1340 hours, in the right engine. The crews of several other planes in the same flight saw its right engine emitting a trail of black smoke shortly after it dropped its bombs. The plane followed the rest of the formation for about 120 degrees of the 180 degree right turn that the formation made off the target, during which turn it was observed to be losing altitude fairly rapidly. It failed to complete the full turn with the formation possibly because the turn was into its damaged engine. It straightened out and flew a straight course of about 200 degrees while the formation continued on a heading of about 270 degrees. At this time it was at about 7500 feet altitude some 2000 feet below the formation. By this time its right motor had ceased smoking. Some observers state that the propeller was feathered. When last seen it was continuing to lose altitude rapidly although several observers state that it was holding its altitude. All agree that it was under control. Since its engines had well over 300 hours and had lost a great deal of their power it is the opinion of the pilot who usually flew the plane that it could not hold such an altitude on one engine and that it was doubtful whether it could maintain flying speed at any altitude. One observer states that he saw the plane turn south and then east to a point near the coast south of Epanomi Point where it was only about 500 feet off the water. At the time that it first left the formation the flight leader was advised of its condition and unsuccessfully attempted to contact it by radio. Its element leader also observed its plight and throttled back to give it a chance to rejoin the formation. However it was soon apparent that it could not or would not rejoin the formation when it continued on its 200 degree heading and the formation was compelled to leave it behind. At the time that the plane left the formation P-38s were seen to peel off from the main body of the escort, dive down, and go back to the crippled plane. Observers disagree on the number of P-38s which went back; some say one, some three, but most agree on two. They say that the P-38s circled the crippled plane and that they were

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued) following it when they were last seen. One observer states that one of the P-38s dropped its belly tank when it peeled off and went back. The P-38 Group which provided the escort advises that none of their pilots report seeing any B-25 in distress on this mission or observed the incident above described. On this same mission the plane piloted by Lt. Broyles was severely damaged by flak. There were about 100 holes in the plane when it landed. The horizontal stabilizer was shot up so badly it had to be replaced; both rudder and cables were cut; the elevators and rudders were full of holes; the fuselage from the radio compartment to the tail was full of holes; there were several large holes in the bombardier’s compartment, one hole in the crawlway, and all four fuel tanks were punctured. Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot The following is an account of what took place during (and immediately after) the time of damage to the aircraft as told by Lt. Broyles, the pilot. Broyles, Porter A., 1Lt, pilot “We had just dropped our bombs when the flak began to burst very near the plane. I first knew we had been hit when I felt the plane lurch and heard the “claps” of fragments hitting us. Lt. DeMay, co-pilot, reported that we had been hit in several places. S/Sgt. W.R. Milam, tail gunner, reported over the interphone that he had been hit in the leg and the radio operator, S/Sgt. A. Kaufold, reported that he had been hit in the face. The bombardier, Lt. W.A. Johnston, reported two holes in the bombardier’s compartment and said that he had several small cuts from the shattered plexiglass. After a few moments the turret gunner, Sgt. H.F. Schrader reported that gas and oil were leaking out of the right engine. Lt. Johnston crawled back to the Navigator’s compartment and turned on the cross feed to increase the gas supply to the right engine. The injured men in the back were given first aid by the turret gunner. The plane was a little hard to handle because of the damage but we were able to keep up with the formation and land at our home base without mishap.” DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt, pilot Johnston, William M., 2Lt, bombardier Kaufold, Adolph, S/Sgt, gunner Milam, William R., S/Sgt, engineering Schrader, Harold F., Sgt, turret gunner

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

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Mission #14. Nothing sighted.”

448th BS Mission Summary: (Ops Order 146/mission 145) Group Mission # 147: Mission # 112 (147): At 11:55 36 planes off to bomb Salonika, Mikra and Sedes A/D’s, dropped 2588 frags at 13:38 from 10,000 feet and returned at 15:00 with one plane missing (447), it made a controlled one engine landing in enemy territory. Good bomb pattern at Mikra with strings across field, parked planes in dispersal areas 3 of which received direct hits. 1 large fire started. At Sedes good coverage with hits on 4 E/A near hangars and among 10 E/A in NE area. 3 fires observed. Flak intense, heavy and accurate. 6 planes hit. Weather: CAVU. F/L: Sinclair Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-29998 “Little Joe” A/C No. 41-30327 P Sinclair, Ervin W., Jr., 1Lt Veum, Ole E., Capt CP DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt Ryan, Phillip A., 2Lt N Cheetham, McClain (NMI), 1Lt Thomas, Leo A., 2Lt B Kruse, Norman L., 2Lt Brown, Robert H. “Brownie”, Capt, HQ 321st BG E Robb, Earl K., S/Sgt Rodgers, Charles H., Jr., S/Sgt R Orman, Virgil N., S/Sgt Hilton, Daniel H., S/Sgt G Gurnee, Clarence E. “Shine”, S/Sgt Paschel, John W., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64519 A/C No. 42-64655 P Haskell, John D., 2Lt Joli, William H., 2Lt CP Cooper, James W., 2Lt McEvoy, John C., 2Lt N None None B StAubin, Francis (NMI), S/Sgt Reid, Robert L., S/Sgt E Roberts, Harold L., S/Sgt Carnathan, J. D. (i.o.), S/Sgt R Tanner, James T., S/Sgt House, Harry H., S/Sgt G Sipos, Paul A., S/Sgt Barry, Robert A., Jr., S/Sgt F None None A/C No. 42-64661 A/C No. 42-64521 P Wilt, Richard H., 2Lt Anderson, Andrew H. L., 2Lt CP Hicks, John T., 2Lt Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt N None None B Parrott, Charles G., S/Sgt Cain, George S., S/Sgt E Rude, Norman J., S/Sgt Kerr, Daniel (NMI), S/Sgt R Robinson, Jefferson Davis, S/Sgt Joubert, Ira W., S/Sgt G Holguin, Renato (NMI) “Cisco”, S/Sgt Silva, John P., S/Sgt F Irby, Marvin J., S/Sgt None A/C No. 41-30548 A/C No. 42-64552 P Culp, Merle H., Capt Conway, John G., Sr., 1Lt CP Boatwright, John S., 1Lt Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt N Boland, Chester H., 1Lt None B Skeahan, Thomas Joseph, Jr., 2Lt Johnson, Robert E., 2Lt E Poynter, Robert A., S/Sgt Potosky, John S., S/Sgt R Watrous, Roger T., T/Sgt Jakse, Joseph (NMI), T/Sgt G Ruggere, Mauro (NMI), S/Sgt Brisco, Albert S., S/Sgt F None None

Tuesday, 26 October 1943 (continued)

A/C No. 41-30343 P Driver, William J., F/O CP Gouge, David J., 2Lt N None B Hammerschmiedt, Harry E., S/Sgt E Larsen, Fred M., S/Sgt R Oates, Theodore R., S/Sgt G Ally, George B., S/Sgt F Buckles, Kenneth L., Sgt

Wednesday, 27 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): In Austria, 150+ B-17's and B-24's bomb Wiener-Neustadt and railroad tracks and installations and bridges at Friedberg and Ebenfurth. Weather severely curtails NATBF missions and XII Air Support Command operations in support of ground forces. Fighter-bombers attack Gaeta, Italy and bomb small vessels on the Dalmatian coast at Opuzen, Yugoslavia. HQ 57th Fighter Group and its 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons transfer from Foggia to Amendola, Italy with P-40's. The 315th and 316th Fighter Squadrons, 324th Fighter Group, transfer from Menzel Heurr, Tunisia to Cercola, Italy with P-40's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Colonel Knapp called a meeting of the Headquarters Staff today and announced that as of the first of November he would no longer be with the group but would be given command of a Wing or similar organization. We hare all glad to see him get his new post and promotion in position but will miss our commander under whose guidance the group has grown to its present strength as a combat unit. The Colonel also revealed the fact that with the beginning of the month the Group would be changed from a strategic one to a tactical one, and that our operations would be entirely different than anything we had done before. No mission due to weather. Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: The earliest take- off for a mission so far occurred today the 27th, when 4 of our A/C took off at 0725 to low-level bomb the Antimachia A/D on Kos. Soon after they had left we got another extreme in the weather-a dust storm. It came up suddenly and blew with such intensity that everyone buttoned up their tents and clouds of dust completely obliterated the landing ground form the air. Wing “Ops” phoned to tell us that our planes had been rerouted to the Matruh landing ground. The wind and dust subsided around 1800 and at 1830 our A/C came back to this base. They seemed proud of their achievements for the day and we could readily see why. All bombs hit the A/D squarely and one of the bombs tossed by Lt. Johnson it squarely into a JU-52 destroying it and killing many of the personnel gathered around it. Other bombs scored hits on the runway and left side of the A/D. Lt. Gilluly was the leader on this, another successful mission. Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian.

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 14/Mission 14): ------Mission Report # 14, 27 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 365 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS, Gambut. At 0720 4 B-25G’s took off to bomb Antimachia A/D in Kos Island. None returned early. 2 dropped 7 x 300 lb. bombs, 1 dropped 4 x 250 lb. bombs. 4 fired 10 x 75mm and 1000 50 caliber shells all beginning at 0915. Bombs dropped from 100 feet. 4 A/C diverted to Matruh L/G because of sandstorm at Gambut No. 3, landed there at 105. Took off from Matruh at 1740; landed at Gambut No. 3 at 1840. Wednesday, 27 October 1943 (continued)

2. Results: 2 A/C dropped 7 bombs down center of runway; 1 A/C hit left side of runway with 4 bombs. On JU-52 on ground hit directly by bomb. One bomb fell in group of men. Beaufighters knocked out 2 gun emplacements. 75-100 men on field strafed with 75 mm, 20 mm, 50 caliber fire from B-25’s and Beaufighters. 2 large fires seen on A/D when flight returned. 3. Air------One JU-52 in center of field surrounded by personnel, hit by bombs. 6-8 bi-planes on A/D, well camouflaged. Marine----sighted LC in cove on NE coast of Leros Island. Ground----75 to 100 men seen on field, mostly around JU-52. Flak------Light, moderate, fairly accurate from target. 4. Enroute---CAVU. Target-----v/10’s cumulus at 1000 feet. Return----CAVU, slight haze. 5. None. Flight Leader--Lt. Gilluly. No. of sorties--4. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Flying Caisson” P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, 447th BS Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, 446th BS CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 447th BS Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, 448th BS N Kresge, James G., 2Lt, 447th BS Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt, 447th BS Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt, 446th BS R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, 446th S/Sgt, 447th BS BS G Fish, Harold E., Sgt, 447th BS Farrell, John J., Pvt, 447th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64654 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Bailey, Bert C, 2Lt, 447th BS Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt, 448th BS CP Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt, 446th BS Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt, 448th BS N None None B None None E Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt, 448th BS R Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt, 448th BS G Fox, Robert J., Sgt, 447th BS Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS CL Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt, 448th BS Wednesday, 27 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: A 6-man touch football game was played in the morning between the Officers and enlisted men. The Officers won the hard fought game on the last play of the game when Lt. Malek caught a pass in the end zone to make the final read, 26-19. Every man on the field played a hard game and there many tired, sore muscles in camp today. The enlisted men vowed revenge for the defeat. Malek, Stanley J., 2Lt, intelligence

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. Lt. Caldwell was promoted to Captain effective October 16, 1943. Caldwell, Herman B., Jr., Capt, navigator

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “No mission – went into Taranto today, it’s quite a town very large, had dinner at the officers Mess, then had tea at the English and American officers club. Nick & Dickson were with me. I bought some Salt & pepper shakers for Mom. There’s not much to buy here & the people are none to friendly yet. So no more news until tomorrow.” Dickson, Gale M., 2Lt, pilot Nicklaus, George Edward “Nick”, 2Lt, bombardier

447th BS War Diary: No mission. A little O.T.U. schooling for some of the new replacements.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Take off for Deversoir, buzz Pyramids, land at Payne Field. Stay at Grand Hotel.”

Thursday, 28 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): Weather prevents most Twelfth Air Force operations planned for the day. No missions are flown by the XII Bomber Command.

In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36's hit several highways and bridges in advance of the battleline and attack gun positions in the Vairano area and transportation targets in the Rome area. The 28th Troop Carrier Squadron, 60th Troop Carrier Group, transfers from Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47's. The 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, transfers from Rerhaia, Algeria to Sardinia with P-39's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No mission – weather.

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: Just after breakfast on Oct. 28, Lt. Prior took off for Cairo on a mercy mission. He was carrying M/Sgt. Martinis, Sgts. MacDougall and Drotts to a Cairo hospital. All had yellow jaundice. Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, pilot, 448th BS Martinez, Elmo J. "Moe", M/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 445th BS MacDougall, Alan J., Sgt, engineer-gunner, 446th BS Drotts, Marshall D., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 446th BS This morning a Colonel Pellit from Deversoir Air Base stopped in on his way to Tunis. He said that he wanted to see how we were getting along. After talking to the two Captains Bell he took off with a list of supplies of what we needed. It seems as though half of our efforts have been directed toward getting supplies. Bell, Donald A., Capt, pilot, operations, HQ 321st BG Bell, Ernest C., Capt, Engineering Officer, HQ 321st BG At 1340 four planes led by F/O Peplinski went away on what has now become a routine shipping strike of the Low-Kalinos area. Just after they left, Lt. Beavers and company came in from a two day stay in Italy. They brought some staggering news. According to them, all the G ships and crews were to be transferred Nov. 1st to the 310th B.G. who were to become a part of the Coastal Command. All 321st personnel was to be replaced in the near future. Other than those tentative plans nothing was definite but it is enough to start plenty of conjecture by those involved. The plan was to send at least a plane a day to Italy so that the crews could get all their personal belongings. It looks as though those “few days” we heard about in the beginning have been stretched into “for the duration”. Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot, 448th BS Pep came back with the following report: “No hits, no runs, no errors, no nothing”. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian.

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 15/Mission 15): ------Mission Report # 15, 28 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 366 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS, Gambut.

Thursday, 28 October 1943 (continued)

2. At 1340, 4 B-25G’s took off on shipping strike of Kos-Kalinos area. None returned early. 4 fired no 75 mm shells nor dropped bombs. 4 returned at 1745. None lost, missing or at friendly field. 3. Results: None. 4. Air------None. Marine----None. Ground----Flashes and dust rising from E coast of Kos, South of Kos harbor, looked like a battle. Parties on coast flashed letter “M” in the colors of the day.. Flak------None. 5. Enroute---6/10’s cover Mediterranean at 800 feet and up. Wind 20 MPH from NE. Target-----2/10’s at 1500; wind from NE light; visibility--10 miles. Return----same as target. 6. None. Flight Leader--F/O Peplinski. No. of sorties--4. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 “Flying Caisson” “Black Magic” P Peplinski, James L., F/O, 448th BS Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O, 448th BS Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt N Lang, Robert H., 2Lt, 448th BS None B None None E Wright, Joseph F., S/Sgt, 448th BS Maddox, Lemuel (NMI) “Lem”, Sgt R Williams, Almas C., S/Sgt, 448th BS Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt G Haberman, Marvin A., Sgt, 448th BS Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt G None listed - likely the engineer Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS 447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt, 446th BS Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt, 446th BS Slater, Edmund N., 2Lt, 445th BS N Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS None B None None E Zittel, Howard L., S/Sgt, 446th BS Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, 445th BS R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt, 446th BS Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS G Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt, 446th BS Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS G None listed - likely the engineer Parmelee, Walter J., S/Sgt, 448th BS

Thursday, 28 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Another football game was played this morning and the enlisted men quickly gained revenge for their defeat yesterday. They ran, passed and kicked the Officers dizzy, grinding them to a humiliating 33-0 defeat. It is now the Officers turn to pledge revenge. Luxury rations were distributed to the men today. Rumors spread around camp that Col. Knapp, present Group Commander, would be transferred and that Lt. Col Olmsted would succeed him. The same rumor also had it that Lt. Col. Cook, our Squadron Commander, would become Group Operations Officer and that Capt. Tipton, our Squadron Operations Officer, would be the new Squadron Commander. None of these were confirmed. A hard rain in the evening accompanied by lightning and thunder left the camp in a very soggy condition. It is also very cold and damp tonight. Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Commander Knapp, Robert Duane, Sr., Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Olmstead, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, 321st BG Commander Tipton, Richard Pike "Tip", Capt, pilot, Commander

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. A lot of Christmas packages arrived in the mail today as well as a lot of letters. The squadron’s morale was really lifted.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Nothing new, having bad weather, lots of rain, wrote two more letters, and fixed up around the tent, made a chest of drawers for cloths. Drank a little Italian wine & ate some of there candy – I guess that’s all.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled by cancelled because of rain. Lt. B. Miller took a plane to Tunis to pick up Lt. Kamensky and some supplies. Lt. Bodine went along to check up on orders for our 50-mission men. Bodine, Arnold F. "Beeny the Bum", 2Lt, navigator Kamensky, George L., 2Lt, personal equipment Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 2Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Go out to Pyramids, buy perfume & necklace at bazaar.” Friday, 29 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, 100+ XII Bomber Command B-17's, escorted by P-38's, bomb the Genoa marshalling yard and also hit the Sampierdarena marshalling yard, San Giorgio instrument factory, and ordnance, electric, and fitting plants and bridges at Genoa-Ansaldo; the XII Air Support Command, NATBF, and RAF DAF are forced by bad weather to abandon several missions in support of ground forces. Troops and gun positions are attacked on 2 occasions and several bridges are hit; Giulianova harbor and shipping are successfully attacked. HQ 57th Bombardment Wing transfers from Naples to Foggia, Italy. HQ 60th Troop Carrier Group and its 11th Troop Carrier Squadron transfer from Gela to Gerbini, Sicily with C-47's. The 487th and 488th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 340th Bombardment Group (Medium), transfer from Catania, Sicily to San Pancrazio, Italy with B-25's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Captain Vincent was appointed Group Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Olmsted, Group Deputy Commander and Lt. Col. Cook, Group Operations Officer today. Cook, Bailey C., Lt Col, pilot, Operations Officer Olmsted, Charles T., Lt Col, pilot, Deputy Commander Vincent, Mordelo L., Jr., Capt, Executive Officer

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: The 29th was a quiet day for the most part. Pep and crew took off in the first of a series of planes to leave for Italy to pick up all personnel belonging. Eventually it is hoped that all G-crews will have their possessions right here instead of scattered to the Seven Seas. Peplinski, James L., F/O, pilot, 448th BS

Major Parkinson and the British Medical officer dropped in for a visit to talk over the heath situation. As a result of the discussion it was decided that no Americans would visit the Sgt. and Officers Clubs because of the “dysentery menace”. All of which was a mystery to us since we only have had one case of dysentery since our arrival here which should be some sort of a new GI record. However, our QM has the only movie projector in the base so that proposed edict can work both ways. The proposed movie for this date, while on the subject is “Moontide”.

5 of our B-25’s went on a shipping strike of the E. Klades Islands area. All they saw was a small sailing boat and they must have scared its occupants a bit with the 75 mm cannons—but not hits claimed. As a surprise to many, especially those who were taking a “helmet bath” in the area, 2 comely British “poopsies” dropped in to pay us and our Day Room a visit. The uninitiated a “Poopsie” is a traveling British show girl and quite a sight they were too--especially to us out in the middle of the desert. They were entranced by our modern swing records and especially enjoyed those “Mail Call” transcriptions that are in the Special Services “B” kit. A dusty floor isn’t conducive to good dancing as proclaimed by Arthur Murray but those that tripped the light fantastic Friday, 29 October 1943 (continued) with one Poopsie seemed pretty well satisfied judging from that look in them eyes. Our Day Room received most of its impetus upon receipt of a Special Service “B” Kit from Cairo. We now have a radio, all kinds of records and transcriptions, magazines, books and a set of athletic equipment, Spare time, what little there is, is now well taken care of.

SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian.

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ferry Personnel and Equipment): Departed Gambut 0915. Returned from Grottaglie 1145, 31 Oct 43.

448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64770 (remainder of crew not identified) P Peplinski, James L., F/O CP Corbin, Robert (NMI), F/O N B E R G CL

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 16/Mission 16): ------Mission Report # 16, 29 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 367 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS, Gambut.

2. At 1310, 5 B-25G’s took off on shipping strike of the E Klades Islands. None returned early. 5 shot 7 rounds of 75 mm ammunition at 1505 at 400 feet; range from 7800 to 2000 yards. 5 returned at 1720. None lost, missing or at friendly field.

3. Results: Sighted and attacked small sailing boat at 37°00’No, 25°50’E. No hits with any of the 7 x 75 mm shells fired. 50 caliber fire strafed the boat 500 rounds of 50 caliber fired.

4. Air------None. Marine----At 1505 attacked small sailing boat at 37°00’No, 25°50’E. It was under sail heading WSW. At 1625 off SE coast of Crete heading W, 2 Swedish relief vessels. At 1630 sighted small S/M heading E. Location: 34°22N, 26°10’E, speed 12 knots. S/M crash dived after formation passed over it. Ground----None. Flak------None.

Friday, 29 October 1943 (continued)

5. Enroute---CAVU. At Target-at 500 few cumulus, alto-cumulus. Wind 15 MPH from N. Back------4/10’s cover cumulus at 1000 ft. Hazy at coast. 6. None. Flight Leader--Lt. Gilluly. No. of sorties--5. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Flying Caisson” P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt Eaton, Frank R., 2Lt, 448th BS N Kresge, James G., 2Lt Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS B None None E Zoll, Thaddeus A., S/Sgt Williams, Homer R., S/Sgt R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI) “Alex”, Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt S/Sgt G Fish, Harold E., Sgt Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer None listed - likely the engineer 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 “Black Magic” “Eager Beaver” P Schwindle, Adam C. “Gus”, 2Lt Beavers, James L., II, 2Lt CP Heller, Leonard C. “Len”, 2Lt Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS N None None B None None E Clement, Sam (NMI), S/Sgt Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS R Pinsonault, Guss (NMI), Jr., S/Sgt, 446th Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS BS G Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, 445th BS CL Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64587 “Red Nosed Beckie” P Edwards, James T., 2Lt, 447th BS CP McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt, 447th BS N None B None E CL Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, 447th BS R Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS G Farrell, John J., Pvt, 447th BS CL Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS Friday, 29 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The rain that started last night continued all morning and occasionally in the afternoon. The area is almost in a flooded condition. Some tents are nearly a foot under water and at one low place there is a falls and river where the water flows over a stone wall. Some of the men jokingly suggested that the B-25’s be fitted with pontoons. If this kind of weather continues, that apparently will be the only way the Squadron could get any planes in the air.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. We are right in the middle of a terrific rainstorm. More rain than we have so far seen this winter. Everyone is hoping their tents will keep out the water.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “It’s still raining & bad weather, rained all last night, sleep was good so I slept until noon today. Had fried rabbit tonight, bought off an Italian boy, was it good. We had the Italian cook it & I guess he new his stuff. I have a mission scheduled for tomorrow, so guess I hit the hay so I’ll be in good shape for it. I wrote letters to Enid & Mom today, so until tomorrow.” Letter Home: “I have visited several towns here and find them very interesting, so much different than we are used to. I have a tough time trying to converse with these people, but manage to get along. Until you have seen places over here you haven’t any idea how wonderful a country we have to live in there in the U.S. Honest, it’s the best place you will ever find. Everyone here where I’m at are really swell fellows. We all get along good. I’m flying now with a Capt. Chappell. He sure is a swell fellow and I like our work fine. P.S. I’m sending a 5 Franc bill from Africa.” Chappell, Howard L., Capt, pilot

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but cancelled because of rain. Lt. Miller returned from Tunis. Miller, Benjamin Bartow, Jr., 1Lt, pilot

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Leave Cairo 11:20 for Payne Field, leave for Deversoir, 5:30 C-47.”

Saturday, 30 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF):

In Italy, XII Bomber Command B-24's bomb the Genoa marshalling yard and nearby Sampierdarena and Genoa-Ansaldo steel works; B-17's bomb Savona and Varazze, Porto Maurizio, and the Imperia marshalling yard; weather reduces the efforts of NATAF elements; NATBF B-25's bomb Frosinone; fighter-bombers, mainly of the XII Air Support Command, hit bridges, junctions, shipping, marshalling yard, gun positions, and vehicles at several locations, including Giulianova, Ancona, Ortona, Sessa Aurunca, Mignano, and Cassino.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: Threatening rain clouds surrounded us when w arose in the morning of Oct. 30th and a great wetness seemed imminent. However, the clouds seemed to break up just before they reached us and about 1000 the threat was over. Train service from Cairo has broken down and we haven’t had fresh meat for days but Lt. Johnson promised to return with some when he came back from that famous City. He took off this morning carrying Lt. Dorman, with yellow jaundice acquired at the local British hospital, and S/Sgt. McNulty who needed an appendicitis operation, to Cairo’s finest American hospital. We wished them good luck and God speed in a quick recovery. Dorman, Edgar (NMI) “Bud”, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS McNulty, Joseph P., S/Sgt, radio-gunner, 448th BS Lt. Gilluly with 4 ships took off on the first mission today. 2 more ships a dock. Just after the 1st flight took off, a Lockheed 12 landed. Before we knew what struck us, there in our pyramidal orderly room stood Major General Royce, two colonels and a Major. Colonel Pellit was among those present and it probably a result of his visit 3 days ago that we had so much rank here today. General Royce made about 16 decisions in 16 minutes, asked questions about supplies and personnel, saw the 2nd flight of 2 B-25s take off on another mission, bid us adieu and then took off himself. He said he was going to see General Spaatz this same night and among other things would discuss our situation. Gilluly, John W., 2Lt, pilot, 447th BS The 1st flight came in and said everything went along as scheduled. They went out after 2 “F” boats at Kos harbor, which they saw when they got up there and which they shot up to the best of their ability. Flak was intense and accurate coming form about 6 different directions so they didn’t waste any time getting out of there. While the 1st bunch was landing we got a radio call from F/O Keith who was leading the 2nd flight saying that Lt. Blacks plane was not coming back. That cryptic message made us all apprehensive and when Keith landed we got the details of this our first casualty. Both ships went in and peppered 3 M/Vs in Naxos harbor with 75’s and

Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

50’s with no flak encountered. But after they turned off it started. It was only moderate but was accurate enough to hit Lt. Black’s ship, probably in the cockpit, because both engines were last seen functioning perfect when the ship hit the water. The Beaufighter eyewitness said the A/C broke into pieces on impact and no sight of life was seen. It was a shock to all of us as Lt. Black, although the newest man in the organization was well liked by all. Our hats are off to Lts. Black, Golden, and S/Sgts Norton, Ramsburg, Lang, and Wenrich. We’ll miss them. This episode can’t be dismissed without mention of another amazing item. When notified that Lt. Black’s plane went down, S/Sgt. Leist was digging a latrine, he was doing that extra duty because of carelessness and laxness. He wasn’t around when his plane took off and a substitute had to be procured in a hurry. The sub was S/Sgt. Ramsburg and the plane was 579, Lt. Black’s ill fated B-25. Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot, 448th BS Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS Leist, Jacob F., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner, 447th BS Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS

Tonight’s movie “A Night to Remember” seemed to lack the zip it should have had.

SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian.

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 17/Mission 17): ------Mission Report # 17, 30 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 368 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS, Gambut.

2. At 1330 4 B-25G’s took off to attack 2 “F” boats in the inter Kos harbor. None returned early. 4 fired 9 x 75 mm shells at 1532 from 450’ at range of 6000 to 1000 yards. 4 returned at 1735. None lost, missing or at friendly field.

3. Results: 2 “F” boats sighted and attacked in inter Kos harbor at 1532 hours. 3 x 75 mm shells fired at northerly boat; 2 probable hits. 6 x 75 mm shells fired Southerly boat, no hits observed. One 75 mm shell hit in the town near pier. 650 rounds of 50 caliber strafed boats and shore installations.

4. Air------None. Marine----2 “F” boats in inter Kos Harbor attacked; 2-masted schooner sighted in the Kos channel in Turkish waters. 1-masted schooner sighted in cove off Cape Krio in Turkish waters; Swedish relief vessel sighted in Kase straits at 1445 heading east. Ground----None. Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

Flak------intense, light, and accurate from boats; 5/6 light gun position N.W. section of the town of Kos, intense fairly accurate; several positions N of town on coast shooting light, moderate, inaccurate. 5. Enroute---scattered cumulus 1/3 of the way out at 500’; hazy. Target-----CAVU. Back------Clear, winds 15 MPH NNE. 6. None. Flight Leader--Lt. Gilluly. No. of sorties--4. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

447th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32489 448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64580 P Gilluly, John W., 2Lt McLaughlin, Robert A., 2Lt, 447th BS CP Adams, Benjamin H., Jr., 2Lt Edwards, James T., 2Lt, 447th BS N Kresge, James G., 2Lt None B None None E Zoll, Thaddeus, A., S/Sgt Fleming, Robert W., S/Sgt, 447th BS R Kovalchick, Alexander (NMI), “Alex”, Hughes, James C., S/Sgt, 447th BS S/Sgt G Fish, Harold E., Sgt Fox, Robert J., Sgt, 447th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer Parmelee, Walter J., Sgt 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32501 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 43-64587 “Eager Beaver” “Red Nosed Beckie” P Anderson, John G. M., 2Lt Durante, Angelo M. C., 2Lt CP Anderson, Robert W., 2Lt Bailey, Bert C., 2Lt, 447th BS N Wahl, Roy C., 2Lt, 445th BS None B None None E None listed - likely the Cannon Loader Barneycastle, Todd (NMI), S/Sgt, 445th BS R Baker, Wallace J., S/Sgt Biebighauser, Roy A., S/Sgt, 447th BS G Lazorshak, Paul (NMI), S/Sgt Beals, Bryant (NMI), Sgt CL Rowley, Lester T., Sgt, 448th BS Clement, Sam (NMI), Sgt, 448th BS

321st BG “G” Squadron Mission Summary: (Ops Order 18/Mission 18): ------Mission Report # 18, 30 October 1943 (redesignated mission # 369 on 4 Jun 44) 1. 321st Bombardment Group, B-25G’s, DS, Gambut. 2. At 1350 2 B-25’s took off to attack 3 500 ton M/V’s in Naxos harbor. None returned early. Fired 2 x 75 mm shells at 1550 at 250’ from 2500 to 1000 yards. 1 returned at 1755. One Lost. Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued) 3. Results: 3 M/V’s in Naxos harbor attacked by 2 B-25G’s. One fired 2 x 75 mm shells, both over; other received flak hit after turning off target and crashed into Naxos Straits 2 miles W of Naxos harbor. Beaufighter escort saw A/C crash into water and break into pieces. B-25 and Beaufighter circled area but saw no signs of life. 4. Air------None. Marine----3 500 ton M/V’s sighted and attacked in Naxos harbor S of main jetty. Ground----None. Flak------Held off until A/C had turned off target then intense, accurate, light and heavy from M/V’s and coastal batteries. 5. Enroute---CAVU. Target-----CAVU. Back------3/10’s cover 5000-6000’, visibility unlimited. 6. None. Flight Leader—F/O Keith. No. of sorties--1. No. of photos--None. SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Intelligence Officer ------

448th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-32487 446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Black Magic” “Flying Caisson” (MACR- 1137 - shot down by flak) P Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS CP Winegar, William E. A., 2Lt Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS N Shook, Joseph W., 2Lt, 445th BS None B None None E Maddox, Richard L., Sgt, 445th BS Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS R Cobb, Bert Alvin, S/Sgt Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS G Krueger, Charles Oliver, Sgt Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS CL None listed - likely the engineer Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS

445th BS: Extracts from Missing Air Crew Report # 1137:

446th BS B-25G A/C No. 42-64579 “Flying Caisson” (MACR- 1137 - shot down by flak) P Black, Gordon J., 2Lt, 445th BS - DED CP Golden, William (NMI), 2Lt, 445th BS - DED N None B None E Ramsburg, Edwin E., S/Sgt, 446th BS - KIA, buried in Florence R Lang, Arthur W., S/Sgt, 445th BS - KIA, buried in Florence G Horton, Felton E., S/Sgt, 445th BS - KIA, buried in Florence CL Wenrich, Richard E., Sgt, 445th BS - DED Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

Eyewitness Accounts: Fletcher, John Bratt, pilot, F/O, RAFVR, 47th Squadron

I saw a big flash on the Mitchell as it was going in to attack, and it then started to turn violently to port and then commenced a gradual glide to the water. He flew straight in and the A/C broke up. I circled and then I could see no sign of life in the wreckage. The other Mitchell was proceeding southwest and I caught him and told him over VHF what had happened and we came back to the area and both planes went over the wreckage again but still could see no sign of life in the wreckage.

J. Fletcher Flight Officer, RAFVR 47th Sq ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Keith, Charles Frederick, F/O, pilot, 448th BS

(1) Four aircraft, 2 B-25’s and 2 Beaufighters attacked the harbor of Naxos on the Island of Naxos at 1600 hours on 30 Oct 1943. The axis of attack was 10 deg across the point of land jutting out of the west side of the island of Naxos and into the Harbor of Naxos.

(2) The attack was made on three M/V’s of 500 tons inside the harbor. Wild evasive action was used in crossing the point of land. 3 M/V’s were sighted straight ahead and about 3000 yards away. The attack continued to 1000 yards and the 2 B-25’s turned 90 deg to the left and started to leave the harbor. The number 1 ship pulled to an altitude of 200 feet and then started down towards the water thus doing evasive action. The number 2 ship turned at an altitude of under 200 feet ft and inside the number 1 ship. There was no flak encountered until the ships turned off the target run and started to break for safety. Then we encountered a great deal of medium and heavy flak. Most of the flak hit the water in front of the two ships. The number 2 ship continued on a heading of 150 deg and at a low altitude of 100 ft until it was seen by the gunners of number 1 ship, to crash in the water at a point two miles off Naxos harbor.

(3) The pilot of number 1 ship, Flight Officer Charles F. Keith, called the pilot of number 2 ship, 2nd Lt. Black, by VHF while the two ships were speeding away from the target and told him to make another left turn and start home. No answer was received from the number 2 ship.

(4) The number 1 ship made another left turn and started back on a heading of 150 deg and slowed to 179 mph. The number 1 ship continued on this heading approx 2 minutes and calling all ships in the flight. The only answer was from one Beaufighter.

Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

(5) The number 1 ship and the Beaufighter returned to the outer entrance of the harbor and saw the oil slick where the number 2 ship crashed. There was no wreckage except what looked like a torn piece of a life raft. NO persons were seen in the water.

(6) The missing Beaufighter was last seen by the gunners in the number 1 ship attacking the M/V’s after the number 1 ship started the second left turn. The gunners next saw the number 2 ship hit the water outside the harbor.

(7) There was no fire in the number 2 ship and both engines appeared to be running at normal power.

Charles F. Keith F/O, AC, 321st Bmb Gp (M) 448th Bmb Sq (M) ------

Eyewitness Accounts: Krueger, Charles Oliver., Sgt, gunner, 448th BS

I had been continuously scanning the harbor and 3 M/V’s for hits and indications of flak guns when our craft entered a left bank and turn to pull away from the target. This action resulted in cutting off my view towards the spot. I then looked away from that direction and towards the island opposite. I saw then the first flak. It burst well away from us and to our right. From its range and size and color of explosion I judged it to be 88 mm. From the time interval between that burst and subsequent appearances, I further judged only one gun of that size was firing. When next I was able to see the target our plane was approx 2500-3000 yards away and leveling off. At that time I saw our number 2 plane approaching us from the left, about 150 ft lower and on an intersecting course. I saw the pilot look up and both engines were turning and everything seemed normal. I picked them up after they passed under us and they seemed to be making a shallow right turn. I followed them for a few seconds and at the same time noting another flak burst in their range and vicinity. They were not hit then. I turned my attention back towards the target. I watched their gunnery patterns and then looked back to discover if our second plane was rejoining formation. It was nowhere in sight. In the same general area, in relation to the island opposite the target and about a mile to our rear, I observed a large splash in the water. In fact the water seemed to continue to rise as I looked. I did not immediately associate this splash with our number 2 craft until looked over the entire area, as we got back on a homing course, and could find no trace. We returned to this spot a few minutes later and circled a large oil slick. I saw no wreckage, and no survivors or bodies. Charles O. Krueger Sgt, 35304429 321st Bmb Gp (M) 448th Bmb Sq (M) ------

Saturday, 30 October 1943 (continued)

Paragraph 15 - Description of the Extent of Search:

(1) After leaving Naxos Harbor and starting on a 150 deg heading, I checked to see where all the planes in the flight were. My turret gun reported that one B-25G had crashed and we were also short one Beaufighter.

(2) I immediately did a 180 deg turn, with the one remaining Beaufighter and returned to a position two miles outside Naxos Harbor. There I saw an oil slick and a piece of torn life raft at the position where the turret gun had reported that B-25G crashed.

(3) At this position I encountered heavy flak. It all fell 500 yds short of us.

(4) The remaining aircraft then returned to base.

Charles F. Keith ------

445th BS War Diary: The men enjoyed a good pancake breakfast this morning. Rain continued on and off during the day and kept the area in a very wet condition. The bad weather has continually forced postponement of the missions. During this bad weather, the men have no other choice but to retire to their tents and write letters, read books or get in some “bunk fatigue”.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. A mission was scheduled but had to be cancelled because of the continual bad weather.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Raining again this very minute, has been all day, so we had no mission. I hope it stops so we can run a few good missions, it helps pass the time & we will also get out of here quicker. Went into town & looked around again today. Is the same old thing, so nothing new to say.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but cancelled because of rain.

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

Sunday, 31 October 1943

USAAF Chronology: MTO (12th AF): XII Bomber Command B-17's bomb Antheor viaduct in France.

In Italy, B-26's hit Anzio; B-25's attack docks and shipping at Civitavecchia; P-38's strafe and bomb Tirana airfield; weather cancels all NATAF attacks except for 11 P-40's which bomb and strafe a tanker off Split, Yugoslavia, leaving it burning. XII Air Support Command fighters fly an uneventful naval escort. HQ 1st Fighter Group and its 71st Fighter Squadron transfer from Mateur to Djedeida, Tunisia with P-38's. The 379th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), ceases operating from Oudna and returns to its base at Menzel Temime, Tunisia with B-25's.

HQ 321st BG War Diary: No Entry

HSAFME. Attn: General Royce, Cairo HqRAFME. 235 Wing From: Doolittle 31 October

B-25G Mitchell aircraft now at Gambut will remain in place until relieved by detachment from 310 Group. Crews, and ground personnel now on detached service at Gambut with 235 Wing, RAF, from 321 Group US will be replaced in near future by B-25G aircraft, crews, and ground personnel from 310th Group. Flow of parts and supplies to maintain detachment for an indefinite period will be set up by the 310 Group. Transports moving personnel and supplies from the 310 Group at OUDNA to GAMBUT will be utilized to move personnel and supplies for the Detachment from the 321st Group now at Gambut to GROTTAGLIE. You will be notified as to date of arrival of detachment of 310th Group

321st BG “G” Squadron on Detached Service to Gambut, Libya: This date, the 31st, had nothing to distinguish it except that it is the last day that the G-crews are members of the 321st Bomb Group. Tomorrow they will be the 310th Coastal Command. No missions were flown. Lt. Johnson came back with his precious cargo of 500 lb. of fresh meat, 300 lbs. of potatoes and 2 crates of oranges. Johnson, Richard Wiggin, 2Lt, pilot, 446th BS Gp. Captain Collins said that a big German push and invasion was scheduled for Nov. 1st on Leros Island. We had planned a big-Officers-Enlisted Mens soft ball game but when that information came in play was forgotten and all attention was directed towards getting the maximum number of ships in the best possible condition for combat. The rains came about 6:30 which ended all activities for the day except that of keeping the water out of the tents. At 1900 we all pushed our clocks back one hour as did the rest of the Middle East. Collins, Daniel P., Capt, pilot, 445th BS SERGIUS P. NEPRASH, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Squadron Historian. Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: The men were paid today in Italian money. Orders to proceed to the United States were received by a number of the men who have finished 50 missions. From all indications they will leave tomorrow. In the evening, a celebration was in order for the enlisted men who are to leave tomorrow. It was held in the club and a good time was had by all. Several of the men who are to leave gave speeches and were wildly applauded.

446th BS War Diary: No Missions. And so with payday, which is always successful, we close the diary for October. The month was a good one for the squadron with successful bombing by the combat men, we got the camp set up quite nice, and everyone had a chance to go into town hunting souvenirs and good places to eat. The main thing we accomplished was a successful movement to Italy.

446th BS: War Diary of: Walker, Dale F., 2Lt, pilot: “Still bad weather so went into Grottaglie again today, another pilot & myself. We had dinner with an Italian family, certainly was a good diner, we couldn’t understand what they were saying so we spent most of our time eating. After all, you know how I like to eat.”

447th BS War Diary: Mission scheduled but cancelled because of rain. MORNING REPORT for the week ending Oct. 31st, 1943: E.M.---269, Officers---66. Oct. 23 Ralph Penson came back from the hospital. Penson, Ralph D., S/Sgt, gunner

24th 5 E.M. came here from Soliman. 12 Officers went home to the States: 1. Capt. Richardson, Robert W., pilot 2. 2nd Lt. Andrews, Austin D. “Andy”, pilot 3. 2nd Lt. McGowan, Francis E., pilot 4. 2nd Lt. Fabling, Charles R., pilot 5. 2nd Lt. DeMoss, Jack M., pilot 6. 2nd Lt. Lingrel, Paul W., bombardier 7. 2nd Lt. Hoffman, Charles W., pilot 8. 2nd Lt. Batchelder, Stephens H., pilot 9. 2nd Lt. Ackley, James H., pilot 10. 2nd Lt. Hengel, Edward D., Sr., pilot 11. 2nd Lt. Blanton, Ralph A., pilot 12. 2nd Lt. Ashley, Wilson S., pilot

25th 9 officers and 14 E.M. were assigned. 9 officers and 5 E.M. sent to the States: 1. 1st Lt. Joseph, Merwin J., bombardier 2. 1st Lt. Morganti, Clyde J., pilot 3. 1st Lt. Black, Donald, navigator 4. 1st Lt. Cohagan, McKinley B. “Kin”, pilot 5. 1st Lt. Grantham, Charles H. “Granny”, pilot 6. 1st Lt. McDuff, Daniel R. “Ruff Stuff”, pilot 7. 1st Lt. Nixon, Donald O., pilot 8. 1st Lt. Brinkley, W.R., Wilton R., pilot 9. 1st Lt. Althouse, Donald I., pilot

1. T/Sgt. Hofstedt, John H., radio-gunner 2. S/Sgt. Lankford, Raymond D., gunner 3. S/Sgt. Draper, Ralph M., gunner 4. S/Sgt. Popowski, Frank A., gunner 5. S/Sgt. Quilty, Bernard F. “Bernie”, bombardier

Sunday, 31 October 1943 (continued)

26th 3 Off. And 4 E.M. – missing in action. 29th 3 Off. And 4 E.M. dropped from the rolls. 5 Off. Sent to rest camp: 1. Becker, Edward B., 2Lt, bombardier 2. DeMay, Kenneth C., 2Lt, pilot 3. Stephenson , Henry W., 2Lt, pilot 4. Sattenspiel, Stanley J., 2Lt, bombardier 5. Paiton, Harold K., 2Lt, navigator

30th 5 Off. And 11 E.M. to the States: 1. Capt. Morton, William H., pilot 2. 1st Lt. Bodine, Arnold F., navigator 3. 1st Lt Weaver, Charles, navigator 4. 2nd Lt. McCone, Walter G., bombardier 5. 2nd Lt. Orr, Douglas C. “Doug”, bombardier 1. T/Sgt. Jackson, Edward B., gunner 2. T/Sgt. Stanton, James E., radio-gunner 3. T/Sgt. Jondro, William G., Jr., radio-gun 4. S/Sgt. Gouvin, Henry J., gunner 5. S/Sgt. Jensen, Aage E., gunner 6. S/Sgt. Jones, Vaughn W. “Jonesy”, bombardier 7. S/Sgt. Nelson, J.E., James E., gunner 8. S/Sgt. Lalum, Luther I., gunner 9. S/Sgt. Anderson, Chester E., gunner 10. S/Sgt. Balsom, James P., gunner 11. S/Sgt. Nittle, Samuel, gunner

448th BS War Diary: No Entry

448th BS: War Diary of: Colby, Edward R., S/Sgt, radio-gunner (G crew): “Go back to Cairo with Prior, Block & Nithman.” Block, Harry C. “Bloke”, 2Lt, pilot Nithman, Charles E., Cpl, engineer-gunner Prior, Gordon M. “Gordie”, 2Lt, pilot

October 1943

HQ 321st BG War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943:

Many changes occurred during the month of October. The group moved from the field at Soliman to Grottaglie Airdrome located about 15 miles NE of Taranto on the heel of Italy. With our move e became the first United States Medium Bomber Group to operate from Italy. The airdrome was crowded with both British and American planes. From our new base we attacked the Balkans as a new phase of operations and a new campaign was started. The transportation situation was very difficult as the only vehicles we had at Grottaglie were the jeeps which were brought over in transport aircraft. Gasoline was difficult to obtain and the planes were fueld from five gallon cans brought into the base by planes from Sicily.

During the month our B-25-G series airplanes were sent on detached service to Gambut # 3 to function under the British Coastal Commands in an attempt to quell the threatened German invasion of Allied controlled Dodecanese Islands.

A separate mess was opened for Group Headquarters for the first time. This proved to be a great convenience, eliminating three daily trips to one of the squadrons and the strain of added personnel messing with the 445th. A Headquarters Officers’ Club was also started using two of the rooms in the building in which the headquarters was located. One of the rooms contained the bar and the other was the cardroom. The club is very popular and used nightly. Nurses from the Air Evacuation unit stationed at the field added the feminine touch and made informal dances possible.

Civilian help was available in nearby towns and was gratefully taken advantage of. In the Headquarters building were located a barber shop, tailor shop and laundry collection. Much of the building and repairing was done by Italian civilians eager to work and asking a modest return for their labors.

Now that we were located in the forward zone in the theatre of combat, free rations of cigarettes and candy were issued each week.

The new location with its buildings and conveniences seemed almost like home after the inconveniences of North Africa. Everyone was glad to get away from the heat, dust and dirt – to say nothing of the Arabs – abounding at all our former bases.

October 1943 (continued)

445th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943: None

446th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (M) AAF 321ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M) AAF APO 650

November 1, 1943

446th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON NARRATIVE HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 1943

A. Original unit 1. 446th Bomb Sqdn (M), 321st Bomb Group (M), AAF . 2. Organized August 1, 1942 3. Columbia Army Air Base, Columbia, S.C. 4. Pursuant to authority contained in Conf Genl Orders #143, Hq, 3rd Air Force, Tampa, Fla. Dated June 23, 1942, the following units are activated at this stations (Barksdale Field), effective this date: Hq, 321st Bombardment Group (M), and the 446th Bomb Sqdn (M). 5. Personnel obtained by transfer from other units, training schools and replacement centers

B. Strength, Commissioned and Enlisted 1. 1 October 1943 79 Officers, 294 Enlisted Men 2. Net Increase None 3. Net Decrease 4 Officers 4. 31 October1943 76 Officers, 294 Enlisted Men

C. Stations permanent or temporary of unit or parts thereof: 1. There are remaining, this date, at Soliman North 1 Officer and 14 Enlisted men. 15 Enlisted men are en route from Soliman North to Grottaglie. 6 Officers and 16 Enlistee men left on 15 October 1943 for operations in the vicinity of Tobruk, Libya.

D. Commanding Officer in important engagements: 1. Engagements; (a) Athens Eleusis A/D, Greece. (b) Argos A/D, Greece. (c) South Marshalling Yards, Nis, Yugoslavia. (d) Salonika/Sedes A/D, Greece. (e) Skoplje, Yugoslavia. 2. MAJOR HENRY H. SCHWANE (pilot).

October 1943 (continued)

E. Losses in action, Officers and Men. 1. None.

F. Former and present members who have distinguished themselves in action. 1. None in October.

G. Campaigns 1. Complete data covered in attached mission summaries.

October 1943 (continued)

447th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943

Missions Flown: 15 Sorties Flown: 134 Bombs dropped (weight): 200,160 Planes lost: 2 (1due to enemy action, 1 due to mechanical failure) Enemy Aircraft Destroyed: 4 confirmed Enemy Aircraft Damaged: 3 During the month our 1000th sortie was flown.

The month of October saw the beginning of a new phase of operations for the squadron. At the beginning of the month we along with the group, moved from our African base at Soliman to the air base at Grottaglie, Italy, and from this base began bombing operations against the Balkans. We were the first U.S. medium bombers to operate from an Italian base and the first to rain the Balkans. There were several other groups based on the field, American and British, including Spitfires, A-20’s, Beaufighters, B-26’s, Hudsons, and P-38 Recon. Planes. Combat operations were begun immediately when the flight echelon arrived at the Italian base. The first mission was run the day after arrival and subsequent raids were run daily, weather permitting.

Shortage of gasoline presented some problem at first and the supply flown in daily from Sicily by transport was all that was available. This was in five gallon containers which made filling the bomber tanks a long and tedious job.

Our transportation facilities were inadequate during the month too because of the fact that only the jeeps could be brought along in the transport planes. The heavy equipment (trucks, etc.) are to be shipped via TLC and were waiting in Africa for shipping space at the close of the month. One officer and approximately thirty enlisted men of the squadron remained at the African base with this equipment.

During the month the squadron lost two planes. One crashed when an engine cut out on the take off and one man was fatally injured in the crash. He dies on the way to the hospital. The other plane was hit while on a bombing mission and was last seen smoking badly and losing altitude. No word concerning the crew had been received by the month’s end. Detailed accounts of these two losses are given in the “Special Accounts” section. Our squadron gunners shot down four enemy fighters (confirmed) and damaged several others.

The G planes in the squadron operated from the base at Gambut, Libya for the best part of the month. They were under the British Coastal Command there and attacked Shipping on most of their missions. They were still on detached service at the end of the month.

Generally speaking the disposition of the men in the squadron is to be pleased with the new environment as compared with Africa. The country is cleaner and there are no Arabs. The Italian people seem to be friendly enough and their competition for our October 1943 (continued) laundry business brings them into camp early every morning in droves. Both Italian civilians and soldiers are employed by the squadron for such jobs as KP, carpentry, etc. The usual rate of pay is thirty cents a day.

The port city of Taranto is visited by most of the men when they have a day off. The shops there have a much greater variety of goods than is to be found in the shops in African cities and the prices are much more in accord with values. Four different types of currency are acceptable in the cities; Allied Invasion Currency, American Gold Seal Dollars, British Military Currency and the regular Italian currency. This caused some confusion at first.

By the end of the month all of the original combat crew members had completed their tour of fifty combat missions and all but about ten had received orders transferring them out of the squadron. A few will get assignments to other jobs in this theatre but the majority will return to the states. Five replacement crews were assigned to the squadron to take the place of the men who have left.

Our first bivouac area at the new base was located on the west side of the field to the south a few hundred yards from the runway. The area was small and we were crowded in between the 448th and the 446the areas. This area was to be occupied temporarily until the 47th Group (A-20’s) moved out. We expected to move into barracks occupied by members of this group when they moved. As it turned out, however, an RAF outfit got the barracks when they were vacated and we moved into an olive grove on the west side of the runway to the north. There was one stone building in the new area and this we undertook to convert into an officers mess and officers club. A bar was built, large bomb crates served as tables and wooden benches were built. A large stock of liquor, cognac, champagne, wine, and other drinks were procured from nearby cities, but at the close of the month the bar and club were still in the process of construction and hadn’t been formally opened.

The enlisted men obtained lumber and constructed a wooden building for their mess. It was built from scrap lumber which they were able to obtain about the base. Much of it was obtained from building which had been wrecked by bombs.

This same source supplemented by frag-bomb boxes provided a supply of lumber for tent floors and all the tents in the area have wooden floors. Many of them have wooden sides also and provide very nice living quarters. Heaters have been put in most of the tents as the weather turned rather cold during the month. A shower was constructed on the line with facilities for heating water and a few individual showers were constructed in the squadron area.

There were several days of heavy rain which left the area in pretty much of a mess. The soil is of a clay type and becomes very messy when wet. During the heavy rains water ran into the officers mess and was about three inches deep at one end. October 1943 (continued)

The sections in the area are set up in tents. On the line some sections are in tents and others in wooden buildings which they have constructed from scrap lumber. The parking area for the planes is not hard-surfaced and becomes very muddy when wet. It is almost impossible to taxi the planes out of the area when it is wet and on occasions some of our planes have been left parked on the taxi strips adjacent to the runway.

In the way of food the squadron received British rations during the month. The chief difference is in the beverages. We had tea with most every meal. Several turkey dinners were served in the officers mess, funds having been contributed by the officers to pay for these “extras”. Cigarette, candy, and toilet article rations were issued gratis once a week to all the men.

At the close of the month improvements in the squadron area were still being made and rumors were being circulated that as of Nov. 1 we were to be transferred from Strategic Air Force into Tactical Air Force. Also that our Group Commander was to get command of a new wing and we were to get a new Group Commander.

October 1943 (continued)

448th BS War Diary: Additional Narrative for October 1943:

The month of September came to an end laden with the first rain the squadron had seen since landing at Ain M’Lila. Everyone was more than happy to learn that the mud had the same gooey consistency of that found in the rest of North Africa. The weather turned colder for a short time but soon was back to normal, hot, humid and with millions of flies. The missions were concentrated on communications and support of the Salerno Beach Head and every formation encountered much flak and many enemy fighters. Bastia, Corsica was the target on September 25 and the crews reported the island to be a small rocky uninviting piece of land.

On September 30th everyone was paid in American Gold Seal currency and immediately rumors were afloat as to what that event intended for the squadron. Actually a move was expected and late the next afternoon it was learned that twelve planes loaded with bombs would take off the next morning for Grottaglie A/D 12 miles east of Taranto as an advanced echelon. Five B-25’s loaded with baggage and personnel would follow the same day and C-47’s would move the remainder of the personnel and light equipment including tents. The vehicles and heavy equipment would follow by water as soon as possible.

October 2nd dawned dark and dismal with a threat of rain. Everyone packed their belongings and waited their turn to depart. By nine o’clock everyone on the first echelon was ready to leave the rain of the last few days had made the main Soliman Field unfit for take off and it was not until noon that the bombers were allowed to depart. At about 14:00 nine C-7’s and C-53’s transports arrived at the field and were loaded in short order. However, due to the lateness of the hour they decided not to leave until the next morning.

Meanwhile the 17 B-25’s that had gone ahead, landed at Grottaglie during a downpour of rain and hastily erected shelters. Both parties at Grottaglie and Soliman spent a very miserable night in the rain and mud. The next day more rain and muddy fields prevented any take of

On October 4th the movement continues despite the weather and al personnel and equipment not necessary for the convoy arrive at the new base.

At Soliman the combat crews who had completed 50 missions in September were at last given their orders to return to the U.S.A. The remainder of the personnel waited in the ever deepening mud and water for the orders to report to the Port of Embarkation. They had not received them on October 31st.

October 1943 (continued)

At Grottaglie the squadron the squadron entered by bountiful rains, mud and lack of transportation struggled to erect their new camp. They found themselves located in an olive grove directly across the road from the airdrome. The many sections of German barracks were lying about the squadron personnel availed themselves of this material to build sturdy, waterproof floors for their tents. Several Officers moved into a barracks just outside the area.

With part of the Mass equipment at Soliman and only British rations available the squadron ate very poorly for the first wee. Due to the lack of transportation water became an ever present problem. Showers were unknown and the art of taking a bath from a helmet was universally acquired.

On October 5th a German reconnaissance plane was observed over the field and for the following two days it returned. Needless to say fox-holes became the order of the day and many cigarettes were expended by the soldiers to relive the delays of the take off driving in the solid limestone which under laid the camp site. The Italian eagerly did this chore for a few packs of the coveted smokes.

During all this time missions were still being flown by the Group which was the first bomb Group to operate from the Italian mainland. The targets were in Greece, Yugoslavia and Albania and much flak and fighter opposition was encountered, however the squadron did not lose a plane although Lt. Clark received a leg wound on a mission over Tirana, Albania on October 24th. Balkans, Athens, Tirana and Skoplje were all targets for the Group. For their splendid work Group received another commendation from General Doolittle and Major Bates was highly complimented for his squadron’s part in these events. Except for a few flak holes in several of the planes 448th weathered the month with little trouble notwithstanding the fact that most of the first pilots were flying their first missions as such. Five new combat crews replaced those who had completed 50 missions and received their Baptism of fire over such hot targets as Athens, Argos and Skoplje, Sedes. Bates, James P. “Jimmy”, Maj, pilot, Commander Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot Doolittle, James Harold "Jimmy", Maj Gen, 12th AF, Commander

The end of the first wee at the base found the squadron well sheltered, a kitchen and Officers Mess completed and an Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall well on the way to completion. The kitchen and Officer’s mess was constructed out of a German barracks and the Enlisted Men’s Mess Hall was built with the use some girders and tarpaulins. The Bill of Fare improved somewhat with the advent of American rations but did not compare with that received in Africa.

October 1943 (continued)

With everything well under control Officer’s and EM took the opportunity of improving their new surroundings. They found much to interest them but also much to disappoint them in the soft under belly of Hitler’s fashioned “Europe”. This part of Italy they found was occupied with half starved, poorly clothed soldiers and civilians who were whole heartedly sick of the war. The airdrome was located only 12 miles east of the city of Taranto and about 1 mile from the town of Grottaglie. Both places were found to be much cleaner, much poorer and prices much cheaper than anything encountered in North Africa. Visits to Taranto soon disclosed that there was much candy available but little of anything else. The Germans had bled the country white.

Christian and stone variety souvenirs were all that could be purchased. Although the British Army was in great preponderance the arrival of American troops soon started the ball of inflation rolling and the Lira became very cheap. Visits further a field to towns like Bari, Lecce, Brindisi and etc brought out the fact that little damage had been don to the country side by the war.

In camp King mud ruled with a sticky land and hampered not only operations but all other activities. Landings and take offs were dangerous procedures and broken nose wheels and planes bogged down in the mud were common sights. Through the efforts of 1st Sgt. Iseldyke, crushed rock was laid on the worst areas in camp which improved the condition. Iseldyke, LeRoy J., Sgt, personnel, 1st Sgt

The squadron suffered the worst month in its history as Officers and Enlisted Men succumbed to Yellow Jaundice, Captain Silver estimated that approximately thirty percent of the squadron had the malady at one time or another. Silver, George A., III, Capt, medical officer

With the approach of cold weather colds were to be expected. As yet no one in the squadron has had malaria which is the record for the Group.

Although Captain Kneivel was hospitalized during the month, Lt. Neprash did an excellent job of filling his shoes and carrying on the Adjutant’s duty. Kneivel, Arthur W., Capt, executive Neprash, Sergius P. 2Lt, intelligence, 447th BS

The following Officers and Enlisted men completed their 50 missions during the month of September and October and left the squadron with the best wishes from all for a speedy and safe return to the U.S.A: Captain Isaacson, Lts.: Davies, Moore, Hardzog, Stewart, Clough, Garrett, Petrich, Ligarde, Mundell, Brandt, Reich, Bowmen, Stultz, Ellington, Cassels, Abrams, Brosnan, Tolton, Holt, Mims, McCurry, Coffey, Sutton and Conway. S/Sgts: Hilborne, Vance, Ryal, Yutzy, Smith, Long, Uzailko, A. LaRue, Taylor, Moorman, Hardy, Egbom, White, Ridgeway. Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt, bombardier Bowman, William W., 2Lt, pilot October 1943 (continued)

Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot Brosnan, Cornelius C., 1Lt, pilot Cassels, Richard E., 2Lt, pilot Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt, pilot Coffey, Kenneth H.F., 2Lt, pilot Conway, John G., Sr., 2Lt, pilot Davies, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot Egbom, Clarence W., S/Sgt, gunner Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot Hardy, Alexander A., S/Sgt, gunner Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Hilborne, Thomas G., S/Sgt, gunner Holt, William E., 2Lt, navigator Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt, pilot LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt, gunner Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt, navigator Long, Jeptha D., S/Sgt. engineer-gunner McCurry, Milton L., 2Lt, pilot Mims, Joe Argailus, 1Lt, bombardier Moore, Leland A., 2Lt, pilot Moorman, Arthur L, S/Sgt, gunner Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt, bombardier Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt, bombardier Reich, William John, 2Lt, bombardier Ridgeway, Robert L., S/Sgt, gunner Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt, gunner Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Stewart, John C., 1Lt, pilot Stultz, Raymond B., 2Lt, pilot Sutton, Norman J., 2Lt, bombardier Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt, gunner Tolton, Justin C., 2Lt, pilot Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt, gunner White, George E., S/Sgt, gunner Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt, gunner

In the entertainment field the squadron fared very well with an array of new picture shows weekly in the old Italian granary and much wine, women and song in the surrounding towns. The only fly in the ointment was the early fall of darkness and the lack of electric lights. Kerosene lamps purchased locally alleviated the situation to a slight extent.

On October 23rd thirty six B-17’s landed at the field in preparation for a raid on Austria the next day. That night with almost 326 airplanes on the field everyone had grave fears as to the attempt the attention this field might receive from the enemy. That night and the next day passed uneventfully. As this field was the only one with completed facilities in Southern Italy there was constant a constant stream of airplanes of all types taking off and landing constantly. Late in the month a Group of Spitfires moved in along with British Ack Ack crews and guns. Many of the personnel of the squadron became well acquainted with our allies.

The end of the month found this squadron well set up on its new home and employing many Italians as KP’s, launders and other chores.

October 1 – 7 – 43: Squadron strength 89 Officers and 302 Enlisted Men. No Officers or Enlisted Men assigned or joined this period. Captain Stultz, Staff Sergeant Kessler wounded inaction on September 30 but remained on duty. Staff Sergeant Deal wounded on same raid was taken to 54th Station Hospital. The mission was over South Piano, Italy. Pvt. Kilgore transferred to 6644th Navigational Aids Squadron. Staff Sergeant Hilborne and Vance are transferred to the U.S.A. after completing 50 missions. On October 1943 (continued)

October 1st by C-47 and B-25 the Squadron began to move personnel and equipment from Soliman to Grottaglie Air Base, Italy. The weather was extremely bad, rained continuously. By October 5 every one but the 72 Men and Officers who stayed behind to take care of the motor convoy were in Italy. The Squadron bivouacked in an olive grove beside the Airdrome. Except for inclement weather and lack of transportation the Squadron was well set up by the end of the week. Operational missions concentrated on Airdromes in Greece and Yugoslavia. Deal, Herman L., S/Sgt, gunner Hilborne, Thomas G., S/Sgt, gunner Kessler, Clarence J., S/Sgt, gunner Kilgore, Thomas A., Pvt, gunner Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot Vance, Paul S., S/Sgt, gunner

October 8 – 14 – 43: No Officers and Enlisted Men joined during this period. Staff Sergeant Smith and Yutzy transferred to the U.S.A. after completing 50 missions. Usual Squadron duties performed. Many Officers and Enlisted Men awaiting transportation to U.SA. after completing their 50 missions. Smith, Harry V., S/Sgt, radio-gunner Yutzy, Eli N., S/Sgt, gunner

October 15 – 21 – 43: 1st Lt. Robinson assigned and joined on D.S. to 47th Wing. 10 Officers and 19 Enlisted Men, combat crews of B-25G went on D.S to Tobruk, North Africa. Captain Isaacson went on D.S. to AAF School of Tactical Training, Orlando, Florida. Missions continued to pound Yugoslavia and Greece Airdromes and communications despite continual rain the Squadron is well set up. Transportation and water supply remained a problem. Isaacson, Clayton M. “Ike”, Capt, pilot Robinson, B. T., 2Lt

October 22 – 31- 43: The following Officers and Enlisted Men assigned and joined: 2nd Lts. Jones, Bell, Cooper, Eddy, Hicks, Kreutz, Coffee, Tobias, McRee, Moss, Matkins, Crowell, Doyle, and Feeley, F/O Sandlin: Staff Sergeants Pitts, Johnson, Robertshaw, Allen, Bennett, Kepford, Riss; Sergeants Currie, Gately, VanCura, Johnson, Coleman, Daniels, and Tudor; PFC Jeffrey. The following Officers and Enlisted Men were transferred to U.S.A. after completion of 50 missions: Lts Davies, Moore, Stewart, Garret, Mundell, Captain Stultz, Urquhart, Ligarde, Ellington, Bowman, Brandt, Bruton, Clough, McCurry, Mims, Coffey, Holt, Petrich, Reich, Abrams, Staff Sergeants Ryal, LaRue, Taylor, Uzailko, Robert, Harding, Moorman. Lt. Hardzog transferred to Headquarters M.A.T.S. Lt. Tolton on D.S. to the 12th Bomber Command. On October 24 Lt. Clark was wounded in the leg while on a mission over Tirana, Albania. 5 Officers were sent to rest camp at Ponte Cesaria. Usual Squadron duties were performed. 15 missions were flown during the month. Squadron on October 31 was 74 Officers and 302 Enlisted Men. Abrams, Carl V., 2Lt, bombardier Allen, Clifford N., S/Sgt, gunner Bell, Robert C., 2Lt, bombardier Bennett, Ross F., S/Sgt, gunner Bowman, William W., 2Lt, pilot Brandt, Joseph R., 2Lt, pilot Bruton, John E., 2Lt, pilot Clark, Paul I., 2Lt, pilot October 1943 (continued)

Clough, Bernard L., 2Lt, pilot Coffee, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot Coffey, Kenneth H.F., 2Lt, pilot Cooper, Richard J., 2Lt, pilot Coleman, Seaton L., Sgt, gunner Crowell, Weymouth (NMI), Jr., 2Lt, pilot Currie, James L., S/Sgt, engineer-gunner Daniels, John (NMI), Sgt, gunner Davies, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot Doyle, Edward J., 2Lt, pilot Eddy, Willard B., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Ellington, John H., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Feeley, Walter C., Jr., 2Lt, bombardier Garrett, Thaddeus D., 1Lt, pilot Gately, Joseph A., S/Sgt, turret gunner Harding, John E., S/Sgt, gunner Hardzog, Walter A., Jr., 2Lt, pilot Hicks, John T., 2Lt, pilot Holt, William E., 2Lt, navigator Jeffrey, Louis J., PFC, gunner Johnson, Joe Morris, S/Sgt, gunner Johnson, Roy C., Sgt, gunner Jones, Truman R., 2Lt, pilot Kepford, Francis R., S/Sgt, gunner Kreutz, Alfred W., 2Lt, bombardier LaRue, Augustin A., S/Sgt, gunner Ligarde, Honore (NMI), 2Lt, navigator Matkins, Marvin F., 2Lt, bombardier McCurry, Milton L., 2Lt, pilot McRee, Malcolm B., 2Lt, bombardier Mims, Joe A., 1Lt, bombardier Moore, Leland A., 2Lt, pilot Moorman, Arthur L, S/Sgt, gunner Moss, Raymond W., 2Lt, pilot Mundell, Roy E., 2Lt, bombardier Petrich, Raymond George, 2Lt, bombardier Pitts, Lawrence P., S/Sgt, gunner Reich, William John, 2Lt, bombardier Riss, Royal C., S/Sgt, gunner Robert, Maurice L., S/Sgt, gunner Robertshaw, David F., S/Sgt, gunner Ryal, Clarence M., S/Sgt, gunner Sandlin, Raymond H., F/O, pilot Stewart, John C., 1Lt, pilot Stultz, Raymond B., Capt, pilot Taylor, Henry F., S/Sgt, gunner Tobias, William M., 2Lt, pilot Tolton, Justin C., 2Lt, pilot Tudor, Owen M., Sgt, gunner Urquhart, Donald A., 2Lt, pilot Uzailko, George (NMI), S/Sgt, gunner VanCura, Edward W., Sgt, gunner